Scorching Hot Fic: Appallingly Wrong and Irreparably Broken
Title: Appallingly Wrong and Irreparably Broken
Author:
Tessa Crowley
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 27,000
Summary:
Everything in Harry's life is pretty terrible, all things considered. His ex-wife won't stop sleeping around, the government is broken, and his life is an endless cycle of crippling self-hatred and bitter sarcasm. So when Draco Malfoy comes sauntering back into it, sharp as a tack and twice as fit as he has any right to be, the only comfort Harry can find is that he can't possibly make it any worse. You know, probably.
Why I loved it:
This fic is blisteringly, scorchingly, hot. But it also has a rather fascinating plot with unique concepts of pure-blood politics and economics. For the past several years after the war Harry has been shamefully neglecting his fortune, and it's Draco's job to teach Harry how to manage his funds so that he won't continue to have a negative impact on wizarding economy. But when Harry and Draco meet they are instantly and overwhelmingly attracted to each other (this fic is not technically ABO, but it does share many characteristics of that trope, including mpreg!Draco). Yet for all that he can barely keep his hands off of Draco, Harry still doesn't trust him, and is still dealing with his own demons from the past. He ends up insulting Draco in a deeply personal way, and has no idea how much he hurt and humiliated him. In a completely amazing scene it is Lucius Malfoy (!) who against all odds is the voice of reason. (I loved that scene--Lucius is still in character, still as haughty and condescending as ever, yet he manages to get Harry to see what a jerk he has been and to get the help he needs). So: cool plot + astounding hotness = win!
Excerpt:
“Are you wearing Muggle jeans?”
“Are you staring at my ass again?”
“Is your answer predicated on mine? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a piece of clothing with a conditional existence.”
He laughs, startled. “That’s clever. When did you get clever?”
“It’s easy once you stop caring what people think about you.”
“I suppose it must be. Yes, Potter, they’re Muggle jeans.”
“I never thought you’d stoop so low.”
“I’m unpredictable like that.”
This whole verbal sparring thing is uncomfortably close to flirting. The smirk that tugs at his lips isn’t helping.
“Besides,” he continues, “I sort of like it when you stare at my ass.”
Scratch that, it’s definitely flirting. I am flirting with Draco Malfoy. It’s a little disorienting when I consider the fact that I identify as heterosexual and have for most of my life.
Granted, it’s not daunting enough to keep me from staring at his ass as he heads into the kitchen. The jeans really do flatter it something awful.
Author tag needed, please.
Author:
Tessa Crowley
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 27,000
Summary:
Everything in Harry's life is pretty terrible, all things considered. His ex-wife won't stop sleeping around, the government is broken, and his life is an endless cycle of crippling self-hatred and bitter sarcasm. So when Draco Malfoy comes sauntering back into it, sharp as a tack and twice as fit as he has any right to be, the only comfort Harry can find is that he can't possibly make it any worse. You know, probably.
Why I loved it:
This fic is blisteringly, scorchingly, hot. But it also has a rather fascinating plot with unique concepts of pure-blood politics and economics. For the past several years after the war Harry has been shamefully neglecting his fortune, and it's Draco's job to teach Harry how to manage his funds so that he won't continue to have a negative impact on wizarding economy. But when Harry and Draco meet they are instantly and overwhelmingly attracted to each other (this fic is not technically ABO, but it does share many characteristics of that trope, including mpreg!Draco). Yet for all that he can barely keep his hands off of Draco, Harry still doesn't trust him, and is still dealing with his own demons from the past. He ends up insulting Draco in a deeply personal way, and has no idea how much he hurt and humiliated him. In a completely amazing scene it is Lucius Malfoy (!) who against all odds is the voice of reason. (I loved that scene--Lucius is still in character, still as haughty and condescending as ever, yet he manages to get Harry to see what a jerk he has been and to get the help he needs). So: cool plot + astounding hotness = win!
Excerpt:
“Are you wearing Muggle jeans?”
“Are you staring at my ass again?”
“Is your answer predicated on mine? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a piece of clothing with a conditional existence.”
He laughs, startled. “That’s clever. When did you get clever?”
“It’s easy once you stop caring what people think about you.”
“I suppose it must be. Yes, Potter, they’re Muggle jeans.”
“I never thought you’d stoop so low.”
“I’m unpredictable like that.”
This whole verbal sparring thing is uncomfortably close to flirting. The smirk that tugs at his lips isn’t helping.
“Besides,” he continues, “I sort of like it when you stare at my ass.”
Scratch that, it’s definitely flirting. I am flirting with Draco Malfoy. It’s a little disorienting when I consider the fact that I identify as heterosexual and have for most of my life.
Granted, it’s not daunting enough to keep me from staring at his ass as he heads into the kitchen. The jeans really do flatter it something awful.
Author tag needed, please.