brothur-recs

[brothur-recs]

Let Me Be Your Canvas

Let Me Be Your Canvas

Rating: explicit Words: ~11.000 Ship: Merthur Author: marguerite_26 Summary:

Merlin wants a tattoo. And maybe the tattoo artist as well.

Review:

Yeah, well. What is there to say? I really enjoyed reading it, it has a lot of depth, even though it is rather short and focuses on the topic of tattoos. The material could easily fill a lot more chapters! At least, I would like it. We don't get to know what's with Morgana in the end or with Arthur's yacht.

Anyway, it is really hot. Merlin is just 18 and wants a tattoo so badly. But Arthur isn't the kind of guy he expected to see; just the word "Excalibur" graces his chest - which Merlin not discovers until Arthur stands shirtless behind him in his room.

While Merlin is really attracted to the way Arthur scribbles his sketches on his skin, Arthur has found his muse in Merlin and loves his artistic skills. He wants his own created motives tattooed; but beside his tattoo ideas, there are also sketches of dicks in his book. And, well, Arthur gets to see them.

You know, you just have to have the time to read it! It's hot and well written - but yeah, it could have been longer! Nevertheless, great fic!

[brothur-recs]

Dear Arthur

Dear Arthur Rating: Teen Words: ~14.000 Ship: Merthur Author: iamee Summary:

Morgana, Arthur and Merlin are childhood friends. While Arthur has always been hopelessly in love with Morgana, he doesn't realise Merlin's feelings for him. When Uther gets a new job the family moves from England to New York, leaving Arthur with no connection to his friends but a few E-Mails. Eventually Morgana moves on, but Merlin can't. He keeps writing to Arthur, signing with Morgana's name because he knows it makes him happy and any way, Arthur's far away, isn't he?

But ten years later Arthur annouces his visit and upon his arrival it's clear that his feelings haven't changed one bit. But will he realise that Morgana isn't the one he has felt so close to over these last years? And how can Merlin deal with all his lies when Arthur is staying at his apartment, awakening more than just memories in him...?

Review:

When I started reading it, I didn't expect it to be that good. I have one single favourite that I completely adore - and that's Coming Up (You should definitely check it out!) And even though the themes were so utterly different, it kind of felt so familiar.

I started reading it this morning in bed and couldn't stop until I finished. Much like Coming Up.

It's hard for Merlin to accept that Arthur's going to the US - and will probably never come back. But it's even harder as he notices how Arthur answers Morgana's e-mails - but starts to ignore his after a while. So he decides to sign his mails with her name after Morgana forgets about Arthur and doesn't really care anymore. It's been 10 years and Arthur is still in love with the image of Morgana in his head, while Merlin is pining for him. And then he visits them. After 10 years.

It soon becomes clear that Morgana isn't the person Arthur expects her to be. So Merlin is the only one who listens to his whining. And suffers along the way.

Do you know those little stitches you get in your stomach when something is really painful; really bitter sweet? I love it when a story makes you get those and it's just painful and longing and sweet and the tension between them. The moment you knows everything is changing for Arthur. And the way the author write is really, really good. Definitely a new favourite!

[brothur-recs]

No Matter How Far Away You Roam

No Matter How Far Away You Roam Rating: explicit Words: ~12.000 Ship: Merthur Author: lady_ragnell Summary:

“I was wondering if you might come home with me.” Merlin stops mid-rant and stares at him, and then down at his panini again, and back at Arthur. This is a panini of lies and pain. He can tell 

“For Christmas? I’ve got an uncle and a mother and a sister waiting for me at home, in case you hadn’t remembered, I’m not going home with you just because you’re a workaholic."

“No, it’s. My mum might be under the impression that we’re a little bit married."

In which Merlin gets conned into spending Christmas with Arthur's family and pretending to be his husband, because somehow this is his life.

Review:

I really didn't know that I needed such a fic. But now I know that I do and I will definitely read them more in the future.

It's so delicious that they pretend to be boyfriends, in this case even husbands. Even though - or especially - you kind of feel that Arthur doesn't have to fake it.

He even buys them wedding rings with "once and future" engraved. It's so funny how Merlin's family knows that they aren't together and Arthur's thinks that they've been together for years.

They sleep in one bed and Merlin has to endure Arthur's extremely strange relatives. And it's just holiday feelings and falling in love and laughing and everything.

[brothur-recs]

Coldest Autumn of Them All

Coldest Autumn of Them All

Rating: mature Words: ~2.700 Ship: Merthur Author: hes-only-tiny Summary:

He might have treated him wrong. That was the reason he decided to leave Camelot at last. It was his fault and his punishment was to stay here alone and endure this horrendous pain clawing at his chest. He then might have hired a manservant that looked remotely like him and might have fucked him. And just at the point where he didn’t expect to ever see him again, he caught him strolling through the woods. With another guy.

Note:

Please remember that I’m German, so there will be mistakes in it and I’m not proud of them. If you find an especially nasty one, please let me know (: I’m still practicing! But then again, I wish you fun reading it, maybe I’ll improve my skills in the future :3 <3

Coldest Autumn of Them All

It was like the hardest slap in the face when Merlin stood in front of me, face determined and his look so solidly fixed on mine that I could only pretend to swallow but wasn’t really able to do so. In retrospect, I felt legitimately horrible for wanting to maintain my façade while he was there, barely a few inches apart from me, straight forward telling me how things had been going wrong for months now and that he really wanted to forgive me, really, but couldn’t anymore.

  Read More

[brothur-recs]

Post-It Note Romance

Post-It Note Romance

Rating: Mature Words: ~10.000 Ship: Merthur Author: fuzzytomato Summary:

Merlin has never had a secret admirer before so he’s fairly certain this one has the wrong guy.

Review:

Aw, when you like to read sweet stories, this is just the right one! Merlin works at his school's library and continues to find several post-it notes in books. The only conclusion: it has to be a secret admirer! Merlin quite likes the idea, as the messages range from sweet compliments to suggestive notes. And while he steadily falls in love with this anonymous guy, he secretly likes Arthur; the fit guy who kind of hangs out with the guys who keep making fun of him, maybe even bully him. Merlin is quite sure that he isn't a nice fellow, though he looks astonishing.

But it soon turns out that he isn't so bad after all, is actually kinda jealous of Gwaine at some point and slowly becomes his friend.

It's so sweet and endearing, there are even actual pictures of the notes inside the books in that story, it just feels endlessly real and I love how Arthur goes from an unfriendly jock to a lovely - and in love - boy.

It's a bit sad that it wasn't mentioned if Freya and Gilli got together. But a great story, anyway 

[brothur-recs]

A Modern Manservant

A Modern Manservant

Rating: explicit Words: ~113.000 Ship: Merthur Author: Mamalaz Summary:

A modern magical comedy very loosely based on Ugly Betty. Publishing king Uther Pendragon has had enough of his playboy son seducing every female assistant he has ever had so he hires Merlin, a man he is sure Arthur will never sleep with. Merlin would be more insulted by this fact if he wasn’t so busy trying to juggle his duties, save Arthur's skin from ruthless fashionistas and keep his magic a secret at the same time. Expect appearances by oil-lathered knights, the occasional mad druid, a perverted Will and a mental caretaker who lives in the basement and keeps harping on about coins and destiny.

Review:

Believe me, that is as awesome as it sounds. It's also the reason why I didn't post anything for such a long time, as it's really lengthy. But it is worth it every word! I don't know how to begin, actually. It left me so fucking awestruck, it's seriously one of the best things I've read so far. It's really, really amusing and entertaining. The way Merlin's magic is described and how it's in love with Arthur. Arthur is so absurdly Arthur and everything has parallels to the original story. Like, every monster or sorceress appears in some way, just a little bit more ... modern. The history repeats itself. The writer has such great humour and mentions extraordinary things that make you go "How in God's name did she think of that?" I laughed out lout a billion times and that's rare! I loved Will's character, that he's soo painfully hetero and that Merlin thinks that he himself is straight, too. That is, in the beginning. Gwaine was also really awesome.  It's wonderful when you slowly notice how Merlin unwillingly falls in love and even though Arthur doesn't mention it and bullies Merlin every time he gets a chance to, eventually it becomes clear that he's also fallen for him.  There is Kilgharah disguised as the caretaker, Gwaine the constantly drunk idiot who somehow takes a great fancy to Merlin, Arthur is always shagging some chick and Merlin seems to always walk in on them. Until he doesn't care anymore. And then he cares a little too much. At some point, Merlin starts to remember. And then anybody else. The ending is a real plot twist! I loved every minute and that's why I'm writing that much and I probably forgot EVERYTHING. But read it, READ IT!

[brothur-recs]

Like Glass

Like Glass

Rating: mature Words: ~3.700 Ship: Brolin Author: hes-only-tiny Summary:

When Colin thought about how it all started, he would always end up thinking about the last seven ruined takes before their secretive kisses in the darkness of his hotel room. Bradley James Gregory was still a symbol of mystery to him … but maybe he just had to clean his window.

Note:

Please remember that I’m German, so there will be mistakes in it and I’m not proud of them. If you find an especially nasty one, please let me know (: I’m still practicing! But then again, I wish you fun reading it, maybe I’ll improve my skills in the future :3 <3

Like Glass

I’d always claimed to be such a person who could look through other facades, words and meanings. A man had never been a mystery to me, nor had a woman ever been. People were like windows; technically, you could always see what’s on the other side. It got difficult when it started to dawn outside – only a few people were clever enough to just turn out the lights.

  Read More

[brothur-recs]

Finding Home

Finding Home

Rating: explicit Words: ~8.000 Ship: Merthur Author: riventhorn Summary:

When Gaius retires, a new physician takes over, one that quickly kicks Merlin out of his room and takes it for himself, Arthur finds Merlin sleeping in the stables..and it's winter.

Review:

It's been long since I've read a sweet hurt/comfort FF and I forgot that it's actually a nice thing to read (when it's good written and not exaggerated).

And yeah, it was. You know these little stitches you feel in your chest when something hurts that you read? I had them and it was nice for once. 

Basically, Arthur finds Merlin in the stables and lets him sleep in his bed. That continues on for weeks, even though Arthur agrees to find Merlin another place, since Merlin's scared that Arthur will find out about his magic. 

And sometime's it's just ... too comfortable sleeping near Arthur.

[brothur-recs]

We All Write Our Own Endings

We All Write Our Own Endings Rating: explicit Words: ~23.000 Ship: Brolin Author: nu_breed Summary:

Five years ago after Merlin ended, Bradley headed for LA and success. Homesick and dissatisfied, he returns to the UK and a challenging film project, but he hadn't banked on having to work with the last person he wanted to see: Colin.

Review:

It seems like it's been so long since I've read a Brolin fanfic. But I like to do so and I want you to offer both equally. But it's really hard to find good (and long) ones. If you know of any I haven't read yet, please do tell me (: And this one is really different to what I usually read. But juicy all the same. When I read the description, I first thought that they had a huge fight back then or so but it turns out that they had been together and broke up. So it's a huge mess when they discover that they are playing the lead roles in a film together again.

But not only that, the main character, played by Bradley, is gay. So is his matching part, played by Colin. They have to fake kisses and a sex scene and it's confusing. 

Best thing about it is that Colin already has a boyfriend. And it's not Bradley. 

How will they cope with it?

It's about longing and it's so confusing for both of them. I really had fun reading it! It shows a totally different side to both of the actors and you should read it also (:

[brothur-recs]

The King Of Queens

The King Of Queens

Rating: explicit Words: ~45.000 Ship: Merthur Author: pickitup Summary:

Modern AU. Merlin has always dreamed of going to Cambridge University and is thrilled to win a place at Queens’ College. Whilst there he falls hopelessly in love with the JCR President, drinking society President, Lacrosse captain and all-round popular guy Arthur Pendragon. Arthur takes him under his wing until Merlin stands to be LGBT Rep on the JCR and Arthur realises that Merlin likes boys. Full of Cambridge slang, UST, Arthur being a knobhead with no knob, and eventual happy ending. I promise.

Review:

This fanfic really keeps its promises. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it (because, yeah, you know that I dig this kind of stuff. Arthur being a bully and all this), but it's lovely made and I like them being at Uni and it seems like a big adventure when Merlin moves there.

I liked that Arthur seemed so fascinated with him from the start and that they quickly became friends. Also it's awesome that they made fun of both of their names. That happened in other fics I've read, too, but not in this way and I laughed.

Uhm, as I said, I kind of like Arthur being a homophobe. Although you kind of know from the beginning on that it's only a facade.

I enjoyed that Merlin knew and said that he deserved someone better, that he didn't give up but was so self confident to let him go somehow, even though Arthur realised in the end. 

It was a tingling, nice fanfic and it lulled me into a comforting Uni-atmosphere. Even though the end was a bit ... too problem-less. Kind of. That it was just a big seesaw between those two and Arthur's mind. 

But nice, yeah, go read it!

[brothur-recs]

Coming Up

Coming Up

Rating: explicit Words: ~40.000 Ship: Merthur Author: Thursday_Next Summary:

90s high school AU. Merlin can think of a billion reasons why moving to Camelot-on-Sea in the middle of his A-levels is a terrible idea. He would much rather play his guitar than work in his uncle's chip shop and he has no intention of making friends. Until he joins head boy Arthur Pendragon's wannabe-Britpop band and finds himself falling head over heels for the stuck-up prat.

Review:

I know I've said that a lot of times these past few months, but this is seriously one of the best stories I've ever read. I'll definitely tag that as my favourite. I couldn't quit reading, okay, I had to stop myself and it was like a whole new world - and I wanted to dive in it. And just drown. The author has such a gift! I really loved her writing, the storyline was awesome, too, of course, but she's so talented at writing and drawing scenarios.  I loved that it takes place in the 90ies. They don't have mobile phones, they are buying their CD's and listening to cassettes. It feels like back then, even though I was barely a child but I grew up in the 90ies nonetheless. That was seriously the best thing. I loved the bickering and the fact that you could be sure that Arthur kind of loved him (and that he changes so much! I loved the Arthur we first meet, but the Arthur after that is awesome, too!) and Merlin's realisation. I especially loved Morgana - and that Arthur and her were twins. And their band and that they gave each other recorded cassettes. It's a bit of a shame that Gaius wasn't there that much, even though they lived with him in his house. But it wasn't very important for the storyline. I just wish to read more of it. Like, how did it end? Did they stay together? Did they see each other a lot after that? What about the band? So, but long story short - it's a must-read. Really, I'm not kidding. Read it. Now.

[brothur-recs]

All Bets Are Off

All Bets Are Off

Rating: explicit Words: ~23.000 Ship: Merthur Author: Magnolia822 Summary: 

Merlin has been in a series of failed relationships since uni, and Arthur has been a slag for just as long. After Merlin's most recent breakup, Arthur bets he can stay in a relationship longer than Merlin can stay single. Neither of them suspects their little bet will backfire so spectacularly—or open up so many possibilities.

Review:

I literally wanted to read it since I started reading Merthur fanfiction but somehow I never really did it. Only this time I kinda forced myself because it sounded so good and of all things I've read these past months - it's probably one of the best. 

I'm in love with stories about friends that become lovers and it was perfect. This stupid bet and you could feel that Arthur was jealous and then the next time you'd think that, no, he's not. And the overly-gay (is that even a word?) Leon and Morgana who reminded me of a female version of Brian Kinney from Queer As Folk. 

It is funny and sooo lovely and heart warming when they finally realise what is going on. Ah yes, and smut.

[brothur-recs]

While You And Me We Hold And Lean

While You And Me We Hold And Lean

Rating: mature (/explicit) Words: ~3.000 Ship: Brolin Author: cherrybina Summary:

Bradley and Colin accidentally share a cuddle nap, and it turns out to be the best nap they've ever had.

Review:

Aw, I needed a sweet, short Brolin fanfic right now. It's really lovely and fluffy, but also smutty. Which I didn't expect because 'mature', but it's a lovely kind of smutty. Love making.

But first I wanted to say that this is a sweet kind of way to fall in love with someone. When you are cuddling and you fall asleep together and then you notice that ... you feel so relaxed. And the next time he's lying beside you, head on your chest and you smell his hair and it's awkward when someone stumbles upon you.  But it's lovely to fall in love so slowly.

[brothur-recs]

The Lonely King

The Lonely King Rating: explicit Words: ~57.000 Ship: Merthur Author: corilannam Summary:

The Prince of Wales at his school. Merlin was sure it was all just a very bad joke. A modern royalty AU.

Review:

Wow, it was just wow. It really felt like reading The Student Prince again, although not quite but it's the second best modern royalty fic I know. 

And that's funny because I remember having started to read it at the very beginning of my merlin-phase. And the first scenes bored me and I stopped. (Also I actually don't like it that much when the perspective changes, but it's really well done.)

But I knew that everyone loves that fic, and I love modern royalty as well, so I gave it another go and I don't regret anything.

It felt realistic, although I think it'd be much more of a problem if the King was gay. But I liked that Merlin was the one in the closet - and bi. 

I liked that Agravaine, although not appearing that much, was nice and not a bad character. I almost cried when Arthur and Morgana made up again.

And I loved Will. And their stupid website. And it has such nice developments. Gwaine was also perfect. Ungh, so much love. Go and read it!

[brothur-recs]

It Seems I Can't Let Go

It Seems I Can't Let Go Rating: explicit Words: ~5.000 Ship: Brolin Author: nu_breed Summary:

Colin is oh so very Catholic and not at all gay, thank you very much. He doesn't fall in love with blokes, he just really likes having sex with them is all. Denial is not just a river in Egypt, either.

Review:

Aw, perfect. Just perfect. Colin has been struggling with his sexuality his whole life until he meets Bradley James as his new Co-Star.  He had other guys before him since he stopped seeing his best friend with whom he was in love. He had tried keeping girlfriends. But he was always happier on his knees on bathroom floors.

And, well, why does Bradley suddenly want to watch gay films with him? Oh, full of longing sweetness. I liked how it started in his childhood and ended with Bradley. How he was always unsure about himself, went to mass and always thought it as a sin. Until Bradley changed his mind. G'naw. Also, smut! 

[brothur-recs]

40 Days and 40 Fights

40 Days and 40 Fights

Rating: teen Words: ~26.000 Ship: Merthur Author: dayari Summary:

High school AU. In which Arthur is (a) the best captain that the volleyball team has seen in ages, (b) too handsome for his own good, and also (c) decidedly not gay; although Merlin agrees with the first two, he's willing to bet that (c) is open for discussion.

Review:

When I'm thinking of it I really liked it. I liked that Arthur played Volleyball for a change, not football (although I love him playing football). Merlin wants Arthur to help him with algebra, so they start spending a lot of time together. Merlin is openly gay, everyone knows that, Arthur doesn't quite mind that but Owain seems to get off on calling Merlin out on that. Merlin doesn't mind, either - until he gets in a fight with Owain and it starts to be Arthurs business, too. It's a little ... chaotic. Because the time switches from now to then and you can't really settle down. But it's quite a lovely story! I loved how Merlin was so sure about himself. Although the ending was rushed! I remember checking for the pages that were left and I was already on the last and didn't even realise. So it ends kinda unfinished. In my opinion! But still a nice read!

[brothur-recs]

Incentive Plan

Incentive Plan

Rating: mature Words: ~1.500 Ship: Merthur Author: lamardeuse Summary:

At a certain point – Merlin couldn't have said precisely when – Arthur began behaving less like a prat.

Review:

Aw, well. That was a cute one-shot. The way Arthur tried to woo Merlin with gifts and kindness.  I especially liked the thought of them sharing an orange. They see it for the first time; taste it for the first time. And you can feel their closeness and the tension and ... just the pleasure of experiencing this together.