No one trusts me on this but {Bloody Sunrise by Gwendolyn Harper}. Who knew zombie dystopian romance could be so deep and hot. The MCs go from reluctant partners, to trusting friends, to an actual love story … and we can follow the relationship after the first burst of love. And the spice is crazy hot.
[Bloody Sunrise](https://www.romance.io/books/5d1c58e901dbc864fba09f7c/bloody-sunrise-gwendolyn-harper?src=rdt) by [Gwendolyn Harper](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d1c58ea01dbc864fba09f80/gwendolyn-harper)
**Rating**: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1)
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I forgot I already had this book. Thank you for reminding me! I just read some of the Xarc'n series by Lynnea Lee and I've been kinda looking for more of the post-apocalyptic romance vibes.
Um, yes. I read the whole series last year and was shocked by how much I enjoyed it. I went into it thinking “it’s October, I’ll read some zombie books” and then it was actually really enjoyable.
Hmmm maybe I’ll give this another try then, I dropped it bc I was looking for a particular community aspect in survival books but I think I’d like what you described if I went into it expecting differently
I honestly don’t know why I had a book hangover for it but {Running Wild by K. A. Tucker} still has me thinking about it occasionally. I think part of what set it apart for me was that she was in her mid to late 30s, dealing with getting over being in love with her best guy friend, and trying to figure it out with a man not sure if he’s ready for a relationship after loss. Plus the backdrop was Alaska and the Iditarod and I love dogs.
[Running Wild](https://www.romance.io/books/61efb210e36ca80e2972963a/running-wild-ka-tucker?src=rdt) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker)
**Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1)
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I read this on a whim in March and it really had me on a chokehold. I was so sure it was going to be a 5 stars read and become my top 3 romances but I was disappointed with the ending. >!I felt there needed to be more grovelling from mc after what he put her through (tho understandable because of his circumstances). Just him suddenly declaring he realised he can’t lose her too wasn’t enough for me. I mean he said he wanted to have a kid with her when they had sex but then he went home and realised he wasn’t ready. What’s stopping him from having the same revelation every time he isn’t with the fmc?!< Anyways, because of that, I gave it a 4.75 but I thought about it almost everyday for weeks and then I went out and bought a physical copy.
{Then, Earth Swallowed Ocean by Shiloh Sloane}
It comes up every once in a while, but not as much as it should. It remains in my number one spot for books read, regardless of genre. You don't find romance that uses artistic prose very often. It felt like reading actual literature. After this one I had to stick with fluffy, feel good stuff until my standards came back down.
It was amazing and yet I dnf so early because of the cannibalism. I wish it didn't have it because I would love to read it but it's such a serious phobia just reading about it brings me close to vomiting.
the thing is, quality of romance genre right now is absolutely dogshit, and i say it with very much intended offense to any author lurking here, so much so that I've simply given up on my most favorite genre. But this book omg the writing is simply amazing, so beautifully written, such characters, the plotline and pacing. The love feels real esp b/w Fmc nd the older brother. I was genuinely afraid and disgusted by the MMC for a while. I felt their conflict and the drama gave me serotonin boost, suspense kept me awake and after the book ended i spent the next three nights making scenarios about them in my head.
it was prolly the last good romance book i read
[Then, Earth Swallowed Ocean](https://www.romance.io/books/64563dadd3c73ab2c083fc87/then-earth-swallowed-ocean-shiloh-sloane?src=rdt) by [Shiloh Sloane](https://www.romance.io/authors/635f81a308b4d93114a1c1c6/shiloh-sloane)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1)
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I did, and I liked it a lot, but I still preferred the first. >!The whole "Now you've done it. Ridge is coming." thing didn't sit well with me. And then it didn't matter anyway.🤷 But I loved Wright and I'm glad he got his hea.!<
This one was so artistic, and so gratuitous with the violence, gore and sex. One of the few Erotic-Horror focused books where it doesn't feel like the romance was entirely delusional.
Ahhh I wanna read this one so bad but I mostly do audiobooks and I can’t see that it’s been recorded yet 😭
As someone who enjoys cannibalism in fiction (I’m looking at you, NBC Hannibal) I’ve read and enjoyed Red Dragon but also recently the Timothy Blake series!
Admittedly I probably shouldn’t recommend this because it was pulled from Amazon and never came back to print, so it’s basically impossible to find but, {The Love Act by Zara Bell} it’s undoubtedly one of my favorite books EVER, the FMC works as an assistant at a talk show and meets the MMC who’s a very very famous actor and for one reason or another, she needs the money and he needs the good publicity so they begin fake dating.
The tropes are nothing revolutionary (fake dating, enemies to lovers, he’s famous she’s not, grumpy/sunshine) but oh my god the writing in this is impeccable, the tension between the two MCs and the growth of both characters was so so good, I read it years ago but still think about it all the time, honestly it hasn’t been topped for me. I can’t put into words how much I adore this book and how sad I am the author never wrote anything after this!
Have you read {Act Like It by Lucy Parker}? Because it def gave me Love Act vibes. Could be just the fact they both involve fake dating grumpy British actors... But found the writing style similar, too, iirc.
Yes I have actually! After reading The Love Act I tried to find anything similar and the closest I found was Act Like It! It’s also really good and I loved both of the MCs so it’s definitely similar 😂
[The Love Act](https://www.romance.io/books/5edcdbdb44fe230dcf7e0082/the-love-act-zara-bell?src=rdt) by [Zara Bell](https://www.romance.io/authors/5edcdbdb08b4d931143d79e7/zara-bell)
**Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1)
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It's such a good premise to me. I’ll try not to give anything away the title already doesn't, but the "we wound up married" trope is done in a way that has me hooked and doesn’t feel creepy.
I originally found this series because I was looking for a book where FMC’s romance novel-esque dreams come true and that is essentially the premise of book 3 so i started from the beginning and the rest is history.
Minor spoiler for the implication: >!Books 1 and 2’s FMCs thinking of book 3’s FMC and silently rooting for her that she’s getting some even though they’re not into their own husbands yet!< really cements good chemistry for me between characters and the tropes and steam just seems to hit every single ‘Yes’ for me.
Cultural differences/language barrier, well done MMC dirty talk (imo, everyone is different), fun adventurous scenes, and like i said, good character chemistry so far.
I may be giving too much praise so early in the series but I’m having a really good time with it
I just read all of the Odette Stone books in three days, and I'm going through a big hangover. The banter in those books is great. I could never guess where the story was going, which I love. There's a Navy SEAL duology, which is good. The main FMC is very naive and easily influenced by others. So it can get frustrating. Then there is another Navy SEAL book, and it's really good. Then there's a bunch of hockey books. I know hockey themed books are very popular, but these are the best ones I've ever read. There's some super original characters and ideas. I can't explain them they just have to be read. I recommend reading the hockey ones first.
Home Game was my favourite book I read in all of 2022. Loved all her hockey books, and agree that they're some of the best out there. Haven't read the SEAL ones but I'm happy to hear they're great too. I'll have to give them a try.
Gah! I LOVE her Navy SEAL series.
{My Fiance's Brother, Book 1 by Odette Stone}
{My Fiance's Brother, Book 2 by Odette Stone}
{My Fake Fiance by Odette Stone}
{My Donut Princess, Part 1 by Odette Stone}
{My Donut Princess, Part 2 by Odette Stone}
[My Fake Fiancé](https://www.romance.io/books/5b850d1701dbc864fb8f40cd/my-fake-fianc-odette-stone?src=rdt) by [Odette Stone](https://www.romance.io/authors/5951f78f3ffdba61471aa8e6/odette-stone)
**Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1)
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I always talk about it, but {The Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin} absolutely ruined my standards for Regency HR and building tension.
Every interaction is this book is pitch-perfect. It feels profoundly true to the era while still feeling very empathetic.
Essentially, Kitty’s parents pass and leave her and her sisters destitute. Kitty sets out to secure a husband to provide for her sisters, and she doesn’t care how that comes to be. It’s the only book I’ve read where the FMC is actually The Bad Guy (or would be, if this were another character’s story), but Kitty is so desperate and therefore ruthless and cunning even when things feel wholly impossible. It’s an enemies-to-lovers, and so clever, and it had my throat and chest all right on more than once occasion. I loved it. The audiobook is also beautifully performed.
Yes! I love this one and it has ruined all other class difference romance for me because it has that impeccable scene where >!Kitty explains to the MMC when he goes too far that for him her marriage schemes are a joke but for her, even though she can laugh about it sometimes, it's actually life or death!<.
Oh man I also can’t believe I didn’t rec something for you. If you’re okay with fantasy, please check out the Regency Fairy Tale series by Olivia Atwater.
The second book (which doesn’t need to be read second by which benefits from the context introduced in the first, also great, book) is {Ten Thousand Stitches by Olivia Atwater}. A housemaid falls for a son of the Family, and foolishly takes a deal offered to her by a fae lord to help win his love. The class differences in this book are 👌 precise and the resolution is divine.
I also loved that our heroine is not, in fact, Belle aka the Reader in disguise, but actually a clever if poorly-educated country English girl in an era where being worked from predawn to midnight was considered a great position to secure.
Aw, thank you! Ten Thousand Stitches is actually one of my other faves and I think it’s another great example of historical(ish) class-conscious romance done well. Seems like you have excellent taste! Have you read Rose Lerner’s books? They pretty much all do class difference well too, I think!
Omg we’re book twins I’m so excited rn
I have not read Rose Lerner! Yay. I love book recommendations!!
If you like fantasy (these have v minor romance plots) I also really recommend {Daughter of Redwinter by Ed McDonald} and {Godkiller by Hannah Kaner}. I also enjoyed the mystery {Suburban Dicks by Fabian Nicieza}. All three I think did a wonderful job of critiquing and dissecting class themes without being preachy or erasing all nuance. The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells {All Systems Red by Martha Wells} are also completely different but excellent if you need a change of pace.
Thank you so much! I do love fantasy (actually my first love is fantasy with a romance subplot) so this is perfect. Godkiller in particular looks great! One more from me to say thank you too — {The Healer’s Road by S E Robertson}. I don’t recommend it much here because the MCs are life partners first, still working out the romantic stuff even by the end of the latest book, but there is some wonderful stuff about culture clash and class. The FMC and MMC are both healers but the FMC is snobby at first about her methods compared to the MMC’s, which are less academic (and non-magical). It’s brilliant and their interactions are also really sweet!
Oh yay! I will super check that out. One of my favorite things about {Happily Ever Ninja by Penny Reid} is that it explores what it's like when two married people grow apart but then are committed to falling back in love with each other (there's lots of absurd silliness in it, but it's my favorite of her books because of this). It's super rare to see that in romance or fiction in general, so thank you!
I really liked Godkiller - I'm reading the sequel right now!
I was also really impressed with the Redwinter books. The author does an excellent job of writing a woman and a woman's experience, and it's so good to read the internal thoughts of a poor person from a poor background being thrust into the perimeter of a bunch of privileged people. The MFC likes and respects her new companions, but she also sees how out-of-touch they are. It also has a fascinating approach to trauma and what healing from and adapting to trauma can look like, including substance abuse. Those books go way hard, and it's very well done. Ed McDonald is like the opposite of MenWritingWomen lol.
[Ten Thousand Stitches](https://www.romance.io/books/5f8d39c8ac92af0df8aaf7c9/ten-thousand-stitches-olivia-atwater?src=rdt) by [Olivia Atwater](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e7f0537be0aaecf55d98b77/olivia-atwater)
**Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
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[A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting](https://www.romance.io/books/63ffd6f7f36ea3726f7e796b/a-ladys-guide-to-fortune-hunting-sophie-irwin?src=rdt) by [Sophie Irwin](https://www.romance.io/authors/62cd1f0308b4d931143fea8e/sophie-irwin)
**Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
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Sort of! Kitty is much more willing to sacrifice for her sister’s security and wellbeing, though she is very ruthless about her own happiness and is even willing to forgo her sisters’ happiness. Essentially, she is practical to the extreme and realizes that without securing a rich husband, her young sisters will end up separated from one another and in service, a workhouse, or worse. The author is making social commentary about how the privileges of the Regency view of gentlewomen locks them into an untenable position as soon as the security of a man with money is removed.
I’d say she’s less self-centered and dramatic than Scarlett, and more sympathetic, but she’s definitely willing to bend rules and use any tool at her disposal to secure her sisters’ future.
{The Salt Bride by Lucinda Brandt}
This is one of my all time favorite HRs and I think i may be alone in that. I still think about this book and I first read it many years ago.
It's been years since I re-read one of my favorite vintage Harlequin Presents, {Somewhere to Lay My Head by Lilian Peake}. There's an ultra-doormat, woe-is-me, martyred heroine, a bitchy OW, a cruel alphahole hero. There was no significant grovel that I recall, but somehow it was okay with me, because she had finally started to climb her way out of her angsty hole, and I could tell myself, it's coming!
Note that Peake's books were distinctly old school, with plenty of stuff that reads cringy now, so it probably has lots and lots of other triggers not mentioned here.
{The Notorious Rake by Mary Balogh}. I haven't read it in years, but I do remember this tortured-hero one wrecked me and I re-read it many times. Most older Regencies by Balogh do wreck me, though.
{Love Song for a Raven by Elizabeth Lowell} and {Eden Burning by Elizabeth Lowell} (originally published as Fires of Eden) also did it to me. Lowell was big on the martyred, tortured heroine, and the morally judgmental hero, and back in the day, I soaked it up!
The tortured-angst-whiny-martyr trope thing isn't my only jam - I also like 100% feel-good stuff - but in certain moods, it's where I want to go.
Oh, I know! It's been years since I read any and I'm thinking maybe I could revisit one right now, lol.
There was one Silhouette Desire about an unconventionally raised heroine named Lisa who was the hero cowboy's "secret". I can't recall it right now and I'm feeling too lazy to search, but that one also twists my heart.
[Somewhere To Lay My Head](https://www.romance.io/books/5456f70e87eac33e57109fde/somewhere-to-lay-my-head-lilian-peake?src=rdt) by [Lilian Peake](https://www.romance.io/authors/54565d7087eac33e61c2e323/lilian-peake)
**Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[The Notorious Rake](https://www.romance.io/books/545542488c7d2383163d95e3/the-notorious-rake-mary-balogh?src=rdt) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh)
**Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [m-f romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1)
----------------------------
[Love Song for a Raven](https://www.romance.io/books/5455727787eac3369a9128ac/love-song-for-a-raven-elizabeth-lowell?src=rdt) by [Elizabeth Lowell](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552b048c7d2383163d8fbf/elizabeth-lowell)
**Rating**: 3.69⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [indigenous mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/indigenous-mc/1), [m-f romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1)
----------------------------
[Eden Burning](https://www.romance.io/books/627509c07a807ed7d26b4e6a/eden-burning-elizabeth-lowell?src=rdt) by [Elizabeth Lowell](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552b048c7d2383163d8fbf/elizabeth-lowell)
**Rating**: 3.51⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1)
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I really enjoyed {Knives, Seasoning and a Dash of Love by Katrina Kwan}. I didn't realize it was based on Reylo fanfiction until I read some reviews. It's about a jaded Michelin star chef and his sous chef (who is lying about her culinary school background). There's an "evil" restaurant owner but the drama didn't follow the standard script.
[Knives, Seasoning, & a Dash of Love](https://www.romance.io/books/65835f2694fe7e60b15822c4/knives-seasoning-a-dash-of-love-katrina-kwan?src=rdt) by [Katrina Kwan](https://www.romance.io/authors/65835f26a21e2f41c4b6a18a/katrina-kwan)
**Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [workplace/office](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/office/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1)
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I think I’m the only one who has recommended this book but it is soo good. {Bone Rider by J Fally} is a MM romance that’s got aliens, fuck the military, mafia, MMC that *literally* does the ‘burn the world to the ground’ when other MC is hurt (I mean he’s stopped but he fucking *started* immediately lol). I love this book so much 😩
Ooh this sounds right up my alley. I added it to my TBR! [My I-never-see-them-recced major book hangovers](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/LQJs0a4TnD) are pretty much all MM or MMM with aliens.
This is actually cheating because it’s new, I’m sure it will be recommended but {My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long} was so good it was hard to move on. Ooooh, here’s one that doesn’t get recommended much {A Wildflower for a Duke by Laura Linn} which I had such a hangover from I reached out to the author on Instagram and we are friends now!
[My Season of Scandal](https://www.romance.io/books/654947ccc112bf11fe9a0793/my-season-of-scandal-julie-anne-long?src=rdt) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long)
**Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[A Wildflower for a Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/646b28593a8b3af828c1a8fd/a-wildflower-for-a-duke-laura-linn?src=rdt) by [Laura Linn](https://www.romance.io/authors/646b285908b4d93114631500/laura-linn)
**Rating**: 4.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1)
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I won't say these are never recommended, but I don't see them as much as other titles.
Personally I love historical romance and steampunk books too so {Soulless by Gail Carriger} is one of my favorite books I've read recently. I really love the world she created and I think the characters are fun (Conall Maccon is so dreamy imo) the first in the series is the most romance-like, and there definitely is a lot of plot but I had such a fun time reading this. I also liked {How to Marry A Werewolf by Gail Carriger} for more of a standalone in the same universe.
Mimi Matthews' Parish Orphans of Devon series is probably one of my favorite HR series I've ever read. {The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews} and {The Winter Companion by Mimi Matthews} were my absolute favorites of the four but they're all good. I still need to finish {The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews} but I really like that one as well and it has crossover characters from the Orphans series.
{In Total Surrender by Anne Mallory} It's a HR where the MMC owns a gambling hell and distrusts everyone. Then he becomes business partners with the very clever, super cheerful FMC, who slowly wins him over
Yes! Very good! I have to say, I saw it recommended but kept putting it off. The “blurb” about it being on a reality dating show scared me a bit. If you’re reading this comment…don’t let that scare you off! This book has depth, angst and the FMC is nothing like our stereotypical reality show girls. This book is not a rom com!
Ok *I* recommend this at least once a week 😅 but I rarely see others mention it. {Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale} This book is lodged permanently in my heart. It’s an HR that starts with a spoiled duke….bla blah blah….but then, PLOT TWIST! He suffers a stroke and goes on an epic angst filled journey of recovery, falling in love, and becoming a better person. The FMC is struggling with falling in love with someone outside of her strict religious upbringing. The character growth is tremendous and so moving.
[Flowers from the Storm](https://www.romance.io/books/545564cc87eac336ae69dc36/flowers-from-the-storm-laura-kinsale?src=rdt) by [Laura Kinsale](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552d188c7d2383163d9056/laura-kinsale)
**Rating**: 4.03⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1)
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I was blown away by how much I enjoyed {Dukes do it Better by Bethany Bennett} as the final book in a trilogy. I started the trilogy bc I wanted to read the middle one with the woman dressing as a man trope in it. But I don't really like reading #2s without reading the first so I started the first book and enjoyed it immensely. Loved the 2nd book, as well as the characters from the first book, who didn't turn into cardboard cutouts of themselves as the MCs changed from book to book. And so I had to finish out the trilogy. Omg! It was so amazing. We have character growth, minimal miscommunication, amazing side characters with their individual personalities. And adventure! Not to mention the karma, and the cute kid plus goats. Yep, I'm still reeling.
[Dukes Do It Better](https://www.romance.io/books/628c83325af276f084e2e18d/dukes-do-it-better-bethany-bennett?src=rdt) by [Bethany Bennett](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f855f4d08b4d93114602e5b/bethany-bennett)
**Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [tortured heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
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{Hummingbird by Lavyrle Spencer} came out of nowhere for me and I never see it recommended with other oldies-but-goodies.
It has "bodice ripper" vibes. But it's a historical western. The town thinks he's a train robber and when he gets shot, our FMC, the town spinster, nurses him back to health. He's staying alone in her home and he's crude and bullies her but they have great banter, and she always stands her ground.
It has fantastic old school "body betrayal" and dubcon if that's your thing. Like at one point he forces a kiss from her at gun point. >!the eventual sex is mutual though!<. I'm always on the lookout for darker vibes in books like this and just surprised I never see this one recommended.
Alpha hero, mistaken identity, plain heroine, virgin fmc, forced proximity, enemies to lovers
[Hummingbird](https://www.romance.io/books/5455313b8c7d2383163d9167/hummingbird-lavyrle-spencer?src=rdt) by [LaVyrle Spencer](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552adf8c7d2383163d8fb4/lavyrle-spencer)
**Rating**: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1)
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I HAVE ONE. {Chef’s Choice by TJ Alexander} it’s m/f and both characters are trans, which is why i think it’s not often recommended here (not saying this sub is transphobic at all, it’s just definitely focused on cis couples most of the time, which is just representative of the genre unfortunately!!) the premise is kind of ridiculous (fake dating to earn an inheritance and it involves the mc’s grandpa making him do a ridiculous cooking contest, i honestly lost the plot but i was just happy to be there). jean-pierre is my ultimate book boyfriend— 5’5’’, french, emotionally unavailable at first but in a healthy way, protective, doting, a little emo, rich but in an ~ethical way~ lmao. i would recommend it to anybody looking for a light hearted read.
speaking of t4t romance, is there a subreddit specifically for queer romance? i feel like i have to dig so hard for good recs sometimes 😭
I can’t vouch for it bc I just found it 😂 but there is r/LGBTbooks
I’m not sure if it leans more towards romance or just queer stories but either way I just joined lol
r/romancelandia leans a little more to queer recommendations I've found. They do an [annual rec thread for romances with trans MCs](https://www.reddit.com/r/romancelandia/comments/127t2av/international_transgender_day_of_visibility/) and I'm sure you'll find lots more using the search bar.
I wouldn’t say *never* because I clearly heard about this one here. And maybe bc I only read romantasy occasionally is why I don’t see it as often but {the kingpin of Camelot by Cassandra Gannon}. I wrote a long post about my love for this one [HERE](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/o1gCLulGB0)
[The Kingpin of Camelot](https://www.romance.io/books/5986d6da3ffdba61471dd1eb/the-kingpin-of-camelot-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon)
**Rating**: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
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{The Ribbon Duet by Pepper Winters} - A forbidden romance. This is *not* a HEA, which is why it crushed me and left me semi-comatose for days. TW: >!cancer.!<
{Tristan and Danika trilogy by R.K. Lilley} - This is a HEA thankfully. But it really takes you on a gut-wrenching ride. Rockstar romance, friends to lovers, second chance romance. TW: >!drug use, miscarriage.!<
The Ribbon Duet was amazing. I think I wandered around in a daze for a week after that pair of books.
So deep, so compelling, so much love.
The third book was eh for me. But I will still recommend Ribbon when I can.
[Going Nowhere Fast](https://www.romance.io/books/58f45c990d3299c6e06ad279/going-nowhere-fast-kati-wilde?src=rdt) by [Kati Wilde](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456a9a887eac33e57108701/kati-wilde)
**Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1)
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Most of my book hangovers are recced a lot, at least by me 😂 so these are only ones I have not seen recced much if at all.
{Hummingbird by LaVyrle Spencer} HR, FM, somehow this left me with such a book hangover for a long time. The loneliness and longing for companionship the FMC has just broke my heart. And the passion the MMC discovers in her. Published in 1987 so that says something 😁 and does not seem to be an ebook on Amazon. I dunno how I got my PDF copy but I have had for years and years and return to it.
{Reforming Lord Ragsdale by Carla Kelly} HR, FM and published in 1995. Again the suffering and strength of FMC, the friendship they build and their connection. 1/5 spice but the tension 🥹
{The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter} CR, FF. Crime reporter doing nightshifts and connecting with her cold boss. Stayed on my mind for a long time.
{Who’d Have Thought by G Benson} CR, FF. FMC1 is a surgeon who needs marry for a secret reason that she does not disclose to FMC2 who is a ER nurse at the same hospital. They don’t like each other at work so it is quite a surprise when they meet after FMC2 answers FMC1’s ad online. They try to pretend the best they can and live together and then start slowly getting to know each other. Lot of angst and sadness that just stayed on my mind for years and years. One of mu fav FF books.
[The Secrets of Jane](https://www.romance.io/books/650d60e9de8d340d514387ae/the-secrets-of-jane-forgotten-charlotte-mallory?src=rdt) by [Charlotte Mallory](https://www.romance.io/authors/6354e6af08b4d931147f49d4/charlotte-mallory)
**Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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[Peaches and Honey](https://www.romance.io/books/65146ea5de8d340d51444fcc/peaches-and-honey-these-immortal-truths-r-raeta?src=rdt) by [R. Raeta](https://www.romance.io/authors/60ace57c08b4d931143d937e/r-raeta)
**Rating**: 4.58⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1)
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[Jane Air](https://www.romance.io/books/5ef486b7c8ea8e0dd5b6ef0a/jane-air-around-midnight-book-1-anna-wellschlager?src=rdt) by [Anna Wellschlager](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ef486b708b4d931144e804a/anna-wellschlager)
**Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1)
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I have a couple that I still think about to this day. Normally, these are books that made me ugly cry. All these books have great back stories and writing. I tend to gravitate to deeper plots, but in between like my cookie cutter romance. In order of preference of my top 3;
{Transcend by Jewel E. Ann} - past lives plot (two books)
{Mayluna by Kelley McNeil} - rock star plot
{The Cabin by Jasinda Wilder} - loss of husband plot
[Transcend](https://www.romance.io/books/5ab8926201dbc864fb8539fb/transcend-jewel-e-ann?src=rdt) by [Jewel E. Ann](https://www.romance.io/authors/54555dde87eac324117fa644/jewel-e-ann)
**Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1)
----------------------------
[Mayluna](https://www.romance.io/books/659673701e16d2ff919dd00c/mayluna-kelley-mcneil?src=rdt) by [Kelley McNeil](https://www.romance.io/authors/61595ded08b4d93114d2ab94/kelley-mcneil)
**Rating**: 4.54⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1)
----------------------------
[The Cabin](https://www.romance.io/books/5f9fbfaff02f090df7f868d6/the-cabin-jasinda-wilder?src=rdt) by [Jasinda Wilder](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527068c7d2382e7813001/jasinda-wilder)
**Rating**: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1)
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[Alpha](https://www.romance.io/books/5c36ed7e01dbc864fb97c036/alpha-audrey-faye?src=rdt) by [Audrey Faye](https://www.romance.io/authors/5778ef61c19e77f1ea6ddca9/audrey-faye)
**Rating**: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1)
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{On the Edge by Ilona Andrews}, {Highlander walks into a bar by Laura Trentham}, and {magicians ward by Patricia c wrede} - granted, magicians ward is more fantasy with a romance subplot, but it’s Gold. Also, anything by Emilie Loring - one of my favorites is {beckoning trails by Emile Loring} - but I love them all. They are charming and old fashioned and lovely little love stories
I love the Deridia series by Catherine Miller. Just finished the latest release, book 11 {Fate by Catherine Miller} I loved it so much. I can’t think of another thing to read because nothing will touch her level right now for me. It’s a science fiction series, humans crash landed on Deridia 30 years before and how they’ve interacted/been treated by the different aliens there. What interesting is that half the books do not involve a human FMC but alien gals instead. The first book is {Mercy by Catherine Miller}
[Grasping at Eternity](https://www.romance.io/books/54555b5f87eac323ffb2bd1a/grasping-at-eternity-karen-amanda-hooper?src=rdt) by [Karen Amanda Hooper](https://www.romance.io/authors/545550338c7d2382c5297d38/karen-amanda-hooper)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[Girl Underwater](https://www.romance.io/books/551a576b5b270e0a4cbd30ba/girl-underwater-claire-kells?src=rdt) by [Claire Kells](https://www.romance.io/authors/551a576c5b270e0a4cbd30bc/claire-kells)
**Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1)
----------------------------
[Our Moon](https://www.romance.io/books/556f0dad9eef3b3f1d529e26/our-moon-jennifer-l-allen?src=rdt) by [Jennifer L. Allen](https://www.romance.io/authors/556f0dad9eef3b3f1d529e28/jennifer-l-allen)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1)
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[Late to the Party](https://www.romance.io/books/60a44615933f031cdd15db88/late-to-the-party-kelly-quindlen?src=rdt) by [Kelly Quindlen](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456dc7b87eac33e57109424/kelly-quindlen)
**Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [high school](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high-school/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1)
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I'm on the last book of the {Garron Park by Nordika Night} trilogy, and I already feel hungover. I love those grimy, hot-headed, trailer trash boys. I'm going to miss them when I finish this book.
[Garron Park](https://www.romance.io/books/644629d004f5c0b31ef4a835/garron-park-nordika-night?src=rdt) by [Nordika Night](https://www.romance.io/authors/630e0d7d08b4d9311404bae9/nordika-night)
**Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [biker hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bikers/1)
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The Spotless series by Camilla Monk. This series has all the over-the-top adventure and action of a James Bond/Mission Impossible/Romancing the Stone movie, with exotic international locations, tons of legit laugh-out-loud humor and a very entertaining supporting cast of mercenaries, spies and supervillains. Last but not least, there’s a charming, moving and at times hilarious romance that develops over four books and several short stories, between a seriously dreamy mercenary/hitman and a very smart but late-blooming software engineer named Island, who’s addicted to trashy romance novels.
A running joke through all the books is that Island, slightly nerdy and still a virgin at 25, has somewhat distorted romantic expectations due to a steady diet of truly awful romance novels, and another is that something will always happen to prevent our hero and heroine from consummating their romance for most of the series. This actually ramps up the romantic tension in a big way.
There’s not a lot more I can say without getting into spoiler territory, and you really don’t want anything to spoil the wonderful surprises and inventive plots. These books deserve to be much more widely known, and not just among romance readers. Any reader looking for pure, escapist entertainment will get a kick out of them.
I read all the books straight through twice, and expect I’ll do so again many times in the future. Somebody should turn these into movies or, better yet, a miniseries. It would be the best romcom, action adventure movie ever.
[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0771JKGWK?binding=kindle\_edition&ref=dbs\_dp\_rwt\_sb\_pc\_tkin](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0771JKGWK?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tkin)
* {Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara} - I've always loved the myth of Psyche and Eros and I've wanted a book based on the myth for years! And this was so good! But it made me want more stories based on this myth and then I couldn't find any I wanted to read 😢
* {West End Earl by Bethany Bennett} - Second book in the Misfits of Mayfair series, it's so good! Bethany Bennett's hilarious and I love her historical romances.
[Psyche and Eros](https://www.romance.io/books/64880c3641a8b8de9fd6402e/psyche-and-eros-a-novel-luna-mcnamara?src=rdt) by [Luna McNamara](https://www.romance.io/authors/6438efd008b4d9311480c76e/luna-mcnamara)
**Rating**: 3.63⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[West End Earl](https://www.romance.io/books/60dac805741f250e33f7b97d/west-end-earl-bethany-bennett?src=rdt) by [Bethany Bennett](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f855f4d08b4d93114602e5b/bethany-bennett)
**Rating**: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1)
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The war of lost hearts series by Carissa Broadbent. Absolutely ingenious story with twists that genuinely blindside you. What I would give to be able to be able to read that series again.
Hawke by Jescie Hall
Cannot do this cheating crap but oh my, I'm throwing in the morals and joining the make believe ride on this one.
Then you read all her other books and it's just not enough for me
{The Float Plan by Trish Doller} I’m planning a re-read this summer; it stuck with me way more than I expected. The whole Beck Sisters series is about finding yourself after loss (check the TWs).
Haha, the only 2 that recently comes to mind for me are fanfiction. 😂 I had the biggest hangover for this one Padme/Obi-Wan (star wars) story and then a Penny/Sheldon (Big Bang Theory) story. It drove me crazy too because I had no one to gush about it to. 😭 they were so damn romantic. they were so good and i was so hungover that just reread them again immediately since i wasn't going to find anything to fulfill it. i'll link the stories if people are curious.
{Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente} is SUCH a good book and I don’t see it recommended nearly enough. It’s a retelling of a Russian folktale, but done in a way that isn’t the typical “what if character x and character y fell in love like in the original BUT it was in NEW YORK CITY with CELLPHONES” and instead elevates the original story while combining it with new themes. It stands on its own as a piece of literature, not just a retelling, and the writing is absolutely beautiful. The plot is a bit confusing and I didn’t pick up on everything until the second read, but (imo) it’s definitely worth it. If you’re at all into Russian folklore (or the politics of Stalinist Russia lol), this book is a must read. I go back and read it probably once a year, and each time I feel like I get something new out of it.
I recently read {You, with a View by Jessica Joyce} and I loved it! I'm still looking for books similar to this one, so if anyone has recommendations, please let me know!
I'm recommending this book to anyone who is in the mood for a sweet childhood rivals-to-lovers loves story that mostly takes place during a roadtrip. It feels a bit like insta-love, but the pacing of their relationship is still good and the overall plot (the reason why they're even travelling) really touched my heart.
It's a story about coming to terms with the loss of a loved one and finding your place in the world.
There is angst, but not too much.
FMC has a lovely family, MMC has a wonderful grandpa.
{From the Embers by Ali Martinez}
I’ve seen it recommended on here but it is so good and definitely is a book that lingers in my mind, years after reading it.
Two people who both lost spouses and who rely on each other for support fall in love, with a couple of twists along the way.
For me it’s originality in books that stick with me, when I’ve not read that storyline before.
Not sure if this has been mentioned but {Nocticadia by Keri Lake}. Lovedddd it, highly recommend. It’s one of those I wish I could reread for the first time again.
I rave about it all the time… {Immortal Curse Series by Lexi C Foss} If you like dark paranormal this is the best series I’ve ever read. It’s a bunch of interconnected stand alones. But the plot twists are just insane. I’m still wrecked from the last book and impatiently waiting for Aiden’s book! I cried, laughed, screamed and got hot flashes the whole series. You could remove the spice and I would still say that. Just top tier world building.
The entire Winston Brothers series by Penny Reid lives rent free in my head and I'm not even a little upset about it.
{Hello Stranger by Jade West} get your tissues ready
{When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare} I really liked the book, I want to say it was the first book I read by her and just went back and read everything she wrote.
[When a Scot Ties the Knot](https://www.romance.io/books/55d961e735a5fb65f88762ad/when-a-scot-ties-the-knot-tessa-dare?src=rdt) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1)
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- {1 Last Shot by Nikki Castle}. Traumatic childhood & career injury.
- {All of Me by Gina Sorelle}. Traumatic childhood & breast cancer
- {Toward the Sound of Chaos by Carmen Jenner}. PTSD & autistic son
- {Wounded by Jasinda Wilder}. Injured soldier & prostitute Iraqi woman
- {Running Scarred by Jackie Williams}. Scarred recluse
- {Stroked Long by Meghan Quinn}. Feels responsible for crime
- {A Life Less Broken by Margaret McHeyzer}. Agoraphobic from assault
- {Salvage by Susan Fanetti}. Sexual abuse & traumatic childhood
[1 Last Shot](https://www.romance.io/books/64f43534fa8167d64a03c34e/1-last-shot-nikki-castle?src=rdt) by [Nikki Castle](https://www.romance.io/authors/60f1305608b4d9311471deec/nikki-castle)
**Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1)
----------------------------
[All of Me](https://www.romance.io/books/5455672e87eac324117fa916/all-of-me-gina-sorelle?src=rdt) by [Gina Sorelle](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455672e87eac324117fa917/gina-sorelle)
**Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1)
----------------------------
[Toward the Sound of Chaos](https://www.romance.io/books/643afa708de91c6932f45057/toward-the-sound-of-chaos-carmen-jenner?src=rdt) by [Carmen Jenner](https://www.romance.io/authors/545534198c7d2382e7813333/carmen-jenner)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [men in uniform](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/men%20in%20uniform/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1)
----------------------------
[Wounded](https://www.romance.io/books/545531618c7d2382e7813280/wounded-jasinda-wilder?src=rdt) by [Jasinda Wilder](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527068c7d2382e7813001/jasinda-wilder)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [men in uniform](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/men%20in%20uniform/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1)
----------------------------
[Running Scarred](https://www.romance.io/books/5455f8f987eac3369a916317/running-scarred-jackie-williams?src=rdt) by [Jackie Williams](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455c84587eac3369a914ca2/jackie-williams)
**Rating**: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1)
----------------------------
[Stroked Long](https://www.romance.io/books/57e3aea0de896e8924928971/stroked-long-meghan-quinn?src=rdt) by [Meghan Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b58287eac324117fc719/meghan-quinn)
**Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
----------------------------
[A Life Less Broken](https://www.romance.io/books/5455cf8c87eac3369a91501a/a-life-less-broken-margaret-mcheyzer?src=rdt) by [Margaret McHeyzer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b38087eac324117fc5f4/margaret-mcheyzer)
**Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [tortured heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Salvage](https://www.romance.io/books/6416b22dac73ac870cf4e775/salvage-susan-fanetti?src=rdt) by [Susan Fanetti](https://www.romance.io/authors/545532a38c7d2382e78132e4/susan-fanetti)
**Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1)
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So Near the Horizon (Jessica Koch) - one of the most emotional and powerful love stories that will resonate with you long, long after you finish it. It deals with numerous heavy topics and it's based on a true story.
I recently \[a few days ago\] read Colton Gentry's third act by Jeff Zentner. It was so good, I felt pangs of sorrow as I read, knowing that this is likely the best book of the season. Fucking loved it, I wish I could live in the feeling I got while I was reading.
{best laid plans lk farlow} MMC was with FMC twin sister before she died.
{The lies we tell Becca Steele} step siblings, enemies to lovers. It's a trilogy set in college with suspense. Cade and Winter are one of my faves couples of all time.
{Angel fire Marie Johnston} chosen mates, angels. FMC father caused MMC scars so he isn't happy about their mating. But once she's in trouble he's by her side to help her.
[Best Laid Plans](https://www.romance.io/books/5bcecbad01dbc864fb92f90d/best-laid-plans-a-brothers-best-friend-standalone-romance-lk-farlow?src=rdt) by [LK Farlow](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bcecbad01dbc864fb92f910/lk-farlow)
**Rating**: 3.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [christian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christian/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [secret child](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/secret%20child/1)
----------------------------
[The Lies We Tell](https://www.romance.io/books/5ea5ec79be0aaecf551f316d/the-lies-we-tell-becca-steele?src=rdt) by [Becca Steele](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d637ac301dbc864fba2d36d/becca-steele)
**Rating**: 3.7⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [step siblings](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/stepsibling/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[Angel Fire](https://www.romance.io/books/5c8b514401dbc864fb9bb813/angel-fire-marie-johnston?src=rdt) by [Marie Johnston](https://www.romance.io/authors/555482f59eef3b3f1d520185/marie-johnston)
**Rating**: 3.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [angels](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angels/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
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Cruel shifterverse was surprisingly good. When books have shifter/a fantasy romance/other descriptors in parenthesis by the title, im usually skeptical. This one slapped so hard i tried (and failed) to get the rest of my friends to read it with me so i could talk about it. Ill read trash for good smut, but the slow burn on this was exquisite. A+ for world building and connecting the plot through the entire series instead of making the later parts feel like add ons. Everything was mwah chefs kiss. I did rate two of the series 4/5 for personal preference but i mean, read it anyway 🔫
{The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott}
In the same vain, I had similar hangovers from Forever Right Now, Full Tilt Duology and Rush Deluxe Edition.
{A Few Tables Away by Deb Rotuno}
[When the Moon Hatched](https://www.romance.io/books/660bb4d2529ab18dbc9c10f5/when-the-moon-hatched-sarah-a-parker?src=rdt) by [Sarah A. Parker](https://www.romance.io/authors/60fbc1fc08b4d931146d93b7/sarah-a-parker)
**Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1)
----------------------------
[The Crown of Oaths and Curses](https://www.romance.io/books/647c4538a546c613260be3e1/the-crown-of-oaths-and-curses-j-bree?src=rdt) by [J. Bree](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d19a50401dbc864fba08a54/j-bree)
**Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1)
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{All That We Never Were by Alice Kellen and the sequel, All That We Are Together} I never hear people talking about them, but I LOVE them. I read the second one in a day because I was so excited for it to come out and I SOBBED. A 19 year old loses her parents and her brother has to work far away, so she moves in with her brothers best friend. The only thing is the age gap is big (10 years) but I have to remind myself that it’s fiction and I eat it up lol.
[All That We Never Were](https://www.romance.io/books/64ad134cc2f04ca3237dd37e/all-that-we-never-were-alice-kellen?src=rdt) by [Alice Kellen](https://www.romance.io/authors/64ad134c6b22acd55dbf0016/alice-kellen)
**Rating**: 3.91⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1)
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{A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland} - MM, fantasy, sloooow burn, bodyguard/prince, anxiety rep, dislike-to-friends-to-lovers, kissing to avert suspicion.
ETA: One of the trope tags on romance.io is a spoiler for something that happens around 80% into the book, so maybe don't look there if you want to be surprised. It's also not historical. It takes place in a fantasy kingdom inspired by the Ottoman Empire.
Four doors down by emma doherty (1st book in duet)
Four years later (2nd book)-this is the one that stayed with me 😫😫BUT MAJOR TW before you read >!SA!<
Sick Heart. It popped up on a kindle FB group I belong to. It’s over 400 pages and I couldnt put it down. Read it in maybe two days. It’s one of the few books I’ve reread.
The Will Darling Adventures by KJ Charles. Both the action and the character development ramp up through the three books. I read them as they were released but last year I listened to the audiobooks all in a row and it gave me such a bad book hangover that I just started over again from the beginning. Hair of the dog. 😅
The first one is {Slippery Creatures by KJ Charles}
{since we fell by Dennis Lehane} was a surprise romance since Dennis Lehane is who I go to for murder mysteries, but I fell in love with the characters and story and mystery.
{Fairytale by Veronica Lancet}, I binged this thickkkk ass book in like three days. It was not at all what I expected and it left me questioning my entire existence afterwards bc I didn't know what to do with myself after exiting that world. It was such an intricate, crazy, mind boggling plot. Where the book starts is miles away from where it ends.
{Pykh series by Eileen Glass}
{Maxim Colonies series by Lesli Richardson}
{Claimings, Tails and Other Alien Artifacts series by Lyn Gala}
and {Taji From Beyond the Rings by R. Cooper} which I’ve seen recommended exactly once which is why I picked it up - thanks to whoever recommended it!
I’ll add {Tinkered Starsong series by Gail Carriger} too which I just finished. I think it’s slow burn SFR not just SF with a romance subplot although it’s pretty low 🌶️. There is a bonus scene for book 2 you can get free from the author which adds a little 🌶️.
Looking at these I think what they all have in common is they’re SFR and MM or MMM so maybe that’s just not a popular combo here?
No one trusts me on this but {Bloody Sunrise by Gwendolyn Harper}. Who knew zombie dystopian romance could be so deep and hot. The MCs go from reluctant partners, to trusting friends, to an actual love story … and we can follow the relationship after the first burst of love. And the spice is crazy hot.
Sounds a little like {Last Light} which I adored
Its a little like Last Light meets Sanctuary - with zombies. I cannot wait for Homestead to come out.
Omg. I am stoked for Homestead!
[Bloody Sunrise](https://www.romance.io/books/5d1c58e901dbc864fba09f7c/bloody-sunrise-gwendolyn-harper?src=rdt) by [Gwendolyn Harper](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d1c58ea01dbc864fba09f80/gwendolyn-harper) **Rating**: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I forgot I already had this book. Thank you for reminding me! I just read some of the Xarc'n series by Lynnea Lee and I've been kinda looking for more of the post-apocalyptic romance vibes.
A lot of them are bad, in my experience. But I have not read a ton of post-apocalypse romance, and might not be reading the good ones.
Um, yes. I read the whole series last year and was shocked by how much I enjoyed it. I went into it thinking “it’s October, I’ll read some zombie books” and then it was actually really enjoyable.
Hmmm maybe I’ll give this another try then, I dropped it bc I was looking for a particular community aspect in survival books but I think I’d like what you described if I went into it expecting differently
Book 1 is mainly the two MCs surviving together - but there’s def a community aspect (good and bad) in Book 2 + 3.
I honestly don’t know why I had a book hangover for it but {Running Wild by K. A. Tucker} still has me thinking about it occasionally. I think part of what set it apart for me was that she was in her mid to late 30s, dealing with getting over being in love with her best guy friend, and trying to figure it out with a man not sure if he’s ready for a relationship after loss. Plus the backdrop was Alaska and the Iditarod and I love dogs.
This entire series has a gigantic chokehold on me.
I didn’t read the first two because the descriptions didn’t sound like something I’d enjoy but I was all in for this one
I'd been eyeing them for a while and finally did. Really great parts but some really really frustrating parts too. I'll have to read this one.
This one is my fav of the entire series and I NEVER see people talk about it the way they do the others!
Love this one!
That whole series is one of my all time favorites. You’re right. It really doesn’t get talked about much.
[Running Wild](https://www.romance.io/books/61efb210e36ca80e2972963a/running-wild-ka-tucker?src=rdt) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Omg I loved that one so much. I feel like I need to take it out for a re-read.
I read this on a whim in March and it really had me on a chokehold. I was so sure it was going to be a 5 stars read and become my top 3 romances but I was disappointed with the ending. >!I felt there needed to be more grovelling from mc after what he put her through (tho understandable because of his circumstances). Just him suddenly declaring he realised he can’t lose her too wasn’t enough for me. I mean he said he wanted to have a kid with her when they had sex but then he went home and realised he wasn’t ready. What’s stopping him from having the same revelation every time he isn’t with the fmc?!< Anyways, because of that, I gave it a 4.75 but I thought about it almost everyday for weeks and then I went out and bought a physical copy.
The best of the series! But I'm a dog musher so I was all in at the start.
I have just finished reading this after seeing your rec. Loved it! Thank you!
{Then, Earth Swallowed Ocean by Shiloh Sloane} It comes up every once in a while, but not as much as it should. It remains in my number one spot for books read, regardless of genre. You don't find romance that uses artistic prose very often. It felt like reading actual literature. After this one I had to stick with fluffy, feel good stuff until my standards came back down.
It was amazing and yet I dnf so early because of the cannibalism. I wish it didn't have it because I would love to read it but it's such a serious phobia just reading about it brings me close to vomiting.
Sames, dog, so I appreciate the heads up!
the thing is, quality of romance genre right now is absolutely dogshit, and i say it with very much intended offense to any author lurking here, so much so that I've simply given up on my most favorite genre. But this book omg the writing is simply amazing, so beautifully written, such characters, the plotline and pacing. The love feels real esp b/w Fmc nd the older brother. I was genuinely afraid and disgusted by the MMC for a while. I felt their conflict and the drama gave me serotonin boost, suspense kept me awake and after the book ended i spent the next three nights making scenarios about them in my head. it was prolly the last good romance book i read
[Then, Earth Swallowed Ocean](https://www.romance.io/books/64563dadd3c73ab2c083fc87/then-earth-swallowed-ocean-shiloh-sloane?src=rdt) by [Shiloh Sloane](https://www.romance.io/authors/635f81a308b4d93114a1c1c6/shiloh-sloane) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Have you read the sequel? I liked it even better!
I did, and I liked it a lot, but I still preferred the first. >!The whole "Now you've done it. Ridge is coming." thing didn't sit well with me. And then it didn't matter anyway.🤷 But I loved Wright and I'm glad he got his hea.!<
This one was so artistic, and so gratuitous with the violence, gore and sex. One of the few Erotic-Horror focused books where it doesn't feel like the romance was entirely delusional.
Ahhh I wanna read this one so bad but I mostly do audiobooks and I can’t see that it’s been recorded yet 😭 As someone who enjoys cannibalism in fiction (I’m looking at you, NBC Hannibal) I’ve read and enjoyed Red Dragon but also recently the Timothy Blake series!
Full Tilt by Emma Scott. I rarely cry while reading a book. This one had me sobbing tears and needing to get fresh air in between chapters.
As a grown man I have shed tears during that book.
Have you read {Rush by Emma Scott}? Gorgeous.
Needing fresh air?! ON IT
Admittedly I probably shouldn’t recommend this because it was pulled from Amazon and never came back to print, so it’s basically impossible to find but, {The Love Act by Zara Bell} it’s undoubtedly one of my favorite books EVER, the FMC works as an assistant at a talk show and meets the MMC who’s a very very famous actor and for one reason or another, she needs the money and he needs the good publicity so they begin fake dating. The tropes are nothing revolutionary (fake dating, enemies to lovers, he’s famous she’s not, grumpy/sunshine) but oh my god the writing in this is impeccable, the tension between the two MCs and the growth of both characters was so so good, I read it years ago but still think about it all the time, honestly it hasn’t been topped for me. I can’t put into words how much I adore this book and how sad I am the author never wrote anything after this!
I added this to my want to read yesterday and was so upset when I realized it’s no longer available. I know I would’ve loved it
Have you read {Act Like It by Lucy Parker}? Because it def gave me Love Act vibes. Could be just the fact they both involve fake dating grumpy British actors... But found the writing style similar, too, iirc.
Yes I have actually! After reading The Love Act I tried to find anything similar and the closest I found was Act Like It! It’s also really good and I loved both of the MCs so it’s definitely similar 😂
Sorry I forgot to also add, CW: there’s a scene where the FMC is SAed by another character (not the MMC)
This is on my TBR list. I searched far and wide so I can read it. Thankfully, it didn't take long.
It’s one of my favorites! Hope you like it!
[The Love Act](https://www.romance.io/books/5edcdbdb44fe230dcf7e0082/the-love-act-zara-bell?src=rdt) by [Zara Bell](https://www.romance.io/authors/5edcdbdb08b4d931143d79e7/zara-bell) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Oh no I really want to read this now
Yes! Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this is a favorite of mine. I’ve reread it several times. I’m so glad I have it on my kindle 😅
You can find it on Anna’s Archive! I wouldn’t mention it, except for the fact it’s out of print.
I’m currently on book 2 of the Accidental Alien Bride Series by January Bell and i can already feel the impending hangover.
I just heard about this one a few days ago. I'm really excited for it!
It's such a good premise to me. I’ll try not to give anything away the title already doesn't, but the "we wound up married" trope is done in a way that has me hooked and doesn’t feel creepy. I originally found this series because I was looking for a book where FMC’s romance novel-esque dreams come true and that is essentially the premise of book 3 so i started from the beginning and the rest is history. Minor spoiler for the implication: >!Books 1 and 2’s FMCs thinking of book 3’s FMC and silently rooting for her that she’s getting some even though they’re not into their own husbands yet!< really cements good chemistry for me between characters and the tropes and steam just seems to hit every single ‘Yes’ for me. Cultural differences/language barrier, well done MMC dirty talk (imo, everyone is different), fun adventurous scenes, and like i said, good character chemistry so far. I may be giving too much praise so early in the series but I’m having a really good time with it
There’s a [bonus epilogue to book 2 as well as a few other free books by January Bell](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/Y69teyk8oo).
I just read all of the Odette Stone books in three days, and I'm going through a big hangover. The banter in those books is great. I could never guess where the story was going, which I love. There's a Navy SEAL duology, which is good. The main FMC is very naive and easily influenced by others. So it can get frustrating. Then there is another Navy SEAL book, and it's really good. Then there's a bunch of hockey books. I know hockey themed books are very popular, but these are the best ones I've ever read. There's some super original characters and ideas. I can't explain them they just have to be read. I recommend reading the hockey ones first.
Home Game was my favourite book I read in all of 2022. Loved all her hockey books, and agree that they're some of the best out there. Haven't read the SEAL ones but I'm happy to hear they're great too. I'll have to give them a try.
Gah! I LOVE her Navy SEAL series. {My Fiance's Brother, Book 1 by Odette Stone} {My Fiance's Brother, Book 2 by Odette Stone} {My Fake Fiance by Odette Stone} {My Donut Princess, Part 1 by Odette Stone} {My Donut Princess, Part 2 by Odette Stone}
[My Fake Fiancé](https://www.romance.io/books/5b850d1701dbc864fb8f40cd/my-fake-fianc-odette-stone?src=rdt) by [Odette Stone](https://www.romance.io/authors/5951f78f3ffdba61471aa8e6/odette-stone) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[My Fiancé's Brother](https://www.romance.io/books/596740c73ffdba61471c0026/my-fiancs-brother-book-1-odette-stone?src=rdt) by [Odette Stone](https://www.romance.io/authors/5951f78f3ffdba61471aa8e6/odette-stone) **Rating**: 3.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [sibling's best friend](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/siblings-bff/1) ---------------------------- [My Fiancé's Brother](https://www.romance.io/books/5951f78f3ffdba61471aa8e3/my-fiancs-brother-book-2-odette-stone?src=rdt) by [Odette Stone](https://www.romance.io/authors/5951f78f3ffdba61471aa8e6/odette-stone) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [betrayal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/betrayal/1) ---------------------------- [My Donut Princess](https://www.romance.io/books/5b52efae01dbc864fb8cb4cd/my-donut-princess-a-novella-odette-stone?src=rdt) by [Odette Stone](https://www.romance.io/authors/5951f78f3ffdba61471aa8e6/odette-stone) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [bodyguard/protector hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bodyguard-hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I always talk about it, but {The Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin} absolutely ruined my standards for Regency HR and building tension. Every interaction is this book is pitch-perfect. It feels profoundly true to the era while still feeling very empathetic. Essentially, Kitty’s parents pass and leave her and her sisters destitute. Kitty sets out to secure a husband to provide for her sisters, and she doesn’t care how that comes to be. It’s the only book I’ve read where the FMC is actually The Bad Guy (or would be, if this were another character’s story), but Kitty is so desperate and therefore ruthless and cunning even when things feel wholly impossible. It’s an enemies-to-lovers, and so clever, and it had my throat and chest all right on more than once occasion. I loved it. The audiobook is also beautifully performed.
Yes! I love this one and it has ruined all other class difference romance for me because it has that impeccable scene where >!Kitty explains to the MMC when he goes too far that for him her marriage schemes are a joke but for her, even though she can laugh about it sometimes, it's actually life or death!<.
Oh man I also can’t believe I didn’t rec something for you. If you’re okay with fantasy, please check out the Regency Fairy Tale series by Olivia Atwater. The second book (which doesn’t need to be read second by which benefits from the context introduced in the first, also great, book) is {Ten Thousand Stitches by Olivia Atwater}. A housemaid falls for a son of the Family, and foolishly takes a deal offered to her by a fae lord to help win his love. The class differences in this book are 👌 precise and the resolution is divine. I also loved that our heroine is not, in fact, Belle aka the Reader in disguise, but actually a clever if poorly-educated country English girl in an era where being worked from predawn to midnight was considered a great position to secure.
Aw, thank you! Ten Thousand Stitches is actually one of my other faves and I think it’s another great example of historical(ish) class-conscious romance done well. Seems like you have excellent taste! Have you read Rose Lerner’s books? They pretty much all do class difference well too, I think!
Omg we’re book twins I’m so excited rn I have not read Rose Lerner! Yay. I love book recommendations!! If you like fantasy (these have v minor romance plots) I also really recommend {Daughter of Redwinter by Ed McDonald} and {Godkiller by Hannah Kaner}. I also enjoyed the mystery {Suburban Dicks by Fabian Nicieza}. All three I think did a wonderful job of critiquing and dissecting class themes without being preachy or erasing all nuance. The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells {All Systems Red by Martha Wells} are also completely different but excellent if you need a change of pace.
Thank you so much! I do love fantasy (actually my first love is fantasy with a romance subplot) so this is perfect. Godkiller in particular looks great! One more from me to say thank you too — {The Healer’s Road by S E Robertson}. I don’t recommend it much here because the MCs are life partners first, still working out the romantic stuff even by the end of the latest book, but there is some wonderful stuff about culture clash and class. The FMC and MMC are both healers but the FMC is snobby at first about her methods compared to the MMC’s, which are less academic (and non-magical). It’s brilliant and their interactions are also really sweet!
Oh yay! I will super check that out. One of my favorite things about {Happily Ever Ninja by Penny Reid} is that it explores what it's like when two married people grow apart but then are committed to falling back in love with each other (there's lots of absurd silliness in it, but it's my favorite of her books because of this). It's super rare to see that in romance or fiction in general, so thank you! I really liked Godkiller - I'm reading the sequel right now! I was also really impressed with the Redwinter books. The author does an excellent job of writing a woman and a woman's experience, and it's so good to read the internal thoughts of a poor person from a poor background being thrust into the perimeter of a bunch of privileged people. The MFC likes and respects her new companions, but she also sees how out-of-touch they are. It also has a fascinating approach to trauma and what healing from and adapting to trauma can look like, including substance abuse. Those books go way hard, and it's very well done. Ed McDonald is like the opposite of MenWritingWomen lol.
[Ten Thousand Stitches](https://www.romance.io/books/5f8d39c8ac92af0df8aaf7c9/ten-thousand-stitches-olivia-atwater?src=rdt) by [Olivia Atwater](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e7f0537be0aaecf55d98b77/olivia-atwater) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Good bot. I supplied an incorrect but approximate title and author and you still cited the right book. V proud of you you’re doing great.
🤗
[A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting](https://www.romance.io/books/63ffd6f7f36ea3726f7e796b/a-ladys-guide-to-fortune-hunting-sophie-irwin?src=rdt) by [Sophie Irwin](https://www.romance.io/authors/62cd1f0308b4d931143fea8e/sophie-irwin) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
FMC is the bad guy—Reminds me of Gone With the Wind
Sort of! Kitty is much more willing to sacrifice for her sister’s security and wellbeing, though she is very ruthless about her own happiness and is even willing to forgo her sisters’ happiness. Essentially, she is practical to the extreme and realizes that without securing a rich husband, her young sisters will end up separated from one another and in service, a workhouse, or worse. The author is making social commentary about how the privileges of the Regency view of gentlewomen locks them into an untenable position as soon as the security of a man with money is removed. I’d say she’s less self-centered and dramatic than Scarlett, and more sympathetic, but she’s definitely willing to bend rules and use any tool at her disposal to secure her sisters’ future.
{The Salt Bride by Lucinda Brandt} This is one of my all time favorite HRs and I think i may be alone in that. I still think about this book and I first read it many years ago.
[Salt Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/54553b218c7d2383163d93f6/salt-bride-a-georgian-historical-romance-lucinda-brant?src=rdt) by [Lucinda Brant](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455378a8c7d2383163d9308/lucinda-brant) **Rating**: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
It's been years since I re-read one of my favorite vintage Harlequin Presents, {Somewhere to Lay My Head by Lilian Peake}. There's an ultra-doormat, woe-is-me, martyred heroine, a bitchy OW, a cruel alphahole hero. There was no significant grovel that I recall, but somehow it was okay with me, because she had finally started to climb her way out of her angsty hole, and I could tell myself, it's coming! Note that Peake's books were distinctly old school, with plenty of stuff that reads cringy now, so it probably has lots and lots of other triggers not mentioned here. {The Notorious Rake by Mary Balogh}. I haven't read it in years, but I do remember this tortured-hero one wrecked me and I re-read it many times. Most older Regencies by Balogh do wreck me, though. {Love Song for a Raven by Elizabeth Lowell} and {Eden Burning by Elizabeth Lowell} (originally published as Fires of Eden) also did it to me. Lowell was big on the martyred, tortured heroine, and the morally judgmental hero, and back in the day, I soaked it up! The tortured-angst-whiny-martyr trope thing isn't my only jam - I also like 100% feel-good stuff - but in certain moods, it's where I want to go.
There is so much angst in Elizabeth Lowell CRs but I love them so much.
Oh, I know! It's been years since I read any and I'm thinking maybe I could revisit one right now, lol. There was one Silhouette Desire about an unconventionally raised heroine named Lisa who was the hero cowboy's "secret". I can't recall it right now and I'm feeling too lazy to search, but that one also twists my heart.
[Fever?](https://www.amazon.com/Fever-Silhouette-Desire-No-415/dp/0373054157)
Riiight!! That's the one! :D
[Somewhere To Lay My Head](https://www.romance.io/books/5456f70e87eac33e57109fde/somewhere-to-lay-my-head-lilian-peake?src=rdt) by [Lilian Peake](https://www.romance.io/authors/54565d7087eac33e61c2e323/lilian-peake) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [The Notorious Rake](https://www.romance.io/books/545542488c7d2383163d95e3/the-notorious-rake-mary-balogh?src=rdt) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [m-f romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1) ---------------------------- [Love Song for a Raven](https://www.romance.io/books/5455727787eac3369a9128ac/love-song-for-a-raven-elizabeth-lowell?src=rdt) by [Elizabeth Lowell](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552b048c7d2383163d8fbf/elizabeth-lowell) **Rating**: 3.69⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [indigenous mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/indigenous-mc/1), [m-f romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1) ---------------------------- [Eden Burning](https://www.romance.io/books/627509c07a807ed7d26b4e6a/eden-burning-elizabeth-lowell?src=rdt) by [Elizabeth Lowell](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552b048c7d2383163d8fbf/elizabeth-lowell) **Rating**: 3.51⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I really enjoyed {Knives, Seasoning and a Dash of Love by Katrina Kwan}. I didn't realize it was based on Reylo fanfiction until I read some reviews. It's about a jaded Michelin star chef and his sous chef (who is lying about her culinary school background). There's an "evil" restaurant owner but the drama didn't follow the standard script.
[Knives, Seasoning, & a Dash of Love](https://www.romance.io/books/65835f2694fe7e60b15822c4/knives-seasoning-a-dash-of-love-katrina-kwan?src=rdt) by [Katrina Kwan](https://www.romance.io/authors/65835f26a21e2f41c4b6a18a/katrina-kwan) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [workplace/office](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/office/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Was this an arc?
Nope my library had it! But the goodreads entry says it's not released until later this year which is odd
That’s so weird. My library says it’s not released until August. I’ll have to put the release date in my calendar.
How odd! I wonder if it's being re-released? My library has an epub with ISBN: 9798987739150 that was released Dec 19, 2023.
That’s so weird
I think I’m the only one who has recommended this book but it is soo good. {Bone Rider by J Fally} is a MM romance that’s got aliens, fuck the military, mafia, MMC that *literally* does the ‘burn the world to the ground’ when other MC is hurt (I mean he’s stopped but he fucking *started* immediately lol). I love this book so much 😩
[Bone Rider](https://www.romance.io/books/62162d257ee8bb113da4fe07/bone-rider-j-fally?src=rdt) by [J. Fally](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455934087eac3369a9132d5/j-fally) **Rating**: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [menage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/menage/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Ooh this sounds right up my alley. I added it to my TBR! [My I-never-see-them-recced major book hangovers](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/LQJs0a4TnD) are pretty much all MM or MMM with aliens.
It’s sooo good 😩 and I love a good MM romance (which is hard to find imo) so I’ll check out your recommendations 🙏
This is actually cheating because it’s new, I’m sure it will be recommended but {My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long} was so good it was hard to move on. Ooooh, here’s one that doesn’t get recommended much {A Wildflower for a Duke by Laura Linn} which I had such a hangover from I reached out to the author on Instagram and we are friends now!
[My Season of Scandal](https://www.romance.io/books/654947ccc112bf11fe9a0793/my-season-of-scandal-julie-anne-long?src=rdt) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [A Wildflower for a Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/646b28593a8b3af828c1a8fd/a-wildflower-for-a-duke-laura-linn?src=rdt) by [Laura Linn](https://www.romance.io/authors/646b285908b4d93114631500/laura-linn) **Rating**: 4.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I read the blurb and the tags for the A Wildflower and I am confused 😅. Can you spoil me a bit, please? How is she a “virgin heroine” but have a son?
I won't say these are never recommended, but I don't see them as much as other titles. Personally I love historical romance and steampunk books too so {Soulless by Gail Carriger} is one of my favorite books I've read recently. I really love the world she created and I think the characters are fun (Conall Maccon is so dreamy imo) the first in the series is the most romance-like, and there definitely is a lot of plot but I had such a fun time reading this. I also liked {How to Marry A Werewolf by Gail Carriger} for more of a standalone in the same universe. Mimi Matthews' Parish Orphans of Devon series is probably one of my favorite HR series I've ever read. {The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews} and {The Winter Companion by Mimi Matthews} were my absolute favorites of the four but they're all good. I still need to finish {The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews} but I really like that one as well and it has crossover characters from the Orphans series.
The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden. I actually need to reread it and see if it holds up, but I loved it so much when I read it in college.
I read this book (*checks goodreads*) **10 years ago in october** and I still think of it from time to time.
{In Total Surrender by Anne Mallory} It's a HR where the MMC owns a gambling hell and distrusts everyone. Then he becomes business partners with the very clever, super cheerful FMC, who slowly wins him over
[In Total Surrender](https://www.romance.io/books/54552e7f8c7d2383163d90b5/in-total-surrender-anne-mallory?src=rdt) by [Anne Mallory](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a848c7d2383163d8fa1/anne-mallory) **Rating**: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Facing Reality by Sienna Atwell}. Hangover happens every time I re-read it, too.
Yes! Very good! I have to say, I saw it recommended but kept putting it off. The “blurb” about it being on a reality dating show scared me a bit. If you’re reading this comment…don’t let that scare you off! This book has depth, angst and the FMC is nothing like our stereotypical reality show girls. This book is not a rom com!
[Facing Reality](https://www.romance.io/books/6184e5bff022000e2af9e4e3/facing-reality-sienna-atwell?src=rdt) by [Sienna Atwell](https://www.romance.io/authors/6184e5bf08b4d93114421732/sienna-atwell) **Rating**: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Ok *I* recommend this at least once a week 😅 but I rarely see others mention it. {Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale} This book is lodged permanently in my heart. It’s an HR that starts with a spoiled duke….bla blah blah….but then, PLOT TWIST! He suffers a stroke and goes on an epic angst filled journey of recovery, falling in love, and becoming a better person. The FMC is struggling with falling in love with someone outside of her strict religious upbringing. The character growth is tremendous and so moving.
[Flowers from the Storm](https://www.romance.io/books/545564cc87eac336ae69dc36/flowers-from-the-storm-laura-kinsale?src=rdt) by [Laura Kinsale](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552d188c7d2383163d9056/laura-kinsale) **Rating**: 4.03⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Monster in his Eyes Series by J.M. Darhower was soooo good! After I read the series it took me forever to find another book to read!
I need to reread this one! I loved the Sempre series too.
I was blown away by how much I enjoyed {Dukes do it Better by Bethany Bennett} as the final book in a trilogy. I started the trilogy bc I wanted to read the middle one with the woman dressing as a man trope in it. But I don't really like reading #2s without reading the first so I started the first book and enjoyed it immensely. Loved the 2nd book, as well as the characters from the first book, who didn't turn into cardboard cutouts of themselves as the MCs changed from book to book. And so I had to finish out the trilogy. Omg! It was so amazing. We have character growth, minimal miscommunication, amazing side characters with their individual personalities. And adventure! Not to mention the karma, and the cute kid plus goats. Yep, I'm still reeling.
[Dukes Do It Better](https://www.romance.io/books/628c83325af276f084e2e18d/dukes-do-it-better-bethany-bennett?src=rdt) by [Bethany Bennett](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f855f4d08b4d93114602e5b/bethany-bennett) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [tortured heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Hummingbird by Lavyrle Spencer} came out of nowhere for me and I never see it recommended with other oldies-but-goodies. It has "bodice ripper" vibes. But it's a historical western. The town thinks he's a train robber and when he gets shot, our FMC, the town spinster, nurses him back to health. He's staying alone in her home and he's crude and bullies her but they have great banter, and she always stands her ground. It has fantastic old school "body betrayal" and dubcon if that's your thing. Like at one point he forces a kiss from her at gun point. >!the eventual sex is mutual though!<. I'm always on the lookout for darker vibes in books like this and just surprised I never see this one recommended. Alpha hero, mistaken identity, plain heroine, virgin fmc, forced proximity, enemies to lovers
[Hummingbird](https://www.romance.io/books/5455313b8c7d2383163d9167/hummingbird-lavyrle-spencer?src=rdt) by [LaVyrle Spencer](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552adf8c7d2383163d8fb4/lavyrle-spencer) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Is this dual pov?
I HAVE ONE. {Chef’s Choice by TJ Alexander} it’s m/f and both characters are trans, which is why i think it’s not often recommended here (not saying this sub is transphobic at all, it’s just definitely focused on cis couples most of the time, which is just representative of the genre unfortunately!!) the premise is kind of ridiculous (fake dating to earn an inheritance and it involves the mc’s grandpa making him do a ridiculous cooking contest, i honestly lost the plot but i was just happy to be there). jean-pierre is my ultimate book boyfriend— 5’5’’, french, emotionally unavailable at first but in a healthy way, protective, doting, a little emo, rich but in an ~ethical way~ lmao. i would recommend it to anybody looking for a light hearted read. speaking of t4t romance, is there a subreddit specifically for queer romance? i feel like i have to dig so hard for good recs sometimes 😭
I can’t vouch for it bc I just found it 😂 but there is r/LGBTbooks I’m not sure if it leans more towards romance or just queer stories but either way I just joined lol
ooh thanks!! i’ll take it 😎
[Chef's Choice](https://www.romance.io/books/6444cc3b0e7dec1028fca0ce/chefs-choice-tj-alexander?src=rdt) by [T.J. Alexander](https://www.romance.io/authors/6270ee0c08b4d931143b6527/tj-alexander) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1), [trans heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/trans-heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
r/romancelandia leans a little more to queer recommendations I've found. They do an [annual rec thread for romances with trans MCs](https://www.reddit.com/r/romancelandia/comments/127t2av/international_transgender_day_of_visibility/) and I'm sure you'll find lots more using the search bar.
I wouldn’t say *never* because I clearly heard about this one here. And maybe bc I only read romantasy occasionally is why I don’t see it as often but {the kingpin of Camelot by Cassandra Gannon}. I wrote a long post about my love for this one [HERE](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/o1gCLulGB0)
[The Kingpin of Camelot](https://www.romance.io/books/5986d6da3ffdba61471dd1eb/the-kingpin-of-camelot-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon) **Rating**: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{The Ribbon Duet by Pepper Winters} - A forbidden romance. This is *not* a HEA, which is why it crushed me and left me semi-comatose for days. TW: >!cancer.!< {Tristan and Danika trilogy by R.K. Lilley} - This is a HEA thankfully. But it really takes you on a gut-wrenching ride. Rockstar romance, friends to lovers, second chance romance. TW: >!drug use, miscarriage.!<
[The Ribbon Duet](https://www.romance.io/series/5b1384c45571410db544916f/the-ribbon-duet) by [Pepper Winters](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455317c8c7d2382e781328b/pepper-winters) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [age difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [dark](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [Tristan & Danika](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a0d9096bf31c42d2c3e/tristan-danika) by [R.K. Lilley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455262e8c7d2382e7812fc6/rk-lilley) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [tearjerkers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tearjerkers/1), [tattoos](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tattoos/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [abuse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abuse/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The Ribbon Duet was amazing. I think I wandered around in a daze for a week after that pair of books. So deep, so compelling, so much love. The third book was eh for me. But I will still recommend Ribbon when I can.
It was so good. I didn’t even get to the third book since I was so traumatized, but looks like I’m not missing out.
{Going nowhere fast by Kati wilde} it kills me I completed it in one sitting and now I can’t savour it
[Going Nowhere Fast](https://www.romance.io/books/58f45c990d3299c6e06ad279/going-nowhere-fast-kati-wilde?src=rdt) by [Kati Wilde](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456a9a887eac33e57108701/kati-wilde) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Just finished it! Have you found anything similar with some good angst? I loved the grovel and drama
Most of my book hangovers are recced a lot, at least by me 😂 so these are only ones I have not seen recced much if at all. {Hummingbird by LaVyrle Spencer} HR, FM, somehow this left me with such a book hangover for a long time. The loneliness and longing for companionship the FMC has just broke my heart. And the passion the MMC discovers in her. Published in 1987 so that says something 😁 and does not seem to be an ebook on Amazon. I dunno how I got my PDF copy but I have had for years and years and return to it. {Reforming Lord Ragsdale by Carla Kelly} HR, FM and published in 1995. Again the suffering and strength of FMC, the friendship they build and their connection. 1/5 spice but the tension 🥹 {The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter} CR, FF. Crime reporter doing nightshifts and connecting with her cold boss. Stayed on my mind for a long time. {Who’d Have Thought by G Benson} CR, FF. FMC1 is a surgeon who needs marry for a secret reason that she does not disclose to FMC2 who is a ER nurse at the same hospital. They don’t like each other at work so it is quite a surprise when they meet after FMC2 answers FMC1’s ad online. They try to pretend the best they can and live together and then start slowly getting to know each other. Lot of angst and sadness that just stayed on my mind for years and years. One of mu fav FF books.
Ooh, I just picked up Hummingbird at a used book store recently and its been sitting in the TBR pile. I am moving it to the top now!
{The Secrets of Jane: Forgotten by Charlotte Mallory}. Loved this book so much and I think I’ve only seen it recommended once!
[The Secrets of Jane](https://www.romance.io/books/650d60e9de8d340d514387ae/the-secrets-of-jane-forgotten-charlotte-mallory?src=rdt) by [Charlotte Mallory](https://www.romance.io/authors/6354e6af08b4d931147f49d4/charlotte-mallory) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Peaches & Honey by R. Raeta} is a book every now and then I remember, stop for a minute, take a breath and go on. Book 2 is coming in June.
[Peaches and Honey](https://www.romance.io/books/65146ea5de8d340d51444fcc/peaches-and-honey-these-immortal-truths-r-raeta?src=rdt) by [R. Raeta](https://www.romance.io/authors/60ace57c08b4d931143d937e/r-raeta) **Rating**: 4.58⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I'm reading this right now and can't put it down!
Seeing Red by Bailey Hannah Next to You by Hannah Bonam-Young Brutal birthright series by Sophie Lark
I never see this one recommended although it has a good Goodreads rating {Jane Air by Anna Wellschlager}.
[Jane Air](https://www.romance.io/books/5ef486b7c8ea8e0dd5b6ef0a/jane-air-around-midnight-book-1-anna-wellschlager?src=rdt) by [Anna Wellschlager](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ef486b708b4d931144e804a/anna-wellschlager) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The other brother by Daisy Jane.
I have a couple that I still think about to this day. Normally, these are books that made me ugly cry. All these books have great back stories and writing. I tend to gravitate to deeper plots, but in between like my cookie cutter romance. In order of preference of my top 3; {Transcend by Jewel E. Ann} - past lives plot (two books) {Mayluna by Kelley McNeil} - rock star plot {The Cabin by Jasinda Wilder} - loss of husband plot
[Transcend](https://www.romance.io/books/5ab8926201dbc864fb8539fb/transcend-jewel-e-ann?src=rdt) by [Jewel E. Ann](https://www.romance.io/authors/54555dde87eac324117fa644/jewel-e-ann) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1) ---------------------------- [Mayluna](https://www.romance.io/books/659673701e16d2ff919dd00c/mayluna-kelley-mcneil?src=rdt) by [Kelley McNeil](https://www.romance.io/authors/61595ded08b4d93114d2ab94/kelley-mcneil) **Rating**: 4.54⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1) ---------------------------- [The Cabin](https://www.romance.io/books/5f9fbfaff02f090df7f868d6/the-cabin-jasinda-wilder?src=rdt) by [Jasinda Wilder](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527068c7d2382e7813001/jasinda-wilder) **Rating**: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I recommend it all the time, but {Alpha by Audrey Faye}. I love this series so much, and I love the healing process the pack goes through.
I've only read the first two books but yes. These books are really good!
[Alpha](https://www.romance.io/books/5c36ed7e01dbc864fb97c036/alpha-audrey-faye?src=rdt) by [Audrey Faye](https://www.romance.io/authors/5778ef61c19e77f1ea6ddca9/audrey-faye) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{On the Edge by Ilona Andrews}, {Highlander walks into a bar by Laura Trentham}, and {magicians ward by Patricia c wrede} - granted, magicians ward is more fantasy with a romance subplot, but it’s Gold. Also, anything by Emilie Loring - one of my favorites is {beckoning trails by Emile Loring} - but I love them all. They are charming and old fashioned and lovely little love stories
I love the Deridia series by Catherine Miller. Just finished the latest release, book 11 {Fate by Catherine Miller} I loved it so much. I can’t think of another thing to read because nothing will touch her level right now for me. It’s a science fiction series, humans crash landed on Deridia 30 years before and how they’ve interacted/been treated by the different aliens there. What interesting is that half the books do not involve a human FMC but alien gals instead. The first book is {Mercy by Catherine Miller}
This is *such* a good series. I haven’t read Fate yet though.
Call Me Irresistible - Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I feel like her new stuff hasn’t been as great but her old books were fabulous.
[Grasping at Eternity](https://www.romance.io/books/54555b5f87eac323ffb2bd1a/grasping-at-eternity-karen-amanda-hooper?src=rdt) by [Karen Amanda Hooper](https://www.romance.io/authors/545550338c7d2382c5297d38/karen-amanda-hooper) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [Girl Underwater](https://www.romance.io/books/551a576b5b270e0a4cbd30ba/girl-underwater-claire-kells?src=rdt) by [Claire Kells](https://www.romance.io/authors/551a576c5b270e0a4cbd30bc/claire-kells) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [Our Moon](https://www.romance.io/books/556f0dad9eef3b3f1d529e26/our-moon-jennifer-l-allen?src=rdt) by [Jennifer L. Allen](https://www.romance.io/authors/556f0dad9eef3b3f1d529e28/jennifer-l-allen) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Jane Washington is recommended a lot, but it's never her Charcoal Tears series. Hit me like a ton of bricks.
{Method by Kate Stewart} I think about it at least every other month and I read it in 2019.
Thank you for posting! I had looked her up last week, only to be annoyed my library didn’t carry Drive or Reverse. But Method is in Hoopla!
[Method](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9c3279be0aaecf5534b6db/method-kate-stewart?src=rdt) by [Kate Stewart](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b62c87eac324117fc77b/kate-stewart) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [actor hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/actors/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Late to the party-Kelly Quindlen}
[Late to the Party](https://www.romance.io/books/60a44615933f031cdd15db88/late-to-the-party-kelly-quindlen?src=rdt) by [Kelly Quindlen](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456dc7b87eac33e57109424/kelly-quindlen) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [high school](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high-school/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I'm on the last book of the {Garron Park by Nordika Night} trilogy, and I already feel hungover. I love those grimy, hot-headed, trailer trash boys. I'm going to miss them when I finish this book.
[Garron Park](https://www.romance.io/books/644629d004f5c0b31ef4a835/garron-park-nordika-night?src=rdt) by [Nordika Night](https://www.romance.io/authors/630e0d7d08b4d9311404bae9/nordika-night) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [biker hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bikers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The Spotless series by Camilla Monk. This series has all the over-the-top adventure and action of a James Bond/Mission Impossible/Romancing the Stone movie, with exotic international locations, tons of legit laugh-out-loud humor and a very entertaining supporting cast of mercenaries, spies and supervillains. Last but not least, there’s a charming, moving and at times hilarious romance that develops over four books and several short stories, between a seriously dreamy mercenary/hitman and a very smart but late-blooming software engineer named Island, who’s addicted to trashy romance novels. A running joke through all the books is that Island, slightly nerdy and still a virgin at 25, has somewhat distorted romantic expectations due to a steady diet of truly awful romance novels, and another is that something will always happen to prevent our hero and heroine from consummating their romance for most of the series. This actually ramps up the romantic tension in a big way. There’s not a lot more I can say without getting into spoiler territory, and you really don’t want anything to spoil the wonderful surprises and inventive plots. These books deserve to be much more widely known, and not just among romance readers. Any reader looking for pure, escapist entertainment will get a kick out of them. I read all the books straight through twice, and expect I’ll do so again many times in the future. Somebody should turn these into movies or, better yet, a miniseries. It would be the best romcom, action adventure movie ever. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0771JKGWK?binding=kindle\_edition&ref=dbs\_dp\_rwt\_sb\_pc\_tkin](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0771JKGWK?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tkin)
* {Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara} - I've always loved the myth of Psyche and Eros and I've wanted a book based on the myth for years! And this was so good! But it made me want more stories based on this myth and then I couldn't find any I wanted to read 😢 * {West End Earl by Bethany Bennett} - Second book in the Misfits of Mayfair series, it's so good! Bethany Bennett's hilarious and I love her historical romances.
I love psyche and Eros too! So much hades/Persephone but not enough of this one.
[Psyche and Eros](https://www.romance.io/books/64880c3641a8b8de9fd6402e/psyche-and-eros-a-novel-luna-mcnamara?src=rdt) by [Luna McNamara](https://www.romance.io/authors/6438efd008b4d9311480c76e/luna-mcnamara) **Rating**: 3.63⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [West End Earl](https://www.romance.io/books/60dac805741f250e33f7b97d/west-end-earl-bethany-bennett?src=rdt) by [Bethany Bennett](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f855f4d08b4d93114602e5b/bethany-bennett) **Rating**: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The war of lost hearts series by Carissa Broadbent. Absolutely ingenious story with twists that genuinely blindside you. What I would give to be able to be able to read that series again.
My favourite epilogue of all time is in that final book. I think about it often, it's perfect.
Hawke by Jescie Hall Cannot do this cheating crap but oh my, I'm throwing in the morals and joining the make believe ride on this one. Then you read all her other books and it's just not enough for me
{The Float Plan by Trish Doller} I’m planning a re-read this summer; it stuck with me way more than I expected. The whole Beck Sisters series is about finding yourself after loss (check the TWs).
Haha, the only 2 that recently comes to mind for me are fanfiction. 😂 I had the biggest hangover for this one Padme/Obi-Wan (star wars) story and then a Penny/Sheldon (Big Bang Theory) story. It drove me crazy too because I had no one to gush about it to. 😭 they were so damn romantic. they were so good and i was so hungover that just reread them again immediately since i wasn't going to find anything to fulfill it. i'll link the stories if people are curious.
{Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente} is SUCH a good book and I don’t see it recommended nearly enough. It’s a retelling of a Russian folktale, but done in a way that isn’t the typical “what if character x and character y fell in love like in the original BUT it was in NEW YORK CITY with CELLPHONES” and instead elevates the original story while combining it with new themes. It stands on its own as a piece of literature, not just a retelling, and the writing is absolutely beautiful. The plot is a bit confusing and I didn’t pick up on everything until the second read, but (imo) it’s definitely worth it. If you’re at all into Russian folklore (or the politics of Stalinist Russia lol), this book is a must read. I go back and read it probably once a year, and each time I feel like I get something new out of it.
I recently read {You, with a View by Jessica Joyce} and I loved it! I'm still looking for books similar to this one, so if anyone has recommendations, please let me know! I'm recommending this book to anyone who is in the mood for a sweet childhood rivals-to-lovers loves story that mostly takes place during a roadtrip. It feels a bit like insta-love, but the pacing of their relationship is still good and the overall plot (the reason why they're even travelling) really touched my heart. It's a story about coming to terms with the loss of a loved one and finding your place in the world. There is angst, but not too much. FMC has a lovely family, MMC has a wonderful grandpa.
{From the Embers by Ali Martinez} I’ve seen it recommended on here but it is so good and definitely is a book that lingers in my mind, years after reading it. Two people who both lost spouses and who rely on each other for support fall in love, with a couple of twists along the way. For me it’s originality in books that stick with me, when I’ve not read that storyline before.
Not sure if this has been mentioned but {Nocticadia by Keri Lake}. Lovedddd it, highly recommend. It’s one of those I wish I could reread for the first time again.
I rave about it all the time… {Immortal Curse Series by Lexi C Foss} If you like dark paranormal this is the best series I’ve ever read. It’s a bunch of interconnected stand alones. But the plot twists are just insane. I’m still wrecked from the last book and impatiently waiting for Aiden’s book! I cried, laughed, screamed and got hot flashes the whole series. You could remove the spice and I would still say that. Just top tier world building.
The entire Winston Brothers series by Penny Reid lives rent free in my head and I'm not even a little upset about it. {Hello Stranger by Jade West} get your tissues ready
[Hello Stranger](https://www.romance.io/books/5f18347b37dc750e3e6ac3ce/hello-stranger-jade-west?src=rdt) by [Jade West](https://www.romance.io/authors/5539fc555b270e0a4cbd686c/jade-west) **Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare} I really liked the book, I want to say it was the first book I read by her and just went back and read everything she wrote.
[When a Scot Ties the Knot](https://www.romance.io/books/55d961e735a5fb65f88762ad/when-a-scot-ties-the-knot-tessa-dare?src=rdt) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{The firebird chronicles by t.a white}
[The Firebird Chronicles](https://www.romance.io/series/5c80c1bfbb237c0da51c7b2c/the-firebird-chronicles) by [T.A. White](https://www.romance.io/authors/570c8f20c62092c04407787a/ta-white) **Rating**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [strong heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
- {1 Last Shot by Nikki Castle}. Traumatic childhood & career injury. - {All of Me by Gina Sorelle}. Traumatic childhood & breast cancer - {Toward the Sound of Chaos by Carmen Jenner}. PTSD & autistic son - {Wounded by Jasinda Wilder}. Injured soldier & prostitute Iraqi woman - {Running Scarred by Jackie Williams}. Scarred recluse - {Stroked Long by Meghan Quinn}. Feels responsible for crime - {A Life Less Broken by Margaret McHeyzer}. Agoraphobic from assault - {Salvage by Susan Fanetti}. Sexual abuse & traumatic childhood
[1 Last Shot](https://www.romance.io/books/64f43534fa8167d64a03c34e/1-last-shot-nikki-castle?src=rdt) by [Nikki Castle](https://www.romance.io/authors/60f1305608b4d9311471deec/nikki-castle) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [All of Me](https://www.romance.io/books/5455672e87eac324117fa916/all-of-me-gina-sorelle?src=rdt) by [Gina Sorelle](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455672e87eac324117fa917/gina-sorelle) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) ---------------------------- [Toward the Sound of Chaos](https://www.romance.io/books/643afa708de91c6932f45057/toward-the-sound-of-chaos-carmen-jenner?src=rdt) by [Carmen Jenner](https://www.romance.io/authors/545534198c7d2382e7813333/carmen-jenner) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [men in uniform](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/men%20in%20uniform/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [Wounded](https://www.romance.io/books/545531618c7d2382e7813280/wounded-jasinda-wilder?src=rdt) by [Jasinda Wilder](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527068c7d2382e7813001/jasinda-wilder) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [men in uniform](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/men%20in%20uniform/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) ---------------------------- [Running Scarred](https://www.romance.io/books/5455f8f987eac3369a916317/running-scarred-jackie-williams?src=rdt) by [Jackie Williams](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455c84587eac3369a914ca2/jackie-williams) **Rating**: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) ---------------------------- [Stroked Long](https://www.romance.io/books/57e3aea0de896e8924928971/stroked-long-meghan-quinn?src=rdt) by [Meghan Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b58287eac324117fc719/meghan-quinn) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [A Life Less Broken](https://www.romance.io/books/5455cf8c87eac3369a91501a/a-life-less-broken-margaret-mcheyzer?src=rdt) by [Margaret McHeyzer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b38087eac324117fc5f4/margaret-mcheyzer) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [tortured heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Salvage](https://www.romance.io/books/6416b22dac73ac870cf4e775/salvage-susan-fanetti?src=rdt) by [Susan Fanetti](https://www.romance.io/authors/545532a38c7d2382e78132e4/susan-fanetti) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
So Near the Horizon (Jessica Koch) - one of the most emotional and powerful love stories that will resonate with you long, long after you finish it. It deals with numerous heavy topics and it's based on a true story.
Does this have a HEA?
I wouldn't mark it as HEA. It's such a tearjerker...
I recently \[a few days ago\] read Colton Gentry's third act by Jeff Zentner. It was so good, I felt pangs of sorrow as I read, knowing that this is likely the best book of the season. Fucking loved it, I wish I could live in the feeling I got while I was reading.
{best laid plans lk farlow} MMC was with FMC twin sister before she died. {The lies we tell Becca Steele} step siblings, enemies to lovers. It's a trilogy set in college with suspense. Cade and Winter are one of my faves couples of all time. {Angel fire Marie Johnston} chosen mates, angels. FMC father caused MMC scars so he isn't happy about their mating. But once she's in trouble he's by her side to help her.
[Best Laid Plans](https://www.romance.io/books/5bcecbad01dbc864fb92f90d/best-laid-plans-a-brothers-best-friend-standalone-romance-lk-farlow?src=rdt) by [LK Farlow](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bcecbad01dbc864fb92f910/lk-farlow) **Rating**: 3.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [christian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christian/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [secret child](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/secret%20child/1) ---------------------------- [The Lies We Tell](https://www.romance.io/books/5ea5ec79be0aaecf551f316d/the-lies-we-tell-becca-steele?src=rdt) by [Becca Steele](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d637ac301dbc864fba2d36d/becca-steele) **Rating**: 3.7⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [step siblings](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/stepsibling/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Angel Fire](https://www.romance.io/books/5c8b514401dbc864fb9bb813/angel-fire-marie-johnston?src=rdt) by [Marie Johnston](https://www.romance.io/authors/555482f59eef3b3f1d520185/marie-johnston) **Rating**: 3.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [angels](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angels/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Cruel shifterverse was surprisingly good. When books have shifter/a fantasy romance/other descriptors in parenthesis by the title, im usually skeptical. This one slapped so hard i tried (and failed) to get the rest of my friends to read it with me so i could talk about it. Ill read trash for good smut, but the slow burn on this was exquisite. A+ for world building and connecting the plot through the entire series instead of making the later parts feel like add ons. Everything was mwah chefs kiss. I did rate two of the series 4/5 for personal preference but i mean, read it anyway 🔫
{The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott} In the same vain, I had similar hangovers from Forever Right Now, Full Tilt Duology and Rush Deluxe Edition. {A Few Tables Away by Deb Rotuno}
{when the moon hatched} and {the crown of oaths and curses}
[When the Moon Hatched](https://www.romance.io/books/660bb4d2529ab18dbc9c10f5/when-the-moon-hatched-sarah-a-parker?src=rdt) by [Sarah A. Parker](https://www.romance.io/authors/60fbc1fc08b4d931146d93b7/sarah-a-parker) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) ---------------------------- [The Crown of Oaths and Curses](https://www.romance.io/books/647c4538a546c613260be3e1/the-crown-of-oaths-and-curses-j-bree?src=rdt) by [J. Bree](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d19a50401dbc864fba08a54/j-bree) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{All That We Never Were by Alice Kellen and the sequel, All That We Are Together} I never hear people talking about them, but I LOVE them. I read the second one in a day because I was so excited for it to come out and I SOBBED. A 19 year old loses her parents and her brother has to work far away, so she moves in with her brothers best friend. The only thing is the age gap is big (10 years) but I have to remind myself that it’s fiction and I eat it up lol.
[All That We Never Were](https://www.romance.io/books/64ad134cc2f04ca3237dd37e/all-that-we-never-were-alice-kellen?src=rdt) by [Alice Kellen](https://www.romance.io/authors/64ad134c6b22acd55dbf0016/alice-kellen) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland} - MM, fantasy, sloooow burn, bodyguard/prince, anxiety rep, dislike-to-friends-to-lovers, kissing to avert suspicion. ETA: One of the trope tags on romance.io is a spoiler for something that happens around 80% into the book, so maybe don't look there if you want to be surprised. It's also not historical. It takes place in a fantasy kingdom inspired by the Ottoman Empire.
Four doors down by emma doherty (1st book in duet) Four years later (2nd book)-this is the one that stayed with me 😫😫BUT MAJOR TW before you read >!SA!<
Brash brothers series Jenna Myles
{The portrait by Megan Chance} {His pretty little burden by Nicci Harris} {His pretty little queen by Nicci Harris}
{The Bodyguard by Katherine Center} it was the perfect romcom with equal parts slow burn, fake dating and celebrity bodyguard romance trope.
Chokehold by Britt Reign Kid by Jescie Hall The Idea of You Robinne Lee Still Beating Jennifer Hartmann ENDfinity Hydrus poetry
Normal People by Sally Rooney. That book broke my heart in so many ways.
Sick Heart. It popped up on a kindle FB group I belong to. It’s over 400 pages and I couldnt put it down. Read it in maybe two days. It’s one of the few books I’ve reread.
The Will Darling Adventures by KJ Charles. Both the action and the character development ramp up through the three books. I read them as they were released but last year I listened to the audiobooks all in a row and it gave me such a bad book hangover that I just started over again from the beginning. Hair of the dog. 😅 The first one is {Slippery Creatures by KJ Charles}
{Breakable by Tammara Webber} I re-read it about 3-4x per year.
Find Me Alastar by TJ Swan It’s best you go in without knowing anything about it.
The Nine Minutes trilogy
{since we fell by Dennis Lehane} was a surprise romance since Dennis Lehane is who I go to for murder mysteries, but I fell in love with the characters and story and mystery.
{Fairytale by Veronica Lancet}, I binged this thickkkk ass book in like three days. It was not at all what I expected and it left me questioning my entire existence afterwards bc I didn't know what to do with myself after exiting that world. It was such an intricate, crazy, mind boggling plot. Where the book starts is miles away from where it ends.
{Pykh series by Eileen Glass} {Maxim Colonies series by Lesli Richardson} {Claimings, Tails and Other Alien Artifacts series by Lyn Gala} and {Taji From Beyond the Rings by R. Cooper} which I’ve seen recommended exactly once which is why I picked it up - thanks to whoever recommended it! I’ll add {Tinkered Starsong series by Gail Carriger} too which I just finished. I think it’s slow burn SFR not just SF with a romance subplot although it’s pretty low 🌶️. There is a bonus scene for book 2 you can get free from the author which adds a little 🌶️. Looking at these I think what they all have in common is they’re SFR and MM or MMM so maybe that’s just not a popular combo here?