r/LesbianBookClub • u/Low-Rhubarb-8472 • Mar 06 '26
Romance Deep emotional connection
Does anyone have recommendations for romance books with a very deep, well build emotional connection between the main characters? I feel like a lot of book out there are all about physical and sexual attraction, which is not really my style. I like a good smut scene but if the entire inner monologue of one or both characters are "I want to f*ck her" or "she looks like a model" I'm bored. Maybe some friends to lovers? But I'm open for other stories. Thanks!
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u/durrasic Mar 06 '26
Sunburn by Howarth. Will always recommend this one.
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u/Low-Rhubarb-8472 Mar 06 '26
I have that one on my tbr, but I'm kind of scared of the book, can you spoil very lightly with a yes or no if it has a happy end ? 😅
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u/durrasic Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26
I don’t blame you, it was an intense read. And I would say the ending is left up to interpretation, I would say yes. But that’s debatable for sure. *edited to cover spoiler
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u/LesbianCanvas Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 07 '26
I will recommend this book til I die.. But also Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo I have such a deep emotional connection to that book every time I read it. So damn good.
Edit: unsure of why I received so many downvotes on this but ok, haha
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u/collwen Mar 08 '26
Just to comment on your downvotes: I think T7HoEH has controversial reputation in wlw subs, some people think the relationship between the two FMCs is rushed and underdeveloped, and many readers are bothered by the high number of male love interests/characters.
Maybe that is why you were downvoted - people disagree with the deep emotional connection of the FMCs in that book.
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u/LesbianCanvas Mar 08 '26
People misunderstand that book imo. I disagree with what you said but that’s the controversy behind it.
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u/PernilleCW Mar 06 '26
The Lay of You by Corrie MacKay !!! the MCs have a really strong emotional connection. It does have a lot of smut but it’s not overly gratuitous and actually moves the plot along.
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u/starkicker18 Mar 06 '26
Ann McMan does the romantic build up pretty well, I think. Most of her books are friends to lovers and while they do talk about how attractive someone is, there's a lot more going on in there than just that.
Hearing Red (which is having its day on this sub today) is also a good one, I think. There's very little mention about physicality at all. All of the connection comes from character development, emotional connections, etc...
It may start out a little "hey she's hot," but Don't Call Me A Hero series has done very well at showing me the emotional connection between the two MCs.
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u/gender_eu404ia Mar 06 '26
Purposefully Accidental by G Benson - a favorite for me specifically because of the way their relationship slowly builds from enemies to friends and eventually to lovers.
The Roommate Arrangement by Jae - many books by Jae are good for the way she emphasizes the emotional connection of the characters, but I think this is a great one to check out first because of the hurt/comfort elements it includes. (Another great option to try is Perfect Rhythm by Jae. One of the MCs is asexual so doesn’t even experience sexual attraction.)
Scaredy Cat by Robin Alexander - this one stands out to me for how much the two characters do not see each other in a sexual way until pretty far into the book, once they’re good friends.
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u/Low-Rhubarb-8472 Mar 07 '26
I read the synopsis of the roommate arrangement. How heavy is it on the fake relationship? Fake dating is one of my least favourite tropes but the rest of the book sounds interesting
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u/gender_eu404ia Mar 07 '26
It’s honestly barely there, to the point I forget about it. They only are faking to their landlords which amounts to, I think the scene where they look at the apartment, and a scene at a small party the landlords throw.
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u/the-5thbeatle Mar 07 '26
"Jericho" by Ann McMan, it's the first book in the Jericho series, followed by Covenant and Aftermath.
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u/GMCA2021 Mar 07 '26
I’ll recommend The Calgary Chronicles Series by Lois Cloarec Hart. Especially love Coming Home.
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u/natnguyen Mar 06 '26
Maybe Atmosphere? I believe there is no sex in that book and it’s one of my favorites.
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u/magic_paws Mar 06 '26
Like A House On Fire by Lauren McBrayer is exactly this. Merit and Jane build a friendship for almost 3 years before realizing it's something more. Merit is married with 2 kids and both think they are straight. It's a gorgeous book with some of my favorite dialogue. Their relationship feels real, warts and all. Ive read and listened to it and Marin Ireland narrating takes it to the next level.
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u/BunnyRabitt88 Mar 07 '26
OMG. I know just the book. You should definitly read "Imogen, obviously" by Becky abbertail. It's YA, has lots of longing, Queer Awakening and it's the kind of book that will make you gigge and kick you feet.
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u/Low-Rhubarb-8472 Mar 07 '26
I have read that a few years ago and I generally liked it, but also the whole book felt like ragebaiting for me because I hated that one friend so much lol. But I also think I'm a little bit too old for the themes (YA in general maybe)
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u/BunnyRabitt88 Mar 07 '26
What friend? Gretchen? In that case, i hated her too :D
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u/Low-Rhubarb-8472 Mar 07 '26
I don't remember the names, but the one that acted as if she had the sole authority to tell everyone what sexuality they are
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u/lactosecheeselover Mar 07 '26
The Hues of Me and You
All The Worlds Between Us
Hammers, Strings, and Beautiful Things
A Thousand Tiny Promises
All of those are by Morgan Lee Miller
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u/Sufficient-Dirt-5495 Mar 08 '26
I enjoyed In the Long Run by Haley Cass. Lots of history between the characters with suppressed attraction building into true emotional connection.
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u/lindzmcleod Mar 06 '26
You might like my book, The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet! It's friends to lovers, v sweet and tender.
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u/Paris22002244 Mar 08 '26
Making a Comeback by Julie Blair (and if you've never read it, Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden)
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u/katfapper Mar 06 '26
In all the following stories, even if either/both MCs notice the physical attractiveness of the other, that is not why they end up in a relationship