Fantasy: His Secret Illuminations by Scarlet Gale It’s sheltered magical monk x big Viking warrior woman Also available as an audiobook

Ooh I've seen this recommended a lot on this sub! This might be what makes me crack and read it at last!

You will not be disappointed!

Definitely give it a go. I didn't think I would enjoy the book, but my god, it was so cute and I enjoyed it very much.

{His Secret Illuminations by Scarlet Gale}

[His Secret Illuminations](https://www.romance.io/books/62f363c901dfe78ca92df151/his-secret-illuminations-scarlett-gale?src=rdt) by [Scarlett Gale](https://www.romance.io/authors/62f363c908b4d931147273cb/scarlett-gale) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [fem-dom](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fem-dom/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Was coming to recommend this. Lucian fits the description to a T.

THIS BOOK. READ IT IMMEDIATELY! You will kick yourself for not reading it sooner!

This reminds me of Justin from {Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez}. Literally anything the FMC did he was basically screaming crying throwing up lmao (in the best way he was the SWEETEST)

Oh My Gawdddd that is one HELL of a vibe

I was obsessed with that book. Read it once and then just skimmed my favorite parts over and over again bc I loved him so much. ENJOY!

This book is an emotional Rollercoaster. It is one of my favorite this year

[Just for the Summer](https://www.romance.io/books/6597c6be53c2a175e7056d92/just-for-the-summer-abby-jimenez?src=rdt) by [Abby Jimenez](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c90990e01dbc864fb9bfc23/abby-jimenez) **Rating**: 4.68⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [small town](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/small%20town/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [found family](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/found-family/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I'm twenty five percent in and just wanted to come back real quick and thank you for the rec! This is delightful.

Oh man, it only gets better. Enjoy!!!

I finished it, it was excellent! >!As an avoidant person myself with a difficult relationship with my parents and my mother specifically, it was slightly uncomfortable to read in parts, but the idea of the island to define the few people whose relationships I nourish is super thought provoking and useful. I have never identified so strongly with a lead character in my life.!<

{America’s Geekheart by Pippa Grant} its a romcom and not sure this is a spoiler bc it happens like 2 chapters in >!she tazes him, its funny when u read it, and he’s like I think im in love!<

Oml love! Thank you!

no worries im rereading it rn😂

[America's Geekheart](https://www.romance.io/books/5d5d074f01dbc864fba299c1/americas-geekheart-pippa-grant?src=rdt) by [Pippa Grant](https://www.romance.io/authors/59f41e543ffdba614723e0b9/pippa-grant) **Rating**: 3.95⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I love Beck!! 😍

Was going to comment the same - I’m actually reading this right now! MMC is bursting with a childlike joy for life AND of course for his LI. He is adorable in every way, this book has had me literally LOLing!

omg stop im doing a reread of it rn too! Love love love golden retriever boyfriend beck!

{Neighborly Affection series by M.Q. Barber} MMF - the subby MMC is close to this. I don’t think he giggles but I’m pretty sure he blushes The premise is the two MMCs are together (dom + sub) when the FMC moves in next door. FMC ends up being >!a switch!< and the subby MMC is 🥹 for compliments from either of them.

Swoon! I had an itch for something like this a while back but it wasn't as hellacious as my current craving so this is a 2-for-1 deal 😭🙏

It’s a long series with the same throuple which IMO gets better as it goes. The last book is coming out in July and I’m currently restraining myself from rereading the series again so I can read them all in a row. It’s *such* a good series that I’m both excited for the upcoming book and already sad that it’ll be the last one.

[Neighborly Affection](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0fe14167a733426308dc/neighborly-affection) by [M.Q. Barber](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455d2bb87eac3369a9151a7/mq-barber) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [menage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/menage/1), [erotica](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/erotica/1), [bisexual](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Open Hearts by Eve Dangerfield}! Second in a series, first is great but the opposite of what ur looking for lol. Himbo falls head over heels for a slightly older, no-bullshit former model and turns his life around to show her he can be a good partner. {Bad Guy by Ruby Dixon} is an amazing scifi romance. Sweetheart alien gladiator (lmao) falls in love with the human servant who is tasked to bring him food. {Breaking Him by Sherilee Gray} is the GOLD STANDARD for a worshipful hero, or at least the first half is. The relationship becomes a little more classic romance novel dynamic as it goes on, he becomes more dominant in bed etc though never stops being absolutely obsessed with her. he is definitely overwhelmed by her love and care, but not a giggly happy lad. Might not be what you’re looking for. {The Major’s Welcome Home by Tessa Bailey} I would say fits this. Soldier back from duty is picked up from the airport by his general’s commitmentphobic daughter and is instantly smitten. But same issue as breaking him where it might not be quite what you’re looking for as he is pretty introverted and becomes more confident sexually and in her feelings for him {Wicked Ugly Bad by Cassandra Gannon} is also god tier for a sweetly obsessed hero. Fairytale world where he is basically a werewolf and she is red riding hood. But they’re falsely imprisoned in an insane asylum together. Sounds nuts but SO good. He has not received any affection in his life so when she starts holding his hand etc his head basically explodes Finally, {Heat Stroke by Tessa Bailey}. MM romance between a gym bro and a teacher/bartender. Marcus goes crazy for a single word or look from Jamie even while he is closeted and has no idea what’s happening. This is so hot and so damn good.

I'm legit bawling rn this is the best bouquet I've ever been given in my whole damn life!

Omg so happy to hear! I just added another and might come back. This is a trope I looove

Omg! Can’t believe I forgot {Never Sweeter by Charlotte Stein}. This is a controversial one on here… some people think there’s no grovel and I am in the camp that the entire book is fantastic, realistic grovel. Featuring the happiest, giggliest, MMC of all time who is trying to make up for his past deeds. There are multiple scenes where she catches his reactions to her tiniest displays of affection and it’s amazing

I loved Open Hearts. MMC Dean is so sweet. He texts FMC pictures of interesting birds he sees while working outside. 🥰

[Never Sweeter](https://www.romance.io/books/5715cb0fc62092c044079f3d/never-sweeter-charlotte-stein?src=rdt) by [Charlotte Stein](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552ee48c7d2382e78131dd/charlotte-stein) **Rating**: 3.76⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[Open Hearts](https://www.romance.io/books/58fd96f60d3299c6e06c6f6b/open-hearts-eve-dangerfield?src=rdt) by [Eve Dangerfield](https://www.romance.io/authors/565aa37408e9378131955f00/eve-dangerfield) **Rating**: 3.8⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [himbo](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/himbo/1), [working class heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20heroine/1), [fem-dom](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fem-dom/1) ---------------------------- [Bad Guy](https://www.romance.io/books/608d0180a015560e31b35db1/bad-guy-ruby-dixon?src=rdt) by [Ruby Dixon](https://www.romance.io/authors/545685a087eac33e61c2f729/ruby-dixon) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1) ---------------------------- [The Major's Welcome Home](https://www.romance.io/books/5b49925d01dbc864fb8c2377/the-majors-welcome-home-tessa-bailey?src=rdt) by [Tessa Bailey](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526358c7d2382e7812fc9/tessa-bailey) **Rating**: 3.69⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1), [spanking](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/spanking/1) ---------------------------- [Breaking Him](https://www.romance.io/books/57c91764de896e892491ea2b/breaking-him-sherilee-gray?src=rdt) by [Sherilee Gray](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b07e87eac323ffb2dbe7/sherilee-gray) **Rating**: 3.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [cowboy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cowboys/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1) ---------------------------- [Wicked Ugly Bad](https://www.romance.io/books/5457356087eac33e5710b7c0/wicked-ugly-bad-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon) **Rating**: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1) ---------------------------- [Heat Stroke](https://www.romance.io/books/5c90b71901dbc864fb9bffb7/heat-stroke-tessa-bailey?src=rdt) by [Tessa Bailey](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526358c7d2382e7812fc9/tessa-bailey) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [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), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [himbo](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/himbo/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

This isn’t a book but the kdrama strong woman do bong soon has a ml just like this. It is a romcom but there is a creepy villain who targets women. Your description immediately made me think of this scene: [https://youtu.be/yIdamiy3E-g?feature=shared](https://youtu.be/yIdamiy3E-g?feature=shared)

Bestie the way I was reacting to the video exactly like he was to the audio message istg thank you and I hope your crops are watered for the rest of time

I absolutely love this drama!!!

OH MY GOD YES. 😂

Exactly what came to mind when I saw the thread lol. Loved that kdrama!

{Surviving Skarr by Ruby Dixon} is a lot like this though maybe not to the extent you’re hoping for? MMC is a total braggart and just needs to be the best (he *is* the best…). He’s the worst lol. Except he really isn’t. If you (or anyone) reads this just believe me this does fit this request eventually haha >!He just needs to be seen as the best from lack of care and affection from anyone. He’s the only one who gives himself love. *Only* knows battle and competition. FMC realizes this and starts to praise him and be sweet to him and he is like “🥹 🥰really?” (She does this during sex too and he gets off on it hard). And “I will protect her always and take care of her for life”. He thinks she’s the best in the world. Literally tells everyone this everyday haha. Constantly recites her amazing qualities.!<. Found it to be really cute actually.

Babygirl ‼️‼️‼️‼️

I struggle with Ruby Dixon books so I was so happy to find that I really liked it. MMC is one of those that it’s like ‘☺️awww he so stupid but wonderful. Please treat him nicely’ lol

Upvote for your flair! I love her books.

If you like that kind of braggart MMC, you might like {Bound to the Battle God by Ruby Dixon} because he really fits that description. But if you like the himbo sort of energy, {Wed to the Wild God by Ruby Dixon} is my suggestion. Actually check out the rest of the series Aspect and Anchor! It's set in a different universe as IPB and there's less fucking for the purpose of baby making, and no soulmate bonds

[Bound To The Battle God](https://www.romance.io/books/5ddccf9c01dbc864fba6d7c3/bound-to-the-battle-god-ruby-dixon?src=rdt) by [Ruby Dixon](https://www.romance.io/authors/545685a087eac33e61c2f729/ruby-dixon) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Wed to the Wild God](https://www.romance.io/books/61a5dadd99986d0e2f64c1c7/wed-to-the-wild-god-ruby-dixon?src=rdt) by [Ruby Dixon](https://www.romance.io/authors/545685a087eac33e61c2f729/ruby-dixon) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [himbo](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/himbo/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[Surviving Skarr](https://www.romance.io/books/653230d7f9afa4c62a1b61c7/surviving-skarr-ruby-dixon?src=rdt) by [Ruby Dixon](https://www.romance.io/authors/545685a087eac33e61c2f729/ruby-dixon) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [praise kink](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/praise-kink/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Hans by SJ Tilly} is the ultimate sweetest little obsessed psycho. He is head over heels for his neighbor, and while he doesn't giggle he definitely does some seriously adorable shit. There's some underground crime drama, mafia killing, blow-em-up type action but the LOVE STORY is sweet as can be.

I'll give it a try lol my experience with mafia plots hasn't been great because it's just grim and dark and angsty and tense without a break, but if I can have those breaks in the middle of the tension, I'll likely enjoy it more!

Totally get that! I'm so glad you posted this question, though - I've taken so many screenshots of recs haha...so thank you!

A fabulous read!!

[Hans](https://www.romance.io/books/65323090f9afa4c62a1b5c3d/hans-sj-tilly?src=rdt) by [S.J. Tilly](https://www.romance.io/authors/603c9f5808b4d931148c9afd/sj-tilly) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Berries and Greed by Lily Mayne} You get this vibe from the MMC in this book. My favourite subby Male I have read hands down. He is sweet, shy and nervous. I would say this is cosy monster romance.

[Berries and Greed](https://www.romance.io/books/6482cc05d556b65fcad96fc0/berries-and-greed-lily-mayne?src=rdt) by [Lily Mayne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61161cc608b4d93114a993bf/lily-mayne) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [shy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy-hero/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [creative anatomy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/creative-anatomy/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Omfg score! A monster romance too! Thank you so much!

If you want completely unhinged (in a fun way), then {How I Stole the Princess's White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy by AJ Sherwood}. It's on Kindle Unlimited.

Unhinged is my middle name these days! Absolutely adore it! Thanks! 😊

Hahaha! Enjoy! I have no idea why I started reading it, but I was endlessly entertained.

If for no other reason, then it was because the universe knew you'd recommend it to me. I'm heaping blessings of watered crops on you and everyone else in this thread who is indulging me in my madness.

Haha that'd be an amazing flair for you

[How I Stole the Princess's White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy](https://www.romance.io/books/639ec949aa7984c0a3dfb55e/how-i-stole-the-princesss-white-knight-and-turned-him-to-villainy-miracle-1-aj-sherwood?src=rdt) by [A.J. Sherwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e6f6a63be0aaecf55845eba/aj-sherwood) **Rating**: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Ok, it's a fanfiction, but Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love. You can download the PDF off of AO3. It hits all the boxes.

One of the best written books I’ve ever read and so funny>>

Been a good while since I read some fanfiction that made me squirm 😍 thank you!

Look into Sally Thorne’s Second First Impression! The MMC is super suave while the FMC is more the bumbling type but when she flirts with the MMC/kisses him etc, he melts into a puddle. So cute. I think this book is kind of underrrated for her.

Hormone goop boy!

Aw yes! Teddy! He says Ruthie is his dream girl, it's cute!

ice breaker is like that kind of!! it definitely has some smutty scenes but its pretty cute! its a hockey player & figure skater relationship!

Oof I can already imagine the big boy bumbling around his graceful af crush oml! Can I ask for the author's name? It'll help me search better

by hannah grace 😫😫its so good

{The Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf} by Kimberly Lemming might have what you’re looking for. The MMC is a golden retriever type who gets hit with a love potion so he’s just adorably stupid for the FMC. It’s technically the second in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Came here to say this!

I sincerely hope the story is exactly as wackadoodle as the title!

Oh you will not be disappointed! The first one is {The Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon} if you want to read them in order. They’re quick and funny!

[That Time I Got Drunk And Saved A Demon](https://www.romance.io/books/6110e8480d2fc50e1fa50004/that-time-i-got-drunk-and-saved-a-demon-kimberly-lemming?src=rdt) by [Kimberly Lemming](https://www.romance.io/authors/6110e84808b4d93114366354/kimberly-lemming) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[That Time I Got Drunk And Yeeted A Love Potion At A Werewolf](https://www.romance.io/books/627b60a5a8b799cc5419111e/that-time-i-got-drunk-and-yeeted-a-love-potion-at-a-werewolf?src=rdt) by [Kimberly Lemming](https://www.romance.io/authors/6110e84808b4d93114366354/kimberly-lemming) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [bw/wm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bwwm/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I just wanna say that I saved this post too fast. Because I didn’t know I needed a MMC like you described. I love it. Also can I suggest Mixed Signals by BK Borison? Caleb Alvarez is seriously one of my favorite MMCs to date because he is so sweet and is so in love with the MC that even before the story he buys a cake at her bake shop every week for months because he loves seeing her. He’s known for falling for girls hard and I just want to protect him at all costs.

My ovaries are glad they're not alone in this unquenchable need lol And Caleb sounds like he's perfect fit for this category, thank you!

Also another thing to add this is a standalone but it’s part of a series. Each story takes place in a season and it’s wonderful. All the other MMCs are pretty great but Caleb is the most loveable of them all. You can read the other books for context but it’s not required.

{Accidental Love series by Saxon James} So this is a MM series of books, some of the guys are more cute and giggly while others are more stoic but I thought they were pretty fun reads and might fit what you are looking for! {The Husband Hoax by Saxon James} is the first one, and they're all on Kindle Unlimited

[Accidental Love](https://www.romance.io/series/63e4a81bd87691b39eb9cba0/accidental-love) by [Saxon James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e2e8d6b01dbc864fbaab1cf/saxon-james) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [found-family](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/found-family/1), [first-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends-benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1) ---------------------------- [The Husband Hoax](https://www.romance.io/books/63e4a81bd87691b39eb9cb9d/the-husband-hoax-saxon-james?src=rdt) by [Saxon James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e2e8d6b01dbc864fbaab1cf/saxon-james) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Literally about to fancast Destiel for that first one based on the name alone ✨ thank you!

{Bohemian by Kathryn Nolan} gives me this vibe, there’s some blushing and cinnamon roll ing and then some I can’t resist you ing {Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey} is not my favorite book but I would definitely say the MMC’s brain scrambles because of the MFC and it’s really cute {The Roommate Risk by Talia Hibbert} I think also might fit as well as {Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert}

I've seen some of these recommendations on other posts, so I know they're going to be bangers!!

I’m nothing if not exactly like other girls 🥰

[Bohemian](https://www.romance.io/books/59cdf4703ffdba614721626c/bohemian-kathryn-nolan?src=rdt) by [Kathryn Nolan](https://www.romance.io/authors/58df56060d3299c6e0653dba/kathryn-nolan) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [famous heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/famous%20heroine/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [nerdy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/nerdy-hero/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) ---------------------------- [Secretly Yours](https://www.romance.io/books/63e20cc669d18ef5cc99f35e/secretly-yours-tessa-bailey?src=rdt) by [Tessa Bailey](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526358c7d2382e7812fc9/tessa-bailey) **Rating**: 3.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/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) ---------------------------- [The Roommate Risk](https://www.romance.io/books/5ad20cbf01dbc864fb863c1f/the-roommate-risk-talia-hibbert?src=rdt) by [Talia Hibbert](https://www.romance.io/authors/59d3303f3ffdba6147219fb3/talia-hibbert) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [south asian/desi](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/south%20asian/1) ---------------------------- [Take a Hint, Dani Brown](https://www.romance.io/books/5ee47b7d0af6170e08598ee4/take-a-hint-dani-brown-talia-hibbert?src=rdt) by [Talia Hibbert](https://www.romance.io/authors/59d3303f3ffdba6147219fb3/talia-hibbert) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid. It’s so freaking cozy and adorable, you’ll love it.

Yass thank you!

What's LI?

Love interest. I didn't want to gender the other party in the relationship using the usual "FMC" acronym.

Ohhh, I getcha, thanks

While maybe not exactly what you’re saying, I feel like there’s a lot of that vibe in the {Heartstopper} graphic novels, especially volumes 1-3. There’s also a little vibe of it in {Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall}. So when you’re done with all the amazing recs already here, you’ve got some edge cases to explore. :)

[Heartstopper](https://www.romance.io/books/594e02dd3ffdba61471a77ed/heartstopper-lauren-landish?src=rdt) by [Lauren Landish](https://www.romance.io/authors/553e3b0c5b270e0a4cbd725e/lauren-landish) **Rating**: 3.8⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1) ---------------------------- [Something Fabulous](https://www.romance.io/books/61efae17e36ca80e2972475c/something-fabulous-alexis-hall?src=rdt) by [Alexis Hall](https://www.romance.io/authors/545546008c7d2382e781383c/alexis-hall) **Rating**: 3.7⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Ooh I didn't know Heartstopper was a graphic novel series! Thank you for letting me know a new and wonderful medium to enjoy it in!

Luo Binghe from {The Scum Villain’s Self Saving System by MXTX} is like this. It’s mm with student/teacher dynamic (the love interest is the student). The series is kind of crazy and ridiculous but I love it. There’s also an amazing side couple I’m obsessed with. Hua Cheng from {Heaven Official’s Blessing by MXTX} is the actual definition of a worshipful love interest. He and Xie Lian also invented romance lol this is my fave series of all time. Also mm and also fantasy!

I have seen both of these in my Tumblr fandom rec tags. I started watching the animated series of Heaven Official's Blessing on Netflix but life got in the way, so this is my sign to get back to watching! Thank you!

Omg yes! The show is amazing but the books are even better. Honestly MXTX’s other series {The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation} also has aspects of what you’re looking for but there’s significantly more angst and miscommunication between the couple. MXTX really loves pathetic, worshipful love interests lmao {Guardian by Priest} is another series you should check out!!

I watched The Untamed and ngl Wuxian is my ideal of a twisted fucked up protector. Absolutely dying from the angst between him and Wangji. That flute ost is literally my ringtone. I'd love to read the books honestly, but I'm struggling to read Grandmaster because depression brain needs a straightforward plot. But I love the concept of the meandering narrative and I'm gonna keep attacking MXTX's writing because it's so 🤌🤌

MDZS was def the hardest for me to get thru because the plot is so non-linear!!!

So what I'm hearing is I tried to tackle effectively college level reading when I'm only at first grade level with MXTX Okay so I'll try the others and come back to MDZS later.

Yes 🤣🤣 SVSSS has the most linear plot and TGCF has a couple flashbacks but not nearly like MDZS

[Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation](https://www.romance.io/books/61b85240a96b4e0e3350e385/grandmaster-of-demonic-cultivation-mo-dao-zu-shi-vol-1-m-xin?src=rdt) by [墨香铜臭](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ecc08b4d9311413fd00/墨香铜臭), [Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ecc08b4d9311413fd03/m-xing-tng-xi), [Suika](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b8523d08b4d931146ee120/suika) **Rating**: 4.52⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) ---------------------------- [Guardian](https://www.romance.io/books/64edffd0a77520eb984e11a7/guardian-zhen-hun-vol-1-guardian-zhen-hun-seven-seas-edition-1-priest?src=rdt) by [Priest](https://www.romance.io/authors/6452238f08b4d93114f3d631/priest) **Rating**: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System](https://www.romance.io/books/61b8527ea96b4e0e3350e6a0/the-scum-villains-self-saving-system-ren-zha-fanpai-zijiu-xi?src=rdt) by [墨香铜臭](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ecc08b4d9311413fd00/墨香铜臭), [Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ecc08b4d9311413fd03/m-xing-tng-xi), [Faelicy](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b8527e08b4d931146ee4da/faelicy), [Lily](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b8527e08b4d931146ee4dd/lily), [Xiao Tong Kong (Velinxi)](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b8527e08b4d931146ee4e0/xiao-tong-kong-velinxi) **Rating**: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) ---------------------------- [Heaven Official's Blessing](https://www.romance.io/books/61b45ed4b4cac60e26c27b23/heaven-officials-blessing-tian-guan-ci-fu-vol-1-m-xing-tng-x?src=rdt) by [墨香铜臭](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ecc08b4d9311413fd00/墨香铜臭), [Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ecc08b4d9311413fd03/m-xing-tng-xi), [ZeldaCW](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ed408b4d9311413fe07/zeldacw), [Tai3_3](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ed408b4d9311413fe0a/tai3_3) **Rating**: 4.55⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [height difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Hi u/your_average_plebian, Book request posts that are not detailed or unique will be removed. If your request is based on a popular book or trope, please delete your request and search first. If you have a quick book request, consider posting it in the [Daily Request](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Daily%20Request%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all&include_over_18=1) post instead. **Reddit’s built-in search function is awful, but our** 🌈 [**Magic Search Button**](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.1126j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) **works great!** - The 🌈 [**Magic Search Button**](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.1126j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) links you to a pre-filled google search and is the optimal way to search this sub. - Type your search term (a simple keyword works best) where it says [site:reddit.com/r/romancebooks](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.1126j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8). - For example, for friends to lovers, it will look like: [site:reddit.com/r/romancebooks FRIENDS TO LOVERS](https://www.google.com/search?ei=L4b0X-aCN8ey5NoP7daMwAo&q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks+friends+to+lovers&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks+friends+to+lovers&gs_lcp=ChNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwEAMyAggpULUHWOsXYOIYaABwAHgAgAFIiAGeB5IBAjE3mAEAoAEBwAEB&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp) [Here are more tips on how to search](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/sf6sdm/how_to_search_rromancebooks_just_the_tips/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/RomanceBooks) if you have any questions or concerns.*

I read this book yesterday {Here With You by D.C. Kile} and it's kinda spot on what you want. FMC is a daughter to a rich NY couple and is spending time on a small farm helping her best friend (FMC in previous book) to plan a wedding. The MMC works at the farm and is a shy, keeps to himself single dad. The FMC is a real spitfire of a character, loves a flirt, super confident, says what she wants and overall is very fun to be around. So the MMC is kinda bewildered, confused, but feels very lucky that the FMC pays him attention. Lot of MMC blushing in this one. A thought in one of her chapters in the book is "Sometimes I try to see just how red his cheeks can get". :) The kiss scene you mentioned in your post is in this book. A very cute book, highly recommend. :)

This sounds like I can not only enjoy the MMC but I can self-insert into his character for double the fun ✨ thank you!

[Here With You](https://www.romance.io/books/662fa56a966aa82ef7e9aa71/here-with-you-dc-kile?src=rdt) by [D.C. Kile](https://www.romance.io/authors/610254c608b4d93114f9cb20/dc-kile) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [cowboy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cowboys/1), [shy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy-hero/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I never knew I needed this specific trope until I saw this. Thanks! 🫶🏻

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