Penname: Michael [Contact]

Real name: Michael

Member Since: 12/04/22

Membership status: Member

Bio:


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Reviews by Michael


Happenstance by Mirage
Rated: R starstarstarstarstar [Reviews - 56]
Summary:

A chance encounter with a past acquaintance is Jarod's undoing. Or is it?



Categories: Post IOTH
Characters: Jarod, Miss Parker
Classifications: Genres: Angst, General, Smut
Warnings: Warning: Language, Warning: Sexual Content

Series: None
Chapters: 4 Table of Contents
Completed:Yes
Word count: 8378
Read Count: 8044
[Report This] Published: 12/04/11 Updated: 23/05/11


Title: Chapter 1: Happenstance

I've always wanted to see Jarod fail to lie his way out of a tight spot and I've never shied away from smut or pornography. You combine both tastefully. Without the slang. I'm pleased. Slang has always seemed juvenile to me. This first chapter pulls me in . I feel like you reach through the phone and take my hand. Canonically you let Jarod turn the tables and regain control. Was this especially painful to write and give the muses control,?. This is a missing piece without doubt and could be an episode easily. I will review all chapters even though I've read this to the end. Brilliantly done.

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 10/12/22
Title: Chapter 2: Twist of Fate

Masterful. You don't add too much detail. You don't like to hear yourself speak as we say in the business. You're not too vague either. Balance is beautiful. You have that. You tell the story well and it's no secret how scarily on-the-nose you write the characters.

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 10/12/22
Title: Chapter 1: Happenstance

I hope you're doing well by the way. It's been a while since you've posted anything and feels longer.

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 10/12/22
Title: Chapter 4: A Good Run of Bad Luck A.K.A. Jarod's Big Deal of the Day

I know you aren't a shipper. I know it, and, yet still I read that last paragraph and I have to say after reading everything else pretender in the interwebs this is the most stunning bordering heart wrenching happy ending. It's not cheesy, it's not too syrupy. That Parker didn't reach the decision lightly and almost parted ways with Jarod makes it that much more

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 10/12/22
Title: Chapter 4: A Good Run of Bad Luck A.K.A. Jarod's Big Deal of the Day

I know you aren't a shipper. I know it, and, yet still I read that last paragraph and I have to say after reading everything else pretender in the interwebs this is the most stunning bordering heart wrenching happy ending. It's not cheesy, it's not too syrupy. That Parker didn't reach the decision lightly and almost parted ways with Jarod makes it that much more

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 10/12/22
Title: Chapter 4: A Good Run of Bad Luck A.K.A. Jarod's Big Deal of the Day

I know you aren't a shipper. I know it, and, yet still I read that last paragraph and I have to say after reading everything else pretender in the interwebs this is the most stunning bordering heart wrenching happy ending. It's not cheesy, it's not too syrupy. That Parker didn't reach the decision lightly and almost parted ways with Jarod makes it that much more poignant. Beautiful. Thank you for this. My review isn't posting properly.

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 10/12/22
The Gift by Mirage
Rated: G starstarstarstarstar [Reviews - 52]
Summary:

When you care enough to send the very best



Categories: Christmas Challenge
Characters: Telling Would Spoil
Classifications: Genres: General
Warnings: None

Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed:Yes
Word count: 988
Read Count: 4013
[Report This] Published: 10/12/13 Updated: 10/12/13


Title: Chapter 1: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Raines gone is THE gift that keeps on giving. This is my favorite holiday tale. Plausible and perfect. I would love to read more. This story can't be over.

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 10/12/22
Title: Chapter 1: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

This is so exquisite, ChristmasY but also keeping with the darkness of the TV series. I love it. It's a perfect Pretener Christmas tale with a happy ending! Can I trouble you for a sequel? The child is hers and I think Jarod has to find out IF she doesn't tell him.

I always crave more.

Until next time,

Ciao!

 

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 17/12/23
Darkness Falling by Mirage
Rated: NC 18 starstarstarstarstar [Reviews - 496]
Summary:

Jarod is implicated in a spate of homicides. 



Categories: Post IOTH
Characters: All the characters, Original Character
Classifications: Genres: General
Warnings: Warning: Character Death, Warning: Language, Warning: Sexual Content, Warning: Violence

Series: None
Chapters: 28 Table of Contents
Completed:Yes
Word count: 57575
Read Count: 35137
[Report This] Published: 04/03/15 Updated: 01/06/23


Title: Chapter 28: Chapter 28

I'm pleasantly surprised by this final chapter. In life things sometimes aren't always so pat and it can take years to set things straight, and this accurately reflects that reality. This pair has some things to work out, some painful conversations and we don't have to witness that. You imply it will happen. Jarod seems to want to talk while having coffee and slow things down physically and I think that's wise. This is, like all you write, eloquent and beautiful. Congratulations! Thank you for sharing with us your natural gifts. Ciao!

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 07/06/23
Title: Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Hello there, you've been away for a while, is everything ok? I want to check in. It's not easy when you go silent on us especially when you've made it so clear you don't want to write if we share you on twitter or Facebook. You won't let us share you and your work and no one knows if you're ok. Please be well. We want you to please update something soon or write something new .. anything will be good even a short story. At least let someone know you're ok and safe. I care about you.

Ciao!

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 09/07/23
Oblivion by Mirage
Rated: PG 13 starstarstarstarstar [Reviews - 431]
Summary:

A past transgression jeopardizes Sydney's life.



Categories: Post IOTH
Characters: All the characters
Classifications: Genres: None
Warnings: Warning: Language, Warning: Violence

Series: None
Chapters: 21 Table of Contents
Completed:No
Word count: 45808
Read Count: 62205
[Report This] Published: 24/12/16 Updated: 14/07/23


Title: Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Hey Bravo Bravo!

I love the logic you apply to even the most romantic ideals, and it's Sydney, and he is a scientist. If it was all inflated purple prose it wouldn't be plausible but you write from a more realistic perspective that lends plausibility and readability.

"it had taken simply that long for life to align with desires, catch up with their hearts, meet them exactly where they'd always longed to be."

 

Timing and circumstances can keep people apart despite the strength of love and it's a running theme of the pretender series for most characters, including Jarod and Miss Parker and when we get to that part of this story we see a parallel of lives and stories and you brilliantly intersect those lives, and continue what we already know to be true.

 

Your voice is powerful. You fascinate me with your skills .

Until next time and I hope that will be today..

Ciao!

 

 

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 29/07/23
Title: Chapter 20: Chapter 20

You cleverly include providing details that make what can seem implausible plausible. First you remind readers of the basically in-lab incest. Jarod and his mother's semen and egg combined is medical incest, and you give a plausible, extremely possible scenario in which Raines' ideas are approved and funded, and I can't believe the US or Russia haven't already prepared to repopulate this way. I hope you don't give republicans any ideas ...they already brag about "grabbing women by the you know what" and defend child predators like Dennis hastert, to Moore, etc, and support Matt gaetz child sex trafficker and rapist Brett kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas. Nixo was in office in 1969..makes sense. I'm curious to to see how they Jarod and Miss Parker go forward from here, and if they can. Jarod makes a compelling argument in their favor. Eloquently written.

 

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 27/03/23
Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Exquisite. Another poignant chapter and I'm pleasantly surprised by the character devolpment and growth. I'm, as always, astounded by your prose and characterizations, and look forward to reading the remainder.

Ciao!

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 12/04/22
Lacunae by Mirage
Rated: M starstarstarstarstar [Reviews - 240]
Summary:

_



Categories: Post IOTH
Characters: All the characters
Classifications: Genres: General
Warnings: Warning: Character Death

Series: None
Chapters: 15 Table of Contents
Completed:No
Word count: 36694
Read Count: 84893
[Report This] Published: 25/03/18 Updated: 01/08/23


Title: Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Bravo!

This is evolving brilliantly. Miss Parker seems to be experiencing an unwanted self-reckoning and also a renewed battle with her inner voice/dominant parent's voice. I think Jarod's return to her life triggered the return of all of the baggage and the past, the romeo/juliet /forbidden fruit angle of her and Jarod's relationship, and it's reasonable and plausible that she'd fear even subconciously that Jarod's presence would attact any fragments of the Triumvirate, Quintumvirate or any other org to her and her children. She must also be worried about Jarod in law enforcement even if she seems displeased by him playing doctor. I'm not a mother, but I know many of them and all mothers feel inept and like they're screwing up, so that also seems in character and plausible and it adds even more realism, and makes Miss Parker even more relatable and real. That tune playing speaks for itself. She's running. I don't think that she or Jarod would ever really get away from each other. All the running only leads them running into each other. I feel lucky to have read this and that you're willing to explore deeper. It's an ancient television series and I'm glad it's been given new life by fans. You excel in every facet of writing and story telling. As a fan I particularly love the added-for-continuity paragraphs and how you move the story forward and it goes without saying the characters. I read your stories and visualize the characters, scenes, settings. It's amazing. I look forward to the next installment. Thank you.

Ciao!



Author's Response:

Hi. I'm not going to disagree with any of your theories.

You're absolutely not wrong about Jarod's presence and choice of career and the impact all of that has on Parker. This will become more clear in the coming chapters-- if you continue to read.

Of course I'm going to refer back to what we already know about these characters and this series in my scribblings, as a fan myself, because these aren't my characters, and this isn't my series, and it's important to remember that, and to remember where the characters have already been, and it's my goofy, derpy little geeky way of saying, "Psst, hi, fam, remember when abc did xyz? So do I!" *air fist bump* 

Thank you for reading and for the entirely too generous review.

 

 

 

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 03/06/22
Title: Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Bravo! Bravo!

They are making progress. Miss Parker is being what I'd expect under the circumstances but she is also still sleeping with Jarod, and he's taking up more of her time and life. This will take time. You're such a breath of fresh air always.

I patiently wait for more.

As always.

Until next time.

Ciao!

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 20/08/23
Blindsided by Mirage
Rated: PG 13 starstarstarstarstar [Reviews - 193]
Summary:

-



Categories: Indefinite Timeline, Stories
Characters: Jarod, Miss Parker, Original Character
Classifications: Genres: Angst, General
Warnings: Warning: Language, Warning: Violence

Series: None
Chapters: 6 Table of Contents
Completed:No
Word count: 10214
Read Count: 5638
[Report This] Published: 23/12/21 Updated: 18/04/24


Title: Chapter 4: Chapter 4

I've missed you much. Welcome back. I believed that Parker would be forced to escort Jarod to the Centre when Lyle came into the play here. Jarod knows that, but knowing it doesn't make it feel like less of a betrayal. He's hurt. I don't think he meant to hurt her that badly, and I think when he sees the sweaty handprint on metal confirmed that he had hurt her and that returning him to the centre hurt her. She was clinging to railing, holding on for dear life actually. You capture the complexities brilliantly and insert the subtleties. There's such nuance in emotions and characters and it's delicate and you excel here where it's most important. If that wasn't enough you excel elsewhere. You're a wordsmith and you have truly mastered the craft. I look forward to reading the remainder, and to other story updates, and to new projects.

Take care of yourself.

Until next time Mirage or is it Maria?❤️

Ciao!

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 13/05/23
Title: Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Exquisite, Mirage. You've outdone yourself again. I always enjoy the underlying camaraderie Jarod and Parker share, even when their relationship is broken and they are at their worst they still have that spark of being in it together. You capture the complexities and dynamics brilliantly. I'm already looking forward to your next instalment.

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 10/03/23
Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 5

**chef's kiss**

Bravo!

I never mention your fight scenes when I review and I have to say now that I  can imagine myself as Jarod and also as Mark. You convey both perspectives brilliantly. Your fight scenes are as brilliant as your romance scenes and say in the life scenes. You inject so much energy, passion, and action into everything you write and that and the plausiblilty and characterizations are always so striking to me. I crave more already.

Until next time Mirage...

Ciao!

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 09/09/23
Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Still waiting for a update to this or any of your works. Are you ok? I hope you are ok..

Take care.

Ciao!!



Author's Response:

I'm o k.

Thanks.

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 15/10/23
Title: Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Bravo! Bravo!

I hear often about how brillantly you write Jarod and Miss Parker. Let me say that I'm astounded by how on-the-nose Lyle also is. Masterfully done, Mirage.

Your voice is powerful and your writing is stunning. Your prose is rich and moving. You leave me fascinated and in awe.

Thank you. More please? I'm more intringued than I can express.

Until next time, Mirage...

Ciao!!

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 23/04/24
Sine Qua Non by Mirage
Rated: PG starstarstarstarstar [Reviews - 43]
Summary:

Finished business.



Categories: Season 4
Characters: Jarod, Other Non-Centre Related Character
Classifications: Genres: General
Warnings: Warning: Character Death

Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed:Yes
Word count: 82
Read Count: 1415
[Report This] Published: 30/06/22 Updated: 30/06/22


Title: Chapter 1: Justice

Exquisite. This feels like a missing piece, and I don't think you're alone in wanting more for Melissa. Shattered. She used the word shattered whilst in therapy with Jarod. She couldn't leave her home. It's a pleasure to read this. It's always a pleasure to read you Mirage.

Take care of yourself and be safe.

Ciao!



Author's Response:

Therapy With Jarod. That would be an epic indy metal-emo band name. Therapy With Jarod is in the house TOnight. Ha. No, I'm not serious. It isn't a missing piece. It's simply a tiny what-if scribbling. Thank you for reading and reviewing.

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 07/07/22
Pis Aller by Mirage
Rated: M starstarstarstarstar [Reviews - 207]
Summary:

A last resort



Categories: Post IOTH
Characters: Broots, Jarod, Miss Parker
Classifications: Genres: Angst, General
Warnings: None

Series: None
Chapters: 7 Table of Contents
Completed:Yes
Word count: 11762
Read Count: 9596
[Report This] Published: 28/09/22 Updated: 01/03/24


Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

You've outdone yourself again. This is edgy and outstanding work. I'm pleased to see that another chapter has alread been posted.



Author's Response:

Thanks for the r&r

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 08/10/22
Title: Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Expungement. Me too. What Jarod said. My first instinct was to think that Parker could kill Lyle but that's not in character for her. She's only pulled the trigger in self defense. Removing Broots from the Centre is the best option here. I'm curious about and looking forward to the Jarod-Parker collaboation.

Your prose is beautiful, lyrical. The story is well plotted and written. The characters are stunning. It's like being there, seeing their faces, hearing their voices. It's magic. I eagerly await chapter three.

Ciao!

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 08/10/22
Title: Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Exquisite as always, Mirage.

"Mr. Woozy." "Patchwork" of horrors. Those are references to the Wizard of Oz works, aren't they? I love that you included them, a little nod and homage, and it fit in so subtly and naturally. Now I'm wondering what other Easter eggs I've missed over the years. I also love that you pay homage to canon and provide continuity. You reminded me of the picnic scene that I'd honestly almost forgotten. Little Parker said she hopes the man she loves makes her lightheaded too. Now she's hanging out with Jarod and is experiencing vertigo but her mom is suggesting it's not just the boat causing it. I love your insights into the inner sense and how it works and how Parker is sitting there while Jarod cooks but her mind is engaged elsewhere. Jarod senses she doesn't feel well and that something else is going on and cooks her dry toast without drawing attention to it. I hope she hasn't been impregnated the way Catherine was, and thank you so much for this stand Parker has taken to not forgive and finally realize that her father basically raped Catherine to impregnate her with Ethan. It was always strange that Parker would shrug off something that traumatic and tragic and keep trying to please her father after that ultimate betrayal. This is real character growth and I agree with everything you said about lines being crossed, the taboo of estrangement. It's funny that this is considered a family show but it's centered around a dysfunctional family that is killing Parker. The writing is real and raw and I think maybe you can relate in some way. I can relate too. You really know the characters and where to put them. Please continue.

Ciao!



Author's Response:

That is weird. I was four or five-ish when I last read those books. It sorta works, I guess, and it's not a major leap from Catherine (and Parker's) lightheadedness to the Mr. Woozy and-- yeah, no, my brain is weird. Thanks for the r&r.

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 21/10/22
Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Just checking in. It's been a minute since I have heard from you. I hope you're doing wonderfully and having a happy new year. Getting concerned though. Let someone know you're ok.... even if you can't write for us anymore. Just say hi please. Be well.

Ciao,

Michael.



Author's Response:

Hi. I had some priorities that couldn't be back-burnered. Stay well. Thanks.

Reviewer: Michael Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 18/01/23