30 Days Relationship Challenge #5

Peter & Neal, White Collar

When the show was first brought to my attention, before it even aired, I wasn't all that sure I would like it. I knew of the actors playing the main parts but I didn't like any of their previous shows. I didn't believe that Tim DeKay and Matt Bomer could have good enough chemistry to keep me interested. Boy, was I wrong! These two fit together like two puzzle pieces and they make the show a true delight!

The characters are so incredibly well written. Over the years, Peter has been many things to Neal: his persecutor, his handler, his boss, his carer, his friend, his confidant, his big brother, his father... And with each season, their relationship deepens. Right now, they mostly feel like father/son or big brother/little brother.

To Neal, Peter means stability and unwavering support where he had none before. Neal knows that Peter will always have his back. Peter's the one person he trusts, the only one he trusts fully in the whole world. As it was said in the show, Neal never lied to Peter. Ever. When he holds something back, it's because he thinks that a) he can handle it on his own or b) he's afraid of what Peter would think of him or c) it could get Peter in trouble and that's the last thing Neal wants.

To Peter, Neal's the little brother or son he never had. Neal's the piece he didn't know he was missing in his life. Sure, he has caused Peter many headaches in the past but he also makes their work and life in general FUN! At first, Peter was wary of Neal - and he still is to some degree - but as the latest season finale proved, Neal has become more important to Peter than his job which is pretty much wow-inducing when you think back to the series premiere. I think that to Peter, Neal's now the second most important person in his life after Elizabeth.

I have to give it to Jeff Eastin, he sure knows how to write a deep relationship between men and he isn't afraid to go deeper and deeper. Every time I think that Peter and Neal can't get any closer, can't show their love for each other in a more profound way, Eastin proves me wrong. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us in the upcoming season!

Book #24

"Art in the Blood (Vampire Files #4)" by P.N. Elrod

♦ ♦ ♦

A detective story of the noir kind, only with a vampire in the main role. As a friend of mine keeps saying, this is a vampire series without vampires. Jack's the only supernatural creature far and wide and he has just a few supernatural tricks up his sleeve. Other than that, it's all hard detective work as he and his friend, Charles Escott, investigate.

This particular story had little suspense but very likable characters which made up for the lack of other things. Still it felt a bit slow, not even the reveal of the murderer was all that thrilling. Interesting for people who like the characters but I think it would bore those who don't know Jack, Escott and Bobbi and their previous adventures.