* no YA.
* No self-insert. Both characters must feel like their own characters who grow as people
* no enemies to lovers
* setting doesn't matter
* safe, healthy man
* realistic depiction of men (no fairy tale or hallmark movie vibes.)
* slowburn
* no cheating/lying/deception
* not against toxic elements as long as there're growth and introspection, but would prefer minimal toxicity
* but ideally both characters have growth arcs
* spice level doesn't matter as long as it's organic. Not interested in sex scenes at all, so closed door romance is fine
Sister likes drama "nevertheless" for reference of romance they liked. She also loved "before sunrise/sunsets"
by ArkhamInsane
6 Comments
Maybe The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata? Or really any of her early books.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Vows to forsake by Carly Jaxx
Here’s some historical recommendations
A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh spice level is low.
Frederica by Georgette Heyer
Contemporary
Manhunting by Jennifer Crusie
I recently read the Nightingale series by Donna Douglas. They are a blend of different kind of relationships. There is no spice but I enjoyed them very much and the series is one of those that stay with me even a few months later while I tend to forget most books after reading them.
The premise is a London hospital in the 1930s-1940s with the nurses in the hospital all having their own life/love story
The Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas