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crack_van2008-12-14 07:59 pm
callistosh65.livejournal.com) wrote in crack_van2008-12-14 07:59 pm
Entry tags:
Legacy of Temptation by Ellis Ward ( R)
Fandom: PROS (THE PROFESSIONALS)
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Length: 625k
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Ellis Ward at The Hatstand and Ellis Ward at The Circuit Archive
Why this must be read: Because it’s time for some AUs this coming week. Pros is a fandom with an amazing number of AUs. Everything from Regencies to the Bastille, from Arabian deserts to spaceships, and from Victorian birdwatchers to trapeze artists. You name it, and chances are Bodie and Doyle have been there, done that, and got the scars to prove it.
And few transport them better than Ellis Ward. ‘Legacy of Temptation’ is built on a fairly simple premise. Bodie is a Computer Techie, Doyle is a writer of male/male romance novels ( yes, how delicious is that – and you wait till you see the titles of the books he writes:)) But Bodie has another sideline: investigating the paranormal. And Doyle has more than a computer bug fouling up his life and his house.. Cue a nail-biting ghost story wrapped around an engaging male/male romance.
The horror element is a delicious background. It’s creepy, vivid and downright scary at times, and makes for some truly terrifying confrontations. She builds up layers of mystery and atmosphere, all the while nudging Bodie and Doyle towards each other.
One of the things I love about this, is how their sexuality is not an issue. There’s no Sudden Onset Gayness to deal with as both characters are gay, so all she has to spend time drawing out for us is the attraction and the relationship, which she does with her usual flair for emotions minus the dramatics. It’s Bodie and Doyle, committed and in love, but still very recognisable as the lads while they go about it.
******
Doyle closed his eyes. "Sometimes," he murmured tiredly, "I think this is all an incredibly bad joke."
"A joke it isn't. C'mon, mate," Bodie gave the booted foot a shake. "Don't let it get you down now."
Green eyes, lusterless from exhaustion--both physical and emotional--slowly rose to settle on Bodie's face. "Just tell me it'll get better," he whispered.
"Would you believe me, if I say it will?" Bodie asked wryly.
"Yes."
Heart beating fast and hard in his throat, Bodie lifted his other hand to Doyle's face. Lightly cupping the warm, faintly stubbled flesh, Bodie said, "I'll do everything I can, Ray. I promised you, and I meant it."
Dark lashes drifted downward; Doyle turned his cheek into Bodie's palm. Stunned, Bodie set his cup on the coffee table, then took the half-eaten biscuit and cup from Doyle's hands and placed them on the table as well. He slid nearer, taking Doyle carefully into his arms.
The other man made a soft sound, then went willingly into the protective shelter of Bodie's embrace. Head tucked into the curve of Bodie's neck and shoulder, Doyle said hoarsely, "I shouldn't do this."
"Why not?" Bodie asked, hugging Doyle closer. "Everyone needs to be held once in a while. Even bloody-minded, independent blokes like you."
******
Legacy of Temptation
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Length: 625k
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Ellis Ward at The Hatstand and Ellis Ward at The Circuit Archive
Why this must be read: Because it’s time for some AUs this coming week. Pros is a fandom with an amazing number of AUs. Everything from Regencies to the Bastille, from Arabian deserts to spaceships, and from Victorian birdwatchers to trapeze artists. You name it, and chances are Bodie and Doyle have been there, done that, and got the scars to prove it.
And few transport them better than Ellis Ward. ‘Legacy of Temptation’ is built on a fairly simple premise. Bodie is a Computer Techie, Doyle is a writer of male/male romance novels ( yes, how delicious is that – and you wait till you see the titles of the books he writes:)) But Bodie has another sideline: investigating the paranormal. And Doyle has more than a computer bug fouling up his life and his house.. Cue a nail-biting ghost story wrapped around an engaging male/male romance.
The horror element is a delicious background. It’s creepy, vivid and downright scary at times, and makes for some truly terrifying confrontations. She builds up layers of mystery and atmosphere, all the while nudging Bodie and Doyle towards each other.
One of the things I love about this, is how their sexuality is not an issue. There’s no Sudden Onset Gayness to deal with as both characters are gay, so all she has to spend time drawing out for us is the attraction and the relationship, which she does with her usual flair for emotions minus the dramatics. It’s Bodie and Doyle, committed and in love, but still very recognisable as the lads while they go about it.
******
Doyle closed his eyes. "Sometimes," he murmured tiredly, "I think this is all an incredibly bad joke."
"A joke it isn't. C'mon, mate," Bodie gave the booted foot a shake. "Don't let it get you down now."
Green eyes, lusterless from exhaustion--both physical and emotional--slowly rose to settle on Bodie's face. "Just tell me it'll get better," he whispered.
"Would you believe me, if I say it will?" Bodie asked wryly.
"Yes."
Heart beating fast and hard in his throat, Bodie lifted his other hand to Doyle's face. Lightly cupping the warm, faintly stubbled flesh, Bodie said, "I'll do everything I can, Ray. I promised you, and I meant it."
Dark lashes drifted downward; Doyle turned his cheek into Bodie's palm. Stunned, Bodie set his cup on the coffee table, then took the half-eaten biscuit and cup from Doyle's hands and placed them on the table as well. He slid nearer, taking Doyle carefully into his arms.
The other man made a soft sound, then went willingly into the protective shelter of Bodie's embrace. Head tucked into the curve of Bodie's neck and shoulder, Doyle said hoarsely, "I shouldn't do this."
"Why not?" Bodie asked, hugging Doyle closer. "Everyone needs to be held once in a while. Even bloody-minded, independent blokes like you."
******
Legacy of Temptation