I'm currently at odds with myself. I've enjoyed reading romance a few times in the past, but get a bit bored when it's the main focus of the story. My ideal book would:
-Have an engaging subplot going on. I don't want the characters' lives to revolve around their relationship. There has to be other stuff going on.
-Have an angst factor. It doesn't need to be a doomed romance or have an unhappy ending, but bonus points if it makes me cry or feel like shit at the end. The conflict doesn't necessarily have to be between the couple, it can be something external. Or both.
-Not be a romantasy
-Not be one of those YA reads whose popularity hinges on the sex appeal of the attractive MCs (Heated Rivalry; Red, White & Royal Blue etc)
Some books I've enjoyed in the past have been Song of Achilles and This Is How You Lose The Time War. I've also liked the relationship in A Little Life, if that book even counts as romance.
Please help me find the perfect book!
by seasideselkie