Fandom: X-FILES
Pairing: Skinner/Mulder
Author on LJ: N/A
Author's Website: JiM's Fiction Page

Why this must be read: I'm sure many a fandom and pairing has had this cliche of a scenario written. Two people with a combative relationship. Locked/trapped in a room/location. One gets weak/cold, so the other has to take care of him. Sex ensues. The End.

I've seen this done so many times but not as expertly as JiM does. And true, it's a PWP, and in fact, the writer more than adequately offers us a sizzling serving of Skinner/Mulder slash. But in my opinion, what makes this transcend your usual cliche fic is that it is infused with a soft, gentle undercurrent of sweetness and romance. It is also charmingly funny as Mulder's quirky humor can sometimes be.

( Excerpt )

Last Train to Clarksville

Fandom: ROSWELL
Pairing: various
Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: N/A

Why this must be read:
One of the joys that is unique to fandom, I think, is seeing one story spark another with any degree of immediacy. This series began with one writer wanting to expand on the ideas explored by another and I think that makes it a joy to read. There is a sense of build-up throughout the series and Marianna's 'Max to the Max' more than delivers on the promise of its predecessors. Increasingly dark and twisted, yet every shade of hot, this series is one of my favorite Roswell reads.

These are all fairly dark takes on the Roswell universe following "Destiny":
Peppermint Illusions by Laure Alexander - In which Liz discovers cold comfort.
Hard Candy by Shimi - In which we get Nasedo's take on things.
Chocolate Promises by Mala - In which some ideas are blown right out of the water.
Max to the Max by Marianna - In which the object of desire finally gets his say.

(Series link will take you to Laure's Roswell fic page, scroll to the bottom for individual story links.)
Bitter Sweets

Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Pairing: Sam/Frodo (first time), Merry/Pippin (established), Frodo/OMC, Frodo/Merry (mentioned)
Author Website: House of Hobbits

Why this must be read...

Because sometimes, you need a good angsty read and this is one of the best. Set pre-quest, Frodo is madly, hopelessly and completely in love with Sam who is torn between Frodo and the future that Rosie can offer him. Enter storms, cousins, surprising conversations, jealousy and more tears than at the end of ROTK.

This is very well written and sustains an almost desperate edge to the story without rushing to the action as Sam begins to realise that there are some things which come along only once in a lifetime and Frodo understands that there are things that you can’t learn how not to need.

The characterisation vacillates between movie and book canon; Frodo is clearly the Frodo of the movie while the characterisation of Merry owes far more to the books but in both cases, the story is stronger for it. The stable relationship between Merry and Pippin provides a nice counterpoint and Sam’s conversations with the Gaffer are one of the unique things about this story. In so many Sam/Frodo stories, the Gaffer is characterised as being unwilling to understand or accept the relationship between Sam and Frodo; in this story, he provides some very good advice to an almost terminally confused Sam.

Sam’s jealousy of Merry is also a nice touch – and explained in one of two companion stories. One of my favourite things about this story is that it mentions, but does not dwell on the different status of Sam and Frodo – not another ‘Lady Chatterley’s Hobbit’!

This is a story which really doesn't disappoint and the characters really have to work hard and really think about their choices and decisions.

( Excerpt )

Rain

Fandom: Lord of the Rings crossover with Lotrips
Pairing: Merry/Pippin, Dom/Billy
Author on lj: puddle_took
Author website: Puddle Took's lj seems to be fic only.
Why this must be read:

This is a really eerie and bizarre little story. It's very brief, just over 1500 words, but it sticks and reverberates inside your head. Despite how short it is, the characterisations kick ass and the ending left me gasping and smiling and stunned.

Simply, it's one of those stories that make you go: Gah!

Excerpt:

Merry and Pippin have been hanging around in a great big stone city for a while, now. It's on the eastern side of a mountain and there's a field enclosed by a wall at the bottom. A river flows in the distance, and beyond that, there's another congregation of mountains that looks healthier with each passing day.

Except that's the thing; Merry and Pippin aren't sure there are days here. Just like they aren't sure if this place is called Minas-something-or-other. They used to know. Then Merry forgot, and Pippin forgot too, and now they're just like everyone else, floating around aimlessly but happily, enjoying each others' company.

The Fates by Puddle Took

Thanks to sunsetmog for reccing this to me.

Fandom:X-MEN MOVIEVERSE
Pairing:Mystique/Magneto and implied Xavier/Magneto
Author on LJ:kassrachel
Why this must be read

Because there is not enough good Mystique/Magneto.

Skin is short, but certainly not simple. The relationship between Magneto and Mystique has been written in a number of ways. Kassrachel gives us a wonderful story that manages to be edgy, complex, and hot all at the same time. The characterizations are wonderful. This story also provides wonderful insights into the Mystique and Magneto individually. And as always, the painful look into the relationship that still exists in some form between Magneto/Xavier.

Due to the length of the story I don't want to spoil it with any excerpts. Take my word, read this story gorgeous, edgy, hot, and complex.

Skin

Fandom: HARRY POTTER
Pairing: Severus Snape/Remus Lupin
Author on LJ: sparrohawk
Author Website: Fiction by Sparrowhawk
Why this must be read:

Here is a story that works, despite the fact that Snape is still very Snape and Remus is... well, Remus. It makes great use of the characters and makes your insides clench with its deliciousness. Plus all that GUH hot sex! This story (and its sequels) will leave you feeling like you might just need a cigarette.

Skin Deep
Lesser Light
That The Night Come

Fandom: HARRY POTTER
Pairing: Severus Snape/Ron Weasley
Author on LJ: josanpq
Author Website: Josan's website
Why this must be read:

You might not believe me, but you should - this story works! It's set way in the future where both Snape and Ron are much older, but more importantly, have been changed substantially by the war. I found the story very charming and romantic. It's a nice length, which makes for a good, satisfying read, plus it really hits the hurt/comfort kink (should you have one *coughcough*). You'll find yourself rooting for this very unlikely couple!

Aftermath