The Cook and the Warehouseman by Helen Raven (NC17)

[teot.livejournal.com]

Hello there. I'll be your driver for The Professionals this month. I'll start with one of my all-time favourites:

THE PROFESSIONALS:
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Author on LJ: helenraven
Author Website: Wasting Time the Helen Raven Way

Why this must be read: Deliciously long at 160,000 words, this is a wonderful AU based on the premise that Doyle is part of a visiting alien delegation to Earth. Doyle, a prince, takes a liking to Bodie, and Bodie is forced to go along with his requests, which includes a relationship/marriage with Doyle. Bodie leaves Earth and travels with Doyle, and you get to follow along as their relationship develops. This novel has everything -- alien!sex, hot sex, hurt/comfort, angst....

Even after years, it's still one of the few Professionals zines that I've kept. I'm thrilled that it's now online.

Read The Cook and the Warehouseman.

Comments

[ex-lonicera600.livejournal.com]

I've started this, but got bored very quickly. Is there anything happening but domestic bliss after they reach the prince's home planet? I was confused why the author had to develop this whole premise of aliens, space travel, the government hidden behind masks etc. - which is all very interesting - only to write a curtain fic???

[minitrog.livejournal.com]

Enthusiastically seconded. I love this one, it's one of those AU's that you really appreciate because whilst the characters are thoughoughly recognisable throughout, it makes that AU leap and manages to make a 'human-like' species feel truly *alien* at times.

Plus it's long, and keeps you glued to it all the way with a great emotional story.

Excellent rec.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

This is the story that got me hooked on Pros; it was recommended to me just as as a scifi story but I think the person had an alterior motive. I'm glad to see it added to the crack van's rec list.

The Cook and the Warehouseman

[(Anonymous)]

I love this story, I don't know how many times I've read it. I know it's basically just a domestic drama, but Helen shows us the Bodie that is only glimpsed on the show. I think her portrayal of Doyle is very accurate too. Underneath his caring is a whole lot of arrogance and selfishness, which in this story is translated into (mental)cruelty toward Bodie. The other characters are "real" too especially Malun, who fills the authority/ father figure role that is usually Cowley's.
Helen is a great writer and creates a world that is quite believable. I wish she were still writing this fandom. Thanks for reccing it, it's a good read.

[teot.livejournal.com]

Yes, you get some angst, and they eventually separate and get back together.

Re: The Cook and the Warehouseman

[teot.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. :-)

[teot.livejournal.com]

Yes, I was very surprised that it wasn't there already, but it gave me something to rec right away. ;-)

[teot.livejournal.com]

Plus it's long, and keeps you glued to it all the way with a great emotional story.

Excellent rec.

I'm afraid I'm a bit biased -- give me a *long* story and nine times out of ten I'll read it instead of a drabble. Thanks for the comment.

[(Anonymous)]

You have excellent taste - I was wondering when someone would get round to reviewing this story. Thanks for doing it.

[lovessong.livejournal.com]

Never trust the seeming curtain-fic, if it's written by Helen Raven. Everything is not as it appears.

[katharos-8.livejournal.com]

I think I might hate you.

Here I am, about to enter my exam season, and you've just provided me with an author with several long, novel length stories meaty enough to sink my teeth into with REALLY fascinating plots... I'm going to take a twenty minute break from my revision and not come back for hours.

[teot.livejournal.com]

Oh, you're welcome! Thank you!

[teot.livejournal.com]

Aaaw, I'm sorry I lured you away from your studying. But you can always bookmark, and come back later. That way you'll have something to look forward to when exams are over!