Hello! So I’ve been trying to get into romance novels for quite a long time now (way…way too long…) and I’ve had the hardest time finding something that I liked since my taste seems to really clash with what seems to be popular, so I was hoping some of y’all might be able to help me out.
I’m aware that I’m really picky, so if the book I’m looking for doesn’t exist…well, it was worth a shot.
What I’m looking for (mandatory):
– No spice
– A soft/calm heroine (not necessarily weak, just somebody who is on the gentler side in her behaviour…I’ve been really worn down by “fiesty” and “sassy” heroines lately…)
– A heroine who is more on the shy side when it comes to romance (i.e., blushing and stuttering and all that jazz)
– An amicable relationship dynamic (they don’t have to be best-friends right off the bat, but I’m really tired of this trend of constant bickering between the love interests)
– A mischievous and/or villainous male lead
What I’d prefer (not mandatory, but would be nice):
– A fantasy or mystery….or just something generally not too grounded in reality ig
– A flirty male lead
– The male lead is super protective of the heroine
– The male and female leads do not know each other before the book starts
What I DON’T want (avoid at all costs):
– Love triangle
– Love/hate or enemies to lovers (the only exception here is if it’s enemies to lovers but…like don’t hate each other, if that makes sense? Star-crossed lovers ig.)
– Insta-love
– No childhood friends to lovers
Again, sorry for my pickiness and thanks in advance!
by Emi1013
1 Comment
“Wearing the Cape” Wholesome *realistic* Superhero Stories. The romance is what you describe but secondary to the adventure story.
https://www.wearingthecape.com/
“The Sackkets” (Ride the River in particular) Technically a “western” series but the romances fall under your description.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/42120-the-sacketts
Anything by George Macdonald, This man was a found of the kind of romances you describe. “Sir Gibbie” might be a good place to start.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2413.George_MacDonald?from_search=true&from_srp=true
“Flying Sparks” a science fantasy adventure , again the romance is what you describe but it is secondary.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210045701-flying-sparks
“Anne of Green Gables” and all of the other wonderful worlds of L. M. Montgomery have these kinds of romances.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5350.L_M_Montgomery
“Cranford” by Elizabeth Gaskell. Lots of little romantic stories of the kind you describe.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/182381.Cranford