It’s Thursday Let’s Get (Un)Dressed by @bananaheathen I loved this fic so much I read it multiple times. Harry is so vulnerable and Louis is incredibly sweet in the way he appreciates Harry and lets him be. It always stayed with me. I’m so happy the author wrote a part 2.

Unholy by @wicked-archer was inspired by a random fic prompt of mine because this fandom lacks religion kink fics. The outcome did not disappoint! It’s in every way filthy and very unholy. Just right up my alley.

Teach Me How To Love by @perfectdagger is a bad at sex AU. Harry is so very dorky in his attempts to be sexy and Louis is a bit of a dick about it. But the way they slowly grow attached to each other by fulfilling each other’s sexual fantasies but also by being so much more than that, is so very sweet. I enjoyed it a lot.

Devil In My Brain, Whispering My Name by @lunarheslwt Ummm did someone say wing kink? Angel Harry being weak in the eyes of a teasing Demon Louis makes so much sense to me. Thank God, or well maybe let’s not mention it to God, but they meet again in a 2nd part!

You Taught Me How To Love (I Taught You To Stop) by @thedevilinmybrain The tension between Mobster boss Louis and his ex Harry had me biting my nails. The way the author slowly reveals the nature of their personal and professional relationship, in a world of criminals and dirty deals and dangerous feuds, was so very captivating. Also Harry is so fiercely independent and strong, I’m on my knees for him.

Sent By The Sun by etheralbliss I remember this fic for its amazing world building, for being sucked into 70’s Hollywood with links and pictures, as a backdrop for groupie Harry and rockstar Louis to meet. The emotional journey between them, how Louis struggles with substance abuse, how we see them lose themselves and almost each other, it made me weep and want to read it all over again. It’s worth a note that it’s got brilliant smut that had me gasping.

Night Shift by @banaanipoika9 Okay, this is a quick and dirty one! Louis is in the hospital and bedridden, and of course he hits on his nurse Harry, because Louis never seems to lack in confidence. Luckily, Harry grants him extra attention during his night shift. It’s the perfect kind of inappropriateness and filth. I loved it!!!

Danger I Can’t Hide by CelticSky This is the most epic fic. I was worried it would be too dark and too real for my liking with the WWII setting, but the author finds a great balance to create a dark and life threatening atmosphere without it being too unbearable (or political). Although I cried a lot! It is one of the best fics I’ve ever read. Great writing, amazing pacing, a truly unique love story.

Just Breathe With Me by @she-bear369 Harry goes on a Yoga retreat in India with zero experience and a lot of internal conflict. Yoga Instructor Louis is there to help him out of his shell and slowly starts facing his own inner demons. I couldn’t put this one down. It’s so emotional, it’s cute, it’s sexy, it hurts as much as it is comforting.

Stranger Than Larry Fiction by @larrysmomfics In a canon divergent AU where they’re idiots, Larry never happened and Harry is still secretly in love with Louis since TXF; we find that all have solo careers and these days Harry nurses his Louis void with reading Larry fanfiction. Until one day he calls Louis over a particular moving fic, sobbing over his “fictional” actions… This story is so funny and cute (and phew hot!), and pretty much a diorama of the brilliant fic creations in over 10 years of this fandom‘s existence.

The Serpent And The Lion by @louiseparker Hogwarts AU. I never wanted this fic to end. You don’t need to be a Harry Potter nerd to understand or enjoy this one. Harry’s and Louis’ chemistry is absolutely amazing. The author wrote such a compelling story, I could’ve read on and on and on. I still sometimes jump into this fic to read some chapters and get sucked back in immediately. It’s enemies to lovers in the best - and sexiest (!) - way.

My Lights Stay Up, But Your City Sleeps by PearlyDewdrops I read this exactly a year ago, so technically it isn’t part of 2023, but it’s close enough and I want to give this fic a mention. Uni AU, Sleep deprived Louis ends up being intensely cuddled by Sleepwalker Harry which might be the solution for all of their sleep problems and more. It’s such a fun read, I fell in love with Louis immediately. His inner monologue is so funny and deep and I truly suffered through the emotional rollercoaster of their friends with benefits arrangement.

Secrets, Santa? by @indiaalphawhiskey I mean… duh! This fic is a gift to our fandom. I still don’t understand how we deserve authors like India. I’ve been wheezing and screaming over Harry, he’s absolutely hilarious and I love him to bits. The way Harry stubbornly thirsts after Louis is as silly as it is understandable because DAMN, Louis is a CEO and Harry is his assistant and why isn’t this a Hallmark Christmas movie and thank god it isn’t because this one is so much better! I read this multiple times and it’ll be forever my go-to fic to get into the Christmas spirit.

I’ve Got Demons, You’ve Got Scars by @mission2feelike The Feral Louis fic that’s hopefully going to be completed this year. It’s a bit darker but seeing how both Alpha Louis and Omega Harry struggle with their past and illnesses and become each others comfort is so beautiful.

Behind Smoke Stained Curtains by @jaerie Trucker Alpha Harry shows up at Omega Louis‘ motel. Both are full of secrets and an agreed one night stand turns into an affair when Harry keeps returning. This got me sucked in right away, I loved the atmosphere, the mystery about these two. Also there’s this lingering danger and uncertainty if they can actually trust each other. Can’t wait for the next chapter!