I'm sorry if I fail to properly articulate what I'm looking for; English isn't my first language.
I'm looking for a mature romance that is fraught with tension. The MCs can either work together or against each other—but give me slow burn, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, toxic relationships, mind games, constant back-and-forth, high-stakes drama, angst, mutual pining, moral dilemmas, and of course, electrifying chemistry UNTIL THE END. There is nothing that annoys me more than a romance in which the tension fizzles out after the main characters get together 😭
I want complex, tightly-knit plots featuring multi-faceted, flawed characters. I prefer the story to have dark themes in this context where the narrative delves deeper into the power dynamics, socioeconomic disparities, or psychological phenomena underpinning the relationship between the characters.
It's not necessary, but a happy or at least a bittersweet ending would be nice—one that feels earned, though, with proper buildup to the climax.
I'm fine with any setting: contemporary, sci-fi, fantasy, war, dystopian, etc.
A good example of the dynamic I'm looking for can be found in the second part of Alchemised/Manacled: the MC acts as a spy for the Order and meets up with the FMC every week to give her information. Although, they are both initially distrustful of each other, they end up finding solace in each other's company, eventually growing so possessive that they repeatedly risk their lives for the other.
by MiddayRendezvous