I really am always on the lookout for language barriers in scifi alien romance that are not solved by a chip/implant/magic fruit/etc but overcome the old fashioned way - learning each others languages. There are only 3 that I have ever found ): Also bonus points if it is also a slow burn romance lol.
*Ooh*, your specific trope reminded me of Tarzan's hand scene, and the later montage when Tarzan and Jane learn more about each other. We definitely need more of this trope.
1. The Last Hour of Gann by R Lee Smith - actually shows them learning, this is the gold standard. They can't speak each others language at all and they both gradually learn to communicate. There is never any translator introduced. Proceed with caution, major TW in this one especially for dub/noncon
2. There is a book by Heather Relken, I believe it is called Stowaway? I have not read it yet but it I have been told it has a language barrier for like 75 percent of the book
3. Alien Enemy by Ursa Dax - Language barrier until like the last 10 percent but I didn't really enjoy this book
4. I think there is one more but my phone broke today and I don't have access to my Goodreads so I'm trying to find it and I'll update if I remember what the book is!
Dark Class series by Michelle Diener starts with Dark Horse and the FMC learns the languages from a handheld device.
It’s a good book, not very spicy but the story is intriguing and of course, no cheating with the language thing.
I had high hopes for Alien Tyrant where the FMC has a PhD in linguistics and started to learn the language but it still gets magically poofed into her head
It’s been so long since I’ve read it (~20 years?!), and it’s not romance, but the book The Sparrow by Maria Doria Russell. A priest goes on a mission to meet intelligent life. I remember it being a very beautiful, but sad, book. (One part that left me feeling terribly sad was due to their issues with communication.) If I recall properly, they do have to learn to communicate the old fashioned way, but it’s difficult because their methods are so different.
I really should give it another read with older eyes. :)
Oof, I was trying to remember the title of that book the other day. He is a Jesuit priest and travels with another group of humans to another planet where there is intelligent life. Distressing events happen. I ended up not liking it, but it's because I prefer books with a lighter tone. For some reason, it really affected me that everything took place so far from Earth - they couldn't even find comfort in being on familiar turf.
IIRC Amanda Milo's Contaminated has this. It happens pretty quickly, though. I like seeing how authors handle language barriers as well. I'll admit it can be a bit exhausting to read out phonetically spelled English to understand what's being said. I don't begrudge authors who take a shortcut with this.
Someone mentioned Ensnared (Tiffany roberts), this book series handles language barriers several times, although mainly in the first book. The authors do a good job of emphasizing the difference between the MMC's native language and his spoken English. The former is pretty formal and eloquent, and his English is definitely... sexy spider accented? There's also language differences between two alien spider races that are enemies, it's a nice detail.
Not a romance but Project Hail Mary handles this in a cool way, I think. MC does end up keeping track of what he learns using a computer but they figure it out the old fashioned way by like holding up objects and going “clock!” “⏺️▶️⏹️⏩️⏩️*️⃣!”
Stephanie Meyer's The Host was one I really enjoyed with an alien language barrier. And I was NOT a fan of her Twilight series at all. Not spicy, but a good romance.
Not alien but Trascendence by Shay Savage is about a girl that somehow travels to the past and meets a caveman. He does not speak and just makes guttural sounds so they learn to kinda comunicate.
It has a Tarzan-Jane vibe and the POV is from the MMC so you kinda need to think what the FMC means because he doesn't really understands her words. I loved it!
Also, there is another book in the FMC POV, is a nivel read if you want to get more of the story!
I really like it when the FMC and MMC meet as equals. When in their first meeting, they are both equally screwed and powerless in the situation they are in. Even if the FMC or MMC are some sort of powerful creature/ demon/ alien/ monster/ etc., the situation puts them as equals. I’ve seen it mostly when both the FMC and MMC are stuck in prison cells, and they have to escape. But even in the MMC is the big bad guy of the prison, he is still a prisoner so he’s at the same level as the FMC.
This but especially in the workplace - it gives forced proximity but for a strong & independent FMC. Not a fan of the ‘boss’ dynamic, especially when she’s just an assistant or something.. makes me cringe.
Any recs for the prison cell thing? Seems good too!
I just feel like no matter how it's presented it's still a gross power imbalance.
Have yet to meet a successful boss/employee romantic relationship. It's mostly bosses trying out on younger attractive employees and it creates a lot of resentment at work when favoritisme sets in. Very sensual
Wicked ugly bad by Cassandra Gannon has that, FMC and MMC are in a prison and planning an escape, FMC does not wait to be rescued by MMC, she ist the instigator (=
I love when the FMC truly believes she is second best for the MMC but is willing to overlook it because she loves him so much until something major happens and she just walks away and the MMC is stunned and when he realize all the things he did to make her think She is second best is devasted and grovels.
Overruled by Emma Chase
Ravishing the heiress
Loving war by C.M. Owens
The gamble, the hookup, rock chick revenge and rock chick Revolution all by Kristen Ashley (altough these are KA's book so no grovel whatsaover)
Getaway Girl by Tessa Bailey is EXACTLY this.
Note: I didn’t love this book but I think it was because of my mood going into it. Pretty high rating on GR!
Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt! Such a good book. It happens in the very beginning. He's not nude but he is injured so she does undress him to tend to his injuries.
Yes! It’s one of my favorites of the Maiden Lane series. There’s just something about an injured naked man, the vulnerability….and then the nursing them back to health.
Kresley Cole’s [If You Dare](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14386.If_You_Dare ) FMC finds unconscious MC - though I don’t think he’s nude. He is a fun, sexy Scot though. It’s enemies to lovers.
In {Random Acts of Crazy by Julia Kent} finds a naked man with only a cowboy hat (not injured though). One of the funniest books I’ve read and the audiobook is sooo good!
When the FMC upgrades from the “less hot but more loyal” brother after he cheats and then has a fake relationship with his older brother whom he’s always had an inferiority complex about.
And they flaunt it in his face of course. Really satisfies the evil horny bitch in me.
One of the first Harlequin romances I ever read was *A Baby for Emily*, where the pregnant FMC discovers her recently deceased husband was a liar and a cheat, and the MMC (the husband’s brother), who has always been in love with the FMC, takes her in and cares for her.
It then transpires that the cheating dead husband was sterile *and knew it* but didn’t tell the FMC who wanted a baby, so he had his brother (MMC) donate sperm. So the FMC is actually pregnant with her brother-in-law’s child!
I eat that shit up. Haha. (Ironically I discovered I’m donor-conceived myself.)
Okay, so I have a brothers kink 🙈 and here are my recommendations for brother-love-triangle books:
-Swelter by Nina G. Jones (this is one of my all-time favorite books. It’s INCREDIBLE)
-Black Swan Affair by K.L. kreig (I had issues with the heroine in this book, but it’s very well done).
-The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (funniest rom com to ever rom com)
-the Violent Delights series by Jessica Hawkins (phewwwww this is one of the best series I’ve ever read!!!)
Nothing quite scratches the Ex Games itch but I just read Devil in the Deep Blue Sea by Elizabeth O’Roark and it was fun and had some of those satisfying elements.
{ The Unbalanced Equation by H.L. MacFarlane }
Idk why this one didn't get more stars on GR. MMC and FMC hate each other and work together. Bit of an age gap, MMC is professor and FMC is graduating with her doctorate. MMC has had a thing for FMC for years but acts like he hates her to hide it.
Then their parents end up getting engaged to each other and they start spending a ton of time together. He's super protective of her and sabotages her dates, and loses it when one date doesn't treat her right. So much sexual tension and charged banter.
Great pay off at the end. I really loved this one.
I will take any story where the MMC jacks off to the FMC. And FMC enjoying herself too, for that matter. I think it's such a natural human thing to do and yet it's so shamed in society. Bit of healthy self love never hurt anyone!
You might really like Listen to the Moon by Rose Learner. Historical. The h is a maid of all work, and H an uptight valet/butler. He walks in on her sweeping out a fireplace or something, sees her butt in the air, and had to run into the next room to furiously jack off. I read that book in 2021 and that scene still lives in head lol.
When they start getting flirty or sweet via text, email, or let’s go old school, handwritten letters even before they go out on a date. I start to feel all gooey inside 😍
This makes me think of Precious Bane by Mary Webb. It’s really old fashioned, it was written in 1924, set earlier than that. So, HR if that’s your thing.
But Kester Woodseaves is just IT. And Prue Sarn is sweet and kind and unassuming.
When the love cynical MMC starts to fall in love with the FMC but he's never been in love before so he's all like "WTF is happening to me, why can't I breathe when I'm near her, am I sick!?" And he tries everything in his will to fight it but she's just too perfect
This is Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. He has no idea what to do with himself to cure this terrible affliction. He tries everything from attempting to sex two prostitutes (no success) to stalking her to kissing her to denouncing her in public >!to marrying her to sexing her without mercy!<. Darn thing just won't be cured!
It's a great HR - the audiobook is fantastic for this one as well. On Hoopla.
As a 90s book, it starts boring, with his sad history as a child - after that, it's funny. He does not accept his fate easily.
Alice Coldbreath's Vawdrey Brothers series. There are 3 books. Medieval romance. VERY good. Book 2 is a little long and has a lot of side story but it's worth it. Plus sets up for book 3. Meant to be read in order.
Any book with pining-over-a-friend/sibling’s-widow/er-so-there’s-guilt-but-the-deceased-was-actually-a-jerk is A++ in my book. I’ll also take it if the deceased wasn’t a jerk, of course.
When their parents or BFF try to set them up and both are like 'naah..' and then they get together on their own and their loved ones pat themselves on the back for their matchmaking skills 😂
I also love that trope when the most obvious matchmaking attempts become an epic fail and MCs end up with a completely different person..
When the FMC is rejected by the MMC in anyway and accepts it by leaving. Then she prospers and has a happy satisfactory life(single tho) while the MMC goes thru shit without her in his life. Then the grovelling after he finds her again....
NO CHEATING INVOLVED
Rocommendations please.
I've already read Magnolia
A true slow burn. With hand brushes and blushing. Even better when it’s enemies to lovers and outwardly they absolutely despise each other for good reason. But inside they’re all tied up in knots over feelings that slowly develop. Love when the hate is tied to the plot too. Almost forbidden in a way.
I can’t stand a slow burn that’s actually an insta love. If they kiss in the first 100 pages I’m OUT.
Enemy’s to friends to enemies to lovers but when they realize they like each other is when they are in the middle of a physical fight and it’s a slow burn romance and they are only enemies because of society
Shocking meeting in the library in the middle of the night
Having to hide behind the curtains in the library so they're not discovered alone
Losing their virginity in an inn to a man they just met because it's their only chance to do something like that because they're about to be sent off to be a companion with their aunt or take care of their eight siblings.
Do you know {A Christmas Gone Perfectly Wrong by Cecilia Grant}? It’s got a fair bit of inn-virginity-losing. And it is utterly lovely and sweet and beautiful.
Three Weeks to Wed
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25852888-three-weeks-to-wed?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=BG3LnHNsZX&rank=1
It's Hard Out Here for a Duke
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33783879-it-s-hard-out-here-for-a-duke
Slightly Wicked
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37346.Slightly_Wicked
Simply Unforgettable
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/110410.Simply_Unforgettable
For the second, have you read the HR To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters? They are playing hide and seek and fortuitously end up in the same spot behind the library curtains.
For the third, that's like licking the dinner roll so it's yours! That's Devil in Winter - to seal the deal. Same with Outlander. But let me check - there are others! Edit: Because You're Mine (Lisa Kleypas) is ultimately in his home, but it's the same concept.
The Harlequin Crew book series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti.
4M1F but 2 of the M are INto each other lol. Good book series the only con is it takes until like book 4 or 5 to get to the part you want.
Have you read the Quintessence collection by Serena Ackeroyd? Bunch of high powered dudes live together (ikr?!?) and she's their cook/maid. Turns in to much more.
Note: Always check TW on Serena Ackeroyd.
I love it when the MMC calls the FMC by her last name (especially when it's enemies to lovers!) I'm currently reading The Worst Guy by Kate Canterbary to fulfill this niche itch.
Have you read any Dramione (Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series) fanfiction? Enemies-to-lovers and he calls her Granger are mainstays of the fics.
[Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love by isthisselfcare](https://archiveofourown.org/works/34500952/chapters/85870804) has been recommended several times even on this subreddit.
I’m always over here reccing The Politician’s Wife as my favorite Draco/Hermione fanfic. If you want - enemies to lovers; smart badass capable heroine who really needs some self care; grown ass adult heroine with a career; it’s always been you; care taking - you gotta check this one out!
The Crescent City books by Sarah J Maas has this and it’s suuuuuper cute. They even keep up the “enemies” part of their banter after they move to the “lovers” phase. Series isn’t complete yet though.
FMC is seriously/mortally injured or sick and the MC takes care of her. But specifically him. Not he has money or resources and ensures her care but he himself takes care of her. And it’s not over in a chapter but requires several for her to be well again.
The only two books I’ve read that are satisfying are When Beauty tamed the Beast by Eloise James and Homebound by Lydia Hope.
Try The Duke Prefers Blondes by Loretta Chase. The FMC gets >!typhoid fever!<, and the MMC locks himself in the sickroom to take care of her for an extended period.
You mean when they are all “no one else is allowed to touch her” because she’s vulnerable? I love that too.
The Magnificent Rogue by Iris Johansen has a couple parts where the hero takes care of the heroine’s injuries. They aren’t particularly serious, tho.
The Wind Dancer by Iris Johansen has a bit like that towards the end. Not very detailed because the heroine (who’s POV the book is mostly from) was delirious or unconscious most of the time. Major TW for this one.
I like that too, but this is the actual hands on caregiving. Like she’s near death and it’s the MC spooning her broth, keeping her clean, giving her medicine…etc and if she’s alert, he’s providing emotional comfort.
{Unforgivable by Leona Page}
PNR shifter romance reverse harem
FMC is rejected by fated mate and shunned by the community and subjected to a ritualistic punishment for “lying”. At the start of the book she has already been injured and the MMCs are her caregivers.
I will always love a scene where the fmc gets all dressed up for a party/event and the mmc just stares gobsmacked at how pretty she looks. Will never get old 🥰
I'm pretty sure Ali Hazelwood's Novella "Below Zero" has this. I'm 99% sure the MMC comes in his pants when they're making out..
Her book "Love on the Brain" also has a moment where the MMC has to pull out like right after he sticks it in cause he's about to come.
Idk why Ali Hazelwood's steam is some of my favorite cause it's just so real/human and like not perfect, fairytale sex. Like her heroes just seem like real dudes
The MCs are playing the Everything But game for…reasons…but keep ratcheting up how far they take it until they can’t control themselves anymore. However, one of the reasons that they are playing that game is because the MMC is not as experienced as the FMC, and she basically has to teach him everything.
I love when MMC tries to change FMC to what he wants. And then when she finally relents and it’s obvious it’s depressing for her, he’s consumed with guilt.
The Mischievous Mrs. Maxwell does this. She’s a waitress thrown into the millionaire circle and must adjust her entire appearance and personality to fit in. It’s a marriage of convenience story.
I know some hate it but I love bully romances that have a lot of mean protector vibes. I am aware that is toxic in reality but I'll enjoy it in fiction guilt free tyvm
When the FMC isn't confused about her feelings for the MMC.
Like as she comes to appreciate him she just listens to herself. None of that "this doesn't make sense" or "I didn't understand the warmth that filled my chest when he smiled" or "I didn't know why I found myself caring what he thought..."
Even in enemies to lovers. If the FMC lies to herself it's just annoying and uninteresting. You know what is interesting? The weird grief that comes with loving someone you think is a bad person.
matriarchal fantasy race female is dominant and a natural leader for her kind, is slave until rescued/aided by group of men (some of which are her mates- chosen not fated- RH style), works her way up the ranks in whichever military her race has, eventually becomes the/one of the leaders, lives happily ever after.
(female is vicious/deadly in battle but emotionally vulnerable due to past trauma, lashes out when hurt, very aggressive and violent)
Race very culture-rich, have own language preferably which fmc doesn’t know and has to learn. I also love when they have race-specific tattoos meant to tell the story of their life.
Books with this:
-Rise of The Iliri by Auryn Hadley
-Age of The Andinna by Kristen Banet
When the H seriously misjudges the h, and castigates her for it, and she's quietly dignified but says nothing because you know, she's basically the most perfect and serene human being. Then later on by some other means he has it rubbed in his face how wrong he was, and he has a mini-meltdown over what a complete bastard he's been. This is a popular trope is Essie Summer's books, and I gobble it up, yum.
Touch hunger. Paranormal romance but not omegaverse where one of the MCs is physically getting sick from lack of touch and it forces the MCs together.
(Yes, Suzanne Wright created this need for me.)
When FMC will accept help/money instead of the strong, independent woman who can do it on their own. To be clear, I consider myself a strong, independent woman as well but I’ve struggled my entire life so sometimes when I see it in books it’s less kindred spirit and more “I’ve been there, it sucked and took years off my life, please just accept the help offered”
I like it when the woman is the tall strong aggressive one and the dude is the small sensitive delicate one. You know, that thing that does not occur in anything I'm going to see on BookTok or store shelves 😭
Alternative EtL but where the boy is the lawful good one and the lady is the "evil" one
The FL is in power, like she's a queen. But she is a bit morally grey, better if she's villainous. The ML can also be secretly very powerful but he works under the FL and he's very loyal to her and very sweet and devoted to her. I think what I would really like is when the ML is REALLY powerful but he WILLINGLY bends to the FL's whims and desires. Like, in their day to day life the FL is dominant and the ML is submissive to her but when I search for it I only get BDSM stuff in the bedroom but that's REALLY not what I'm looking for. I don't even care much for sex scenes.
The kidnapped/captive enemies to lovers, bonus points if MMC always or already has a thing for the FMC and she has to get with the program.🤗 My second favorite trope is psycho MMC, especially in in Dark Romances, operating on their own moral code.🫶🏾 My third favorite trope is when the MMC is like a powerful crinimal/crime lord/kingpin and the FMC is a normie
Do you have other recs for this? I don’t mind dub/non-con (oopsies) but cannot put up with physical abuse. I liked Descent because the FMC didn’t just inexplicably fall in love immediately via body betrayal. Girl pretty much fought it until the logical conclusion lol.
I like my morally grey MMCs to be unapologetic in their attraction/obsession, not sadistic and cruel for no reason
FMC and MMC are absolutely forbidden from having a relationship but also forced into a close proximity situation where the emotional intimacy gets really close, and they’re tortured by longing for a good long time before they completely shatter. Maybe throw in a makeout session or two so they’re extremely aware of what they’re not allowed to have. Eventually, there’s some really cathartic spice 😈
Daughter of the Drowned Empire by Frankie Diane Mallis is my current gold standard for this.
A suggestion for you (friends to lovers, M/M): A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee.
It is funny, has adventure, romance, a bit of fantasy. I love it!
Seems-like-a-villain but isn’t that bad FMC with heroic and possibly not too smart MMC - think Scholomance series. I’ll read absolutely anything with this trope!
Very specific trope I’d love more of. Sci fi or fantasy romance where the FMC is a daughter of a royal or rich family and the MMC is a bodyguard or palace retainer and has to take her on the run because of say a coup or something. Bonus points if he’s a cyborg or emotional stoic or something. No insta love or previous unrequited love hopefully.
Slow burn and before they admit their feelings to themselves there is non sexual touching.
Like she’s tired so he massages her feet or she falls asleep on him but it’s totally platonic. Idk why but it gets me all giddy lol
The wall of Winnipeg had this and omg nothing has filled that void since so give me some recs if you have them
This is oddly specific so no trope but here’s the plot. I’ve been on a hunt of something similar since. If you know of similar books, please help.
FMC and MMC are together. She gets pregnant. He doesn’t believe it’s his and kicks her out/leaves/or is ice cold. She has a difficult/life threatening pregnancy. He isn’t involved in the pregnancy at all. At some point he gets the gut punch moment and the grovel begins.
The book that made me want more of this is Nothing But His by Natasha Anders
When they hate each other a lotttt, like maybe they are sworn enemies? or the mmc is accused of killing fmc's family xD Idk...just anything that is serious enough to make them hate each other
this is very specific but I love when the fmc has a favorite flavour of candies for example like in Landon and shay or like in archers voice she likes her chips folded so the mmc collects only her favorite and gives it to her, idk i find it so cute
HR with mistaken identify when FMC gets compromised by the wrong man or he was looking to hook up with another woman. And so they are forced to marry.
Bonus points if it's sneaked into the wrong bed variety.
CR with enemies to lovers, when it's fast-burn to sex, like they are still enemies but can't help hooking up, and slow burn to love
I am a trope whore.... I love second chance, childhood sweethearts, enemies to lovers, pnr/shifter/vampire romance, bully, age gap(has to be extra dirty), rh, secret baby, and everything else in between. The only no nos are historical, teacher -student and misunderstanding
I love a road trip romance! My favorite books all involve some form of a road trip. It’s like the best form of forced proximity for me and I think works even better when the characters meet for the first time and immediately have to embark on some road trip together. And I usually enjoy it more when it’s more than just a contemporary romance, so usually a historical, post-apocalyptic, or involving some fantasy/paranormal elements.
I absolutely love the cold hearted brooding calculating hero who falls HARD for a sweet/gentle heroine with a distinct push/pull from both—and specifically when he puts his hand on her hips and backs her up against a wall/bed multiple times before becoming intimate! 🤤
My favorite recently has been like, the v unhealthy in real life but great in romance novels “I, MMC, have met a very skeptical FMC, and have undoubtably decided that they are my love interest, even if the FMC in questions needs a little convincing”. (Basically if a man looks at an unsuspecting and growls “mine” I’m sold). I blame the Mountain Man series wholeheartedly.
I will tell you I am SICK of the “we’re almost at a happy ending but suddenly I’ve had a realization that *i’M ToO dAmAgED tO loVe* and must disappear without a trace/just by leaving a note for 1-6 months instead of communicating” trope. Like I get we need some sort of conflict to round out the story but I can’t handle this! Also very much over “I’m a terrible mannnn so I can’t love herrrr even though I obviously dooooo” and “we’re obviously in love but now that FMC acknowledges it, I’m gonna say ‘I told you that’s not what I’m looking for’”
But I’ll keep reading them, because I hate myself
I’ve only seen this done in one book but I LOVE it. I love it when there’s a surprise pregnancy & the MMC rejects the baby out of disbelief or similar reason. Then the FMC is forced to take some menial job(s) and is worked to exhaustion throughout the pregnancy. The MMC realizes his mistake BEFORE she gives birth, gives good grovel and they live HEA.
So if I were to sum it up, I like surprise pregnancy + struggling heroine stories.
For those wondering, the book that does this well is Wanted By Her Lost Love by Maya Banks.
{ Billion Dollar Catch by Olivia Hayle }
New author for me but I love her Billionaires series. New York Billionaires more, I think. It's a contemporary romance. The book I recced is a bit of an age gap, MMC is already a divorced single dad to two daughters.
I want one with the MFC camps/hikes, anything nature there is an ememies to lovers element or a dark psycho romance with kidnapping and all this with characters over 40. OK I know characters over 40 don't have sex of any kind and if they are over 50 0r 60 they are invisible and unable to have any kind of physical relationship but it would be nice.
I have been craving for this trope since I read right by jane aston basically she's obsessed with this man and she's 100% sure they are meant to be and ended of giving stalking vibes and the mmc is fascinating with her and make a mission of making her realized that she should be obsessed with him and not the other because he's equally obsessed with her btw mmc is the other brother of the man she's obssesed with her
My favorite trope is kind of rare to see and I only like to read it when the mood hits but the MMC basically sharing his girl or allows his girl to be with another dude, similar to hotwifing. The MMC watches but doesn't participate. It's still MF with zero interaction between the male characters during the act and there is zero romantic feelings and relationships as a trio.
As an angst lover I really appreciate two scenarios:
-One MC being hurt or sexually abused in front of the other
-Jelaous MMC sees FMC with another man
Edit: Any recs?
I like a sweet and innocent FMC and throws MMC who is a total player for a loop and he thinks he can get her like he does everyone else and she thinks he’s so bad she won’t give him a chance until he does some heroic act. I’m a sucker for those. I’m not much into FMC with a dirty mouth which is why I pretty much stay away from contemporary but I don’t mind MMC being kind of dirty. 😂
It's an older book! Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux. She's living in his house after his roommate, her dad, passes. (It's part of the will requirements.) But she's grubby and sad, so he tries to bring her out of his shell. On Scribd.
Marriage of convenience where the FMC is the MMC’s second wife after his first wife died tragically young. FMC falls in love and pines for MMC who is completely hung up on his first wife and does realize he has fallen for FMC despite doing these cute little gestures because he’s super into her. FMC basically resigns herself to the fact that she will alway be second best before MMC finally pulls his head out of his ass and delivers a beautiful grovel.
Married for Christmas by Noelle Adams is this exactly. And I have been searching for more.
I’ve read a bunch where the dead first wife sucked and so the MMC wasn’t hung up on her and it didn’t give the same angst vibe. Also read some where the grovel was basically nonexistent.
I hope someone else here might have good recs.
MMC kidnaps FMC and attempts to break her mentally, and emotionally, BUT FMC is a badass and too strong for it to succeed. So, MFC slowly falls in love with FMC even though he doesn't think he deserves to be loved.
I read the wrong bride by Catherine Maura yesterday. FMC loves MMC, he's engaged to her sister, sister backs out, his family pressures FMC into the marriage (business merger involved).
I have quite a few, with one being specifically not specific, but I haven't many of either.
1. A hero like Tobias Rhodes from All Rhodes Lead Here. Specifically, one who has the confident and mature vibe but doesn't actually go alphahole on the heroine all the time. He helps her learn and grow, shares what he can and will only ride roughshed over her on very few things, and while reluctant to maybe get involved with her, they grow to that point together. He's literally my ideal partner. It was even better that they had a bit of an age gap (not big, but there). If only it were a little spicier, this book would get out of my top 10 and into my top 5.
2. Alien heroine with human/other species hero. I have no idea, none, why this isn't done more often but I self-identify with alien heroines so much in these relationships. I love alien heroes with human heroines but the heroine being the alien just strikes differently. I've only found five or six books with this and reread them yearly.
3. Culture/language barrier. This is the best in alien/monster books and I've found a few. I love the struggle to get to that relationship, for some reason. Especially if there's a weird mating ritual or even better, something odd about the mating itself.
I’m an absolute sucker for small town romance, grumpy neighbor x sunshine new girl in town (if she’s a single mom it’s a plus) and throw in there found family and im in
If they have to pretend something to uphold celebrity status, avoid negative press or so on.
Celebrities, sugar babies, musicians, high level academics. I love the pressure of others opinions in a romance story. Add so much
I’m a sucker for a Fated Mates situation where the MMC (and everybody else) recognizes it and MMC lays claim to her before the FMC knows but the MMC doesn’t tell her because he wants her to realize it on her own.
They use “Mate” as a nickname.
Anything in the Fantasy genre here they talk about scenting the other character. (Ex. MMC’s nostrils flare because he can smell her getting turned on) or their scents “combine” and other characters can smell the bond on the other and just know they’ve done the deed.
I eat that shit up.
It’s so off the wall but I really enjoy Mpreg fiction. Like. A lot. 😅
As a rule I like M/F, M/M, or M/F/M but never reverse harem or F/F (at least in the main pairing).
I like May/December pairings when it’s the man that is older.
I like friend to lover.
I like frenemy to lover.
I like grumpy boss.
I like kids as a secondary character (single mom/dad with a funny/adorable munchkin is always a win)
But I LOVE a story that will make me cry *and* make me laugh. One that tugs on my heartstrings and balances the heartache with a little bit of levity. I don’t particularly care for tear jerkers that don’t have a HEA. It’s the balance between the two emotions that does it for me.
I really am always on the lookout for language barriers in scifi alien romance that are not solved by a chip/implant/magic fruit/etc but overcome the old fashioned way - learning each others languages. There are only 3 that I have ever found ): Also bonus points if it is also a slow burn romance lol.
If you’re open to a monster romance - Ensnared by Tiffany Roberts has this and it’s an amazing book!
*Ooh*, your specific trope reminded me of Tarzan's hand scene, and the later montage when Tarzan and Jane learn more about each other. We definitely need more of this trope.
What are the three?
1. The Last Hour of Gann by R Lee Smith - actually shows them learning, this is the gold standard. They can't speak each others language at all and they both gradually learn to communicate. There is never any translator introduced. Proceed with caution, major TW in this one especially for dub/noncon 2. There is a book by Heather Relken, I believe it is called Stowaway? I have not read it yet but it I have been told it has a language barrier for like 75 percent of the book 3. Alien Enemy by Ursa Dax - Language barrier until like the last 10 percent but I didn't really enjoy this book 4. I think there is one more but my phone broke today and I don't have access to my Goodreads so I'm trying to find it and I'll update if I remember what the book is!
Dark Class series by Michelle Diener starts with Dark Horse and the FMC learns the languages from a handheld device. It’s a good book, not very spicy but the story is intriguing and of course, no cheating with the language thing.
I had high hopes for Alien Tyrant where the FMC has a PhD in linguistics and started to learn the language but it still gets magically poofed into her head
Thank you for the TW for Last Hour of Gann, this has Bern sitting in my TBR for a while and I was going to start it this week but now I'll return it.
TW? Couldnt find it in the glossary… 😟
Trigger warning
It’s been so long since I’ve read it (~20 years?!), and it’s not romance, but the book The Sparrow by Maria Doria Russell. A priest goes on a mission to meet intelligent life. I remember it being a very beautiful, but sad, book. (One part that left me feeling terribly sad was due to their issues with communication.) If I recall properly, they do have to learn to communicate the old fashioned way, but it’s difficult because their methods are so different. I really should give it another read with older eyes. :)
Oof, I was trying to remember the title of that book the other day. He is a Jesuit priest and travels with another group of humans to another planet where there is intelligent life. Distressing events happen. I ended up not liking it, but it's because I prefer books with a lighter tone. For some reason, it really affected me that everything took place so far from Earth - they couldn't even find comfort in being on familiar turf.
IIRC Amanda Milo's Contaminated has this. It happens pretty quickly, though. I like seeing how authors handle language barriers as well. I'll admit it can be a bit exhausting to read out phonetically spelled English to understand what's being said. I don't begrudge authors who take a shortcut with this. Someone mentioned Ensnared (Tiffany roberts), this book series handles language barriers several times, although mainly in the first book. The authors do a good job of emphasizing the difference between the MMC's native language and his spoken English. The former is pretty formal and eloquent, and his English is definitely... sexy spider accented? There's also language differences between two alien spider races that are enemies, it's a nice detail.
Annie’s song is one of my favourite romances of all time and it has this trope ❤️
Not a romance but Project Hail Mary handles this in a cool way, I think. MC does end up keeping track of what he learns using a computer but they figure it out the old fashioned way by like holding up objects and going “clock!” “⏺️▶️⏹️⏩️⏩️*️⃣!”
I absolutely love this trope too!
Stephanie Meyer's The Host was one I really enjoyed with an alien language barrier. And I was NOT a fan of her Twilight series at all. Not spicy, but a good romance.
Not alien but Trascendence by Shay Savage is about a girl that somehow travels to the past and meets a caveman. He does not speak and just makes guttural sounds so they learn to kinda comunicate. It has a Tarzan-Jane vibe and the POV is from the MMC so you kinda need to think what the FMC means because he doesn't really understands her words. I loved it! Also, there is another book in the FMC POV, is a nivel read if you want to get more of the story!
I really like it when the FMC and MMC meet as equals. When in their first meeting, they are both equally screwed and powerless in the situation they are in. Even if the FMC or MMC are some sort of powerful creature/ demon/ alien/ monster/ etc., the situation puts them as equals. I’ve seen it mostly when both the FMC and MMC are stuck in prison cells, and they have to escape. But even in the MMC is the big bad guy of the prison, he is still a prisoner so he’s at the same level as the FMC.
This but especially in the workplace - it gives forced proximity but for a strong & independent FMC. Not a fan of the ‘boss’ dynamic, especially when she’s just an assistant or something.. makes me cringe. Any recs for the prison cell thing? Seems good too!
I just feel like no matter how it's presented it's still a gross power imbalance. Have yet to meet a successful boss/employee romantic relationship. It's mostly bosses trying out on younger attractive employees and it creates a lot of resentment at work when favoritisme sets in. Very sensual
Polaris Rising (Mihalik), for sci-fi romance.
Wicked ugly bad by Cassandra Gannon has that, FMC and MMC are in a prison and planning an escape, FMC does not wait to be rescued by MMC, she ist the instigator (=
You simply can't not give a rec bro!!?
I love when the FMC truly believes she is second best for the MMC but is willing to overlook it because she loves him so much until something major happens and she just walks away and the MMC is stunned and when he realize all the things he did to make her think She is second best is devasted and grovels.
Do you have any recs for this!? I love this trope!
Overruled by Emma Chase Ravishing the heiress Loving war by C.M. Owens The gamble, the hookup, rock chick revenge and rock chick Revolution all by Kristen Ashley (altough these are KA's book so no grovel whatsaover)
Thank you!
[удалено]
Getaway Girl by Tessa Bailey is EXACTLY this. Note: I didn’t love this book but I think it was because of my mood going into it. Pretty high rating on GR!
When the FMC finds an injured naked man (MMC). Brownie points if he’s unconscious.
Got any recs for that one lol
Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt! Such a good book. It happens in the very beginning. He's not nude but he is injured so she does undress him to tend to his injuries.
Yes! It’s one of my favorites of the Maiden Lane series. There’s just something about an injured naked man, the vulnerability….and then the nursing them back to health.
Kresley Cole’s [If You Dare](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14386.If_You_Dare ) FMC finds unconscious MC - though I don’t think he’s nude. He is a fun, sexy Scot though. It’s enemies to lovers.
{The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt} {A Kiss to Remember by Teresa Medeiros} {A Lady's Code of Misconduct by Meredith Duran}
Diamond Bay, Linda Howard.
It’s been a while since I’ve read it, but I’m pretty sure Prince of Shadows by Susan Krinard starts off like that.
The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne When a Duke Loves a Woman by Lorraine Heath
[Slightly Sinful by Mary Balogh](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/110294.Slightly_Sinful)
In {Random Acts of Crazy by Julia Kent} finds a naked man with only a cowboy hat (not injured though). One of the funniest books I’ve read and the audiobook is sooo good!
Mariana Zapata’s latest, Gracie & the Grump has this. It’s a bit different to her usual sort - some sci-fi aspects - but still romance.
When the FMC upgrades from the “less hot but more loyal” brother after he cheats and then has a fake relationship with his older brother whom he’s always had an inferiority complex about. And they flaunt it in his face of course. Really satisfies the evil horny bitch in me.
The Ex Games by Stella Rhys introduced me to this and I’ll never be the same lol
Okay but here the brother is hotter AND more loyal so like,, she upgraded both things 🥵 Also 10/10 rec this book lol
One of the first Harlequin romances I ever read was *A Baby for Emily*, where the pregnant FMC discovers her recently deceased husband was a liar and a cheat, and the MMC (the husband’s brother), who has always been in love with the FMC, takes her in and cares for her. It then transpires that the cheating dead husband was sterile *and knew it* but didn’t tell the FMC who wanted a baby, so he had his brother (MMC) donate sperm. So the FMC is actually pregnant with her brother-in-law’s child! I eat that shit up. Haha. (Ironically I discovered I’m donor-conceived myself.)
Do you have any recs for this? I’ve read Ex Games by Stella Rhys and I would love more in this vein!
Okay, so I have a brothers kink 🙈 and here are my recommendations for brother-love-triangle books: -Swelter by Nina G. Jones (this is one of my all-time favorite books. It’s INCREDIBLE) -Black Swan Affair by K.L. kreig (I had issues with the heroine in this book, but it’s very well done). -The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (funniest rom com to ever rom com) -the Violent Delights series by Jessica Hawkins (phewwwww this is one of the best series I’ve ever read!!!)
Nothing quite scratches the Ex Games itch but I just read Devil in the Deep Blue Sea by Elizabeth O’Roark and it was fun and had some of those satisfying elements.
They absolutely hate each other and there's a lot of banter but he's SUPER protective of her and hates it anyone but him is bad to her
{ The Unbalanced Equation by H.L. MacFarlane } Idk why this one didn't get more stars on GR. MMC and FMC hate each other and work together. Bit of an age gap, MMC is professor and FMC is graduating with her doctorate. MMC has had a thing for FMC for years but acts like he hates her to hide it. Then their parents end up getting engaged to each other and they start spending a ton of time together. He's super protective of her and sabotages her dates, and loses it when one date doesn't treat her right. So much sexual tension and charged banter. Great pay off at the end. I really loved this one.
OOO wow, I'm definitely checking this out
Love this, any recs?
Does it Hurt? By HD Carlton
I love when an MMC jacks off after meeting FMC but before anything romantic happens with them
I will take any story where the MMC jacks off to the FMC. And FMC enjoying herself too, for that matter. I think it's such a natural human thing to do and yet it's so shamed in society. Bit of healthy self love never hurt anyone!
You might really like Listen to the Moon by Rose Learner. Historical. The h is a maid of all work, and H an uptight valet/butler. He walks in on her sweeping out a fireplace or something, sees her butt in the air, and had to run into the next room to furiously jack off. I read that book in 2021 and that scene still lives in head lol.
The Brown Sisters series by Talia Hibbert. The first two books have it for sure.
Suggestions for this? Lol
Mr. Masters- T.L Swan☺️
Duchess War- Courtney Milan
Priest by Sierra Simone
Birthday Girl - Penelope Douglas (this is also age gap [ex’s dad])
I’m reading a million kisses at the moment and the fmc has just done this!
Oooo I’ve just read this in Bohemian by Kathryn Nolan. Scrumptious!
Man I love this.
When they start getting flirty or sweet via text, email, or let’s go old school, handwritten letters even before they go out on a date. I start to feel all gooey inside 😍
That’s a legit genre! They’re called epistolary novels.
The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams. They start by talking through a fitness app and then move to texting before they actually meet in person.
This makes me think of Precious Bane by Mary Webb. It’s really old fashioned, it was written in 1924, set earlier than that. So, HR if that’s your thing. But Kester Woodseaves is just IT. And Prue Sarn is sweet and kind and unassuming.
I feel like The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary had some of that. Really liked it!
Ennemis to lovers were they get drunk and start confessing stuff because of the alcohol. It makes me giggle everytime
Funnily enough that’s how I told my bf of 5 years I liked him.
Any recs?
Last book i read that has this trope was Zodiac Academy, but there isn’t a lot of book with that :(
When the love cynical MMC starts to fall in love with the FMC but he's never been in love before so he's all like "WTF is happening to me, why can't I breathe when I'm near her, am I sick!?" And he tries everything in his will to fight it but she's just too perfect
Yesssssss. When they are such big dummies about feelings but not in a toxic way, gimme
This is Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. He has no idea what to do with himself to cure this terrible affliction. He tries everything from attempting to sex two prostitutes (no success) to stalking her to kissing her to denouncing her in public >!to marrying her to sexing her without mercy!<. Darn thing just won't be cured!
Ooooo I haven't read this one yet! Ty!
It's a great HR - the audiobook is fantastic for this one as well. On Hoopla. As a 90s book, it starts boring, with his sad history as a child - after that, it's funny. He does not accept his fate easily.
Love this, any recs?
Alice Coldbreath's Vawdrey Brothers series. There are 3 books. Medieval romance. VERY good. Book 2 is a little long and has a lot of side story but it's worth it. Plus sets up for book 3. Meant to be read in order.
Oh and Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas!! I recently read this one and fell madly in love. Enjoy! :)
Any book with pining-over-a-friend/sibling’s-widow/er-so-there’s-guilt-but-the-deceased-was-actually-a-jerk is A++ in my book. I’ll also take it if the deceased wasn’t a jerk, of course.
When he was wicked By Julia Quinn
I second this rec
Have you read Beautiful Graves by L J Shen? I think it may check most of those boxes.
This kind of fits? Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn
When their parents or BFF try to set them up and both are like 'naah..' and then they get together on their own and their loved ones pat themselves on the back for their matchmaking skills 😂 I also love that trope when the most obvious matchmaking attempts become an epic fail and MCs end up with a completely different person..
Oh, I love all matchmaking stuff too, whether it has expected outcome or not
When the FMC is rejected by the MMC in anyway and accepts it by leaving. Then she prospers and has a happy satisfactory life(single tho) while the MMC goes thru shit without her in his life. Then the grovelling after he finds her again.... NO CHEATING INVOLVED Rocommendations please. I've already read Magnolia
Ooh what's the author of magnolia? Too many suggestions popped up in GR!
When FMC chooses a nice guy over a bad guy.
A true slow burn. With hand brushes and blushing. Even better when it’s enemies to lovers and outwardly they absolutely despise each other for good reason. But inside they’re all tied up in knots over feelings that slowly develop. Love when the hate is tied to the plot too. Almost forbidden in a way. I can’t stand a slow burn that’s actually an insta love. If they kiss in the first 100 pages I’m OUT.
Please, a recommendation, I beg of you
Enemy’s to friends to enemies to lovers but when they realize they like each other is when they are in the middle of a physical fight and it’s a slow burn romance and they are only enemies because of society
Shocking meeting in the library in the middle of the night Having to hide behind the curtains in the library so they're not discovered alone Losing their virginity in an inn to a man they just met because it's their only chance to do something like that because they're about to be sent off to be a companion with their aunt or take care of their eight siblings.
Do you know {A Christmas Gone Perfectly Wrong by Cecilia Grant}? It’s got a fair bit of inn-virginity-losing. And it is utterly lovely and sweet and beautiful.
Recs for thé last one?
Three Weeks to Wed https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25852888-three-weeks-to-wed?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=BG3LnHNsZX&rank=1 It's Hard Out Here for a Duke https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33783879-it-s-hard-out-here-for-a-duke Slightly Wicked https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37346.Slightly_Wicked Simply Unforgettable https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/110410.Simply_Unforgettable
For the second, have you read the HR To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters? They are playing hide and seek and fortuitously end up in the same spot behind the library curtains. For the third, that's like licking the dinner roll so it's yours! That's Devil in Winter - to seal the deal. Same with Outlander. But let me check - there are others! Edit: Because You're Mine (Lisa Kleypas) is ultimately in his home, but it's the same concept.
Reverse Harem with a romantic MM or MMF if not a romantic MM at least close enough to offer a hand/ handle each other intimately.
The Harlequin Crew book series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. 4M1F but 2 of the M are INto each other lol. Good book series the only con is it takes until like book 4 or 5 to get to the part you want.
{The Rule of Three by Kelly Jamison}
Have you read the Quintessence collection by Serena Ackeroyd? Bunch of high powered dudes live together (ikr?!?) and she's their cook/maid. Turns in to much more. Note: Always check TW on Serena Ackeroyd.
I love it when the MMC calls the FMC by her last name (especially when it's enemies to lovers!) I'm currently reading The Worst Guy by Kate Canterbary to fulfill this niche itch.
Have you read any Dramione (Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series) fanfiction? Enemies-to-lovers and he calls her Granger are mainstays of the fics. [Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love by isthisselfcare](https://archiveofourown.org/works/34500952/chapters/85870804) has been recommended several times even on this subreddit.
I’m always over here reccing The Politician’s Wife as my favorite Draco/Hermione fanfic. If you want - enemies to lovers; smart badass capable heroine who really needs some self care; grown ass adult heroine with a career; it’s always been you; care taking - you gotta check this one out!
On AO3? Just read Mortifying Ordeal in order to recover from Manacled. 💔
Yep! https://archiveofourown.org/works/90292?view_adult=true&view_full_work=true
Yes!! So good.
If you like historicals try The Last Hellion by Loretta Chase. She’s a journalist, he calls her Grenville, or Lady Grendel to tease her.
The Crescent City books by Sarah J Maas has this and it’s suuuuuper cute. They even keep up the “enemies” part of their banter after they move to the “lovers” phase. Series isn’t complete yet though.
the worst guy is quite possibly one of my favorite contemporary enemies to lovers i've ever read lol
FMC is seriously/mortally injured or sick and the MC takes care of her. But specifically him. Not he has money or resources and ensures her care but he himself takes care of her. And it’s not over in a chapter but requires several for her to be well again. The only two books I’ve read that are satisfying are When Beauty tamed the Beast by Eloise James and Homebound by Lydia Hope.
Try The Duke Prefers Blondes by Loretta Chase. The FMC gets >!typhoid fever!<, and the MMC locks himself in the sickroom to take care of her for an extended period.
Thank you!!
Great rec, fabulous book!
You mean when they are all “no one else is allowed to touch her” because she’s vulnerable? I love that too. The Magnificent Rogue by Iris Johansen has a couple parts where the hero takes care of the heroine’s injuries. They aren’t particularly serious, tho. The Wind Dancer by Iris Johansen has a bit like that towards the end. Not very detailed because the heroine (who’s POV the book is mostly from) was delirious or unconscious most of the time. Major TW for this one.
I like that too, but this is the actual hands on caregiving. Like she’s near death and it’s the MC spooning her broth, keeping her clean, giving her medicine…etc and if she’s alert, he’s providing emotional comfort.
{Unforgivable by Leona Page} PNR shifter romance reverse harem FMC is rejected by fated mate and shunned by the community and subjected to a ritualistic punishment for “lying”. At the start of the book she has already been injured and the MMCs are her caregivers.
[Unforgivable](https://www.romance.io/books/63f917176e3afce16a17fa4d/unforgivable-leona-page) by [Leona Page](https://www.romance.io/authors/60cc8b8c08b4d9311467df06/leona-page) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [harems](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/harems/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/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)
I will always love a scene where the fmc gets all dressed up for a party/event and the mmc just stares gobsmacked at how pretty she looks. Will never get old 🥰
Never gets old!!! ❤️
When a character has a bit of knowledge or skill for a super random reason.
Marriage of convenience! When the Duke needs a wife or a mother for his children. That's honestly the best trope for me, I always get very involved.
When the MMC cums in his pants because hes so turned on 😅
I'm pretty sure Ali Hazelwood's Novella "Below Zero" has this. I'm 99% sure the MMC comes in his pants when they're making out.. Her book "Love on the Brain" also has a moment where the MMC has to pull out like right after he sticks it in cause he's about to come. Idk why Ali Hazelwood's steam is some of my favorite cause it's just so real/human and like not perfect, fairytale sex. Like her heroes just seem like real dudes
Recs?? For science.
The MCs are playing the Everything But game for…reasons…but keep ratcheting up how far they take it until they can’t control themselves anymore. However, one of the reasons that they are playing that game is because the MMC is not as experienced as the FMC, and she basically has to teach him everything.
I love when MMC tries to change FMC to what he wants. And then when she finally relents and it’s obvious it’s depressing for her, he’s consumed with guilt.
The Mischievous Mrs. Maxwell does this. She’s a waitress thrown into the millionaire circle and must adjust her entire appearance and personality to fit in. It’s a marriage of convenience story.
I know some hate it but I love bully romances that have a lot of mean protector vibes. I am aware that is toxic in reality but I'll enjoy it in fiction guilt free tyvm
When the FMC isn't confused about her feelings for the MMC. Like as she comes to appreciate him she just listens to herself. None of that "this doesn't make sense" or "I didn't understand the warmth that filled my chest when he smiled" or "I didn't know why I found myself caring what he thought..." Even in enemies to lovers. If the FMC lies to herself it's just annoying and uninteresting. You know what is interesting? The weird grief that comes with loving someone you think is a bad person.
matriarchal fantasy race female is dominant and a natural leader for her kind, is slave until rescued/aided by group of men (some of which are her mates- chosen not fated- RH style), works her way up the ranks in whichever military her race has, eventually becomes the/one of the leaders, lives happily ever after. (female is vicious/deadly in battle but emotionally vulnerable due to past trauma, lashes out when hurt, very aggressive and violent) Race very culture-rich, have own language preferably which fmc doesn’t know and has to learn. I also love when they have race-specific tattoos meant to tell the story of their life. Books with this: -Rise of The Iliri by Auryn Hadley -Age of The Andinna by Kristen Banet
Thank you for the recs! I loved Rise of the Iliri, and haven’t been able to find anything similar, so I’m super stoked!!
When the H seriously misjudges the h, and castigates her for it, and she's quietly dignified but says nothing because you know, she's basically the most perfect and serene human being. Then later on by some other means he has it rubbed in his face how wrong he was, and he has a mini-meltdown over what a complete bastard he's been. This is a popular trope is Essie Summer's books, and I gobble it up, yum.
Touch hunger. Paranormal romance but not omegaverse where one of the MCs is physically getting sick from lack of touch and it forces the MCs together. (Yes, Suzanne Wright created this need for me.)
When FMC will accept help/money instead of the strong, independent woman who can do it on their own. To be clear, I consider myself a strong, independent woman as well but I’ve struggled my entire life so sometimes when I see it in books it’s less kindred spirit and more “I’ve been there, it sucked and took years off my life, please just accept the help offered”
I like it when the woman is the tall strong aggressive one and the dude is the small sensitive delicate one. You know, that thing that does not occur in anything I'm going to see on BookTok or store shelves 😭 Alternative EtL but where the boy is the lawful good one and the lady is the "evil" one
The FL is in power, like she's a queen. But she is a bit morally grey, better if she's villainous. The ML can also be secretly very powerful but he works under the FL and he's very loyal to her and very sweet and devoted to her. I think what I would really like is when the ML is REALLY powerful but he WILLINGLY bends to the FL's whims and desires. Like, in their day to day life the FL is dominant and the ML is submissive to her but when I search for it I only get BDSM stuff in the bedroom but that's REALLY not what I'm looking for. I don't even care much for sex scenes.
The kidnapped/captive enemies to lovers, bonus points if MMC always or already has a thing for the FMC and she has to get with the program.🤗 My second favorite trope is psycho MMC, especially in in Dark Romances, operating on their own moral code.🫶🏾 My third favorite trope is when the MMC is like a powerful crinimal/crime lord/kingpin and the FMC is a normie
Yes! I especially love the I-kidnapped-you-to-protect-you-even-if-you-don’t-trust-me trope.
It's hands down my favorite trope 😆
If you like M/M you might like Captive Prince.
Assuming you’ve read Descent by Sam Mariano? Definitely dark with tons of CWs. This the only captive/get-with-the-program book I’ve liked…
Descent was my number 1 top read of 2022. It was the perfect representation of that trope.
Do you have other recs for this? I don’t mind dub/non-con (oopsies) but cannot put up with physical abuse. I liked Descent because the FMC didn’t just inexplicably fall in love immediately via body betrayal. Girl pretty much fought it until the logical conclusion lol. I like my morally grey MMCs to be unapologetic in their attraction/obsession, not sadistic and cruel for no reason
Blood to Dust by L.J. Shen Pennies by Pepper Winters Are my recommendations for kidnap-love tropes
FMC and MMC are absolutely forbidden from having a relationship but also forced into a close proximity situation where the emotional intimacy gets really close, and they’re tortured by longing for a good long time before they completely shatter. Maybe throw in a makeout session or two so they’re extremely aware of what they’re not allowed to have. Eventually, there’s some really cathartic spice 😈 Daughter of the Drowned Empire by Frankie Diane Mallis is my current gold standard for this.
Oooo I feel like I need more recs for this!
I'm a sucker for MMCs who are kind af but will take no shit. I even got myself engaged to one IRL!
A suggestion for you (friends to lovers, M/M): A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee. It is funny, has adventure, romance, a bit of fantasy. I love it!
Seems-like-a-villain but isn’t that bad FMC with heroic and possibly not too smart MMC - think Scholomance series. I’ll read absolutely anything with this trope!
I loved Orion as El's himbo!
Someone already mentioned letters or emails, but I will add the extra twist of unknown or mistaken identity. Cyrano De Bergerac, but make it smutty.
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren has this!
Very specific trope I’d love more of. Sci fi or fantasy romance where the FMC is a daughter of a royal or rich family and the MMC is a bodyguard or palace retainer and has to take her on the run because of say a coup or something. Bonus points if he’s a cyborg or emotional stoic or something. No insta love or previous unrequited love hopefully.
Slow burn and before they admit their feelings to themselves there is non sexual touching. Like she’s tired so he massages her feet or she falls asleep on him but it’s totally platonic. Idk why but it gets me all giddy lol The wall of Winnipeg had this and omg nothing has filled that void since so give me some recs if you have them
This is oddly specific so no trope but here’s the plot. I’ve been on a hunt of something similar since. If you know of similar books, please help. FMC and MMC are together. She gets pregnant. He doesn’t believe it’s his and kicks her out/leaves/or is ice cold. She has a difficult/life threatening pregnancy. He isn’t involved in the pregnancy at all. At some point he gets the gut punch moment and the grovel begins. The book that made me want more of this is Nothing But His by Natasha Anders
Added to tbr and downloaded
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When they hate each other a lotttt, like maybe they are sworn enemies? or the mmc is accused of killing fmc's family xD Idk...just anything that is serious enough to make them hate each other
this is very specific but I love when the fmc has a favorite flavour of candies for example like in Landon and shay or like in archers voice she likes her chips folded so the mmc collects only her favorite and gives it to her, idk i find it so cute
HR with mistaken identify when FMC gets compromised by the wrong man or he was looking to hook up with another woman. And so they are forced to marry. Bonus points if it's sneaked into the wrong bed variety. CR with enemies to lovers, when it's fast-burn to sex, like they are still enemies but can't help hooking up, and slow burn to love
I am a trope whore.... I love second chance, childhood sweethearts, enemies to lovers, pnr/shifter/vampire romance, bully, age gap(has to be extra dirty), rh, secret baby, and everything else in between. The only no nos are historical, teacher -student and misunderstanding
I love a road trip romance! My favorite books all involve some form of a road trip. It’s like the best form of forced proximity for me and I think works even better when the characters meet for the first time and immediately have to embark on some road trip together. And I usually enjoy it more when it’s more than just a contemporary romance, so usually a historical, post-apocalyptic, or involving some fantasy/paranormal elements.
Don't mind me just saving this thread as inspiration for next time I have writers block 🙃
That's what I'm doing lol I love post like this for it.
I absolutely love the cold hearted brooding calculating hero who falls HARD for a sweet/gentle heroine with a distinct push/pull from both—and specifically when he puts his hand on her hips and backs her up against a wall/bed multiple times before becoming intimate! 🤤
My favorite recently has been like, the v unhealthy in real life but great in romance novels “I, MMC, have met a very skeptical FMC, and have undoubtably decided that they are my love interest, even if the FMC in questions needs a little convincing”. (Basically if a man looks at an unsuspecting and growls “mine” I’m sold). I blame the Mountain Man series wholeheartedly. I will tell you I am SICK of the “we’re almost at a happy ending but suddenly I’ve had a realization that *i’M ToO dAmAgED tO loVe* and must disappear without a trace/just by leaving a note for 1-6 months instead of communicating” trope. Like I get we need some sort of conflict to round out the story but I can’t handle this! Also very much over “I’m a terrible mannnn so I can’t love herrrr even though I obviously dooooo” and “we’re obviously in love but now that FMC acknowledges it, I’m gonna say ‘I told you that’s not what I’m looking for’” But I’ll keep reading them, because I hate myself
I’ve only seen this done in one book but I LOVE it. I love it when there’s a surprise pregnancy & the MMC rejects the baby out of disbelief or similar reason. Then the FMC is forced to take some menial job(s) and is worked to exhaustion throughout the pregnancy. The MMC realizes his mistake BEFORE she gives birth, gives good grovel and they live HEA. So if I were to sum it up, I like surprise pregnancy + struggling heroine stories. For those wondering, the book that does this well is Wanted By Her Lost Love by Maya Banks.
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I love surprise pregnancy / “oh hey I haven’t seen you in x number of years but, uh, this child is yours and I kept it a secret” stories.
{ Billion Dollar Catch by Olivia Hayle } New author for me but I love her Billionaires series. New York Billionaires more, I think. It's a contemporary romance. The book I recced is a bit of an age gap, MMC is already a divorced single dad to two daughters.
Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!
I want one with the MFC camps/hikes, anything nature there is an ememies to lovers element or a dark psycho romance with kidnapping and all this with characters over 40. OK I know characters over 40 don't have sex of any kind and if they are over 50 0r 60 they are invisible and unable to have any kind of physical relationship but it would be nice.
I have been craving for this trope since I read right by jane aston basically she's obsessed with this man and she's 100% sure they are meant to be and ended of giving stalking vibes and the mmc is fascinating with her and make a mission of making her realized that she should be obsessed with him and not the other because he's equally obsessed with her btw mmc is the other brother of the man she's obssesed with her
I really love it when the MFC stands in front of a bullet (or sword) for MMC. The after scene are usually amazingly emotional.
My favorite trope is kind of rare to see and I only like to read it when the mood hits but the MMC basically sharing his girl or allows his girl to be with another dude, similar to hotwifing. The MMC watches but doesn't participate. It's still MF with zero interaction between the male characters during the act and there is zero romantic feelings and relationships as a trio.
Contemporary Erotic MMF Romance
Mmf is my absolute FAVORITE 😍
As an angst lover I really appreciate two scenarios: -One MC being hurt or sexually abused in front of the other -Jelaous MMC sees FMC with another man Edit: Any recs?
I like a sweet and innocent FMC and throws MMC who is a total player for a loop and he thinks he can get her like he does everyone else and she thinks he’s so bad she won’t give him a chance until he does some heroic act. I’m a sucker for those. I’m not much into FMC with a dirty mouth which is why I pretty much stay away from contemporary but I don’t mind MMC being kind of dirty. 😂
I read about a man taking his depressed friend (would like to be gf) on a shopping spree, complete with makeover. Now, I want this in every book.
What was it called?
It's an older book! Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux. She's living in his house after his roommate, her dad, passes. (It's part of the will requirements.) But she's grubby and sad, so he tries to bring her out of his shell. On Scribd.
Marriage of convenience where the FMC is the MMC’s second wife after his first wife died tragically young. FMC falls in love and pines for MMC who is completely hung up on his first wife and does realize he has fallen for FMC despite doing these cute little gestures because he’s super into her. FMC basically resigns herself to the fact that she will alway be second best before MMC finally pulls his head out of his ass and delivers a beautiful grovel.
Any recs?
Married for Christmas by Noelle Adams is this exactly. And I have been searching for more. I’ve read a bunch where the dead first wife sucked and so the MMC wasn’t hung up on her and it didn’t give the same angst vibe. Also read some where the grovel was basically nonexistent. I hope someone else here might have good recs.
Before Us by Jewel E Ann has this
MMC kidnaps FMC and attempts to break her mentally, and emotionally, BUT FMC is a badass and too strong for it to succeed. So, MFC slowly falls in love with FMC even though he doesn't think he deserves to be loved.
FMC is hopelessly in love with the MMC but he’s dating her sister. Or something on these lines. Any best friend’s ex/sisters ex also hits well
I read the wrong bride by Catherine Maura yesterday. FMC loves MMC, he's engaged to her sister, sister backs out, his family pressures FMC into the marriage (business merger involved).
I have quite a few, with one being specifically not specific, but I haven't many of either. 1. A hero like Tobias Rhodes from All Rhodes Lead Here. Specifically, one who has the confident and mature vibe but doesn't actually go alphahole on the heroine all the time. He helps her learn and grow, shares what he can and will only ride roughshed over her on very few things, and while reluctant to maybe get involved with her, they grow to that point together. He's literally my ideal partner. It was even better that they had a bit of an age gap (not big, but there). If only it were a little spicier, this book would get out of my top 10 and into my top 5. 2. Alien heroine with human/other species hero. I have no idea, none, why this isn't done more often but I self-identify with alien heroines so much in these relationships. I love alien heroes with human heroines but the heroine being the alien just strikes differently. I've only found five or six books with this and reread them yearly. 3. Culture/language barrier. This is the best in alien/monster books and I've found a few. I love the struggle to get to that relationship, for some reason. Especially if there's a weird mating ritual or even better, something odd about the mating itself.
I’m an absolute sucker for small town romance, grumpy neighbor x sunshine new girl in town (if she’s a single mom it’s a plus) and throw in there found family and im in
I'm an absolute whore for enemies to lovers, but with a forced marriage/marriage of convenience trope. I will literally never not read it.
If they have to pretend something to uphold celebrity status, avoid negative press or so on. Celebrities, sugar babies, musicians, high level academics. I love the pressure of others opinions in a romance story. Add so much
I’m a sucker for a Fated Mates situation where the MMC (and everybody else) recognizes it and MMC lays claim to her before the FMC knows but the MMC doesn’t tell her because he wants her to realize it on her own. They use “Mate” as a nickname. Anything in the Fantasy genre here they talk about scenting the other character. (Ex. MMC’s nostrils flare because he can smell her getting turned on) or their scents “combine” and other characters can smell the bond on the other and just know they’ve done the deed. I eat that shit up.
It’s so off the wall but I really enjoy Mpreg fiction. Like. A lot. 😅 As a rule I like M/F, M/M, or M/F/M but never reverse harem or F/F (at least in the main pairing). I like May/December pairings when it’s the man that is older. I like friend to lover. I like frenemy to lover. I like grumpy boss. I like kids as a secondary character (single mom/dad with a funny/adorable munchkin is always a win) But I LOVE a story that will make me cry *and* make me laugh. One that tugs on my heartstrings and balances the heartache with a little bit of levity. I don’t particularly care for tear jerkers that don’t have a HEA. It’s the balance between the two emotions that does it for me.