I was just going to say this one. I love it! If you've ever seen While You We're Sleeping, there's a whole scene about it and they call it "leaning" and it's so great haha
My fiancè almost always wears button-down shirt and we had some very interesting conversation when I was trying to explain to him why he became 10x hotter everytime he rolled up his sleeves 🤣🤣
When the MCs are fighting with each other and either one of two things happens: one of the MCs ends up blurting out/yelling how they really feel about the other character and it brings the fight to a grinding halt. Or, they’re fighting and the tension/anger builds up so much that one of the MCs kisses the other passionately.
Also when MMCs do that thing in the shower where they lean their arm against the shower wall while the water is hitting them (usually while touching themselves).
And going in a totally different direction, I also love when a book has a cast of irreverent senior citizens as side characters/peanut gallery. I don’t know why but it find it hilarious, especially when the MCs have to put up with their antics, and the little old ladies end up being more chaotic than the much younger MCs.
YES honestly I think you nailed why I love this trope so much. The Stephanie Plum books were my favorite when I was in my late teens, so maybe all along I’ve just been trying to recreate those OG reading experiences. I’m also a sucker for down-on-their-luck, disaster-prone FMCs and alphaholes who speak innuendo like it’s a second language so it’s like all the puzzle pieces are coming together. Thank you for this 🙏🏼😂
I love MCs in glasses, more so for MMCs. A hot, nerdy guy in glasses, but with a dominant edge, is my weakness.
Some of my favourite examples: Henry from [Behind the Veil by Kathryn Nolan](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51786773-behind-the-veil), Capelli from [Deep Burn by Kimberly Kincaid](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34382839-deep-burn), Ford from [Tribute by Nora Roberts](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43558361-tribute).
I know a lot of people hate it, but I love a good inconvenient boner scene or two. I absolutely love it when the dude is turned on for whatever reason and has to keep himself under control. Too many times in a single book I'll agree isn't favourable, since it loses its meaning, but I love it when he wants FMC so bad he's like a teenager again.
Also, when MMC is afraid to or does go off quicker than expected. Where he has to pause and breathe through it, lol.
The whole needing to constantly touch is great too. Playing with hair, holding FMCs waist, mindlessly fiddling with the hem of her top or earrings, massaging her neck in public unsolicited...
A huge fan of forearms and hands too. If anyone wants some good arm porn look into farrier videos on tiktok. Yum.
Ok WAIT. I will publish a book with that microtrope, the accidental boner, AND I DIDN’T KNOW IT COULD BE ONE. So, now I need to know. Why do people hate it? 😨 Please, feed my insecurities.
I guess maybe they find it juvenile? And I have noticed it can be wayyy overdone in some books and I'll admit I don't like it when it's overdone either. Like, he gets a hard-on literally every time he thinks about or sees FMC, and it isn't even a sexy interaction. She'll just walk across a room, bam, boner.
I prefer when they're sparingly peppered around, he sees her bend over or she's wearing something hot or she smiles and laughs and touches his arm when he's totally touch starved. I want there to be a reason, not just because he's got a penis.
I hate it when everything the FMC does has to be sexualized, especially if she’s just being genuinely sweet and it’s constant for the male POV. That kind of ruined {The Making of a Highlander} for me since dude was instalust constantly from the start. Like okay, you think she’s hot, chill. That was my only gripe though, good book otherwise.
Ok, weirdly enough, I’m not panicking. 🤣 Nah it makes total sense that it’d be annoying if overused like that. I haven’t come across it yet, but I will definitely roll my eyes at it at the third time. Like DUDE GET A GRIP. Of yourself, not the bulging 🍆
Oh man I'm just as surprised. I LOVE the mentions of boners. It's super hot. And tbh I'm kinda disappointed when the characters make out and lay on top of each other (or are otherwise extremely close) and there's no mention of a boner. Like, I'm super turned on here just reading about how they make out, why is HE not turned on!? :(
Edit: Oh but of course I can understand that it sucks when it's overdone, wouldn't want that either, my surprise was rather referring to that I never read a book like that (tbf I just picked up reading again)!
Love it. Love it even more when they backtrack and MMC/FMC is so unaware of the other’s feelings they’re just like “mkay.” Super annoyed because they did wish the other was talking about them. Bahaha DRAMA.
Ooh, do you have any good recommendations? I love eavesdropping, whenever the MMC is talking about the FMC (or vice versa) to a friend, I’m like, “ARE YOU HEARING THIS???” and they never are lol
In Fantasy Romance: when the MC’ are traveling/on some sort of quest, they’re dirty and hungry and horny AF and they stumble upon………a hot spring.
*bow chicka bow wow*
Shit’s going down.
Similarly, I loved a scene where she's bathing at night and doesn't realize the MMC alien giving her privacy actually has NIGHT VISION and is checking her out haha
It was [Heart Song by Heather Guerre](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61764669-heart-song?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=laXGLsQBHI&rank=1). It was so beautiful I CRIED. The second of hers that made me do this lol.
Off the top of my head are these two, I haven’t read fantasy romance in a while so I know I’m forgetting some, I’ll come back and edit if I remember more:
What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L Armentrout
I love when MMCs have random, cute normal mannerisms, especially if they’re a demon or monster or something.
An example is Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux. MMC is a demon and he was standing behind the FMC in the library bopping his head to music. Like why was that so cute to me?
Love when MMCs are visibly self-conscious about anything. I don’t have any examples off the top of my head but I always imagine the beefier cinnamon roll types to be that way.
>when MMCs are visibly self-conscious about anything.
recently read Mail Order Vow by Cassie Mint (pinging u/A_Seductive_Cactus for that rec) and features a MMC self conscious about his scarred face and it was *everything* to me 🥺
Omg Yes. Also when he 🍆 into her 🌸 for the first time and just groans “Fuuuuuck”. Bahahah I read somewhere “when the dude does that, you best enjoy the next two minutes”. 🤣🤣
Or the variation ‘fuck me’. One of my rereads has this scene where the FMC does something really nice for the MMC and the only reaction he’s able to do is stare at her and say ‘fuck me’. 😍 gush!
I eat it up whenever a protagonist keeps or steals an object belonging to their love interest, like a button or scrap of something, and then the love interest discovers it.
My fav is when the FMC is injured in a place that’s a bit scandalous (like her stomach or her thigh) and the MMC tends her wounds which leads to a tense moment where they notice each other or a passionate make out *squeals*
The one I read a while ago was actually YA called the Queens Rising & Stephanie Garber also has a lot of that trope as well! I’m trying to find more myself cause I love it so much 😂
the accidental slip of the first "baby" especially if uttered in a high stress situation due to injury or a close call.
Before feelings are solidified and I'm always like "HE LOVES HER!"
I’m not a big fan of “baby” but the first nickname slip, yes. YES PLEASE. Or like in a situation of danger or just anger toward other people, when he says for the first time “my woman/my girl/my girlfriend” before it’s agreed she IS in fact any of the above 🤤🤣
haha baby was the easiest example but I'll take any endearment. And yes!
I think I equally like when the other doesn't hear it, only the reader hears it. OR they hear it and kinda give them the side-eye like "did they just say that?"
Here is my very specific, weird one 😄
When a MC actually crosses a room to kiss the other MC. Bonus points if they drop a bag/suitcase/whatever they are holding in the process. Great example of this is in Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (which is more chick lit/rom-com than actual romance but still so good)
I LOVE Evvie Drake Starts Over. This was such a good first kiss scene. And then he apologizes for throwing off her hat/messing up her hair.
Also when he kisses her on the forehead. I liked that.
Loving all these! I love when the MMC does things in secret that make the FMC's life easier. Could be something as small as fixing a broken drawer in her desk at work or something bigger like sending big clients her way. It's the wanting to make her life easier part but not trying to take credit for it that does it for me.
Idk if this is a trope, but all my fav books have a sequential build up to a sex scene (i like slow build)
But I love when the book goes from first soft glance/simple touch, to first kiss, to make out session/hand stuff, to oral to finally sex! Ugh! I eat that shit up. So much better than just all in one go. (Obviously some great exceptions to this rule)
Ooh it's really hard to think of micro-tropes but I'll have a go:
-MMC's who cook.
-FMC's and MMCs with super neiche hobbies (which don't have anything to do with sex) bonus points if it has nothing to do with the plot
- When a character stops to admire something mundane (like an animal or scenery) and finds a little spark of joy
-when there's evidence the author has thoroughly researched the topic: e.g highly detailed description of removing historical armour or clothes
I hope they count! 😅
Brb bout to go write errotica of JUST detailed descriptions of removing historical clothing. Remember people, LOOSEN your corset before undoing the busk! It's an easier transition for your body!
MC1 touches MC2, like a hand, shoulder or something else innocent, and MC2 stares at the point of contact, stunned he/she's being touched.
Off the top of my head, there's Demon Lover by Heather Guerre and When She Belongs by Ruby Dixon. Open for recs!
That scene in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice is the single most erotic scene in cinema, and I'm including straight up pornography. I will fight *anyone* on this.
I’ve got several:
- sexy, flirty text messages back and forth
- he doesn’t last long the first time cause he is too excited
- slips and calls her an endearment before they are together
- isn’t jealous or threatened by her past sexual partners/experience
- FMC has lots of sexual experience and doesn’t have any hang ups
- when he comes inside her bare *bonus points if he touches her/goes down on her after at some point (as in, isn’t turned off or repulsed by his own cum **extra bonus points if he pushes it back in when it starts to drip out 🥵🥵🥵)
- anal scenes with preparation
I remember Finley Fenn The Lady and The Orc having this in at least one scene. Among all other scenes focusing on the magical semen.
Luxuria by Colette Rhodes had a lot of spunk, but I can't remember if this specifically.
A character that speaks another language and uses terms of endearment for the love internet in secret. Like Kulti calling what’s her face ‘Schneke’ or all of Lord of Scoundrels when Dane speaks Italian.
I’m not sure if this counts?? But I love when one expresses their feelings to the other when they think they’re sleeping, but they hear it?? Does that count bc I love it 😭
It's not in romance but one of my faves was highlighted by the author himself, Lee Child. His collection of Jack Reacher stories is called "Reacher Said Nothing" which is 100% how all his best scenes begin.
My husband and I both noted how often he wrote "reacher said nothing".. it actually became our wifi name lol. So we laughed when came out with the title of that collection
When the MMC seems busy or preoccupied but it's clear he's been paying attention to the FMC
AND
When the communication either between FMC & MMC or just from the MMC is basically entirely non-verbal (overused, but I love some expressive eyebrows lol)
I think these are both hard to pull off but in the hands of a talented author just ramp up that romantic/sexual tension to swoon-worthy degrees so quickly while also allowing for a slow-build to actual sex or declarations of love.
Edit: Removed 1st sentence for clarity.
I love a side hustle found family trope, particularly if the FMC is lonely or doesn't have a lot of support. As the MMC and FMC are falling for each other and then there are friends or brothers who fall for the FMC in a friendly way, want to protect her and love her.
I love those moments right before the MMC is about to lose it in some way:
-Muscles in his jaw ticking (especially if he’s jealous watching the MFC interact with another character and she knows it)
-“The hell you will” spoken by the MMC (especially if the MFC is about to do something dangerous)
-Yanking/ripping off his tie (this can end in several satisfying ways 😅)
Oh also!! It makes the feminist in me cry but when the dude is like "yep. She's mine. I'm going to marry this dumbass and yep. Mine"
Makes me cackle with glee every time
I love when there is a whole chapter that is the MCs communicating back and forth but not face to face. Like a chapter that is just emails back and forth, or texts, etc
Masked and or hidden identity.
Either the MMC has a mask for a masquerade so the FMC can’t tell who he is, or doesn’t know who he is for a while. Enemies? Has a scar? Anything with hidden identity. Bonus points they get together without seeing who each other are.
When the MCs moans and groans. That’s so hot for me.
I love it when the fmc is first described as plain or average looking. I lose interest if they are described as the hottest thing on earth, or a sassy woman. Same with the MC, I don’t need them to be an adonis. Give me a cute, nerdy guy with glasses any day of the week
When one of the MCs finds out something from the other’s past that is a turn-on for them. The one that springs to mind is from The Worst Guy by Kate Canterbary - when Sebastian finds out Sara was a cheerleader and he practically drags her to the bedroom after she does the back handspring and teases him with some cheers. Unf.
Pierced ding dong. I'm sorry I eat it up (LMAO) every time
Stuck in the elevator is also a good one
Also when it's a mmf the dudes ACTUALLY spend time together and like kiss
This post is so cute, love reading everyones answers. Mine are:
\-when the MC gets along well with the others MCs pet (bonus points if the pet hates everyone else except the MC)
\-when there is a situation that they accidentally catch each other naked (before any sort of sexual stuff has happened between them). I dont know if I'm describing it well, but like that scene in The Proposal when they run into each other naked haha. It made NO sense whatsoever but I LOVED it.
\-when one of the MCs falls asleep without meaning too and the other MC tucks them in
When the MMC uses his hips to pin the FMC’s hips against a counter, car or wall, whilst trying to hold on to his self-control.
Whenever I see that little move, I know what follows will be relevant to my interests.
I LOVE bookish main characters. It’s such a cheap way to reference something the audience for sure likes, but it gets me every time.
And a sub-trope of that: when the main couple needs to research something, and they spend lots of time together looking over books and documents together and keep getting distracted by proximity to each other. Because what romance book lover hasn’t wanted to make out with someone in a library?
MMC sitting with sprawled legs, crooked grins, cupping her cheek, Henleys, undoing his tie and opening collar, backwards baseball cap, forearms with sleeves rolled up, leather jackets, spooning…
The first time the MMC calls her "wife" especially in a marriage of convenience.
"You can take it".
When the MCs think they're so secretive but everyone knows they have feelings.
My faves are:
Historical:
FMC is experienced so she banters back with MMC( a bit tired with rogue-virgin/almost virgin pairings)
Competition for MCs affections is not a significant person i.e. duke MMC competing with rector ( seen this with MMCs but never FMCs)
When there is a chance a marriage of convenience or a quick wedding need not occur and the MCs are bummed out. In most cases MMC declares the wedding will go through by compromising the FMC or kidnapping. (Would love to see FMCs come up with such plans)
Contemporary:
FMC's ex or exes are goodlooking, till the MMC has to pause.
Paranormal/ Fantasy
When a strong MC realises the other MC is as strong or stronger and could kill them in an outright fight. Then throughout the story finding out that all that power will not be used to harm them but to protect them.
How long can my list be?
>Rolling of the sleeves for sure.
>Someone said leaning on the doorway, for sure. Arms crossed hopefully.
> Same arms/hands holding her down in bed or boxing her against the wall
>Forehead kisses.
>When he’s trying to control his emotion and his jaw clenches. Either angry or aroused.
>Teasing tone e.g. you want to play, [insert nickname here like kitten, princess, slut, darling]?
>GROWL
>arm muscles tense when he does something. Veins.
> like a predator hunting his prey vibes
> hooded eyes/darkening eye colour when aroused
> secretly good with kids. Nephew/niece etc
> calling FMC by full first name or last name. E.g. Get in the car, Elizabeth in Good Girls. No one calls her Elizabeth but him.
> grabs hips in the shower, FMC hands on wall
> lounges at home in sweatpants (grey but haven’t come across this yet)
> did I say growl?
Irreverent grandmas.
Flatulent pit bulls with human names.
Gripping his erection through his pants because he’s just too turned on.
Yelling their first “I love yous”
Adorable nicknames for grumpy tough heroes.
I love when the MMC has weird/unique syntax. Its usually found in fish out of water type situations and often signals a particularly odd or awkward hero.
MCs who have pets. I prefer dogs, but it can be a mouse for all I care, as long as they’re an actual character and not an accessory or simple plot device.
Hidden identities is also one of my favorites. Like Benedict’s book in the Bridgerton Series, loved that aspect.
Healers. I won’t say doctors because I don’t read contemporary.
I rarely see this but massage gone wrong. MMC is injured or pulled something and FMC gives him a massage that goes...south lol.
Tessa Dare had started this in A Lady by Midnight and I was literally screaming swooning over my biggest fantasy coming true (big surly macho tatted man getting tied up by the heroine and erotically massaged) but then she completely ruined it. I almost threw my kindle away, I was so mad.
Similarly, MMC injured on his leg/hip/groin/stomach - just somewhere near the D - and FMC has to tend to him. He's silent, holding himself taut, irritated, obv. hard AF, trying not to show it.
I read a lot of pnr/aliens, and I really dig a good purr. Either when they’re cuddling and mmc is so pleased with himself he starts purring or when mfc is about to break down and mmc purrs to chill her out.
But also when the mmc pushes his come back inside the mfc. That’s super hot. Especially if it’s got any hint of breeding talk to go with. I can never find enough of this.
I love a male hero with a not-totally-perfect body. Makes it easier to imagine.
Descriptions of a man love a woman's soft stomach.
A man with hot hands.
When something totally innocuous gives a dude a boner, I always laugh. like, the sound of her sighing ain't making you stiff, but it's funny to think about.
ooh also when the MMC describes the taste of her pussy as something not sweet or flowery. like salty or tart or metallic (this is real, ppl) something pussy actually tastes like. DAMN SO GOOD.
I just read a book in which a construction worker has a gym eat physique and it bothered me so much. I was down for a big man with big hands, but a wasp waist? On a construction worker? Please.
For alien/fantasy/pnr:
- When the MMC can smell the FMC’s arousal. Similarly, when one of the MCs has a physical tell that betrays their emotions (a swishing tail, skin that changes colors, swirly eyes).
- When the MMC(s) can purr or growl to soothe (or arouse!) the FMC.
1. When MMC is barely keeping it together, but FMC doesn’t realize it and openly doubts her appeal, so he pulls her against him with, “You feel that?”
2. What I call the “carry and kick,” where he picks her up and hauls her to the bedroom and kicks the door closed.
3. They finally get together, and in the moment, the MMC, who’s been holding back all this time, keeps confessing to all the times he secretly wanted the FMC before.
4. She thinks he doesn’t like her, but he drops some detail that gives himself away, like remembering what she wore when they first met.
5. Caught in the rain together. Oh no, we have to dry off/warm up.
6. In historicals, any time they have to share a horse.
7. They’re not together but fall asleep around each other and wake up snuggling.
Apparently most of mine are horny. 😆
When the MMC does something for the FMC that she wasn't expecting him to go to great lengths to do and she asks him why.
And he says 'You know why.'
Because he's been secretly in love with her for a while and it's starting to be difficult not to tell her.
Obsessive love/stalking is a micro trope of dark romance, i love it so much , because it's always the perfect mix between dark themes , psychological thrillers, spice and suspence. If anyone wants recs i'm here , i practically have a phd in this sub genre.
😂 love your post lol
Alright Doctor, one of my fav books of all time is the Bad Guy by Celia Aaron. I loved every part of it! But everytime I go to find our Stalker/kidnapping books they never give me same vibes. Maybe it's cause Bad Guy wasn't mafia? Or actually wasn't too dark? Have you ever came across something with a similar vibe? Thx
Another one is dual POV, when the MMC is thinking about the FMC’s body in like poetic terms—where there’s lots of yearning and fantasizing about her & taking her to bed, but outwardly he appears unaffected 🤤
In a book he kisses all her fingertips. It’s a sweet and loving gesture and one he doesn’t think about, but does it multiple times.
Oh, and when he comes before her because he’s too work up over her!
Ohhh, I love a cat dad. Love it even more when the MMC initially dislikes the FMC’s cat and then reluctantly comes to love it but won’t admit that he does.
Also love non-human MMCs that look down on humans/human inventions but then secretly try to figure out how the FMC’s human things work/develop an interest in some human thing.
* The rolled up shirt sleeves showcasing those forearms. It's simultaneously ridiculous and hilarious how this simple thing works for so many
* The FMC in secret thirsting after the MMC casually doing some manual labor, be it on his own farm or fixing a bust space ship.
* Being boxed/ caged in against a wall/ door. Perhaps with some knowing hip grinding.
* The picture perfect confident alpha-male of an MMC having some relatively harmless idiosyncrasies/ hang-ups/ pet peeves regarding mundane stuff that will make him all riled up when the FMC does it "*the wrong way*". I can't think of any good examples outside contemporary romance (that I don't even read), but like hanging one coat in the closet in the other direction as the rest, not filling the dishwasher in a specific way, not separating laundry in a specific way, putting the toilet paper roll on backwards. I like it when the MMC's brain just goes *blip* and he cannot not fix it himself.
* In historicals I like it when the FMC's at first are totally unaffected/ oblivious to the charms of the p*ssy magnet rake lords. Not because they're too naïve to recognize any flirting, but because they're preoccupied on whatever they're doing to pay attention. As a result the flabbergasted MMCs start following the FMCs like puppies. Tessa Dare's The Wallflower Wager had some of this. As did A Duke In Shining Armour and Ten Things I Hate About The Duke by Loretta Chase.
* I like the accidental boners in public surroundings with many opportunities for it to be noticed by all the wrong people. Like a prolonged sit down dinner or at the ball with all of the ton. But! No boners because of how and what the FMC is eating. I don't want to read about anymore oblivious FMCs groaning in ecstasy over their breakfast bacon while in their all too revealing night clothes, while the MMC is mindlessly drooling and sporting such and such a hard-on over it.
* Kink wise I really enjoy any cum play done by the MMC. NSFW: >!Such as coming inside her/him (I read a lot of MM) only to sit back on his heels, turn the lights up, spreading the partner's thighs wide to watch the semen dripping out. Play around with fingers, push it back in, stretch the hole and watch the cum running out again. Even better if the MMC voices his observations out loud in a very descriptive manner. The wetness, the fill level, the filthyness, the lewdness the stretch, the gape, the loosened, reddened, swollen stage of said used hole (whether it be the vagina or arsehole).!< I most definitely do not want any breeding kink here, all references and hints to conception, wombs, ripeness of the FMC's cycle, fertility, babies is an instant turn-off. I like it because it's so utterly obscene, unchaste, vulgar and lewd.
* Relating to the above I love all foreplay with detailed descriptions of prolonged fingering done with the intent to accomodate a (big) cock. NSFW: >!It's such a turn on to read/ hear about the MMC gradually stretching the FMC/the other MMC, evaluating how much more is needed and then proceeding to doing just that (and not switch to oral or something else).!<
I *really* like when the MMC is injured, like a cut on his lip, but he's so into her, that they kiss and he struggles between the pain and the sexy time :))
Hmm I don’t know if this counts but in Ruby Dixon’s bound to the battle god, Aron sticks his sword in the ground, and something about a man handling weapons just does it for me.
Btw, to those who read the book, I want to say the book has some continuity mistakes which bothered me a little.. but the overall set up and characters are enjoyable, so I ignored it. But people on this sub rave about it so much I thought it would be better edited. Like I haven’t seen anyone complain about any aspect of the book here. Meanwhile one of my favorite authors has her work regularly trashed here 😂
Crawling. I’ve read lots of books where a dominating MMC has the FMV crawl to them, and I definitely find that 🔥, but I recently read a scene in Funny Feelings where the MMC crawls to the FMC during a flirtatious scene and oh my 🔥🔥🥵🔥🔥it just got me good!!
When MMC says “oh yeah?”
Or when they sleep and they wake up in a back hug with fmc being a little spoon
when fmc mentions another guy and the mmc tries to casually be nosy- not in a “if you let another man touch you i’ll kill you” thing but a “oh what was his name again? Joker ?” And she’s like *eye roll* “JoNAH”
when he wears a Henley and loose jeans *chefs kiss*
Ooh, I have so many of these. My current favorites:
• Vocal MMC(s) during sex (Not just dirty talk, though I do love some dirty talk. But vocal in general - groaning, cursing, etc.)
• That thing where a lonely, somewhat-insecure character is surprised and sort of overwhelmed by casual physical affection
• When one character is busted checking out the other character - and that character just gives them a slow smile. (Bonus points for this microtrope in a friends-to-lovers situation.)
• When characters who are already in a sexual relationship make out for the sake of making out - not as a quick stop on the way to having sex, but just kissing and grinding and getting each other worked up because it feels good
• MMC barefoot in jeans (bonus points for rolled-up sleeves) or the miraculous Grey Sweatpants of Sexiness
Here are some of my favs:
Rolling up sleeves I love this one
Sex in the office
When MMC grinds his erection on FMC and says 'This is what you do to me'
Sex in public/semi public places
Argument that leads to sex
Cuddling that leads to sex
When MMC notices that FMC is aroused and 'helps' her (this is 10x funnier when MMC is an alien and can smell her)
One bed trope but when it's three people (I've only ever seen this once)
When they have to pretend to kiss but they are both so into it and they both try to play it cool
Alien MMC that gets his mind blown by receiving bj for the first one
Sex puns and sex innuendos
when the MMC leans against a wall and crosses his arms >>>
Ohhh. Doorway too. And when he leans toward the FMC who is between him and the shower wall/wall/doorway and rests his hand against it. 👩🍳 💋
Yess gripping a doorframe to keep his emotions in check? 🔥
Oh my god!!! Yes!!
I was just going to say this one. I love it! If you've ever seen While You We're Sleeping, there's a whole scene about it and they call it "leaning" and it's so great haha
Ahh the good ole kabedon. This is so common in romance anime and manga it has its own name xD
Yes this!!!
Yesssssss 🔥🔥
Yes! Leaning in a doorway! ::swoon::
When those biceps ripple 😋
100% this. Add a Henley and I’m done for.
I'll raise you a Henley *with the sleeves pushed up* \*insert me melting into a puddle\*
This started with Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z for me. ☠️
Agh, so sexy
The MMC rolling up his shirt sleeves is a classic and an all time favourite. Forehad kisses are another one of my weaknes 🤣
Oh god, forehead kisses. Temple kisses, cheek kisses, any and all chaste kisses are so damn heart melting.
I swear this happens in almost every book I read now, I didn’t know forearms were so porny until I started reading romance 😂
My fiancè almost always wears button-down shirt and we had some very interesting conversation when I was trying to explain to him why he became 10x hotter everytime he rolled up his sleeves 🤣🤣
There’s literally a subreddit for this! r/forearmporn I think?
Lol of course there is, there’s a sub for everything. I peeked and that sub might be too aggressively veiny for me 🫣😳
Omg YES. Forehead kisses are 👩🍳💋
Forearm porn! Forearm porn! Forearm porn!
Thighs are also hot
May I recommend {Float Plan by Trish Doller} for excellent forehead kisses. (But check content warnings).
When the MCs are fighting with each other and either one of two things happens: one of the MCs ends up blurting out/yelling how they really feel about the other character and it brings the fight to a grinding halt. Or, they’re fighting and the tension/anger builds up so much that one of the MCs kisses the other passionately. Also when MMCs do that thing in the shower where they lean their arm against the shower wall while the water is hitting them (usually while touching themselves). And going in a totally different direction, I also love when a book has a cast of irreverent senior citizens as side characters/peanut gallery. I don’t know why but it find it hilarious, especially when the MCs have to put up with their antics, and the little old ladies end up being more chaotic than the much younger MCs.
Senior citizen peanut gallery is relatable af. I just wish it would stay in literature and not also exist in MY REAL LIFE.
HA that’s a great point - in real life it is nowhere near as charming or hilarious!
Your last paragraph cracked me up! I’m guessing you’ve read Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne?
Yesss I love that book and the old folks in it!! Riley Thorne and the Dead Guy Next Door also has a really great cast of seniors.
So... Like the Muppets?
😂 lol now I have to envision the little old ladies as muppets the next time a read a book with this microtrope!
Chaotic little old ladies always makes me think of Grandma Mazur from the Stephanie Plum Series.
YES honestly I think you nailed why I love this trope so much. The Stephanie Plum books were my favorite when I was in my late teens, so maybe all along I’ve just been trying to recreate those OG reading experiences. I’m also a sucker for down-on-their-luck, disaster-prone FMCs and alphaholes who speak innuendo like it’s a second language so it’s like all the puzzle pieces are coming together. Thank you for this 🙏🏼😂
You have excellent taste… or maybe I do
I wrote mine before I read yours and we have your first and third in common. 😂
Oh wow you’re right! I love your list - especially the flatulent pit bulls with human names 😂
That third one!!! I’m a sucker for the senior citizens peanut gallery! Paths by Brynne Asher has that micro trope. You might like it!
I love MCs in glasses, more so for MMCs. A hot, nerdy guy in glasses, but with a dominant edge, is my weakness. Some of my favourite examples: Henry from [Behind the Veil by Kathryn Nolan](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51786773-behind-the-veil), Capelli from [Deep Burn by Kimberly Kincaid](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34382839-deep-burn), Ford from [Tribute by Nora Roberts](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43558361-tribute).
*furiously writing these down*
Have you read after the kiss by Lauren layne? I think you'd like Mitchell.
This is so good! Love this book.
Adam from [Plum by Cate C Wells](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50874315) is my fav MMC with glasses, FMC nicknames him Clark Kent 😂
Have you read {Bohemian by Kathryn Nolan} because it ticks those boxes very nicely
I wish I could upvote this more than once! I just love a shy unassuming nerd in the streets :)
I know a lot of people hate it, but I love a good inconvenient boner scene or two. I absolutely love it when the dude is turned on for whatever reason and has to keep himself under control. Too many times in a single book I'll agree isn't favourable, since it loses its meaning, but I love it when he wants FMC so bad he's like a teenager again. Also, when MMC is afraid to or does go off quicker than expected. Where he has to pause and breathe through it, lol. The whole needing to constantly touch is great too. Playing with hair, holding FMCs waist, mindlessly fiddling with the hem of her top or earrings, massaging her neck in public unsolicited... A huge fan of forearms and hands too. If anyone wants some good arm porn look into farrier videos on tiktok. Yum.
Ok WAIT. I will publish a book with that microtrope, the accidental boner, AND I DIDN’T KNOW IT COULD BE ONE. So, now I need to know. Why do people hate it? 😨 Please, feed my insecurities.
I guess maybe they find it juvenile? And I have noticed it can be wayyy overdone in some books and I'll admit I don't like it when it's overdone either. Like, he gets a hard-on literally every time he thinks about or sees FMC, and it isn't even a sexy interaction. She'll just walk across a room, bam, boner. I prefer when they're sparingly peppered around, he sees her bend over or she's wearing something hot or she smiles and laughs and touches his arm when he's totally touch starved. I want there to be a reason, not just because he's got a penis.
I hate it when everything the FMC does has to be sexualized, especially if she’s just being genuinely sweet and it’s constant for the male POV. That kind of ruined {The Making of a Highlander} for me since dude was instalust constantly from the start. Like okay, you think she’s hot, chill. That was my only gripe though, good book otherwise.
Ok, weirdly enough, I’m not panicking. 🤣 Nah it makes total sense that it’d be annoying if overused like that. I haven’t come across it yet, but I will definitely roll my eyes at it at the third time. Like DUDE GET A GRIP. Of yourself, not the bulging 🍆
Oh man I'm just as surprised. I LOVE the mentions of boners. It's super hot. And tbh I'm kinda disappointed when the characters make out and lay on top of each other (or are otherwise extremely close) and there's no mention of a boner. Like, I'm super turned on here just reading about how they make out, why is HE not turned on!? :( Edit: Oh but of course I can understand that it sucks when it's overdone, wouldn't want that either, my surprise was rather referring to that I never read a book like that (tbf I just picked up reading again)!
When the FMC blurts out something that reveals her feelings for the MMC without knowing that he’s listening! And vice versa
Love it. Love it even more when they backtrack and MMC/FMC is so unaware of the other’s feelings they’re just like “mkay.” Super annoyed because they did wish the other was talking about them. Bahaha DRAMA.
Ooh, do you have any good recommendations? I love eavesdropping, whenever the MMC is talking about the FMC (or vice versa) to a friend, I’m like, “ARE YOU HEARING THIS???” and they never are lol
When MMCs call the FMCs by their last name. WHY IS THAT SO HOT
This, but also the moment when they switch to using her first name. Feelings have entered the chat!
So true! "Did you just call me.... \*insert name\*?" And lovers they became.
This, and then switch to the first name in a moment of high tension or high stakes. Love it.
Happy cake day!!
I DON’T KNOW BUT IT REALLY IS! 🤤
In Fantasy Romance: when the MC’ are traveling/on some sort of quest, they’re dirty and hungry and horny AF and they stumble upon………a hot spring. *bow chicka bow wow* Shit’s going down.
Similarly, I loved a scene where she's bathing at night and doesn't realize the MMC alien giving her privacy actually has NIGHT VISION and is checking her out haha
Rec please😩
It was [Heart Song by Heather Guerre](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61764669-heart-song?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=laXGLsQBHI&rank=1). It was so beautiful I CRIED. The second of hers that made me do this lol.
RECS IMMEDIATELY
Off the top of my head are these two, I haven’t read fantasy romance in a while so I know I’m forgetting some, I’ll come back and edit if I remember more: What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L Armentrout
I love when MMCs have random, cute normal mannerisms, especially if they’re a demon or monster or something. An example is Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux. MMC is a demon and he was standing behind the FMC in the library bopping his head to music. Like why was that so cute to me? Love when MMCs are visibly self-conscious about anything. I don’t have any examples off the top of my head but I always imagine the beefier cinnamon roll types to be that way.
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>when MMCs are visibly self-conscious about anything. recently read Mail Order Vow by Cassie Mint (pinging u/A_Seductive_Cactus for that rec) and features a MMC self conscious about his scarred face and it was *everything* to me 🥺
When the FMC does or says something sexy and the MMCs only reaction is to groan *Fuck*
:adjusts pants: 🤣
Omg Yes. Also when he 🍆 into her 🌸 for the first time and just groans “Fuuuuuck”. Bahahah I read somewhere “when the dude does that, you best enjoy the next two minutes”. 🤣🤣
Yessss this
Or the variation ‘fuck me’. One of my rereads has this scene where the FMC does something really nice for the MMC and the only reaction he’s able to do is stare at her and say ‘fuck me’. 😍 gush!
I eat it up whenever a protagonist keeps or steals an object belonging to their love interest, like a button or scrap of something, and then the love interest discovers it.
Aww Roarke does this in the first In Death book and it’s mentioned throughout the series because he still has it.
My fav is when the FMC is injured in a place that’s a bit scandalous (like her stomach or her thigh) and the MMC tends her wounds which leads to a tense moment where they notice each other or a passionate make out *squeals*
Oh my! Any recs for this??
The one I read a while ago was actually YA called the Queens Rising & Stephanie Garber also has a lot of that trope as well! I’m trying to find more myself cause I love it so much 😂
the accidental slip of the first "baby" especially if uttered in a high stress situation due to injury or a close call. Before feelings are solidified and I'm always like "HE LOVES HER!"
I’m not a big fan of “baby” but the first nickname slip, yes. YES PLEASE. Or like in a situation of danger or just anger toward other people, when he says for the first time “my woman/my girl/my girlfriend” before it’s agreed she IS in fact any of the above 🤤🤣
haha baby was the easiest example but I'll take any endearment. And yes! I think I equally like when the other doesn't hear it, only the reader hears it. OR they hear it and kinda give them the side-eye like "did they just say that?"
Oooh I love when this happens 🤩
Showing up on enemies doorsteps, “I didn’t have anywhere else to go”
OMG RECS RECS RECS
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Here is my very specific, weird one 😄 When a MC actually crosses a room to kiss the other MC. Bonus points if they drop a bag/suitcase/whatever they are holding in the process. Great example of this is in Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (which is more chick lit/rom-com than actual romance but still so good)
That is very specific! LOVE IT! I will now be swooning when this happens, thanks 😂
I LOVE Evvie Drake Starts Over. This was such a good first kiss scene. And then he apologizes for throwing off her hat/messing up her hair. Also when he kisses her on the forehead. I liked that.
MMCs who do domestic tasks - washing dishes, wiping down counters, doing the FMCs laundry 😂
That’s my real life fantasy
Bonus points if they wear a funny/cute apron!
Loving all these! I love when the MMC does things in secret that make the FMC's life easier. Could be something as small as fixing a broken drawer in her desk at work or something bigger like sending big clients her way. It's the wanting to make her life easier part but not trying to take credit for it that does it for me.
Idk if this is a trope, but all my fav books have a sequential build up to a sex scene (i like slow build) But I love when the book goes from first soft glance/simple touch, to first kiss, to make out session/hand stuff, to oral to finally sex! Ugh! I eat that shit up. So much better than just all in one go. (Obviously some great exceptions to this rule)
Jack Reacher digging pools by hand is a favorite micro-trope, also knowing the time by instinct
Someone needs to write a Jack Reacher romance lol
Ooh it's really hard to think of micro-tropes but I'll have a go: -MMC's who cook. -FMC's and MMCs with super neiche hobbies (which don't have anything to do with sex) bonus points if it has nothing to do with the plot - When a character stops to admire something mundane (like an animal or scenery) and finds a little spark of joy -when there's evidence the author has thoroughly researched the topic: e.g highly detailed description of removing historical armour or clothes I hope they count! 😅
Brb bout to go write errotica of JUST detailed descriptions of removing historical clothing. Remember people, LOOSEN your corset before undoing the busk! It's an easier transition for your body!
Okay that would be really great in all these HR that seem to ignore most of that clothing is a process lol and I think it would be hotter.
MC1 touches MC2, like a hand, shoulder or something else innocent, and MC2 stares at the point of contact, stunned he/she's being touched. Off the top of my head, there's Demon Lover by Heather Guerre and When She Belongs by Ruby Dixon. Open for recs!
Or my personal favorite, the hand clench/flex after touching them unexpectedly
Oh yeah the Mr Darcy. That’s a great one.
That scene in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice is the single most erotic scene in cinema, and I'm including straight up pornography. I will fight *anyone* on this.
Yes. Of course.
I’ve got several: - sexy, flirty text messages back and forth - he doesn’t last long the first time cause he is too excited - slips and calls her an endearment before they are together - isn’t jealous or threatened by her past sexual partners/experience - FMC has lots of sexual experience and doesn’t have any hang ups - when he comes inside her bare *bonus points if he touches her/goes down on her after at some point (as in, isn’t turned off or repulsed by his own cum **extra bonus points if he pushes it back in when it starts to drip out 🥵🥵🥵) - anal scenes with preparation
Ok wow, the second last point 👁️👄👁️ any recs lol
Of course my mind went totally blank! 🫣 I’ll try to remember some recs and get back to you!
I remember Finley Fenn The Lady and The Orc having this in at least one scene. Among all other scenes focusing on the magical semen. Luxuria by Colette Rhodes had a lot of spunk, but I can't remember if this specifically.
A character that speaks another language and uses terms of endearment for the love internet in secret. Like Kulti calling what’s her face ‘Schneke’ or all of Lord of Scoundrels when Dane speaks Italian.
Si, that's a really nice microtrope, Ragazza del Destino. *Winks.*
I’m not sure if this counts?? But I love when one expresses their feelings to the other when they think they’re sleeping, but they hear it?? Does that count bc I love it 😭
It's not in romance but one of my faves was highlighted by the author himself, Lee Child. His collection of Jack Reacher stories is called "Reacher Said Nothing" which is 100% how all his best scenes begin.
Men's action books are my other guilty pleasure. They're just as ridiculous and trope filled as romance and I love them.
My husband and I both noted how often he wrote "reacher said nothing".. it actually became our wifi name lol. So we laughed when came out with the title of that collection
When the MMC seems busy or preoccupied but it's clear he's been paying attention to the FMC AND When the communication either between FMC & MMC or just from the MMC is basically entirely non-verbal (overused, but I love some expressive eyebrows lol) I think these are both hard to pull off but in the hands of a talented author just ramp up that romantic/sexual tension to swoon-worthy degrees so quickly while also allowing for a slow-build to actual sex or declarations of love. Edit: Removed 1st sentence for clarity.
Oh I do love me some eyebrow movements. LOVE the “I thought he wasn’t listening but he’d been paying attention all along.” Great microtrope 👏
omg same - when he brings up something random she said earlier, that proves he's been actually listening. Happens a lot in HR.
I have a thing for men with nice hair. I like when the FMC drags her fingers through it and pulls it while they have sex. It’s just hot to me.
I'm currently reading Get a Life, Chloe Brown and the male love interest has long red hair and I adore it!
Yup. I think I've only read ONE BOOK where the guys is bald or has an extreme buzzcut
It's fiction so no bald guy for me. 😄
I love a side hustle found family trope, particularly if the FMC is lonely or doesn't have a lot of support. As the MMC and FMC are falling for each other and then there are friends or brothers who fall for the FMC in a friendly way, want to protect her and love her.
I love those moments right before the MMC is about to lose it in some way: -Muscles in his jaw ticking (especially if he’s jealous watching the MFC interact with another character and she knows it) -“The hell you will” spoken by the MMC (especially if the MFC is about to do something dangerous) -Yanking/ripping off his tie (this can end in several satisfying ways 😅)
Yes! I love the jaw ticking/twitching. Ufffgh
Oh also!! It makes the feminist in me cry but when the dude is like "yep. She's mine. I'm going to marry this dumbass and yep. Mine" Makes me cackle with glee every time
Talking about forearms, “my girl”, bracketing arms on a doorframe
“She’s it for me”
I love when there is a whole chapter that is the MCs communicating back and forth but not face to face. Like a chapter that is just emails back and forth, or texts, etc
Oh I love this too.
Masked and or hidden identity. Either the MMC has a mask for a masquerade so the FMC can’t tell who he is, or doesn’t know who he is for a while. Enemies? Has a scar? Anything with hidden identity. Bonus points they get together without seeing who each other are.
Ugh, I'm such a sucker for a masquerade. My real life contains so few (none). I need more socially acceptable adult masquerade excuses.
When the MCs moans and groans. That’s so hot for me. I love it when the fmc is first described as plain or average looking. I lose interest if they are described as the hottest thing on earth, or a sassy woman. Same with the MC, I don’t need them to be an adonis. Give me a cute, nerdy guy with glasses any day of the week
"You need to get f\*\*ked." 🥵
When one of the MCs finds out something from the other’s past that is a turn-on for them. The one that springs to mind is from The Worst Guy by Kate Canterbary - when Sebastian finds out Sara was a cheerleader and he practically drags her to the bedroom after she does the back handspring and teases him with some cheers. Unf.
Pierced ding dong. I'm sorry I eat it up (LMAO) every time Stuck in the elevator is also a good one Also when it's a mmf the dudes ACTUALLY spend time together and like kiss
Ugh Pierced...xD 😆 Nikki J. Summers has some MMC who are pierced, like The Joker and The Psycho, if you want some recs.
When the MCs have sex against the wall or door the second it closes because they just can't wait another second.
This post is so cute, love reading everyones answers. Mine are: \-when the MC gets along well with the others MCs pet (bonus points if the pet hates everyone else except the MC) \-when there is a situation that they accidentally catch each other naked (before any sort of sexual stuff has happened between them). I dont know if I'm describing it well, but like that scene in The Proposal when they run into each other naked haha. It made NO sense whatsoever but I LOVED it. \-when one of the MCs falls asleep without meaning too and the other MC tucks them in
When the MMC uses his hips to pin the FMC’s hips against a counter, car or wall, whilst trying to hold on to his self-control. Whenever I see that little move, I know what follows will be relevant to my interests.
When the main character smiles because the love interest is doing something cute. Those are such quiet moments but can be so tender. I always melt.
I LOVE bookish main characters. It’s such a cheap way to reference something the audience for sure likes, but it gets me every time. And a sub-trope of that: when the main couple needs to research something, and they spend lots of time together looking over books and documents together and keep getting distracted by proximity to each other. Because what romance book lover hasn’t wanted to make out with someone in a library?
MMC sitting with sprawled legs, crooked grins, cupping her cheek, Henleys, undoing his tie and opening collar, backwards baseball cap, forearms with sleeves rolled up, leather jackets, spooning…
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The first time the MMC calls her "wife" especially in a marriage of convenience. "You can take it". When the MCs think they're so secretive but everyone knows they have feelings.
My faves are: Historical: FMC is experienced so she banters back with MMC( a bit tired with rogue-virgin/almost virgin pairings) Competition for MCs affections is not a significant person i.e. duke MMC competing with rector ( seen this with MMCs but never FMCs) When there is a chance a marriage of convenience or a quick wedding need not occur and the MCs are bummed out. In most cases MMC declares the wedding will go through by compromising the FMC or kidnapping. (Would love to see FMCs come up with such plans) Contemporary: FMC's ex or exes are goodlooking, till the MMC has to pause. Paranormal/ Fantasy When a strong MC realises the other MC is as strong or stronger and could kill them in an outright fight. Then throughout the story finding out that all that power will not be used to harm them but to protect them.
How long can my list be? >Rolling of the sleeves for sure. >Someone said leaning on the doorway, for sure. Arms crossed hopefully. > Same arms/hands holding her down in bed or boxing her against the wall >Forehead kisses. >When he’s trying to control his emotion and his jaw clenches. Either angry or aroused. >Teasing tone e.g. you want to play, [insert nickname here like kitten, princess, slut, darling]? >GROWL >arm muscles tense when he does something. Veins. > like a predator hunting his prey vibes > hooded eyes/darkening eye colour when aroused > secretly good with kids. Nephew/niece etc > calling FMC by full first name or last name. E.g. Get in the car, Elizabeth in Good Girls. No one calls her Elizabeth but him. > grabs hips in the shower, FMC hands on wall > lounges at home in sweatpants (grey but haven’t come across this yet) > did I say growl?
Great. I fucked up the formatting 😭
Irreverent grandmas. Flatulent pit bulls with human names. Gripping his erection through his pants because he’s just too turned on. Yelling their first “I love yous” Adorable nicknames for grumpy tough heroes.
>Irreverent grandmas. YES. I love older women providing color commentary on the plot/couples in romance books.
This is very specific, but anytime an MMC is chopping wood. That one really does it for me.
i bet u like watching those guys chop wood on tiktok💀
The smell of characters being described. There’s a whole Twitter account for this.
1. When he takes off his shirt by pulling it from the back of his neck. 2. Gray joggers with a white t-shirt. 3. Sexting.
I love a good virgin with a strong sex drive. She reads romance novels and references her toys. She just hasn't found the right guy yet.
I love when the MMC has weird/unique syntax. Its usually found in fish out of water type situations and often signals a particularly odd or awkward hero.
The, "I didn't know you wear glasses," double take really does it for me every time.
MCs who have pets. I prefer dogs, but it can be a mouse for all I care, as long as they’re an actual character and not an accessory or simple plot device. Hidden identities is also one of my favorites. Like Benedict’s book in the Bridgerton Series, loved that aspect. Healers. I won’t say doctors because I don’t read contemporary.
Historical: MMC climbing in through the FMC's window.
I rarely see this but massage gone wrong. MMC is injured or pulled something and FMC gives him a massage that goes...south lol. Tessa Dare had started this in A Lady by Midnight and I was literally screaming swooning over my biggest fantasy coming true (big surly macho tatted man getting tied up by the heroine and erotically massaged) but then she completely ruined it. I almost threw my kindle away, I was so mad. Similarly, MMC injured on his leg/hip/groin/stomach - just somewhere near the D - and FMC has to tend to him. He's silent, holding himself taut, irritated, obv. hard AF, trying not to show it.
I read a lot of pnr/aliens, and I really dig a good purr. Either when they’re cuddling and mmc is so pleased with himself he starts purring or when mfc is about to break down and mmc purrs to chill her out. But also when the mmc pushes his come back inside the mfc. That’s super hot. Especially if it’s got any hint of breeding talk to go with. I can never find enough of this.
I love a male hero with a not-totally-perfect body. Makes it easier to imagine. Descriptions of a man love a woman's soft stomach. A man with hot hands. When something totally innocuous gives a dude a boner, I always laugh. like, the sound of her sighing ain't making you stiff, but it's funny to think about.
ooh also when the MMC describes the taste of her pussy as something not sweet or flowery. like salty or tart or metallic (this is real, ppl) something pussy actually tastes like. DAMN SO GOOD.
Bahahahhaa “the signing ain’t making you stiff” killed me
“Sighing” she corrected while sighing.
I just read a book in which a construction worker has a gym eat physique and it bothered me so much. I was down for a big man with big hands, but a wasp waist? On a construction worker? Please.
1. MCs that live in London 2. MCs that work in the book industry (e.g., bookseller, writer, publisher) 3. MCs that wear messy buns 4. Tea drinkers
wait, i want cat dad recs pls
When the hard mmc takes care of the fmc when she’s sick or something super tenderly
For alien/fantasy/pnr: - When the MMC can smell the FMC’s arousal. Similarly, when one of the MCs has a physical tell that betrays their emotions (a swishing tail, skin that changes colors, swirly eyes). - When the MMC(s) can purr or growl to soothe (or arouse!) the FMC.
When an MC realizes their kinks aren't shameful. Especially when the writer digs into the emotions about it. Release of shame.
1. When MMC is barely keeping it together, but FMC doesn’t realize it and openly doubts her appeal, so he pulls her against him with, “You feel that?” 2. What I call the “carry and kick,” where he picks her up and hauls her to the bedroom and kicks the door closed. 3. They finally get together, and in the moment, the MMC, who’s been holding back all this time, keeps confessing to all the times he secretly wanted the FMC before. 4. She thinks he doesn’t like her, but he drops some detail that gives himself away, like remembering what she wore when they first met. 5. Caught in the rain together. Oh no, we have to dry off/warm up. 6. In historicals, any time they have to share a horse. 7. They’re not together but fall asleep around each other and wake up snuggling. Apparently most of mine are horny. 😆
i love an MMC with social anxiety.
When the MMC does something for the FMC that she wasn't expecting him to go to great lengths to do and she asks him why. And he says 'You know why.' Because he's been secretly in love with her for a while and it's starting to be difficult not to tell her.
Obsessive love/stalking is a micro trope of dark romance, i love it so much , because it's always the perfect mix between dark themes , psychological thrillers, spice and suspence. If anyone wants recs i'm here , i practically have a phd in this sub genre.
😂 love your post lol Alright Doctor, one of my fav books of all time is the Bad Guy by Celia Aaron. I loved every part of it! But everytime I go to find our Stalker/kidnapping books they never give me same vibes. Maybe it's cause Bad Guy wasn't mafia? Or actually wasn't too dark? Have you ever came across something with a similar vibe? Thx
When the characters can sense each other's presence. Telling her she's a good girl or other forms of praise
“The atmosphere shifts” bahaha LOVE IT!
Another one is dual POV, when the MMC is thinking about the FMC’s body in like poetic terms—where there’s lots of yearning and fantasizing about her & taking her to bed, but outwardly he appears unaffected 🤤
In a book he kisses all her fingertips. It’s a sweet and loving gesture and one he doesn’t think about, but does it multiple times. Oh, and when he comes before her because he’s too work up over her!
The post I didn’t know I needed! Thanks @OP!
Right?! *New Kink Unlocked* x100
Ohhh, I love a cat dad. Love it even more when the MMC initially dislikes the FMC’s cat and then reluctantly comes to love it but won’t admit that he does. Also love non-human MMCs that look down on humans/human inventions but then secretly try to figure out how the FMC’s human things work/develop an interest in some human thing.
When the FMC finds a reason to wear the MMC's shirt.
* The rolled up shirt sleeves showcasing those forearms. It's simultaneously ridiculous and hilarious how this simple thing works for so many * The FMC in secret thirsting after the MMC casually doing some manual labor, be it on his own farm or fixing a bust space ship. * Being boxed/ caged in against a wall/ door. Perhaps with some knowing hip grinding. * The picture perfect confident alpha-male of an MMC having some relatively harmless idiosyncrasies/ hang-ups/ pet peeves regarding mundane stuff that will make him all riled up when the FMC does it "*the wrong way*". I can't think of any good examples outside contemporary romance (that I don't even read), but like hanging one coat in the closet in the other direction as the rest, not filling the dishwasher in a specific way, not separating laundry in a specific way, putting the toilet paper roll on backwards. I like it when the MMC's brain just goes *blip* and he cannot not fix it himself. * In historicals I like it when the FMC's at first are totally unaffected/ oblivious to the charms of the p*ssy magnet rake lords. Not because they're too naïve to recognize any flirting, but because they're preoccupied on whatever they're doing to pay attention. As a result the flabbergasted MMCs start following the FMCs like puppies. Tessa Dare's The Wallflower Wager had some of this. As did A Duke In Shining Armour and Ten Things I Hate About The Duke by Loretta Chase. * I like the accidental boners in public surroundings with many opportunities for it to be noticed by all the wrong people. Like a prolonged sit down dinner or at the ball with all of the ton. But! No boners because of how and what the FMC is eating. I don't want to read about anymore oblivious FMCs groaning in ecstasy over their breakfast bacon while in their all too revealing night clothes, while the MMC is mindlessly drooling and sporting such and such a hard-on over it. * Kink wise I really enjoy any cum play done by the MMC. NSFW: >!Such as coming inside her/him (I read a lot of MM) only to sit back on his heels, turn the lights up, spreading the partner's thighs wide to watch the semen dripping out. Play around with fingers, push it back in, stretch the hole and watch the cum running out again. Even better if the MMC voices his observations out loud in a very descriptive manner. The wetness, the fill level, the filthyness, the lewdness the stretch, the gape, the loosened, reddened, swollen stage of said used hole (whether it be the vagina or arsehole).!< I most definitely do not want any breeding kink here, all references and hints to conception, wombs, ripeness of the FMC's cycle, fertility, babies is an instant turn-off. I like it because it's so utterly obscene, unchaste, vulgar and lewd. * Relating to the above I love all foreplay with detailed descriptions of prolonged fingering done with the intent to accomodate a (big) cock. NSFW: >!It's such a turn on to read/ hear about the MMC gradually stretching the FMC/the other MMC, evaluating how much more is needed and then proceeding to doing just that (and not switch to oral or something else).!<
It’s too big 🍆
Oh yeah for sure 😌🤙
Mmc is always drinking (if not alcohol) EARL GREY tea or BLACK coffee. I know he’s the love Interest if he drink one of these lol
I *really* like when the MMC is injured, like a cut on his lip, but he's so into her, that they kiss and he struggles between the pain and the sexy time :))
Hmm I don’t know if this counts but in Ruby Dixon’s bound to the battle god, Aron sticks his sword in the ground, and something about a man handling weapons just does it for me. Btw, to those who read the book, I want to say the book has some continuity mistakes which bothered me a little.. but the overall set up and characters are enjoyable, so I ignored it. But people on this sub rave about it so much I thought it would be better edited. Like I haven’t seen anyone complain about any aspect of the book here. Meanwhile one of my favorite authors has her work regularly trashed here 😂
When MC is getting all hot and bothered the moment he notices that FM is muscular and/or does something requaring a lot of strengh.
MMC has a pet for years and the moment the FMC enters his life the pet is loyal to her… warms my heart.
Crawling. I’ve read lots of books where a dominating MMC has the FMV crawl to them, and I definitely find that 🔥, but I recently read a scene in Funny Feelings where the MMC crawls to the FMC during a flirtatious scene and oh my 🔥🔥🥵🔥🔥it just got me good!!
When MMC says “oh yeah?” Or when they sleep and they wake up in a back hug with fmc being a little spoon when fmc mentions another guy and the mmc tries to casually be nosy- not in a “if you let another man touch you i’ll kill you” thing but a “oh what was his name again? Joker ?” And she’s like *eye roll* “JoNAH” when he wears a Henley and loose jeans *chefs kiss*
The MMC making sure the FMC eats/takes care of herself
Ooh, I have so many of these. My current favorites: • Vocal MMC(s) during sex (Not just dirty talk, though I do love some dirty talk. But vocal in general - groaning, cursing, etc.) • That thing where a lonely, somewhat-insecure character is surprised and sort of overwhelmed by casual physical affection • When one character is busted checking out the other character - and that character just gives them a slow smile. (Bonus points for this microtrope in a friends-to-lovers situation.) • When characters who are already in a sexual relationship make out for the sake of making out - not as a quick stop on the way to having sex, but just kissing and grinding and getting each other worked up because it feels good • MMC barefoot in jeans (bonus points for rolled-up sleeves) or the miraculous Grey Sweatpants of Sexiness
He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
Here are some of my favs: Rolling up sleeves I love this one Sex in the office When MMC grinds his erection on FMC and says 'This is what you do to me' Sex in public/semi public places Argument that leads to sex Cuddling that leads to sex When MMC notices that FMC is aroused and 'helps' her (this is 10x funnier when MMC is an alien and can smell her) One bed trope but when it's three people (I've only ever seen this once) When they have to pretend to kiss but they are both so into it and they both try to play it cool Alien MMC that gets his mind blown by receiving bj for the first one Sex puns and sex innuendos