Fandom: SMALLVILLE
Pairing: Clark/Lex
Author on LJ: scribblinlenore
Author Website: Lenore's Stories

Why this must be read:
I chose this story because it's non-angsty future Clex, and because it made me smile on a bad day.

Thrill of a Lifetime

Fandom:DUE SOUTH
Pairing: Ray Kowalski/Benton Fraser
Author on LJ: trixiesfic
Author Website: http://trixie.fangirlz.net/

Why this must be read:

So, I picked a lot of my recs because not only are the stories themselves wonderful, but I'm in love with the actual writing of the piece, or the meaning behind them. And Indelible really is a beautifully written piece, and one of my all time favorite stories.

That being said - good GOD is it HOT.

It's Fraser. With a tattoo.

I feel like I should have so much more to say about this. Something witty and wise. Something smart and in depth. But quite honestly, my brain sort of fizzles out and turns into a big, nasty pile of mush when I read this, and I tend to just sort of mumble...Fraser...tattoo...nnrngh...

( A little piece of the hotness )

Indelible

Fandom: QUEER AS FOLK US
Pairing: Brian/Justin
Author on LJ: nightsister
Author Website: N/A
Why this must be read:

Justin goes to Los Angeles to film Rage, and all he can talk to Brian about is the food. Hilarious and sweet, I admit part of the reason I like this story so much is that it reveals SoCal's secret addiction to bad fast food, but I have it on good authority that even if you haven't had personal experience with an In'n'Out Burger, it's still a great story.

( An Excerpt )

Soul Food

Fandom: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
Pairing: Elizabeth/Anamaria, references to Jack/Will and Will/Elizabeth
Author on LJ: the_dala
Author Website: none
Why this must be read:

Pirates is a somewhat limiting fandom for femslash. There are really only two female characters we see much of at all, and their interaction in canon is rather limited. That being said, I love femslash and I adore Elizabeth/Anamaria as a pairing and this story captures everything I love about both.

Dala's Elizabeth and Anamaria are two sides of the same coin. One young, but no longer innocent, the other hardened by life but not hard. Both supremely confident in themselves and in their capabilities. They are drawn to each other, in the back corner of a crowded tavern, in a heady mix of rum and sympathy and desire. Elizabeth's entire world has just shifted under her, but instead of falling she moves with it, moves into it, opens herself up to the new possiblities now before her.

I love reading the_dala's fic, because she just keeps getting better and better with every story she writes. She calls this story "just a little femmeslash PWP," but it really isn't. It's too complex to be dismissed that easily. It's a complicated a mix of emotions and motives and intentions with just enough plot to give them solidity and direction.

Regarding Cowrie Shells and Rum

Fandom: HORNBLOWER
Pairing: Archie/Horatio, Archie/OFC
Author on LJ: cortese
Author Website: Janis Cortese's Fanfiction Archive
Why this must be read:

I have a strong dislike for Hornblower het, and to be honest I might never have sat down to read it were it not for the fact that I like Janis' work. I'm certainly glad I *did*. Don't let the mention of het turn you off; this a slash story told from an outsider's perspective. This is also a story about rape, and the problematic way Western culture views sexuality in general.

Set During the Duel, Archie shares a night with a prostitute named Emmy, and through her perceptiveness and compassion we see Archie as a strong, beautiful man who is sexually confused and badly hurting. We see the damage that Horatio is far too inexperienced to heal. Through Archie's eyes, we see the rape, the humiliation, and the struggle to cut himself (and Horatio) off from sexual enjoyment. Rape is easier for him to understand than healthy sex with Horatio.

Emmy is a delightfully intelligent character in her own right, and no romantic threat. She shows Archie that sex can be "nice" and then sends him back to "his friend with the curls". We can only hope that next time Horatio puts his hand down Archie's pants, he won't be so quick to push him away.

Cortese captures all of this with an honest realism - my favorite thing about her work is that she knows exactly when to be crude and when to be poetic - and her grasp of period language is spectacular. This is definitely the kind of het the fandom needs.

The Working Girl

Fandom: LOTR
Pairing: none
Author on LJ: _redpanda_
Author Website: Twelfth Ring
Why this must be read:

Galadriel's Mirror has always fascinated me. In this story Kielle shows us the dark past of the Lady of Lothlorien reflected in it.

It's a subtle and convincing description of Elven magic.

( excerpt )


Wreath of Steel and Silver
[If you prefer a plainer-text version, try this link.]

Fandom:HIGHLANDER
Pairing: Duncan/Methos
Author on LJ: n/a
Author Website:Fanfiction by illuferret
Why this must be read:
One of the more controversial topics in Highlander fanfiction in Methos and pain. Well some are of the thought that Methos might crave pain perhaps even enjoy it, other say that a man that lived as long as he wouldn't have such issues.

This is one of the stories where Methos needs the pain, in the case because his 'stuck'. He needs the pain and Duncan at first is reluctant to give it to him. Whether the Duncan and Methos are in character depends on ones view of canon.

I encourage you to read it and decide for yourself.

small revelations

Fandom: SMALLVILLE
Pairing: Clark/Lex
Author on LJ: merryish
Author Website: Any Road

Why this must be read:
Part of the Smallville experience is the Freak of the Week. My next couple of recs will feature the weird side of this universe, starting with The Road Home, which is the sequel to The Middle of Nowhere; you'll want to read that first to get the full effect.

The Middle of Nowhere
The Road Home

Fandom: THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: Napoleon/Illya
Author on LJ: Not that I'm aware of
Author Website: http://www.dwordslist.net/RAC_MfU.html
Why this must be read:

Why must this story be read? I suppose "Because I say so," isn't a good enough answer, right? I liked this story because I like the way RAC has of mixing a bit of suspense, a dash of h/c, and more than a pinch of humor to whip up a story that's fun and made me laugh, while at the same time had me biting my nails. I enjoy the way her Illya and Napoleon interact with each other. The fact that they care for each other is obvious, without making me need to break out the insulin. I have minor quibbles with how she handles some of her POV changes. Not exactly whiplash-inducing, but it's one of those things that I tend to get nitpicky about. However, that's a minor issue in an otherwise delightful story that you'll be glad you read.

The Let's Get Friendly Affair

Fandom: POPSLASH (NSync/BSB)
Pairing: Howie/Chris
Author on LJ: meteredlines
Author Website: Alone So Far
Why this must be read:

This is another story where the Chris is the same Chris that lives in my head. It's short and sweet and kind of funny. Howie's a lucky boy. Plus it has this line: ( Read more... ), which never fails to make me smile, at least a little.

The One Where Chris Sucks

Fandom: POPSLASH (NSync/BSB)
Pairing: Nick/Justin
Author on LJ: nevah
Author Website: When I'm In The Mood To Lose My Way
Why this must be read:

It's got Justin and Nick. Also, wanking - What else do I need to say?

Reflect