i find a lot of the male leads to be unfathomably dislikable in the romance novels i happen upon. i’m also a plot over romance person too, but i want to try reading more romantic novels! if it helps, i’ve enjoyed ‘i couldn’t love you more’ by Esther Freud, ‘bright particular star’ by Marion Gatherwaite, ‘persuasion’ by Jane Austen, and ‘in love’ by Alfred hayes!
the recs do not have to be similar to the novels i’ve listed, any suggestion is appreciated 🙂
by lovecatscondemnus
2 Comments
What about a modern retelling of Persuasion? Much Ado About Nada by Uzma Jalaluddin is an interesting take on second chances.
Or queer romances tend to have either no male leads or male leads who aren’t full of toxic masculinity. If you prefer plot heavy romance, try KJ Charles. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is a great entry point to her work.
Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher has a very slow-burn romance side plot, but it isn’t a romance book. Maybe something like that?