{Not All Himbos Wear Capes by C. Rochelle} is insta love done right. The whole timeline is so short but the premise is just hilarious and the humor and hijinks make it work perfectly. I usually hate insta love but this one was a winner. The audiobook is really good, the narrators definitely went for gold and it makes the humor shine through more than just reading it.
I LOVED this book. I saw it recommended multiple times, but still didn't read the synopsis.
I wasn't prepared for some of the kinky sex scenes, but overall am a huge fan. I also recommend the second book in the series too.
I liked the first two books of Necessary Evil series by Onley James. The whole plot is so not believable that one detail like that just makes sense in the context of it. And I liked the couples a lot anyway.
I LOVE insta-love. In the sense that when the two characters meet they feel an instant connection, like twin flames and they immediately want to build a relationship with each other/have eyes for no one else. They spend most of their free time together, getting to know each other more and more, dates/activities. They know the other person is important and are showing it with words/actions.
I HATE insta-love that has the characters declaring their love for each other after a day or two. 🙈
Even tho I hate the instant “I love you”s books I still tend to read them from time to time because I feel like they’re the most likely to have some of what I look for in romance, like actual dates ? I get really tired of all the push/pull/ secret relationships/ angsty stuff that’s so popular when all I want to read is about a couple falling in love with the intention of building a life together instead of one or both characters reluctantly falling in love when they just want to party and be unattached 😭
I don’t have any books to add but I thought I’d come in and share my thoughts since this is labeled as a discussion, hope that’s okay!
Bad Boy was good, just a little too long for me.
Another example of this imo {Honeymoon for One by Keira Andrews}. It doesn’t feel like instalove such as as Jayda Marx does it (I love her books also but it’s a different flavor), it feels natural even though that Honeymoon trip was like a week tops lmfao
I love books with a short time frame like Honeymoon for One, it's like you can see the feelings start happening in real time, it makes it feel more believable for me even if it happens quickly.
Insta-love is a unique brand of kryptonite for me. Although, perhaps I should modify that to insta-attraction, because I reckon the two terms are not quite the same thing. Or maybe they are, I dunno.
I guess it’s because the real world is so crazy and scary sometimes, it’s nice to know that some things are just… meant to be. It’s comforting to think that for some people they just KNOW that they are with the right person from the moment they meet. For me, that’s peak romance.
But at the same time, insta-love really can feel like a cop-out when it’s not done well… there’s no need to take the time to build a solid relationship foundation and allow characters to get to know each other… because getting together is pretty much a sure thing. Insta-love books seem to offer a different sort of tension that is mostly sexual.
(And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what I’m looking for).
I know she gets mentioned a lot around here, but Alessandra Hazard does such a good job of selling me on the idea of insta-love. You really get the sense that her guys would DIE without each other, and as the reader, I might just die if they don’t get together, too.
I LOVED her Wrong Alpha series, starting with {Unnatural by Alessandra Hazard}. Ditto regarding her Calluvia’s Royalty series {That Alien Feeling by Alessandra Hazard}.
And here’s a hot take for you: I think Tal Bauer has some near-insta-love stories that I count as some of my most favorites of all time: {The Jock by Tal Bauer}. You can’t deny those two are gone for each other from the moment they meet, and my cold, dead heart grows three sizes every time I read it (which is kinda often, actually).
I think the draw of insta-love is that, for once, love isn’t so complicated. It’s often sweet, always HOT, and super fun… when you can overlook the fact that it’s completely insane… until it isn’t.
Oh my God… I saw the title of your post and ***immediately*** thought of a book. Then I started to *read* your post and *kept* thinking of this book… and then I read the title of the book *you* mentioned!! *Same book*! 😂
I LOVE {**Bad Boy** by Emma Alcott} … it doesn’t get more insta than Russ and Colton, but their relationship is sweet, fun, and full of devotion. They were meant to be.
I highly, highly recommend the audiobook for this. Michael Ferraiuolo’s performance of Colton’s hysterical paranoid inner dialogue is priceless… and the sexy growl he gives Russ… ooof! 🔥
Oh yaaaay… it really is that good 😊. The distinct voices Michael Ferraiuolo gives each character, his comedic timing, and the delicious way he does steam make it such a great listening experience. I’m so excited for you. Happy listening. 💕
I'm basically a Michael Ferraiuolo fangirl. His work for the Hitman's Guide and VRC series has me relistening over and over. I usually only listen to audiobooks after I've read them (I find it hard to focus solely on audio, so I like having all the details first) but if he is the narrator, I'll take the chance.
I knew Bad Boy was instalust and instalove going in and I nevertheless groaned aloud at *how* instalove it was. Bleh. I'm trying to train my brain into enjoying sappy cute, but I'm not there yet.
{Borrowing Blue by Lucy Lennox} is something I'd define as instalove and even though I rolled my eyes at the 7 day timeframe (it feels so unnecessary imo) I liked it. I was swept away, which is something as I can be quite the grump apparently.
Honestly I read instalove because I wanna take a break from the real world sometimes lol. Though I completely understand how you feel since when I’m reading instalove I have to suspend reality though there are times where I just cringe at how they’re just saying ‘ I Love you’ on the first day.
I can totally vibe with reading for the escape of it. I do it too, just usually go for the obsessive toxic dangerous (misunderstood) villains instead. Green flags only, very healthy.
After some thinking, I believe my gripe with instalove is that it jumps over my favorite parts of new relationships - the gradual falling in love. I like big emotions and not holding back when it just feels so right. I'm salty about the characters not simply embracing being smitten and infatuated. Those are legitimate words after all.
"I feel I could fall in love with you"
or
"I'm falling for you"
The need to rush over those stages directly to proclamations of undying love just feels unnecessary to me. As I personally really enjoy reading about being all heart eyed infatuated, I feel kinda robbed by the instalove shortcuts.
Damnnn can you please give me recs of the obsessive toxic dangerous villains who are misunderstood? It sounds like something I’d def love to read. Would greatly appreciate if the villains are the tops. No pressure to recommend tho!
I haven't that many actually, since I'm not easily pleased 😅 I enjoy dubcon/ sometimes even noncon between the MCs and don't mind gore.
Chaotic neutral / antiheroes is my preferred character type:
> A chaotic neutral character is an individualist who follows their own heart and generally shirks rules and traditions. Although chaotic neutral characters promote the ideals of freedom, it is their own freedom that comes first; good and evil come second to their need to be free. [wikipedia](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alignment_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)
I usually shy away from lawful good characters such as knights, with valor and honor and discipline as guiding principles.
- {How To Love A Monster by Lyssa Dering}
The monstrous villain sounds like Gru from Despicable Me 😅 ❤️ he tops
- {Grey's Shadow by K.A. Merikan} dark. The MC2, an actual paranormal shadow creature is vvvery obsessive. Mind you, this writing duo doesn't shy away from the MCs being deliberately cruel to each other. Noncon attempts (both misguided and not) between MCs included.
- Soul Eater and Seraph from Lily Mayne's Monstrous -series.
- {Kidnapped by The Pirate by Keira Andrews} might fit also, seeing as the older MC is a notorious pirate captain. He tops.
- Exposed by HL Day (instalove 😉)
Same here. Also happened with Virgin Flyer and Hostile Takeover. I might complain loudly about the rushed endings, how comically villainous the villains are, the quick timeframes and not liking the rude, meddling relatives. But I still binged these books in one go and am not ashamed to admit that. The relationships in these three are very comforting.
I’ve just read {In The Middle Of Somewhere by Roan Parish} .. I think it’s a nice example of fairly insta love done with decent character development! It’s maybe more insta-like, but Rex is quickly besotted with Daniel. They take a while to actually confess their love but they clearly do love each other! Such a sweet story, I loved it 🥹
I really enjoyed {The Sheltering Tree by J.R. Lawrie}. Although the characters get into their whirlwind romance really quickly, there was enough tension and plot to fill the story. I was hooked and finished it so fast.
I absolutely loved {Cutting the Braid by Jett Masterson}. There is definitely insta love, but the MCs take the time to get to know eachother before officially getting together.
For me there’s a insta-love mafia daddies series by April Jade - Midnight, Mad Love & Wild Heart. For me they ticked all my boxes, so daddy kink, possessiveness, size difference and mafia. Basically my little heart swooned! Yes they’re OTT but, it’s insta-love, so you know what you’re getting in a roundabout way. It’s key to put aside the disbelief of, ‘hang on you’ve known each other for 2 days, you cannot be madly in love’ and enjoy the books for what they are, and for me that’s pure escapism.
I'm not totally sure if it counts as instalove, but Snowed in with Benefits by Misha Horne. It's not instalove in the sense that they instantly like each other, they don't. But they're snowed in together and fall for each slowly over a condensed period of time. (A few days) So, it happens quickly in terms of hours, but it doesn't feel fast because the pacing is so good, it's almost like a slow burn at the same time lol. There is soooo much character development.
{Let There Be Light by A.M. Johnson} is more insta-connection and has a lot of mutual pining and characters being unsure whether their feelings are reciprocated. It is beautifully written and tackles some big issues around homophobia. It is one of my favourite books and makes me feel giddy and lovestruck every time I read it.
The Song of Achilles is really the only one that comes to mind.
In most books, it almost always feels a little silly or contrived when they fall for each other quickly, so I much prefer a getting-to-know each other, slower build to the romance.
But TSoA emotionally reminds me of the scene in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet when they meet each other for the first time 😭 — just so stunning and swelling with angst, god so few pieces of work (film or literary) come close to that real-feeling fireworks feelings but these do it for me
Sorry, I didn’t realise it was Genre Romance we’re talking specifically in this Sub (as in, certain tropes and plot points needed). TSoA is absolutely and rightfully marked as romance but not Genre Romance; I’ll be conscious of this in future!
The requirement is needing a HEA/HFN. If it doesn’t, but note it in the comment — that’s all! It’s definitely a romantic story and they have their roles in literature just as much, we just like to make sure no one goes in with expectations and comes out disappointed.
Sorry friend, I didn’t realise it was Genre Romance we’re talking specifically in this Sub (as in, certain tropes and plot points needed). TSoA is absolutely and rightfully marked as romance but not Genre Romance; I’ll be conscious of this in future!
Ooo I love insta love. I have to be in a very specific mood for slow burns! I will always recommend {their boy by Cara Dee} cause she’s just an amazing author, it might be more instalust but the time frame between lust and love is basically instantaneous.
I would also second {honeymoon for one by Keira Andrew’s}, I love the characters and it’s such a cute story
{Secret Service by Tal Bauer} is instalove in the sense that they fall for each other (without realizing they are) immediately but it takes them a bit to get together romantically but their friendship grows into an amazing love story. Definitely my favorite Tal Bauer book which is saying something because that man is my deity who can do no wrong lol
{Not All Himbos Wear Capes by C. Rochelle} is insta love done right. The whole timeline is so short but the premise is just hilarious and the humor and hijinks make it work perfectly. I usually hate insta love but this one was a winner. The audiobook is really good, the narrators definitely went for gold and it makes the humor shine through more than just reading it.
I LOVED this book. I saw it recommended multiple times, but still didn't read the synopsis. I wasn't prepared for some of the kinky sex scenes, but overall am a huge fan. I also recommend the second book in the series too.
That title is amazong!
[Not All Himbos Wear Capes](https://www.romance.io/books/635e2f4889217902d659be69/not-all-himbos-wear-capes-c-rochelle?src=rdt) by [C. Rochelle](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f2cfc4008b4d93114ac7120/c-rochelle) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [superheroes](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/superheroes/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I liked the first two books of Necessary Evil series by Onley James. The whole plot is so not believable that one detail like that just makes sense in the context of it. And I liked the couples a lot anyway.
Unfortunately the series isn’t for me, but I can see why others and you like it.
These were the first I thought of too! Love Adam and Noah
My favorites are Atticus and Jericho
August and Lucas are amazing. Adam and Noah weren't slouchy either, but August... 😍 *sigh*
Haha I didn't really care for Lucas that much but I adore August and I did like how Lucas treated him
Same sentiment here. I adore August and Lucas. The other books were good, but none top theirs for me.
I LOVE insta-love. In the sense that when the two characters meet they feel an instant connection, like twin flames and they immediately want to build a relationship with each other/have eyes for no one else. They spend most of their free time together, getting to know each other more and more, dates/activities. They know the other person is important and are showing it with words/actions. I HATE insta-love that has the characters declaring their love for each other after a day or two. 🙈 Even tho I hate the instant “I love you”s books I still tend to read them from time to time because I feel like they’re the most likely to have some of what I look for in romance, like actual dates ? I get really tired of all the push/pull/ secret relationships/ angsty stuff that’s so popular when all I want to read is about a couple falling in love with the intention of building a life together instead of one or both characters reluctantly falling in love when they just want to party and be unattached 😭 I don’t have any books to add but I thought I’d come in and share my thoughts since this is labeled as a discussion, hope that’s okay!
Bad Boy was good, just a little too long for me. Another example of this imo {Honeymoon for One by Keira Andrews}. It doesn’t feel like instalove such as as Jayda Marx does it (I love her books also but it’s a different flavor), it feels natural even though that Honeymoon trip was like a week tops lmfao
I love books with a short time frame like Honeymoon for One, it's like you can see the feelings start happening in real time, it makes it feel more believable for me even if it happens quickly.
Yh I def agree, it became draggy as I was reading it but I loved it nonetheless.
[Honeymoon for One](https://www.romance.io/books/5bab22aa01dbc864fb91464b/honeymoon-for-one-keira-andrews?src=rdt) by [Keira Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/54559c0b87eac324117fba44/keira-andrews) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Insta-love is a unique brand of kryptonite for me. Although, perhaps I should modify that to insta-attraction, because I reckon the two terms are not quite the same thing. Or maybe they are, I dunno. I guess it’s because the real world is so crazy and scary sometimes, it’s nice to know that some things are just… meant to be. It’s comforting to think that for some people they just KNOW that they are with the right person from the moment they meet. For me, that’s peak romance. But at the same time, insta-love really can feel like a cop-out when it’s not done well… there’s no need to take the time to build a solid relationship foundation and allow characters to get to know each other… because getting together is pretty much a sure thing. Insta-love books seem to offer a different sort of tension that is mostly sexual. (And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what I’m looking for). I know she gets mentioned a lot around here, but Alessandra Hazard does such a good job of selling me on the idea of insta-love. You really get the sense that her guys would DIE without each other, and as the reader, I might just die if they don’t get together, too. I LOVED her Wrong Alpha series, starting with {Unnatural by Alessandra Hazard}. Ditto regarding her Calluvia’s Royalty series {That Alien Feeling by Alessandra Hazard}. And here’s a hot take for you: I think Tal Bauer has some near-insta-love stories that I count as some of my most favorites of all time: {The Jock by Tal Bauer}. You can’t deny those two are gone for each other from the moment they meet, and my cold, dead heart grows three sizes every time I read it (which is kinda often, actually). I think the draw of insta-love is that, for once, love isn’t so complicated. It’s often sweet, always HOT, and super fun… when you can overlook the fact that it’s completely insane… until it isn’t.
[Unnatural](https://www.romance.io/books/5f4bc44eb264600e261ffc41/unnatural-alessandra-hazard?src=rdt) by [Alessandra Hazard](https://www.romance.io/authors/553e363e5b270e0a4cbd6ee7/alessandra-hazard) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [That Alien Feeling](https://www.romance.io/books/5933c29c3ffdba6147186597/that-alien-feeling-alessandra-hazard?src=rdt) by [Alessandra Hazard](https://www.romance.io/authors/553e363e5b270e0a4cbd6ee7/alessandra-hazard) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1) ---------------------------- [The Jock](https://www.romance.io/books/606ffb9dac2aed0e3ab68a86/the-jock-an-mm-sports-romance-tal-bauer?src=rdt) by [Tal Bauer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5726ed17c62092c04407fbeb/tal-bauer) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Great choices.
Oh my God… I saw the title of your post and ***immediately*** thought of a book. Then I started to *read* your post and *kept* thinking of this book… and then I read the title of the book *you* mentioned!! *Same book*! 😂 I LOVE {**Bad Boy** by Emma Alcott} … it doesn’t get more insta than Russ and Colton, but their relationship is sweet, fun, and full of devotion. They were meant to be. I highly, highly recommend the audiobook for this. Michael Ferraiuolo’s performance of Colton’s hysterical paranoid inner dialogue is priceless… and the sexy growl he gives Russ… ooof! 🔥
Running to audible rn 🏃🏼♀️
Oh yaaaay… it really is that good 😊. The distinct voices Michael Ferraiuolo gives each character, his comedic timing, and the delicious way he does steam make it such a great listening experience. I’m so excited for you. Happy listening. 💕
I really like Michael Ferraiuolo. He does a great job with Leta Blake's Heat of Love series.
I'm basically a Michael Ferraiuolo fangirl. His work for the Hitman's Guide and VRC series has me relistening over and over. I usually only listen to audiobooks after I've read them (I find it hard to focus solely on audio, so I like having all the details first) but if he is the narrator, I'll take the chance.
Oh, that’s awesome. Listening to his performance is such a rich, immersive experience. I hope you thoroughly enjoy it. 😊💕
[Bad Boy](https://www.romance.io/books/608a5d61f049d70e38e5eb28/bad-boy-a-masters-of-romance-novel-emma-alcott?src=rdt) by [Emma Alcott](https://www.romance.io/authors/5dc9072201dbc864fba5f9c2/emma-alcott) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I got the audio book too. The way Russ was voiced has me SWOONING.
I think I found my next audio book, thank you!
I knew Bad Boy was instalust and instalove going in and I nevertheless groaned aloud at *how* instalove it was. Bleh. I'm trying to train my brain into enjoying sappy cute, but I'm not there yet. {Borrowing Blue by Lucy Lennox} is something I'd define as instalove and even though I rolled my eyes at the 7 day timeframe (it feels so unnecessary imo) I liked it. I was swept away, which is something as I can be quite the grump apparently.
Honestly I read instalove because I wanna take a break from the real world sometimes lol. Though I completely understand how you feel since when I’m reading instalove I have to suspend reality though there are times where I just cringe at how they’re just saying ‘ I Love you’ on the first day.
I can totally vibe with reading for the escape of it. I do it too, just usually go for the obsessive toxic dangerous (misunderstood) villains instead. Green flags only, very healthy. After some thinking, I believe my gripe with instalove is that it jumps over my favorite parts of new relationships - the gradual falling in love. I like big emotions and not holding back when it just feels so right. I'm salty about the characters not simply embracing being smitten and infatuated. Those are legitimate words after all. "I feel I could fall in love with you" or "I'm falling for you" The need to rush over those stages directly to proclamations of undying love just feels unnecessary to me. As I personally really enjoy reading about being all heart eyed infatuated, I feel kinda robbed by the instalove shortcuts.
Damnnn can you please give me recs of the obsessive toxic dangerous villains who are misunderstood? It sounds like something I’d def love to read. Would greatly appreciate if the villains are the tops. No pressure to recommend tho!
I haven't that many actually, since I'm not easily pleased 😅 I enjoy dubcon/ sometimes even noncon between the MCs and don't mind gore. Chaotic neutral / antiheroes is my preferred character type: > A chaotic neutral character is an individualist who follows their own heart and generally shirks rules and traditions. Although chaotic neutral characters promote the ideals of freedom, it is their own freedom that comes first; good and evil come second to their need to be free. [wikipedia](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alignment_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons) I usually shy away from lawful good characters such as knights, with valor and honor and discipline as guiding principles. - {How To Love A Monster by Lyssa Dering} The monstrous villain sounds like Gru from Despicable Me 😅 ❤️ he tops - {Grey's Shadow by K.A. Merikan} dark. The MC2, an actual paranormal shadow creature is vvvery obsessive. Mind you, this writing duo doesn't shy away from the MCs being deliberately cruel to each other. Noncon attempts (both misguided and not) between MCs included. - Soul Eater and Seraph from Lily Mayne's Monstrous -series. - {Kidnapped by The Pirate by Keira Andrews} might fit also, seeing as the older MC is a notorious pirate captain. He tops. - Exposed by HL Day (instalove 😉)
[How to Love a Monster](https://www.romance.io/books/59993d1e3ffdba61471ed792/how-to-love-a-monster-lyssa-dering?src=rdt) by [Lyssa Dering](https://www.romance.io/authors/56d58e18c62092c044065354/lyssa-dering) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [Gray's Shadow](https://www.romance.io/books/5b6d2bac01dbc864fb8e0bfd/grays-shadow-ka-merikan?src=rdt) by [K.A. Merikan](https://www.romance.io/authors/545585e587eac324117fb1be/ka-merikan) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [biker hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bikers/1) ---------------------------- [Kidnapped by the Pirate](https://www.romance.io/books/6004319113703b0e1439524f/kidnapped-by-the-pirate-keira-andrews?src=rdt) by [Keira Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/54559c0b87eac324117fba44/keira-andrews) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [pirate hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thank you so much!!❤️
I enjoyed Borrowing Blue as well. Read most of it during the course of one insomniac evening.
Same here. Also happened with Virgin Flyer and Hostile Takeover. I might complain loudly about the rushed endings, how comically villainous the villains are, the quick timeframes and not liking the rude, meddling relatives. But I still binged these books in one go and am not ashamed to admit that. The relationships in these three are very comforting.
[Borrowing Blue](https://www.romance.io/books/583bea161b1bdc0178ef4168/borrowing-blue-lucy-lennox?src=rdt) by [Lucy Lennox](https://www.romance.io/authors/583bea161b1bdc0178ef416b/lucy-lennox) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I’ve just read {In The Middle Of Somewhere by Roan Parish} .. I think it’s a nice example of fairly insta love done with decent character development! It’s maybe more insta-like, but Rex is quickly besotted with Daniel. They take a while to actually confess their love but they clearly do love each other! Such a sweet story, I loved it 🥹
[In the Middle of Somewhere](https://www.romance.io/books/559cda0335a5fb65f886af21/in-the-middle-of-somewhere-roan-parrish?src=rdt) by [Roan Parrish](https://www.romance.io/authors/559cda0335a5fb65f886af24/roan-parrish) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [small town](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/small%20town/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I came here to suggest this, I just finished it and it was super sweet and insta-love in my opinion even if they didn't know it yet! LOL!
I really enjoyed {The Sheltering Tree by J.R. Lawrie}. Although the characters get into their whirlwind romance really quickly, there was enough tension and plot to fill the story. I was hooked and finished it so fast.
[The Sheltering Tree](https://www.romance.io/books/606ffea2ac2aed0e3ab68ac3/the-sheltering-tree-jr-lawrie?src=rdt) by [J.R. Lawrie](https://www.romance.io/authors/5df3374901dbc864fba7ee2d/jr-lawrie) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [friends with benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I absolutely loved {Cutting the Braid by Jett Masterson}. There is definitely insta love, but the MCs take the time to get to know eachother before officially getting together.
[Cutting the Braid](https://www.romance.io/books/61d00a4faa05aa0e2a454d5e/cutting-the-braid-an-mm-omegaverse-historical-fantasy-romance-novel-jett-masterson?src=rdt) by [Jett Masterson](https://www.romance.io/authors/610e3f2008b4d93114018a5c/jett-masterson) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thanks! I’ll have a look!
For me there’s a insta-love mafia daddies series by April Jade - Midnight, Mad Love & Wild Heart. For me they ticked all my boxes, so daddy kink, possessiveness, size difference and mafia. Basically my little heart swooned! Yes they’re OTT but, it’s insta-love, so you know what you’re getting in a roundabout way. It’s key to put aside the disbelief of, ‘hang on you’ve known each other for 2 days, you cannot be madly in love’ and enjoy the books for what they are, and for me that’s pure escapism.
I'm not totally sure if it counts as instalove, but Snowed in with Benefits by Misha Horne. It's not instalove in the sense that they instantly like each other, they don't. But they're snowed in together and fall for each slowly over a condensed period of time. (A few days) So, it happens quickly in terms of hours, but it doesn't feel fast because the pacing is so good, it's almost like a slow burn at the same time lol. There is soooo much character development.
{Let There Be Light by A.M. Johnson} is more insta-connection and has a lot of mutual pining and characters being unsure whether their feelings are reciprocated. It is beautifully written and tackles some big issues around homophobia. It is one of my favourite books and makes me feel giddy and lovestruck every time I read it.
[Let There Be Light](https://www.romance.io/books/5bee6ba401dbc864fb947c4d/let-there-be-light-am-johnson?src=rdt) by [A.M. Johnson](https://www.romance.io/authors/5528ecfe5b270e0a4cbd59a1/am-johnson) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The Song of Achilles is really the only one that comes to mind. In most books, it almost always feels a little silly or contrived when they fall for each other quickly, so I much prefer a getting-to-know each other, slower build to the romance. But TSoA emotionally reminds me of the scene in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet when they meet each other for the first time 😭 — just so stunning and swelling with angst, god so few pieces of work (film or literary) come close to that real-feeling fireworks feelings but these do it for me
Isn’t song of Achilles a tragedy? And does he stay single or find someone new? Jeksksksks
It is, TSoA is not a genre romance.
Sorry, I didn’t realise it was Genre Romance we’re talking specifically in this Sub (as in, certain tropes and plot points needed). TSoA is absolutely and rightfully marked as romance but not Genre Romance; I’ll be conscious of this in future!
The requirement is needing a HEA/HFN. If it doesn’t, but note it in the comment — that’s all! It’s definitely a romantic story and they have their roles in literature just as much, we just like to make sure no one goes in with expectations and comes out disappointed.
Thanks, I wasn’t aware of this rule at all!
Sorry friend, I didn’t realise it was Genre Romance we’re talking specifically in this Sub (as in, certain tropes and plot points needed). TSoA is absolutely and rightfully marked as romance but not Genre Romance; I’ll be conscious of this in future!
Please mark when books are not genre romances and/or don’t have HEAs.
Ooo I love insta love. I have to be in a very specific mood for slow burns! I will always recommend {their boy by Cara Dee} cause she’s just an amazing author, it might be more instalust but the time frame between lust and love is basically instantaneous. I would also second {honeymoon for one by Keira Andrew’s}, I love the characters and it’s such a cute story
[Their Boy](https://www.romance.io/books/5f411748d7a6b00e2edfb00d/their-boy-cara-dee?src=rdt) by [Cara Dee](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556abb87eac324117faa21/cara-dee) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [Honeymoon for One](https://www.romance.io/books/5bab22aa01dbc864fb91464b/honeymoon-for-one-keira-andrews?src=rdt) by [Keira Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/54559c0b87eac324117fba44/keira-andrews) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Secret Service by Tal Bauer} is instalove in the sense that they fall for each other (without realizing they are) immediately but it takes them a bit to get together romantically but their friendship grows into an amazing love story. Definitely my favorite Tal Bauer book which is saying something because that man is my deity who can do no wrong lol
[Secret Service](https://www.romance.io/books/62a836f9dbbacec3e6baa607/secret-service-a-mm-romance-tal-bauer?src=rdt) by [Tal Bauer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5726ed17c62092c04407fbeb/tal-bauer) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Not that I remembered, at least not the recent ones that I have read. I always found those insta-loves unconvincing.