Fandom: HAWAII FIVE-0 (NEW)
Pairing: Steve/Danny
Length: 12,000 words
Author on LJ: sheafrotherdon
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

Another fine example of sheafrotherdon's writing, I really like how this fic illustrates Danny's character, his family life, and how his team is there for him, through thick and thin. On top of that, it gives more depth and resolution to an episode screaming out for exploration. We get to see Danny's family come to Hawaii from New Jersey after Danny calls a stop on his brother's plane before it leaves the airport. (For that alone, this fic should be recced 'cause shea brings ALL members of family Williams to life so brilliantly!) Deeply emotional, this fic shines in its characterization, sense of family, and love, both between the Williams clan, the H50 clan, and between Danny and Steve. I loved and adored every minute of it.

All My Guards Away

Beep beep! This is my last rec of the month. I've had such a blast, I'm coming back for another fandom next month! I hope you have all found some great Luke/Mara fic to read this month--they're such a great pairing and I was thrilled to get to rec.

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairings: Luke Skywalker/Mara Jade
Length: 68k
Author on LJ: jedimara77 and lanewinree
Author Website: JediMara77  |  LaneWinree51
Why this must be read: JediMara77 is a fantastic writer and choosing a fic was difficult. I decided on this one because its a nice stand-alone fic (although there is a NC-17 "shine" to one of the chapters available at lukeandmara). Mara and Luke have to pretend to be married while on a mission, accompanied by some of the members of Rogue Squadron. This piece was amusing and had a lovely, heartwarming ending. But seriously, go read it, the Rogues steal the show.


X Wing: Knights of Plooma

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Elizabeth Bennet/George Wickham ????
Length: 84,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Roads Not Taken

Why this must be read:

Do not let the pairing deceive you! All is not as it appears! Let me explain: Within the Austen fandom, there is a sub-genre of kidnapping or switched at birth stories. Usually, Elizabeth and possibly Jane are discovered to be daughters of Lady Catherine or some other wealthy relative of Darcy's. By some nefarious plot, they are kidnapped from their true family and raised by the Bennets. There is usually a fifty-fifty chance that the Bennets themselves are complicit in the plot. I am not recommending one of those stories this time around, although they can be quite well done.

It is much rarer to find a story in which ( possible spoiler ) is switched! And yet that is the case with this story. Do not worry, I am not really spoiling anything. It is very apparent who is whom within a few paragraphs of reading the prologue.

Young George Wickham, supported by his wealthy godfather, old Mr. Darcy of Pemberley, makes his way in the world. He is appointed to be the curate of the Meryton parish and so comes to the village a few years before Mr. Bingley takes possession of Netherfield. Already humble because of his lowly upbringing, he and Elizabeth soon form a fast friendship that eventually turns into more. But that is only the beginning of the tale, and all contained within the prologue. What happens when Mr. Bingley comes? And Mr. Collins? And when ( possible spoiler ) Mr. Darcy finally makes his appearance?

This is a delightful story, full of twists and turns. The story is not about how the two main characters fall in love, though it does have that, but about how they endure together through all that life may throw at them, both good and bad. Highly recommended.

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( Excerpt )

The Fortune He Ought to Have

Fandom: BANDOM (MCR, PANIC!AT THE DISCO)

Pairing: Frank Iero/Gerard Way, Ryan Ross/Brendon Urie

Length: 7,786 words

Author on LJ: softlyforgotten

Author Website: Author's AO3 Page

Why this must be read:

Do you love nature shows? Is Animal Planet always playing on your TV? Then, this AU fic might be for you.

After meeting in a zoology class in college, Frank and Gerard become BFFs, roommates and, eventually, hosts of their own nature show. Occasionally, they cross paths with Brendon and co. while standing in the Venezuelan jungle. Come along with the MCR and Panic boys as they traipse all over the world, talking about seahorses, otters and crab-eating monkeys.

It's neat read. :)



( An excerpt )


A Scenic World (Link goes to AO3)

Remember: leaving feedback for a writer whose story you've enjoyed is awesome.

Fandom: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Pairing: Anne de Bourgh ????/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 123,700 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Desert Musings

Why this must be read:

Do not let the pairing deceive you! All is not as it appears! (I know I started the previous entry the same way, and it's for pretty much the same reason. Once you read the prologue and chapter one, you will understand.)

This particular story has a reverse kidnapped/switched-at-birth conceit. Instead of the wealthy Elizabeth growing up in more humble (but still gentry) circumstances with the Bennets, it is quite the opposite.

The story begins with Lady Catherine de Bourgh née Fitzwilliam newly married, and she finds her husband's attentions to her at night to be uncomfortable at best. Thus, she hatches a plot to make herself appear pregnant and then produce a child (by fair means or foul) at the appropriate time.

So begins this story, which covers around thirty to forty years of time. We begin with Lady Catherine's plot, then the story switches to Anne's (??) point of view. This Anne butts heads with her mother over almost everything, and is unafraid to speak her mind. She is also witty and lively and growing into a beautiful young woman. Add to that her immense fortune and Rosings Park as her inheritance, and she is the most eligible young lady for her first (and probably only) season in London. It could go to her head. Waiting in the wings is her serious-minded cousin Darcy, whom she had declared, at the tender age of twelve, she would never marry!

Of course, the truth must come out eventually....

The premise of this story is quite improbable, but that does not take away from the quality of the writing or the just plain fun to be had in reading it. Highly recommended.

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( Excerpt )

A Mother's Favorite Wish

Fandom: STAR TREK: REBOOT
Pairing: McCoy/Chapel
Length: 6,200+ words
Author on LJ: esme_green
Author Website: n/a
Why this must be read: When all the male crewmembers on Enterprise are affected by an unknown chemical substance, it's up to the women to take charge and save the day. At turns funny, dramatic and sexy, this is an extremely entertaining story that takes a treadworn trope and retells it superbly.

( Excerpt )

Seamless

Fandom: STAR TREK: REBOOT
Pairing: McCoy/Chapel
Length: 1,000+ words
Author on LJ: seren_ccd
Author Website: n/a
Why this must be read: Five hours after being exposed to an alien pollen, McCoy and Chapel have finally reached the breaking point of their control. This is trope!fic -- extremely well-written and intense and hot trope!fic, with a final line that is sweet and disturbing in equal measure.

( Excerpt )

Instincts of My Own