Suggest me a book with heartwarming romance

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a book with heartwarming, swoon-worthy, yet believable characters. I don’t usually read romance because I often find the main characters too cringy or annoying, and I tend to check out if I can’t believe in the development of the relationship.

What I enjoy:

• Slow burn
• Authentic, well-developed characters
• A romance/subplot that feels earned and genuine

However, not against having recommendations outside of these!

What I don’t want:

• Emily Henry or Colleen Hoover
• 7ft “shadow daddies”
• Overly cringy or annoying MCs Spice isn’t necessary (though I’m not against it)

Some books which contain romance I have enjoyed are:

• Tress of the Emerald Sea
• The Priory of the Orange Tree
• All the Lovers in the Night
• Blood Over Bright Haven
• The Song of Achilles

The book doesn’t need to be romance-focused—I’d love sci-fi, fantasy, or other genres with an amazingly captivating romantic subplot. And it doesn’t need to have a happy ending, as long as the romance feels real and compelling.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations!