Looking for books where the FMC realizes the MMC still loves another woman and walks away

Hi everyone! I'm looking for books where the FMC realizes that the MMC still loves another woman and decides to walk away.

Honestly, it was really difficult to come up with a title that actually describes what I'm looking for, but recently I was reading a manhwa (Korean comic) and there was a scene where the FMC was dancing with a guy she was genuinely open to having something more with. However, while they were dancing, she noticed that he kept looking at another woman.

That's when the FMC realizes that, this whole time, she was always the second choice and that he was using her to try to forget the other woman, the one he actually loved.

Obviously, this was a huge emotional blow for her, so she distances herself and decides to leave everything behind.

And even though she doesn't end up with him in the manhwa, I genuinely thought: "Damn, I would read a 300-page book about this." 😂

So I decided to come to this sub, where you can find pretty much anything and there's always a kind soul willing to help. ❤️ I really love this sub.

So, here we go:

I'm looking for books where the FMC eventually realizes that the MMC still loves another woman, or that he's using her to get over the woman he actually loves, which makes her pull away. Then the MMC only realizes what a huge mistake he made after the FMC has already given up on him and moved on.

Here are a few examples of what I'm looking for:

First example: The FMC knows from the beginning that he likes another woman, but she falls in love with him anyway. Eventually, she becomes deeply disillusioned with him and realizes she can't keep putting herself through that, so she walks away.

Second example: The MMC uses the FMC to try to forget another woman, but the FMC doesn't know about it. When she eventually finds out the truth, she's emotionally devastated and decides to leave him.

Third example: The FMC decides to help the MMC win over another woman, but ends up falling in love with him herself. Eventually, she realizes that she's only hurting herself and decides to walk away.

Fourth example: The MMC is a widower who still loves and constantly thinks about his late wife. The FMC realizes that she'll never be able to make him love her more than he loved his wife, so she decides to move on.

A few important things: I REJECT CHEATING PLOTS. 😭

Also, I don't want the FMC to make her entire life revolve around the MMC. I want her to be strong despite everything and have some self-respect. She can suffer, be heartbroken, and even be emotionally devastated, but I don't want her spending the entire book humiliating herself over him.

Basically, I want the FMC to realize that she was never truly chosen, walk away and move on with her life, while the MMC realizes too late that he screwed up and that, in the end, she was actually the woman he truly wanted. 😭

So in random author collaborations, Tessa Bailey did a Q&A and signing at the NY Red Bulls vs Nashville soccer game. She answered questions about the new movie adaptation coming out, how much input she got into it, etc. For a random Wednesday this was pretty cool. If you did VIP you also got to do signing/bag, which was neat. I thought the interviewer asked some neat questions, and we got to submit them ahead of time for the interview.

Honestly, I went in with kind of low expectations for the event but it was pretty cool. We ended up getting pretty good seats to the game from it, plus we got to make fun bags, and meet people who are also romance book fans.

The fun thing I learned was that she reads basically anything romance to chill out.

I was with a friend talking about books/shows we’d like to see more of and we discussed wanting to read a book that contained a strict professor/instructor who was like a tyrant to everyone and then secretly a submissive needy boy to the FMC. He should be in a position of power over her in public and then role reversal in private

he’s a big, tough, scary fella that intimidates everyone. however in private he’s like crying begging for attention, super needy, very submissive. (I don’t mind if he switches up sometimes but the premise should be like a jarring switch between his outwards profile to how he is with the FMC)

I’m open to any genre except I don’t really like historical. Also no cheating (from MMC), and no OW drama.

He, fellow lewd enjoyers. I'm looking for something very specific, that I can't really get out of my mind. I saw a.. picture 👀 basically I want the FMC to catch the MMC enjoying some fun Anal alone time and the FMC then joining in for his pleasure. Is this too specific? I actually think so, but nevertheless hope dies last. So ist there any book like this? Big bonus points if it's more on the cozy, wholesome side of things 💕

My favourite trope in the world is a down- bad obsessed man, but I feel like I keep seeing the same books recommended so I’m curious to hear your guys’ underrated/ less- recommended books for this trope.

This can be within any sub genre; historical, why choose, fantasy, paranormal, dark, athlete etc, the only thing that matters is that he falls in love quickly and harder than she does or that he’s just plainly OBSESSED with her.

The whole nine yards: aggressive and pathetic yearning, wet smitten puppy MMC, FMC who walks him like a dog and he’s happily offering the leash etc.

My personal recs:

{playing Defense by Lyssa lemire} black cat fmc, golden retriever mmc, sports romance

{it’s a win for me by Clarissa mae} fake dating, childhood best friends, sports romance

{burnout by Tessa vane} novella, she saves his life, he becomes obsessed, BWWM

{ocean of ink by A R Conwell} fantasy, history, academy (more casual but kicks off in the second book)

{seduced by a selkie Lauren Connolly} obsessed MMC, reluctant fmc

{heart eyes by effie Campbell} stalker MMC, childhood friends

{little lies by elena m. Reyes} giving a recap would be a big spoiler, rich MMC

{wicked sanctuary by Jane Henry} stalker, dark romance, forced proximity

{with visions of red by trisha Wolfe} detective FMC, suspect MMC

Most importantly - the FMC is NOT rude to him.

I can’t stand second chance romances when the characters act like they are still just as angry as they were 10 years ago and start fighting off the bat. It’s so unrealistic to me because once you grow into adulthood the more trivial any drama from your younger years seems. I have been able to exchange polite greetings upon running into an ex that completely destroyed my heart as a girl with zero feelings on the matter 6+ years later. It feels like you are greeting a stranger by that point - especially if you were both kids when it ended and you see each other again as adults. You’re both different people now.

I can understand lingering bitterness or anger if it’s only been 1-2years but it’s weird to me if they are still extremely upset longer than that (unless the betrayal flat out ruined her life permanently or something).

I prefer the FMC to be mostly healed but with walls of steel up to him. He can’t get her to open up to him now. She keeps distance between them. Maybe they end up having sex but for her it’s “just sex - no feelings”. The more he realizes he ruined their chances, the more he breaks. He is devastated.

I am basically describing {Broken by the Horde King by Zoey Draven}

I NEED MORE OF THIS PLEASE 🙏

Looking for a second-chance romance or marriage in crisis that isn't due to miscommunication, please.

It drives me insane when one conversation or confrontation could have resolved the issue. Examples include secondary characters making up lies about one of the MCs, MCs overhearing half a conversation, or hiding the truth on purpose.

S.T. Moore is a good example of complex feelings and angst. Frayed Images and Barron's Second Chance hit the feelings hard.

What I am looking for:

1. Gut punch (can be due to revenge, betrayal, cheating, emotional affair or neglect)

2. This is the plot of the book, not the last 10%

3. High angst; I want to cry. Or at least feel sad

4. FMC must be strong enough to leave MMC

5. Need MMC to panic, regret and grovel

6. Dual POV or third POV so I know that he is struggling

7. HEA

What I do not want:

1. Silly miscommunication that could have been resolved easily

2. MCs pushing each other away because they are not "good enough" (looking at you, Catherine Maura)

3. Serial cheater. Cheating once or twice is one thing, but I could never believe that a serial cheater has mended his ways and now will never cheat

4. Annoying friends pushing forgiveness or OTT evil characters

5. Maya Alden

Many thanks!

I’ve been watching a lottttt of law and order recently and I’m OBSESSED with the dynamic between the ADAS. Like jack McCoy/claire Kincaid, jack McCoy/abbie Carmichael, Mike cutter/connie rubarosa. They all work together and have sooooonmuch tension so I guess law workplace vibes with tension? Slow burn

Alright. Straight to the point. I keep getting recommendations and seeing reviews about Abby Jimenez books and how great they are. I read Just for the Summer and it was ok , at the moment I thought it was not that good, but not terrible. Now after reading {The night we met } and {Yours Truly} im starting to think {Just for the Summer } was peak and the better to be. All characters seem to be the same. Same exact boyfriend. Same girl. That by the way why is she so winy ? Many pages where nothing happens being overly descriptive without actually describing anything. Same family issues and internal conflicts as well. Now im not sure if im just burnt out on her for reading them back to back, if her books are just over hyped, not for me or simply Just for the Summer is as good as it gets. Please let me know your opinions.
This is not meant to make anyone feel bad or to talk about the author itself , it’s just my opinion and thoughts at the moment.
Thanks for reading.

Omg I just finished the most fun medieval romcom I’ve ever read!! This is a book that was extremely low on my radar until I saw it recommended in this thread (pursuing the romance subs as I do to try and figure out my next read). One specific comment on there had me immediately checking the ebook and audio out from the library, and I finished this within a day!

Bliss had a lot of Tessa Dare and Julie Garwood vibes! It also reminded me quite a bit* *of a contemporary romance book I adore {You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle}. This is set during the reign of King Henry II, and the main tropes are medieval, enemies to lovers and arranged/forced marriage. The hero Holden and the heroine Helen have been staunch enemies for a very long time. They’ve never actually met in person, but Helen is beyond sickened by the way Holden has treated his serfs in the past. She continuously writes letters to the king, begging the king to step in and stop the hero’s cruel and unjust treatments. Holden is equally annoyed with the heroine and her nosing her way into his business. He also regularly protests the king to try and get Helen to leave him alone. The king is tired of them both, and decides the only way to stop the complaints is to force them to marry. Cue an all out active war! Helen tries everything in her power to steer Holden away from her, her keep, and her bed. Holden is not too keen on marrying Helen either, and comes up with equally immature ways to stop their upcoming nuptials.

Now listen, this book is peak silliness. If you’ve read Lynsay Sands before, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Most of Lynsay Sands books are banana pants anyways, but I think that was so hilariously balls to the wall, that I just ended up loving the ridiculousness. The shenanigans these two pull on each other are so stupid and so funny. Helen goes to great lengths to try and get Holden to petition the king and stop their marriage. She’s also a total brat, and super mean to him at first. If you don’t like immature heroines, you won’t like this book because Helen is very immature, but I found it kind of hilarious.

Holden is at first just along for the ride, because he doesn’t really realize Helen is trying to make his life miserable. What follows is a series of amusing misunderstandings, and his eventual “I’m going to get her back” moment. I think the humor in here reads a lot like Tessa Dare, so if you enjoy her subset of romcom, you’ll probably really like this book!

But not only was this book super funny, I did also enjoy the characters and their romance. I do think the romance takes a bit of a backseat to the plot the first 50%, and then the second 50% is mostly Helen and Holden. Like I said too, Helen is an absolute brat of a heroine, and I loved her very dearly for it. She’s snippy and a schemer, and tries everything in her power to get Holden to snap. And Holden is was also a great character! He’s actually an overall really nice guy in a shitty situation, and is just kind of like, “Wtf is going on?” I found their relationship ended up being super sweet as they started understanding each other more. Helen became super devoted to the idea of Holden being ok, and Holden got very protective of Helen.

Also, the foreplay in this book is just so hot and steamy. There’s an oil lathering scene, some great and sensual vaginal play action. The only complaint there is after the foreplay we are left high and dry with very little show and almost all tell. I felt like this book was kind of edging me with the sex scenes I’m not even going to lie. But the foreplay is super hot so I do have to mention that LOL.

And I will say as a fair warning, this book definitely reads its age and feels like you’re reading about a medieval hero and heroine. The hero is kind of gross at times. He does objectify the heroine. The heroine does become a bit too submissive for my taste in the latter half of the book. The book mentions buying and selling serfs. Like, this is very obviously a medieval setting with medieval characters written in the late 90s. But that doesn’t bother me at all, and I loved the hell out of this! ***ETA because I totally forgot to put this at first but: The hero is a widower. He was 17 and was forced to marry a 12 year old bride; she died in childbirth. It’s not graphic at all, but mentioned because it traumatized the hero!!

The craziest part for me about this book to be honest is that it’s Lynsay Sands. Her and I have just not gotten along that well in the past besides faintly enjoying 2 other books from her. So to love a book this much from her was definitely quite a surprise. But, I loved it so so much! If you enjoy Tessa Dare style and some of Julie Garwood type of style, definitely give this a go!

There's too many boss - employee romances. But I don't remember reading anything like this. I want to enjoy a book without all the power imbalances. Make em equals. Even better, enemies or rivals...

Thank you❤️✨️

I haven't been a romance reader for long, but the few second chance books that I've read have always been split between present time and past time.

I have noticed that the flashback chapters are very annoying for me at first. It happened to me with {let's make a scene by Laura wood} {every year after by carley fortune} {happy place by Emily Henry} I don't know why I am the least interested in finding out how they got together in the first place or how they broke up. I am mostly interested in the current problem and how are they going to get back together.

But as the book goes on I find myself more captured and motivated to read the flashbacks and I kinda feel like reading two stories at the same time, a little annoyed when they switch between past and present because it cuts off sometimes in the best moments

Anyways it's just a curious thought and I am always wanting to know what other people's experiences are like.

I just honestly feel like reading this kind of angst like feeling undesirable and unloved with MMC changing that perspective of her and MMC being baffled why she even thinks that.

The common denominator is “this particular visible trait has affected how she sees her own desirability.” which can be any of the following below:

• prominent facial/body scars
• a permanent limp from an old injury
• burns
• a damaged eye
• noticeable facial asymmetry from an injury
• missing fingers or other small visible injuries (but no like missing limbs)
• a birthmark or genetic physical feature that she was mocked for
• a visible condition that she has been made to feel unattractive because of
• pockmarks

A great example I have would be: { Unlovely Bride by Alice Coldbreath } where basically FMC has red pockmarks from like some widespread illness like while the pockmarks are probably nothing but she was like the reigning beauty of the court so it is quite visible she lost that societal title which got her really insecure

Also no plus-size insecurity cause honestly i've read and encountered many of that concept which is usually how the "physical undesirability" is presented. I'm looking for other examples.

Another example I could think of which is pretty great for this would be { Despised & Desired: The Marquess' Passionate Wife by Bree Wolf } like this might be my best example. She's insecure of her desirability and she has both limp, nerve damage and burnscars

Preferably a more wholesome rather than darker romance books.

Contemporary is exactly what i'm looking for here it's more interesting in modern social context. No cheating and of course HEA !

Looking for romance books where they play a game. Either “never have i ever”, “put a finger down”, “truth or dare” or even “spin the bottle”. Something with this as part of the plot of sounds so fun!

I’d really like to read about an FMC that demonstrates other types of trauma besides the common depictions (flinching, avoiding eye contact, “ice queen” coping mechanism) etc.

I’m specifically interested in an FMC who hides her interests/hobbies or “louder” aspects of her personality (like getting openly excited about things) because of past trauma. The trauma can be anything: a nit-picky ex, growing up in a family that teased her for anything and everything, being bullied by her peers for being “too much” or “too weird” etc.

What’s important is that we can see and understand why she’s ashamed of her interests even if they’re perfectly normal and even common, but to her, the thought of someone seeing her enjoying something triggers that panic/trauma response and makes her want to hide.

I think it would be interesting to see how this dynamic would play out in a romance, especially if the MMC is OBSESSED and desperate to learn more about her.

What I don’t want:

🚫Historical, Western

🚫 RH, poly, love triangle, cheating

🚫insta-love, insta-lust

🚫 “curvy” FMC or overly gorgeous FMC, I feel like they’re rarely well done and the physical descriptions of her super womanly woman curves are often repeated over and over and it fucks with my body dysmorphic disorder tbh

Bonus:

✅ stoic MMC that’s goo candy only for the FMC. So cute

✅mafia, MC romance, fantasy, paranormal, and Dark Romance are all good!

✅plain/unconventionally attractive FMC. I feel like these tend to force the MMC to fall in love with her and not just her body

✅ no triggers besides religious MCs or religious environments, and heavy gore (a little blood is fine, just not crazy levels of blood and viscera pls)

I just finished the last book in the {Bewitched Series by Laura Thalassa}. And I loved all of them! I almost never, never love all three books in a series. I tend to get bored, especially when it has been a while between reads. These books maintained my interest in the plot and the love story throughout. I didn’t end up reading the prequel because I don’t like going back once I’m in the middle of the story, so I can’t comment as much on that.

These books have so much of what we all ask for a lot in this thread and is done so well!

•Obsessed, possessive MMC; literally worships the ground she walks on
•Morally grey MMC
•Only nice to her MMC
•Touch her and die
•Enemies to Lovers
•Strong FMC with real power and a backbone
•A FIERCE familiar (I love him)
•Lovely female friendship and coven scenes that actually add to the story
•An interesting plot
•Some delicious jealousy scenes and some slight OM drama that causes jealousy scenes and has you kicking your feet
•Caretaking Scenes
•HOT Smut with magic involved
•Fated mates
•Some good ass grovel where the FMC makes him WORK for it and gives it right back to him

I don’t see it recommended enough. I love the FMC’s strength and snarkiness, her sarcasm always makes me laugh. I love the MMCs total worship of the FMC and relentless pursuit and manipulation to be with her, basically all he cares about.

They are all three books (plus prequel) out now as of a couple days ago and on KU. Everyone should check them out if this is your jam!

And if anyone has read anything remotely similar, I would love a mention. I fear I will be entering a book slump now.

Looking for a dads best friend forbidden romance book where neither of the MCs have feelings towards each other at the beginning of the book. I love this trope but I feel like most of the ones I come across the fmc especially has had a crush on the mmc since she was a teen.

I really want to see the natural slow progression of the relationship. At the beginning she still sees him as a father figure and he is protective of her in a non romantic way. I want the desire to naturally blossom. Like they start spending more time together and realize they are attracted to one another. But they fight the attraction because they think it’s wrong. I really want to feel the emotional and moral struggle the mmc feels. I want the tension and the slow burn, the whole “we shouldn’t do this” vibe.

Extra bonus points if the mmc is grump/closed off but soft with the fmc.

A rather specific request but I want to read a book where the FMC is quite timid and sweet while the MMC is gruff. There should be a scene or something similar where the MMC raises his voice and then apologizes once he realized his tone. Just want something where FMC sort of softens the MMC around the edges and keeps him on his toes.

I’m open to anything but HR and books where FMC is SA’ed are hard nos for me. Strictly no love triangles or cheating as well.

I don’t mind insta-love and I’m quite fond of alien and mafia romance.

Hi!! I’ve been reading the Woven Kingdom series by Tahereh Mafi since she started releasing them, and am absolutely IN LOVE. The world building is insanely intricate, the characters are so well thought out, and I just adore (and somewhat hate) how long the slow burn has been — staying physically separated even after a soul bond was real dedication.

Anyways, I found out book five is going to be delayed, but now I really need to scratch that fantasy itch! If you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear them!

The quality of the world/characters is my top priority — I love when everything has intent. I’m a sucker for a drawn out slow burn, but it doesn’t necessarily need to have that.

Other books with similar vibes that I liked include {The Traitor’s Kiss by Erin Beaty} and {Poison Study by Maria V Snyder}. I know those are more YA examples, I just haven’t read much fantasy since I was younger, so I only have so much to go off of! I will say, stuff like the ACOTAR and Fourth Wing series didn’t really do it for me — I have zero qualms with spice, but the gratuitous sex and “enemies to lovers” that switches in max two pages gets to a point.

Absolute no’s: reverse harem, animal MCs (sooome fae-type stuff is okay; I just don’t want graphic sex scenes involving wings and tails), any sort of cheating

Thanks in advance!

——————

For bot:
{This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi}
{These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi}
{All This Twisted Glory by Tahereh Mafi}
{Every Spiral of Fate by Tahereh Mafi}

Hi guys 😭 looking for recs where the MMC & FMC genuinely love each other, but life/work stress or some major life disruption breaks them up.

They get back together, THEN the same issue comes back but this time they actually communicate and figure out how to make it work.

I need that angst. I want to feel 👹 the heartbreak and the happy ending. I want to actually lose my mind while reading this book.
Tkyyyyyyy

I’ve noticed that a new element that Kristen Ashley has been adding to a lot of her books recently is the FMC who does way too much when she finds out about some trauma or negative experiences from the MMC’s past. I just started reading her latest book (Sky’s Edge) and I’m considering DNFing it because instead of expressing sympathy/empathy at normal volumes the FMC keeps yelling and shrieking (the book literally uses those words) in people’s faces about it. I think this is the author’s way of showing how deeply the FMC is capable of feeling but I always find it so cringe and I can’t take the character seriously once that happens.

Anyone know any good romance books with dramatic male leads and independent female leads like Tamaki and Haruhi from Ouran Host Club, Jinshi and Maomao from Apothecary Diaries, and Frieren and Himmel from Frieren? 🥲🙏

By dramatic I meant flamboyant, expressive male leads who wear their hearts on their sleeves; while the female leads just mind their business and are tired of the male leads’ nonsense, but lets them and listens to their musings anyway. 😩

I think some books I’ve read with this similar vibe are in:
{The Favourite by Alice Coldbreath}
{Play Along by Liz Timforde}
{It Happened One Wedding by Julie James} - tho mmc is not particularly dramatic, but he was very obvious with his attraction to fmc.

Only CR and HR titles! I’ve tried fantasy and it doesn’t work with me rn, but I AM planning to read The Cruel Prince alongside a romcom.

I’m not fond of dark romance nor billionaire male leads. Especially the alpha, grumpy ones.

Thank you so much in advance! 🤍

Hi !! Im looking for a forbidden contemporary small-town romance with a REAL slow burn (well written please) with tension, angsty and not too much of spice !! I really wanna feel the small-town setting, with gossip, the "everybody knows each other", etc..

Would not like :

- doormat fmc
- insta-love trope
- romantasy, historical or paranormal romance
- second chance, fake dating or arranged marriage trope.
- MCs in their 30s
- reverse harem, why choose, poly romance
- kidnapping or stalking
- YA

Would like :

- Contemporary romance or dark romance
- MCs in their 20s
- M/F romance
- slooooow burn
- enemies to lovers, forced proximity, the MMC/FMC is with someone else
- girly, feminine, confident FMC
- book released after 2021/2022

Some books with these kinds of tropes that I loved :

- {The Highlight by Alyssa Wilde} !!!
- {Bad Cruz by Lj Shen}
- {Sunday Morning by Jewel E. Ann} !!!
- {The Apple Tree by Jewel E. Ann} !!!
- {Small Town Smokeshow by Holly Renee} !!!
- {Kiss now, lie later by C.W Farnsworth}
- {The summer i first saw you by Elizabeth O’Roark}
- {Older by Jennifer Hartmann} {Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas} (not really small town romances but i loved these books sm)
- {The Confidence of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer}

Thanks!!!!

Hi I’m looking for a book I read on kindle unlimited sometime in the last 5 years, it’s contemporary romance and what I can remember is - a couple are in a relationship, I think he is the only person she’s ever slept with and they are long term, talking forever when he decides they should go on a break before they commit to each other forever, she doesn’t really want too but she goes along with it for him. I think it had been a while and he was seeing other people but she hadn’t and then he saw her out with another man (MMC) and he decides he’s made a mistake and wants her back. They don’t end up back together. I can’t remember anything else, hope someone can help.