I love reading books and consuming media about relationships. Platonic, or romantic, or both are all fair game, but the one “genre” I love the most is where the main characters are insecure in some relatable ‘real’ way and their relationship with each other elevates them. Often the story is about developing that relationship, but it doesn’t have to be, so long as that is a primary theme I usually enjoy it.
I’ve found that this genre, or “theme” comes up most commonly in romance novels and that’s usually where I get my fix but there are some notable exceptions which I have adored; so I know it isn’t exclusive. But I’ve read a lot of these already and it’s not an easily Google-able theme. Can anyone suggest any that I haven’t read?
Arguably this could apply to most romances, but I disagree. To go into a bit more detail on what I mean by “insecure in some real way” I mean they need to be insecure (or traumatised or hurt etc) but in some way that is central to their character. For example, stunning Adonis MMC in romance novels who ‘get too much attention’ don’t count, unless it actually causes them genuine pain and this is deconstructed in the story. One of the books I’ve read does this really well, where the MMC looks as good as he does because he was bullied at school and has course-corrected the other way, but doesn’t actually enjoy the lifestyle required to look like a stunner and his character arc is about learning to love himself for who he is.
Aw man, I love that stuff.
Another thing the book must include is evidence of the characters working together in ways that complement each other. Even better if this is the entire theme of the book, like in the Healers Road by SE Robertson. I LOVE that series.
The characters also need to get equal billing, or comparable at the very least. I want to read PoVs from all sides and I’m not that interested in MC and love interest pairings. They should both be MCs!
And my final condition is that I want to read about real adults. Ideally the characters are in their 20s or, even better, 30s+ and have real problems. Like, for example, being overweight, being socially awkward (but like actually), bereaved, repressed, closeted, naiive, in poverty, insecure, lonely, depressed, traumatised, etc etc. I have no interest in reading about billionaires unless theyre going to be deconstructed. In summary:
* characters build each other up and are stronger together. Strong focus on this aspect and their bond.
* insecurities and character growth is key aspect of story
* characters work together in ways they only could together
* Comparable focus between the MCs Inc multiple PoVs
* Older characters 20s, 30s+
* Romance or platonic
Books like this that I have read:
* {Hex and the City by Kate Johnson}
* {Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson}
* {Saint of Steel by T Kingfisher} (all of her books really, and I’ve read them all)
* {The Healers Road by SE Robertson} – notably not romance!
* {Wayfarers by Becky Chambers} -another not romance!
* {The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare}
* {Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid}
* {Act Your Age Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert}
* {The very secret society of irregular witches by Sangu Mandanna}
* {The league of gentlewomen witches by India Holton}
* {Bound to Fall by AK Caggiano}
I also read a lot of fantasy so any fantasy novels would be particularly appreciated. Although, please do not recommend ACOTAR or Fourth Wing. I am not a fan of their YA vibes.
by 10_Rufus