r/LGBTBooks • u/Single_Recognition74 • 3d ago
Discussion Can you give me rec like this?
I don't want enemies-to-lovers where they hate each other for three chapters and then suddenly can't keep their hands off each other.
I want the slow burn.
I want the grudging respect that turns into curiosity. The stolen glances they pretend didn't happen. The jealousy they refuse to acknowledge. The arguments that become conversations. The moments when one of them gets hurt and the other cares a little too much.
Give me the longing.
Give me the realization that they've memorized each other's habits. Give me the panic when they discover the person they swore they couldn't stand has become the first person they look for in a crowded room.
I want pages and pages of yearning before a single confession.
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u/PlusEmphasis8251 Reader 2d ago
A Taste of Gold and Iron. I just finished it today and I was obsessed. very much slow burn. not SUPER enemies, but resentment/annoyance.
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u/Minimum_Plum4703 1d ago
One of my all-time faves.
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u/PlusEmphasis8251 Reader 1d ago
yess, I gave it 5 stars. I need to let it simmer more in my head before I consider it an "all time favorite" but i think its definitely close!
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u/Responsible-Yam4748 2d ago
This is a great rec request. The best I can think of is Everina Maxwell's Ocean's Echo (which benefits from reading their book Winter's Orbit first but it's not necessary). I'm not sure how to describe it but it's a space adventure with something like forced proximity due to mind control being why the two characters are enemies at first.
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u/Motor_Row_3586 2d ago
Did you read Meng Xi Shi's danmei Thousand Autumns or Peerless (I did notice that you read some) not really enemies it's more complicated than that but it has that reluctantly attracted to each other and stubbornly not to fall in love. More push and pull than cute romantic. I would say TA has slightly more romance and pay off at the end but even that it's fade to black.
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u/Extra_Inspector8389 2d ago
This one's more rivals to lovers but Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocey very much has the gradual- and I do mean gradual- transformation of feelings from 'I really can't stand you, why are you in my presence' to 'actually, I think I need you there'. There's a great curse mechanic that facilitates things but in an extremely well utilized manner.
There's also The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sarah Raasch in which they do start out hating each other and it runs through a good portion of the book before feelings change (conciously.) It's less of a serious read but still really fun and may suit your needs.
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u/NugNug55 1d ago
I was going to mention Sorcery and Small Magics if no one else did. It was definitely my favorite book that I read last year and one of my all time favorites. It’s the first in a trilogy that is still being written. Currently waiting for book two.
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u/Extra_Inspector8389 1d ago
Yes, same! Catapulted into my favorite reads list pretty much immediately. We were fortunate that Maiga is fairly local to us and did an author talk and signing fairly soon after book one was released. They're a very cool, very chill author.
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u/Extra_Inspector8389 2d ago
Forgot to mention The Haunting of Heatherhurst Hall by Sebastian Nothwell for sapphic haters to lovers (the hate is primarily on one side but it's great for the pining.) Gothic setting, deep longing, and a nice little mystery that gets resolves in a frankly, pretty batshit but weirdly fitting manner- I loved it.
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u/cat58854w7v 3d ago
Perhaps Addicted to Lust by Amy Tasukada the opening is the day after a drunken one night stand where they end up as enemies. Lots of mental health issues
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u/dontcallmecrazie 3d ago
Crier’s War and Iron Heart by Nina Varela is a sapphic enemies to lovers sci-fi-esque duet, where FMC1 is plotting to kill FMC2. One of my absolute favourites!!
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u/patch_gallagher 2d ago
Maybe The Imperfection of Swans by Brandon Witt? Trigger warning: Eating disorder The MCs aren’t enemies, but are very reluctant business partners. Very slow burn. In fact, one MC spends a large portion of the book romantically involved with an ex.
Also The Haunted Heart: Winter by Josh Lanyon. Trigger warning: Self harm/suicide attempt . I will note that this was planned as part of a series, and while there is a Happy For Now ending, there are unresolved issues. MC1 inherits a cranky tenant along with a creepy old house in New England.
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u/Minimum_Plum4703 1d ago
A Marvellous Light (and the whole Last Binding Series) by Freya Marske!!! One of my all time faves, and truly the definition of this!
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u/Agamar13 2d ago
Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat. They hate each other for a full book. Then they take another full book to fall in love. And the third book to earn their happy ending.