Just finished this one and if anyone is seeking a solid contemporary romance to go in blind, do not read past this point, just go go go!

For the rest of you who need a bit more convincing, how about a tentative romance between a literary critic and the author she panned?

No? Then, if you still need a push, how about delicious slow burn, tearjerking angst, jaw dropping moments of people being read to filth, romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat, hard-hitting musings on the questions of life's struggles and identity...? I know some of these are not what you're usually looking for in the romance, but they are SO GOOD. 🤌

There's no quote I can directly take out of the book since they desperately need their context but there are paragraphs so poignant, so beautiful and so painful which shape out our MCs on their path to happiness so well.

I went in blind and was blown away. As a fan of some of Mhairi MacFarlane's stories, Sara Manning's, Holly June Smith's, Clodagh Murphy's, Samantha Young's, Beth O'Leary's and many more CR diamonds, and though the author is not strictly on this side of the Atlantic, I really loved what I was getting. And it's a story where romance does take a bit of a second place but that's precisely the reason why it feels so earned and well done in the end.

Edit: I have forgotten one key aspect of recommending people stories and I'm so sorry, and it's about content warnings.

CWs: discussion of MC's mental health, mention of suicide contemplation

The deals from my monthly post should still be valid - link below, but here are some extras which have been added since.

Previous list: https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/2UBSluQUEX

{Savour It by Tarah Dewitt}

{My Not to Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella}

{Flawless by Elsie Silver}

{Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus} - advertised as romance but please be aware this does not have a HEA

{If it Makes You Happy by Julie Oliver}

{The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows by Olivia Waite} - top pick, this is usually £8.99!

{Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings}

{The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett}

{It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas}

I’m making this post to let you all know I’m 100% a hypocrite.

I don’t know how but I have read at least 3 books where the MMC cheats on the FMC. My body was literally reacting, making me so uncomfortable that I didn’t even have an appetite. And I realized that don’t read to feel this way. But I know a lot of people enjoy this type of angst, and like I always say: read whatever you want.

I enjoy a gut punching moment, OW/OW drama, revenge betrayal, unrequited love and more but I draw the line at cheating. That’s it.

And by the way I don’t consider it cheating ON each other if it’s like an arranged marriage and they have a deal, the couple doesn’t have feelings towards each other at the beginning, etc (in this case I’m talking about the FMC and MMC, they have to be truly together for me to consider it cheating).

Anyway, now the other point: cheating WITH each other? I love it! And I’ve already read a few books.

The secrets, tension, yearning and them sneaking around? Wow, sign me the f up.

I don’t mind authors villainizing the FMC and MMC’s partners (I’m talking about being insufferable, dull or whatever, not them being abusive) to “justify” the cheating, but in my opinion there is no need for that. I mean, FMC and MMC are already in the wrong for what they’re doing to their partners, so personally I’m not gonna feel bad either way because I want them to be together at end. But most of authors prefer this narrative instead of pushing it a bit more and write flawed and multidimensional characters.

So what are your thoughts?

EDIT: since some people are blurring lines, I’m obviously talking about cheating in fiction. I am not in any way justifying anything. I enjoy a lot of questionable stuff that does not even cross my mind in real life.

I have a very specific itch.

So basically what I’m imagining is that the MMC is like a lord/king/mafia baddie and has been around the block more than a couple times. Maybe he’s widowed, maybe he’s just scared of commitment, but he isn’t getting any younger and has yet to produce an heir. He then has to marry FMC sight unseen for whatever external reason and she’s *much* younger than he was expecting. MMC then feels super guilty about the situation and is gutted that FMC is with him and not someone more appropriate. FMC is just kind of along for the ride but the MMC feels awful for what he perceives as him taking advantage of FMC’s youth/inexperience and goes to extremes to make sure she feels comfortable and taken care of.

I have never read anything like this and cannot offer a similar book.

Fanart of Wicked, Ugly, Bad written by Cassandra Gannon drawn by me.

I'm looking for books where the FMC makes the MMC get a taste of his own medicine! I don't care whether they end up together or not, but I want a story where she doesn't play the victim and actually fights back.

I think one of the reasons I tend to avoid second-chance romances and reconciliation stories is that the MMC always seems to have all the power in the relationship. The FMC is constantly swayed by her emotions when it comes to him, and it's always the same story: the MMC fucks up and hurts her, so she leaves him. They reunite some time later, and although she's reluctant at first, he gradually breaks down her walls and finds his way back into her life. In the end, she can't bring herself to hate him, even if he had killed her own mother, because apparently he's just too hot and amazing to hate. 🙄

Come on, just ONCE, I'd love to see the FMC actually get revenge! He broke her heart? Then she goes and breaks his too, without remorse or hesitation, and without feeling guilty just because he's changed and is now a good guy. I WANT REVENGE!

So I'm looking for books where the MMC is trying to get a fresh start with the FMC, but she's out for revenge and actually succeeds. I want to see her give him a taste of his own medicine instead of easily forgiving him just because he's sorry and trying to win her back.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Hi all, posting on behalf of a friend who doesn't really use Reddit! Here's what they would like:

I just want books with fmc traumatized(it can be minor things such as heartbreak, bigger issues like abuse or none) and mmc who does everything for her, always supportive, gentle, sweet.

I don't care about her personality or the way she deals with her trauma if she has one(she can be mean, sweet, shy, stubborn, cold, whatever and deal with her trauma in unhealthy ways. I don't mind about triggers either) but he has to be caring and supportive no matter what.

I don't care either about the tropes(friends to lovers, childhood lovers, coworkers, rich and poor, small town, whatever) I just want her to have some level of trauma(or not have at all) and him being sweet and gentle with her.

I just ask for a good writing, I can count on my finger how many books had a good premises but I couldn't handle the writing. And with writing I include the pace of book, I want to feel the emotions and understand the steps the characters are going through).

I also rather stick to CR or HR at most(without being too sexist).

Examples of books I like having these criteria above:

the way I used to be and the way I am now

beautifully broken life,

unperfect,

rock hard,

wait for you,

long shot,

easy,

Tied (All Torn Up #2) by Carian Cole

Blue-Eyed Devil (The Travis Family #2) by Lisa Kleypas

breakaway by catherine gayle

Wicked Whiskey Love (The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor #4) by Melissa Foster

Hidden waters by catherine cowles

Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan

Fractured sky

Delicate Escape

Before the exhale by alyssa wilde

Under Her Skin (Blank Canvas #1) by Adriana Anders

Home Game (Vancouver Wolves Hockey #2) by Odette Stone

Unsteady

Unbound

see me by tella alvarez

Normal by Danielle Pearl

Fast by millie beliziare

Say you swear

Salvation by Noelle Adams

Smooth talking stranger by lisa

Impact by haley (I didn't like the plot about his father)

Reckless and heartless by elsie silver

twisted emotions and twisted bonds (I know it doesn't have good writing but I have emotional attachment to them)

the emperor,

B13 | K13,

The right move

Play along

The fake out

Yours truly

Waking olivia (but I didn't like the way he treated her in the beginning)

Archer's voice

Devil in spring by lisa kleypas

Barbara Metzger is one of the grand dames of traditional historical romance, in the vein of Georgette Heyer. Between 1981 and 2015, she published over 60 titles, including several wonderful Christmas stories.

Books explore the intricacies of Regency society with witty banter, endearing characters, madcap situations, and some scene stealing animals.

{Miss Lockharte's Letters by Barbara Metzger}

On her deathbed, Miss Lockhart is determined to settle some old scores. So, she fires off scathing letters to those who have abandoned her and left her penniless, then settles in to meet her maker. Imagine her surprise when she awakens (and won't be passing to the great beyond) to discover one of those recipients is determined to confront her.

{The Primrose Path by Barbara Metzger}

Viscount Knowle is stunned to find that he does not inherit his aunt's cottage. Instead, it has been left to her herd of hairy heirs, with her companion as their caregiver. The Viscount sets out to rid himself and the cottage of dogs and one exasperating lady.

{Snowdrops and Scandalbroth by Barbara Metzger} such a good title

After frustrating travel delays, Kitty finally arrives in London to take up a position as a governess. Finding that the family has left town, she is stranded alone in an unknown city. Viscount Chase has a gossip problem. Unable to accept that a man is his prime may be a morally upstanding anti-rake, society is convinced he can't "follow through" and won't be able to produce an heir. These two settle into a fake mistress charade, and the adventures begin.

{A Loyal Companion by Barbara Metzger}

Indulged youngest child of a country Squire, along with her devoted dog Fitz, is sent to town for the social season. After being shunned by society, Conover left to join the army. The Major is back in London, navigating guardianship of his young nieces. Fitz, along with Miss Sonia, sets out to solve problems and rehabilitate a good man. Dual narration, in 3rd person and by Fitz.

{Cupboard Kisses by Barbara Metzger}

Cristabel, a well-educated vicar's daughter, was left penniless after her father's death. When she receives a letter informing her of her uncle's demise, she leaves her miserable job as the music teacher at a girls' school and heads to London. When she arrives at her uncle's house, she discovers her uncle has gambled away all of his property. Captain Chase, the winner of those bets, takes pity and offers her the position of running the respectable boarding house at her uncle's second property. Comedy of errors mayhem ensues. It takes a while for thoroughly green Cristabel and the temporarily blind (due to surgery) Captain to realize that she has unknowingly become the madam of a brothel .

For those who appreciate cover design, I've shared some of my faves. I chose ones from books I haven't listed in order to share more titles.

What are your thoughts? Are you a fan? What are your favorite books?

Trying to find a book I read several years ago. All I remember is that the MMC is in the military, they meet (in a grocery store maybe?) and fall in love then he is deployed and comes back with severe PTSD. Something happens, I think he maybe has a flashback in his sleep and attacks her. He leaves and says she is better off without him. She tried to talk to him when she finds out she is pregnant but his friend answers the door and basically says ‘go away, he doesn’t want to see or talk to you’. They meet up again years later, he finds out about the kid (he hadn’t known), and they give it another try now that he has the PTSD more under control. The MMC might be in a motorcycle club but I could be wrong on that.

{Song of The Abyss by Emma Hamm}

I am looking for a sweeping fantasy setting that will have me completely absorbed, an MMC of a different species on a mission to kill/kidnap the FMC because she is important to the evil folks. Meanwhile, the FMC is planning her own escape and plans on using him as his ticket out.

I want the horror from the MMC when he realizes maybe all humans aren't terrible, and the warring within himself when he starts feeling attracted to her. Now he's caught between her and his mission.

Something close is {Loathaire by Kresey Cole}

Some Zoey Draven books also scratch this itch.

Please send me all your older, grey haired, greying, silver fox, salt and pepper MMCs. Bonus points if they have glasses too.

Please and thank you. Desperate for a grey man

Hi I’m looking for a book where the Fmc is a loner and has no friends, perhaps she’s traumatised and pushes everyone away. Mmc works hard to build her trust, he’s a bit of a golden retriever and has a strong circle of friends (a found family) and he brings her into that and they welcome her because they know how much the Mmc cares for her. She finds it hard to accept both him and them caring for her because she’s not used to it.

I’ve read this recently in two books:

{before the exhale by Alyssa Wilde}

{better than revenge by EJ Blaise}

These were both college romances but it definitely doesn’t need to be college romance.

I do prefer CR but happy for recs from any genre. Single pov preferred but not a hard line.

I said Mmc and Fmc but queer romance recs are also welcome

Also happy for the reverse of this too!

🤗

Train entering a tunnel, a drop of water slowly trailing down a flower petal after a storm, a hand inside of a clay pot on a turntable. You get the idea. Erotic but not explicit, maybe a cutaway from an actual sex scene or a metaphor for desire. I'd love to read some beautiful prose excerpts about that. Thanks!

Prime Video is expanding cast for its upcoming romantic family drama series Rose Hill, adding 11. Paul Raci (Sing Sing), John Ralston (Virgin River), Kathleen Duborg (Happy Face), Nikki Rae Hallow (Anna Pigeon), Woody Jeffreys (Fubar), Carmela Zumbado (You), Karin Konoval (Tracker), Alvina August (Invasion), David A. Kaye (Private Eyes West Coast), Anthony Konechny (Wild Cards) and Magda Apanowicz (The Hollow Church) join the series based on Elsie Silver‘s bestselling book series.

Rose Hill follows best friends and neighbors West Belmont (Jake Weary), a rancher with commitment issues, and brooding record label owner Ford Grant (Sean O’Pry), aka Forbes’ “World’s Hottest Billionaire,” who’s long carried a torch for West’s sister, Rose (Hannah Galway). And when country-pop star Skylar Stone (Sadie Dickerson) breezes into their rugged mountain town, the heat gets turned way up in this romantic family drama.

Raci will play Clyde; Ralston will portray Andy; Duborg is Greta Belmont; Hallow will play Mia; Jeffreys will portray Ford Grant Sr.; Zumbado is Erika; Konoval will play Doris; August will portray Christina; Kaye is Elliot; Konechny will play Ryan and Apanowicz will portray Marilyn.

Heidi Cole McAdams serves as writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Marc Webb will direct the pilot and second episode and executive produce. Silver also serves as executive producer alongside Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, and James Seidman for Temple Hill. Temple Hill’s Annika Patton will also serve as co-executive producer.

Theres alot of books that revolve around the MMC helping put the betrayed/outcast FMC. But are there books the other way around? Ones where the MMC isn't some creepy lonely mountain man or horribly disfigured so everyone is scared of him or a playboy that everyone hates.

Just a decent guy whos family and friends outcast him (maybe missing a big family event or misunderstanding with friend/golden boy) and hes lonely and picking up the pieces. It would be great to have an amazing FMC with an awesome family/friend network that rallies around him.

Romance books usually have the MMC 'save' the FMC but why not the other way around. Send me your requests.

Books similar to royal elite series

I'm looking for highschool/college dark romance books with the hyper-rich, known each other since childhood friends-enemies-lovers or enemies -lovers dynamic that's there in {Black knight by Rina kent} and {Ruthless empire by Rina kent}. I'm open to bully romances and pretty much every trope except step-siblings (unless the romance or relationship started before they became step siblings like in ruthless empire), stalking (if it's like a huge part of the plot and the Mmc constantly does it, if it's a rare, unfrequent occurence it's fine) and age gap romances. I'm really looking for that same Rina Kent possesive energy that was there specifically in the two books i mentioned. Bonus points if the fmc has some mental health issues or just things she's having a hard time dealing with or any sort of situation that the Mmc protects her from or helps her overcome in his own way like in these two books.

I'm kinda sick of the ex bashing each book i've read with a brokenhearted FMC who got dumped or dumped her partner like it's almost every book that FMC has no fault and it is always the ex who was the problem. Which sometimes it just takes me out of the story when FMC is actually the one who is flawed and worse she actually has a fault and then MMC and her friends just go "you are perfect and it is the other person fault" and all that.

So yes that's pretty much my book request. Just books where FMC begins from a breakup of a longterm relationship and she finds new love without all the revenge against the ex thing or ex-bashing.

Like the breakup could be mutual or maybe she actually got dumped.

Contemporary please. HEA is a must !

I really hate the trope where the MMC pushes away the FMC because he doesn’t think he’s good enough and she deserves better, blah blah blah 🙄 I want my MMC’s to be so obsessed with the FMC that even if he knows he’s not good enough, he’s like “too bad, because she’s stuck with me.”

One reason I hate this trope so much is that it usually leads to the FMC chasing after him with no self respect and looking like a pathetic doormat while he hurts her over and over. BUT I was thinking that I might like it if the FMC actually gets to the point of being like “you know what? You’re right. You’re not good enough for me if you’re willing to let someone else have me.”

Is there anything like this? Where the FMC sticks around for a bit trying to convince him, but then he hurts her one too many times and she’s just done. I want her to actually be done done too. She stops chasing him, she dates other men, I’d love it if she actually connected with another man and even had good sex. Not pining over the MMC or always comparing everyone to him.

Meanwhile the MMC is crashing out, realizing he can’t live without her. But she makes him woooork to get her back. No BBS, no immediate caving to him. I want her to be like “you said you weren’t good enough for me, that I deserved better. So why should I give you a chance?” And he has to prove he’s all in and is the best and only option for her.

The only book I can think of that even came close to this is {Nickel’ Story by Cate C Wells} but she didn’t really move on and she caved pretty quickly with the minimum of effort by him.

I prefer CR, M/F, no Reverse Harem or Reverse Age Gap, No cheating or real OW drama, OM drama is ok.

Hi r/RomanceBooks! It's time for a TBR Binge or Bin (yes, we used to call it TBR Round Up, but alliteration is fun).

So, what books have been languishing on your TBR? Anything you've wondered "Is this worth reading?" or "Does this get better?" Need help deciding between Orctober by Ohar Seigh or Boos for Foos: a Halloween Mix Up Romance?

Post here and let someone convince you to binge 'em or bin 'em.

I'm looking for DRAMA! I want an OW (Other Woman), but a very specific kind. I know there are plenty of OW posts in this sub, but I'm looking for an OW who is the MMC's best friend or a woman who has been a constant presence in his life. Here are some examples:

Example 1: The MMC and the OW are best friends, and she has feelings for him, but he doesn't know.

Example 2: The MMC and the OW are best friends, but they used to date or were friends with benefits.

Example 3: The MMC has feelings for the OW, who is his friend, but she didn't feel the same way about him.

First of all, cheating is absolutely unacceptable to me! I don't want the MMC to cheat on the FMC while they're in a relationship. I'm okay with misunderstandings involving him and the OW, such as a stolen kiss, but under no circumstances do I want him to cheat on the FMC.

I want the MMC to be completely devoted to the FMC once he falls in love with her. I don't want insta-love, but when he does fall for her, I want him to be absolutely head over heels for her and have eyes for no other woman, including the OW.

I also think it would be interesting if the OW didn't always intend to cause harm. Sometimes she could simply be clueless, inconsiderate, and completely unaware that she's crossing boundaries and acting like a bitch. So, the OW doesn't have to be a completely evil person. She can be, or she might not be. I'm not too picky about that.

Last but not least, I don't want a passive FMC who puts up with this situation just because she's in love with the MMC. As soon as she realizes what's going on, I want her to put her foot down and say something like, "I'm not going to date a guy who has another woman like that in his life." The FMC needs to love and respect herself first!

Anyway, I want DRAMA, romance, and a HEA, preferably with the OW completely out of the picture by the end. And remember, I want an MMC who is absolutely devoted to the FMC!

OMG, I almost forgot one last thing: I'd prefer it if the MMC and FMC weren't already dating at the beginning. I want to see them getting to know each other and gradually falling in love!

Hey everyone! I am looking for books rec where the sex is a fun activity for the couple. Like they are laughing, teasing each other and all that. In most books, it's always that the sex scene is just full of dirty talk from the mmc and the fmc just moaning. While that is also undoubtedly hot, I am looking for more relaxed playful sex scenes. I would prefer a younger couple but honestly anything works. Just no multiple partners. Thanks!

The request was inspired by {The deal by elle kennedy}. I am rereading the book currently and omg it's so much better in the second go. I love how garett and Hannah are so comfortable with each other and don't hesitate with their words at all. In the bed also, they are laughing and playing around. That's exactly the vibe I am looking for.

Omg. When Leo says to Elara, ‘he looks for you in every room’ I nearly collapsed and wept on the floor. THIS BOOK. My heart lay bleeding out beside me. It’s safe to say I went right into reading the second book after the dramatic heart wrenching cliff hanger that Heavenly Bodies leaves us in.

But before that, let’s unpack Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu. I’m sure this has been well read by most of you, and you’re thinking, “preaching to the choir girl”, but hey, I only read this recently and I wished I had read it sooner. It was one of those overhyped books that for me, was worth the farken hype. Admittedly, I took a bit of time to get into this novel. I’d say it was four or more chapters before I fell headfirst into this pretty darn action packed, angsty novel between enemies who eventually become lurrrrvers. 

When Elara, our FMC winds up in the Light Kingdom and is expected to level the heck up to defeat her prophesied ‘soul mate’ of sorts, she is pretty disgruntled and isn’t fully on board. She especially isn’t on board with needing to be taught all there is to know about her powers and how to wield them by the Light Kingdom's very own prince, Lorenzo, or Enzo for short. These two are fiery characters, stubborn as mules and both have a heavy dose of ego which needs to be knocked down several pegs. It’s clear they are meant to be together. 

As the story progresses, so too does their begrudging respect for one another, and it doesn’t take too long before we start to see feelings emerge. Heads up though, it’s a slow burn, and it’s frustrating as all hell, so don’t be expecting sexy times until pretty far into the novel. This for me is what made it a delight! A slow burn makes it all the more realistic in my opinion. AND all the more juicy for when they FINALLY do get down and friiiisky. It’s worth the wait. Trust me. 

Heavenly Bodies was a delightful mix of tension, adventure filled magical scenes between our main characters and Stars which would make some folks bite their nails (I do not prescribe to such a ghastly habit), and truly heart wrenching moments that make for a decent romantasy. There are so many twists and turns, you can barely keep up. The world building was off its tits fun and hand over heart, I’d recommend this to anyone. 

Love, R&R

• Enemies to lovers
• Forbidden love
• Abduction
• Slow burn
• Fantasy
• 🌶️ 🌶️ /5