only angel

I haven’t read all of these so I can’t account for them, but I had these bookmarked:

Set Sail With No Compass (A ZARAH PIRATE ONE, YOU’RE IN LUCK)

These Hands Not Fit For Holding (I loved this one)

Resist Everything Except Temptation

Sail Across Me

Atlas At Last

rivers ‘til I reach you (fantastic smut, people)

got the sunshine on my shoulders

The Oldest Magic Word

Show Me How The Fire Works

The Melody You Never Heard

Paint Me In A Million Dreams (a WIP but you’ve got to)

Back Where I Belong

Not Happening (Ziam, but very worth it)

You Drive Me Round The Bend

Reeling Through The Fall

everything that shine ain’t always gonna be gold

Tear You Down (tomlinshaw, also the entirety of I’d Rather, let’s be real)

pretty hate machine

Under the cut are the 80 fics I read or reread in the past year (sorted by word count).

I want to thank all these writers because thanks to their brilliant art they make my life more beautiful. I read every day whenever I can these amazing stories they wrote for free. And it’s just incredible how much they make me look forward to each new day because I get to discover the worlds they created.

THANK YOU.

yes sure, I did my best but I’m sure I forgot some so y’know…. hope you like ‘em!

Sea Side Fics

Jump Before We Fall (number one on the list honestly if you haven’t read this READ IT RIGHT NOW)

Into The Blue

Three Days Underwater

Lines in the sand aren’t a permanent thing

I’ll Crash Until You Notice Me

Two Halves of a Blue Sky

YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PERSON. 

Start with Promise Not To Stop When I Say When. It’s a stylinshaw, but it introduced me to the Nick/Louis dynamic and got me hooked, so if you haven’t yet, please read that first.

Now, on to Tomlinshaw for beginners.

I recommend everything K has written, but start with lost my senses, I’m defenceless - it’s my favourite. Then read her other works. She writes Tomlinshaw perfectly without too much angst, it’s exactly what you need.

Then, Wild Is A Fire. Super hot, super well written. 

Another good one is footie!Louis and Nick, love and kickin’ (it’s a series, read all of it). 

I can’t forget the GBBO AU: Butter With You

Then, when you’re ready for the real complexity and glory that can be Tomlinshaw… Have the fic THAT CHANGED MY LIFE. Read I Had Rather Hear My Dog Bark At A Crow. And then the sequel: Than A Man Swear He Loves Me 

(and then read everything sunsetmog ever wrote afterwards. You won’t regret it. Though I have to warn you for Not Your Fault But Mine, please read the tags and be aware that it hurts.)

FIC REC: Spies, thieves, police AUs

stealers, keepers

no pressure, no diamonds

somethin’ bout you

Watch Him As He Goes

The King of Spades

never gonna dance again

everything that shine ain’t always gonna be gold

my heart, in deadly rhythm

So Darling, Just Say You’ll Stay Right by My Side

Running in the Shadows

The Killing Type (ziam)

you’ve done nothing at all to make me love you less by theyarenotfree | nr | 4247 The world has always spun the way they asked it to. The sun rises each morning and sets each night. Harry spills weird things and Louis loves him even more for it. (louis is a second year fashion major who keeps getting caught up in the botched science experiments of the quirky but charming harry the science major)

Alien Roadtrip! by HelloAmHere | M | 16378 For the first time in his life, Louis doesn’t know where he’s going. Harry doesn’t mind. OR: roadtrip with desert feelings, too much snack food, and empty motels. Harry is definitely absolutely not an alien. That would be ridiculous.

When the Sun Won’t Let You Sleep by allwaswell16 | E | 30199 Four years ago, Louis Tomlinson left the UK to live on an Antarctic research station for reasons best left in the past. He’s carved out a life for himself on the ice and has dedicated himself to his research, his friends, and especially the Halley VI research station. He’s less than thrilled when he learns that Harry Styles, a glaciologist from another base who once broke his heart, will be coming to Halley, and he’s definitely unprepared for the upheaval Harry brings with him.

The Case Of The (Definitely Not Haunted) Styles Mansion by BriaMaria | E | 40271 “So there’s a sense of humor buried beneath all that condescension, huh?” Louis said when he’d stopped laughing. “It’s not condescension, it’s intelligence. I understand you might not be able to recognize it yourself,” Marcel said, then slapped a hand over his mouth. “Oh god, I’m sorry.” Louis stepped closer, his eyes on Marcel’s face. “For being an asshat?” “For being rude,” Marcel said, from beneath his palm. Louis shifted a half-step closer until he was at the very edge of Marcel’s personal space. It felt like he was nudging at it, asking to be let in. Marcel flushed hot for no reason. “Lucky for you it takes quite a lot to actually insult me,” Louis said taking one step closer. Too close. Too close. Marcel met Louis’ eyes. Those blue eyes that reminded Marcel of poetry instead of science, lyrics instead of formulas. They were so pretty he wanted to drown in them. — Or the Nancy Drew AU where Marcel is a man of logic, Louis is a private detective who believes in ghosts, and the Styles Mansion is definitely, absolutely, positively *not* haunted.

The Second Hand Unwinds by FullOnLarrie | E | 51571 Louis Tomlinson is one of the first members of NASA’s top secret Chrono Exploration Program. When things go wrong and he’s sent further back in time than planned, he has no other option than to show up on his ex-boyfriend’s doorstep.

Keeping You Forever and For Always by Rearviewdreamer | nr | 52397 Louis only went poking around in the woods one evening in the name of science and saving the polluted lake that everyone else had long since given up on. He ends up leaving with a lot more than a few toxic water samples when he stumbles upon a belly-buttonless man in the shadows who could possibly be a nudist but is most definitely more than ordinary.

Halloween Fics

🎃 Float Down Like Autumn Leaves (Stay Now) by hopelesswriter (16k)

The AU in which Louis has a 6 year old daughter with a costume emergency that puts her school’s annual Halloween party at risk, Halloween decorated cupcakes are hard to find and tall men look absolutely ridiculously cute in giant vegetables costumes. Co-starring Harry, who makes really good food for the kids. Featuring Niall, who works in a bakery but has a part time job as a babysitter. And as much as he doesn’t believe in love at first (or second) sight, Louis is really infatuated and really wouldn’t mind seeing Harry again.

🎃 What’s Inside Your Imagination (Is as Real as Anything Else) by suspendrs (3k)

Harry’s a witch who likes to pretend he’s a human pretending he’s a witch, and Louis’s the human in a not-so-clever costume that keeps catching his eye.

🎃 That Sweet Something by paisleystyles (13k)

A single dad au in which Louis hosts his annual Halloween party and needs a little help from a certain someone to make it all run smoothly. Featuring Zayn as Louis’ ever-exasperated colleague, Liam as a pumpkin patch owner and Niall as Niall, only with more highlighters.

🎃 Some Day My Prince Will Come by whitechimes (7k)

Snow White and Prince Charming meet at a party.

Aha i see you were inspired by my I am not a rec blog recs and are intrigued for more. Clearly its my own fault for being too funny, it’s a curse and a tragic one at that.  (i am kidding pls know this)

However, Nonnie, one, i actually had loads of fun with the last rec post, and, two, i happen to ADORE magical theory so here are a sprinkling of magical theory fics that I have read and loved recently. I could include a few of the one on my 8th year list but I wanna mix it up, but deffo do go check that out as it deffo has more magical theory.

I LIVE for magical theory, and there are some writers who do it so well that i die inside (its a great death every time) so there is a bit of doubling up here. (Also I’ve opened up an adjective website so get ready for awful alliteration (see what i did there) !!)

Again a disclaimer that I have an awful memory so have probably forgotten some amazing fics so please add them on if you see this post!! Also, I like to flail. A lot.

Up first we have the bewitching @bixgirl1 and I’m going to have to mention two of her fics Naked and The Claiming of Grimmauld Place ( i am actually restraining myself from mentioning more as every time Bix posts something I run screaming off to AO3 to read it like the lil obsessive weirdo I am, and she’s amazing at magical theory!!)

Number one of Bix’s fantastic fics is Naked, 57K, E and ooooooooooh boyyyyyy ooooooooohhhh boy. I left the longest most flaily review ever on this fic and i regret nothing. It was incredible, i mean it was set in a naked resort and its H/D so like thats a reason to read it in itself isn’t it. We’d all read it for that alone?? Harry walking around looking buff and naked: tick!! Draco in awe of said naked Harry: tick!! Me reading and drooling: tick tick tick!! But yes, back to the ask, THE MAGICAL THEORY IS SO AMAZING IM DYING AT THE MEMORY OF IT OMG!!! sorry i need a moment but yes, the magical theory behind the case is amazing and so well thought out and i was so gripped by everything about this fic, and you should just 100% read it. It ties together perfectly, the case is fascinating and i was so amazing surprised by the ending. God yeah good stuff

Another fic because this one was also brilliant (it’s Bix, they’re always brilliant) and this is The Claiming of Grimmauld Place, 74K, E this magical house theory literally took my breath away. I read this in one sitting, and i can remember it quite vividly as i was hungover and feeling v sorry for myself, but this fic brought me back to life. It cured my dull skin and rehydrated me. IT’S A HOUSE MATES FIC!!! WITH SENTIENT GRIMMAULD PLACE!! AMAZING SIDE KICKS (honestly you could read this fic for the side kicks alone) !! BANTER AND SNARK!!! TENSION AND UST!! HOT SEX!! i loved the characterisation of both Harry and Draco, and Bix really nails Draco’s desire to be independent and Harry’s saving people complex and the conflict it causes is great. honestly its all great. and yeah Grimmauld Place tries to get them to fuck aka Grimmauld Place is me. I too am a sentient house.

Next up is the sinfully-talent @shiftylinguini and Heartlines  72k, E

Another fic that had me screaming at my screen, in fact i was very very close to booking a plane over to Auz, tracking Shifty down and demanding HOW DARE SHE!!! Because I was blown away by this, the magical theory behind the bond given to Harry and Draco was so amazing and just beautifully written, and the way it played out throughout the fic. Also, the magical theory of the sites and the nature of the raw magic was just phenomenal, i was so engrossed and the mystery had me completely on the edge of my seat like how is this going to end!! i couldn’t put it down!! This fic will make you laugh, cry, be filled with joy, and die of UST and you too will be tempted to book a train ticket to go yell at Shifty because what are you supposed to do now you have finished this amazing fic!!

(i blanked on all adjectives starting with S!! SOZ)

Thirdly let me introduce the lovely @lol-zeitgeistic with Shibboleths E, 109K

i am actually sat here a bit speechless as i try think up reasons why you should go and read Shibbs apart from the fact you just should - this speechless thing is new to me as well. Shibbs is the literal ride of your fucking life, it is so innovative and so well thought out. The plot grips you from the start, and the characterisations of the characters are second to none. Harry is so fucking sassy. Zeit’s Hogwarts is a masterclass full of amazing professors (DUDLEY) and new classes, and Harry teaching Muggle Studies and Draco teaching Ancient Cultures and Casting. God, Merlin, whoever, it is so good. The magical theory that flows throughout the plot, tying all the strings together is unlike anything I have ever read, this fic is wonderfully unique and so well thought out. Zeit is a literal genius and this fic is nothing short of perfection and you should all read it.

Next on the list is the amazing @aibidil and Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love, E, 80k

I mean really all you’ve got to do to convince yourself to read this fic is look at the tags - it isn’t actually tagged magical theory unless i’ve gone blind but it’s tagged potions theory which is close enough - ANYWAY this fic bangs. like the literal definition of a banging fic in the dictionary is this fic. You are taken on a moral journey and will walk away questioning everything you ever knew about yourself and consent and love potions. It is so wonderfully complex because there is no right answer for issues like this and that is what Aib nails. You see the different issues through different characters eyes and there is no strict right or wrong. Characters we love have views that are problematic just like real life. And you can understand nearly everyone’s side of the story - apart from Zac Smith he can joke. It’s Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco POV and i adored being in so many different character’s heads and aib really nailed all their voices. Yes again, an amazing fic full of deep questions, great humour and fab theory. Also there’s a lycra scene ;)

I have to mention the jazzy @jadepresley and Inclement Weather E, 25k

OH MY GOD IT WAS SO GOOD!!! again just look at the tags like magical theory, out of control magic, out of control harry and controlled draco. yes yes yes YES YES YES!! i adore out of control harry, i love harry being so powerful he doesn’t know what to do with it all and Jade’s fic nails it, and seeing it comes through in the weather was a really fun twist. I loved watching Draco help Harry gain control over his magic, whilst learning to lose control of himself. It was so good, and the theory was so good and the humour was so good and the sex was soo goood. Okay yeah basically it was sooo good im lost for words. Also Kreacher gets his own point for cracking me the fuck up. Hilarious.

It’s not a Gracie rec list if I don’t put the fantastic @femmequixotic in it and so I had to mention The Tales from the Special Branches Series  E, 953,165K

yeah i know thats not a small number of words and I have read every single one of them and they were all fantastic, more than fantastic actually. The magical theory in this fic and that is interwoven into the case and Grimmauld Place is amazing. Like Femme is an actual genius, pure brilliance for creating this series, the ideas are extraordinary and you are so caught up in it. Like every twist and turn I am like I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!! It’s got a fully rounded cast and the wizarding world is so real and so life-like. The diversity and representation are amazing, OC’s are unforgettable. Jake and Althea are canon now right? Also H/D’s relationship is so beautiful to watch them grow and struggle with themselves under the weight of all they’ve been through and all they’re going through. I seriously do not have enough words to do this series justice.

Finally idk if you’ve read it but as a side note I too have a fic which has a fair bit of magical theory called All Missing Things ( Can Be Found ) and it’s 83k, E and the final chapter is up soon. And that’s all I’m saying on mine as I’m cringing enough already but im trying to be proud of my work okay gracie hush

So Put Your Hands In (The Holes of My Sweater) ( 21K, Explicit)

(Harry and Louis go on a lot of not-dates.)

I Put a Spell on You ( 17K, Explicit)

(A BBC/Secret Santa mashup featuring Captain Niall, our intrepid weatherman/amateur matchmaker, rather clueless sports reporter Liam, charming political analyst Zayn, and cheeky entertainment reporter Louis. Harry is the new fashion correspondent who prefers to dress like a flamingo. And pining. There’s a lot of pining.)

all the lights are full of colour ( 26K, Explicit)

(Harry and Louis are separated, but for the sake of their two sons, they choose to spend Christmas together. It may just lead to a Christmas miracle. )

We Will Find Our Way (9K, Mature)

(Harry and Louis are uni students studying abroad in New York, stuck in the dorms together over Christmas. )

These Roads We Stumble Down ( 18K, Explicit)

(Harry picks up a hitchhiker in Oxford, and it’s a long ride to Glasgow. )

Rated R (7K Explicit)

(Louis gifts Harry with a surprise sex tape, and it accidentally makes its way into Harry’s family Christmas party. Ridiculousness ensues.)

Whether Clouds or Clear Skies ( 25K, Explicit)

COMING SOON: Lifesaver by @horsegirlharry/ objectlesson 

Hello!! Here what I found for you :) 

❤ Our mistakes they were bound to be made by allyoursnocontrol (4k)

“So what’s your name?” The blonde groom asks him. “Louis.”

“I’m Niall. And this is my husband, Zayn. He finds your entrance to our wedding… slightly less amusing than I do.” Niall says, chuckling. Zayn sends him a look filled with mirth, but it doesn’t mask the honest love still very present in his eyes.

“Yes. Well I happened to have had a particular idea of how our ceremony would go and it did not involve a strange bloke busting in right before I got to kiss my husband.” Zayn says, sipping his champagne and avoiding looking at Louis. “I definitely didn’t anticipate said stranger would also be sitting at our table for our dinner, yet here he is.”

or the one where Louis crashes the wrong wedding, but it somehow ends up being the right one.

❤   Strawberry pancakes by powdermilkrory (6k) Girl Direction 

“Harry,”Harry looks up and hums with her mouth full of pancake.“There’s strawberries in this,” she points out dumbly.“Yeah.”“You put strawberries in our pancakes.”Harry begins to look worried, “Sorry, do you not like strawberries?”Louis’ silent for a second.“I love strawberries,” she says and watches Harry smile, small and private like it’s some kind of secret, something only they know. It’s special and Louis can’t exactly put her finger on why, they’re only eating breakfast, it’s just a little thing. But it feels like the start of something important, the inciting incident, and she’s terrified.

or the sequel about the morning after where harry and louis try to make breakfast, harry is quite literally hot and cold and sweet fluff ensues.

❤  Anybody Have a Map? by 2tiedships2 (13k)

Niall rolled his eyes, “You two are weird. Fine. Me and Liam will go by ourselves. Party poopers.”

Niall got up to get ready but first turned to Louis and asked, “Lou are you still kicking me out next week? I’ll see if I can make plans with Liam.”

Louis cringed. Because of course Niall would say something in front of Harry.

“Yeah,” Louis stated. “That’s still the plan. Now run along my little Irish idiot.”

Niall skipped the ten feet to his bedroom to get ready. Louis steeled himself for Harry’s inquiry.

“What’s next week, Lou?” Harry looked down at him with a confused look in his eyes.

Or the one where Louis met Harry in NYC where they bonded as fellow Brits in the large city. Years later, with Louis’ upcoming heat, maybe it’s time for their friendship to become something more.

❤  Breathe again by isawritinyoureyes  (3k)

A slight touch of fingers to his arm startles him, his heart rate picking up. He doesn’t flinch away though, all energy left him long ago, but what he does is open his eyes. Everything is silent for a moment as he looks into blue eyes, the shade of the sea and he wishes he could drown in them. A sudden calm washes over him, one that he hasn’t felt all day. Like he can finally breathe again for the first time.

or Harry is sad and Louis offers him a place to stay.

❤Like to Keep You Laughing by kikikryslee (12k)

Louis gasped. “Are you straight? Oh, I’m sorry, man. You should’ve just told me; I would’ve left you alone.”

“No, no, that’s not it,“ Harry said. “I like guys. I definitely like guys.”

“OK…”

“Louis, I’m ace.”

Louis snorted. “Kind of full of yourself, aren’t you?”

Or, the one where Louis is a frat boy who likes to hook up and Harry is someone who doesn’t hook up ever.

❤  My Heart Is Beating For This (Moment in Time) by larrymylove (6k)

Louis is a French escort and his first client is unlike anything Louis ever expected.

･:*:･ Please if you give a read to these fics, leave a nice comment and/or kudos, I’m sure it’ll be appreciated! Thank you! ･:*:･

This a lil christmas gift for my lovely janna @ofrainbows :’) I hope that ull have an amazing time on ur holidays honey, here are some of my fav drarry fics that I’ve been reading at lately; they’ve all kept me such a great company and made me feel all soft!!! I hope that they’ll do the same for u, I love u so muchhh!!!!

💫 If The Fates Allow by Saras_Girl

Summary: What’s that crackling in the walls?

Harry has no clue at all.

He’ll eat some cake and drink some wine

Because he is completely FINE. 

–A story about life’s disregard for our plans.

This one is so christmasy and soft and warm and cute it’s the perfect kind of fic to snuggle to and read for hours!!! It’s just!!!!!!!! Soft!!!!!!!!! It’s the one I’ve most currently read and that’s why I’m putting it first here, pls read it I’m 100% sure ull love it!!!!

💫 Running On Air by eleventy7

Summary: Draco Malfoy has been missing for three years. Harry is assigned the cold case and finds himself slowly falling in love with the memories he collects.

Aaaahhhhhh ok ok this fic is just amazing!!!!! AMAZING plot and amazing characterism; it’s the kind of slow burn that it’s okay u don’t mind u just want the characters to develop their feelings as slow as it takes and the plot to continue and never to end it’s just WOW I was legit thinking about it for a good week after finishing it

💫 On a Clear Day by Saras_Girl

Summary: Draco Malfoy is waiting for his real life to begin, and it appears that he’s not the only one. Coffee, charity, and the wisdom of the elderly.

This one is so warm and soft and nice and cozy and just an amazing way to spend ur time!!!!!!!!! Really really really loved it!!!!!

💫 All Must Draw Near by Saras_Girl

Summary: Harry doesn’t have time for rumours; he has a shop to run. Which is just as well, really.

Omg omg here’s another warm christmasy fic!!!!!!!! it’s so so unbelievably soft and cozy and IT’S FULL OF DOMESTIC DRARRY PLS MY HEART and it also has some really great original characters ahhh I love it!!!!

💫 Salt on the Western Wind by Saras_Girl

Summary: When the war isn’t quite as over as it first appears, a guilt-ridden Harry is sent to a mysterious safe-house. Among sandwiches, insomnia, and Mills & Boon, he discovers something quite unexpected.

This fic was a bit different idk in what way but it felt like it and I absolutely adored it and loved every second of reading it; the plot was amazing (accidental kinda-bonding???? excuse me??????? i owe u my life) and so were all the characters 10/10 loved it

💫 A convenient Impracticality by firethesound

Summary: Somehow Harry ends up agreeing to a fake relationship with his ex-nemesis-turned-friendly-acquaintance-with-benefits, except for some reason it involves an awful lot of actual dating and, sadly, not much sex. Confused? Harry is too, but when has anything with Draco Malfoy ever been as straightforward as it seems?

This is an old and iconic one; It’s been too long since I last read it and I really need to re-read but I remember that it’s just SO SO SO GOOD

💫 I’ll Tell You A Secret (Just Don’t Tell) by nerakrose

Summary: Harry and Draco are living a fairly normal life with a fairly normal relationship, except for the part where it’s, well, secret.

Another iconic one!!!!!!! I’ve read it like a million times and yet I never get bored of it I VERY MUCH LOVE

💫 Life Is The Flower (For Which Love Is the Honey) by bafflinghaze

Summary: The Malfoy Manor lands are lush and verdant. Bees hover over carpets of flowers, and ducks paddle in the pond. It is a place far removed from bustling London and pesky reporters; it is a place where Harry finds what—and who—he didn’t know he was missing.

One of the bright spots of 2018 for me was the many girl direction fics we were blessed with. Here are my absolute faves, in order of when they posted:

🌟 If I was Stronger by @haloeverlasting

🌟 In the Heat of the Night by @horsegirlharry

🌟 Bittersweet, Irrepressible by @lesbianiconharrystyles

🌟 Find Another One, Cause She Belongs To Me by @afangirlfantasy and @larrysfootballfairy 

🌟 Our Own Little French Club by @homosociallyyours

🌟 Bleeding Love by @gaycousinlarry

🌟 tell them we’re like magnets by @nobodymoves 

🌟 Crystal Ball on the Table by @becomeawendybird

🌟 another lovesick afternoon by @jupiter-lou

🌟 Just Say the Word by @louandhazaf

🌟 strawberry things series by @rorystylinson

🌟 Her Love On My Lips by @suddenclarityharry

🌟 You’re Here, Where You Should Be by @lululawrence

and please excuse the shameless self promo but I really love the girl direction fic I posted this year!!

🌟 bambi legs by @disgruntledkittenface

i’m the queen of rock n roll

by Anonymous

The kiss couldn’t have lasted more than a second or two, and half of Louis’ mind was focused on bringing her guitar back around to the front without maiming anyone with it, but she was fairly certain it was the best kiss of her life - or at the very least, the best stage kiss of her life. Most of the girls she kissed on stage let her do it for the few seconds of fame, or as something to laugh at later, their lips stiff and emotionless, but this one felt more like a kiss than an act. The girl opened up to her immediately, swiping her tongue over Louis’ bottom lip so quick she almost missed it, her fingers wrapping around Louis’ elbow and pulling her closer even as she was pulled back by the end of Liam’s drum solo. Louis scrambled to press her fingers back into the strings of her guitar, fumbling with her pick when she saw the girl lick her own lips, flushed face darkening.

In which Louis is in love with two girls she doesn’t know - one she’s never met and one she kissed upon first sight - and it takes a lot of zines and weed and Bugles for her to figure it all out.

(Or, it’s 1993 in Olympia and everyone’s just a useless lesbian with a riot grrrl band.)