Under the Radar Rec: In His Majesty's Secret Service

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

I promised 2 of these a month, but my life got a bit complicated so I fell behind.  Here's a rec for a cold February evening, however! 

Title: In His Majesty's Secret Service
Author: I can't remember if this is her real name or not, so I'm just going to use initials here: L.S
Location: Proslib CD (file name is: majesty.txt)

Brief Description: A historical AU--one of my favorites, in fact, set during the reign of Charles II.  Doyle, the son of an Earl, is a dissolute wastrel as far as society knows, but in reality he works in what we would call intelligence for Charles.  He is playing a dangerous game with a French spy who desires him as well as government secrets. Doyle meets Bodie one night, while traveling, when Doyle's coach is attacked and Bodie joins in the fight.  Bodie was raised in a Puritan household (!) but, not unnaturally, didn't really fit in. He's off to London to seek his fortune.  Doyle takes him in and introduces him to society.  Bodie eventually comes to understand the game Doyle is playing and, in typical Bodie fashion, starts playing his own game. *g*

You'll find sword fighting, rescues, vengeance, intrigues, and--yes--romance.  The period details are marvelous, the dialogue rings true, and the secondary characters are well-rounded and believable (including the hissable villain).  I love it.  Oh, and it's long!  Perfect for late-winter doldrums.  Go. Read.

( A taste... )