Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: AJ/Kevin
Length: longish
Author on LJ: trumpeterofdoom
Author Website: Fic Tag
Why this must be read: I can't believe JM has never been rec'd here, but it's about damn time. JM is sort of the Guru of All Things Backstreet, and this fic is a particular favorite of mine. An AU in which most of the SDBs appear, about Chris Kirkpatrick writing a gay rock opera, starring Kevin and AJ! There's discussion of all my favorite musicals, Howie saying, "But it's JULIE!" and some very hot sex. This is a pairing I wouldn't normally read either, but JM was able to immerse me so thoroughly in the alternate universe she created that I could ignore all my usual misgivings about reading fic with pairings involving married guys.

I love how this is really a cast ensemble fic; the mix of Backstreet and NSYNC and pop princesses is really perfect, and I love the cameos a lot. They add a richness to the AU that I think is often lacking. It's clear that JM really thought about this world and these characters and what they would look like in the world of musical theatre. She does a really good job of transposing canon onto her AU, and creating a backstory that fits and blends rather than seeming tacked on for plot purposes.

In conclusion: awesome.

Link: [Want A Brand New Start by JM]

Fandom: POPSLASH
Pairing: JC/Chris
Length: 6100 words
Author on LJ: snarkyllama
Author Website: snarkyllama_fic
Why this must be read: snarkyllama has been rec'd before: once, by ME. So I feel like I'm completely justified in reccing her again, besides which she has been one of the most creative, brilliant writers popslash has seen in the past year or so. Every time she posts something new, I can't wait to read it because I know it will be amazing. There are so many fics of hers I want to rec--pretty much everything she's ever written!--but this one is particularly awesome.

It's a lot of texting/emailing/phone messages and so on, which I happen to love, especially because she really gets down the voices and writing styles of each NSYNCer to the point that you don't even need to be told who's writing or leaving the message because it's obvious from the tone of the words and the way it's written. She has such an excellent grasp of character, while being able to mix humor and lightness into fic that's really about quite serious things.

And of course, I personally love the fact that this addresses the whole RL issue of JC being a loser and doing nothing. Chris is his knight in shining armor (hence the Dragon part of the challenge!) and he totally saves the damsel in distress JC. It's funny and sweet and sad, but has redemption and love at its heart. If you haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for, loser? GO READ IT.

( Have some excerpts if you don't believe me! )

link: [digital-age remix: the same old story]

Fandom: DOCTOR WHO
Pairing: Tenth Doctor/Rose Tyler
Length: One-shot
Author on LJ: orange_crushed
Author Website: FanFiction.Net Account (incomplete);
Memories on Livejournal
Why this must be read: This is my favorite "The Girl In the Fireplace" "fix-it" fic. I love a strong heroine Rose.

The Girl on the Horse

Fandom: CANADIAN ACTOR RPF
Pairing: Hugh Dillon/Callum Keith Rennie
Length: ~600 words
Author on LJ: kristiinthedark
Author Website: Kristi's Fic Tag
Why this must be read:

Because the way that Kristi uses the theme of masks and hiding makes it SO much more complex than any 600 word ficlet has any right to be. Because the relationship is just so twisted and tangled and full of need that it fills me with glee just thinking about it.

Untitled Kissing Ficlet

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth/Darcy
Length: novel-length
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Derbyshire Writers Guild
Why this must be read:

Magic! Mages! Shakespearian Codes! Disenchanted offers us a retelling of Pride and Prejudice in an England ruled by wizards and enchantment. Mystery and intrigue abound. There are magic forests, pixies, and dragons (oh my!). And I can't say much more without ruining the plot. Unfortunately, there are numerous errors in this story. But don’t let that deter you. It’s a lot of fun.

Disenchanted

Fandom: Live Free and Die Hard (Die Hard 4)
Pairing: John McClane/Matt Farrell
Author on LJ: lamardeuse
Author Website: When the world is puddle-wonderful

Why this must be read: while the three stories in this series can be read as stand-alones, I think it is better for the reader to view them as the natural progression in a burgeoning relationship. The first story is about John and Matt getting together, the second is them learning how to deal with one another (and John's adult children) and the third is them meeting the in-laws at Thanksgiving. lamardeuse handles each story with humor, great dialog and hot sex - what else can you ask for?


( Excerpt From A Rut to a Groove or John Outs Himself in Typical McClane Fashion )




Life, Mid-Crisis

From A Rut to A Groove

Interlude No.1, or In-Laws in D Flat Major