do you currently have time to read fics yourself, and if so, what were the last ones you read and really liked? like something that stuck with you, or where you laughed a lot, etc… :)
I do! I tend to read shorter fics now because I don't have the time or attention span to read long ones at the moment - as a long fic writer, I'm glad other people do! I wrote the summaries below, but the authors' actual summaries are better than mine, so don't let my shitty ones turn you off the fic!
Somebody's Got Your Trainers On (It's You) by @greenblueish (bluegreenish on ao3)
Words: 28k. Almost-exes to lovers. Hospital AU.
Louis is a paeds RN and Harry is a paediatrician that used to work at Louis' hospital. Harry leaves, ending his Situationship with Louis. He returns two years later.
My Thoughts:
I LOVED this so much that I commented and then messaged Jill. I honestly don't understand how it's only 28k words because it felt like a whole-arse novel! I work in healthcare (and have worked in paeds) and it was the most accurate description of a ward setting, ward life, healthcare, and paeds that I've ever read. Not a single thing made me cringe. It was paced perfectly and had the right amount of tension and resolution. SO good.
you've set my soul to dreaming @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed (we_are_the_same on ao3).
Word count: 9.2K. Strangers to lovers. Kind of time travel... kind of.
Harry wakes up one Christmas morning expecting to be alone, like he was when he went to be the night before. Instead he wakes up in his bed, but everything else has changed. He quickly falls in love with his new life and is terrified that it won't last.
My Thoughts:
Another fic that felt much longer than the WC (9.2k) because it was so in-depth. I have so much respect for writers who can say so much in so few words! It definitely lived up to the fluff and angst tag. I was almost worried it wasn't going to have a happy ending but it did and even included a short but satisfying epilogue.
Love in Conversation by @hellolovers13
Word Count: 4.9k. Strangers to lovers. Baking phone line.
Despite his protests, Louis has been tasked with making a birthday cake for his younger siblings. The problem? He has no idea what he is doing. After some failed attempts, he stumbles across a helpline for baking mishaps. The other voice on the line does their best to help over the phone, but when Louis still can't get it right, they realise that Louis might need a bit more guidance.
My Thoughts:
Just like the premise, this one was super sweet. Both characters were extremely lovable. Just a really cute fic.
Just the two of us (we can make it if we try) by @starryhaze28 (starryhaze on ao3)
Word Count: 5.9k. Established couple. A/B/O. Mpreg.
Louis is concerned because his omega has been yo-yo-ing between needy and distant and won't tell him why. As time goes by, he gets increasingly worried. Then he founds out his omega is pregnant.
My Thoughts:
Established relationships and mpreg aren't usually my jam, however, this one had enough angst and fluff to draw me in. Very, very sweet.
The Space Between by @alltheselights
Word Count: 39.9k. Strangers to lovers. A/B/O. Famous/Non-Famous.
Harry Styles is an alpha and famous rockstar who has everything except for the ability to sleep. When he reaches breaking point, Louis Tomlinson, an omega psychology PhD student, is contacted for his professional sleeping skills. Their relationship drifts into unprofessional territory, though.
My Thoughts:
As someone very invested in sleeping - because I also lack the ability - I appreciated this fic. It was another "How did they cover so much in so few words" fic. Had the perfect amount of angst towards the end, a satisfying and lovely resolution.
Something To Remember by @parmahamlarrie
Word Count: 25k. Strangers to lovers. Soulmate AU. Famous/Non-famous.
Both Louis and Harry find themselves in an Exclusive Resort in Maui for their respective jobs. Living in a universe where tattoos appear on your skin when you see your soulmate, both of them are surprised that tattoos start showing up. As time keeps passing, getting closer to their departures, they start to fear they'll never actually get to meet their soulmate.
My Thoughts:
Not going to lie, I got a bit anxious that they weren't going to meet. You know I love a good countdown and this fic had one... and it served its purpose well, lol. But they do meet, and it's beautiful. Another beautiful fic.
Quiet People Have The Loudest Minds by @2tiedships2
Word Count: 38k. Strangers to Lovers. A/B/O.
Louis is a non-verbal omega and is at a Broadway show, but the alpha next to him is stealing all of his attention, and he just wants him to leave. Until the alpha introduces himself as Harry and offers to leave.
My Thoughts:
ANOTHER one that felt as though it had a much longer word count because it was so in-depth. I really like the diversity representation. As someone who isn't non-verbal, I can't vouch for the accuracy; however, from the knowledge and experience I do have, it seemed to be handled really well and respectfully. Extremely well-written and another lovely read.
The next two are both by @zanniscaramouche (zanni_scaramouche on ao3):
My Pleasure (to make you mine),
Word Count: 6.5k. Strangers to lovers. Piercing. Praise Kink.
Harry decides to get his nipples pierced, and Louis is the right person for the job.
Your Pain (is mine now)
Word Count: 5.1k. Stranges to lovers. Tattoo. Pain and praise kink.
Louis decides to get a tattoo done by Harry.
My Thoughts:
I'm putting them together as they have very similar vibes (and are written by the same person, lol). Both have light elements of BDSM and are portrayed softly and sweetly. The writing is amazing! You know how people say, "I've read fics where the writing is better than published books?" Well, okay, that IS a lot of fics, but Zanni 100% fits into that category!
Do You See What I See by @allwaswell16
Word Count: 2k. Mix between Strangers/friends to lovers.
Harry just really cares about lost animals. Really, really cares about them. He cares about potentially lost ones too. Ones that, you know, might not actually be lost. Best to take them to the vet, just in case.
My Thoughts:
You asked if I have read any funny ones that made me laugh a lot, and I'm still laughing about this one. It's only 2k words, so I don't want to say too much about it. But awkward Harry is my new favourite thing.
Also, whenever I reblog a fic, that is generally a sign that I loved it!
For transparency's sake, I read a lot of questionable smut that is so questionable that I have not included it!