The Laurel and the Rose series by Cimmerian Willow

[nigeltde]

Fandom: HORNBLOWER
Pairing: Horatio/Archie
Author on LJ: cimmerianwillow
Author Website: Vinegar and Sugar

Why this must be read:

There are many long stories in this fandom but few approach the scale of CW's epic romance series The Laurel and the Rose, which follows Archie and Horatio's relationship from Ferrol to England, to, believe it or not, outer space. CW has a great range and switches between angst, humour, sexyness, creepiness and other moods seamlessly, and although her technique of switching between first and last names can sometimes make it seem as though there are four people in the room, her dialogue is delightful and her grasp of the characters is excellent. With loads of (rather hot) sex but loads of plot and character moments too, this is the story to turn to when you just want to revel in just how sweet and lovely the boys are. Also contains the most bizarre crossover in Hornblower fiction you will surely ever read and is worth a look just for that (not in the least because it actually works).



Archie shifted in Horatio's embrace, dislodging Don Quixote and the book tumbled down and dropped to the dirt floor amidst the rustling of pages. Horatio could not think on it, however, as Kennedy turned towards him with a small, unfortunate cry and whispered his name.

Horatio Hornblower lost himself between one breath and the next.

Archie Kennedy slept on, having lost himself long ago.




The Laurel and the Rose Collection