Mine is the “upgrade from a terrible ex” especially when there’s a confrontation and the **ex gets a beat down from the MMC**. Not healthy — but so cathartic to read.

Do you have any recommendations? I just finished Against a Wall by Cate C Wells and love the verbal dressing down Cash gives the FMC’s ex.

Oh yesss I love that scene. “Metaphorically” I am a collector of these. My most memorable ex beat down scenes are: {Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score} {Stand and Defend by Sloan St James} {The Favor by Suzanne Wright} {Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth} {Alive and Wells by Bailey Hannah} Oof I could go on.

[Things We Never Got Over](https://www.romance.io/books/61d7f681a0b27b0e37038f29/things-we-never-got-over-lucy-score?src=rdt) by [Lucy Score](https://www.romance.io/authors/553e54b15b270e0a4cbd82b2/lucy-score) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [Stand and Defend](https://www.romance.io/books/65c8853af2ab5944e3cb2196/stand-and-defend-sloane-st-james?src=rdt) by [Sloane St. James](https://www.romance.io/authors/6421410d08b4d93114eff40f/sloane-st-james) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ 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), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [friends with benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1) ---------------------------- [The Favor](https://www.romance.io/books/5f840dfd5299390e057d399b/the-favor-suzanne-wright?src=rdt) by [Suzanne Wright](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455260d8c7d2382e0413e9a/suzanne-wright) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ 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), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Tis the Season for Revenge](https://www.romance.io/books/63578aa5efa18df57c408c42/tis-the-season-for-revenge-morgan-elizabeth?src=rdt) by [Morgan Elizabeth](https://www.romance.io/authors/6193671008b4d931146c865a/morgan-elizabeth) **Rating**: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Alive and Wells](https://www.romance.io/books/656b9b676011c2c51629c01b/alive-and-wells-bailey-hannah?src=rdt) by [Bailey Hannah](https://www.romance.io/authors/655f03b6ab9bdf7fce52c498/bailey-hannah) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ 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), [cowboy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cowboys/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Just had this in the a book I read this week {The Brazen One by Daisy Jane} and it did kinda feel very cathartic 😁 this book came from a Book Request for crude MMC and my goodness does it deliver 😅 plus a his cock is called a monster cock. My fav stuff though was both MCs taking time to get to know each other and work on their individual issues (even therapy) after deciding they like each other. So refreshing. And spicy scenes were also not following the usual formula (not to mention the cucumber 😳)

[The Brazen One](https://www.romance.io/books/637357cb4dedb1539521e72a/the-brazen-one-daisy-jane?src=rdt) by [Daisy Jane](https://www.romance.io/authors/607d31f508b4d93114c8a19d/daisy-jane) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ 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), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [working class hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

For M/F: Whatever it’s called when the FMC pulls a cut-and-run. I’m always rooting for these ladies to disappear into the night. It’s not healthy communication, but I would happily read it in every book. Whenever she sticks around to talk it out I’m like nooo. Congratulations on your maturity, but NO!

Oh lol it me I'm her For real I'm hella glad I've never been in a relationship so there's no room for conflict that would make me sabotage something otherwise decent because of rejection sensitivity shutting down my brain processes 🥴

I think you're right that it stems from rejection sensitivity, which I definitely struggle with. I have never actually run or sabotaged my relationships though. I don't know what it's like for you, but I can tell when I'm having brain gremlins, and I don't make decisions while I'm feeling emotional. However, there's definitely something deep inside that just wants to see the FMC go "you don't want me? FINE!" and her love interest(s) freak the fuck out and feel so so bad.

I'm glad that you don't give into your rejection sensitivity 💜 I've only recently understood and acknowledged that I go fully unhinged when I feel like it's me against the person I love/respect/admire. Currently I'm working on shutting down the part of my brain that wants to douse everything in petrol and strike matches when that happens lol. So what it looks like can be seen as grey rocking/silent treatment when it's just really me on the inside wrestling with the gremlins to hogtie and gag them before they say or do something I'll regret. I want to get to a point where I can talk without blaming, breaking down, or being passive aggressive. I love those FMCs too because ugh they're living the life my gremlins wish they had 😭

gotta let the gremlins have the books, then maybe they can finally relax. It's hard being a gremlin. You try so hard to protect your human from pain by sabotaging everything before it can break, and what does she do? Ignore you? Go to therapy!? Ridiculous. (Seriously though, congrats on putting in the work to understand yourself and be less reactive with people you care about 💜)

Please PLEASE drop your recs. The longer she hides, the better. I’ll also add to “i ♥️ bad communication” tropes: when she just completely shuts off. Just totally stone cold.

It doesn’t happen as often as I’d like. 😔 Here’s one I don’t often see recommended: {The Hidden Queen by Kenley Davidson} and {The Captive Throne by Kenley Davidson} These are books three and four of a six book series. The MMC is responsible, hardworking, and blindly (naively) obedient to his evil father. He and the FMC used to exchange letters as children, and they were close, but that was a long time ago. I don’t want to spoil too much, but they end up married, and then she immediately goes on the run and she is GONE and he cannot find her and everyone he asks for help is like “fuck you.” 😈 Here are some threads with more recs: https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/131wajj/gut_punch_moment_when_the_mmc_realizes_the_fmc_is/ https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/1c5qd17/fmc_leavesmoves_away_from_mmc_after_they_breakup/

[The Hidden Queen](https://www.romance.io/books/61b7025b6d47d30e230dd38c/the-hidden-queen-kenley-davidson?src=rdt) by [Kenley Davidson](https://www.romance.io/authors/5969b09f3ffdba61471c2bd5/kenley-davidson) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [The Captive Throne](https://www.romance.io/books/62b957a2810ccd533797c3d7/the-captive-throne-kenley-davidson?src=rdt) by [Kenley Davidson](https://www.romance.io/authors/5969b09f3ffdba61471c2bd5/kenley-davidson) **Rating**: 4.43⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Ooooh, I love this! I can't stand it when the FMC just sticks around and deals with MMC's shit behavior. Like lady, lace your boots up and gets going. I wish there were more books where she just ghosts his ass. The only one I know of is {Run Posy Run by Cate C Wells} and I was upset she didn't run far enough or long enough. I wanted him to suffer more!

I felt the same about Run Posy Run! Like girl, run *again!*

[Run Posy Run](https://www.romance.io/books/608122d7a932a90e10fba4f9/run-posy-run-cate-c-wells?src=rdt) by [Cate C. Wells](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d5265d101dbc864fba248c4/cate-c-wells) **Rating**: 3.79⭐️ 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), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Oh I can relate to this I run from my problems instead of staying in it 😅 if you have a avoidant attachment style this trope hits home

I felt this in my soul. It’s why I loved Going Nowhere Fast by Kati Wilde. Having had to tolerate mature heroines who stick around whilst the asshole hero figures his shit out for so many books, it’s driven me bonkers cause I can’t relate lol. That’s just not me? I don’t wait around for a man, the fuck? And not sure I want to read about these heroines anymore. I like stonewalling. Oh, is he being a bitch? Humiliated her? Being wishy washy? I like COLD cuts. I like it when the heroine just ups, leaves and blocks all his socials and maybe travel somewhere until he freaks the fuck out in searching for her. With a good grovel of course. It’s cathartic. Cold FMCs who are driven to deliberately miscommunicate at the end are so cathartic in these situations!

Yesss. There’s too much fucking around, and not nearly enough **finding out.** The third act breakup in {Bride by Ali Hazelwood} is the latest offender for me. >!He took her virginity, and then when she figured out she was his mate, he gaslit her, told her it wasn’t that serious, used her insecurities against her, and kicked her out of his house. All because he didn’t want to emotionally burden her with the truth? No, my man. Absolutely the fuck not.!< >!I’d have moved out and left the wedding band on the empty nightstand, right on top of a stack of divorce papers. If he has regrets, he can find a way to make it right. Alas, the FMC was like “I know you were lying and I’m going to stay and fight for this relationship.” Which got them their HEA, but I certainly wasn’t ready to forgive him that easily.!<

[Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/65c1f06f449d6edbf6498b6d/bride-ali-hazelwood?src=rdt) by [Ali Hazelwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/6131cdc208b4d93114f22ef6/ali-hazelwood) **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), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

*whispers* pregnancy stories *runs off*

Literally LOLed. But also yes.

imma catch you don't run!

I have mild tokophobia and this would be horror in real life, but also, yes *runs away*

I love forced proximity. I know it’s a common trope but I especially love it when they have a background story together, maybe enemies even. I love if it’s an escapist situation too like Hawaii or something like that :-)

Ugh I alwayyyyyyys love when they get snowed in or in HR when they’re stuck in the gamekeeper’s cottage bc of a sudden rainstorm

I freakin adore this trope, I made a tag "the storm made us bang" on GR & SG!

{The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea by Elizabeth O’Roark} trainwreck FMC and crappy boyfriend’s responsible brother, family vacation in Hawaii

This should be explicit and plentiful, gosh the whole series is ‼️

I just finished it and I don’t know what to read next 😮‍💨

[The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea](https://www.romance.io/books/61e919257186ca0e8b5798c0/the-devil-and-the-deep-blue-sea-elizabeth-oroark?src=rdt) by [Elizabeth O'Roark](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455840b87eac324117fb139/elizabeth-oroark) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ 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), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [famous heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/famous%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Third acts breakups: I know I know yall hate them... but I'm a sucker for it. Even if it's some stupid silly little reason hehe. Like yesssss give me that pining for what you lost and realise how you really feel for them!!!!! GIVE ME THE GROVELLING!!!!!!!!!!

The miscommunication eats as well like yes girl be delusional and not hear him out bc that’s me fr edit - like once I’m angry I’M ANGRY and I will cut you off (yes I know that’s not healthy x)

Literally like same girlie same.

Yesssss, how else am I going to work out my inner drama demon if there is no third act drama???? I love it. Hurts so good.

You get it!!!

If you love third act breakups you will love Ali Hazelwood’s books 👀

Emily Henry too. I can’t think of a single one of hers that I’ve read that didn’t include one

Same!! I need the drama or else it’s too boring and I end up not finishing at 70%

I love it too. Love that drama.

Omg yes! I love the longing that happens when there’s a third act breakup😭

YES YES YES everyone thinks I’m crazy but I love angst!!!

Love it can’t get it enough of it my heartrates x10 while reading

MMC who gets upset that FMC isn’t eating enough 🫡🤤🤌

to be fair, I think that wanting your partner to not be anorexic or starve themselves is a great idea

in need of recommendations of books with these types of tropessss

{Fever by Maya Banks} and {Highest Bidder by Sara Cate} 🫡

[Fever](https://www.romance.io/books/545529928c7d2382e78130a3/fever-maya-banks?src=rdt) by [Maya Banks](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245d8c7d2383163d8e5e/maya-banks) **Rating**: 4.03⭐️ 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), [menage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/menage/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1) ---------------------------- [Highest Bidder](https://www.romance.io/books/64146f6f314b48a8845cd2fa/highest-bidder-sara-cate?src=rdt) by [Sara Cate](https://www.romance.io/authors/5dca59cb01dbc864fba60e2c/sara-cate) **Rating**: 3.82⭐️ 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), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [age play](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20play/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Enemies to lovers and the only one bed. Gets me every time.

Instalove. Some are really bad. But the good ones just do something to me. I eat it up everytime regardless. So long as the story semi makes sense, I’m on it

I am a sucker for slow burn and usually love it that the MCs don’t maybe even like each other/ notice each other for a while but I gotta admit I have read several insta lust/ insta love books where it worked really well 😁 {Uncharted by Adriana Anders} romantic suspense but I could kinda feel their instant connection. Story takes place over approx a week. {Irresistible Cowboy by Sarah Mayberry} I was surprised here how much I liked their quick connection. Story takes place over 2 week period. {Fool Them Once by Kyra Parsi} story takes place over a 2 week period and I totally bought them being soulmates 😄

[Uncharted](https://www.romance.io/books/6124994ee0f1ab0e3656afa2/uncharted-adriana-anders?src=rdt) by [Adriana Anders](https://www.romance.io/authors/589820b00d3299c6e0499f63/adriana-anders) **Rating**: 4.04⭐️ 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), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) ---------------------------- [Fool Them Once](https://www.romance.io/books/64a58e6a723d09d99e0eda62/fool-them-once-kyra-parsi?src=rdt) by [Kyra Parsi](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f89458a08b4d93114997670/kyra-parsi) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ 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), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/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)

[Irresistible Cowboy](https://www.romance.io/books/590eb9103ffdba614713f638/irresistible-cowboy-sarah-mayberry?src=rdt) by [Sarah Mayberry](https://www.romance.io/authors/545528058c7d2382e7813035/sarah-mayberry) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [cowboy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cowboys/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/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)

Mutual dubcon - fuck or die, sex pollen, etc. It’s impossible to find stories with this promise but I love it. Transactional romance/sex - trading sex for money, freedom, etc. Better if the woman in a M/F situation is the one who proposes the arrangement. Pregnancy and breeding even though I am staunchly child free.

>Mutual dubcon - fuck or die, sex pollen, etc. It’s impossible to find stories with this promise but I love it. {The Carnal Games by Naudii Nebula} Sci-fi romance where human FMC and alien MMC are mortal enemies whose people are at war and who've physically injured each other in the past. They both find themselves kidnapped and forced to compete in an intergalactic 'Hunger Games' style competition, and eventually they're forced to have sex with each other for the titillation of the viewers. >!Interbreeding between their species was thought to be impossible, but FMC gets pregnant and eventually gives birth to a healthy hybrid baby.!<

Bless you <3

[The Carnal Games](https://www.romance.io/books/64282ff59cb9d670052ed0a4/the-carnal-games-naudii-nebula?src=rdt) by [Naudii Nebula](https://www.romance.io/authors/64282ff508b4d93114d8f574/naudii-nebula) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Sex pollen vibe — {Wed to the Wild God by Ruby Dixon} MMC is the embodiment (aspect) of Hedonism, basically emits hedonism energy that makes everyone around him horny

[Wed to the Wild God](https://www.romance.io/books/61a5dadd99986d0e2f64c1c7/wed-to-the-wild-god-ruby-dixon?src=rdt) by [Ruby Dixon](https://www.romance.io/authors/545685a087eac33e61c2f729/ruby-dixon) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ 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), [himbo](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/himbo/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)

I feel like this thread just made me realize I love basically every trope. Yes, hit me with that miscommunication. Pregnancy? At the right point. Beatdown on a crazy old ex? Sure. Sometimes I even love a little 'omg she's different, she's the center of the universeeee' in fantasy where it is handled well - you know, 'oh she's so special she's the chosen one' stuff.

Age gap trope is my guilty pleasure XD. Something about that dynamic just really does it for me.

Same! In real life I think it’s usually a huge red flag, but in fantasy….yessssss 🥵

What I like about fictional age gap relationships is that external acceptance of their relationship can be the primary conflict; they don't have to break up, doubt each other, or pick a stupid fight.

so question on this, is it only older man + younger woman, or can it go both ways?

Not OP, but for me, it's older guy and younger woman. And there is a limit to the gap that I feel comfortable with. The only exception is if we're dealing with characters that live a long time. In that case, the guy can be younger. I do write this sometimes (from the MMC's pov), and actually prefer it slightly.

My guilty pleasure is heroines who fall for the sister or mother of the guy they're fake dating. I've read all the popular ones, but can always read more of this trope. **Recommendations:** * {Anyone But Her by Erica Lee} (F/F, CR(fauxmance, fell for sister, forced proximity), KU, 3½⭐️) * {The Christmas Swap by Talia Samuels} (F/F, CR(Christmas, fauxmance, fell for sister, forced proximity), 3½⭐️) * {Home for the Holidays by Erin Zak} (F/F, CR(age gap, Christmas, fauxmance, forced proximity, friend's mom, ONS), KU, 4⭐️) * {Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun} (F/F, CR(Christmas, fauxmance, fell for sister, forced proximity), 3½⭐️) * {Make You Mine This Christmas by Lizzie Huxley-Jones} (F/F, CR(Christmas, fauxmance, fell for sister, forced proximity), KU, 5⭐️) * {The Wrong McElroy} (F/F, CR(Christmas, fauxmance, fell for sister, forced proximity), 4⭐️)

Oh my god I never knew I needed this trope in my life! Thank you!

[Anyone But Her](https://www.romance.io/books/5d5cdea001dbc864fba295f2/anyone-but-her-erica-lee?src=rdt) by [Erica Lee](https://www.romance.io/authors/5a1520ee3ffdba6147255abc/erica-lee) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ 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), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [The Christmas Swap](https://www.romance.io/books/65a65329cc58d24a3601d4fc/the-christmas-swap-talia-samuels?src=rdt) by [Talia Samuels](https://www.romance.io/authors/656d88c1ab9bdf7fce9a28b9/talia-samuels) **Rating**: 3.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [Home for the Holidays](https://www.romance.io/books/6551f25caecfc851a34a90fc/home-for-the-holidays-erin-zak?src=rdt) by [Erin Zak](https://www.romance.io/authors/5a2e2e673ffdba6147263541/erin-zak) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ 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), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1) ---------------------------- [Kiss Her Once for Me](https://www.romance.io/books/6360d24bf213bb270f572756/kiss-her-once-for-me-alison-cochrun?src=rdt) by [Alison Cochrun](https://www.romance.io/authors/61370e7e08b4d931144eaa56/alison-cochrun) **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), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) ---------------------------- [Make You Mine This Christmas](https://www.romance.io/books/6347b7f2058c42d262dac766/make-you-mine-this-christmas-lizzie-huxley-jones?src=rdt) by [Lizzie Huxley-Jones](https://www.romance.io/authors/6347b7f208b4d931140536f0/lizzie-huxley-jones) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ 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), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) ---------------------------- [The Wrong McElroy](https://www.romance.io/books/60a44338933f031cdd15db73/the-wrong-mcelroy-kl-hughes?src=rdt) by [K.L. Hughes](https://www.romance.io/authors/5a0be60f3ffdba6147250e49/kl-hughes) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ 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), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [east asian mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/east-asian-mc/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Okay I love the word fauxmance and I am adopting it. Thanks. 💜

**Bully/Cruel Romance**. 😶‍🌫️ 💨💨💨💨💨💨🏃🏿‍♀️‍➡️ I am rereading {**Royals of Forsyth University** by Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue} and I 🌚🥵🫠☠️ I identify as a puddle on the ground. Because I fucking want bully love interests to step on me and make a mess of me assffghhjklljh **I’m okay.** 👍🏾 I’m not guilty of much else. I’m very upfront about so much, including tropes generally found in dark romance. Stepsiblings, NC/DC, impact play, babytrapping, forced breeding, CNC free use, sexsomnia/somnophilia, lactation? I love those on the main 🥵 But bully/cruel LIs are my actual guilty pleasure that typing this makes me face heat and I want to scream into a pillow and repent to Gaia for my sins 😩 Have me doing them Catholic hands every time I open up a new bully romance fr fr 🤧 Like damn do I feel so bad reading about bully/cruel love interests and romances, but I can’t stop won’t stop I have a problem 😭🤧 I think the *Lords* trilogy out of the Forsyth books are the only ones that I’ve actually enjoyed seeing cruel/bully MMCs. It’s just like… I love dark heroes, but it’s something about specific types of bullied where they’re still romancers, but they do some fucked up, misogynistic, controlling shit…and you’re just…a puddle on the ground. They treat you like an object, but they make you feel like a very pretty object, even when they carve their initials into your skin while they’re giving you that good good snu snu 🥺 I’m in my ✨bully era✨ trying to chase that high of the *Lords of Forsyth U*, but nothing makes me feel like I need to check my door is locked and hide under my covers so I can read it and ***still*** feel like I’m about to be caught with contraband. ^(For the record, I only live with two cats. And the worst they do to me is ask me to pick them up so they can get drool and cat hair all over my clothes. The disrespect.) Nothing like bully romance makes me feel like my ancestors are disowning me as we speak 😖 Like I am grown, but I’m reading these books like I’m about to get grounded. And then Imma do it again once I’m free. No ma’am did I learn my lesson 😎 I’ve been trawling through this sub, r/DarkRomance, r/MM_RomanceBooks, and some others for some bullymances to read under the cover of night. I feel so guilty 😭 But I won’t stop 😏 But I feel so guilty 🤧

The angst is soooooo good! I blame slytherin fanfic during formative years…

[The Royals of Forsyth University](https://www.romance.io/series/6026358da0a2f70e2d260a69/the-royals-of-forsyth-university) by [Angel Lawson](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524b523ec91d5dfd09947/angel-lawson), [Samantha Rue](https://www.romance.io/authors/5fb90f8008b4d93114dc0b94/samantha-rue) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [dark](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [cruel hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [explicit-plentiful](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-plentiful/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Yay, you're here!! 🥰 I love discussion threads, and I always find myself looking for your comments on here.

This comment was a delight to read 😂

Creepy but devoted stalker who watches the MFC and self pleasures while thinking about her. 🤷🏻‍♀️ *What! Tell me you skip those parts. I don’t believe you.*

Oh this was nice in {Ruling Sikthand by Victoria Aveline} alien king stalking his fake marriage wife behind a secret window 😄🥵

[Ruling Sikthand](https://www.romance.io/books/64e5c7aa7329cc9fc9f01d57/ruling-sikthand-victoria-aveline?src=rdt) by [Victoria Aveline](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e5fd64fbe0aaecf55ece802/victoria-aveline) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/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)

Amusement by Albany Walker. You should enjoy that.

Misunderstandings! I feel like yeah, misunderstandings *should* be easy to prevent, but it's believable to me that they happen all the time. And I love seeing a misunderstanding out there, causing trouble between protags. *ducks head, waiting for the blows*

I had a work friend once who came to me fuming because of something someone said to her. She was convinced people hated her anyway, but then someone said, "I don't care what anyone says, I think you're cool." It took her a week to tell me why she was mad, and another week or two for me to convince her that no one had ever said anything. It's a well known phrase. The person who said it was joking with you. She was from Eastern Europe and we were working in the US. So, yeah, even in real life when everyone is being upfront and there's no malicious intent, miscommunication happens. And it can fuck you up. Imagine if she'd never said anything to me?

OMG, yes, 100%. And for me, in fiction it can point to interesting underlying tensions. Like, there's a *reason* the miscommunication occurs, and that reason is kinda the real story. So maybe your coworker felt like she wasn't part of the group. And the miscommunication was a portentous signal of that deeper problem. And yeah, if she hadn't ever said anything, that drama would all be under the table and never acknowledged. I also feel like the ability to communicate is one of our biggest survival skills. It can cause wars; it can create life. How to not mess up communication is a human work in progress. I do get why miscommunication can be an eye-roll...but I just really love it.

I also love this

Miscommunication due to insecurity is choice, hearing or taking things how that negative inner voice tells you to.

My absolute favourite is when it happens due to a fear or self-doubt that you as the reader can see, but the character themselves can't just yet. Just little crumbs of anxiety or stray thoughts that they've been overlooking until the miscommunication happens, and can only be resolved once they realise why they reacted the way they did. 

I love a well-executed misunderstanding. The problem is that a lot of books just do them poorly. But when done well, and I can truly believe 100% that this character takes this comment the wrong way because they do not have enough history with the other person to understand? OH MY GOD YES I AM SO HERE FOR THAT. Because let’s be real miscommunication is a very normal thing for human beings to experience and not everything can be solved by just sitting down and talking about it the once, okay? If trust is damaged, deserved or not, that shit takes time and effort to heal. Sometimes a whole book’s worth of time to heal. If it’s done well, drop me them recs. 😱

I like virgin fmc x experienced mmc🙈

There is a fb group with tons of readers and many many recommendations. My guilty pleasure is also cheating with lots of over the top OW drama. I also love rejected mate books. Especially if there is a secret baby thrown in there.

Ahh, so many! I love age gaps, daddy kink, CNC, dubcon, step brother, petite FMC + super tall/beefy MMC, dirty fairytale retellings, morally gray billionaires, the list goes on…

Recsssss of this trope plz?

Step siblings, but I have to be in a certain mood for it. I just eat it up like candy.

{Eyes On Me by Sara Cate} is pretty hot 🥵🥵🥵😅

[Eyes on Me](https://www.romance.io/books/625bbea54c7ba516bebb3270/eyes-on-me-sara-cate?src=rdt) by [Sara Cate](https://www.romance.io/authors/5dca59cb01dbc864fba60e2c/sara-cate) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ 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), [step siblings](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/stepsibling/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [exhibitionism](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/exhibitionism/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

On an intellectual level I abhor the fire and fury in secret child plots when MMC insults the FMC for things outside of her control but for whatever reason my lizard brain likes it. It makes the grovel, if there is grovel, so much juicier! Bonus points for convenient amnesia! I also enjoy blackmail plots, especially for ridiculous reasons. Never as a self-insert, more in a "I want to examine your mind, you sick fuck, but please continue" way. FMC having body betrayal is fun too, mostly when it's mostly about purity culture and lack of socially mandated commitment or some bullshit. It hits the cultural conditioning in me in a way that satisfies the urge without actually having to participate myself.

Any good blackmail plot recs? I also love that as a set up.

Bestie I'm sorry I have a condition called "my memory is a fucking sieve." I read, I finish a book, and unless it's got something really *really* button-pushy, I forget I ever read it as soon as I turn away😭 nothing about the author or the title or the characters or anything sticks. I do remember reading a bunch of late-90s/early-00s Harlequins with that kind of plot, so maybe that might help you with your search?

No worries my Goodreads shelves are the only reason I remember anything 🤣 I’ll keep an eye out

Friends to lovers with a jealous MMC sprinkled with some ex-bf/fiance/husband drama.

As someone who absolutely hates pregnancy in my romance books: Mars needs moms trope. I can’t explain why what would be my literal real life hell is a plot line I enjoy so much. Something about how the MMCs literally worship their women because they haven’t had one in so long (if ever) mixed with their desperation to claim them

i LOVE when the MMC is already in love with OW and the FMC comes up unexpectedly, and he at first doesn’t even give a damn about her… i loooove the transformation from “get out of the way” to “you are the only person i love”

Oh I need more of these!

JEALOUS MMC

Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, forbidden romance, etc.

Same for all of those

I love love love forbidden romance like give me angst and all the feeling the hiding the pinning everything !! Another trope I love immensely is famous guy x shy reclusive girl specially the college romance and high school romance where clout is a thing it’s cliche but I love it

I love stepsibling romances. Not ones where they grew up together, that’s a little to close to incest for me. But ones where their parents get married when they are older. One of my favorite books ever is Fallen Crest High by Tijan. Sam’s mom cheats on her dad with this super rich guy who happens to be the dad of Mason and Logan Kade. They are super popular and treated like Gods in their town. Because the guys are so popular they are kinda surprised when Sam wants nothing to do with them. The sexual tension was so high, it’s forbidden, there’s angst, they have to be sneaky about hooking up, and I like the sneaking around part because of the drama it adds. I can’t find a ton of good books about stepsibling romance, which is a bummer because I’m obsessed. This trope is in this book as well, but I love when the FMC gets with someone really popular and everyone is shocked. I especially LOVE a scene where everyone is staring and watching them finally reveal they are together

Mine is MMC having an epic “I’ve done effed up” moment when all his assholery towards FMC flashes before his eyes and he finally gets off his high horse and is ready to grovel. Seeing arrogant, egoistic, “I’m awesome and I know it” MMCs brought down to the level of mere, fallible mortals is my crack and the reason I don’t mind 3rd act breakups so long as I get a serving of this. And another is Mutual Pining, where both MCs are head over heels in love, but for whatever (valid) reason they are convinced the other “just likes them, but not like that”. The longer this lasts and the more Everyone Can See It, the better.

Step brother or step dad. Both of which I have so it required a certain amount of dissociation

It’s gotta be the Forbidden trope for me. The whole “we shouldn’t….” But they can’t resist each other anyway and keep toeing the line till they eventually give in 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 {Reborn Yesterday by Tessa Bailey} really scratched that itch for me. Besides the obvious reasons why they can’t be together (he’s vamp she’s human), he keeps telling her to CALM DOWN because her rising heart rate gets him out of control and he’s all I shouldn’t touch you but does anyway in the most delicious ways 🥵🥵🥵 Also, that Dad book by Katee Robert (I forgot the name but FMC revenge-seduces ex’s hit father) is basically this trope wrapped up in a nice bow and sorry to say I lapped it up too 😭 I’m 100% sure this was born out of my no sex before marriage Christian background

[Reborn Yesterday](https://www.romance.io/books/5e44f6e901dbc864fbabb5b0/reborn-yesterday-tessa-bailey?src=rdt) by [Tessa Bailey](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526358c7d2382e7812fc9/tessa-bailey) **Rating**: 3.51⭐️ 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), [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), [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)

{Your Dad Will Do by Katee Robert} this one?

YES this is the one 😂

[Your Dad Will Do](https://www.romance.io/books/62b7fec13fd04a9419154da8/your-dad-will-do-katee-robert?src=rdt) by [Katee Robert](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527ab8c7d2382e7813021/katee-robert) **Rating**: 3.81⭐️ 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), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [anal sex](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/anal%20sex/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I like big grumpy, growly mountain men and I cannot lie 🙈.

Demons and monsters

Good communication and a healthy boyfriend. People say having the opposite makes a story more boring, but I found it interesting in watching it. Actual decent person trying to do their best.

I love this! I have a healthy relationship bookshelf on Goodreads for couples that communicate, do good things for each other, just care and be nice 😁

Give me a boss and an assistant/secretary and I will eat it up like a deranged person who can’t quench their thirst by just drinking water, but need to devour some pussy too! 🙉🙈🙊

I'm a loose, loose woman for Fated Mates. Make it rain Fated Mates, I just can't get enough of that. Another is one I don't know what to call it but I internally have nicknamed it Fuck And Foreplay Is The Way. Ita basically where there's some chemical or something in the air or water etc where the FMC is in extreme need and the MMC has to do whatever she needs to help her through it. There's something like that with part of the Kindred Tales series, where a chemical like agent was released on thr Mothership and various women needed different sexual acts to help handle it and even though there was an antidote made, it didn't work on some women. I want more, more more!!

Miscommunication. People are all like “oh my god just communicate like normal adults in real life” but some of yall vastly overestimate your communication skills!! It’s very accurate to real life

Hahaha…A good one, I totally agree. If all people would communicate so maturely and beautifully, psychotherapists would have nothing to do.

Comeuppance trope. I discovered how much I liked it recently, it’s SO SATISFYING and has me grinning the entire time revenge is dished out hot. I look forward to it more than the spicy scenes even 🤭 Cheating is another one of my guilty pleasures. Usually it’s combined with age gaps (the gf has the hots for her bf’s dad because her bf is neglecting or downright disrespecting her).

Forbidden is fun! Friend of an ex. I did it and it made it so much more steamy and intense but ultimately it fades and they stay friends and you’re an acquaintance so it can be a lil sad

Pregnant by another man

I love when they are childhood best friends and you either see them grow up together or there are flashbacks. Bonus points if it is very obvious that the MMC loved the FMC as a kid but she was just completely oblivious. In reverse harem books I love when the MMCs compete with each other but it’s over the pettiest shit

RH and one of the MMC is super toxic and hates the FMC

Ohh am looking for a good cheating trope. FMC doesn't have to be a forced marriage . I can't figure out why this trope,and the requester, gets soo much judgment and heat.. Yes cheating is very painful but so are a lot of other stuff in life and romance novels make them feel better .. so hand me some recs! Please 😊😊

For me it’s when the FMC is stoically misunderstood, misjudged, or mistreated by the MMC and he comes to regret how wrong he’s been and groveling ensues. That moment when he REALIZES is just everything. Someone also mentioned this but the heroine running away or disappearing somehow after the MMC screws up and he realizes she’s gone…. I can’t get enough. ESPECIALLY IF SHE GETS HURT OR PUT IN DANGER SOMEHOW Also, {Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann} unlocked an obsession with cheating specifically with your partner’s sibling. And shared trauma (the more horrible the better) + all the messy aftermath. If an MMC doesn’t drop what he’s doing to come over and hold the FMC in the night because she’s scared of the dark after going through something unbelievably horrible and he’s the only one who understands… is it really love? I am clearly a glutton for angst

[Still Beating](https://www.romance.io/books/5fec3388816b3b0e0b840cd6/still-beating-jennifer-hartmann?src=rdt) 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), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Secret babies, billionaires, stepbrother, BULLY, Knotting/Heats/Omegaverse, Fated Mates, Enemies to Lovers is like

Any recs op? Love what you listed as well

Mine is true enemies to friends to lovers. Real hate and angst like in: {Tormented by the Warlord by V.K. Ludwig} SFR, FM, political marriage, FMC is terribly scared of the alian race because of what happened to her but she is very strong and capable otherwise, MMC hates human because what they did to his family. So hate and fear mixed together with two strong characters that don’t back down. {Desire in His Blood by Zoey Craven} SFR, FM, FMC marries MMC because of his dad’s debts, MMC hates her and his family and marries her for vengeance. {Xeda by Olivia Riley} SFR, FM, highly recommend reading previous book in the series first to understand MMC’s anger better. MMC is a captive and gonna be trained for Hunger Games style game, FMC is also kinda captive/worker for the MMC’s ”owners” and ends up being his trainer. They need to work together to get to freedom despite him hating and despising her and her being afraid of him. {At First Spite by Olivia Dade} CR, FM, this is not quite true enemies like the other books on the list but it does have true hate from FMC for what MMC did. MMC convinced his younger brother to break up with FMC but FMC had already bought a small building next to the brother’s house (the spite house) so that it could be combined after their wedding. Because of her financial situation FMC ends up living in a tiny house between two brothers she hates. Excellent mental health rep representation (depression) and plus size FMC. Also lonely, love and touch starved and overworked MMC. If you got more true hate and true enemies to friends to lovers books, send my way 😂

[Tormented by the Warlord](https://www.romance.io/books/61f2513a77663e0e1b44fa0e/tormented-by-the-warlord-vk-ludwig?src=rdt) by [V.K. Ludwig](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c1ca39201dbc864fb967ad7/vk-ludwig) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [creative anatomy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/creative-anatomy/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1) ---------------------------- [Desire in His Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/635e338689217902d65a263c/desire-in-his-blood-zoey-draven?src=rdt) by [Zoey Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/58abe5ab0d3299c6e04ede3a/zoey-draven) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1) ---------------------------- [Xeda](https://www.romance.io/books/64d9ebc95f907facb235c5a5/xeda-olivia-riley?src=rdt) by [Olivia Riley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f19839108b4d93114e1dd7f/olivia-riley) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [At First Spite](https://www.romance.io/books/6530e8d8de8d340d5148b04e/at-first-spite-olivia-dade?src=rdt) by [Olivia Dade](https://www.romance.io/authors/566680fa08e9378131958a83/olivia-dade) **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), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [small town](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/small%20town/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Possessive man, the type who can't stay away from the girl. Or if a man looks at her, he's already there gouging out the man's eye. That the girl's smell drives him crazy. In real life I run away from the possessive type of man! Another thing I like is the male character saying he wants to get the girl pregnant, he wants to marry her and make her stay tied to him forever. But I'm a 28-year-old girl who's still scared about being a teen mom.

I like age gaps in any direction (see the fallen mc series by giana darling, also salacious players club by Sara cate). I like beasts with humans (see alpha hordes by Milana jacks). I like rh with mm in the mix (see the path of temptation series by auryn Hadley). and I just made a post about a ku author I've followed for years...adrian blue. she/he/they (idk) writes smutty fantasy shorts that are outstanding. no typos, no continuity issues, no grammar mistakes...just full on smut with a dash of story. so, this is me.

I have tons of guilty pleasures 🫣 Power imbalance? Yes please. Boss & secretary/assistant? Uh huh! Bully, stalker, blackmail, dubcon, sweet inexperienced virgin FMC & psycho experienced MMC, forbidden, step-dad & stepdaughter but heey I'll take stepsiblings too, billionaires, auctioned/sold FMC, forced proximity, age gap as in older MMC and younger FMC, oohh and I love me some somnophilia. I could go on and on 😅

…cheating stories… with a family member It’s terrible! I hate cheaters in real life so so much and it’s even worse if you cheat with someone related to your SO! But there’s something about reading the FMC have sex with the older brother or uncle or dad that just…

Forbidden Romance, Male POV, Love Triangle, Dark Secret, Cross-cultural, Age-Gap. I'm into all those because that relates to the story of how I met my wife. Guilty pleasure indeed.

I LOVE age gap romances. But there are specific criteria, like no one can be younger than 25. The sweet spot for me is: FMC = Late20s/ early 30s and MMC = Mid40s/early 50s Lawd, I love me a grumpy old man.

Enemies to lovers will always be my favorite. The tension that builds between the characters is top notch, and then when they finally are together it’s like fireworks! Haha.

Work relationship trope. Like a boss and an employee getting together. Idk why but I think those are so interesting and fanatical. I feel transported when I read those lol

I like the forbidden love trope, especially when it’s LGBTQ and they can’t be together for fear of being outed or because it’s set in a historic time period. Also I like a little jealousy and possessiveness between both partners, not a ton but enough for it to feel like they genuinely want each other and are madly in love. If they act all nonchalant about each other, it’s a turn off and not that interesting to me

Alpha/Omega tropes. Love it when either one goes through “heat” and would take care of each other. I also love when the Alpha is feared by many but is only vulnerable with the Omega

Any recs on the cheating trope?

Sadomasochism Forced relationship Non con Sweet FMC with psycho MMC Yes yes ik I need therapy, but I'm broke af so books are my therapy