Recent Entries 
31st-Oct-2012 01:17 pm "Deal Breaker" by mikes_grrl (Brown Cortina)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 9,200 (in two parts)
Author on LJ: http://mikes-grrl.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=lifein1973&keyword=mikes_grrl&filter=all
Why this must be read:

Another one by Mikey... but she's written so much, and brilliant stuff, so I'm not ashamed.

This follows on from the wonderful "Limbo" by Fawsley which has already been recced here, and tells how that story could continue... and does so in a very convincing way. It's warm and angsty (especially on Sam's part, of course) and has some great lines, and also deals with their first time... in a gruff, Gene-kind-of-way. But also caring. Well, it's just one of those fics I love and come back to time and again. I hope you enjoy.

Deal Breaker, Part 1
Deal Breaker, Part 2

Don't know whether I'll have the chance to post another rec later so this might be my last for this month. Unfortunately, I was busier than expected and couldn't post that regularly but I still hope this counts as fulfilling the quota. :-)
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31st-Oct-2012 08:13 am Video Rec: "Sam touches himself" by culf (rating ca. 15)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 03:03
Author on LJ: http://culf.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=lifein1973&keyword=culf&filter=all
Why this must be viewed:

I'm so happy I found this again! So I have to share it with you even if it's not video rec day...

This video is extremely well-made (like all of culf's) but it's also very funny. And - a shameless slash vid! So yay! The use of the song "I touch myself" is brilliant, and the clips culf chose to accompany those lyrics are inspired and fitting! Absolutely believable cutting.

Used to be on vimeo under another link but was deleted so I thought it was lost but I managed to find another posting. So here it goes:

Sam touches himself
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31st-Oct-2012 12:32 am "Damaged Goods" and "Distance" by Dakfinv (Brown Cortina)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 2011 and 6713
Author on LJ: http://dakfinv.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=lifein1973&keyword=dakfinv&filter=all

Why this must be read:

I hope it is OK to rec these stories together, but they are kind of like the two sides of a medaillon. So I think it is.

This "family" of stories is great on h/c, dealing with one of the pair being hurt and the other one having to cope with it, and the fallout. Each of these fics is wonderful on its own but it's also lovely being able to compare how Sam and Gene deal with these situations differently, and how the other one reacts to that. Lots of angst and bad decisions made for the wrong reasons, and misunderstandings... And, to start it all off, whumpage! But most of all, feelings and care to make it all good in the end. Plus, Dakfinv is one of the "classic" authors in this fandom and never disappoints.

Enjoy!

Damaged Goods
Return to Sender (Sequel to Damaged Goods)

Distance

Also check out the fic mentioned in the introduction to "Damaged Goods", by culf:
The Flesh is Willing
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19th-Oct-2012 03:05 pm "Midsomer Mars" by thesmallhobbit (Green Cortina)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 12,500
Author on LJ: http://thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Small_Hobbit/pseuds/Small_Hobbit
Why this must be read:

This is thesmallhobbit's Life on Mars Big Bang 2011 entry, and it's just a lovely piece. A crossover between LoM and Midsomer Murders but the main focus is definitely on LoM, I'd say.

thesmallhobbit manages to catch the charm of both series and construe a really gripping murder case, something which I admire her for. She does write plot so well. But there's also a little Sam/Gene action in there, mostly h/c which she also does wonderfully. And, it being a Big Bang story, the story is a nice long read, either to be read in chapters or in one long go. Enjoy!

Midsomer Mars

Also, the story is accompanied by some great art by togsos which may be found here:
Midsomer Mars Art
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11th-Oct-2012 10:02 am "Heavy Breathing" by mikes_grrl (Brown Cortina, NC-17+)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 4,700 (in two parts; part one 1,700)
Author on LJ: http://mikes-grrl.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=lifein1973&keyword=mikes_grrl&filter=all
Why this must be read:

Continuing the reccing of fics that made a strong impression on me and that I return to again and again, here's another one which "haunts" me. It's got top!Sam and firsttime!Gene, which alone is a wonderful combination, but it also shows how Sam's typical nagging and pushing gets him where he wants to be ;-), a little bit of backstory for Gene regarding his hidden/negated proclivities, as well as doubtful!insecure!Gene, and is just this side of dubcon. Plus, it's got some lovely little one-lines and similes. All in all, a wonderful read!

Part 1: http://lifein1973.livejournal.com/1184239.html

Part 2: http://lifein1973.livejournal.com/1186166.html
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6th-Oct-2012 09:01 pm "Return Ticket to Coventry" by ausmac (Blue/Green Cortina)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 11,500 words
Author on LJ: http://ausmac.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://ausmac.slashcity.org/DWTorchLoM.htm
Why this must be read:

This story has lots of UST, angst, misunderstandings, a bullheaded Gene and some Sam!whump with h/c following so what more do you want?

I've only recently discovered it (althought the title sounded familiar to me, and I of course know ausmac's stories) and read it almost in one go (only stopped by the fact that not all parts are publicly available on LJ, and though I should long have been in bed). I totally enjoyed it and thus wanted to share.

So here you go:

Return Ticket to Coventry
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26th-Sep-2012 12:32 pm "An Ashes to Ashes Epilogue for Life on Mars Fans" by Xiilnek (G)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 403 Words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] xiilnek
Author Website: Lifein1973 Masterlist
Why this must be read:

A short scene set after A2A showing Sam and Gene reunited. It highlights the strength of the bond the two formed in LoM, and Gene's emotional response to seeing Sam again after being apart for so long is heartwrenching. If you, like me, spent the duration of LoM's sequel watching Gene mournfully and waiting for something good to happen to him, then this won't disappoint. It reunites the LoM team and gives me many, many feelingssssss!

Warning: Considers A2A plotlines canon.

An Ashes to Ashes Epilogue for Life on Mars Fans
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18th-Sep-2012 12:27 pm "Five Times Sam Thought Gene was Cute" by Talkingtothesky (PG)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 869 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] talkingtothesky
Author Website: Lifein1973 Masterlist and Drabble Masterlist
Why this must be read:

It seems to be fairly universally agreed in the fandom that while Gene Hunt is a loud, offensive and rather brash individual, he can at times also be impossibly cute. And this fic encompasses that perfectly, bringing together five moments in which you just can't disagree with Sam - Gene Hunt is ruddy adorable!



Five Times Sam Thought Gene was Cute
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15th-Sep-2012 08:26 pm ART: "The Sheriff and his Deputy" by Basaltgrrl (G)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS
Pairing: Gen
Length: 2 images
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] basaltgrrl
Author Website: http://basaltgrrl.livejournal.com/
Why this must be seen:

Basaltgrrl has a real talent for capturing character likenesses and packing ideas and hints of backstory into her images, and this is no exception. It's a comparison between two sets of DI and DCI - Sam and Gene, and Gene and Harry Woolf. A couple of great portraits in which the differences between the two speak volumes - especially the changes in Gene's body language and subtle tweak in his expression. A really interesting and nostalgic character study!



The Sheriff and his Deputy
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10th-Sep-2012 11:29 am A Good Turn by Nepthys_uk (G)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS
Pairing: Sam/Gene pre-slash
Length: 938 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] nepthys_uk
Author Website: LoM Fic Masterlist
Why this must be read:

This fic ticks every one of my boxes. I'm a huge sucker for Sick!Gene fics, and this one's one of my absolute favourites - it's impossible not to laugh at Gene's congested voice, and the subtle touches of h/c here are really heartwarming. Fluff, h/c and humour. What more could you ask for, really? :D

A Good Turn
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2nd-Sep-2012 09:08 pm Risk by Mountland (PG/PG-13)
Hi, I'm Fern_tree and I'll be reccing for Life on Mars this month! :)

Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 369 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] mountland
Author Website: Mountland's Masterlist One, and Masterlist Two
Why this must be read:

Quite simply, it's just so powerfully written. It's more of a poem than a regular fic and manages to pack a vast, epic timeframe into a small amount of words while still delivering a wonderfully strong emotional impact. It's just brilliant.

Warnings: Sort-of-but-not-really character death
Risk
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30th-Aug-2012 10:09 pm Can't keep my hands off of you, by basaltgrrl (PG, green cortina)
( You're about to view content that the poster has advised should be viewed with discretion. )
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21st-Aug-2012 07:28 pm Forehead Kiss, by fern_tree (G, white cortina)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS UK
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Artist on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] fern_tree
Artist on deviantArt: http://ferntree.deviantart.com/
Here )
 Forehead Kiss
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4th-Aug-2012 11:53 am A Tale Told by an Idiot, by margo_kim (Teen, blue cortina)
( You're about to view content that the poster has advised should be viewed with discretion. )
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2nd-Aug-2012 08:05 am More than a dare, a leap, by basaltgrrl (R, brown cortina)
( You're about to view content that the poster has advised should be viewed with discretion. )
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31st-Jul-2012 10:30 am "On This Day" by DorsetGirl (Green Cortina)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 2,700 words
Author on LJ: http://dorsetgirl.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://dorsetgirl.livejournal.com/80214.html
Why this must be read:

For my last recommendation, I chose another one of DorsetGirl's stories. Hard decision - I still have so many fics (and also art) I'd love to rec - maybe I'll do another month. :-)

This one, however, is one of the stories I always fondly remembered, and which I looked for and found again recently. This scene especially stayed with me:

He locked the door and turned to see Gene down by the far wall, reaching up to something on the top shelf. Despite the dim light, Sam could see from here that as usual he was half hard.

Oh, God.

Sam swallowed with difficulty, unable to stop himself letting out a tiny sound of longing.

Also, it's got a beautiful, very happy ending, one of the things I remembered about this fic as well. Plus, it's very funny, and even if it's not 1st April today, I whole-heartedly recommend reading it (like all things DG has written).

On This Day

Well, that's it from me, at least for now. Looking forward to some awsome recs from whoever is going to be our driver next month!
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30th-Jul-2012 09:54 am "Why Gene left his coat behind" by acidpenguin46 (Blue/Brown Cortina)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 615 W.
Spoilers: A2A 1.1
Author on LJ: http://acidpenguin46.livejournal.com
Author Website: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=lifein1973&keyword=acidpenguin46&filter=all
Why this must be read:

This is lovely, bittersweet, and an absolute essential piece regarding coat!kink!! It's the line ...Sam Tyler...asked meekly if maybe they could have sex on top of the coat that night. that stayed with me all this time - I can so imagine him doing that!! I had to go back and look for this fic to share it with you. So here it is:

Why Gene left his coat behind

I just wish Gene had indeed left us his coat to perv over!
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27th-Jul-2012 09:18 am VID REC: "Armed Bastards" by KatrinDepp (15)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene, if you want to (just like the show)
Length: 3:06
Author on LJ: -
Author Website: http://www.youtube.com/user/KatrinDepp?feature=watch
Why this must be viewed:

This vid was sent to me a while ago and though most of you might already have seen it, I cannot refrain from reccing it before someone else does. ;)

In my opinion, this is the perfect LoM video. It's got all the best clips from the show (including swimming trunks, rainbow underwear and so on) plus the timing and cut is absolutely stunning. The choice of music is so good, it's an instrumental only and the clips are cut to it to perfection. The selection of those clips and the combination and juxtaposition of scenes provides some very funny moments - well, all I can say is, watch it! Now! Watch it several times and send it to everyone who hasn't seen it yet (plus all the others, LOL).

Armed Bastards
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26th-Jul-2012 05:58 pm "The immediate jewel of his soul" plus 2 sequels by fawsley (White to Brown Cortina)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 358 + 510 + 1300
Author on LJ: http://fawsley.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=lifein1973&keyword=fawsley&filter=all
Why this must be read:

These three fics (an ongoing story so I reckon they fall in the "series" category and may be recced together) are just beautiful... Fawsley is a master/mistress of words! It's Sam/Gene, beginning relationship/first time, and yes, one (or rather three) of those fics I come back to again and again.

Who could resist lines like:

‘You take the bed,’ says Sam. ‘I can sleep ok in the chair.’
But he can’t, and having watched a grey dawn slip its melancholy way across the city’s skyline he gives up trying...

The short winter day struggled so hard to find some identity but eventually gave up, sinking back into nondescript grey.


I'm not gonna cite some of the best dialogue there is because I don't want to spoil the experience of reading these but believe me, the two are absolutely in character! And the third part is hot!!

So enjoy, these three little gems are so worth it!

The immediate jewel of his soul
Parmaceti for an inward bruise
A tide in the affairs of men
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25th-Jul-2012 01:33 pm ART REC: "Jogging" by fern_tree (White Cortina)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: -
Author on LJ: http://fern_tree.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=lifein1973&keyword=fern_tree&filter=all
http://ferntree.deviantart.com/gallery/11159631?offset=0
Why this must be viewed:

If you want to rec LoM art, you've got (amongst others of course) to rec Fern! She's got lots and lots of wonderful pictures, from funny ones over those who are just great depictions of what's going on on to darker themes. Everyone knows her "silly" Notes series, I assume (has been recced here before). I especially love her neckless Sam and Gene, so that's why I recommend this fine piece - it's not only nice to look at but also a great character study:

Jogging

But don't stop there, check out her other stuff as well (two links above), e.g. the hilarious LoM Fish AU etc.!!
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24th-Jul-2012 05:21 pm "No Regrets" by DorsetGirl (White Cortina)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 360 words
Warning: Implied character death
Author on LJ: http://dorsetgirl.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://dorsetgirl.livejournal.com/80214.html
Why this must be read:

This fic is so beautiful and so sad... I remember I cried when I first read it, and then later on re-reading. It still makes me swallow and wipe my eyes... It's a little minimalistic (in a good sense!), not too many words or descriptions, but it works so well without, it doesn't need any more.

Also, DorsetGirl is one of my favourite writers in this comm, so take a look at her other work as well if you haven't already!

No Regrets
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23rd-Jul-2012 12:31 pm "Dear Nelson" by clarey (12A (one swear word - the "P" word))
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 1225 words
Author on LJ: http://clarey-fication.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://clarey-fication.livejournal.com/
Why this must be read:

Another example of crack, but the harmless funny one. Set after series 1, this fan fic is one of those which really make you laugh. The gist of the story: Gene is falling for his new DI but doesn't know how to approach him. So he anonymously seeks the help of an agony aunt - Nelson!

Here are his letters and Nelson's wise words of reply. Enjoy!

Dear Nelson
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19th-Jul-2012 01:20 pm ART: "You’ve got my coat and my fags..." by basaltgrrl (NC-17)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 1 pic
Author on LJ: http://basaltgrrl.livejournal.com
Author Website: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=lifein1973&keyword=basaltgrrl&filter=all
Why this must be viewed:

This post originally was intended for the fic plus illustration but well, blueteak beat me to it... so now it's an art post (with added fic)! LOL

The wonderful illustration by basaltgrrl for severinne's fic "One Year" - equally beautiful as the fic, and hot as hell:
You’ve got my coat and my fags...

Link to the fic (for those who don't know it yet): Written by another one of my favourite authors, this story is equally hot (!) and sweet, with the characters totally in character althought they do say/do things one might not have expected (and others which you totally would!). The language is wonderfully descriptive and evocative:
"He moved unthinkingly towards the kettle but his eyes, blearily trained on the floor, were caught by a narrow zip of light thrown across the tiles, glowing in the dark of the kitchen and pointing towards the slightly-open back door like an arrow on a map."
One Year by severinne

Go view and read!
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17th-Jul-2012 07:05 pm "Back and Forth" by elfin (NC-17)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 9607 words
Author on LJ: http://elfinessy.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://www.sundive.co.uk/lifeonmars/
Why this must be read:

Another one of elfin's... I was thinking about the stories that "shaped" me, those I remember fondly, those which lead me into the fandom and which stayed with me. This is another example. The author manages to tell the story in two different timelines simultaneously, and then brings it all together, somehow. In an AU kind of way, with a lovely outcome. The story which was written before series 2 had fully aired consists of large passages of dialogue but no more is needed to evoke the pictures in one's mind... Go read!

Back and Forth
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17th-Jul-2012 06:32 pm "Steady As She Goes" (series) by dakfinv (NC-17)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Annie, Sam/Maya, Gene/missus, Sam/other
Length: 147,169 overall
Author on LJ: http://dakfinv.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=lifein1973&keyword=dakfinv&filter=all
Why this must be read:

This is one of the series I return to, again and again. I am truly astounded that it hasn't been recced here before (well, I checked all 15 pages of the list). This series of 86 parts (plus accompanying stories) takes you on a breathtaking ride through Sam's universe, which you will not regret. Also, it comes to a kind of happy end, with an interesting twist ("Gladys!"). Just reccing this makes me want to read it again. The author, dak, truly deserves all the recognition there is for writing this "monster" of a fic.

Steady as she goes (Part 1)
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16th-Jul-2012 12:13 am "The Master, in Polyester" by ausmac (NC-17)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: The Master/Gene Hunt
Length: 907 words
Author on LJ: http://ausmac.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://archiveofourown.org/users/ausmac/pseuds/ausmac
Why this must be read:

For today's crossover day, a brilliant little story from the "The Master in 1973" series (http://archiveofourown.org/series/8075) by the wonderful ausmac. Obviously, a Life on Mars/Doctor Who crossover.

This is hilariously funny, and hot! Contains some brilliant phrases like "And for the first time in…time…the Master found himself..." which play with the time travel wonderfully. Read the whole series for maximum enjoyment!

Author's warning: It could possibly be considered noncon, if you look at it sideways, for about thirty seconds. Mostly just a misunderstanding, really.

The Master, in Polyester

Alternative link on AO3:
The Master, in Polyester
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13th-Jul-2012 09:54 am "no body on the line" by elfin (NC-17)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: approx. 3439 words
Author on LJ: http://elfinessy.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://www.sundive.co.uk/lifeonmars/
Why this must be read:

Like many others, I came into LoM FF via elfinessy's website. Her stories where the first I read, and I must say they are all great. I recently discovered that she had posted some post-A2A stories as well, and as happy as I am to come back to her older ones, I was delighted to see stories which were new to me on her site as well.

Obviously, a lot of her fic has already been recced but it seems this one hasn't yet. It deals with the ending of LoM, and has my favourite pairing, Sam/Gene. It was written before the last episode was shown but well, what can I say? Elfin was right! :-)

no body on the line
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6th-Jul-2012 10:52 pm "Milled and Booned" by draycevixen (rated 15)
Fandom: LIFE ON MARS (UK)
Pairing: Sam/Gene
Length: 573 words
Author on LJ: draycevixen
Author Website: http://draycevixen.livejournal.com/
Why this must be read:

I quite recently discovered this fic (had a little help there...) and have to admit that I laughed my a**e off! The fic's two parts are a perfect juxtaposition of writing styles (one of them practically unheard of in this fandom), and the last line is a killer! The author categorized it as "crack", so it's the perfect start for me at the wheel of the van. (Plus, it hasn't been recced before. ;)) Go read and have fun!

Milled and Booned
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