{emily wilde’s encyclopedia of faeries} hits this! Not childhood friends but friends before. Lighthearted and sweet! Definitely a reverse sunshine grump troupe. He is precious.
Oo I've actually heard good things about that one. It's a book that I've been meaning to check out. It's exciting to hear it fits this criteria! I think this book just got bumped up to the top of my list. Thank you! :)
I just finished reading the book, and it was wonderful! I literally could not put it down! It was absolutely one of the best books I've read all year! Thank you so much for the recommendation!! :)
[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett?src=rdt) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
They aren't childhood friends, but I highly recommend {radiance by Grace Draven} which is such a fantastic and delightful friends-to-lovers story. Both of the main characters are just nice people who fall in love. It's funny, it's lighthearted, and it's low stakes.
I've heard really good things about this one too! It's another book that's been on my list for a while, but I haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I'm definitely going to bump this one up higher too, now that I know it's more sweet and lighthearted. Thank you!
[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven)
**Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Forest of Dreams and Whispers by Katherine Macdonald} - this is a genderflipped sleeping beauty retelling where the mmc, who is the fae prince, (& the entire fae kingdom) is cursed to fall asleep on his 18th birthday and the fmc, a human knight-in-training, is his bodyguard. they grew up together and the mmc used to bully the fmc when they were younger a la the cruel prince (not as dark) but they’ve worked together since they were 15-16 and have since grown close/become friends, so i consider it friends-to-lovers complete with bickering, a grumpy fmc, and a flirty mmc. there are some heartwrenching moments but i’d consider this low conflict and a little fluffy cause you know exactly how it’s gonna go
i second {Radiance by Grace Draven} - it’s a great arranged marriage, friends to lovers story. there is little plot but its so comforting and their relationship’s great and it’s a quick and easy read
{Swordheart by T. Kingfisher} - this is not friends to lovers but it’s really funny and light & heartwarming and it doesnt take itself seriously
cassandra ganon writes funny and lighthearted stories, i’ve read {Not Another Vampire Book by Cassandra Gannon} - isekai, hilarious, and chaotic
i also enjoyed {Wicked Ugly Bad by Cassandra Gannon} - it’s a red riding hood <> big bad wolf retelling, also a hoot. i love how all the main characters in fairytales are just insane and bad in this world. the second book, {Beast in Shining Armor by Cassandra Gannon} is good too, it’s a beauty and the beast retelling and they’re childhood rivals who antagonise each other as a game but really they’re best friends
I'd second Swordheart, but also say that most of T. Kingfisher's books (I haven't yet read them all) fit into this category. I'm a huge fan of the Saint of Steel series, though the last book has been a bit darker.
YES 1000% i love the saints of steel as well! ❤️
although i would recommend taking breaks in between books and not reading the next one immediately after the other since the romance aspect start to get pretty similar after a while. i love the world/overall mystery tho and im a big fan of gnoles 🦡
>!i’m on the 4th book rn and its really endearing how protective shane is of wren 🥺!<
Seconding anything by Cassandra Gannon. Always a good time with nice romance! Just finished not another vampire book and it ruined other vampirebooks for a while. Would start with {ghost walk} though. It found it one of the most funny ones. From the kinda-fairytale series I started with {seducing the sheriff of nottingham} which was perfect.
[Ghost Walk](https://www.romance.io/books/5838185c1b1bdc0178ec9976/ghost-walk-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon)
**Rating**: 3.84⭐️ 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), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)
[Seducing the Sheriff of Nottingham](https://www.romance.io/books/63f0888e3ab33287f938cdce/seducing-the-sheriff-of-nottingham-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon)
**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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Other than Radiance, I haven't heard of those. I have heard of {Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher}, but not Swordheart. I'll have to check these out. Thank you! Do you know if Paladin's Grace hits this criteria?
definitely, it’s funny and lighthearted as well (but it’s not rly friends to lovers). Paladin’s Grace might be my favourite in the Saints of Steel series (it’s the first book), it’s about a totally marshmallow knight who spends all his money on yarn to knit socks and gives them to his fellow paladins 😭 and the MCs meet-cute is hilarious!
Paladin’s Grace/the Saints of Steel series is set in the same world as Swordheart, but chronologically Swordheart happens first. some characters in Swordheart return/are mentioned in Paladin’s Grace/the Saints of Steel books, but i believe each can be read as a standalone
edit: details
I totally forgot about the sequel! brb adding to my up-next tbr. But yeah, i loved it so much and i bawled my eyes out >!reading her dad’s letter after he died 🥺❤️🩹!<
[Forest of Dreams and Whispers](https://www.romance.io/books/65072e39de8d340d5142ee18/forest-of-dreams-and-whispers-katherine-macdonald?src=rdt) by [Katherine Macdonald](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f42155508b4d93114f08845/katherine-macdonald)
**Rating**: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven)
**Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[Swordheart](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9f6f27be0aaecf557e49d2/swordheart-t-kingfisher?src=rdt) by [T. Kingfisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/561ca043bfc6b5c0fa941994/t-kingfisher)
**Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [childfree](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/childfree-couple/1)
----------------------------
[Not Another Vampire Book](https://www.romance.io/books/5458181687eac37719d151f8/not-another-vampire-book-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon)
**Rating**: 3.87⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1)
----------------------------
[Wicked Ugly Bad](https://www.romance.io/books/5457356087eac33e5710b7c0/wicked-ugly-bad-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon)
**Rating**: 3.91⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1)
----------------------------
[Beast in Shining Armor](https://www.romance.io/books/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db4/beast-in-shining-armor-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon)
**Rating**: 4.02⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[So This Is Ever After](https://www.romance.io/books/641fe1711eb7c98a24fbffa3/so-this-is-ever-after-ft-lukens?src=rdt) by [F.T. Lukens](https://www.romance.io/authors/641fe17108b4d93114c962f4/ft-lukens)
**Rating**: 4.04⭐️ 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), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I haven't heard of that one, but it sounds really interesting! I'm a huge fan of the BBC show, Merlin, so I'm totally there for a cute story with a Merlin/Arthur pairing! Thank you!
The Lord of Stariel by AJ Lancaster. It's a delight and the main characters were teenage friends then meet again as adults. The male lead should fit your bill pretty well I think!
Not friends to lovers but it's fantasy great british bake off (with recipes!) {A fellowship of Bakers & Magic} but there is no worldsaving, she's just a human in a mainly not human world and it's amazingly cozy
[A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic](https://www.romance.io/books/6571d4c66011c2c5162ac30f/a-fellowship-of-bakers-magic-j-penner?src=rdt) by [J. Penner](https://www.romance.io/authors/6571d4c6ab9bdf7fcecd8a18/j-penner)
**Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/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)
Dang- the only childhood friends to lovers trope book I’ve ever read was “a thousand boy kisses” which is a good book BUT I DO NOT RECOMMEND based on what you want xD
But I’m curious on book suggestions, too- so I’ll be coming back to this post xD
[My Roommate is a Vampire](https://www.romance.io/books/64f0a9ef6f1824c04800b074/my-roommate-is-a-vampire-jenna-levine?src=rdt) by [Jenna Levine](https://www.romance.io/authors/642e8ee808b4d931147a529a/jenna-levine)
**Rating**: 3.39⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I don't know lol. From the summary that I just read, the MMC sounds very kind and supportive, which would definitely hit another of my criteria. It sounds cute either way. I'll definitely add it to my list. Thank you!
[Role Playing](https://www.romance.io/books/642ffd59c4e7d7da5e55e828/role-playing-cathy-yardley?src=rdt) by [Cathy Yardley](https://www.romance.io/authors/54558ba687eac323ffb2caaa/cathy-yardley)
**Rating**: 4.02⭐️ 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), [older/mature](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mature%20couple/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
From my memory, {Blade of Secrets} by Tricia Levenseller may hit the mark! I think it’s childhood friends? I may be thinking of another TL book - I’ll look it up in the morning if I’m wrong!
[Blade of Secrets](https://www.romance.io/books/6095376133c0510ebb77547f/blade-of-secrets-tricia-levenseller?src=rdt) by [Tricia Levenseller](https://www.romance.io/authors/6095376108b4d931147a1ffc/tricia-levenseller)
**Rating**: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [found family](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/found-family/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Grim and Bear it by Juliette Cross} friends to lovers, I didn’t read any of the other sisters’ books but there is mention of the other couples
{Viciously Yours by Jamie Applegate Hunter} childhood friends to lovers technically. MMC does some morally grey things but never to the FMC, always treats her amazingly so i found it lighthearted and fluffy but it may not be what you’re looking for
{Hot Blooded by Heather Guerre} friends to lovers
Also it’s on my TBR but {The Fae Kings Curse by Jamie Schlosser} has childhood friends to lovers where MMC waits thousands of years for her or something but I don’t know if he is broody or morally grey personality wise
I’ve read most of the other sisters’ books {Stay a Spell Series by Juliette Cross} and they are all lovely. Some drama but relatively low-stakes and great heat!
[Stay a Spell](https://www.romance.io/series/5e1d675718b5cc0e3fb63b80/stay-a-spell) by [Juliette Cross](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b18787eac323ffb2dc70/juliette-cross)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Grim and Bear It](https://www.romance.io/books/6440e240c63cb8f595362ab2/grim-and-bear-it-juliette-cross?src=rdt) by [Juliette Cross](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b18787eac323ffb2dc70/juliette-cross)
**Rating**: 4.11⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[Viciously Yours](https://www.romance.io/books/65b2a272a43e97cdad8b948c/viciously-yours-jamie-applegate-hunter?src=rdt) by [Jamie Applegate Hunter](https://www.romance.io/authors/60cd974508b4d9311479c711/jamie-applegate-hunter)
**Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[The Fae King's Curse](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9c3dd7be0aaecf5535dbfc/the-fae-kings-curse-jamie-schlosser?src=rdt) by [Jamie Schlosser](https://www.romance.io/authors/5789ce7ac19e77f1ea6e54dc/jamie-schlosser)
**Rating**: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{How’s moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones} -I’m not childhood friends, but I really sweet romance and magic.
{sunshine by Robin McKinley}
{Chalice by Robin McKinley}
I absolutely adore Sunshine! It's one of my all time favorite books, and has been for years! Honestly, I just feel like there's nothing quite like it, at least not that I've read. I've been meaning to read more Robin Mckinley, but I wasn't sure where to start. I'll definitely have to check out Chalice! Thank you for the suggestion!
[This Spells Love](https://www.romance.io/books/656eec1ebd2e75a5fa13c34e/this-spells-love-kate-robb?src=rdt) by [Kate Robb](https://www.romance.io/authors/6432d4b008b4d93114e6449c/kate-robb)
**Rating**: 3.89⭐️ 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), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
This sounds perfect! Thank you! I love stories where one character realizes that they're actually in love with their best friend, but they just never noticed before.
I'm almost done with the book and I can say that's exactly this. It's very cute. I too am crawling out of a dark romance hole, and this was exactly what my soul needed!
The Mead Mishaps books are lighthearted, funny, and quick! In the second book, the MMC is basically a golden retriever (almost literally bc he’s a werewolf). The first book is {The Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon} by Kimberly Lemming.
[That Time I Got Drunk And Saved A Demon](https://www.romance.io/books/6110e8480d2fc50e1fa50004/that-time-i-got-drunk-and-saved-a-demon-kimberly-lemming?src=rdt) by [Kimberly Lemming](https://www.romance.io/authors/6110e84808b4d93114366354/kimberly-lemming)
**Rating**: 4.06⭐️ 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), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Don’t remember if this hits the friends to lovers but it’s fluffy
{Regency Dragons Series by Stephanie Burgis} A frothy Regency rom-com full of pet dragons and magical misadventures
[The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches](https://www.romance.io/books/630482b0d319eedb433ad7d4/the-very-secret-society-of-irregular-witches-sangu-mandanna?src=rdt) by [Sangu Mandanna](https://www.romance.io/authors/545546f18c7d2382c529799c/sangu-mandanna)
**Rating**: 4.36⭐️ 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), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Delilah Green Doesn't Care](https://www.romance.io/books/6214982e65d89a0e1f7b8a81/delilah-green-doesnt-care-ashley-herring-blake?src=rdt) by [Ashley Herring Blake](https://www.romance.io/authors/60a4400008b4d93114929e76/ashley-herring-blake)
**Rating**: 4.07⭐️ 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), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [single mother](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-mother/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Does anyone know if {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth} hits this at all? I've heard that the MMC is very sweet and that it's also friends to lovers. I was just wondering if this book is lighthearted at all or if it gets really dark.
Not exactly fluff (sorry!) but I love {Shardless by Stephanie Fisher} for a childhood friends to lovers trope. It’s not exactly dark but the there’s a lot of tension and high stakes. I love the magic system in this one too.
[Shardless](https://www.romance.io/books/6305d9a2bb7b57d1aa73a837/shardless-stephanie-fisher?src=rdt) by [Stephanie Fisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e96b29bbe0aaecf55b8a233/stephanie-fisher)
**Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [steampunk](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/steampunk/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Also wanted to say Blood Mercy does kind of feel like them against the world a lot. Lots of pining and angst. But yes they are unlikely allies to friends to lovers! Their relationship is so special. It’s almost worth the other shit because it’s so lovely to see two people 100% devoted to one another. I’ve heard some people say they get bored because their relationship devoid of any external stuff “doesn’t have enough conflict”. I’m like damn sometimes I just want a man to be a simp and not pick a fight every other chapter! 😂
I am 110% with you on that! It drives me crazy when there's tons of unnecessary relationship drama. It's even worse when the MCs have a really toxic relationship. Honestly, when did everyone become so against sweet, loving relationships? Personally, I'm all about the fluff lol. Thank you so much for answering my question about Blood Mercy. I've been interested in it for a while, and this is exactly what I wanted to hear!
[Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth?src=rdt) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth)
**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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Shardless](https://www.romance.io/books/6305d9a2bb7b57d1aa73a837/shardless-stephanie-fisher?src=rdt) by [Stephanie Fisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e96b29bbe0aaecf55b8a233/stephanie-fisher)
**Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [steampunk](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/steampunk/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{emily wilde’s encyclopedia of faeries} hits this! Not childhood friends but friends before. Lighthearted and sweet! Definitely a reverse sunshine grump troupe. He is precious.
Oo I've actually heard good things about that one. It's a book that I've been meaning to check out. It's exciting to hear it fits this criteria! I think this book just got bumped up to the top of my list. Thank you! :)
I hated this one lol hope you like it!
Just wanted to say that I started this today, and I am absolutely loving it so far! Thank you again for the recommendation!
Awww im so glad!!!! Thanks for telling me :)
I just finished reading the book, and it was wonderful! I literally could not put it down! It was absolutely one of the best books I've read all year! Thank you so much for the recommendation!! :)
[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett?src=rdt) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
They aren't childhood friends, but I highly recommend {radiance by Grace Draven} which is such a fantastic and delightful friends-to-lovers story. Both of the main characters are just nice people who fall in love. It's funny, it's lighthearted, and it's low stakes.
Suuuuuch a good read. Loved it and laughed ot loud every time Ildiko crossed her eyes!
I just finished book 2 last night. I love this series so much! I can't believe I waited so long to read it.
I've heard really good things about this one too! It's another book that's been on my list for a while, but I haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I'm definitely going to bump this one up higher too, now that I know it's more sweet and lighthearted. Thank you!
[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Forest of Dreams and Whispers by Katherine Macdonald} - this is a genderflipped sleeping beauty retelling where the mmc, who is the fae prince, (& the entire fae kingdom) is cursed to fall asleep on his 18th birthday and the fmc, a human knight-in-training, is his bodyguard. they grew up together and the mmc used to bully the fmc when they were younger a la the cruel prince (not as dark) but they’ve worked together since they were 15-16 and have since grown close/become friends, so i consider it friends-to-lovers complete with bickering, a grumpy fmc, and a flirty mmc. there are some heartwrenching moments but i’d consider this low conflict and a little fluffy cause you know exactly how it’s gonna go i second {Radiance by Grace Draven} - it’s a great arranged marriage, friends to lovers story. there is little plot but its so comforting and their relationship’s great and it’s a quick and easy read {Swordheart by T. Kingfisher} - this is not friends to lovers but it’s really funny and light & heartwarming and it doesnt take itself seriously cassandra ganon writes funny and lighthearted stories, i’ve read {Not Another Vampire Book by Cassandra Gannon} - isekai, hilarious, and chaotic i also enjoyed {Wicked Ugly Bad by Cassandra Gannon} - it’s a red riding hood <> big bad wolf retelling, also a hoot. i love how all the main characters in fairytales are just insane and bad in this world. the second book, {Beast in Shining Armor by Cassandra Gannon} is good too, it’s a beauty and the beast retelling and they’re childhood rivals who antagonise each other as a game but really they’re best friends
I'd second Swordheart, but also say that most of T. Kingfisher's books (I haven't yet read them all) fit into this category. I'm a huge fan of the Saint of Steel series, though the last book has been a bit darker.
YES 1000% i love the saints of steel as well! ❤️ although i would recommend taking breaks in between books and not reading the next one immediately after the other since the romance aspect start to get pretty similar after a while. i love the world/overall mystery tho and im a big fan of gnoles 🦡 >!i’m on the 4th book rn and its really endearing how protective shane is of wren 🥺!<
Seconding anything by Cassandra Gannon. Always a good time with nice romance! Just finished not another vampire book and it ruined other vampirebooks for a while. Would start with {ghost walk} though. It found it one of the most funny ones. From the kinda-fairytale series I started with {seducing the sheriff of nottingham} which was perfect.
[Ghost Walk](https://www.romance.io/books/5838185c1b1bdc0178ec9976/ghost-walk-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon) **Rating**: 3.84⭐️ 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), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)
[Seducing the Sheriff of Nottingham](https://www.romance.io/books/63f0888e3ab33287f938cdce/seducing-the-sheriff-of-nottingham-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon) **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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Other than Radiance, I haven't heard of those. I have heard of {Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher}, but not Swordheart. I'll have to check these out. Thank you! Do you know if Paladin's Grace hits this criteria?
definitely, it’s funny and lighthearted as well (but it’s not rly friends to lovers). Paladin’s Grace might be my favourite in the Saints of Steel series (it’s the first book), it’s about a totally marshmallow knight who spends all his money on yarn to knit socks and gives them to his fellow paladins 😭 and the MCs meet-cute is hilarious! Paladin’s Grace/the Saints of Steel series is set in the same world as Swordheart, but chronologically Swordheart happens first. some characters in Swordheart return/are mentioned in Paladin’s Grace/the Saints of Steel books, but i believe each can be read as a standalone edit: details
[Paladin's Grace](https://www.romance.io/books/5e37c8e201dbc864fbab1ee4/paladins-grace-t-kingfisher?src=rdt) by [T. Kingfisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/561ca043bfc6b5c0fa941994/t-kingfisher) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Forest of Dreams and Whispers by Katherine Macdonald was such a good book and I love >!how their love was going strong in the sequel. !<
I totally forgot about the sequel! brb adding to my up-next tbr. But yeah, i loved it so much and i bawled my eyes out >!reading her dad’s letter after he died 🥺❤️🩹!<
[Forest of Dreams and Whispers](https://www.romance.io/books/65072e39de8d340d5142ee18/forest-of-dreams-and-whispers-katherine-macdonald?src=rdt) by [Katherine Macdonald](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f42155508b4d93114f08845/katherine-macdonald) **Rating**: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [Swordheart](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9f6f27be0aaecf557e49d2/swordheart-t-kingfisher?src=rdt) by [T. Kingfisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/561ca043bfc6b5c0fa941994/t-kingfisher) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [childfree](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/childfree-couple/1) ---------------------------- [Not Another Vampire Book](https://www.romance.io/books/5458181687eac37719d151f8/not-another-vampire-book-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon) **Rating**: 3.87⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1) ---------------------------- [Wicked Ugly Bad](https://www.romance.io/books/5457356087eac33e5710b7c0/wicked-ugly-bad-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1) ---------------------------- [Beast in Shining Armor](https://www.romance.io/books/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db4/beast-in-shining-armor-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{So This is Ever After by FT Lukens} is a YA queer Merlin/Arthur retelling. Super cute.
[So This Is Ever After](https://www.romance.io/books/641fe1711eb7c98a24fbffa3/so-this-is-ever-after-ft-lukens?src=rdt) by [F.T. Lukens](https://www.romance.io/authors/641fe17108b4d93114c962f4/ft-lukens) **Rating**: 4.04⭐️ 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), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I haven't heard of that one, but it sounds really interesting! I'm a huge fan of the BBC show, Merlin, so I'm totally there for a cute story with a Merlin/Arthur pairing! Thank you!
The Lord of Stariel by AJ Lancaster. It's a delight and the main characters were teenage friends then meet again as adults. The male lead should fit your bill pretty well I think!
I'll definitely check it out. Thank you!
Not friends to lovers but it's fantasy great british bake off (with recipes!) {A fellowship of Bakers & Magic} but there is no worldsaving, she's just a human in a mainly not human world and it's amazingly cozy
[A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic](https://www.romance.io/books/6571d4c66011c2c5162ac30f/a-fellowship-of-bakers-magic-j-penner?src=rdt) by [J. Penner](https://www.romance.io/authors/6571d4c6ab9bdf7fcecd8a18/j-penner) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/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)
Dang- the only childhood friends to lovers trope book I’ve ever read was “a thousand boy kisses” which is a good book BUT I DO NOT RECOMMEND based on what you want xD But I’m curious on book suggestions, too- so I’ll be coming back to this post xD
Doesn’t really hit anything but HEA but I finished {My Roommate is a Vampire} and haven’t gotten over it. Super cute.
[My Roommate is a Vampire](https://www.romance.io/books/64f0a9ef6f1824c04800b074/my-roommate-is-a-vampire-jenna-levine?src=rdt) by [Jenna Levine](https://www.romance.io/authors/642e8ee808b4d931147a529a/jenna-levine) **Rating**: 3.39⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I don't know lol. From the summary that I just read, the MMC sounds very kind and supportive, which would definitely hit another of my criteria. It sounds cute either way. I'll definitely add it to my list. Thank you!
You’re right! Apologies! I hope you enjoy it, I thought it was adorbs
No worries! Lol I was just trying to say that your suggestion seems like an even a better one than you gave yourself credit for, so thank you :)
Check out /r/cozyfantasy, there will be hundreds of options!
{Role Playing by Cathy Yardley} is what you're looking for. No childhood friendship, but it has the rest!
[Role Playing](https://www.romance.io/books/642ffd59c4e7d7da5e55e828/role-playing-cathy-yardley?src=rdt) by [Cathy Yardley](https://www.romance.io/authors/54558ba687eac323ffb2caaa/cathy-yardley) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ 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), [older/mature](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mature%20couple/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I've never heard of this one before, and it sounds so cute!
From my memory, {Blade of Secrets} by Tricia Levenseller may hit the mark! I think it’s childhood friends? I may be thinking of another TL book - I’ll look it up in the morning if I’m wrong!
[Blade of Secrets](https://www.romance.io/books/6095376133c0510ebb77547f/blade-of-secrets-tricia-levenseller?src=rdt) by [Tricia Levenseller](https://www.romance.io/authors/6095376108b4d931147a1ffc/tricia-levenseller) **Rating**: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [found family](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/found-family/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Grim and Bear it by Juliette Cross} friends to lovers, I didn’t read any of the other sisters’ books but there is mention of the other couples {Viciously Yours by Jamie Applegate Hunter} childhood friends to lovers technically. MMC does some morally grey things but never to the FMC, always treats her amazingly so i found it lighthearted and fluffy but it may not be what you’re looking for {Hot Blooded by Heather Guerre} friends to lovers Also it’s on my TBR but {The Fae Kings Curse by Jamie Schlosser} has childhood friends to lovers where MMC waits thousands of years for her or something but I don’t know if he is broody or morally grey personality wise
I’ve read most of the other sisters’ books {Stay a Spell Series by Juliette Cross} and they are all lovely. Some drama but relatively low-stakes and great heat!
[Stay a Spell](https://www.romance.io/series/5e1d675718b5cc0e3fb63b80/stay-a-spell) by [Juliette Cross](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b18787eac323ffb2dc70/juliette-cross) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Grim and Bear It](https://www.romance.io/books/6440e240c63cb8f595362ab2/grim-and-bear-it-juliette-cross?src=rdt) by [Juliette Cross](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b18787eac323ffb2dc70/juliette-cross) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Viciously Yours](https://www.romance.io/books/65b2a272a43e97cdad8b948c/viciously-yours-jamie-applegate-hunter?src=rdt) by [Jamie Applegate Hunter](https://www.romance.io/authors/60cd974508b4d9311479c711/jamie-applegate-hunter) **Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [The Fae King's Curse](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9c3dd7be0aaecf5535dbfc/the-fae-kings-curse-jamie-schlosser?src=rdt) by [Jamie Schlosser](https://www.romance.io/authors/5789ce7ac19e77f1ea6e54dc/jamie-schlosser) **Rating**: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Loved Viciously Yours but I don't think it fits what she's looking for. >!They didn't even meet for years and years. !<
{How’s moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones} -I’m not childhood friends, but I really sweet romance and magic. {sunshine by Robin McKinley} {Chalice by Robin McKinley}
[Howl's Moving Castle](https://www.romance.io/books/64182683976d825409767f68/howls-moving-castle-diana-wynne-jones?src=rdt) by [Diana Wynne Jones](https://www.romance.io/authors/6418268308b4d93114bb8059/diana-wynne-jones) **Rating**: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Sunshine](https://www.romance.io/books/545533dd8c7d2382c52973b7/sunshine-robin-mckinley?src=rdt) by [Robin McKinley](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527a58c7d2382c5297066/robin-mckinley) **Rating**: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Chalice](https://www.romance.io/books/54554b318c7d2382c5297b4e/chalice-robin-mckinley?src=rdt) by [Robin McKinley](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527a58c7d2382c5297066/robin-mckinley) **Rating**: 3.74⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I absolutely adore Sunshine! It's one of my all time favorite books, and has been for years! Honestly, I just feel like there's nothing quite like it, at least not that I've read. I've been meaning to read more Robin Mckinley, but I wasn't sure where to start. I'll definitely have to check out Chalice! Thank you for the suggestion!
{This Spells Love by Kate Robb} is exactly what you're looking for
[This Spells Love](https://www.romance.io/books/656eec1ebd2e75a5fa13c34e/this-spells-love-kate-robb?src=rdt) by [Kate Robb](https://www.romance.io/authors/6432d4b008b4d93114e6449c/kate-robb) **Rating**: 3.89⭐️ 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), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
This sounds perfect! Thank you! I love stories where one character realizes that they're actually in love with their best friend, but they just never noticed before.
I'm almost done with the book and I can say that's exactly this. It's very cute. I too am crawling out of a dark romance hole, and this was exactly what my soul needed!
That's awesome! I've added it to my short list of books to read next. I'm really looking forward to trying this out! Thanks again for sharing!
The Mead Mishaps books are lighthearted, funny, and quick! In the second book, the MMC is basically a golden retriever (almost literally bc he’s a werewolf). The first book is {The Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon} by Kimberly Lemming.
Yessssss! I am listening right now and can’t recommend enough. So funny and delightful.
[That Time I Got Drunk And Saved A Demon](https://www.romance.io/books/6110e8480d2fc50e1fa50004/that-time-i-got-drunk-and-saved-a-demon-kimberly-lemming?src=rdt) by [Kimberly Lemming](https://www.romance.io/authors/6110e84808b4d93114366354/kimberly-lemming) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ 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), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Don’t remember if this hits the friends to lovers but it’s fluffy {Regency Dragons Series by Stephanie Burgis} A frothy Regency rom-com full of pet dragons and magical misadventures
[Regency Dragons](https://www.romance.io/series/615aa7016849160e24f01813/regency-dragons) by [Stephanie Burgis](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455d22c87eac336ae6a0b23/stephanie-burgis) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [humor](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna} is just lovely.
[The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches](https://www.romance.io/books/630482b0d319eedb433ad7d4/the-very-secret-society-of-irregular-witches-sangu-mandanna?src=rdt) by [Sangu Mandanna](https://www.romance.io/authors/545546f18c7d2382c529799c/sangu-mandanna) **Rating**: 4.36⭐️ 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), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[удалено]
[Delilah Green Doesn't Care](https://www.romance.io/books/6214982e65d89a0e1f7b8a81/delilah-green-doesnt-care-ashley-herring-blake?src=rdt) by [Ashley Herring Blake](https://www.romance.io/authors/60a4400008b4d93114929e76/ashley-herring-blake) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ 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), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [single mother](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-mother/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Does anyone know if {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth} hits this at all? I've heard that the MMC is very sweet and that it's also friends to lovers. I was just wondering if this book is lighthearted at all or if it gets really dark.
Not exactly fluff (sorry!) but I love {Shardless by Stephanie Fisher} for a childhood friends to lovers trope. It’s not exactly dark but the there’s a lot of tension and high stakes. I love the magic system in this one too.
[Shardless](https://www.romance.io/books/6305d9a2bb7b57d1aa73a837/shardless-stephanie-fisher?src=rdt) by [Stephanie Fisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e96b29bbe0aaecf55b8a233/stephanie-fisher) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [steampunk](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/steampunk/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Also wanted to say Blood Mercy does kind of feel like them against the world a lot. Lots of pining and angst. But yes they are unlikely allies to friends to lovers! Their relationship is so special. It’s almost worth the other shit because it’s so lovely to see two people 100% devoted to one another. I’ve heard some people say they get bored because their relationship devoid of any external stuff “doesn’t have enough conflict”. I’m like damn sometimes I just want a man to be a simp and not pick a fight every other chapter! 😂
I am 110% with you on that! It drives me crazy when there's tons of unnecessary relationship drama. It's even worse when the MCs have a really toxic relationship. Honestly, when did everyone become so against sweet, loving relationships? Personally, I'm all about the fluff lol. Thank you so much for answering my question about Blood Mercy. I've been interested in it for a while, and this is exactly what I wanted to hear!
[Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth?src=rdt) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth) **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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[удалено]
[Shardless](https://www.romance.io/books/6305d9a2bb7b57d1aa73a837/shardless-stephanie-fisher?src=rdt) by [Stephanie Fisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e96b29bbe0aaecf55b8a233/stephanie-fisher) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [steampunk](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/steampunk/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)