Hey everyone! 👋
I’m looking for book recommendations with this specific trope: the female lead (FMC) overhears the male lead (MMC) saying something like how he never loved her, only married/dating her because of a deal, or something equally heartbreaking — but he’s saying it to protect her or mislead someone dangerous.
Basically, she believes what she hears, gets her heart broken, and starts treating him coldly or pulls away completely. When the MMC finds out she overheard, he panics, realizes how badly he’s messed up, and we get that satisfying groveling + winning her back arc. Bonus points if she transforms — drops her sweet persona and becomes more confident, ruthless, or emotionally distant afterward.
THE MORE EMOTIONALLY HEARTBREAKING from her part, the better. But need them to have a happy ending in the end.
A great example of this kind of plot is Poison Hearts by Mae Pierce. In that one, the ML makes a deal to marry the cousin of a powerful ally just to get a meeting with “The Gardener” (a legendary poison master). He genuinely falls for her, but she later overhears the deal and believes he only used her. The heartbreak and her change afterward were chef’s kiss.
Would love similar recommendations — fantasy, dark romance, or even historical settings all welcome!
Thanks in advance 💔✨
by Separate_Text_9060