marguerite_26 | Merlin Recs

ella_bane Arthur/Merlin [ NC-17] (12k)
Summary: Modern AU. Merlin is gay. Arthur isn't. When they meet, their mutual attraction can't be denied. But then it is. Sexy times and angsty times ensue. And it all happens in less than a day.

This fic had me with the first scene. Arthur and Merlin snogging like mad in the loo, and Arthur suddenly remembers he’s straight and the whole thing comes crashing down around him and his sexuality crisis. They are both brilliant characters here: Arthur’s scared and confused and Merlin adamant that he won’t be an experiment or ‘join’ Arthur in the closet. Yet their attraction to each other is palpable and impossible for either of them to ignore. I love that the author pulled this off, making both characters very sympathetic, which isn’t easy in this sort of fic.

Every Story is a Love Story by

lady_ragnell Arthur/Merlin [ NC-17] ~~(WIP – BUT!!! On it’s on the very last part with the author updating regularly)~~ COMPLETE and HERE on A03
Summary:[prompt] Camelot Publishing, lead by Arthur, specialises in romance (think Mills and Boon). After market research indicates that the readership wants gay historical romance, Arthur commissions a new series. Morgana insists that they need Merlin, their bestselling writer, on board. At first, Merlin does not want to. The reason for Merlin's initial refusal becomes more obvious with each new novel. All of his couples are versions of him and Arthur, as he is secretly in love with Arthur and can't help himself.

This fic is beautifully written, well paced, and an absolute joy to read. Arthur is so immersed in the ‘trade and marketability’ of romance, he’s oblivious to the epic love story he’s currently living. The angst in this is very light and the UST sizzles. Also both Merlin and Arthur are crazy adorable in the way they dance around each other. Not to mention I absolutely LOVE reading about Merlin as an erotic author and Arthur editing his sex scenes.

riventhorn recced this the other night just as I was heading to bed and looking for something to read. It was exactly what I needed:

Overboard by shiny_starlight Merlin/Arthur [Nc-17] (36k)
Summary: When single father Merlin Emerson discovers that the man who denied him thousands of dollars that was his due has gotten amnesia, he seizes his chance for revenge by pretending to be his husband. The joke is on him though when he realises that Arthur Pennington is possibly even more wonderful that he ever could have imagined...

Charming and funny. I love Overboard, and this was very true to the film. I have some issues with the extent Arthur is ‘used’ in this fic, but that also felt very true to the movie (which also hit all my trapped in a house with kids triggers I have). But the fic also had bonus of Arthur’s POV at the beginning, so you know that he actually is attracted Merlin prior to Merlin convincing them they are married. Still... all the ethical issues aside (assuming you can put them aside), it was a very fun read.