Bi-monthly themed fic recs, submitted by you!

January Community Fic Rec

I did a very mid job promoting this month's first unthemed fic rec, my apologies, but we have four fics that you as the reading community wanted to shout out and show some love!

Please read, kudos, comment, reblog, and don't forget to submit your February Faves for the next list!

Last First Kiss by HalosAngel/@4izHalo (69000, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles, Liam Payne/Zayn Malik, Niall Horan/Shawn Mendes) – fic post

OT5 and Shawn head to a skiing holiday where they get snowed in and pass the time telling the stories of how they met and fell in love. A story of friendship and soulmates.

Reccer says: It is written so well and you can feel their personalities and their love shine through. Each partnership is unique.

It All Began With Banana Bread by allwaswell16/@allwaswell16 (5379, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

Harry receives a Grindr message from a fit neighbor, asking to borrow a screwdriver, and it's somehow not a come on (or maybe it is)

Reccer says: This had me cracking up the whole time, over and over. The miscommunication and does-he-like-me-or-not is the perfect level of silly and believable and not too drawn out. Chef's (or baker's) kiss.

Market Research by louislittletomlintum/@louislittletomlintum (26638, Explicit, Zayn Malik/Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

Zayn is an OnlyFans creator who has only made heterosexual (or solo) content, but when he's approached by another male creator asking if he'd like to work together, he's intrigued. His friends Louis and Harry help show him the ropes.

Reccer says: It's a really interesting exploration of identity and self-discover, and I love how gently and openly and honestly that process is treated. Also it's hot as fuck holy hell.

Love on the train by likeabluebird (4626, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

Harry and Louis are pulled into a TikTok speed date on the London Tube. It's a perfect match.

January Community Fic Rec

I did a very mid job promoting this month's first unthemed fic rec, my apologies, but we have four fics that you as the reading community wanted to shout out and show some love!

Please read, kudos, comment, reblog, and don't forget to submit your February Faves for the next list!

Last First Kiss by HalosAngel/@4izHalo (69000, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles, Liam Payne/Zayn Malik, Niall Horan/Shawn Mendes) – fic post

OT5 and Shawn head to a skiing holiday where they get snowed in and pass the time telling the stories of how they met and fell in love. A story of friendship and soulmates.

Reccer says: It is written so well and you can feel their personalities and their love shine through. Each partnership is unique.

It All Began With Banana Bread by allwaswell16/@allwaswell16 (5379, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

Harry receives a Grindr message from a fit neighbor, asking to borrow a screwdriver, and it's somehow not a come on (or maybe it is)

Reccer says: This had me cracking up the whole time, over and over. The miscommunication and does-he-like-me-or-not is the perfect level of silly and believable and not too drawn out. Chef's (or baker's) kiss.

Market Research by louislittletomlintum/@louislittletomlintum (26638, Explicit, Zayn Malik/Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

Zayn is an OnlyFans creator who has only made heterosexual (or solo) content, but when he's approached by another male creator asking if he'd like to work together, he's intrigued. His friends Louis and Harry help show him the ropes.

Reccer says: It's a really interesting exploration of identity and self-discover, and I love how gently and openly and honestly that process is treated. Also it's hot as fuck holy hell.

Love on the train by likeabluebird (4626, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

Harry and Louis are pulled into a TikTok speed date on the London Tube. It's a perfect match.

January Community Fic Rec

I did a very mid job promoting this month's first unthemed fic rec, my apologies, but we have four fics that you as the reading community wanted to shout out and show some love!

Please read, kudos, comment, reblog, and don't forget to submit your February Faves for the next list!

Last First Kiss by HalosAngel/@4izHalo (69000, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles, Liam Payne/Zayn Malik, Niall Horan/Shawn Mendes) – fic post

OT5 and Shawn head to a skiing holiday where they get snowed in and pass the time telling the stories of how they met and fell in love. A story of friendship and soulmates.

Reccer says: It is written so well and you can feel their personalities and their love shine through. Each partnership is unique.

It All Began With Banana Bread by allwaswell16/@allwaswell16 (5379, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

Harry receives a Grindr message from a fit neighbor, asking to borrow a screwdriver, and it's somehow not a come on (or maybe it is)

Reccer says: This had me cracking up the whole time, over and over. The miscommunication and does-he-like-me-or-not is the perfect level of silly and believable and not too drawn out. Chef's (or baker's) kiss.

Market Research by louislittletomlintum/@louislittletomlintum (26638, Explicit, Zayn Malik/Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

Zayn is an OnlyFans creator who has only made heterosexual (or solo) content, but when he's approached by another male creator asking if he'd like to work together, he's intrigued. His friends Louis and Harry help show him the ropes.

Reccer says: It's a really interesting exploration of identity and self-discover, and I love how gently and openly and honestly that process is treated. Also it's hot as fuck holy hell.

Love on the train by likeabluebird (4626, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

Harry and Louis are pulled into a TikTok speed date on the London Tube. It's a perfect match.

Rec List: Fandom Faves of 2025!

We made it through another year! And what a year it was, in so many ways. Some good, some bad, some just... weird.

Anyways. Here are 12 fics that y'all picked as some of your favourites that were posted this year. From quick but brilliant fics under 5k to expansive tomes over 100k, from funny to angsty to smutty, take a browse and see what strikes your fancy. As always, drop a kudos, comment, reblog, and more for these wonderful authors -- show them the love!

As we say goodbye to the old year and welcome 2026, over the next few days I'm going to have some reflections on the recs from this past year and some changes I'm looking at for what comes next. But from the bottom of my -- thank you all for joining me on this adventure! Keep reading, keep writing, keep making this community amazing.

You’re The Light On My Darkest Days by itsgonnabealright28/@itsgonnabealright28 (49783, Not Rated, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) Warnings: Chronic illness, some mental health issues explored.

Being broken up with by his boyfriend of three years has left Louis heartbroken and miserable, and the last thing that he wants to do is go to Niall's house party so he can be set up with Niall's friend from university, Harry. Louis and Harry unexpectedly hit it off, but Harry has been going through a hard time that has made him give up on finding love. Despite still working through his heartbreak, Louis is determined to give Harry the happiness that he deserves.

Reccer says: Love the relationship between Harry and Louis and their characterizations. The author did a great job with telling their story.

There’s a Cigarette Still Burning… by xunorthodox/@ltwritten (120693, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles) – fic post Warnings: implied/referenced sexual assault, suicide attempt, past suicide attempts, substance abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, attempted sexual assault, past self harm

Louis has Borderline Personality Disorder and Harry helps him through it

Reccer says: It’s very accurate and realistic and has such beautiful writing with passion behind it.

Six Ways to Sunday by SilverStuff50 (11000, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles)

actor/singer famous-famous AU

Reccer says: the banter is next level and it's just fun and hot

Crushing Out by Pointer Brother (15000, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles)

When Harry decides to crash his dickhead ex’s wedding, he has absolutely no intention of causing a scene, nor of getting physical with his ex’s sexy older brother. But...things don’t always go to plan.

Reccer says: very funny, and very satisfying and so well written

the trail provides by whatabadchoice/@lydiejo (13500, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles)

hiking is not a spiritual experience and Louis will die on that hill....it’s just that this stranger is really quite (very, extremely) pretty. Or, Louis meets Harry hiking the Pacific Coast Trail.

Reccer says: This author is top tier for smut with heart. The banter is incredibly witty but there is always emotional development occuring as well. I laughed, I cried, I acquired a new thing that I quote all the time, I kind of wish I could read a 100k word sequel, I love these two.

number one by honey_beeing (2500, Mature, Louis Tomlinson/ Harry Styles)

blind date gone awry... or did it

Reccer says: it's really cute and I love the banter

Strong by HalosAngel/@4IzHalo (74180, Explicit, Louis/Harry) – fic post Warnings: Domestic Violence (not between H&L), anxiety

Louis hasn’t spoken to Harry in years when his younger sister Lizzy Styles shows up on his doorstep crying and bleeding. Not knowing how to help her best he has to look into his past to heal Lizzy, and himself.

Reccer says: The vulnerability shown by the writer in this story. The flashbacks of the relationship timeline and how it applies to the struggles Louis is having while helping Lizzy. The humour. The author includes all of OT5 but stays on track without side stories.

All the sins you didn't have by Brooklyn Babylon/@twopoppies (99000, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles)

Victorian London/Paris Opera Ballet au. Ballet dancer Harry, gentleman Louis

Reccer says: Immersive historical au, well researched and engaging. The perilous situation that Harry was in felt very real and a happy outcome didn't feel guaranteed, so the relief of tension when it was achieved was wonderful.

Shameful Company by Blueskiesrry/@blueskiesrry (40000, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles)

Radio host Louis and law student Harry are childhood friends to lovers to exes to fuckbuddies to lovers.

Reccer says: Wonderful character studies. This author never shies away from allowing the characters to be authentically flawed humans who are sometimes selfish and thoughtless and hurt other people because of that but there is always growth or hope of growth.

Swansong by Shaylea (181000, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles)

Ballet au featuring Swan Lake, Billy Elliot, touring the world.

Reccer says: I learnt so much through reading this fic, about ballet, Swan Lake, Japan...I found myself seeking out more about the world, watching the original ballet, and looking at the places they were visiting. The story was wonderful, but I also liked that it inspired curiosity.

Bloodstain by Violetlilachyacinth (99000, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Harry Styles)

1982 rural North Carolina isn't the most conducive environment for vampirism.

Reccer says: I took a long time to read this, kept having to stop and take breaks- not because it was hard to read in a literal sense but because it felt so novel and so unknowable that I needed time to process what was happening. I could not guess how the plot would unfold other than an ominous sense that it would not end well, and it could never end well. This fic is absolutely unique, it is dreamy and beautiful, even without a 'happy' ending.

this easy thing of sacrifice by EULOGISEME /@eulogisemeao3 (104000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

Murder Mystery. Louis is employed by the Styles family as a house maintainer but when he arrives he realises he’s appointed as the nanny for Harry’s daughter instead. The longer he stays the more secrets start to unravel and the mystery of who killed his husband is revealed.

Speaking as an author, it's always really nice to feel appreciated by the readers. Getting kudos or reblogs is nice, but what really makes my day is seeing people's reactions or hearing what they liked -- comments, notes on bookmarks, tags on reblogs, etc.

Over the course of this year, I've been collecting an assortment of reactions from authors whose fics were submitted to the blog, expressing their excitement at being recognized or their appreciation for the reccer's kind words. I can tell you that it really makes a difference, and makes all the late nights delving through thesauruses and panicking over how to title and tag worth it.

Next Category: Best of 2025!

As this year comes to a close, let's celebrate the many new amazing fics that have come out this year! Any fic that was started or completed in 2025 is eligible to submit -- any ship (or not), any length, any rating, any content, any author. Send in your favourite fics of 2025 by the end of the year -- the list will post on Thursday, January 1st, 2026.

Next Category: Best of 2025!

As this year comes to a close, let's celebrate the many new amazing fics that have come out this year! Any fic that was started or completed in 2025 is eligible to submit -- any ship (or not), any length, any rating, any content, any author. Send in your favourite fics of 2025 by the end of the year -- the list will post on Thursday, January 1st, 2026.

Next Category: Best of 2025!

As this year comes to a close, let's celebrate the many new amazing fics that have come out this year! Any fic that was started or completed in 2025 is eligible to submit -- any ship (or not), any length, any rating, any content, any author. Send in your favourite fics of 2025 by the end of the year -- the list will post on Thursday, January 1st, 2026.

AND THEN A BIT

Pairing: Harry/Louis

“We’d like to give the fans what they want.” Magee states, placing his hand on the table in front of him and leaning forward. “We want to give them Larry Stylinson.”

Or, take a parallel universe where Louis and Harry were never together, mix in a two year hiatus and an impending comeback, pour in a dash of lost fans, two tablespoons of strong friendship and a Modest! employee with a good idea. Add a squeeze of pretending to be a couple, lots of kisses and a tattoo or two. Stir. Serve: the mother of all publicity stunts.

PROLOGUE

Our Lives, Non-fiction (The Rival Authors! AU) by: indiaalphawhiskey art by @twopoppies

Rating: Explicit Fandom: One Direction (Band) Relationships: Marcel/Louis Tomlinson Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Harry Styles is Marcel, Rival Authors, Enemies to Lovers, Loss of Virginity, First Time, Blow Jobs, Sexting, Dirty Talk, Kink Exploration, Panties, Consensual Name Calling, Mentions of Rough Sex, Barebacking, Rimming, Fooling Around in Public, Masturbation, Awkward Sex Chapters: 3/3 Word Count: 113,574 Heralded as the next Neil Gaiman, Louis Tomlinson does not appreciate being told that his very serious novel is in dire need of a PR boost. Even worse, that it comes in the form of a joint book tour with the UK’s #1 online romance-writing sensation Marcel Styles. Already turbulent at best, their partnership takes a drastic turn when, overly stressed about his looming deadline, Marcel accidentally blurts out a secret: though he’s famed for his scorching hot literary love scenes, he is, actually, a virgin.

Convinced that the only way to rid himself of writer’s block is to gain some experience, Marcel asks Louis, author-to-author, to sleep with him – for Science. And of course Louis agrees because, well, what on Earth could possibly go wrong?

Or, a lesson in romance that proves that sometimes the best love stories aren’t always by the book.

a little tenderness by @disgruntledkittenface​

“Listen, my alpha and I broke up and it turns out that all of our friends were really his friends and I need someone to help me through–”

“No,” Harry practically shouts, the word bursting out of him unbidden. He cringes when he sees the shock on Niall’s face, his pale skin flushing lightly. “I’m sorry, but my answer has to be no. I don’t help omegas through heats. I’m really sorry, Liam knows that, so I don’t know why he would give you the idea–”

“It’s not heat, Harry,” Niall interrupts. “It’s depri.”

“Oh. Fuck.”

Touch deprivation makes a lot of sense now that Harry thinks about it. Niall seems generally unwell; he appears to be weak, his skin is pallid and his lips look chapped, and his breathing is ragged. He’s wearing a cozy-looking sweatshirt, but even over FaceTime, he kind of seems cold, hunched over with his arms wrapped around his body. Harry’s never been around an omega in depri as bad off as Niall looks; most of the time, there’s an alpha friend or family member who can help out with scenting and physical contact.

Oh.

Rec List: Fan Faves!

I asked you for your favourite, mind-blowing, life-altering fics, and y'all delivered. And I approve of y'all's taste -- I haven't read all of these fics, but there are a number of fics that I've read and loved as well as fics that are already on my TBR list. And I'm just as excited for the ones I haven't seen before, we love new discoveries and celebrating hidden gems.

Please read, kudos, comment, share, and all that jazz! These authors absolutely deserve it.

a little tenderness by disgruntledkittenface/@disgruntledkittenface (10500, Not Rated, Niall Horan/Harry Styles) – fic post

Alpha Harry helps Omega Niall through a case of touch deprivation.

Reccer says: This is my ultimate comfort fic. It is soft and sweet and their relationship is so perfect. I love the way this fic deals with asexuality and secondary genders.

Crawling on Your Shores by juliusschmidt/@juliusschmidt (66631, Explicit, Liam Payne/Harry Styles) – fic post Warnings: mental health issues, past death by suicide

Liam is searching for direction, purpose, connection, and, ultimately, himself. Harry is searching for aliens.

Reccer says: The care that this writer put into writing these characters just trying to figure things out and finding each other is honestly next level.

Stand on Holy Ground by wishingforloushair on ao3/@wishingforloushair (17322, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) Warnings: Religion, unholy uses of holy things.

Harry is a priest and does unholy things to Louis in a church.

Reccer says: I wasn’t raised religious and this fic is the reason why I know how to pray the rosary. I wish I was kidding.

No one like you by Myownspark /@myownsparknow (19924, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

Harry and Louis are 19th century painters on opposite sides of an artistic divide, thought to be complete opposites or completely unrelated. Liam and Niall discover their true story through letters and paintings in the current day.

Reccer says: Beautiful prose that really puts you in the moment, it’s so vivid. Discovering H&L’s love story as Liam and Niall do is so fun, and their love story makes your heart ache.

love is a word, you gave it a name by CuckooTrooke/@larrydoinglaundry (158000, Explicit, Harry Styles / Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: Themes of closeting and gender identity are discussed with all the respect and care they deserve

After two decades in brutal show business, Louis Tomlinson is trying to restore his tranquility of mind in the peace of Northern Europe where the sun barely sets, Maria's bar is always open, and young Harry has an irresistible spark in his eyes.

Reccer says: This fic gripped my entire soul and changed me as a person. The characters are so nuanced and layered and real, and their story will make you feel every human emotion.

Vexxieverse by SomeDovesFly /@somedovesfly (616774, Explicit, Niall Horan/Zayn Malik/Liam Payne/Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: Plenty, please heed the tags for each story. Everything is consensual, but some of the kink content is intense and might be triggering.

OT5 poly AU. They navigate through Hollywood, life, sex, kink, and jealousy but never without abundant love. BDSM comfort fic.

Reccer says: In my 25 years of reading fic, I've never encountered anything like this series. The most outstanding, loving, realistic depiction of polyamory *and* kink I've ever seen written for any fandom. This story truly is the greatest of them all and will change you as a person.

Stranger Than Larry Fiction by Larrysmomfics/@larrysmomfics (90000, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

Harry and Louis were never together in the band. Now they’re reading Larry fanfic together. What’s the worst that could happen?

Reccer says: The call outs to some amazing works in the fandom, Harry’s devotion, Louis idiocy.

Our Lives, Non-Fiction by indiaalphawhiskey/@indiaalphawhiskey (113574, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

Heralded as the next Neil Gaiman, Louis Tomlinson does not appreciate being told that his very serious novel is in dire need of a PR boost. Even worse, that it comes in the form of a joint book tour with the UK’s #1 online romance-writing sensation Marcel Styles. Already turbulent at best, their partnership takes a drastic turn when, overly stressed about his looming deadline, Marcel accidentally blurts out a secret: though he’s famed for his scorching hot literary love scenes, he is, actually, a virgin.

Reccer says: This is my all-time fave fic. I love the deep dive into the writing process, the incredible banter, and then there’s the hot hot hot smut

Them Butterflies by momentofclarity/@gaycousinlarry (68507, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

To sum it all up - Louis is beautiful. Breathtakingly so. And Harry can’t find it in himself to even question the fact that he thinks so. Louis is mesmerising, nearly magnetic with all the energy bouncing off of him. Harry doesn’t know what to make of it, but he knows he doesn’t want this night to end. This is the extraordinarily ordinary AU where Harry falls in love for the first time and Louis learns how to fall in love all over again.

Reccer says: This fic is my ultimate cheer-me-up anytime comfort read. Their first meeting scene is just so … perfectly all consuming (and deeply reminiscent of the first time I met a past love)

You Make Lovin’ Fun by homosociallyyours/@homosociallyyours (109915, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

Harry is a 28 year old travel writer at a queer magazine who gets the assignment to go on a lesbian cruise. She figures it’s a nice chance to have some fun in the sun, but she’s not expecting much else– even if her partner and best friend are both encouraging her to hook up with someone while she’s there. When she locks eyes with a gorgeous silver fox from across a crowded room, she starts to think she could’ve been wrong. There are lots of things standing in the way of anything real happening with her and Louis, but that doesn’t stop them from falling for one another. True love isn’t always easy, but they do make lovin’ fun.

Reccer says: Another comfort reread! I love love love that there’s no glossing over the hard parts of relationships, and the gorgeous smut is a bonus!

And Then a Bit by infinitelymint /@infinitelymint (158824, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

“We’d like to give the fans what they want.” Magee states, placing his hand on the table in front of him and leaning forward. “We want to give them Larry Stylinson.” Or, take a parallel universe where Louis and Harry were never together, mix in a two year hiatus and an impending comeback, pour in a dash of lost fans, two tablespoons of strong friendship and a Modest! employee with a good idea. Add a squeeze of pretending to be a couple, lots of kisses and a tattoo or two. Stir. Serve: the mother of all publicity stunts.

Reccer says: All the things!!! This fic has brilliant OT5 shenanigans, all the canon references with a lot less angst, plus bffs Harry and Louis fake dating (or are they?)

where the lights are beautiful by twoshipsdrifting/@polkadotlou (31170, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: Dubious Consent during heat

The accidental bonding omegaverse fic where Harry thinks Louis trapped him into bonding

Reccer says: This is my go-to fic when I want to cry. Hurts just right! And it's still after all these years my favorite omegaverse fic

Moon Dances Over by LadyLondonderry/@londonfoginacup (1982, General, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

Omega mer-person Louis will choose his alpha at the mating ceremony tonight, and he is ready to make an unconventional choice.