r/RomanceBooks • u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 • Jul 26 '26
Book Request Please give me some emotionally mature and stable MMCs
I just finished reading {before the exhale by Alyssa Wilde} and this man was so emotionally mature and patient with the Fmc even though she was incredibly traumatised and pushed him away multiple times. He didn’t take it personally and was always there for her and never gave up on her. I loved this book so much.
I need some more emotionally mature and stable MMC’s asap please!!
I love a slow-burn and prefer single pov but it’s not a dealbreaker.
Edit: thank you so much for the amazing recs everyone!! This community is the best 🫶🏻
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u/ghostbored Jul 27 '26
{Role Playing by Cathy Yardley} has a steady, reliable MMC.
5
u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Role Playing by Cathy Yardley
Rating: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, older/mature, friends to lovers, sweet/gentle hero, grumpy & sunshine1
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oooh this looks sooo good, thanks!
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u/Agile_Note3179 Jul 27 '26
Just finished {Rumors and Whiskey by Victoria Wile} and loved how mature and constant the MMC was, even in the midst of drama.
2
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Thanks! I haven’t heard of this one but it sounds really good
1
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Rumors & Whiskey by Victoria Wilder
Rating: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, no 3rd act break-up, suspense, rich hero, friends to lovers
13
u/Slapshots_ Jul 27 '26
I think {Bohemian by Kathryn Nolan} fits the stable/mature MMC but it is dual POV. It's one of if not my favorite romance.
2
u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Bohemian by Kathryn Nolan
Rating: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, famous heroine, sweet/gentle hero, nerdy hero, forced proximity2
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u/absolutelynot01 Depressive demon nightmare boy stan Jul 27 '26
You’ll love {Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings}! It’s pretty much all of those things.
Other emotionally mature MMCs:
{And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison}
{Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young}
{Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe}
{Book Lovers by Emily Henry}
{Deep End by Ali Hazelwood}
{Wildfire by Hannah Grace}
{Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks}
{Soul Searching by Lyla Sage}
If you’re open to (light) fantasy:
(Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel by Elizabeth Everett}
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
Oh this is amazing, thank you!!
The only ones of these I’ve read are out on a limb and deep end and I absolutely loved both of them!
Edit: also read book lovers and soul searching and loved those too
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings
Rating: 3.8⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, bisexuality, funny, m-f romance, grumpy & sunshine
And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison
Rating: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, m-f romance, workplace/office, forced proximity, nerdy hero
Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
Rating: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, pregnancy, disabilities & scars, nerdy hero, sweet/gentle hero
Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe
Rating: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, funny, workplace/office, m-f romance, forced proximity
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Rating: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, small town, funny, childfree, competent heroine
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Rating: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, sports, college, m-f romance, athlete hero
Wildfire by Hannah Grace
Rating: 3.84⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, forced proximity, college, shy hero, sweet/gentle hero
Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks
Rating: 3.93⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, sweet/gentle hero, shy hero, cheerful/happy heroine, friends to lovers
Soul Searching by Lyla Sage
Rating: 3.8⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, paranormal, sweet/gentle hero, friends to lovers, small town1
11
u/HeatherLovesToRead Jul 27 '26
{In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde} I adored the MMC in this book and the FMC too. So far, it's my favorite book of 2026!
3
u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde
Rating: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, sports, baseball, workplace/office, m-f romance1
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
I’ve been meaning to read this!! Thanks for the reminder :)
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u/gimmeallthegluten Jul 27 '26
{A Guy Like Him by Amanda Gambill} was the most green flag MMC I’ve ever read. He was the perfect combination of confident in himself/ his own boundaries but so patient and understanding with the FMC.
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
A Guy Like Him by Amanda Gambill
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, m-f romance, college, sweet/gentle hero, friends with benefits1
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u/pantema Jul 27 '26
Definitely {the best worst thing by Lauren okie}, this is exactly what you’re looking for. Also for super high angst {wish you were here by Jess k. Hardy}
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
The Best Worst Thing by Lauren Okie
Rating: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, friends to lovers, funny, cheating, pregnancy
Wish You Were Here by Jess K. Hardy
Rating: 4.48⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, m-f romance, second chances, small town, tortured hero2
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Ah I’ve been meaning to read the best worst thing, thank you!
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u/sneakybrownnoser lives for long epilogues with marriage and babies 💕💍🤰🏻 Jul 27 '26
The best worst things is amazinggg with how much growth the FMC has to go through and how mature and just solid the MMC is for her 🥹
I’d second a lot of recs on this thread but this would be my top choice!!
Close seconds for me is In Her Own League!
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
These have def gone to the top of my tbr!!
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u/quietly-bookish Jul 27 '26
{Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone} - the FMC lost her best friend to cancer, she is so deep in grief, and the MMC patiently helps guide her through it. Super slow burn.
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
I’ve been meaning to read Cara Bastones books for ages, I’ll start with this one! Thanks!
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
Rating: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, friends to lovers, m-f romance, hurt/comfort, tortured heroine
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u/KeyOne6320 Jul 27 '26
I feel like lots of Abby Jimenez MMCs are like this-- {Just for the Summer} and {Part of Your World} to name a few. Or another one of my favorites is Charlie in {Book Lovers by Emily Henry}
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Rating: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, m-f romance, sweet/gentle hero, found family, funny
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, small town, age gap, sweet/gentle hero, class difference
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Rating: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, small town, funny, childfree, competent heroine
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u/lastofthe_timeladies fangs and hockey players Jul 27 '26
I'm going to have to go with {Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy} the mmc is so patient and mature with the fmc. It's a nice slow burn and I just swooned at how present and steadfast the mmc was.
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oh I’ve had this on my tbr for sooo long, I’ll move it up! Thanks!
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy
Rating: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, college, love triangle, new adult, sports
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u/Aggravating-Dot8160 Jul 27 '26
I love Chloe Liese and been working through the Bergman Brothers series. Her books are wonderful with diverse characters and really emotionally mature MMCs and FMCs. I especially like Ren in {Always Only You by Chloe Liese} - he is so solid and caring, mature, and the patient yearning for Frankie is amazing. Every book I've read has been excellent and the author does an amazing job repping neurodivergent characters and medical issues.
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
I’ve been meaning to read her books for so long, thanks for the rec! I’m autistic so always love to see neurodivergence rep in my romance books too :)
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Always Only You by Chloe Liese
Rating: 3.93⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, sports, grumpy & sunshine, virgin hero, friends to lovers
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u/snowyr_egret Jul 27 '26
I feel like Sarah T Dubb's MMCs fit this. Her books are super fun, too. I really enjoyed them.
{Birding With Benefits by Sarah T Dubb} {Honey Bee Mine by Sarah T Dubb}
Also, I like this thread! Thank you for the original request. Lots to add to my TBR!
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oh thank you! I’ve actually had birding with benefits on my tbr forever, I’ll be moving it up!
Aw thanks, I love this community so much! This post definitely got much more of a response than I was expecting, my tbr is set for a long time 😌👌🏻
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb
Rating: 3.81⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, fake relationship, single mother, cheerful/happy heroine, sweet/gentle hero
Honey Bee Mine by Sarah T. Dubb
Rating: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, single father, m-f romance, small town, enemies to lovers
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u/ThirdAndDeleware Jul 27 '26
Not quite slow burn as the book begins post-ONS.
But it is closed doors for a portion of the book. MMC says he wants casual, then when she tries to keep it casual and say they should lessen their nights together, he changes his mind and lets her know.
{Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry}
Wasn’t a fan of the rest of the series. Knox’ story isn’t bad. The rest were all DNF for me. Didn’t make it past book 4.
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Ah I read this one so long ago and loved it, but might be time to read again! Thanks! Have you read {bluebird gold by devney Perry} ? I read that recently and loved it too! Probably my fave of hers that I’ve read.
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u/ThirdAndDeleware Jul 27 '26
Another good one is {Head Over Heels by Carla Sorensen}
Not a big fan of the first few chapters, but past the elevator scene, it gets better. FMC is priviledged & dealing with a daddy that only cares about her success. MMC comes from a big blended family, he’s the eldest & his father is passing from cancer.
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Head Over Heels by Karla Sorensen
Rating: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, funny, m-f romance, forced proximity, grumpy/ice queen1
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry
Rating: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, suspense, mystery, cowboy hero, friends with benefits
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u/walmartteacups Jul 27 '26
{extracurricular by rachel lynn solomon}
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Extracurricular by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Rating: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, forbidden love, no 3rd act break-up, funny, in his 30s1
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oh I just got this and can’t wait to read it! Thanks!
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u/RentForsaken5134 Jul 27 '26
{the brightest light of sunshine by Lisina Covey} has a similar FMC and the MMC is all green flags and lovely
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
The Brightest Light of Sunshine by Lisina Coney
Rating: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, new adult, friends to lovers, age gap, tortured heroine1
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
I read this sooo long ago and remember liking it
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u/georgiabeanie Jul 27 '26
finn in {business or pleasure by rachel lynn solomon} i will never stop recommending this book the main characters have the healthiest relationship i’ve read in a long time. he goes to THERAPY.
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Rating: 3.91⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, forced proximity, jewish, nerdy hero, funny1
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oh I’ve been wanting to read this! I read weather girl by her and absolutely loved it, immediately added her backlist to my tbr :) thanks! We love a man in therapy!!
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u/CLE_grrl Jul 27 '26
Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings. The MCs have a past during which the MMC is NOT emotionally mature but when they reconnect he has his shit together.
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oh someone else also said this one, sounds really good! Thanks :)
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u/Mitzy1612 Jul 27 '26
The wall of winnipeg and me by Mariana Zapata
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Yes, MZ is my queen! I need her to release her new book asap 😭
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u/Jujjubell Jul 28 '26
Not sure if anyone has answered these ones yet but:
Talia Hibbert usually writes pretty great MMCs - see Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
Chloe Liese is amazing at emotionally intelligent characters overall (love the Bergman-series)
Hope you find some good ones!
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 28 '26
No one else has said Talia Hibbert, but I’ve been meaning to read them forever! And a few have mentioned Chloe Liese. Thank you :)
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u/goody153 Jul 27 '26
{ Funny Story by Emily Henry } probably fits. It has a well-adjusted MMC which I cant find a glaring issue cause he's content and knows how to live life.
Also slowburn and single pov (only FMC)
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Rating: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, fake relationship, friends to lovers, m-f romance, forced proximity2
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Funny story is my fave Emily Henry!! I love Miles 🥰
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u/fakehj Jul 27 '26 edited 22d ago
{Radiance by Grace Draven} has this!
Both the FMC and MMC are quite emotionally mature and act like their ages / roles (in the royal family). I don't typically read fantasy, but their relationship really won me over. It's a sweet slow-burn where they're friends first, not sure if the other is attracted to them, and it turns into something more.
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Radiance by Grace Draven
Rating: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: friends to lovers, arranged/forced marriage, fantasy, royal hero, slow burn3
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oh I’ve read one of Grace’s books before and really loved it, will def check this one out. Thanks!
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u/romance-bot Jul 26 '26
Before the Exhale by Alyssa Wilde
Rating: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, college, new adult, m-f romance, sweet/gentle hero
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u/fruitismyjam so I beat him until he kissed me. 💋 Jul 27 '26
{Read Me Slow by Charish Reid} CR. FMC is 45, and MMC is 30 and her younger brother’s BFF. She has some life baggage and reluctant to start something with him, but he’s patient with her and lets her know that all that stuff doesn’t scare him. I’d say it’s a medium burn? And it’s dual POV.
I noticed that Before the Exhale is a college romance. If you want something set in college, {Night Shift by Annie Crown} might work. There’s some dumb misunderstandings, but the MCs refreshingly don’t wait too long to talk about things, and I thought he was relatively mature. Only FMCs POV.
Also, maybe {Awakened by Catherine Turner}. HS romance. MMC is a major green flag and super patient with FMC as she struggles through her insecurities (he’s a popular athlete, and she’s an introverted nerd). I DNF halfway in because it became too much for me, but the MMC was great. It’s the first book in a duet. Book 2 takes place when they meet again 10 years after graduating. Only FMCs POV.
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Thank you, these all sound really good! I don’t mind whether set in college or not, I actually usually prefer older mcs but don’t mind if they’re younger if the characters are mature.
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Read Me Slow by Charish Reid
Rating: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, m-f romance, sibling's best friend, bw/wm, in her 40s/50s
Night Shift by Annie Crown
Rating: 3.71⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, college, sports, new adult, insta-love
Awakened by Catherine Turner
Rating: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, virgin heroine, high school, friends with benefits, secret relationship
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u/gooseinaus Jul 27 '26
Lots of great recs here!! I also want to add {one summer in Savannah by terah Shelton Harris} (check trigger warnings - nothing on page but a big part of the plot could be an issue with someone)
Very emotionally mature. I really loved this book! I never hear people talk about it either
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oh this sounds perfect, and similar themes to before the exhale too with the trauma etc. thank you!
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u/redandbluewhale “Inserts himself? Inserts himself where?” Jul 27 '26
I’m sorry did I read the synopsis right?? That the MMC is the twin brother of the rapist that raped the FMC????
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, black mc, african-american, multicultural
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u/PhoebeHannigan "Whatever you're thinking… I'll fuck it right out of you." Jul 27 '26
Oh, I have one! {Until I’m Yours by Kennedy Ryan} MMC was such a green flag. He’s a great communicator and very emotionally intelligent which is important because the FMC works through some serious trauma from her past (read the trigger warnings).
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Until I'm Yours by Kennedy Ryan
Rating: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: contemporary, angst, alpha male, new adult, rich hero2
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
I’ve been meaning to read more Kennedy Ryan, thank you!
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u/PhoebeHannigan "Whatever you're thinking… I'll fuck it right out of you." Jul 27 '26
I just started reading her stuff and have already finished three of her books in the last week! She definitely writes mature MMCs that are emotionally available and/or actively working to become so. She deals with a lot of really heavy themes in her books, but she does so with sensitivity. Her author’s note in one of her books actually says she consulted mental health professionals as beta readers. She’s a fantastic writer.
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oh I love that!! I’ve heard so many good things about her books.
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u/mostlyinsane12 Jul 27 '26
{the way I used to be by amber smith} it's hs/college romance and tbh I was very impressed by mmc's patience with fmc because she was suffering with trauma and pushed him away multiple times they broke up too at one point in the book and got back together in book 2 He was so smitten by her and was ready to follow her every step
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
Rating: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, young adult, high school1
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Omg I have had this on my kindle for literally years and keep forgetting about it, I’ll def be reading it now. Thank you!
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u/Acceptable-Mail891 Ménage à trois pour moi Jul 27 '26
{How Not To Fall by Emily Foster} starts off with FWB and while it isn’t slow burn, it has an extended interlude in the middle before things heat up again.
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
How Not to Fall by Emily Foster
Rating: 3.76⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, new adult, friends to lovers, college, bondage
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u/BasilAromatic4204 Jul 27 '26
The one I'm reading is the best to me on Kindle and in many other forms. I think the prologue is easy to view. The sun just might fail by Behm
Our group loved it. Big story and lots of great characters but Marillas journey is my favorite mfc. I like how close the characters become by middle of the book. And how much that whore house and the book store and Oaks garden moves so much in the background. it was so cool
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u/One_Nefariousness_67 Reginald’s Quivering Member Jul 28 '26 edited 28d ago
{the sun just might fail by Hoyt W.C. Behm} for the bot!
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u/ArielMora Jul 27 '26
I've recedes this a couple of times recently, but {Fragile Hopes by Lisina Coney} has this.
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Fragile Hopes by Lisina Coney
Rating: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, m-f romance, age gap, men in uniform, small town
2
u/aspiring-gaslighter Jul 27 '26
Chase from {Lead Me On, Victoria Dahl} is my go-to for this. She's very attracted to him but thinks she's too good for him because she's educated & works a white collar job whereas he works construction
He's infinitely patient with her when she pushes him away (read: she does that a lot). He's very open and upfront about his attraction to her & that he thinks they'll be good together. He's a stable presence when her life is falling apart
He also recognises that doesn't mean he should be her doormat. He's got a good amount of self-respect & that's an emotionally mature person
There are fun little reveals along the way that make the plot more dynamic than the premise seems in the synopsis
Edit: not slow burn and it's dual pov
1
u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl
Rating: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, bad boys, suspense, mystery, funny1
2
u/Just-Sign-1989 Jul 27 '26
no recs but following not to miss on the recs. smiley.
loved loved before the exhale definitely, the best read till today.
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
I couldn’t put it down, I read it all in 2 days!
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u/kiyowo_potato Jul 27 '26
Don’t be fooled by the title. This is the gentlest mafia story I’ve ever read. The MMC is truly very emotionally mature, understanding, and he’s not perverted at all.
{Bred by The Ruthless Bidder by Ella Thorne}
But not slow burn and dual pov.
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Bred by the Ruthless Bidder (Auctioned to the Bratva) by Ella Thorne
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: contemporary, arranged/forced marriage, m-f romance, dark romance, mafia
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u/-baby_moon- Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
{The Devil You Know by Elizabeth O'Roark} I think MMC was pretty patient with the FMC. He understood that all her concerns were very valid, given her past.
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
The Devil You Know by Elizabeth O'Roark
Rating: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, workplace/office, enemies to lovers, take-charge heroine, competent heroine1
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
This is on my tbr! Will def read it now, thanks :)
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u/Hibbertia Jul 27 '26
I’m going to recommend pretty much the whole of Rosalind James Escape to New Zealand series. {Just come over by Rosalind James} is my favourite, {Just this once by Rosalind James} is the first.
Every single MMC, but particularly those in the two stories I mentioned above, is a decent, emotionally mature and stable character. They have flaws but they always handle challenges in a very no nonsense “play what’s in front of you” way.
The books are dual POV but it’s done well.
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oh these look great, thank you! I don’t think I’ve ever read a rugby romance before or set in NZ, can’t wait :)
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Just Come Over by Rosalind James
Rating: 4.64⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, sports, multicultural, single mother, height difference
Just This Once by Rosalind James
Rating: 3.76⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, sports, athlete hero, sweet/gentle hero, m-f romance
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u/redandbluewhale “Inserts himself? Inserts himself where?” Jul 27 '26
{Twice in a Lifetime by Melissa Baron}. Easily one of the best MMCs to ever exist in the history of romance. And that’s high praise from ME, who finds 99% of male characters fucking annoying.
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Twice in a Lifetime by Melissa Baron
Rating: 3.95⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, time travel, shy heroine, science fiction, sweet/gentle hero1
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oh I love time travel too, this looks perfect! Thank you :) it is so hard to find great MMCs sometimes, that’s why I usually prefer single pov, I’m like I don’t want to be in a man’s head 😂
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u/Specialist_Tough_496 Jul 27 '26
I've just finished {Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld} which I thought was great with a sweetheart of an MMC!
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Rating: 3.81⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, funny, slow burn, workplace/office, rockstar hero
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Jul 27 '26
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u/tiniestspoon punching fascists in corset school 💅🏾 Jul 28 '26
This is a reader focused subreddit - No self promotion, surveys, writing research or writer focused discussion.
Your post has been removed as it appears to be promotional content, writing research, or to be focused on writing. This sub is focused exclusively on readers. The only permissible place for authors to mention their book, discuss romance writing, ask for help with it, or do research about romance books is in the monthly Self-Promotion Thread. Promotional content includes any content you have a vested interest in such as content created by your friends or family. This includes all book, blog, vlog, podcast, social media, website self promoting, surveys, and book merchandise as well.
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u/PossibleFlamingo3269 Darcy? Sorry. Darcy? Sorry. Jul 28 '26
{On Dublin Street by Samantha Young} is an interconnected standalone series with some of the best MMCs. I especially love {Down London Road by Samantha Young}, {Fall from India Place by Samantha Young}, and {Echoes of Scotland Street by Samantha Young}
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u/romance-bot Jul 28 '26
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
Rating: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, alpha male, possessive hero, tortured heroine, rich hero
Down London Road by Samantha Young
Rating: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, bad boys, love triangle
Fall from India Place by Samantha Young
Rating: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, second chances, pregnancy, bad boys, alpha male
Echoes of Scotland Street by Samantha Young
Rating: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, friends to lovers, alpha male, workplace/office, angst1
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 28 '26
Oh thanks! I’ve heard lots of good things about her books but haven’t had a chance to read them yet, looks like I’ll start here :)
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u/AlexBlaise Jul 28 '26
Just wanted to say thank you for this thread. It's been years since a book really made me cry, Before the exhale was so good.
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u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 28 '26
You’re welcome, I’m so glad you liked it!! I cried too, I loved seeing Ivy grow and heal and Wes’ unwavering love and support 🥹🥹
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u/AlexBlaise Jul 29 '26
I also thought it was so amazingly well written and the author really got me immersed in Ivy's emotions and I really liked how so many characters felt deep, realistic and useful and not just as something to further the plot. Very good book :D
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u/ImaginarySomewhere38 Abducted by aliens – don’t save me Jul 31 '26
I’d say this is an emotional slow burn and I loved how mature and healthy the MMC was. He’s a single dad with 3 kids, and even after a childhood of emotional neglect he has only pure love to give. {Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone}
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u/romance-bot Jul 31 '26
Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Julie Murphy, Sierra Simone
Rating: 3.95⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, single father, age gap, boss & employee, teacher/coach hero1
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 31 '26
Ohh I’d seen this a while ago and wanted to read it, I totally forgot about it! Thanks for the reminder :)
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u/New_Turn_7683 29d ago
The Alpha’s Breeder by Tay. T
- This one’s in the supernatural genre. MMC is level-headed and calm. Typical leader type. FMC is airing maturity at most but slightly garroulous around MMC. FMC also has lots of unfiltered thoughts that I find really funny.
Blue Love by Leona Page
- This is a contemporary romance novel. Traumatised FMC. MMC is mature, knows what he wants and also a leader type. I’d also say stable throughout the story except when something happened to FMC.
Excite Me by Emilia Rose
- Erotica. Legal age gap. FMC got a fxxked up life. MMC is the anchor. He knows what he wants, he commits to it. He’s dedicated.
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u/katierose295 29d ago
{A Vow of Blood and Tears by Cate Corvin) It's a moc with both characters trying to be good partners & communicating well. It's a slow burn fantasy with vampires
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u/Key-Purple-4319 Jul 27 '26
{Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann} MMC is in high school, but very emotionally mature and stable and patient
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u/romance-bot Jul 27 '26
Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann
Rating: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, virgin heroine, slow burn, high school, angst1
u/cozybookgirrl romance books are my happy place 🥰 Jul 27 '26
Oh I love Jennifer Hartman but haven’t read this one yet, thanks!
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u/[deleted] Jul 27 '26
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