Phoenix and Meredith both wrote terrific little stories, and they've both been incredibly generous and kind. I want to begin by saluting them, and thanking them for setting such a collegial tone.
Here are the votes. Most of them are edited for the kind of typographical issues that always happen when we're commenting on blogs, and excerpted to present the positive side of each vote. Judges, I'll be sharing your full comments (anonymously) with the writers, on their request--so none of your hard work will get lost!
Judge 1: In my opinion, Story 1 was the hotter of the two stories provided. The scene had very clear sexual intent.
Judge 2: I'll vote for Story 1. It has many erotic elements.
Judge 3: I thought both stories were well written. I have to give it to story 1 for including a steamy sex scene.
Judge 4: Both stories were hot in their own way, making it hard to choose. But, if forced to pick, I would have to go with Story 2 as sometimes it is in what's not said, what's just alluded to along with the passion of the characters that arouses you more. Sometimes, depending upon the writing, there's something in the open possibilities that exist between a couple so in love.
Judge 5: My vote goes for story number one. While Story number two is incredibly well written, and sweetly romantic, story number one was truly written to arouse, and it did!
Judge 6: It's a tough decision, but I'm gonna vote for story two. I liked the originality of the short story.
Judge 7: I was more entertained and captured by the second story about Alex and Chaz because it left a lot to the imagination. The setup puts you in the room with the heroine and you get all tingly and giggly when the hero pops the question as if witnessing it yourself. It's powerful and sexy without being cliché'. Plus you want to know what happens in the actual bedroom and your mind can fill in the blanks!
Judge 8: Both stories were very nice. I liked that they were both light and playful. Story #2 was very sweet. But since this is a Hot-Off - I have to vote for Story #1. Because - spanking!
Judge 9: Both stories were really well done, and I was impressed with the depths the authors were able to go to in so few words. Well done! I am voting for Story 1 because I enjoyed it a little more, and was more "hot and bothered" by it.
Judge 10: Story two was my favourite. The way the author set up a gentle tension really drew me and her pacing throughout was bang-on.
Judge 11: Story 1 is lusty, full of heat and desire with a hint of BDSM...qualities I greatly appreciate in a story. There is little doubt she belongs to Him and they're both more than pleased with the bond they share. I almost hate to admit it, but Story 2 tugged at my heart strings...it was sweet and romantic, with an undercurrent of passion between the characters. He gets her, he understands her moods and he's attentive to her needs. He timed his proposal on the date of their anniversary, a date she'd forgotten...classic. Tough, tough decision. I vote for Story 1.
Judge 12: Oh, but this is tough. Can I vote for both of them? If I have to pick, I vote for the first story. 500 words is insanely difficult. The first story did an admirable job of fitting in elements of both plot and sex with that word limit. Given that arousal is a judging factor, I'll therefore have to pick the first story.Story 1: 7 votes
Story 2: 5 votes
Wow. And now, the drumroll, please…
Meredith, author of story 1, goes through to Round 2! Thanks so much, Phoenix, for writing such a great story, and for participating so enthusiastically.
The next story-post, featuring a rather dramatic and mysterious twist of fate, will go up Saturday!
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