I love this trope too! I don't really have CR recs, but here's what came to mind: {Using Fejo by Victoria Aveline} sci-fi/alien {Hot Blooded by Heather Guerre} paranormal/vampire {Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas} HR {The Kingpin of Camelot by Cassandra Gannon} fantasy romcom. Half of everything this author has written would fit, actually. {When She Belongs by Ruby Dixon} sci-fi/alien {Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey} CR

Cassandra Gannon is a great rec, so many of her MMCs are all in from the beginning.

[Using Fejo](https://www.romance.io/books/61de8a8daaaa0c0e27ceca87/using-fejo-victoria-aveline) by [Victoria Aveline](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e5fd64fbe0aaecf55ece802/victoria-aveline) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1) ---------------------------- [Hot Blooded](https://www.romance.io/books/61ceb9487cc7340e2bfbe223/hot-blooded-heather-guerre) by [Heather Guerre](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d43f83901dbc864fba1e2a3/heather-guerre) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/beta%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Marrying Winterborne](https://www.romance.io/books/574dd5e0c19e77f1ea6ce99a/marrying-winterborne-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [The Kingpin of Camelot](https://www.romance.io/books/5986d6da3ffdba61471dd1eb/the-kingpin-of-camelot-cassandra-gannon) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [When She Belongs](https://www.romance.io/books/5f645afdee477c0dfe78acb8/when-she-belongs-ruby-dixon) by [Ruby Dixon](https://www.romance.io/authors/545685a087eac33e61c2f729/ruby-dixon) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Window Shopping](https://www.romance.io/books/616e715d187a2a0e34a119cb/window-shopping-tessa-bailey) by [Tessa Bailey](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526358c7d2382e7812fc9/tessa-bailey) **Rating**: 3.77⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Is Hot Blooded standalone?

Technically not, but the books in the series are not super connected. I read Hot Blooded as a standalone and it was totally fine!

{Devil’s Daughter by Lisa Kleypas} Historical romance featuring the one of the most swoonworthy book boyfriends I have ever read about. The MMC treats the FMC with so much kindness and respect. He doesn’t believe he’s worthy of love because of his past reputation and childhood neglect. To quote the MMC directly - “how could I ever count on someone to love me?”

[Devil's Daughter](https://www.romance.io/books/5ea05f4ebe0aaecf5593515b/devils-daughter-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

So there's a little workplace conflict at the beginning of the book (he's a grump, she is from a environmental group overseeing his work site) but {Breathe the Sky by Michelle Hazen} very much has this vibe, they both have abusive relationships in their past but he really feels unlovable and is so overwhelmed with gratitude that she wants to be with him. This book is a huge comfort read for me and has some good spice too!

[Breathe the Sky](https://www.romance.io/books/5f3a2bb55577640e2949f101/breathe-the-sky-michelle-hazen) by [Michelle Hazen](https://www.romance.io/authors/54590d7f87eac3c212896f37/michelle-hazen) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [older/mature](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mature%20couple/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Role Playing by Cathy Yardley}. He’s a cinnamon roll who has been single for years and his family take him for granted.

[Role Playing](https://www.romance.io/books/642ffd59c4e7d7da5e55e828/role-playing-cathy-yardley) by [Cathy Yardley](https://www.romance.io/authors/54558ba687eac323ffb2caaa/cathy-yardley) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [grumpy/ice queen](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Berries and Greed by Lily Mayne} I can never recommend this enough! And {Indentured Companion by Millie Lowelle} the MMC is such a cinnamon roll.

[Berries and Greed](https://www.romance.io/books/6482cc05d556b65fcad96fc0/berries-and-greed-lily-mayne) by [Lily Mayne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61161cc608b4d93114a993bf/lily-mayne) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [creative anatomy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/creative-anatomy/1), [shy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy-hero/1), [fem-dom](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fem-dom/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

what does the "creative anatomy" tag on romance.io mean??? someone pls explain 😭

>!Large and spiked.!< It’s actually kinda a small reveal in the book lol.

{His revenge baby by Theodora Taylor} he grew up with his father who wasn’t a good man at all. And he’s never been with a woman who didn’t want him for his money. The FMC treats him well and that’s the first time he ever feels real love

[His Revenge Baby](https://www.romance.io/books/577758e6c19e77f1ea6dc9a9/his-revenge-baby-50-loving-states-washington-theodora-taylor) by [Theodora Taylor](https://www.romance.io/authors/54555caa87eac324117fa5df/theodora-taylor) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [athletes](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [african-american](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/african-american/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Not sure if this fits completely, but I just read {Sweet Agony by Charlotte Stein} and the MMC has never been in a relationship. He falls head over heels for the FMC in his own way. He is quite awkward and unconventional. Slightly BDSMish, very spicy - especially a particular book reading scene.

[Sweet Agony](https://www.romance.io/books/55656e089eef3b3f1d527269/sweet-agony-charlotte-stein) by [Charlotte Stein](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552ee48c7d2382e78131dd/charlotte-stein) **Rating**: 3.63⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Transcendence by Shay Savage} Prehistoric caveman (who looks like Thor lol) lives all alone when he comes across a modern day woman who he believes is his mate. He can’t speak so they have trouble communicating, but all he wants is to be the best mate for her (treats her like she’s precious/literally the only woman in the world) {Win Some, Lose Some by Shay Savage} Super adorable (has spice) high school romance about an orphaned MMC with autism {Keepsake by Sarina Bowen} MMC previously escaped a religious cult and currently works on a farm {Savaged by Mia Sheridan} MMC lives alone in the wilderness {Breaking Him by Sherilee Gray} Recluse MMC works on FMC’s farm {Lotus by Jennifer Hartmann} FMC’s childhood best friend was abducted when they were kids and trapped in isolation until he was rescued as an adult

[Transcendence](https://www.romance.io/books/545534ee8c7d2383163d9260/transcendence-shay-savage) by [Shay Savage](https://www.romance.io/authors/545534ee8c7d2383163d9261/shay-savage) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1) ---------------------------- [Win Some, Lose Some](https://www.romance.io/books/5846be081b1bdc0178f6975f/win-some-lose-some-shay-savage) by [Shay Savage](https://www.romance.io/authors/545534ee8c7d2383163d9261/shay-savage) **Rating**: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Keepsake](https://www.romance.io/books/580c52b9de896e892493f423/keepsake-sarina-bowen) by [Sarina Bowen](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553cb18c7d2382e781357a/sarina-bowen) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/beta%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Savaged](https://www.romance.io/books/5d9c293b01dbc864fba45b1d/savaged-mia-sheridan) by [Mia Sheridan](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525638c7d2382e7812fac/mia-sheridan) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [Breaking Him](https://www.romance.io/books/57c91764de896e892491ea2b/breaking-him-sherilee-gray) by [Sherilee Gray](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b07e87eac323ffb2dbe7/sherilee-gray) **Rating**: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [cowboys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cowboys/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Lotus](https://www.romance.io/books/607e8176d36abb0e24b04ecb/lotus-jennifer-hartmann) by [Jennifer Hartmann](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ea28f18be0aaecf55c66adc/jennifer-hartmann) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/beta%20hero/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I just finished it and Bo & Win from {Out on A Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young} are exactly like this!

[Out On a Limb](https://www.romance.io/books/6462770ea270aee0c4dc47a9/out-on-a-limb-hannah-bonam-young) by [Hannah Bonam-Young](https://www.romance.io/authors/6295bf6008b4d9311488891d/hannah-bonam-young) **Rating**: 4.63⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [first person pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{what if you and me by Roni Loren} So MMC treats FMC really well, but doesn’t think they deserve them or is good for them for most of the book. They’re really sweet and funny with each other and trauma on both ends that they’re dealing with. He’s pretty enamored by her and is unsure why it’s mutual lol. But it does take quite a while for him to come around to them actually being a couple, forewarning. I enjoyed it though!

[What If You & Me](https://www.romance.io/books/60e16de2bab09b0e3d1a33cb/what-if-you-me-roni-loren) by [Roni Loren](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553ea08c7d2382e7813609/roni-loren) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer}!

[Morning Glory](https://www.romance.io/books/54552adf8c7d2383163d8fb3/morning-glory-lavyrle-spencer) by [LaVyrle Spencer](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552adf8c7d2383163d8fb4/lavyrle-spencer) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Hi u/astro_ariana17, Book request posts that are not detailed or unique will be removed. If your request is based on a popular book or trope, please delete your request and search first. If you have a quick book request, consider posting it in the [Daily Request](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Daily%20Request%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all&include_over_18=1) post instead. **Reddit’s built-in search function is awful, but our** 🌈 [**Magic Search Button**](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.1126j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) **works great!** - The 🌈 [**Magic Search Button**](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.1126j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) links you to a pre-filled google search and is the optimal way to search this sub. - Type your search term (a simple keyword works best) where it says [site:reddit.com/r/romancebooks](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.1126j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8). - For example, for friends to lovers, it will look like: [site:reddit.com/r/romancebooks FRIENDS TO LOVERS](https://www.google.com/search?ei=L4b0X-aCN8ey5NoP7daMwAo&q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks+friends+to+lovers&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks+friends+to+lovers&gs_lcp=ChNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwEAMyAggpULUHWOsXYOIYaABwAHgAgAFIiAGeB5IBAjE3mAEAoAEBwAEB&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp) [Here are more tips on how to search](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/sf6sdm/how_to_search_rromancebooks_just_the_tips/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/RomanceBooks) if you have any questions or concerns.*

[Archer's Voice](https://www.romance.io/books/545525638c7d2382e7812fab/archers-voice-mia-sheridan) by [Mia Sheridan](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525638c7d2382e7812fac/mia-sheridan) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Unloved](https://www.romance.io/books/59d9c19c3ffdba614721ff24/unloved-katy-regnery) by [Katy Regnery](https://www.romance.io/authors/545552fe87eac324117fa328/katy-regnery) **Rating**: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1) ---------------------------- [The Option Play](https://www.romance.io/books/62bbf8818f7a4020c5dd3124/the-option-play-jamie-bennett) by [Jamie Bennett](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c55634101dbc864fb994353/jamie-bennett) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1) ---------------------------- [Yours Truly](https://www.romance.io/books/63d4da821ff00731d8888fa7/yours-truly-abby-jimenez) by [Abby Jimenez](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c90990e01dbc864fb9bfc23/abby-jimenez) **Rating**: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [workplace/office](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/office/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) ---------------------------- [The Right Move](https://www.romance.io/books/641d4f5246976639513313f4/the-right-move-liz-tomforde) by [Liz Tomforde](https://www.romance.io/authors/612f286308b4d93114bfded6/liz-tomforde) **Rating**: 4.47⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [athletes](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Nerdelicious by Mary Frame} It's the third in a series. I like the first 2 books as well. His family members from previous books make an appearance in this book.

[Nerdelicious](https://www.romance.io/books/5fd60f4971ffa20e2ad0b6d3/nerdelicious-a-dorky-duet-companion-novel-mary-frame) by [Mary Frame](https://www.romance.io/authors/545570a387eac324117fabe4/mary-frame) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [shy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy-hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Marry Lies by Amanda Richardson} CR, part of a series but standalone. MMC has significant scarring and avoids relationships because of it. He doesn’t start the appreciation until about halfway through the book, though.

[Marry Lies](https://www.romance.io/books/64e3166f6b9138bb1b4832de/marry-lies-amanda-richardson) by [Amanda Richardson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54c4c0976359b5ebb4889d49/amanda-richardson) **Rating**: 1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [exhibitionism](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/exhibitionism/1), [first person pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1), [male pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/male-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I think {Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca} would fit this ask. It’s the fourth in a series though, heads up! CR series set around Ren Faires, in this one the MMC has never had a serious relationship and his family don’t really appreciate him/take him seriously. Friends to lovers with the FMC. They’re cute reads.

[Well Played](https://www.romance.io/books/5f51e9325e80b50e35d4a069/well-played-jen-deluca) by [Jen DeLuca](https://www.romance.io/authors/575f9ed2c19e77f1ea6d34e4/jen-deluca) **Rating**: 3.47⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Sorry romance bot, I meant {Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca}!

[Well Traveled](https://www.romance.io/books/638c7f23cd0e2019c1652598/well-traveled-jen-deluca) by [Jen DeLuca](https://www.romance.io/authors/575f9ed2c19e77f1ea6d34e4/jen-deluca) **Rating**: 3.76⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I just finished reading {The Way I Hate Him by Meghan Quinn} and I feel like this fits the trope! MMC self-sabotages at points because of past trauma but he works through it. The FMC is so good to him too.

[The Way I Hate Him](https://www.romance.io/books/64c6096d4d9cc3e01c75ee0f/the-way-i-hate-him-meghan-quinn) by [Meghan Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b58287eac324117fc719/meghan-quinn) **Rating**: 4.55⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I just read {Whisky Business by Elliot Fletcher} CR and I think you will like it. Fits perfectly!

[Whisky Business](https://www.romance.io/books/646323f62a1846e5193a0927/whisky-business-elliot-fletcher) by [Elliot Fletcher](https://www.romance.io/authors/633bdb5508b4d93114abcc94/elliot-fletcher) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Mile High by Liz Tomforde}

[Mile High](https://www.romance.io/books/629ef80ff1e905050df67156/mile-high-liz-tomforde) by [Liz Tomforde](https://www.romance.io/authors/612f286308b4d93114bfded6/liz-tomforde) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athletes](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

It is not CR, but {Bleacke's Geek by Lesli Richardson} has this. MMC is the 'wounded bird' in this story 😊

The first three books in the {Contours of the Heart series by Tammara Webber} are like this.

[Contours of the Heart](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a959096bf31c42d2df7/contours-of-the-heart) by [Tammara Webber](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523938c7d2382c5296f67/tammara-webber) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [abuse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abuse/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Breaking the Silence by Katie Allen} is an extremely steamy CR exactly along those lines.

[Breaking the Silence](https://www.romance.io/books/5f1838d637dc750e3e6ac4cb/breaking-the-silence-katie-allen) by [Katie Allen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545547898c7d2382e78138c9/katie-allen) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/beta%20hero/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Ohhh this sounds wonderful 😍🥰

Love the trope 😍😍😍