1 [Report This]Date: December 12, 2020 07:21 pm Title: Chapter 1
I’ve wondered a lot over the years about Karen, who is pretty sharp, missing the overwhelming weirdness between her new/soon-to-be boyfriend and the only other normal person there on the day of the merger. I think it’s easy to imagine how it would’ve happened, but I’m really glad to see you digging into what it would be like if she had picked up on it.
“He likes it. He’s decided if he repeats the message often enough, he’ll start to believe it” is Jim/Karen in a nutshell. This description of Jim’s thought process on that relationship is brutal – he’s in so much pain but also being so wildly unfair to Karen. She might not appreciate it, but canon Karen would definitely tell her to be grateful for the way this went down.
The tentative way they re-approach each other in the office and Jim’s little tests are frankly too cute to handle, and topping it off with Pam finding a moment of bravery is just lovely. Then the chocolate prank! Absolutely the sort of thing they’d do when they want to be “nice” to Dwight.
This was really sweet!
1 [Report This]Date: September 05, 2019 06:59 pm Title: Chapter 1
Would it be weird to copy and paste this entire story word for word and say I loved all of it? Because that's kind of what I want to do.
"The hardest part of this year was losing you." There's that knife to my heart this story was missing.
You know how I feel about Karen. The fact that SHE is the one here who points out to Jim that Pam is spending all of her time staring at him and basically propelling Jim into Pam's arms? It's too delicious for words. Hashtag Amazing.
And Jim setting the pattern of catching Pam staring at him and repeating it all morning and Dwight naturally thinking it's all a prank against him? That is something straight out of the show and it just makes me laugh.
Jim clearing the air and letting her know he's not seeing anyone before they leave for lunch? I'm glad he didn't drag that out. I'm also glad Pam dragged him into her too-small car and then they made out. This is the content we're here for.
"Jim's trying to poison me again!" JENNA. omg, I can hear this and I'm cackling.
And this ending! Karen realizing what she did and then the non-sting of her calling them friends... I'm here for all of this.
(I'm also here for the potential spin off of Matchmaker Karen and Ryan. Just saying, I wouldn't hate that.)
That last sentence though, that's one of the best closing sentences of a story I've seen in a long time! Let's be honest, we'd all admire Jim's big car if given the chance, right? Right.
I loved this!
Author's Response:
Coley, I swear parts of your review are better than the story itself... What’s a fic without a knife to the heart between friends?
I think if anyone’s equipped to write a fic about Karen and Ryan it’s you. I call not it...
Thank you for your lovely review!
1 [Report This]Date: August 13, 2019 05:52 am Title: Chapter 1
Oh, I liked this. It's a great illustration of how one minor-seeming change could have nudged everything on track. Well done.
I especially like this line towards the end: "“I’m going to add matchmaker to my resume… What’s Ryan’s story?” she adds. He chuckles and heads back to his desk. “That was a serious question,” she murmurs to his retreating figure."
Poor Karen. Just...Scranton's not your place, is it...
Author's Response: Thanks Comfect! Poor Karen is right, that line of hers where she essentially says: “it turns out it’s not so hard when your boss isn’t an idiot and your boyfriend isn’t in love with someone else,” sums up Karen’s journey so well - everything pans out better for her outside of Scranton...
1 [Report This]Date: August 12, 2019 06:59 pm Title: Chapter 1
I loved this! It's simple but a whole new way to tell the story. I love to see chapter 2 at Pam's apartment.
Author's Response: Thanks Sprinkles! I was planning on leaving this a one shot, but you never know...
1 [Report This]Date: August 12, 2019 02:37 pm Title: Chapter 1
Adorable story. I love that it was thanks to Karen’s perception that Jim finally noticed Pam’s feelings.
So, what happens after work? Maybe add a new chapter? 😉
Author's Response: Thanks Merria! I was hoping it was a bit of a unique take on it all... There are no plans for a follow up chapter at present, but I have noted your interest! Who knows if inspiration may strike...
1 [Report This]Date: August 12, 2019 02:32 pm Title: Chapter 1
Oh yes, I love this! The start is great, I can imagine Jim all through S3 constantly repeating in his head that his relationship with Karen is what he wants and failing to convince himself. I love how Karen’s comment very unintentionally sets the whole thing off and that it clears the fog Jim’s in just enough for him that Pam does indeed want to be “more than that” now (I still get mad when Jim brushes off Pam’s coffee invite, she’s asking you out, you dolt!).
Pam saying leaving Roy wasn’t the hardest part of the year then saying what was? Ugh right in the gut (in a good way). And everything else in the car was great.
The “hi” “hey” is one of my all time fave moments and I love you incorporating it in.
Just all around a great treat of a fic that avoids the S3 angst, which I’m all for. Great job!
Author's Response: Thanks NLM! It’s so nice to hear that you liked it. I too still get mad that Jim turns down Pam’s coffee date - he should really pay more attention when everything he has ever hoped for is right in front of him...
1 [Report This]Date: August 12, 2019 10:43 am Title: Chapter 1
Very cute. This fixes so many of the issues with S3. In this universe Karen is free to be a friend, for both Jim and Pam, rather than a rival. We don't have to deal with a whole season of angst. And of course most importantly, Jim and Pam are together a lot sooner.
That it's Karen's words that provide the spark is a nice idea. Good for Jim to being willing to be open to the idea. Good for Pam for having the courage to open herself up to him so much sooner.
Lots of fun.
Author's Response: Thanks Warrior. I feel like this never would have happened in canon, but that’s the fun of fic - quick, relatively angst free resolutions!