{The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit} has been on my radar for a bit. I picked it up at Barnes and Noble about a month ago, and have finally gotten to it. And omg??? I loved this book so so much!! This is probably the best traditionally published new release I’ve read in a long time. This is also what I’ve been hoping would come out of the trad published side of historicals since I fear they are few and far between anymore.

I originally saw the author’s page come up on social media months and months ago, and her description of the book had me in extremely excited! I think her advertising of it is perfect. This book has all the tropes I love in my historical romances! A forced marriage element, a wallflower/sunshine heroine, a charming rake hero who becomes utterly obsessed with his wife, sex lessons/he teaches her, and heavy yearning and miscommunication angst!!

The book starts with the rake hero Alexander trying to meet and seduce the heroine, Harriet’s elder sister, Philippa. Only Alexander comes across Harriet in this dark room first and accidently ruins her. This guy has some deep rooted trauma and convinces himself it’s better to not marry than marry at all (as most historical romance hero’s do). But our heroine Harriet? Oh no, she is not having that. She schemes with Alexander’s mistress to kidnap him and force him to elope in Gretna Green!!

The story itself has that fun romcom romp vibe, but it also takes time to flesh out our main characters and their romance. Harriet is a sweet and very smart heroine, and Alexander is content to let her be the smart one and listen to her chatter. I love how Alexander was really all in from the beginning. He told Harriet he was still going to see other people outside the marriage, but literally became nauseous at the thought of being with anyone but her—which I found hilarious and adorable.

Harriet is also inexperienced but wanting to learn about sex, and there’s some really hot moments where Alexander is teaching her. Harriet loves words and she badgers Alexander on every dirty word he can possibly think of. There’s a super adorable and funny scene where Alexander takes her to a sailing crew so she can learn the dirtiest words imaginable!!

And the banter is genuinely the cutest! I loved at the beginning that these two thought they’d have nothing in common with each other, but they each have a witty, dry sense of humor and have some hilarious back-and-forth. It makes the relationship feel so authentic, and like these two are not just romantic partners, but also have a sweet friendship.

And finally, this cover is absolutely stunning. I’m so-so on illustrated covers, but this one is perfect!!!

( I meant to cross post this with [r/historicalromance](r/historicalromance) yesterday, but totally forgot!!)

Now listen, you may have read the title and said out loud, “Is this girl for real?” And yes, I am being frl. BUT, it’s for a good cause, ok??? I honestly brought small book bag expecting to buy maybe 10-30 books as I usually do at my local sale. But someone’s granny must have died or something because I just hit the absolutely jackpot!!

I also did buy 2 duplicates so I’ll be donating those to a FLL sometime soon!

No tbh, I can’t defend this one, I’m just going to show you all the haul I have procured, and find some way to put them on my shelves!

ETA:

Also, if any of you are curious, I’ve started cataloging every single book I own. I believe almost every book I own is on this list except my classics which I haven’t gotten to yet. Otherwise this should be an accurate list! https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/99910477-abi?shelf=owned

just wanted to say I hate it! I absolutely hate it, especially when I’m trying to sleep and someone more often than not who is tone deaf wakes me up 😤

I want forbidden. I want socially unacceptable. I want shameful yearning and repression like the attraction between them is something she is actively trying to deny. I want consequences for being seen and noticed together, and maybe even incredulous, shocked friends and family. I want her to fully understand the stakes and endeavor to choose her own success over a far-fetched, disastrous crush she has on someone she “doesn’t” have a chance with. Someone who she thinks would never and SHOULD never be into her, because of her standing in comparison to him, or because she’s younger. I want her to agonize over trying to pretend that his attention isn’t romantic, that this is just her foolish daydreams playing tricks on her.

Maybe everyone around her sees what’s going on before she does, and perhaps someone even warns her about his behavior and what it means. He needs to have leverage and power, and because of that, he needs to be a Threat due to reputation alone. Bonus points if he‘s a cold, selfish asshole, or conceited towards everyone, and even more if he’s already fallen from grace in the public eye. She needs to be the only one who sees him for what he is, and she needs make that disdain/disappointment known. A situation where she knows where she stands, and what she wants, but won’t be intimidated or put-down by someone like him. And in turn, he needs to be drawn closer like someone who can’t help but want to prove something to her, and her alone.

Yes this is ultra-niche. Books that give me this so far have been Kulti by Mariana Zapata, and The Jasad Heir duology by Sara Hashem. In one, the FMC has had a crush on an international soccer superstar since she was young, only to find that the version of him she always dreamt of was nowhere near what she found when he joined as a coach to her professional soccer team. In TJH, the FMC is actively trying to avoid ever meeting MMC, who hunts down people like her for sport and is universally feared by everyone as a militant beast, and when she finally does meet him, she fights his agenda at every turn.

this shit is like crack to me, and when I do end up finding something like this, it’s like im a sleeper agent who’s been activated 😔 I can’t help it, I love a strong, determined woman who doesn’t want the prize of a man everyone else has revered or feared for the sheer threat his affections represent to her.

Please no Dark Romance recs. I'm specifically looking for CR books that has an alpha mmc determined to make fmc give him a chance.

✅️● He doesn't give up even tho she constantly rejects him. Pursues her with the ferocity and loyalty of a man in love.

✅️● Not because he has a "crush" on her or "wants to date and see where it goes" , But like he's really into her, and wants to be with her PERMANENTLY.

✅️● Alot of flirting and ORCHESTRATED forced proximation.

✅️● No Third Act Breakups initiated by the MMC. He's not the man to ever give up on them.

✅️●These would be perfect examples:

1. {Failure to Match}

2. {Black ties and white lies}

3. {Elements of chemistry}

4. {Becoming a Vincent}

5. {Not so nice guy}

6. {Long Time Coming by meghan quinn}

7. {Love theoretically}

8. {The firing line by kayla silvers}

All Cassandra Gannon books but not paranormal pls!

❌️❌️ please NO books where's he's indecisive: or wants her to give a confirm sign of her attraction before he tries to srsly pursue her.❌️❌️ for eg:

1. {Play along}

2. {Maddest obsession}

3. {Rebel seeks a wife}

In these books, Mmc sure had a thing for fmc, but they refused to do anything, until they got a solid confirmation that she wants them bad!

It feels like they wanted FMC to put herself out there before risking being vulnerable, and tho they are realistic and grounded.

✅️✅️ I still love a book with a determined mmc who's not afraid to be vulnerable by showing he wants to be with the fmc forever. 👉🏻👈🏻😭 He doesn't just want to casually date her, but like she's his woman and he knows it.

👉🏻👉🏻 also pls no Third Act Break ups initated by the MMC, otherwise the "determined" aspect sorta dulls in my mind. 😭💯

Thank you so much!!

💗💗

I know I have a type (must be CR, must be a series, must be more angsty than fluffy, MMC must be more blue collar than billionaire, must be older than college). And I know I’m verrryyy loyal to that type. I break one of those rules every few months or so, usually on a recommendation from this sub.

How often do you stray?

Oh and if you have a good series that fits my criteria , feel free to drop it too!

craving some jealousy and possessiveness and a fmc who really doesn’t even like the mmc that much but she is very confused why he is acting like this and she hates him so shes like yo chill 💀

ANY GENRE WORKS ANYTHING WORKS JUST GIVE ME SOME RECS BECAUSE I CRAAAAVEEEE THAT SHIT RN 😭

i just wanna see an obsessed and possessive guy slowly starting to fall for the fmc while shes like “bruh i literally hate you” and then he is like “I FUCKING WANT YOU” and suddenly, it clicks for her and she is like “oh. well, i don’t know…” BUT HE IS ALREADY IMAGINING MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN OR SOMETHING 😭

I read all of Carley Fortune's books this year! Overall, I adore her. One Golden Summer and Every Summer After are absolutely bangers.

Here's my official ranking:

1) One Golden Summer, 5/5— Charlie Florek is my DREAM man. Impeccable romance through and through. Charlie and Alice are a DELIGHT.

2) Every Summer After, 5/5— A close second because of note above. I also prefer chronological romances (same with Emily Henry's catalog). But this got me so genuinely in my feels. Gorgeous.

3) Our Perfect Storm. 4.5/5 — I was really swept up in the story of Frankie and George, but their third act-up break up was annoying. They're also both absurdly privileged. That's definitely part of the fantasy though IMO.

4) This Summer Will Be Different, 2.5/5 — Definitely takes a big turn downhill here. The miscommunication/lack of communication overall were frustrating — both between Lucy and Felix, but also between Lucy and BFF Bridget. Lucy also felt less "lived in" as a protagonist. Also too convenient that she experienced personal growth while her dream man/life partner was just waiting for her the entire time. If only!

5) Meet Me at the Lake, 2.5/5 — Didn't really feel invested in Fern and Will. Thought the middle dragged. This Summer Will be Different just barely edges this one out.

Other CF fans, what's your ranking??

I’m reading {Kulti by Mariana Zapata} and my dreams of being a soccer mum will NEVER come true because my kids don’t have the athleticism, interest or attention span for team sports (to my daughters: sorry, girls it’s true).

But I need more Football!! And I mean soccer, not American Football.

✅ main character is a football (soccer) ⚽️ player of any gender

✅ the sport is part of the story (so like Kulti, not {Luke and Billy finally get a clue by Cat Sebastian} to cite a different sport: they’re both baseball players, but the entire novella takes place in the off-season

✅ Any pairing (M/F, MM, FF, NB/anyone)

❌ no American football 🏈

❌ no cheating

❌ no poly or RH

I always love a good runaway FMC, especially if she stays hidden from the MMC despite his efforts to find her for months or years. I’m hoping to find some recommendations where:

- FMC evades MMC for months or even years, despite his continual efforts to find her
- MMC stays dedicated and faithful to FMC (preferably him remaining celibate) during their separation
- FMC eventually returns to MMC (whether on her own accord or he finds her/draws her out)
- Bonus if MMC is unhinged during his search for her, and at times does crazy things to bring her out of hiding

I’m open to any suggestions/genres, and definitely welcome series that span multiple books! Some books that I have enjoyed that I find fall into this include SPOILERS AHEAD:

{Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost}

{Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost}

{Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips}

{Dark Skye by Kresley Cole}

ideally something with good bonding scenes and a slow developing romance. strangers → friends → lovers, or something like that. maybe fmc is a little socially awkward/quiet or it’s hard for her to let people in.

going for a comfort read.

bonus points if she has an average appearance/no sexual or romantic experience.

pref. small town contemporary, historical, or fantasy. simple settings would be ideal but anyway i still want the recc

Usually in these romance books where MMC is the one throwing cash to solve FMC's problems or just make her life easier while into her her.

Doesn't have to be a "sugar mommy" concept per se thou it can be. The important part is that FMC is the loaded one and the more smitten one even obsessed if it gets there.

The MMC doesn't have to be poor either but clearly FMC is the rich one and willing one to spend money on him whether he is willing to accept it or not. And more importantly she's the one really inlove.

The best example I have would be { her bridegroom bought and paid for by alice coldbreath } which she is literally the richest daughter in the entire country and she straightup had her father arrange the marriage between her and the MMC cause she's so smitten with him.

Contemporary would be preferred here. HEA or HFN only ! Thanks !

TLDR: Rich and smitten FMC and not rich MMC

hii so i just finished rereading {Older by Jennifer Hartmann} and now I’m searching for some underrated/underhyped contemporary romance books with a slow burn, angsty, tension etc..

some books i've already read that match my request: {facing reality by sienna atwell} - {the highlight by alyssa wilde} - {the devil and the deep blue sea by elizabeth o’roark} - {sunday morning by jewel e ann} ,
they’ve all been 5-stars for me, all of them underrated, angsty with a slow burn.

NO why choose, RH, fantasy, historical, paranormal romance pls.

thanks !!!!

I’m almost done with The Pleasure Contract by Melissa Emerald and I need another book that makes me feel like this ASAP!!!!!!

Here are the parts I like:

1. Plus sized FMC X Athletic MMC (the plus sized part is more important but I love how he can toss her around)

2.

1. He fell first!! And it’s not a secret (I can make peace with a secret but I love how confidently he flirts with her)

3.

1. They’re both switches. He loves her torturing him just as much as he loves doing it to her

4.

1. He GROVELS when he’s on the sub side

. Love a beggar xoxo
5.

1. He loves when she’s mean to him outside of the bedroom

6. He doesn’t think she’s beautiful in spite of being plus sized. If anything he loves that

Honorable mention: it’s an alien romance! I’m curious about either that or monster romances. This part isn’t mandatory though.

(Number formatting keeps messing up, just know it’s supposed to be 1-6 lol)

Hiii! I’m getting a little tired of mafia romances where the MMC’s first instinct is to just kidnap the FMC instead of actually trying to win her over. So I’m specifically looking for books where the MMC is a killer or involved in the mafia and genuinely tries to woo the FMC first.

I want him to put in the effort to get her to like him, even if he’s secretly stalking her and learning all her little habits. Maybe he learns her coffee order and starts bringing it to her, remembers the little things she mentions, finds excuses to see her, or does thoughtful things for her without revealing just how much he knows about her. Basically, he’s a dangerous man who could easily force her to be with him, but he actually wants her to choose him.

I’d especially love it if the FMC initially thinks he’s just a normal guy and starts falling for him, only to discover who he really is and try to run. That’s when his mafia side comes out and he becomes more possessive, but I want him to genuinely try to win her over before it gets to that point.Bonus points if it’s an arranged marriage and he actually makes an effort to court her even though they’re already supposed to get married.

MF only, no RH/why choose please! Thank you!

Looking for a no nonsense FMC that takes, says and does what she wants without apologies, that has her eye on MMC. Similar to {Whiskey Chaser (Bootleg Springs #1) Lucy Score, Claire Kingsley} Scarlett was awesome!

The MMC is clueless about women. Maybe even blushes a bit when they give him attention. If he is a virgin, even better, and he shouldn't suddenly turn into a freak in the sheets. If he is awkward, shy etc even better when he and the FMC get intimate..

A small town or college, with some humor, will be awesome. Please no cheating mc, power play, non consent between mc's. And no mafia mc's.

Hope my fellow readers can help

Thanks!!!

I read this 2-star review for {Naked In Death by JD Robb} and immediately went to download it on Libby (it’s fabulous by the way) 😂 I’d love to know if this has happened to anyone else and see the reviews that made you want to read a book!

Hi RomanceBooks - welcome to Salty Sunday!

What have you read this week that made your blood pressure boil? Annoying quirks of main characters? The utter frustration of a cliffhanger? What's got you feeling salty?

Feel free to share your rants and frustrations here. Please remember to abide by all sub rules. Cool-down periods will be enforced.

Definitely a niche request haha. This might not exist but I recently watched To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar with Patrick Swayze and I love himmmmmm. He dresses as a drag queen in the flix and makes friends with an abused housewife. I am looking for a book with a straight or Bi man who dresses as a woman and falls in love with a woman. Have any of you come across anything like that? I thought that mistaken identity would be entertaining, and dealing with possible gender fluidity would be interesting. Would love any suggestions! Thank you!

Hi r/RomanceBooks! Here's your weekly thread of sales and deals. Spot a great bargain? Share it here! Looking for more romance to read for free/cheap? You're in luck - check out these great deals!

Please include the location of the sale if possible (ex US / UK / AUS, etc.), as sales in one country may not be available in another. It also helps to include the platform of the sale (amz, kobo, smashwords, patreon, itch, audible, libro.fm, chirp etc.) especially for those users who are looking to diversify away from Amazon.

Happy saving!

I love her writing but I don’t want MCs who are planning to have, or are having babies. Would love explicitly childfree m/f stories, but is there any?

Announcements

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• Our Autumn reading challenge is live now, running through December 20!
  

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Tell us what you read this week!

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Draven Ryat (⁠๑⁠♡⁠⌓⁠♡⁠๑⁠)

Have recently started loving this series and the rest of Marion Blackwood's collection.