Two of the fics below were read either in April or May, but I was traveling/moving and so completely forgot to put them on my book list. Good thing ao3 has a good history feature!

First: Hired Heart by GayDemonicDisaster. This is a post-S1 classic that pairs an aging-and-about-to-retire escort Crowley with a late-in-life coming-out Az. Sweet, silly, sexy, and very enjoyable. Last third or so was a bit slower paced but probably that’s because the author has a special interest in vintage car restoration, which I have zero interest in, so I skimmed a lot of those parts.

Second: One Last Hurrah by Thinkinginscripts, illustrated by Always Tuesday. Before starting a new job, Aziraphale visits Valencia, where he connects with his witty tour guide in a grand romance neither of them ever expected to have. This was so sweet, and the art is breathtaking.

Third: In the Margins by thisisshiny. In all the moving I’ve done since April, there were two smaller fics that I forgot to post on my list. This and the next. I don’t know what months I read them, but I’m reviewing them in July! This was a cute story of two people meeting through marginalia in a library book, then debating philosophy in a scavenger hunt type game with bookmarks before they finally meet in person.

Fourth: beach bums by quitequaintrelle. And this was a fun post-canon romp involving accidental use of sunscreen laced with a sex-pollen-type substance. Established relationship pushed into the physical earlier than expected, but in a very enthusiastic way. And if you aren’t familiar with sex pollen tropes, maybe don’t read this one.

Fifth: Summers At Northwoods by bohoteacher. The was the softest, sweetest story I’ve read in quite some time. I’m terrible at writing slow burn, but I love reading it. Especially when it comes along with strong, healthy friendships. This was the perfect read to end July.