by Tara Marie (link)
Genre drama
Pairings Isaac/OFC, Taylor/Natalie
Length 17 chapters
Status Completed
This story came highly recommended to me by a few friends whose opinions I really value, and while I was a little skeptical of the plot at first, their recommendations gave me the push I needed to read it and it did not disappoint.
Although the title White Collar Crime evokes Zac’s tongue in cheek song, this is not a comedy, except perhaps a few moments of black humor. The story begins with the shocking revelation that Taylor has embezzled money from his and his brothers’ label. It isn’t a courtroom thriller, though, but Tara does handle the legal details well. Equally well handled are the prison details, which are infuriating for someone like me who hates mindless bureaucracy and authority. Still, it’s clear that Tara has done her research and I find myself suffering right along with Taylor as he’s thrown into a world and hierarchy that he doesn’t understand.
Unlike many hanfics, White Collar Crime is also not a romance. Though the bond between Taylor and Isaac is strong, it never turns into that kind of bond. His marriage to Natalie is actually the catalyst for the entire plot, but she’s sadly a little bit of a one note villain. Compared to the other characters, who all play interesting roles in Taylor’s tragedy, she has little to no depth.
As for Taylor’s tragedy, it all gets wrapped up just a bit too quickly for my tastes, even though the actual series of events is interesting enough. From the little references to the Hanson fandom to the wonderful brotherly relationships, White Collar Crime hits few sour notes; its brevity is its weakest quality. When a story is this good, though, you can’t help but want more.
Review by Bethany (website)