Want A Brand New Start by JM (adult)

[phaballa.livejournal.com]

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]