I tried to get into romance, but as far as I can tell, most well-regarded works within reach (outside of queer romances) follow a formula one way or another for both the male and female leads. I’ve avoided the genre because I *don’t* want to read about a feisty small-town girl and a bad-boy alpha male. I recently read *Yours Truly* which was praised for how “unique” of a romance novel it was, but was disappointed to find it still followed a bland, female lead and a tall, strong, heartbroken male lead who are attracted to each other off the bat. Seeing it receive praise for supposedly being unlike most other romances killed my hope I’d ever find any for a romantic like me.
Granted, I’ve recently seen more diversity in race, body types, physical abilities etc which is always a good thing but doesn’t always offer what I’m looking for.
One example of a dynamic I’d like to see more of (just to guide recs, not a strict requirement) is of a confident, alluring female lead playing the dominant role in her relationship with an intellectual or artistic, sensitive, and supportive male lead. She could be older or taller or wealthier than him, or he might be physically weaker (maybe he compensates in other strengths?) Doesn’t have to check all these boxes, just think cheerleader/nerd (high school), wealthy debutante/reclusive scholar (historical), or female CEO/male secretary (workplace).
The only example I’ve seen of this is a subplot in Mexican Gothic
by comet_kitsune
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you could try looking into r/Romance_for_Men
that seems like it would scratch some of your itch
Not sure if this is what you’re looking for but “get a life Chloe brown” might fit the bill? She’s richer than him, kinda mean (lol), and he’s an artist. It was a solid book IMO!
**Us: An Intimacy Innovation**
Shy brainiac college-age guy, popular girl, each fearing they’re not in the other’s league. *He* teaches *she* how to find ‘forever love’.
Not a book, but you might like The *Cute Girl* *Network*, a 2013 graphic novel. The 20-something characters are realistic and adorable. Jane is a skater who works in a skate shop that doesn’t take her seriously enough. Jack works at a soup cart, is a klutz and a dumbass but sweet and kind. They meet and hit it off, but she has friends who know his backstory and don’t think they should be together. Ultimately, it’s about how different people see relationships, and how what annoys one person might not be a big deal for someone else. In fact, it might be what’s charming and endearing.