TO WRITERS, FROM READERS: MORE PLEASE ✅ romance edition

TO WRITERS, FROM READERS: MORE PLEASE ✅ romance edition
From Readers playlist: • From Readers
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[@Lis_94]

" Non-sexual intimacy is actually something that can make me so feral" is the title of a collection of fanfiction that encompasses perfectly my need for sweetness in a romance book.

[@hbookreviews]

Agreed. I get over satiated with novels w/ too many intimate scenes. And getting physical is the only way the chars show their love then it makes me question if it's truly love

[@banaa9463]

"Are they dehydrated? It's so hard for abs to show" 🤣🤣🤣 this is the best commentary

[@LarkandLegend]

“Are you dehydrated?” 🤣 Also the fantasy focus being on sharp features does have me like “is it the Shrike? Are they crushing on the Shrike from Hyperion?”

[@nicoleneedschocolate]

YES. A THOUSAND TIMES YES, to your comment about how the sweet makes the spicy actually mean something. I don’t mind a bit of spice in books, but when there’s no relationship to support it AND it is much more the focus than the love between the people, I feel like the story is operating under a very sad, self imposed handicap. Limiting the potential of a romance to just the spicy stuff leads to the problems we’re seeing in romantasy nowadays: MMC/FMCs who are interchangeable with each other.

[@PurpleKya]

I feel this 100%. I read a book from the 70s called "Morning Glory" by LaVyrle Spencer and oh my gosh, the relationship I'm that was the sweetest, most tender hearted thing so when the spice came I didn't feel the need to skip out or irritation the way I've gotten used to doing with most romance books.

[@rainyjreads]

Give me a married couple on an epic fantasy adventure. Classic arguments, solving puzzles, etc. that deepen their relationship. But with strong fantastical adventure.

[@saramm3765]

JL Vampa's Stolen Magick is a heist story with a divorced couple/second chance romance with baggage thrown back into a job together.

[@strawberrylime33]

​@saramm3765 I've never heard of this series but I am intrigued! I've learned that popular books are not always my favorites.

[@DisplacedUnderDog]

I would LOVE TO READ a book about an already married couple going on an adventure!! That would be so amazing!!! The Ma and Pa Kettle arguments/squabbles, the sweet, "That's my wife!" Or "that one, over there... *Soft sigh and total feminine doe eyes for a moment* that's my husband..... *Stares for a moment longer, watching him wrestle a ruffian before going back to kick butt mode* NOW C'MERE!! WE HAVE TO HAVE A LITTLE.... CHAT..... *twirls a karambit knife into attack mode*" after an argument about directions and a map that distracts them from the bandits approaching. YUS!!

[@hbookreviews]

I am actually planning to write such a married couple. It's def very challenging to write such chemistry and tension for an existing couple that's why there aren't many out there. But I am going to do it!!!

[@brooklynkelsey703]

I agree! My wedding day was the happiest day of my life, but it was quickly outranked by days spent being married. I feel like my life began, not ended, when I got married. People told me marriage was the end of your life, you'd be locked into this restrictive relationship and never be able to do anything. But it's so empowering to go thru life as partners supporting each other. I'd love to see this more in books. The happy ending where they all get married is nice, but there's so much story that comes after that.

[@katalinilles5497]

What I’d like to see more is the actual beginning of the relationship. Quite often, the two characters are (slowly) falling in love, flirting, being angsty about the reciprocity of their feelings, then they get together at the end of the story and we never see how they managed the actual relationship. or sometimes in series, there is a time jump and then they’re already married the next time we see them. please, i want to see the happy new couple 😅

[@BellydancerMaliha]

Yes, yes, yes! Married couple making it work, sweet moments, older characters, a wide range of body types, all of the above! I want to see all of these things in books!!!

[@NezziieFF]

This is why I love Outlander, I love following the couple beyond their youth, navigating life ❤ (warning: the books include heavy topics and a lot of trigger warnings but to me the hard stuff is worth it because I love reading their love story)

[@sapphiresquire]

One of my favorite little things that shows affection is preparing a bowl of fruit - cutting up strawberries, apples, peeling an orange, taking grapes off the stem and checking for gnarly ones, etc. It's one of the things I do for my family a lot, and it's turned out to be a thing I want to include in my stories. It's great for family/friends/romantic partners and I'm here for it.

[@gracie9658]

Series with a slow-burn romance : The Mirror Visitor by Christelle Dabos. It's a 4 books series, the tension is crazy. I have never since read books with a comparable romance. The way their scenes are written makes me lose my mind every time. I also genuinely love the story, it has ghibli vibes and the worldbuilding is so good. Edit : oh and there is no spice, it's closed doors, I know those a rare these days.

[@dominikakalkowska8753]

I know it's not fantasy,, it's Sci-Fi, but Holden and Naomi in The Expanse series. Their relationship starts in the first book and continues through the series all tha way to the 30 years in the future, through good and the struggles.

[@annmoore321]

“Are you dehydrated?” 😂🤣😂🤣

[@MsWillowbayOrelse]

A super slow burn is The Others Series by Anne Bishop. It takes several books before they even really kiss. Also if you want a book series that shows a couple falling in love and also older in love. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. They are in their 20s at the start and so far I believe they are in their late 50s early 60s.

[@grilled_platypus]

About female characters. I‘d love to see more (willingly) childless female characters. Those who don’t hate children, maybe even take on a mentor role or smth, but don’t suddenly get pregnant at the end or straight out hate kids. I’d really like to see the cool aunt as the protagonist for once. Same thing goes for relationships. She doesn’t hate the idea of being in a relationship, but just didn’t find a partner yet. It would also be cool to see a character who broke up with their ex for the better (with a good old conversation about it) and the ex isn’t a villain/evil person. Maybe they’re even friends and hype each other up. I don’t see that often in books, especially with female protagonists.

[@jaginaiaelectrizs6341]

YES!!!😊🥰🥰💖

[@llamaloop]

Yes to more writing about couples after they get together and are happy in their relationship while facing external challenges. Mary Robinette Kowal is really good at writing happy married couples in both fantasy (the Glamourist Histories series) and scifi (Lady Astronaut Universe) and it's something I've always really enjoyed about her books.

[@thequeerfantastic]

I immediately thought of her too!

[@cinalaffoon6617]

I just read Paladin's Grace and really enjoyed their relationship. As far as slow burn, I liked The Davabad Trilogy by S.A Chakraborty, although it's more YA. A Tale of Stars and Shadow series by Lisa Cassidy was done really well, and I appreciate that they're adults with previous relationships. In a series I appreciate multiple relationships that show some growth, like in Throne of Glass, I think SJM did a good job. The depth of the FMC's relationships grows as she does, there's emotional conflict, m/f friendships. Aside from the fated mates "I've waited 500 years for you" that I can do without, I appreciate that it isn't an instant single love interest and the relationships grow over time.

[@andreawatts5224]

Nalini Singh's "Guild Hunter" series is several books long with one main couple and several others that get their own books within the series. It deals with vampires, humans, and angels so there's a ton of mixed couples and the cast is extremely diverse race wise. Probably one of my favorite series of books and while there is spice it all matters

[@lisaraeroman3736]

Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series is a slow burn that develops into the couple dealing with external issues together. Urban fantasy/sci-fi dystopian with magic and monsters. So good!

[@ridingwilding760]

Yes! One of my Favorite!!

[@FloridasYesteryear]

If you like slow burn I recommend The Others series by Anne Bishop. The first book is called Written in Red. It's interspecies romance but not arranged marriage or fated mates. But I love how Bishop handles the relationship.

[@maeve_ever_manga]

Grace Draven’s Radiance is SOOOO good!! It’s an all time favorite!

[@helena1786]

Absolutely!!!! My all time favorite book and so underrsted ....

[@maeve_ever_manga]

@@helena1786 Agreed!! It’s definitely in my top 3 romance books.

[@JiniaParkerMeanwhileinflorida]

Yes, a yearly reread for me!

[@cherylclough4309]

Love Grace Draven.

[@maeve_ever_manga]

@@cherylclough4309 I really need to read more of her books.

[@excellent.side.characters]

I definitely agree about wanting to see more happily married couples. The only examples I can think of on the spot are Zack Argyle's Threadlight series and The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft. I've just ordered the latter after seeing the review on Allen's channel in which he describes the husband as a former pro wrestler who "hates being lonely and really likes cooking". And who investigates strange cases and fights monsters with his wife I guess.

[@gabriellewade2724]

The Kate daniels series is a bit of a slow burn! (it's completed too!), Kate and Curran take a few books to get together. As well as Faith Hunters's, Jane Yellowrock and her Soulwood series 😊 (Yellowrock is completed)

[@sillygo0oser]

Emily Wilde seems to be a slow burn (secondary) romance I say secondary because the romance is not a primary focus. They’re into eachother but my girl has priorities

[@alisagorelick8116]

I am an aspiring romantasy writer and I really, really appreciate this insight from everyone. Thanks for making this video!

[@victoriapage4842]

'The Central Corps' series by Elizabeth Bonesteel is THE BEST sci fi romance I've ever read. The main romance is super slow burn too - three books in the series and every one better than the last!! Our MMC (won't spoil by pointing out who it is) is so realistically flawed and human too. Storyline great as well. Definitely worth a read!!!

[@Edidin]

For slow burns I highly recommend "Kate Daniels" series by Ilona Andrews. It's not a romance series, but urban fantasy. There's an element of found family for a lone-wolf type of heroine and the love plot is secondary to whatever happens in the book, but because of that when they do get together it's so amazing. Each book has it's own story (and the stakes are so high!), but there's also an arc spanning the entire 10-book series. I can't begin to explain how much I love Kate, Curran and the whole world. But TW for gore and violence.

[@MrFern5]

The only slow burn I know is Percy/Annabeth although I’m pretty sure that’s a fairly well known one if it’s considered slow burn at all

[@docstockandbarrel]

Part of fantasy is that it's often around adventuring and fighting which to do well does take certain physicality

[@ridingwilding760]

I also like humor. Kate Daniel’s series also has humor and witty banter. I think it gives the story depth.

[@tj3603]

Expanse series have pretty great romance subplot, and it have many of those healthy and cute moments you talked about.

[@charoi9659]

I'd really like to recommend "The House Witch" for cinnamon roll love interests ...honestly, not only the main couple's slow burn romance is amazing but all the cast is just ... plz read it, it's great. :) EDIT1: and also, because I wrote this comment halfway through the video: lot's of outside tension, great female friendships and strong characters (male, female, doesn't matter) aaand all kinds of different relationships from platonic to romantic to family ... I'm not doing a good job of selling this but it's just such a lovely adventure. EDIT 2: did i mention the two older characters falling in love as well? :D

[@jjgarrett8225]

Yesss I love a good long slow burn romance and sweet moments. One series I love right now that has had a very slow burn is surprisingly a middle grade series “Keeper of the Lost cities” It’s so adorable the growth from kids to teens to young adults and slowly falling in love.

[@saramm3765]

This is one of my teens fav series. All her friends read each new book as they come out and discuss together. So cute.

[@Thatdumbgremlin]

I was JUST about to rec Keeper for this exact thing. 😁

[@meganp6684]

A Strange and Stubborn Endurance has such a sweet, slow burn romance. 🥰

[@bect9439]

I also love how when there are miscommunications/issues with overthinking in these books, it feels really organic. It's in line with natural fears a real person would have rather than super forced, over the top drama. It was so refreshing to read a story where both main characters are kind, thoughtful, and willing to put in the work.

[@jlmatthews2628]

Series recommendation that ticks almost all of these boxes and is just.so.good. The romance yes, but also the whole story. I give you The Books of Imirillia by Beth Brower. She’s self published so off the radar but everything this author writes is magic. But this series…every time I open the pages my heart is right up against my chest for the intensity and authenticity of emotions, for the realistic relationship build for the struggles faced and complex choices. Equally strong, equally flawed male and female characters. I’m very reluctant to give recommendations of the books I’ve discovered that have found a home in me but I’m going to throw these out into the world because they are also just too good to keep to myself and this author deserves all of the support!

[@mikouf9691]

Slow burn: Blackthorne and Grim series by Juliet Marillier. It's a trilogy of Celtic-inspired fantasy with a mystery component and a super slow burn. The relationship is definitely more background and takes all 3 books for the traumatized characters to be ready for each other.

[@holly1749]

Another vote here for Kate Daniels series! Definitely has the element of couple against the big bad world ending threat.

[@DragonHeart29]

I've been reading this historical fiction/cozy mystery series where the couple meet and fall in love in the 1st book, then you follow their adventures in the rest of the series while they're married, then they have a son... This concept is so refreshing that I can't help going back and continuing even if I didn't like a particular volume. A happy healthy marriage while trying to raise a child and keep up with their career.. I'm a sucker for that. The series is called "Amelia Peabody". It's said to have inspired the Mummy movies.

[@snackymcsnackycakes6556]

I just finished a dark academia fantasy with a slow burn, Curious Tides by Pascal Lacelle! One character thinks about the other and isn't sure, also has another love interest. The other character is definitely crushing on the first, but there's a third who is crushing on the second! And all of this is happening amidst a backdrop of mysterious death, secret societies, really fun worldbuilding, magic tied to the moon and tides, and trying to save a loved one from death. I took my time reading it, really enjoyed!

[@maeve_ever_manga]

I always prefer sweet to the spice.

[@peterfinlay1432]

Love this series, I've been watching your channel for years now and you've inspired me to write my own fantasy novel. I've just finished the first draft and am currently working on my own illustrations for it.

[@Desmond9100]

What kind of names do you have for your characters? May I suggest Arnthor. Its my own name because I am cheeky like that.

[@jennayoung7722]

S.L. Viehl is a good author to check out for sci-fi with romance. The Stardoc series has some slow burn and the others are definitely different from what I remember. A some fantasy romances I love are Dragon Prince by Melanie Rawn, Symphony of Ages series by Elizabeth Hayden, and Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce. All have great relationships where the characters learn to respect each other and you can tell why they are in love. I enjoy a slow-burn, mutual respect, still-in-love-after-marriage love story. Thanks for making this video! ☺️

[@woodlandlady7011]

I thoroughly enjoyed your take on the romance in fantasy, along with readers opinions. We definitely need the romance and friendship aspect of relationships within the stories as apposed to just all the lust.

[@Emilywilson10222]

The witchlands series is the BEST for relationships of all kinds. The best friendships, siblings, slowest burn ever romantically for pretty much all the couples. Romantic relationships are sprinkled through out but is by no means the focus

[@verosnotebook]

Grace Draven is great - Radiance does do the arranged marriage perfectly. Also, gay romance well done, Strange & Stubborn Endurance is pretty good (need to read sequel) - in contemp romance, I recommend Infamous by Jenny Holiday. Small acts do make all the difference in couples 😊

[@nicoleneedschocolate]

Radiance had no right to set the bar so unachievably (is that a word, idc) high. It’s ruined a lot of romantasy for me 😂

[@shauntelrandall4882]

As a writer, I love these type of videos

[@LisaMarieFord]

Independently published authors provide so much more of these things than traditionally published and I highly recommend checking them out. Kindle Unlimited is how I’ve found so many great writers and books. Traditional publishing has it’s awesomeness but it has always, always had its limits. Authors only get published if they get the connections to do so. The writing quality and story are not the key there, sadly, it’s usually been who one knows or who gets the book on their desk. And there is only so much published and promoted every year. Whereas with self-publishing there is A LOT more variety and diversity. Granted there’s a lot that is poor and unfortunately other negatives like AI, but there are some truly fantastic writers and stories out there.

[@ViannaArenas]

Have you read Jess K Hardy? She has "older" characters (40s) and the stories hit a lot of these wants.

[@Artemis.97]

I'll throw in my support for Josiah Bancroft's The Hexologists. First in a series about a married couple who solves paranormal mysteries in a city sort of like London or New York in the 20s. Refreshing to see that time period get some love too. Is and War really love each other and use one another's strengths and weaknesses. The language in the book is top notch too. Very clever, witty writing, that had me occasionally reaching for a dictionary! Another well written married couple that you see grow together over the course of the series are Sam Vimes and his wife Sybil from Discworld. They're not in every book, but the Watch books of course feature Commander Vimes, and Sybil's there to support him. Really lovely. Lastly, I picked up Bride by Ali Hazelwood at Elle's recommendation (I think it was in a new releases video) and I loved it. It was steamy, but that built up. And though it's a Vampire/Werewolf thing, they didn't start hating each other, really. Just.. distrust, because of cultural differences and stereotypes. I really enjoyed it, even if some of the sex got a little strange at the end because werewolves? But it was all loving and consensual, so all good on that front.

[@zeynepzee]

I really enjoyed this video and the "loud squealing" hahah ❤️❤️

[@Steph_Drake]

For a Sci-Fi/Sci-Fantasy romance series I recommend T.A. White's The Firebird Chronicles. The first book in the series is 'Rules of Redemption'. Again highly recommend!

[@Anya-lh8dt]

This has to be one of my favorite series! I absolutely love listening to these and enjoying the debate, wether I agree or not (I usually agree)

[@hannahdemopoulos]

exactly whYYY are all male love interests brooding, tanned, 6 ft 5, chiselled but bulgy, dark-haired with a curvy mouth and darkening eyes??? all I see in these characters is theo james

[@giants8585]

If we are reading adult fantasy then I think it’s not too much to ask to have adult relationships. And by that we don’t need extra spicy scenes. Mature ppl. There can be a love scene but nothing so gratuitous.

[@ashleyhart9445]

Would love you to make a video on your book recommendations that fit these prompts

[@mehtahussain]

I loved paladin's grace too! For the comment that mentioned romances that are very slow burn and takes multiple books for the characters to get together, I'd HIGHLY recommend the Criminal Intentions series by Cole McCade, the first book is called The Cardigans. It's a mystery-thriller queer romance series between two men. It follows two homicide detectives, Malcolm (Persian, bi) and Seongjae (Korean, gay, ace spectrum). Each book follows them solving a different mystery and you see their romance develop very slowly-it takes a couple books for them to actually get together. The romance felt very believable and nuanced. They're both distinct people, whenever they have animosity it's always for understandable reasons and they work through it together. With each book you slowly uncover each character's baggage to understand who they are as a person and why they're compatible with each other. Malcolm has an ex-wife in the series who shows up as a side character, and I love how she's NEVER villainized and there's an actual reason she's in the story; she reads like a true person who hurts, but is also rooting for Malcolm and Seongjae. There are two other side characters who are women in Malcolm and Seongjae's work environment who are each unique and distinguished and positive female characters! What I also LOVE is that this series DOES NOT glorify cops and detectives. The most recent book I read-book 6-especially on page confronts the fact that despite Malcolm and Seongjae being the 'good guys' the victims and families of the victims who the murder-mysteries surround are never in the wrong for treating the MCs as potentially hostile, or having believable negative reactions to law enforcement. After all, just because they're the good people in the system doesn't make the system itself good. The books are very cognizant of that, especially in the mysteries where the victims are people of colour, queer, or part of another marginalized group. Also the series isn't packed with a bunch of smut; so whenever there are spicy scenes it feels so much more satisfying. The first priority is always developing and emotional relationship and sexual-tension related scenes are included as needed while their budding romance is being developed. By the way, while the romance between the characters is always healthy and consenting even when they don't see eye to eye, the mysteries they follow in each respective book are very thrilling and often tackle darker themes that take a toll (sometimes) on the MCs too so check trigger warnings if needed!

[@tiredtigertales]

you have absolutely sold me on this, added to my tbr!

[@weezie422]

I have read them

[@AriaInLunaMajor]

I feel like a series that does queer love beautifully is the Nightrunner series by Lynn Flewelling. It's an older fantasy series that is so underrated. The focus is not on the romance but when it's done it's done so well. I will never not sing the highest praises to this series and yeah it does have some problems but the fact that I hardly ever see anyone talk about it when it has: 1. A slow burn mlm relationship between two bi men (main relationship, too not background relationship) 2. A matriarchal society filled with strong, well developed women 3. Good communication between the main characters, so much love and empathy even before they get together 4. An older couple (maybe late 30s early 40s) who is married and has children and they are silly goofy in love, and he still goes on adventures with the main boys. 5. Adventure, magic, action, thievery, great characters that will make you fall in love no matter how small their part in the story is. I have never seen anyone write character relationships like Lynn Flewelling. In the very small chance you will see this comment, I urge you to please read this series. The Internet needs to know it exists.

[@Lillyjoy]

Ugh yes to everything!!

[@caitlinbergan8829]

My absolute favorite science fantasy romance series is the Liaden universe books by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. They have a lot of books now from different points in time; Agent of Change or Conflict of Honors are the best starting points for the series. Their goal in starting the series was to meld all their favorite things: science fiction, regency romance, and spy stories being the main components. They are excellent character centered story-tellers, and they have a range of characters with different backgrounds in different parts of their lives. The consequences of violence and trauma, either caused by catastrophic things that happen in epic sci-fi and fantasy stories or smaller more relatable traumas, are particularly important for some of the characters. They also immerse you in the setting rather than try to explain it to you in exposition. I feel there's a lot to recommend them, but when you said science fiction and romance, I immediately wanted to share.

[@queen_river]

For slow burn recommendations, TGCF is a Chinese book that's been adapted into an English series of 8 books. It's a gay fantasy romance but very heavy on the fantasy, the romance is VERY slow burn. It also deals with immortals so they're both like hundred of years old, so it's not just about teenagers. They've both got long histories and their backstories play a huge part in the events that happen. I haven't finished the series myself most of what I know I know through spoilers so I can't say much else, and it's definitely not everybody's cup of tea but I'm really enjoying it so far!

[@hbookreviews]

Sunset of Tyranny is a s-l-o-w burn. It has sweet moments, it has tension but it'll take more than 1 book for the chars to get together. Even then, the MMC has an oath of celibacy so things are complicated.

[@Quaisior]

I have science fiction romance recommendations. I'm reading Jessie Mihalik's Starlight's Shadow Series now and they are slow burn alien/human romances and I love them. All of her series so far are also SF romance, but I'm not sure if there are other human/alien romances in those or not (I'll be reading all of them this year). She also has fantasy book coming out later this year. I agree with so many of the points brought up in this video and I find myself writing what I want to read in my own stories (so my current WIP is a slow burn SF romance with tons of sweet moments and my characters actually talk about their problems, rather than having big misunderstandings).

[@bedlambelle]

Rosalind james does all this in various books. For example theres a part in one where the guy knows she's just given birth and is also going through a divorce so its not the time for romance and she calls him because he told her she could if she needed anything and he comes over in the middle of the night to watch a movie with her because she asked him to and he consoles her that her infant will be fine with the ex for a night (parenting time agreement). Most of her books are like that, not super kinky but great relationships/characters. but she also wrote the "fierce" series and it's what 50 shades wishes it was. it's got boundary setting and healthy kink. The fmc doesn't let him be controlling of her real life at all (but he gets sneaky about it) and he ends up having to make real and lasting change before she will take him back.

[@carolinec3951]

I think that J.D. Robb’s Eve Dallas books reflect many of these positive attributes. Romance between a married couple, positive female relationships, and moments of sweetness. All wrapped up with a good murder mystery.

[@montieverett4983]

I love your joy for the books we love! Thank you for sharing your sweet personality and knowledge with us.

[@kelliemarie39]

The slowest of slow burns I’ve ever encountered is Kristen Britain’s Green Rider series, which you’ve already started. 😃 It’s also a great example of circumstances and outside forces keeping them apart.

[@soniciris]

For books where the spice is good because of all the sweet, Scarlett Gale's duology 'His Secret Illuminations' and 'His Sacred Incantations' are my favorite romantic fantasy books apart from T Kingfisher. I admire authors who can write kinkiness so wholesomely, and brawny woman/ shy man couples are delightful

[@Lillyjoy]

For romance in space, ‘On a Sunbeam’ by Tillie Walden. It’s a graphic novel but it’s so so good and the art is beautiful. The story is so good!

[@zoer1215]

The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning has one of the best slow burn romances I have read so far. I’m still looking for one similar.

[@jaginaiaelectrizs6341]

Really glad I wasn't the only one who thought of Ilona Andrews / Kate Daniels series when the request for slow-burn came up. 😊🤭🤭😁💖 Lol

[@ChrisHarperBooks]

I'd also love more books where past relationships were not treated as worthless just because the character has fallen in love with someone new. Not all exes need to be completely horrible people who never understood the main character. It's OK to love more than one person in a lifetime. Just because you are in love now it does not mean every other time was false.

[@saramm3765]

I'm finishing Muse of Nightmares this week and was just thinking yesterday we need more Lazlo Strange characters!!

[@brittanysutey8785]

A couple sci-fi romance series I recommend are Jessie Mihalik's Starlight's Shadow series as well as her Consortium Rebellion series!

[@pinxsol5579]

This video made me think about gray and juvia from fairy tail. the manga is silly & not that well written, but the relationship between those two characters is absolutely amazing. the slowest burn, one of them is aware that the other's in love but can't decide if they themselves love them (or if the other character's love is real or superficial) in that way or not, so it's this slow development as friends first, where they're both ready to sacrifice themselves for the other, and only towards the end it's this tragic moment where they finally get together. i more or less grew up with fairy tail so i overlook a lot of flaws in it, but i think if there's one thing that's done right in fairy tail it's the romantic relationships

[@nieggka]

Queer, slowburn, loving, not centered on the erotica aspects... House on the Cerulean sea nails all this

[@gabriellewade2724]

Love that book! I'm so glad we're getting a 2nd story! They're so sweet.

[@rodroinrainbows9929]

I've recently read The Day of the Fallen Night and The Priory of the Orange Tree and Samantha Shannon does MAGIC in this topic. Some of the best romance I've read in fantasy, lots of good queer and BIPOC rep.

[@supuchan]

For sci-fi romance, I really enjoyed Everina Maxwell's books. I don't read a lot of romance but these made me kick my feet in delight, especially the first one Winter's Orbit which has an arranged marriage :)

[@annametsapelto3870]

I sometimes feel like I'm the only one who does not love slow burn. Insta love is also silly and the couple/group does not need to get together immediately but too long a wait often makes me think the characters are just stupid or stubborn in a bad way because they either do not see that the other is attracted to them or will not allow themselves to confess their feelings. But naturally the feelings need to have some time to grow and develop but I'm too impatient to wait until the very end of the book.

[@tyghe_bright]

Little, Big by John Crowley. It's a fantasy novel and a multi-generational love story. It's full of sweetness and the every day struggles and joys of life. Plus magic. And the wife is much taller. (The writing is beautiful, too.)

[@Spriggana]

For different cultures romance: check Lois McMaster Bujold in general. Her "Sharing Knife" series is about intercultural couple trying to find a way for their cultures coexist together (they are not hostile, but there are tensions coming from, you guessed it, not talking). In Chalion series there are romances in every book, in the second one (Paladin of Souls) the protagonis is 40+ woman with rather heavy baggage. And in her scifi series (Barrayar) there are several romaces I love. A divorce scene in one of them makes me giggle even thinking about it :-D

[@bambichik106]

Hooray for cinnamon roll MMCs! I would love to recommend Isobel Lynn's A Tyranny of Angels series (currently 2 of 3 are published) that features Michael, a 7ft giant cinnamon roll of a man!

[@jackiehughes5023]

Ok......the tiktoks you added made me weep....was NOT prepared

[@Rynnikins]

I feel like Tasha Suri has really good romance stories and Everina Maxwell's scifi romances are also just adorably sweet. Just wanted to throw these recs out there

[@literatureliz91]

Yes, bring back slow burn! I want to be wanting the get together more than the characters themselves 😂

[@miyayume_eclectic_dream]

Yes please do that other video where I can live my book recs and find other as well. That way there is more order present. Also I like this topics by I really what to see a book rec and not only hear "do this more or do this less" because it sounds like every book has only bad tropes and nothing else.

[@rainydayz7866]

The Reader Trilogy by Traci Cnee is an example of a slow burn romance. But I feel like I want a series with a slower burn even though it is only a Trilogy and it wasn't until the end of the second book that they like each other.

[@surpriseitsus9622]

The best and slowest burn book series is The Others. Married couples I like are a very long series by JD Robb, Dallas series. Futuristic cop procedural, fun cast of characters/found family. The other is The Hexologists.

[@stephaniejohnson229]

What's reassuring is that the book I'm currently working on has a lot of these things included. Also, never apologise for loving your husband; I'm exactly the same with mine

[@kes251]

If I think back to the books that left a real impression or look ahead to books I'm excited for, it's the middle-aged women, the couples who have to confront external conflicts together, all of that. You're absolutely right, we need the balance! (Thinking of "Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi", Letters of Enchantment duology, and upcoming "Undermining of Twyla and Frank".) One of my FAAAAVorite queer romances from the last year was "Something Wild and Wonderful" by Anita Kelly (they/them). The story was very much about deeply personal journeys for the two leads, overcoming religious trauma or learning to believe in themselves, AND it was sexy but not OTT erotica. Anita's first book was ("Love and Other Disasters"; non-binary lead, reality cooking show) was also very good but not the same emotional impact for me. VERY looking forward to their next one, "How You Get the Girl" (sapphic basketball romance!!).

[@annajung1234]

I personally haven't read How You Get the Girl but have recently heard it being called one of the rare good ones in the lesbian romance category. (It was a video about the issues the author, as a lesbian, found with lesbian romance novels, and both the author and her audience had good things to say about How You Get the Girl.)

[@storynewt]

I really liked the relationship angle in the Skyward series, it was never the main point but it also isn't a romance book. But it has a pretty slow burn.

[@Lilly_OneKiss]

I know it's not a book, but since you referenced Final Fantasy X several times before, I'd recommend the new Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth (and the original as well). Cloud and Aerith' budding romance is sooooooo cute, more like the slow burns that your commenters asked for, and Cloud is awkward and clueless, and seeing them holding hands is more satisfying than if they had kissed ❤ Also, you mentioned the arranged marriage trope, and it's soooooo common in Korean webtoons. I recommend searching for that medium for those who like this trope (there's spicy and non-spicy).

[@rom.na005]

6:50 elements of cadence by Rebecca Ross has a married couple that I love more than the main couple...they are so lovely

[@rebeccadavis6613]

I do really like sweet, but sometimes I find the cinnamon roll or golden retriever characters to feel fake. They always say the right thing and feel emotionally flawless (and are usually obsessed with the FMC). I love a sweet goof, but give them some growth! Have them mess up, or struggle with a flaw. I feel like they feel too perfect and for me unrealistic.

[@geholohorroh]

Prepare to receive a dozen unicorn mugs in your mail 😂

[@Harley24986]

Savory chocolate chip cookies are LIFE!

[@CultivationOfMayhem.]

My main story is not focused on romance at all , but I do have a married couple >:3 , they are side characters but have already been together for awhile before the main cast encounters them, they are VERY teasing with one another but really love eachother

[@FloridasYesteryear]

Also I was so stressed I barely remember my actual wedding day. So there is that. Mostly, I remember being hot. But I live and got married in South Florida in September, so maybe that's why.

[@kimberlylopez3230]

I think it would be fun to read a story that starts after the hero slayed the dragon and saved the princess and how it goes from there 😅. Just Elle has this but I want something were they end up happy and fighting together. My husband is also very sweet and says we are a team that fight’s dragon together, he distracts while I steel the hoard 😂

[@LarkandLegend]

Okay but speaking of romance/fantasy, are you planning to read The God & The Gumiho by Sophie Kim? Because I just finished an ARC of it and the romance was 🤌✨ It takes a good while to get going, but I loved it and the two MCs 💕 One is a fallen god of mischief, and the other is a notorious fox spirit in human form, and just, ugh, so damn good. ✨

[@kes251]

That one caught my eye and sounded right up my alley. Excited for it now!

[@LarkandLegend]

@@kes251 ahhh I’m glad and I hope you’ll enjoy it! The humor and pettiness is also wonderfully real in that one lol

[@Nasser851000]

Elliot sure loves making long videos XD