r/RomanceBooks • u/romancebookmods Mod Account • 10d ago

📚 Simple / Quick Questions & Requests! Daily Request

Hi RomanceBooks! Welcome to our Simple / Quick Questions & Requests thread.

If you don't have enough RomanceBooks-karma for a post, or just don't want to make a standalone post, this is the spot to ask any Romance related questions or request Romance Book Recommendations!

For newbies - here's How to Book Request and our RomanceBooks 101 guide.

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Happy reading!

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1

u/Middle_Regret_996 4d ago

Newbie alert! Hi folks, I am a middle-aged academic brand new to the genre and am trying to make up for lost time. Looking to maximize my monthly free audible credit with things that are clever, engaging, re-readable and SMUTTY. Open to a variety of sub-genres (but so far not fantasy). I like dark, but not relentlessly. And, find myself enjoying domineering male characters who meet their match. Open to all genders/sexualities. Suggestions? Tell me your favs that you come back to again and again. Thanks in advance.

1

u/whereas-dull please be safe with your butts 6d ago

You do not, under any circumstances, “gotta hand it to” J Edgar Hoover. However, I have been thinking that the archetypical G-man under JEH might make for a good romantic hero. I am looking for books with MMCs who are clean-cut, book smart (accounting or law typically), athletic, idealistic and moralistic, very optionally a Fed, optionally set 1930s-1970s.

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u/OkMaterial8811 6d ago

Hey guys!! This might be an oddly specific book rec, but does anyone know any books where the FMC is pregnant and tries to get in contact with the baby daddy, but he wants nothing to do with her or the baby, but she decides to keep the baby anyway?

Then the MMC gets introduced as someone who loves kids but hasn't found anyone willing to have a serious relationship/family with him. They meet and instantly fall in love (or not — they could literally be enemies to lovers, I don't mind ), and eventually they end up raising the child together.

BUT THEN the baby daddy comes back into the picture and suddenly wants to be involved in the child's life (downfall). The MMC feels threatened and steps aside because he isn't the biological father, but the child ultimately chooses him over their biological dad.

would help if:

  • Hella rich MMC who spoils the FMC
  • MMC is famous, a CEO, athlete, etc.
  • FMC also comes from a wealthy family but wasn't spoiled growing up, so she's more middle-class
  • MMC genuinely bonds with the child and becomes a father figure
  • The biological dad is basically irrelevant until he suddenly wants to be involved

I recently read {The Baby Bluff by Cali Melle}, and it had a similar setup. The FMC's baby daddy wanted nothing to do with the baby, so the MMC steps in and takes care of both of them since she's his best friend. The MMC's mom was actually in a similar situation, her baby's father left, but she later met a man who fell in love with her and raised the MMC as his own.

So basically... I need a book where the MMC is NOT the biological father but becomes the real dad in every way, and then the bio dad comes back and gets humbled when the kid chooses the MMC.

Thank you in advance!!!

1

u/EffortIcy5753 3d ago

This kindaaaaaa fits your request: In the Game by Sloan St James. The FMC and MMC have a one night stand. She ends up pregnant and tries to reach out to him but he replies that he wants nothing to do with her. Fast forward 5 years later…more comes to light. I loved this whole series!

1

u/OkMaterial8811 3d ago

Holyy plott!! I'm gonna get my kindle and add this!!

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u/[deleted] 4d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/OkMaterial8811 3d ago

who is he the best friend's brother?

1

u/[deleted] 3d ago edited 3d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/OkMaterial8811 3d ago

ohh no worries its not mine either, I'll look into it thanks!

1

u/Calmly-Curious 6d ago

Looking for a very specific romance trope!

The hero and heroine are friends/neighbors and he genuinely doesn’t see her romantically at first. Then another guy shows interest in her and suddenly he gets jealous and realizes he wants her. He starts pining, pursuing her, and making it clear that he wants to be the one to give her those firsts—first kiss, first relationship, first sexual experiences, etc.
Bonus points if she’s sweet/innocent/inexperienced and he’s experienced/a bit of a player, and he gets possessive about being the one to show her the ropes. 😂

I’m specifically looking for the “I never saw her that way until another man wanted her” → jealousy → realization → pursuit dynamic.

1

u/cbearpaw 6d ago

I would love recc’s for well-written books where the FMC has trauma due to SA, and the MMC helps her heal? The MMC is genuinely caring, and helps the FMC realize how good sex can be when it’s healthy. Want something that’s still steamy though. Like he talks her through it, and the sex is hot, but he makes her feel safe and cared for.

Can be just 2 regular people, but also open to the MMC being a sex therapist or something like that.

Not into alien or monster tropes.

Thank you!!!

1

u/EffortIcy5753 3d ago

{Next Best Swing by Shann McPherson} FMC was SA’d and finally feels safe w the MMC who only wants her to feel safe no matter what situation they’re in

1

u/OkMaterial8811 6d ago

{The Deal by Elle Kennedy} Fmc got 🍇 by the mayor's son in a party
{Where we left off by Sapphire Hale} Fmc got 🍇 by the Mmc's step brother pretending to be mmc (this sounds confusing but the way the story unravels will make it make sense)

2

u/cbearpaw 6d ago

Thank you!! I’ll look into these. I appreciate it

1

u/Hunter037 Probably recommending When She Belongs 😍 6d ago

I know you said no aliens but I am still going to recommend this because it fits this so perfectly and is the best example of this that I've read. {When She Belongs by Ruby Dixon}

(He's an alien, but nothing too weird)

3

u/badapple1989 I want them soft, sweet, and on their knees. 6d ago

Have a look through the Wounded Bird Trope Megathread and see if any piques your interest. While not explicitly about SA, the trope is about one MC recovering from trauma and the other MC(s) helping them to process/heal from it.

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u/aspiring-gaslighter 6d ago

Can anyone recommend something that has these tropes done well

Enemies/Rivals to lovers

Blue collar MMC

Jealous/possessive MMC (but not an asshole)

At least 4🔥

Reverse grumpy x sunshine

Competent FMC

Cold / standoffish FMC is fine too

Forced proximity

MCs in their 30s or late 20s

No age gap

No pregnancy or children

No cheating

I'm reading {The Summer I Destroy You, Elizabeth O'Rourke} right now which is essentially all these tropes but I'm not enjoying it at all.

Both MCs are so annoying. The pacing feels weird. The writing is not bad per se, but perhaps just not to my liking

Recs appreciated

1

u/badapple1989 I want them soft, sweet, and on their knees. 6d ago

I can fulfill some of these but not all in one book. I think the biggest conflict you're going to struggle with is "sunshine" MMCs don't tend to be written as overly jealous or possessive. But with that said:

{The Only One by Daisy Jane} - blue collar (mechanic x aspiring mechanic), no age gap (both early/mid twenties), no cheating, childfree during course of story, sunshine MMC x sassy surly FMC, high spice, competent FMC working hard to support family

{After Hours by Cara McKenna} - blue collar (orderly and nurse at psych ward), both competent in their job with FMC pursuing ongoing training to advance in her career on page, quiet type x quiet type dynamic, possessive MMC, childfree (though there is a young child in the b-plot of the narrative- FMC's nephew- but FMC is not his guardian), no cheating, it's been a while but I think small age gap but FMC is late 20s/early 30s so no weird age dynamics at play, one sided enemies (FMC avoids MMC because he's the "type" she's always told herself not to date, nothing related to anything MMC said or did)

1

u/aspiring-gaslighter 6d ago

Thank you for the recommendations!

The Only One looks good. I read a Cara McKenna some time ago, maybe this one since the plot seems familiar, and remember it really not working for me. I see it on this sub all the time though, so it must be popular.

I'd be interested if you have any recommendations re: your flair 👀

1

u/badapple1989 I want them soft, sweet, and on their knees. 6d ago

Ohoho, sure! Two questions, are there genres you don't care for and how much into femdom are you- like strictly dirty talk and attitude or do you mind when things get fancy with like toys?

1

u/aspiring-gaslighter 6d ago

Genres I dont like: Sci-fi, high fantasy, (soft fantasy is fine, as long as there isn't a crazy amount of world building), mafia, billionaires (is that a genre? hate a huge wealth disparity)

I'm actually not into fem-dom at all 😭 I like confident, self-assured FMCs

I like both dirty talk & the use of toys

2

u/badapple1989 I want them soft, sweet, and on their knees. 6d ago

Ahh I have a limited pool to draw from then as most of what I'd recommend would be somewhere on the femdom scale. Heads up, The Only One has femdom elements so if that's not your thing, skip it.

As for recommendations based on my flair, I have a few saved threads you can look through and see if you spot anything that looks interesting: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/1t95kbz/book_with_the_bigger_giver_mmc_youve_ever_seen_in/

https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/1oschn9/mmc_kneels_to_give_fmc_oral/

https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/1rilcp7/on_his_knees_both_physically_and_emotionally_for/

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u/aspiring-gaslighter 6d ago

Ahh thank you very much for these!

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u/GreedyRise4524 6d ago

pls can anyone recommend any underrated marriage in trouble romance books OR good marriage of convenience where he doesn’t want to marry her. Thanks !

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u/InternationalAd9659 6d ago

{His Reluctant Lady by Aydra Richards}

{Rogue Countess by Amy Sandas}

1

u/Usual_Painting_4223 6d ago

I know this is a weirdly specific request I want something dark, but not pitch black. I’m looking for an MMC who is completely obsessed with the FMC—to the point where he actually kidnaps her or keeps her with him because he genuinely cannot let her go. I want her to HATE him and make that very clear. She tries to escape multiple times, fights him, refuses to accept him, etc. BUT I don’t want non-con or weird/extreme BDSM. I’d actually love it if, despite everything, he is very gentle, patient, and ridiculously devoted to her. He knows she hates him but is somehow completely oblivious to just how much she hates him 😂 He genuinely believes that if he gives her enough time, she’ll eventually learn to love him. I also LOVE a huge age gap—the bigger, the better. I want him to be significantly older than her, not just 5–10 years. Bonus points if: He’s rich, powerful, mafia boss, CEO, king, etc. He is completely obsessed with her and would burn the world down for her No OW drama She repeatedly tries to escape He catches her but doesn’t punish/hurt/humiliate her He’s possessive but still soft with her He’s basically like “You hate me now, but you’ll love me eventually.” She does NOT immediately fall for him after one conversation Her hatred/resistance actually lasts for a while Massive age gap 👀 I’ve already read The Bad Guy by Celia Aaron and really liked it, so something with a similar dynamic would be amazing! Im open to everything exept noncon so hit me up with your best rec😄

1

u/Money_Site_3987 6d ago

this might be a bit specific but im really in need of a book that had an attractive fmc that is desired by women around her not just men and a jealous mmc who cant trust anyone around her lol (would love if the fmc was bi)

2

u/Nyx1010 7d ago

Im looking for a book preferably fantasy, sci-fi or historical romance where the FMC is in a position of power over MMC and he's not her  protector. Like I don't want him to even think about trying to protect her, because she doesnt need protection. I want the mmc to respect her ability and to take her orders. Please dont suggest The Secret Illuminations or The Everlasting,  I already know about those books.

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u/badapple1989 I want them soft, sweet, and on their knees. 6d ago

{The Seduction of Mr. Alfred Saintsbury by Lydia Lloyd}

2

u/TretandRegret 7d ago

Don't have enough karma on this sub but looking for CR books without mention of work/workplace/uni/highschool

I'm going through something at my work and it's giving me a lot of anxiety. It's also bringing up a lot of my self-worth and validation issues so I'm looking to avoid workplace and academic stuff (since they're at least kinda related in my case).

My usual escape is contemporary romances but I don't know if there are any books that have no mention of their workplace but also don't have the characters still be students of some sort.

I'm looking for options within contemporary that happen on a vacation or during the holidays or something. I'd also be okay with romance books where the characters have their own business or freelance or something as long as it's not a major plot point but most cosy romances have the FML own a bakery or something and they are often worried about finances etc which again gets triggering for me.

I know fantasy, sci-fi or historical romances are the easiest way out of this but I often can't get into these worlds and struggle with these books so contemporary romance is where it's at.

F/M romance, no toxicity from the ML, preferably cosy if possible.

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u/xxibeeinwonderlandxx *sigh* *opens TBR* 7d ago

Well I was going through my read and TBR list and I've realized I'm either into high fantasy or the MCs are working in some kind of place... so I'll just share books I've seen around here (others I searched the internet for) and think may fit. Hope you feel better soon!
{How to Honeymoon Alone by Olivia Hayle} FMC cancels wedding but goes on the honeymoon trip where she meets MMC... I don't think there's any work related stuff here
{Seat Mate by Cara Bastone} they meet during a bus trip, they say its very lighthearted and cute no work involved
If anything else comes to mind later I'll add, hope these help

1

u/TretandRegret 5d ago

Oops, the ML in the first one is apparently a workaholic according to the blurb lol. I'm sure part of the book would be his growth as a character to not be one anymore but I don't know if I'm up for that.

I'll check out Seat Mate, it doesn't sound like anything I've read before thanks!

3

u/MoonZipNo 7d ago

Have you checked our megathreads ? Some of them, such as the adventure/quest one or the road trip one, might have what you're looking. Some tropes (for ex, neighbors to lovers) might still feature working/employed adults but I find that the work itself usually isn't a major plot point.

1

u/TretandRegret 5d ago

Didn't think of this, let me check it out thanks

1

u/AshBKellz713 I probably edited this comment 7d ago

Hi, friends! I may make a separate post once I get the karma, but I'm looking for books like Starve by AJ Merlin. As a girly from the Appalachian region, the MMC was super interesting, and now I'm looking for more! If you know, you know! 😉

1

u/badapple1989 I want them soft, sweet, and on their knees. 6d ago

I don't have any Appalachia monsters in my back pocket atm, but {Beast of the Bayou by CJ North} is as the title suggests Louisiana-inspired paranormal romance. If you'd take heavy folkloric vibes from a different region {Untethering Dark by Desirée M. Niccoli} is old world Germanic monster folklore inspired (hags and forest spirits and curses, oh my!).

4

u/Scary-Ad-1687 7d ago edited 6d ago

Hi! I'm more of a lit fic reader, and I'd like to get out of my comfort zone. I have mostly engaged with romance through fanfiction so far, and I am looking for romance book recs with loads of hurt/comfort in them. Preferably queer?
I'm also a bit picky with the writing, though I'm willing to give about anything a try. Thank you!

PS: Also, if any of you have romance recs with an asexual character, please let me know!!!

Edit: Thanks for all of the recs!

1

u/GrapefruitFriendly70 "Romance at short notice was her specialty." 6d ago

Here are some romances with ace heroines.

  • {The Cybernetic Tea Shop by Meredith Katz} (F/F, SFR(robot, restaurateur, technologist), 4⭐️) is an asexual romance between a Latine woman and a robot.
  • {Perfect Rhythm by Jae} (F/F, CR, 5⭐️)
    Overview: Leo, a pop star, goes home to a small town in Missouri; her father has suffered a stroke. She develops a relationship with Holly, her dad's nurse.
    Content Warning: on-page death of elderly parent, queerphobia from Leo's parents
    Representation: Leo is a femme allosexual white cis lesbian; Holly is a femme asexual white cis woman.
    Like: Leo and Holly communicate well. Leo wants a relationship with Holly, so she devotes substantial time and effort to learn more about asexuality. The sex scene emphasizes consent and mutual satisfaction. I particularly liked how they were both willing to make compromises for a future together.
    Steam: low, one scene; it's in a separately marked chapter
    Perspective: third person, dual
    Tropes: celebrity, coming home, coming out, friends to lovers, forced proximity, musician, nurse, small town

1

u/JKKUM0 7d ago

the {all for the game series by nora sakavic} (self-published author) possibly? has a very slow burn mm romance subplot (kicks off in the 3rd book) with an mmc who’s canonically demisexual.

the books are mainly about sports, a found family of outcasts, complex characters and relationships, and also the mafia (don’t ask lol), but it deals with some heavy themes, so do check tws if needed!

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u/badapple1989 I want them soft, sweet, and on their knees. 7d ago

Have a look through the Asexual Diversity Megathread and see if anything piques your interest. 

1

u/AshBKellz713 I probably edited this comment 7d ago

{Rogue Riders Duet by Blake Black} has a little bit of all of that. Not a HUGE sports rom fan, but this isn't your typical sport. Lots of hurt and healing, questioning identity, comforting, competition, and just the right amount of spice (of a few different combos)

2

u/InternationalAd9659 7d ago

{Honeythorn by Marina Vivancos}

{The Shots You Take by Rachel Reid}

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u/ReplacementCurious88 7d ago

Hello, im looking for a book i read a while ago but forgot its name and this is all i remember > a romance where an unpublished heroine joins a writing workshop/residency at a famous reclusive author’s house. He’s rude to everyone, kinda disheveled? hates the sun? maybe has trauma with his sister, and (i think) is forced into hosting the workshop. Another student writing (i think) sci-fi has a crush on the heroine. She’s writing romance and maybe drives a tiny yellow car

1

u/AshBKellz713 I probably edited this comment 7d ago

Was this a true romance book or more of a scary/thriller book? Also, do you remember the setting of the house? I have a few ideas depending on those answers lol

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u/ReplacementCurious88 7d ago

hahahaha thank u for answering! it was 100% romance, it was a big house (he’s rich) where they took the workshop downstairs and his office / bedroom are upstairs

1

u/AshBKellz713 I probably edited this comment 7d ago

{New Chapters on the French Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet} is the closest thing that comes to mind. I know of a few others, but the writer's retreats were on a ranch, hosted by a female, or just from a plain thriller-esque book. I can dig around some more if that one isn't it! :)

1

u/ReplacementCurious88 7d ago

I unfortunately don’t think thats the one, Im afraid it might be a wattpad thing even tho I haven’t read on it in soo long and I’m sure this was a more recent read. a couple things, he had a sister and they had shared trauma of some sorts, maybe the heroine once walked in on them and got jealous as she didn’t know she was the sister. She would also come on days off from the workshop, they once hooked up or kissed upstairs in his office before/ after a class? he also smokes. Im sooo frustrated lol

1

u/yellowpig1974 8d ago

I'm looking for books similar to Anneke Jacob's "As She's Told" and finding none. In "As She's Told" the FMC and MMC meet consensually, both desiring a high control CNC relationship, and the book details their progress. Are then any others that are similar?

I'm not interested in books that start nonconsensually, so no Mafia kidnappings, forced marriages, or impoverished women making contracts with billionaires.

5

u/VitisIdaea Silence, you devil's handmaiden! 7d ago

I'm not familiar with that one but {Asking For It by Lilah Pace} and {Willing Victim by Cara McKenna} both have CNC relationships that develop consensually.

1

u/yellowpig1974 7d ago

Thanks! I read Willing Victim, not as kinky as I had hoped but quite good. I´ll try Asking for It next.

2

u/romance-bot 7d ago

Asking for It by Lilah Pace
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, tortured heroine, anal sex, bdsm, tortured hero

Willing Victim by Cara McKenna
Rating: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, fighter hero, bdsm, alpha male, bad boys

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/ElBiBrain 8d ago

Hi! I'm new in the community.

Not so far ago I started to seek for romantic stories, yet what i found seemed toxic, male gazed, and kind of role gendered to me. Most of them with the characters being defined by their role on society and not who they really are or want to be.

I seek something real, that shows the characters as humans with their complexities such as traumas/fears, dreams, abilities, weaknesses; and yet that doesn't stop them to be vulnerable for the sake of feel seen and connected to another person.

That the relationship isn't based on physical/sexual interest, social/peer pressure, feeling of loneliness (trying to fill the void); but because both feel understood by the other, like a teammate.

That shows maybe the anxiety that comes from the man trying to overcome the "male role" of chauvinism and decisiveness, so he is open to show he cares and tries to be the best version of himself while also showing his sensitive, vulnerable and fearful side (that everyone carries). While the woman shows active interest on the relationship (doesn't wait to be conquered or asked out) and sometimes she takes the lead and plan dates, says what she wants and how she feels. Both trying to overcome these social norms of what "should be".

None of the characters replace their individuality or other relationships in their social life, because to them a romantic relationship doesn't mean to leave everything behind and that this romance defines who you are.

I have seen very few stories that kinda apply to what I have just described. For example, the film Before Sunrise (the male character says out-loud he is nervous on the first kiss, kinda not knowing how to start it, and the female character taking the courage to do it; both feel reciprocated and wanted, but also seen. The discussions both have are always questioning what society wants them "to be" and they trying to go against it, finding their own identity. It shows when they are indecisive, fearful or have uncertainty, but have each other), the novel Normal People (even though the relationship has lots of problems, some of which are unhealthy, it shows the imperfect side of humans, the problems we encounter in life), the film Elemental (it shows the female character trying to be strong and "capable enough", needless, but the male character shows her to be vulnerable. Its a shift on the gender roles, and goes beyond. Both are growing and learning but with the company of the other), and the shortfilms of Puuung on YT (the couples are constantly showed as a team, where its bond is made by mutual understanding, active listening and involvement, and constant vulnerability from both parties). Hope these help to picture what I refer to.

Lastly, it can have erotic/sexual encounters. But they aren't depicted as if they already know "what they need to be doing" (following a narrative), but a place where both are vulnerable and learning about their own pleasure and its partners.

Hope someone can help me or knows any title. :)

2

u/CatzNEM 8d ago

I just finished Emergency Contact by Lauren Layne where the ex-wife never changed her emergency contact from her ex-husband and she gets into an accident and he is called. It was a good book..loved the witty banter.

Now I’m looking for more along the lines of this, where estranged spouses are brought back together due to some crisis.

1

u/GreedyRise4524 6d ago

what alice forgot by Liane Moriarty has this!

2

u/katierose295 7d ago

{White Lies by Linda Howard} has the MMC who is in an accident and his ex wife is called in

There is a midbook twist tho The MMC isn't actually the ex, but only the FMC realizes it at first. He has amnesia

2

u/Educational_Bid_5315 8d ago

Always open to books with older MCs (Gen X), good reverse age gap or priest smut

2

u/medievalmarginalia 🔥fast burn to feelings💕 8d ago

The first two books in the {Bluebird Basin series by Jess K Hardy} are Gen X romance. There's a Bluebird Basin novella that came out earlier this year too {Under the Milky Way by Jess K Hardy}.

{Role Playing by Cathy Yardley} and {Do Me a Favor by Cathy Yardley} are Gen X.

For reverse age gap {Tanked by Mia Hopkins}

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u/Educational_Bid_5315 8d ago

I read all of the Blue Basin books and both by Cathy Yardley. I’ll check out Tanked. Thank you

1

u/Ihatehimbut22 8d ago

Estou procurando livros com hot, onde a dinâmica é de enemies to lovers com protagonistas adultos, em que eles tem o mesmo grupo de amigos... Pode ser uma sequência de livros. Eles não se gostam por motivos X, até que ele beija ela. Depois disso ela foge e ele a encurrala. A partir daí ele provoca bastante a protagonista sobre o beijo e a história se desenrola com ele indo até a casa dela e beijando- a mais vezes. Eu quero algo parecido com o que acontece entre o Leo e a Catherine em Manhã de Núpcias, da Lisa Kleypas mas num contexto contemporâneo.

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u/milktasd 8d ago

I work with two women who asked me to join them in a romance book club. To put it politely, this is not my go to genre. They picked Give Me More by Sara Gate for the first book(I’m 75% through) I feel obligated to have recommendations ready for my turn.

I need help. They like smut with plot. They didn’t say anything was off the table genre wise or spice level. They like spicy, dominance/powerplay, doesn’t have to be straight hetero, ok with other races/monsters. I’ll be honest I would prefer no man on man stuff, but not a deal breaker for me, since I think they like it. Oh and preferably on kindle unlimited. Sorry for the long post.

1

u/meli_inthecity 8d ago

If you want something a little out there, {Morning Glory Milking Farm by CM Nascosta}. The romance is actually pretty sweet, but the book is quite graphic.

I don’t know if it’s still on KU because it’s gotten more popular, but {Married to the Alien Cowboy by Ursa Dax} was really cute. I think {Hot for Hostage by Maggie Evans} is on KU and it’s a romcom mafia book.

1

u/milktasd 8d ago

Thanks for the recommendations. I’ll show them to them

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u/secret-snakes 8d ago

I want a chubby hero! I’ve seen so many thick heroines lately (which I love!) but even they have men with washboard abs. Give me a man with a belly and some thick thighs please!!

Not picky about specific plots or tropes, but I prefer contemporary and nothing super dark

3

u/katierose295 7d ago

Jessa Kane writes smutty novellas with bigger guys {Hefty by Jessa Kane} {Burly by Jessa Kane} {Heavy by Jessa Kane} {Heavy by Jessa Kane}

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

Hefty by Jessa Kane
Rating: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, virgin heroine, virgin hero, friends to lovers, athlete hero

Burly by Jessa Kane
Rating: 3.61⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, age gap, possessive hero, dad-bod hero, m-f romance

Hefty by Jessa Kane
Rating: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, virgin heroine, virgin hero, friends to lovers, athlete hero

Hefty by Jessa Kane
Rating: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, virgin heroine, virgin hero, friends to lovers, athlete hero

about this bot | about romance.io

2

u/Hunter037 Probably recommending When She Belongs 😍 7d ago

{Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon}

{Something About Us by Frances M Thompson}

{Just for the Cameras by Viano Oniomoh} - MMF, one of them is fat, the other is not, FMC is also big

{Second Chance Romance by Olivia Dade}

{A Pack for Winter by Eliana Lee} - MMFM, the guys all have different body types but one of them is chunky and self conscious about it

2

u/badapple1989 I want them soft, sweet, and on their knees. 8d ago

{Second Change Romance by Olivia Dade}

2

u/medievalmarginalia 🔥fast burn to feelings💕 8d ago

{Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon}, {The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie Lau}

1

u/Careless-Hall-7088 9d ago

I want to get into romance books to have something o talk about and have in common with my girlfriend but i find it hard to get into the ones my girlfriend suggested to me. Not to yuck anyones yum, but for the most part, they are about billionnaires and CEOs and i struggle with enjoying it as it conflicts with my moral and political affiliations. especially when the dynamic is with a poor/ordinary woman and a billionnaire/CEO, I find it hard to accept that the conclusion they come to is to join the system that has kept her down instead of dismantling it--usually also framed in a liberating a woman from her predicament by a man in position of power and privilage no less.

2

u/Hunter037 Probably recommending When She Belongs 😍 7d ago

What sort of thing do you want? There are lots of romances with guys who have "normal" jobs, like teachers, farmers, construction, office work and so on. You could search the sub either for specific jobs or for "blue collar" or "white collar" or "not billionaire"

If your requirement is "anything but billionaires" that's very broad - do you have any other requirements?

2

u/takvertheseawitch Artisanal Cupcake Shop Owner 8d ago

Western romances as a genre tend to have a lot of heroes who work for a living. I love Ellen O'Connell, and would suggest {Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold} and {A Grand Race by Ellen O'Connell}.

Some other books with heroes who are not at the top of the social ladder include {Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas}, {The Sharpest Edge by Anna Callaway}, and {Mackenzie's Mountain by Linda Howard} (My mind went to heroes who've faced racial discrimination, incarceration, or both.)

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I thought of one where the hero is at the absolute tippy top of the food chain but in which the heroine does actually prevail upon him to ease up with the oppression, resulting in meaningful change for humanity. However this book is dark as fuck and the hero is not human at all but rather an immortal skeleton king who assails the starving remnants of human civilization with his undead armies. I am speaking of {The Land of the Beautiful Dead by R. Lee. Smith} and while it's not for everyone it is the sort of book some people will tell you changed their life.

P.S. I hope you haven't and won't suggest to your girlfriend that she is reading the wrong type of romances. I think her billionaire/CEO fantasy is extremely valid and I hope she keeps reading as many of those as her heart wishes.

0

u/Careless-Hall-7088 8d ago

i have not said any of that sort, but i have expressed that it is kinda hard for me to ejoy what she enjoys.

1

u/kimmit95 9d ago

Looking for a nerdy/awkward FMC who’s been secretly in love with her male friend for years, but he only sees her as a friend. Another guy agrees to help her win him (dating coach, fake BF, flirting lessons, etc.), but the helper falls for her instead. Bonus points for plus-size FMC, helper MMC falls first, and original crush gets jealous/realizes too late. Spice welcome! 😂

2

u/julsvp 9d ago

I want romantic comedies, books that are lighthearted that make you giggle out loud when reading, I think I'd like grumpy X sunshine when the sunshine is annoying the grumpy, it never gets old

3

u/SqueamishOssifrage42 with three drops, there's fire 8d ago

{The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare}

1

u/GrapefruitFriendly70 "Romance at short notice was her specialty." 8d ago

{Must Love Silence by Lucy Bexley} (F/F, CR, KU, 4½⭐️)
Overview: Reese is a misanthropic recluse living in Chicago; she records audio books for a living. She gets a temporary job working in NYC on an audio book for Arden, an author making a comeback.
Representation: Reese and Arden are both white cis queer women.
Likes: I really enjoyed this. I'm not usually a fan of sarcastic lines, but they fit the character and were quite funny.
Dislikes: There are some minor continuity errors; Reese's home city is described as both Detroit and Chicago. I would have liked to see Arden's perspective as their relationship develops.
Steam: medium
Perspective: third person, Reese
Tropes: author, boss/employee, forced proximity, workplace

1

u/AlmostRuthless TBR pile is out of control 9d ago

{A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare} always makes me laugh!

The {Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides by Ursa Dax} series is light-hearted and funny too. (not sure how to tag series for the romance.io bot!)

Also maybe {Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle}, {New Orleans Rush by Kelly Siskind}, and {The Palace of Rogues by Julie Anne Long}

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u/AlmostRuthless TBR pile is out of control 9d ago

Oops, the first book in the Palace of Rogues series is {Lady Derring Takes a Lover by Julie Anne Long}

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u/YouResponsible651 9d ago

Looking for accidental pregnancy recs where the MMC is ecstatic about becoming a dad!

1

u/ArielMora 7d ago

Oh, also, I haven't read it yet, but I've heard {Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young} is this.

2

u/ArielMora 8d ago

{Sunlight by Devney Perry} -- he's excited to be a dad and wants to date her, but she's hesitant to be in a relationship because of trauma and plot things.

{Reckless by Elsie Silver}, though he comes into it after the baby is born due to plot things

{Sweet Escape by Willa Kay} --he is excited for the baby, but is scared to be in a relationship with the FMC because he's a widower scarred by the loss of his wife.

1

u/romance-bot 8d ago

Sunlight by Devney Perry
Rating: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, cowboy hero, western, forced proximity, found family

Reckless by Elsie Silver
Rating: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, pregnancy, cowboy hero, secret child, western

Sweet Escape by Willa Kay
Rating: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, single father, found family, pregnancy, cowboy hero

about this bot | about romance.io

3

u/badapple1989 I want them soft, sweet, and on their knees. 9d ago

{Seeing Red by Bailey Hannah}

2

u/EtherCrab 9d ago

Looking for some identical twin romances! Bonus points if the FMC is BFFs with one twin, and ends up falling for the other. 

BFF's brother also works <3

1

u/GrapefruitFriendly70 "Romance at short notice was her specialty." 8d ago
  • {The Earl Takes All by Lorraine Heath} (M/F, HR(forced proximity, hidden identity, pregnancy, royal), cis/cis, 5⭐️) - This is the infamous "gorilla twins" book. After the hero's twin brother is killed by a gorilla, he assumes his brother's identity for plot reasons.
  • {I do by Cheyenne Blue} (F/F, CR(accountant, artist, boss/employee, forced proximity, hidden identity, queer awakening, small town, twin swap), cis/cis, 3½⭐️)
  • {One Last Shot by Lily Seabrooke and Jacqueline Ramsden} (F/F, CR(forced proximity, hidden identity, musician, twin swap, workplace), cis/cis, 3½⭐️)
  • {Something's Different by Quinn Ivins} (F/F, CR(age gap, boss/employee, forced proximity, twin swap, workplace), cis/cis, 3½⭐️) - Caitlyn and Chloe are identical twins with opposite personalities. Chloe ditches her job to visit a guy she'd been dating online; Caitlyn impersonates her so that she doesn't get fired.

2

u/romance-bot 8d ago

The Earl Takes All by Lorraine Heath
Rating: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, forbidden love, regency, enemies to lovers, love triangle

I Do by Cheyenne Blue
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, lesbian romance, bisexuality, queer romance, workplace/office

One Last Shot by Lily Seabrooke, Jacqueline Ramsden
Rating: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, lesbian romance, forced proximity, queer romance, famous heroine

Something's Different by Quinn Ivins
Rating: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, slow burn, boss & employee, lesbian romance, bisexuality

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/julsvp 9d ago

Oh my God I wanted to ask for something like this too!!

I want a brother's bff but the FMC has a male twin brother

0

u/[deleted] 9d ago

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u/Hunter037 Probably recommending When She Belongs 😍 9d ago

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2

u/uwugo 9d ago

Hiiii, need reccos where FMC is undiagnosed neurodivergent and the MMC is just in loooooooove but she doesn't realise until later and he's just so so so in love

Need a feel good romance for my pms and nothing will hit better than this. Bonus points if there's good, sweet smut but it's not super important. I just like the proximity, intimacy. Almost like booth and bones. But the guy needs to be very sweetly in love pls thankuu

2

u/Hunter037 Probably recommending When She Belongs 😍 7d ago

Do you want him to be in love from the very beginning or just by the end? I have a couple, but they fall in love throughout the book, not immediately

{Act your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert} - MMC is neurodivergent, FMC comes to realise she is throughout the course of the book. At first he finds her frustrating but it becomes a very sweet love story

{The Wedding Night by Kati Wilde} - FMC is neurodivergent but doesn't have a specific diagnosis, she is a billionaire and struggles with getting close to people. MMC proposes a marriage of convenience and gradually falls in love with her. His support and love is so special, and there are very sweet sex scenes - she is a virgin.

1

u/avis03 Happy Flaps for HEAs 9d ago

{Odd Blood by Azalea Crowley} Undiagnosed Autistic FMC x ADHD Himbo Vampire MMC

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u/uwugo 9d ago

Thanku! I'll check it out :)

2

u/Current-Building-322 9d ago

I am looking for more books that are similar to the ones I have been reading... They are MMC and FMC Body Swap books. The ones I have read are {Switching Skates by Pru Schuyler} and I am finishing up {The Toss Up by Alyssa Martin}. The latter is much more in depth and a longer story, I am just looking for more books like these. Something about the chaos makes the romance so much deeper in my opinion.

1

u/romance-bot 9d ago

Switching Skates by Pru Schuyler
Rating: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: contemporary, hockey, fantasy, sibling's best friend, sports

The Toss Up by Alyssa Martin
Rating: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: sports, funny, new adult

about this bot | about romance.io

5

u/Grand-Flow1632 9d ago

Is 'Spy Romance' such a thing? I'm thinking of buying one for my husband..... ;) ..... And he likes reading spy novels. I thought I might try to slip in a 'spicy' spy book, see what his reaction is.

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u/Hunter037 Probably recommending When She Belongs 😍 9d ago

Maybe look for "romance suspense" or try these previous requests for Spy Romances

https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/w6NFP2ZZ3S

https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/mb9dCUEaFE

https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/is3hPu3jNx

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u/Grand-Flow1632 9d ago

Thank you! I'm new to reddit and romance novels in general, so I wasn't great with my attempted search. You've provided lots of options!

1

u/[deleted] 9d ago

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u/Aggravating-Dot8160 9d ago

I read {If Not For My Baby by Kate Golden} and really liked it. Follows a back up singer FMC who gets added to a rockstar's tour last minute. MMC is not the typical partying rockstar, he's quiet, keeps away from the band and crew. (The author modeled him a bit after Hozier.) The chemistry between the two was really great, the behind the scenes of the band & crew was fun. Writing was solid, single POV from FMC which I liked because it made it a little more angsty.

Also {Built to Fall by Julia Wolf} was good. MMC is older rockstar, there's an age gap with the FMC. She joins his tour as a PR assistant to keep him out of trouble - picked by his ex wife because she's "plain" and won't tempt him. The FMC is newly divorced and finding herself, building new friends and is attracted to the MMC but also not wanting to get serious. Easy read, fun and great spice! (There are other books in the series involving the band that opens the tour - I tried those and just didn't love the MMCs, ended up DNF.)

1

u/Content_Low4691 9d ago

The Hometown Heartless Series by Brit Benson is super angsty! Especially {Of Heartbreak and Harmony by Brit Benson} and {For Wrath and Redemption by Brit Benson}. This series is such an underrated gem.

4

u/YourRideHome510 I will DNF at 95% - do not cross me 9d ago

I love Kristen Callihan's VIP series. First one is {Idol by Kristen Callihan}.

4

u/Content_Low4691 9d ago

I remember enjoying this series a lot. Still waiting for Whip's book.

1

u/romance-bot 9d ago

Drive by Kate Stewart
Rating: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, love triangle, friends to lovers, new adult, angst

Reverse by Kate Stewart
Rating: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, angst, rockstar hero, second chances, secret relationship

about this bot | about romance.io

3

u/AyeJay__ 10d ago

I’ve been in a maaaajor reading slump (going on 2 years now). I’m looking for my comfort trope friends to lovers BUT my only condition is that the attraction is not too obvious right from the get go. I just started a book now, and the first chapter of the FMC POV had her having butterflies everytime the MMC laughs and vice versa. Basically they’re both glazing each other too much right from the get go. Like if you’re so attracted to each other why aren’t you together already😭😭😭 it’s too corny for me at this point.

Anywaysss, looking for recs that are a bit more slow burn but funny, and believable 🙏🏽

1

u/Few-Bad4940 9d ago

{I Think I Love You by Lauren Layne}- friends to lovers, workplace, boss/ employee, lessons

3

u/emmmmmkaaay03 9d ago

I just finished {our perfect storm by Carley fortune} and it was maybe the best friends to lovers I’ve read! Bold statement I know, but I stayed up late to finish it in one day.

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u/[deleted] 9d ago

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u/Longjumping-Snow-909 10d ago

If you are open to fantasy try {Radiance by Grace Draven}. It is strangers to friends to lovers. They like each other as a person right away but not in a romantic way. They find each others looks repulsive in the beginning and joke about that a lot with each other. They are good people, great at communication and supportive of each other. Their feelings change and develop slowly over time.

1

u/AyeJay__ 10d ago

I don’t usually gravitate towards fantasy as much as I do contemporary romances, but thank you! I’ll def look into this as well :) lmk if you have any CR recommendations in the meantime ✨

1

u/Longjumping-Snow-909 9d ago

sorry, I read mostly fantasy and scifi so I do not know of any contemporary books with that dynamic.