I Wanna Live With You (Even When We’re Ghosts) by
I love everything by this author, and this fic is no exception. Rich and well-written, good plotting and angsty romance that feels totally in-character every single moment. What’s not to love?
Fair Winds and Following Seas by
Oh, this! I made myself wait until I was on vacation far from home before treating myself to this one lazy morning in the foothills of my favorite mountains with a cup of coffee. Sheer bliss! Being instantly transported to this cold, distant place with its freezing water and brave, broken characters just made the whole day better! I love all the mystery and ritual of the sea, the constant threat of physical injury or death, the ways Jensen carefully guards his little band of brothers and works so hard to keep them safe. Jared is such a magical boy, appearing out of nowhere (I can only imagine Jensen's first impression of him, but I'm sure Jared seemed too beautiful to be real) and all the struggles they endured before the miraculous rescue that finally breaks down Jensen's careful walls. So satisfying! Highly recommended (like everything from this author.)
Shipwreck Between Your Ribs by
This is wonderful storytelling! The premise is awesome, as interspecies romances can be, and the author handles it beautifully. Things aren’t perfect between these two, and in fact there’s a moment when I really thought it wouldn’t end happily – that nail-biting feeling is something I’ve come to expect from this author, but she delivers on the happy ending as promised in a delightful and unexpected way! Highly recommended.
Gladiator: A Love Story by
What a great story! I felt completely transported to the strange, barbarous-yet-civilized place that was Ancient Rome. The author gives us a visceral experience of the slavery system, gladiator training schools, and the world of the games which is every bit as detailed and absorbing as you could hope. Jensen’s journey into slavery and becoming a gladiator are juxtaposed over his growing affection for his cell-mate, who eventually becomes his lover and, finally, his beloved. The side characters come alive and help build the tension and drama of this world almost as much as the main characters do, and I particularly love the way a couple of the female characters are painted as true heroes in this story. This whole thing is just a breathtaking achievement. The art is fabulous and atmospheric and sexy as hell, too. Highly recommended.