Recs by Jane Elliot

Title: Odd Jobs Series by Betty and Emerald Woman
Fandom: Leverage
Pairing: Parker/Hardison, Parker/Hardison/Eliot
Categories: humor, case file, favorite
Length: ~18,000 words
Warnings: That rating is for one (IMO, over the top) scene of violence in The Cat-Burglar Job

Review:
When Parker decides that it's time to express her interest to Hardison, she goes to Eliot for help. (I'm so sorry, Eliot.)

The first story in this series, The Underwire Job, is far and away my favorite Leverage story of all time. Parker and Eliot are hysterical as they undertake the mission of Getting Hardison's Attention, especially Eliot, who is participating under protest (and, whenever possible, partially drunk). This story never fails to make me smile.

The other two stories in the series are also good, but not quite as flawless as The Underwire Job (I have to skip over that scene mentioned in the warning, as it makes me queasy, and House Rules is more a vignette than a story). Still, they're an enjoyable and satisfying extension of the universe and it's always fun to see the whole team go on a mission, as they do in The Cat-Burglar Job.

Odd Jobs Series

Title: A Slight Misunderstanding and Dangerous Assumptions by Coragyps
Fandom: Sherlock BBC
Pairing: John/Sherlock
Categories: angst, humor, hurt/comfort, drama, action, casefile, virgin (to gay sex), favorite
Length: ~64,000 words (combined)
Warnings: In A Slight Misunderstanding, there are three instances where John thinks of Sherlock as *Sher*. (*shudder* -- that was almost bad enough to turn this rec into a rant.) Fortunately it's all in one scene in Chapter 9. Unfortunately it kind of ruins the climactic relationship scene.

Review:
In which John accidentally convinces Sherlock that he's in love with him. Or, from Sherlock's POV in the sequel, how his plan to turn John from his Assistant into his Lover goes horribly awry.

These are both highly entertaining stories that cover essentially the same time frame, but from John and Sherlock's POV respectively (though the author says that they both stand alone, I strongly suggest reading Misunderstanding first). My personal favorite of the two is A Slight Misunderstanding, because it has one of the most interesting and engrossing plots I've ever read in Sherlock fic, namely how Sherlock Holmes would commit and cover up the perfect murder (the victim in this case is Moriarty). I found the entire process fascinating to read, even more so than John's baffled and winding journey from friendly mates to physical love with Sherlock. While John's journey is hugely enjoyable as well and is laced with plenty of humor to cut the angst, the plot is what earned this fic its 'favorites' tag.

Dangerous Assumptions is more of a character study of Sherlock than a true retelling of Misunderstanding. Coragyps has given an intriguing backstory to Sherlock that's a lot of fun to read, and Mycroft is hysterical as he tries to give Sherlock advice in the most vague and unhelpful way ever.

In the end, these two stories have the best of both worlds. If you're in the mood for a plotty fic with a silly (but entertaining) romantic subplot, A Slight Misunderstanding is perfect for you. If, on the other hand, you want an in-depth character study, check out Dangerous Assumptions. Either way, you're in for a great read.

A Slight Misunderstanding
Dangerous Assumptions

Title: The Ties that Bind Job by Hickumu
Fandom: Leverage/Angel
Pairing: gen
Categories: action, casefile (sort of), crossover, drama, family, friendship
Length: 40,000 words
Warnings: n/a

Review:
When Eliot stumbles into a nest of vampires, it's sheer luck that Faith is there to save him. The only problem is, he's now in a coma and Faith (and Angel) thinks that he's Lindsay McDonald. The Leverage crew, on the other hand, have never heard of this 'Lindsay' character (and don't get them started on the subject of 'vampires'). Thus begins one epic tale of friendship and family drama.

I've had a streak of bad luck with fics of late, so I my expectations were low when I opened this story, especially since I'm not a huge fan of Eliot or Angel centric fics. Fortunately for me, this story is a perfect ensemble piece with everyone getting a chance to shine and with plenty of attention paid to team dynamics. Even better is the fact that everyone is beautifully in character, with the two worlds tied together so seamlessly that I had a tough time remembering which bits were canon and which were crossover. Finally, I really appreciated that the crossover is weighted on the Leverage side of things; fans of both shows should be satisfied, but for a Leverage fan a well-written epic is a special treat.

If you like team stories, or tales of found family, or friendship fics, or just plain like a good, well-written crossover you should give this fic a try.

The Ties that Bind Job

Title: Lock and Keys by Emma DeMarais
Fandom: Burn Notice
Pairing: gen
Categories: casefile
Length: 7,000 words
Warnings: n/a

Review:
When a friend of Barry the money launderer gets abducted by a human trafficker, Michael, Sam, and Fiona are tasked with rescuing her.

This is a meat and potatoes fic, with good writing and an interesting (if a bit thin) plot. The characterizations are why I'm reccing this fic; all three members of the team are spot on, with Fiona a special standout. Though I gotta say my favorite bit is when Sam goes undercover as a "puppy". A solid casefile.

Lock and Keys

Title: Magnetic by Aria
Fandom: Due South
Pairing: Fraser/Kowalski/Vecchio
Categories: post-canon, angst, casefile
Length: ~20,700 words
Warnings: police procedure as accurate as in canon (which is to say, not accurate at all)

Review:
After the adventure, Kowalski comes back to Chicago with the understanding that Fraser will be following as soon as he can arrange a transfer back to the Consulate. Only when Kowalski arrives, he finds that Vecchio is back as well.

I understand that there are a lot of Due South threesome fics where both Vecchio and Kowalski are focused on Fraser (though I have to admit I haven't found many of those stories myself). This fic is rather unique in that it *seems* like the Rays are focused on Fraser, but the real issue is that the Rays are focused on each other and *want* to be focused on Fraser. It's an interesting dynamic that causes lots of issues until everyone finally gets their ass in gear and *talks* to each other. Add to that some good writing with a few absolutely great lines as well as two very distinct Rays and you have a solid, satisfying FKV fic.

Magnetic