@Psychtwist's Fullproof Fandom-Blind Best-of-the-Best Life-Changing Perception-Altering M/M Fic Rec List
So, I read a lot. My journey with reading started with fanfiction, and I still occasionally dip my pruny toes into the AO3 waters here and there. Sometimes you need something angsty/smutty/slow burn-y to get you out of a reading rut, and oftentimes you search out fanfiction in a specific beloved fandom to scratch that itch.
...but sometimes you can't find anything that reaches the particularly itchy spot on your back. Maybe you've run the well dry. Maybe something just isn't clicking with your favorite fandom anymore, or the stories aren't resonating with you in that deep, soul-touching way you want them to. Maybe the writing is just not your style. Maybe you're picky, like me, and you want that novel-length romance-centric love story.
To solve that, here's a list of my absolute favorite book-length fics that can be read completely fandom blind, for your perusing pleasure! All but one are finished, with the unfinished fic still entirely worth the read.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood - gremble | 136k words
A beautiful gem of a story that revolves around two dads, with one being an OC. The characterizations are perfect, the writing is engaging and engrossing, the ending is wonderfully satisfying, the sense of humor in every chapter is just beyond... I could give it endless praise. The author provides a primer in the chapter 1 notes that will inform you of everything you need to know. In my opinion? A must-read.
Crimsonberries, Blackberries - court_court | 390k words, unfinished
Fandom: Octopath Traveler
Beyond brilliant. The characterizations are fleshed out so wonderfully, the relationships between characters progress so naturally, and despite its length, it is never a slog to read through. I wish I could properly communicate to you how much of a masterpiece this is. You really just have to read it yourself to understand. This fic spans the entirety of the game it's based on, from the start to the end, with an entire cast of characters that you'll learn about and cherish. If you enjoy jRPGs, you will adore this.
Star Burst - dracoangelica, GingerD | 161k words
Gritty, explicit, very real, very raw, and sometimes even painful to read, but woo boy is it good. It'll play with your emotions in a variety of ways but you'll somehow always root for both of the main characters. Just mind the tags before reading, for those who may be sensitive to certain topics - namely, homophobia. There's a happy ending, though, don't worry ;)
Fuck pride (pride only hurts, it never helps) - ImogenGotDrunk | 44k words
Fandom: Detroit: Become Human
Words don't even begin to express how incredible this story is. It is enemies to lovers done PERFECTLY. The length is perfect. The character development is brilliant. The ANGST! God, it's so good. This is what got me into fanfiction in general, as it was the first fic I ever read. It's now one of my biggest inspirations as a writer. If you read anything on this list, read this.
The Long View Down - kriegersan | 55k words
The case fic to end all case fics. If you’re into detective/mystery romance and you want to read about an incredibly thought-out murder investigation by two cops that fall for each other, this is your bread and butter. The game this is based on is quite artistic, so expect lots of artistic, almost dreamlike flair while reading this.
I Can Give You What You Need - ThereAndGone | 48k words
Fandom: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The epitome of ‘porn with plot’. Lots of explicit content and smutty goodness, beautifully written, and the end will leave you satisfied and happy. One half of this pairing is Sidon, so stay away if that isn't for you... but gosh. You'll be missing out.
Pattern Breaker - mothbeast | 130k words
This will break you and put you back together. Up until the VERY end, this story is angst central. I haven't touched a Call of Duty game in my lifetime and this tore me to shreds. Read with tissues within reach.
Stay With Me - oneshinyapple | 30k words
This one is a series with two parts, and both parts are equally as juicy and delectable and just WOW. This is peak banter, peak friends to lovers, peak porn with feelings, peak love confessions. It is the best you’re ever going to fucking get in this category of writing. It’s BRILLIANT. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over this one.
Hopefully you find something here you like. Hopefully it gives you all the feels. And if you have any questions about more recs (trust me, i have PLENTY), my messages are always open. <3
