Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjbGaoEKZdE

The name change makes sense, I don't mind that they changed the setting to Christmas, and Leighton Meester surprises me (in a good way), but looks like my fear about Jared Paladecki is confirmed. They have no chemistry whatsoever.

Lovely people of RomanceBooks, tell us what book scenes had you hot and bothered this week!

Did you read something spicy that had you fanning yourself or glancing over your shoulder? Anything that got you horny, lusty, or thirsty? Share it with your friends here! Help us tame our thirst or make us more thirsty! This post is all about sexy passages you've read.

Please give more than just the book name and author! Tell me why you think the book deserves to be highlighted in the Thirsty Thursday thread. Share those sexy passages that brought you to comment on the thread!

Love is love is love - all pairings and varieties of thirstiness are welcome here ❤️

Kinda imaging a story where a hardened criminal who made alot of mistakes in the past are finally out of prison and he's super determined to fix his life like go straight and cleanup his mess. While FMC is that law-abiding well-adjusted sweet person how is a complete opposite of MMC..

Then he meets FMC whatever the circumstances may be like whether she's his employee, tenant, maybe they had a ONS, maybe she's just helping out. I'd even take accidental pregnancy story. Whatever the plot cooks why they are interacting.

But regardless of the circumstances it's a story of a hardened ex-con determined to not repeat his mistakes in life after prison and a woman who is a sweet kind woman who did well in life and just the polar opposite of him.

I want the dynamics of the judgement and all that towards the MMC for obvious reasons he's a ex-con with terrible past. So FMC, her family and friends are not just gonna trust him immediately and that would be a great read for it.

Contemporary would be best here but i'm fine with historical too. HEA please !

I really hate the trope where the MMC pushes away the FMC because he doesn’t think he’s good enough and she deserves better, blah blah blah 🙄 I want my MMC’s to be so obsessed with the FMC that even if he knows he’s not good enough, he’s like “too bad, because she’s stuck with me.”

One reason I hate this trope so much is that it usually leads to the FMC chasing after him with no self respect and looking like a pathetic doormat while he hurts her over and over. BUT I was thinking that I might like it if the FMC actually gets to the point of being like “you know what? You’re right. You’re not good enough for me if you’re willing to let someone else have me.”

Is there anything like this? Where the FMC sticks around for a bit trying to convince him, but then he hurts her one too many times and she’s just done. I want her to actually be done done too. She stops chasing him, she dates other men, I’d love it if she actually connected with another man and even had good sex. Not pining over the MMC or always comparing everyone to him.

Meanwhile the MMC is crashing out, realizing he can’t live without her. But she makes him woooork to get her back. No BBS, no immediate caving to him. I want her to be like “you said you weren’t good enough for me, that I deserved better. So why should I give you a chance?” And he has to prove he’s all in and is the best and only option for her.

The only book I can think of that even came close to this is {Nickel’ Story by Cate C Wells} but she didn’t really move on and she caved pretty quickly with the minimum of effort by him.

I prefer CR, M/F, no Reverse Harem or Reverse Age Gap, No cheating or real OW drama, OM drama is ok.

I’ve been rewatching Grey’s Anatomy’s earlier seasons after a long time and every time I restart I always have this craving for books where the FMC has a sad past, maybe neglectful parents, where she basically has no one but she is still very strong despite it. Like, she always rolls with the punches life throws at her, maybe gets depressed sometimes, but perseveres despite it. I don’t want her to be beaten down in monetary/career aspects.

The MMC could be a Derek (minus the cheating), or more caring if possible. He doesn’t have to be her knight in shining armor (but if he is I wouldn’t mind either), but I very much want her to be independently strong with a good career.

I am open to all genres (MF please). Contemporary, PNR, NA, Fantasy etc. all welcome!

I guess the requirements for the request sound a bit basic but when I searched with keywords I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for. I basically want the gut punch moments to be from emotional situations, not because she is a doormat, if that makes sense. Spice level 🔥🔥++ (above closed door) please. Thank you in advance!

Some of my own recommendations with similar vibes:
- {guild hunter series by nalini singh} - Elena has a very sad past but she is a mega badass despite it, has horrible family but always perseveres

- {bride by ali hazelwood} - Misery has such shitty family she is literally named ‘Misery’, but she never stays down

- {the worst guy by kate canterbary} - Sara has a very similar parent as Meredith, they are even doctors to boot

I think romance needs more imperfect and messy sex scenes. Characters are humans and sex cannot be mind blowing and perfect every time, virgins getting orgasms on a first go. It gets quite boring albeit I get that romance is fantasy for many. I personally just prefer more realistic storylines, characters and sex.

Just when I thought I couldn’t love Sarra Manning more she wrote this scene:

“It was then that Ellie decided not to worry. Or it might have been when they got back to the apartment and they were trying to fuck standing up, Ellie pressed against the wall in the one blind spot in the living room that couldn't be seen from the huge picture windows front and back. It wasn't as easy or as hot as it was in theory or in the movies. Ellie kept knocking her head and David's cock kept slipping out and bumping against her clit, which wasn't entirely unpleasant. In the end, David turned them round and slid down, until his back was against the wall, his legs bent and Ellie could brace herself against his thighs and ride him to a furious and messy finish.”

It’s from It Felt Like A Kiss. Wonderful book.

Main characters in their late 20's or above.

Looking for a book with a complex FMC who is emotionally mature, and knows she's a morally grey person. (Don't care for books where a badass FMC turns into a doormat as soon as she meets or falls in love with the MMC.)

Not interested in books where either of the leads are written as foolish or immature. Would be fun to read if the MMC is the polar opposite of FMC.

Please do not recommend books with dubcon/non-con situations between the protagonists.

I'm looking for a VERY specific cheating trope, and I'm hoping someone can help me find a book like this because I've been struggling to find one 😭

Basically, the MMC and FMC meet in college and start getting close. They flirt, develop feelings, have chemistry, maybe even start hooking up, and the FMC genuinely believes he's single. BUT what she doesn't know is that he's actually been dating his high school gf this whole time. His gf goes to a different college or lives far away, so they're in a long distance relationship, and he's been keeping her a secret from the FMC.

I want the angst that comes with the FMC eventually finding out that he's had a gf all along. Imagine finding out that the guy you've been falling for has been calling and texting his gf while also pursuing you. The feeling of betrayal when she realises she's unknowingly been the other woman is EXACTLY what I'm looking for.

AND I NEED THE GROVELLING! Once the FMC discovers the truth, I want her to be genuinely hurt and pull away from him. I don't want her to forgive him after one apology or immediately take him back just because he says he loves her. I want him to realise what he's done, regret his decisions, chase after her, and actually WORK to earn her trust again.

I'd also really like the MMC to show genuine remorse for cheating on his gf, not just regret getting caught or losing the FMC. Ideally, he comes clean to his girlfriend himself and takes responsibility for what he did instead of continuing to lie or blaming the circumstances. I'm also ok if the FMC finding out is what forces him to confront his actions, as long as he genuinely acknowledges that he hurt both women.

Basically, I want a messy situation where the MMC has to face the consequences of his own choices. I want him to feel guilty about the cheating, be honest about what happened, and then grovel for the FMC because he's genuinely in love with her and knows he messed everything up.

My preferences:

- M/F romance

- Contemporary setting, preferably college/university

- 🌶

- Lots of angst, betrayal, guilt, tension and yearning

- Full length novel

- First person dual POV

- HEA preferred

I just want that specific plot of him having a gf back home while getting involved with the FMC at college, the FMC eventually discovering the truth, and him desperately trying to make things right afterwards.

Please don't recommend books where he simply has an ex, where he breaks up with his gf before anything happens with the FMC, or where the cheating is the other way around. The secret gf, actual cheating, FMC's discovery, and MMC's grovelling are the main things I'm looking for.

If you know a book that matches this, please help a girl out! 🙏

I'm looking for books where the FMC makes the MMC get a taste of his own medicine! I don't care whether they end up together or not, but I want a story where she doesn't play the victim and actually fights back.

I think one of the reasons I tend to avoid second-chance romances and reconciliation stories is that the MMC always seems to have all the power in the relationship. The FMC is constantly swayed by her emotions when it comes to him, and it's always the same story: the MMC fucks up and hurts her, so she leaves him. They reunite some time later, and although she's reluctant at first, he gradually breaks down her walls and finds his way back into her life. In the end, she can't bring herself to hate him, even if he had killed her own mother, because apparently he's just too hot and amazing to hate. 🙄

Come on, just ONCE, I'd love to see the FMC actually get revenge! He broke her heart? Then she goes and breaks his too, without remorse or hesitation, and without feeling guilty just because he's changed and is now a good guy. I WANT REVENGE!

So I'm looking for books where the MMC is trying to get a fresh start with the FMC, but she's out for revenge and actually succeeds. I want to see her give him a taste of his own medicine instead of easily forgiving him just because he's sorry and trying to win her back.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Just finished this one and if anyone is seeking a solid contemporary romance to go in blind, do not read past this point, just go go go!

For the rest of you who need a bit more convincing, how about a tentative romance between a literary critic and the author she panned?

No? Then, if you still need a push, how about delicious slow burn, tearjerking angst, jaw dropping moments of people being read to filth, romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat, hard-hitting musings on the questions of life's struggles and identity...? I know some of these are not what you're usually looking for in the romance, but they are SO GOOD. 🤌

There's no quote I can directly take out of the book since they desperately need their context but there are paragraphs so poignant, so beautiful and so painful which shape out our MCs on their path to happiness so well.

I went in blind and was blown away. As a fan of some of Mhairi MacFarlane's stories, Sara Manning's, Holly June Smith's, Clodagh Murphy's, Samantha Young's, Beth O'Leary's and many more CR diamonds, and though the author is not strictly on this side of the Atlantic, I really loved what I was getting. And it's a story where romance does take a bit of a second place but that's precisely the reason why it feels so earned and well done in the end.

Edit: I have forgotten one key aspect of recommending people stories and I'm so sorry, and it's about content warnings.

CWs: discussion of MC's mental health, mention of suicide contemplation

Barbara Metzger is one of the grand dames of traditional historical romance, in the vein of Georgette Heyer. Between 1981 and 2015, she published over 60 titles, including several wonderful Christmas stories.

Books explore the intricacies of Regency society with witty banter, endearing characters, madcap situations, and some scene stealing animals.

{Miss Lockharte's Letters by Barbara Metzger}

On her deathbed, Miss Lockhart is determined to settle some old scores. So, she fires off scathing letters to those who have abandoned her and left her penniless, then settles in to meet her maker. Imagine her surprise when she awakens (and won't be passing to the great beyond) to discover one of those recipients is determined to confront her.

{The Primrose Path by Barbara Metzger}

Viscount Knowle is stunned to find that he does not inherit his aunt's cottage. Instead, it has been left to her herd of hairy heirs, with her companion as their caregiver. The Viscount sets out to rid himself and the cottage of dogs and one exasperating lady.

{Snowdrops and Scandalbroth by Barbara Metzger} such a good title

After frustrating travel delays, Kitty finally arrives in London to take up a position as a governess. Finding that the family has left town, she is stranded alone in an unknown city. Viscount Chase has a gossip problem. Unable to accept that a man is his prime may be a morally upstanding anti-rake, society is convinced he can't "follow through" and won't be able to produce an heir. These two settle into a fake mistress charade, and the adventures begin.

{A Loyal Companion by Barbara Metzger}

Indulged youngest child of a country Squire, along with her devoted dog Fitz, is sent to town for the social season. After being shunned by society, Conover left to join the army. The Major is back in London, navigating guardianship of his young nieces. Fitz, along with Miss Sonia, sets out to solve problems and rehabilitate a good man. Dual narration, in 3rd person and by Fitz.

{Cupboard Kisses by Barbara Metzger}

Cristabel, a well-educated vicar's daughter, was left penniless after her father's death. When she receives a letter informing her of her uncle's demise, she leaves her miserable job as the music teacher at a girls' school and heads to London. When she arrives at her uncle's house, she discovers her uncle has gambled away all of his property. Captain Chase, the winner of those bets, takes pity and offers her the position of running the respectable boarding house at her uncle's second property. Comedy of errors mayhem ensues. It takes a while for thoroughly green Cristabel and the temporarily blind (due to surgery) Captain to realize that she has unknowingly become the madam of a brothel .

For those who appreciate cover design, I've shared some of my faves. I chose ones from books I haven't listed in order to share more titles.

What are your thoughts? Are you a fan? What are your favorite books?

I’m making this post to let you all know I’m 100% a hypocrite.

I don’t know how but I have read at least 3 books where the MMC cheats on the FMC. My body was literally reacting, making me so uncomfortable that I didn’t even have an appetite. And I realized that don’t read to feel this way. But I know a lot of people enjoy this type of angst, and like I always say: read whatever you want.

I enjoy a gut punching moment, OW/OW drama, revenge betrayal, unrequited love and more but I draw the line at cheating. That’s it.

And by the way I don’t consider it cheating ON each other if it’s like an arranged marriage and they have a deal, the couple doesn’t have feelings towards each other at the beginning, etc (in this case I’m talking about the FMC and MMC, they have to be truly together for me to consider it cheating).

Anyway, now the other point: cheating WITH each other? I love it! And I’ve already read a few books.

The secrets, tension, yearning and them sneaking around? Wow, sign me the f up.

I don’t mind authors villainizing the FMC and MMC’s partners (I’m talking about being insufferable, dull or whatever, not them being abusive) to “justify” the cheating, but in my opinion there is no need for that. I mean, FMC and MMC are already in the wrong for what they’re doing to their partners, so personally I’m not gonna feel bad either way because I want them to be together at end. But most of authors prefer this narrative instead of pushing it a bit more and write flawed and multidimensional characters.

So what are your thoughts?

EDIT: since some people are blurring lines, I’m obviously talking about cheating in fiction. I am not in any way justifying anything. I enjoy a lot of questionable stuff that does not even cross my mind in real life.

I have a very specific itch.

So basically what I’m imagining is that the MMC is like a lord/king/mafia baddie and has been around the block more than a couple times. Maybe he’s widowed, maybe he’s just scared of commitment, but he isn’t getting any younger and has yet to produce an heir. He then has to marry FMC sight unseen for whatever external reason and she’s *much* younger than he was expecting. MMC then feels super guilty about the situation and is gutted that FMC is with him and not someone more appropriate. FMC is just kind of along for the ride but the MMC feels awful for what he perceives as him taking advantage of FMC’s youth/inexperience and goes to extremes to make sure she feels comfortable and taken care of.

I have never read anything like this and cannot offer a similar book.

The deals from my monthly post should still be valid - link below, but here are some extras which have been added since.

Previous list: https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/2UBSluQUEX

{Savour It by Tarah Dewitt}

{My Not to Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella}

{Flawless by Elsie Silver}

{Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus} - advertised as romance but please be aware this does not have a HEA

{If it Makes You Happy by Julie Oliver}

{The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows by Olivia Waite} - top pick, this is usually £8.99!

{Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings}

{The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett}

{It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas}

Fanart of Wicked, Ugly, Bad written by Cassandra Gannon drawn by me.

Hi all, posting on behalf of a friend who doesn't really use Reddit! Here's what they would like:

I just want books with fmc traumatized(it can be minor things such as heartbreak, bigger issues like abuse or none) and mmc who does everything for her, always supportive, gentle, sweet.

I don't care about her personality or the way she deals with her trauma if she has one(she can be mean, sweet, shy, stubborn, cold, whatever and deal with her trauma in unhealthy ways. I don't mind about triggers either) but he has to be caring and supportive no matter what.

I don't care either about the tropes(friends to lovers, childhood lovers, coworkers, rich and poor, small town, whatever) I just want her to have some level of trauma(or not have at all) and him being sweet and gentle with her.

I just ask for a good writing, I can count on my finger how many books had a good premises but I couldn't handle the writing. And with writing I include the pace of book, I want to feel the emotions and understand the steps the characters are going through).

I also rather stick to CR or HR at most(without being too sexist).

Examples of books I like having these criteria above:

the way I used to be and the way I am now

beautifully broken life,

unperfect,

rock hard,

wait for you,

long shot,

easy,

Tied (All Torn Up #2) by Carian Cole

Blue-Eyed Devil (The Travis Family #2) by Lisa Kleypas

breakaway by catherine gayle

Wicked Whiskey Love (The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor #4) by Melissa Foster

Hidden waters by catherine cowles

Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan

Fractured sky

Delicate Escape

Before the exhale by alyssa wilde

Under Her Skin (Blank Canvas #1) by Adriana Anders

Home Game (Vancouver Wolves Hockey #2) by Odette Stone

Unsteady

Unbound

see me by tella alvarez

Normal by Danielle Pearl

Fast by millie beliziare

Say you swear

Salvation by Noelle Adams

Smooth talking stranger by lisa

Impact by haley (I didn't like the plot about his father)

Reckless and heartless by elsie silver

twisted emotions and twisted bonds (I know it doesn't have good writing but I have emotional attachment to them)

the emperor,

B13 | K13,

The right move

Play along

The fake out

Yours truly

Waking olivia (but I didn't like the way he treated her in the beginning)

Archer's voice

Devil in spring by lisa kleypas

Ok just finished Fake Skating and loved the story all-in-all (even though miscommunication upsets me). The writing is good and you really get to know the characters. One thing that I am still thinking about is the Benji situation… why did she bring him to the secret shed? They never really explain it and they just breeze past it. I want to know. Even if my friend ghosted me, in this case her BEST childhood friend, but their parent got into a bad accident I would want to be with them and check in. But she brought him to the shed? THEIR SHED? Of course they are young but to me it just doesn’t make sense. I remember the beginning when we learned they talked on a plane I believe but it still feels weird. AND Ben suggests that they slept together there and she still is nice to him, did that happen??? In my head, no, it couldn’t have but they never explain. What’s y’all’s opinions and thoughts, did you notice this and did it bug you?

Hi I’m searching for this book that I cannot for the life of me remember the name of! I haven’t actually read it but I remember Jen from The Book Refuge recommended it ages ago.

It’s a baseball romance set in a small town. The FMC is a single mum and I’m pretty sure she has a tween/teen child (not sure if boy or girl) that has joined their schools baseball team. The MMC is the teams coach and he might have been a professional player previously? Idk lol

I know the cover is yellow and that this book is part of a series.

Any help would be appreciated!!!💕

{Song of The Abyss by Emma Hamm}

I am looking for a sweeping fantasy setting that will have me completely absorbed, an MMC of a different species on a mission to kill/kidnap the FMC because she is important to the evil folks. Meanwhile, the FMC is planning her own escape and plans on using him as his ticket out.

I want the horror from the MMC when he realizes maybe all humans aren't terrible, and the warring within himself when he starts feeling attracted to her. Now he's caught between her and his mission.

Something close is {Loathaire by Kresey Cole}

Some Zoey Draven books also scratch this itch.

Prime Video is expanding cast for its upcoming romantic family drama series Rose Hill, adding 11. Paul Raci (Sing Sing), John Ralston (Virgin River), Kathleen Duborg (Happy Face), Nikki Rae Hallow (Anna Pigeon), Woody Jeffreys (Fubar), Carmela Zumbado (You), Karin Konoval (Tracker), Alvina August (Invasion), David A. Kaye (Private Eyes West Coast), Anthony Konechny (Wild Cards) and Magda Apanowicz (The Hollow Church) join the series based on Elsie Silver‘s bestselling book series.

Rose Hill follows best friends and neighbors West Belmont (Jake Weary), a rancher with commitment issues, and brooding record label owner Ford Grant (Sean O’Pry), aka Forbes’ “World’s Hottest Billionaire,” who’s long carried a torch for West’s sister, Rose (Hannah Galway). And when country-pop star Skylar Stone (Sadie Dickerson) breezes into their rugged mountain town, the heat gets turned way up in this romantic family drama.

Raci will play Clyde; Ralston will portray Andy; Duborg is Greta Belmont; Hallow will play Mia; Jeffreys will portray Ford Grant Sr.; Zumbado is Erika; Konoval will play Doris; August will portray Christina; Kaye is Elliot; Konechny will play Ryan and Apanowicz will portray Marilyn.

Heidi Cole McAdams serves as writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Marc Webb will direct the pilot and second episode and executive produce. Silver also serves as executive producer alongside Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, and James Seidman for Temple Hill. Temple Hill’s Annika Patton will also serve as co-executive producer.

Trying to find a book I read several years ago. All I remember is that the MMC is in the military, they meet (in a grocery store maybe?) and fall in love then he is deployed and comes back with severe PTSD. Something happens, I think he maybe has a flashback in his sleep and attacks her. He leaves and says she is better off without him. She tried to talk to him when she finds out she is pregnant but his friend answers the door and basically says ‘go away, he doesn’t want to see or talk to you’. They meet up again years later, he finds out about the kid (he hadn’t known), and they give it another try now that he has the PTSD more under control. The MMC might be in a motorcycle club but I could be wrong on that.

Hi I’m looking for a book where the Fmc is a loner and has no friends, perhaps she’s traumatised and pushes everyone away. Mmc works hard to build her trust, he’s a bit of a golden retriever and has a strong circle of friends (a found family) and he brings her into that and they welcome her because they know how much the Mmc cares for her. She finds it hard to accept both him and them caring for her because she’s not used to it.

I’ve read this recently in two books:

{before the exhale by Alyssa Wilde}

{better than revenge by EJ Blaise}

These were both college romances but it definitely doesn’t need to be college romance.

I do prefer CR but happy for recs from any genre. Single pov preferred but not a hard line.

I said Mmc and Fmc but queer romance recs are also welcome

Also happy for the reverse of this too!

🤗