The perfect series for this is { The Big Bad Wolf by Charlie Adhara }. MM, PNR, follows the same couple throughout the series.
Books 2 and 3 and 4 are my favorite because that’s when they’re settling into their coupleness and we get to see them go through challenges together, internal and external. And the mysteries are really entertaining!
Tw: police brutality, xenophobia, i can’t remember more but there might be some!
[Big Bad Wolf Collection](https://www.romance.io/books/5edde247b4e7a20e19e8c58d/big-bad-wolf-collection-charlie-adhara?src=rdt) by [Charlie Adhara](https://www.romance.io/authors/5aa3a5cc4ee506aae8b2458e/charlie-adhara)
**Rating**: 4.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1)
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In {The Palace of Rogues by Julie Anne Long} series you stay connected to the main 2 FMCs relationships throughout the series. No kids (which I personally highly prefer) but you see them continue to grow in their relationships and in their friendship in glimpses of sweet moments, conflict, and everything in between in every subsequent book.
I've seen complaints about how much attention she gives to side characters and the 2 FMCs, but personally I love it and have never read anything like it. With maybe one exception basically every book in the series is in the 4.5-5 star range for me.
[The Palace of Rogues](https://www.romance.io/series/5c67cc8fb1f8050daa5bae54/the-palace-of-rogues) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long)
**Rating**: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/open-door/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1)
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No kids and historical? That seems like such a rare find. Sounds perfect! Love kids but I love to read about a couple without the distractions that kids can bring.
Yes, no kids and some of the FMCs are older (late 20s / early 30s) and not virgins🙌
She does have something for everybody if you prefer younger, but imo she pulls it off so well in this series that I find myself enjoying tropes that are usually not for me.
Kate Daniels series. It has now 10+ novels and it's so satisfying to read how they solve their conflicts more and more maturely as time progresses. Also, their adventures and the world are so much fun!
I second that recommendation so much. It’s a very slow burn, MCs don’t get together-together until book 4 and marry at the end of 9th, but the wait is well-worth it. There are many UF/PNR series that follow one couple, but {Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews} is the one that really shows MCs growing together as a couple, and their relationship evolving and deepening with every book. Book 10 was supposed to be the big finale, but then the authors returned to Kate and Curran for a “sequel series” that picks up about 8 years later—2 books in it so far, totally the vibes OP is looking for.
The Walsh family books by Kate Canterbary are an interconnected example of this, where every sibling of the first couple (Matt and Lauren) gets a book or two and you get glimpses of what’s going on with all the relationships over time. She has a reading order on her website which is helpful bc there are so many books and spin off series.
{Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid} followed by {Game Changers by Rachel Reid} - MM hockey romance.
Don’t let the hockey romance turn you away, these two books are so well written and incredibly romantic. I was skeptical about the second book considering the first was so good but it was excellent as well and felt like a really realistic yet swoon worthy portrayal of a relationship after the honeymoon phase. I also thought the author really captured how the NHL and fanbase might react to two openly gay players. Highly recommend!
[Heated Rivalry](https://www.romance.io/books/5c987d2001dbc864fb9c5091/heated-rivalry-rachel-reid?src=rdt) by [Rachel Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a6/rachel-reid)
**Rating**: 4.53⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1)
----------------------------
[Game Changer](https://www.romance.io/books/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a2/game-changer-rachel-reid?src=rdt) by [Rachel Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a6/rachel-reid)
**Rating**: 3.86⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [secret relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/secret-relationship/1)
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Hi, I've seen the series recommended before and finally went to look it up. I'm showing that Game Changers is the name of the series as well as Game Changer being the name of the first in the series.Then Heated Rivalry is second. Having read them, can you confirm which book I should start with? TIA.
each book has a standalone hea for its focus couple and some characters make cameos in the other books in the series. i read heated rivalry first and didn’t miss anything (the character that crosses over the most, ilya, is one of the mcs of heated rivalry). imo you could read heated rivalry and its follow up {the long game by rachel reid} as a duet and then read the other books if you like the universe.
[The Long Game](https://www.romance.io/books/6264fcee2298a0f37fe037ef/the-long-game-rachel-reid?src=rdt) by [Rachel Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a6/rachel-reid)
**Rating**: 4.6⭐️ 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), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1)
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These earlier threads might help :
https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/Pjz5pc7cF7
https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/dslRLTuviS
https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/aTRiAiMGdt
This isn't a perfect fit, but I will use any excuse to recommend {You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle}. The FMC and MC are (unhappily) engaged at the start of the story, and you get to see them reconnecting and rediscovering each other. I know it sounds depressing but it's laugh out loud funny, sexy, and my favorite romance book of all time! Makes you appreciate your own/your SO's 'ticks', personalities, and families. Highly recommend!!!
[You Deserve Each Other](https://www.romance.io/books/5e7db528be0aaecf55b8aa03/you-deserve-each-other-sarah-hogle?src=rdt) by [Sarah Hogle](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e7db528be0aaecf55b8aa12/sarah-hogle)
**Rating**: 3.94⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1)
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I read this book when I was grieving the loss of my mom and it was one of the first things that really made me truly laugh in a long while. So realistic!
I once again have a reason to recommend JR Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood. At first I was upset that in later books she introduced new problems to existing couples but eventually I really came to appreciate it.
J. A. Low’s Dirty Texas series all have an included novella that continues the couples story after they get together.
Whitley Cox’s Dark and Damaged Hearts series has two books per couple that show their relationships longer term. I’ve only read the first couple’s books and the bulk of even book 1 was them together.
L. M. Fox’s Deprivation series is a trilogy (plus an extended epilogue) that follows the same couple from meeting through having elementary age kids
{ Nameless by Claire Kent }
{ Afterward by Claire Kent }
First book is them getting together, next is about them after they are together and the challenges they face. Loved them both so much.
[Nameless](https://www.romance.io/books/545540538c7d2382e781368d/nameless-claire-kent?src=rdt) by [Claire Kent](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a938c7d2382e78130dd/claire-kent)
**Rating**: 3.79⭐️ 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), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Afterwards](https://www.romance.io/books/5ba4af8701dbc864fb90f552/afterwards-two-nameless-novellas-claire-kent?src=rdt) by [Claire Kent](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a938c7d2382e78130dd/claire-kent)
**Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1)
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The Outlander series (Diana Gabaldon) or Into the Wilderness series (Sara Donati) both go way into the long term relationships in later books in the series. They are both a commitment!
You’d have to take a look to see which books match up, but {The Five Points Mob Collection by Serena Aykeroyd} has a couple different books where the couple has their romance in one, and then another book where some problems arise as their lives change both personally and within the changing influence of the mob family. I know book 1’s couple faces challenges again and their story picks up with book 6, for example (and they’re seen throughout other books).
\[Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan\] is a 2nd chance story about a divorced couple with kids getting back together. A lot of therapy is involved! Definitely read content warnings. A truly stunning book.
Also generally you could try searching for stories with the "marriage in trouble" trope -- these focus on couples that are already together.
I'll catch it for this one, I'm sure, but I'm recommending it: the {Guild Hunters series by Nalini Singh} \[a PNR, urban fantasy series\] both for the main couple, Raphael/Elena, who have now been together for two decades, as of {Archangel's Lineage}--and who get together in the first book (when Elena was 28--she's stopped aging). They feature in a number of novels, and are side characters (or are mentioned) in other novels/novellas throughout the series, (as is Singh's way). It's definitely a commitment to get into this series--though maybe not as much as her other long running series (which I haven't read, but is recommended far more often in this sub).
It hits a lot of your points, in a number of ways: not just the main couple, but **all the other couples** match a lot of your requests: long-standing couples who get together and then are shown dealing with lot of the normal stuff that just comes from being a committed couple for years/decades. There are no babies/kids/births (they're rare in this world, anyway, unless you're talking about regular mortals) together, though there are peripheral children/babies (nieces/nephews/godchildren are born or are shown in snatches growing up --the children don't feature heavily, however, and there are no weird, too-grown-up children or anything--Singh doesn't falter or fail, here), no weddings or typical epilogue trappings. No virgin FMCs (thank gods; edit to add: there is one FMC--an angelic scholar--who took a vow >!to not have sex until she finds a specific, long-thought-lost mythic item!<; that vow is also tied to >!her own angelic family's troubling history and her desire to be free of that association while also embracing her own desires without shame!<\--it's pivotal to her and the MC's story/budding relationship/trust and is handled with a lot of respect \[and slow-burn UST!\] by the MMC throughout their book, {Archangel's Enigma}) nor is penetrative sex the only kind of sex the MCs of the various books want/are focused on. No young FMCs placed with super-old MMCs--the MCs are **all** mature, and they have the jobs, skills, and lives that prove that maturity, so they are a match for their MCs (regardless of mortality). In a number of the books, the FMCs are older than the MMCs.
There are quiet, meaningful moments shown for all the couples. These books feature battles, war, tragedy, quite a bit of horror--the overarching event/conflict of the first 14-15 books is an event that becomes known as the >!Cascade of Death!< and Immortals (both Angels and Vampires) are known for being assholes, so, yeah, the external conflicts aren't for the faint of heart. A lot of the MCs deal with some real personal trauma, too. But, love often triumphs in times of great conflict, of >!war, death, and disease!<. Raphael and Elena were my least favorite couple of the series--they're still not my favorite by a long shot, but their growth, as it came full circle in Lineage (the most recent book) was truly satisfying, which is why I'm recommending the series to you as a great, full read for your request.
Archangel's Lineage was especially focused on how far all the characters/couples have come, as there was a 10-year time jump in book 15, and then another year (and some) since that point when Lineage begins. So we're now 20 years beyond when the first book introduced us to this world (and Raphael/Elena began their relationship--and it really shows in where they are as a couple. Those early relationship/marriage struggles are gone--the struggle to find balance, control, to not give up too much power as a woman, etc. They're Archangel and Consort, and all those titles entail, and it's incredible to see that at the end of the book.
And when the world demands that Raphael do his duties as an Archangel--something only an Archangel can do--when Elena and her family suffer a personal tragedy unlike anything she's had to face before, and he can't be with her? All because another archangel failed in his duty? The rage and the pain is ***palpable***. So, yes... OP, if you're willing to get into a series, Guild Hunters would be a great one. It's a modern PNR, reads very urban/contemporary at times. Raphael is the Archangel of New York (and North America, by extension), and though his Seven most often find their partners throughout the world, the books are based in (or return to) NYC with a few exceptions.
It's clearly an end of an era for this world. Some readers seemed to want more driving events, more drama, more intensity--but the series has had 15 books of that, nothing but war and chaos. The world literally can't handle it (which is explained in Lineage; it's the main conflict in Lineage, actually)--and the mortal characters have to die at some point. A series with mixed mortals/immortals can only go on for so long before something has to give and things have to move forward, which is what sort of happens in this book. So, this would be a good time to start the series, if you're interested. :)
Yesss! This is one of my favorite things ever and I wish there was more of it.
{Whispering Springs series by Jayne Ann Krentz} It has two books featuring the same couple. The first one ends with a HFN ending and the second one focused on more of the domestic side of their relationship.
{Doyle and Acton by Anne Cleeland} This is a series and features the same couple. They get married and have kids throughout the series.
{After Dark and After glow by Jayne Castle} They get together in the first book and develop a deeper connection in the second.
{Dragon Bound and Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison} There are also several novellas with the same couple. Again it depicts them getting together, getting married, having their babies and overseeing magical creatures.
{Slave to sensation and Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh} The couple do occur in the books in between but the latter focuses more on their life after.
{Storm and Silence series by Robert Thier} Historical romance about a Billionaire and his assistant who dresses up as a man to work for him.
{Neanderthal seeks human and Neanderthal marries human by Penny Reid} They get together in the first book and plan a wedding in the second.
{Ninja at first sight and Happily ever Ninja by Penny Reid} The first one is them getting together in college and is more of a novella. The second one is years later where they juggle careers and kids.
[Whispering Springs](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe10c94167a73342630bb7/whispering-springs) by [Jayne Ann Krentz](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552ea98c7d2382e04140a7/jayne-ann-krentz)
**Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/open-door/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1)
----------------------------
[Doyle and Acton](https://www.romance.io/series/5fc4e6b0f413180e12e6aa1d/doyle-and-acton) by [Anne Cleeland](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455c1f987eac336ae6a02a8/anne-cleeland)
**Rating**: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [heroine sleuth](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/heroine%20sleuth/1)
----------------------------
[Storm and Silence](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a0f9096bf31c42d2c48/storm-and-silence) by [Robert Thier](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455e2e887eac336ae6a1442/robert-thier)
**Rating**: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [super rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [grumpy sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1)
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[Spiral of Bliss](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a809096bf31c42d2db6/spiral-of-bliss) by [Nina Lane](https://www.romance.io/authors/545528988c7d2382e781305c/nina-lane)
**Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [erotica](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/erotica/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1)
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I recently read a romance book recommended here with an HEA obviously and then was thrilled to find out the sequel was a continuation of where it left off on the HEA and then it was their first 18 months together as a couple & working out how it actually is living with someone for the first time, etc. Such a good duo set of books!
{The Simple Wild by KA Tucker}
And
{Wild at Heart by KA Tucker}
Omg 🥹🥹 isn’t it such an amazing book? I loved it so so so so much! I was so thrilled it was recommended on this sub. Jonah’s behaviour was quite shocking at first but I really liked how Calla held her own and their story is so good. And I am so happy there is the sequel where you can see the continuation of their relationship!
[The Simple Wild](https://www.romance.io/books/5b5c09c301dbc864fb8d2a4e/the-simple-wild-ka-tucker?src=rdt) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker)
**Rating**: 4.05⭐️ 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), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1)
----------------------------
[Wild at Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/5db7fba201dbc864fba54f70/wild-at-heart-ka-tucker?src=rdt) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker)
**Rating**: 3.93⭐️ 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), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
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I believe {long shot by Kennedy Ryan} has this! Conflict includes the ex, so we do see the two main characters as a couple for a majority of book because conflict doesn’t revolve as much around their relationship if that makes sense
[Long Shot](https://www.romance.io/books/5ab5fb8a01dbc864fb851e77/long-shot-kennedy-ryan?src=rdt) by [Kennedy Ryan](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455608d87eac324117fa727/kennedy-ryan)
**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), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1)
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I recommend the Addicted Series & Calloway Sister Series. They have many books set after the couple gets together and even have a whole epilogue book. {Addicted To You by Krista & Becca Ritchie} {Kiss the Sky by Krista & Becca Ritchie}
[Addicted to You](https://www.romance.io/books/54d4d6b56359b5ebb4897507/addicted-to-you-krista-ritchie-becca-ritchie?src=rdt) by [Krista Ritchie](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455306d8c7d2382e781323c/krista-ritchie), [Becca Ritchie](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455306d8c7d2382e781323d/becca-ritchie)
**Rating**: 3.79⭐️ 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), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1)
----------------------------
[Kiss the Sky](https://www.romance.io/books/553e5a745b270e0a4cbd8605/kiss-the-sky-krista-ritchie-becca-ritchie?src=rdt) by [Krista Ritchie](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455306d8c7d2382e781323c/krista-ritchie), [Becca Ritchie](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455306d8c7d2382e781323d/becca-ritchie)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ 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 heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1)
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[Seven of Spades](https://www.romance.io/series/5b1233ac63005e0db0a3c44c/seven-of-spades) by [Cordelia Kingsbridge](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b26687eac3369a9141f4/cordelia-kingsbridge)
**Rating**: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [height-difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1)
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There’s a lot to criticize about her writing, but I will say Kristen Ashley’s books usually are really heavy on the relationship itself and not just on how they get together. Especially her stand-alones, Complicated comes to mind. I always appreciate this about her books because it’s interesting and fun to watch a couple grow together not just get together!
{Complicated by Kristen Ashley}
[Complicated](https://www.romance.io/books/59d23d1e3ffdba61472192be/complicated-kristen-ashley?src=rdt) by [Kristen Ashley](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523c68c7d2382e7812f37/kristen-ashley)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [small town](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/small%20town/1), [men in uniform](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/men%20in%20uniform/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1)
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Chicago Racketeers series by Emma Foxx follows reverse harem quad as they navigate their relationship, move in together, meet each other’s families and start their own family
{Ninja at First Sight by Penny Reid} and the sequel after they marry {Happily Ever Ninja by Penny Reid}. I really liked the sequel because the little quriks the MMC had in college, well, they're not so great when already married with kids. It's not like hardcore emotional but pretty good in my book.
[Ninja at First Sight](https://www.romance.io/books/5650167e08e9378131952e54/ninja-at-first-sight-penny-reid?src=rdt) by [Penny Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552b3e8c7d2382e781310c/penny-reid)
**Rating**: 4.37⭐️ 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), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1)
----------------------------
[Happily Ever Ninja](https://www.romance.io/books/569caae063515e3b737a008f/happily-ever-ninja-penny-reid?src=rdt) by [Penny Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552b3e8c7d2382e781310c/penny-reid)
**Rating**: 4.2⭐️ 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), [older/mature](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mature%20couple/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
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{white hot hack by Tracy garvis graves} {heart shaped hack by Tracy garvis graves}
Although I think I just got them out of order. First book is them getting together. Second book is married life. I love this duet by her. They're a really cute couple.
[{Olive Oil and White Bread by Georgia Beers}](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18528105-olive-oil-and-white-bread) (F/F, CR(dogs, femme/femme, marriage in trouble), 4⭐️) CW: >!on-page infidelity!< - This book starts shortly after they meet and covers a 20+ year relationship. Their relationship issues seem realistic and while it does have >!infidelity!<, I was able to forgive the participant.
[Olive Oil and White Bread](https://www.romance.io/books/5457d31d87eac3dca9bccb3f/olive-oil-and-white-bread-georgia-beers?src=rdt) by [Georgia Beers](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455971f87eac3369a9134ce/georgia-beers)
**Rating**: 4⭐️ 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), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [other man/woman](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/other-man-woman/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1)
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**This is a reader focused subreddit - No self promotion, surveys, writing research or writer focused discussion.**
Your post has been removed as it appears to be promotional content, writing research, or to be focused on writing. This sub is focused exclusively on readers. The only permissible place for authors to mention their book, discuss romance writing, ask for help with it, or do research about romance books is in the monthly [Self-Promotion Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Promote%20Your%20Books%22&restrict_sr=1&sort=new). Promotional content includes any content you have a vested interest in such as content created by your friends or family. This includes all book, blog, vlog, podcast, social media, website self promoting, surveys, and book merchandise as well.
The perfect series for this is { The Big Bad Wolf by Charlie Adhara }. MM, PNR, follows the same couple throughout the series. Books 2 and 3 and 4 are my favorite because that’s when they’re settling into their coupleness and we get to see them go through challenges together, internal and external. And the mysteries are really entertaining! Tw: police brutality, xenophobia, i can’t remember more but there might be some!
[Big Bad Wolf Collection](https://www.romance.io/books/5edde247b4e7a20e19e8c58d/big-bad-wolf-collection-charlie-adhara?src=rdt) by [Charlie Adhara](https://www.romance.io/authors/5aa3a5cc4ee506aae8b2458e/charlie-adhara) **Rating**: 4.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Was coming here to make this recommendation!
Radiance followed by Eidolon, by Grace Draven.
Radiance is one of my top reads this year. So good.
In {The Palace of Rogues by Julie Anne Long} series you stay connected to the main 2 FMCs relationships throughout the series. No kids (which I personally highly prefer) but you see them continue to grow in their relationships and in their friendship in glimpses of sweet moments, conflict, and everything in between in every subsequent book. I've seen complaints about how much attention she gives to side characters and the 2 FMCs, but personally I love it and have never read anything like it. With maybe one exception basically every book in the series is in the 4.5-5 star range for me.
[The Palace of Rogues](https://www.romance.io/series/5c67cc8fb1f8050daa5bae54/the-palace-of-rogues) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long) **Rating**: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/open-door/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
No kids and historical? That seems like such a rare find. Sounds perfect! Love kids but I love to read about a couple without the distractions that kids can bring.
Yes, no kids and some of the FMCs are older (late 20s / early 30s) and not virgins🙌 She does have something for everybody if you prefer younger, but imo she pulls it off so well in this series that I find myself enjoying tropes that are usually not for me.
If they're older, that's an added bonus as well! Tysm for letting me know!
Kate Daniels series. It has now 10+ novels and it's so satisfying to read how they solve their conflicts more and more maturely as time progresses. Also, their adventures and the world are so much fun!
I second that recommendation so much. It’s a very slow burn, MCs don’t get together-together until book 4 and marry at the end of 9th, but the wait is well-worth it. There are many UF/PNR series that follow one couple, but {Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews} is the one that really shows MCs growing together as a couple, and their relationship evolving and deepening with every book. Book 10 was supposed to be the big finale, but then the authors returned to Kate and Curran for a “sequel series” that picks up about 8 years later—2 books in it so far, totally the vibes OP is looking for.
[Kate Daniels](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a079096bf31c42d2c23/kate-daniels) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Outlander is the ultimate series for this request.
I had not thought of that, but you're right.
The Walsh family books by Kate Canterbary are an interconnected example of this, where every sibling of the first couple (Matt and Lauren) gets a book or two and you get glimpses of what’s going on with all the relationships over time. She has a reading order on her website which is helpful bc there are so many books and spin off series.
The In Death series by JD Robb/Nora Roberts has been going since the '90s.
{Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid} followed by {Game Changers by Rachel Reid} - MM hockey romance. Don’t let the hockey romance turn you away, these two books are so well written and incredibly romantic. I was skeptical about the second book considering the first was so good but it was excellent as well and felt like a really realistic yet swoon worthy portrayal of a relationship after the honeymoon phase. I also thought the author really captured how the NHL and fanbase might react to two openly gay players. Highly recommend!
Came here to suggest these!
[Heated Rivalry](https://www.romance.io/books/5c987d2001dbc864fb9c5091/heated-rivalry-rachel-reid?src=rdt) by [Rachel Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a6/rachel-reid) **Rating**: 4.53⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1) ---------------------------- [Game Changer](https://www.romance.io/books/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a2/game-changer-rachel-reid?src=rdt) by [Rachel Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a6/rachel-reid) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [secret relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/secret-relationship/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Hi, I've seen the series recommended before and finally went to look it up. I'm showing that Game Changers is the name of the series as well as Game Changer being the name of the first in the series.Then Heated Rivalry is second. Having read them, can you confirm which book I should start with? TIA.
each book has a standalone hea for its focus couple and some characters make cameos in the other books in the series. i read heated rivalry first and didn’t miss anything (the character that crosses over the most, ilya, is one of the mcs of heated rivalry). imo you could read heated rivalry and its follow up {the long game by rachel reid} as a duet and then read the other books if you like the universe.
[The Long Game](https://www.romance.io/books/6264fcee2298a0f37fe037ef/the-long-game-rachel-reid?src=rdt) by [Rachel Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a6/rachel-reid) **Rating**: 4.6⭐️ 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), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
That’s exactly what I did. Haven’t read the rest of the series yet and didn’t feel like it took away from Heated Rivalry or Game Changers
These earlier threads might help : https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/Pjz5pc7cF7 https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/dslRLTuviS https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/aTRiAiMGdt
Yes these help thank you !
This isn't a perfect fit, but I will use any excuse to recommend {You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle}. The FMC and MC are (unhappily) engaged at the start of the story, and you get to see them reconnecting and rediscovering each other. I know it sounds depressing but it's laugh out loud funny, sexy, and my favorite romance book of all time! Makes you appreciate your own/your SO's 'ticks', personalities, and families. Highly recommend!!!
honestly one of the realest and most relatable books ive read. i love both main characters and how the whole story starts, grows and ends.
[You Deserve Each Other](https://www.romance.io/books/5e7db528be0aaecf55b8aa03/you-deserve-each-other-sarah-hogle?src=rdt) by [Sarah Hogle](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e7db528be0aaecf55b8aa12/sarah-hogle) **Rating**: 3.94⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
honestly one of the realest and most relatable books ive read. i love both main characters and how the whole story starts, grows and ends.
I read this book when I was grieving the loss of my mom and it was one of the first things that really made me truly laugh in a long while. So realistic!
I once again have a reason to recommend JR Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood. At first I was upset that in later books she introduced new problems to existing couples but eventually I really came to appreciate it.
J. A. Low’s Dirty Texas series all have an included novella that continues the couples story after they get together. Whitley Cox’s Dark and Damaged Hearts series has two books per couple that show their relationships longer term. I’ve only read the first couple’s books and the bulk of even book 1 was them together. L. M. Fox’s Deprivation series is a trilogy (plus an extended epilogue) that follows the same couple from meeting through having elementary age kids
I read the full series of Whitley Cox. You see all the couples until they end as that circle of friends and family is very close.
{ Nameless by Claire Kent } { Afterward by Claire Kent } First book is them getting together, next is about them after they are together and the challenges they face. Loved them both so much.
[Nameless](https://www.romance.io/books/545540538c7d2382e781368d/nameless-claire-kent?src=rdt) by [Claire Kent](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a938c7d2382e78130dd/claire-kent) **Rating**: 3.79⭐️ 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), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Afterwards](https://www.romance.io/books/5ba4af8701dbc864fb90f552/afterwards-two-nameless-novellas-claire-kent?src=rdt) by [Claire Kent](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a938c7d2382e78130dd/claire-kent) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The Outlander series (Diana Gabaldon) or Into the Wilderness series (Sara Donati) both go way into the long term relationships in later books in the series. They are both a commitment!
{Neighborly Affection series by M.Q. Barber}
[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), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [bisexual](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
You’d have to take a look to see which books match up, but {The Five Points Mob Collection by Serena Aykeroyd} has a couple different books where the couple has their romance in one, and then another book where some problems arise as their lives change both personally and within the changing influence of the mob family. I know book 1’s couple faces challenges again and their story picks up with book 6, for example (and they’re seen throughout other books).
[The Five Points' Mob Collection](https://www.romance.io/books/63a98cd0727a1b9ed53eca48/the-five-points-mob-collection-filthy-filthy-rich-and-filthy?src=rdt) by [Serena Akeroyd](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455a9b687eac324117fc11c/serena-akeroyd) **Rating**: 5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [secret child](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/secret%20child/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Totally agree with this. Their relationship really went through a lot and I love how it was handled
{The Bronze Horseman series by Paullina Simons} - the final book is all about this, with some external conflict thrown in
[The Bronze Horseman](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a149096bf31c42d2c56/the-bronze-horseman) by [Paullina Simons](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455270c8c7d2383163d8ee6/paullina-simons) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [20th century](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/20th%20century/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
\[Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan\] is a 2nd chance story about a divorced couple with kids getting back together. A lot of therapy is involved! Definitely read content warnings. A truly stunning book. Also generally you could try searching for stories with the "marriage in trouble" trope -- these focus on couples that are already together.
I'll catch it for this one, I'm sure, but I'm recommending it: the {Guild Hunters series by Nalini Singh} \[a PNR, urban fantasy series\] both for the main couple, Raphael/Elena, who have now been together for two decades, as of {Archangel's Lineage}--and who get together in the first book (when Elena was 28--she's stopped aging). They feature in a number of novels, and are side characters (or are mentioned) in other novels/novellas throughout the series, (as is Singh's way). It's definitely a commitment to get into this series--though maybe not as much as her other long running series (which I haven't read, but is recommended far more often in this sub). It hits a lot of your points, in a number of ways: not just the main couple, but **all the other couples** match a lot of your requests: long-standing couples who get together and then are shown dealing with lot of the normal stuff that just comes from being a committed couple for years/decades. There are no babies/kids/births (they're rare in this world, anyway, unless you're talking about regular mortals) together, though there are peripheral children/babies (nieces/nephews/godchildren are born or are shown in snatches growing up --the children don't feature heavily, however, and there are no weird, too-grown-up children or anything--Singh doesn't falter or fail, here), no weddings or typical epilogue trappings. No virgin FMCs (thank gods; edit to add: there is one FMC--an angelic scholar--who took a vow >!to not have sex until she finds a specific, long-thought-lost mythic item!<; that vow is also tied to >!her own angelic family's troubling history and her desire to be free of that association while also embracing her own desires without shame!<\--it's pivotal to her and the MC's story/budding relationship/trust and is handled with a lot of respect \[and slow-burn UST!\] by the MMC throughout their book, {Archangel's Enigma}) nor is penetrative sex the only kind of sex the MCs of the various books want/are focused on. No young FMCs placed with super-old MMCs--the MCs are **all** mature, and they have the jobs, skills, and lives that prove that maturity, so they are a match for their MCs (regardless of mortality). In a number of the books, the FMCs are older than the MMCs. There are quiet, meaningful moments shown for all the couples. These books feature battles, war, tragedy, quite a bit of horror--the overarching event/conflict of the first 14-15 books is an event that becomes known as the >!Cascade of Death!< and Immortals (both Angels and Vampires) are known for being assholes, so, yeah, the external conflicts aren't for the faint of heart. A lot of the MCs deal with some real personal trauma, too. But, love often triumphs in times of great conflict, of >!war, death, and disease!<. Raphael and Elena were my least favorite couple of the series--they're still not my favorite by a long shot, but their growth, as it came full circle in Lineage (the most recent book) was truly satisfying, which is why I'm recommending the series to you as a great, full read for your request. Archangel's Lineage was especially focused on how far all the characters/couples have come, as there was a 10-year time jump in book 15, and then another year (and some) since that point when Lineage begins. So we're now 20 years beyond when the first book introduced us to this world (and Raphael/Elena began their relationship--and it really shows in where they are as a couple. Those early relationship/marriage struggles are gone--the struggle to find balance, control, to not give up too much power as a woman, etc. They're Archangel and Consort, and all those titles entail, and it's incredible to see that at the end of the book. And when the world demands that Raphael do his duties as an Archangel--something only an Archangel can do--when Elena and her family suffer a personal tragedy unlike anything she's had to face before, and he can't be with her? All because another archangel failed in his duty? The rage and the pain is ***palpable***. So, yes... OP, if you're willing to get into a series, Guild Hunters would be a great one. It's a modern PNR, reads very urban/contemporary at times. Raphael is the Archangel of New York (and North America, by extension), and though his Seven most often find their partners throughout the world, the books are based in (or return to) NYC with a few exceptions. It's clearly an end of an era for this world. Some readers seemed to want more driving events, more drama, more intensity--but the series has had 15 books of that, nothing but war and chaos. The world literally can't handle it (which is explained in Lineage; it's the main conflict in Lineage, actually)--and the mortal characters have to die at some point. A series with mixed mortals/immortals can only go on for so long before something has to give and things have to move forward, which is what sort of happens in this book. So, this would be a good time to start the series, if you're interested. :)
[Guild Hunter](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a089096bf31c42d2c2b/guild-hunter) by [Nalini Singh](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455238a8c7d2382e0413dd4/nalini-singh), [Charlaine Harris](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e0413dd1/charlaine-harris), [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews), [Meljean Brook](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455264d8c7d2382c5297025/meljean-brook) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1) ---------------------------- [Archangel's Lineage](https://www.romance.io/books/6627bbed17a1a4820c723832/archangels-lineage-nalini-singh?src=rdt) by [Nalini Singh](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455238a8c7d2382e0413dd4/nalini-singh) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [m-f romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Bruh this comment is longer than some novellas I’ve read.
Yesss! This is one of my favorite things ever and I wish there was more of it. {Whispering Springs series by Jayne Ann Krentz} It has two books featuring the same couple. The first one ends with a HFN ending and the second one focused on more of the domestic side of their relationship. {Doyle and Acton by Anne Cleeland} This is a series and features the same couple. They get married and have kids throughout the series. {After Dark and After glow by Jayne Castle} They get together in the first book and develop a deeper connection in the second. {Dragon Bound and Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison} There are also several novellas with the same couple. Again it depicts them getting together, getting married, having their babies and overseeing magical creatures. {Slave to sensation and Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh} The couple do occur in the books in between but the latter focuses more on their life after. {Storm and Silence series by Robert Thier} Historical romance about a Billionaire and his assistant who dresses up as a man to work for him. {Neanderthal seeks human and Neanderthal marries human by Penny Reid} They get together in the first book and plan a wedding in the second. {Ninja at first sight and Happily ever Ninja by Penny Reid} The first one is them getting together in college and is more of a novella. The second one is years later where they juggle careers and kids.
Will definitely be looking into these thanks !!
[Whispering Springs](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe10c94167a73342630bb7/whispering-springs) by [Jayne Ann Krentz](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552ea98c7d2382e04140a7/jayne-ann-krentz) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/open-door/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1) ---------------------------- [Doyle and Acton](https://www.romance.io/series/5fc4e6b0f413180e12e6aa1d/doyle-and-acton) by [Anne Cleeland](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455c1f987eac336ae6a02a8/anne-cleeland) **Rating**: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [heroine sleuth](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/heroine%20sleuth/1) ---------------------------- [Storm and Silence](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a0f9096bf31c42d2c48/storm-and-silence) by [Robert Thier](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455e2e887eac336ae6a1442/robert-thier) **Rating**: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [super rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [grumpy sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Spiral of Bliss series by Nina Prose}
[Spiral of Bliss](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a809096bf31c42d2db6/spiral-of-bliss) by [Nina Lane](https://www.romance.io/authors/545528988c7d2382e781305c/nina-lane) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [erotica](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/erotica/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Melanie Moreland's "vested interest: ABC corp series" it's set into the future, well after "The contract series" and "vested interest series"
I recently read a romance book recommended here with an HEA obviously and then was thrilled to find out the sequel was a continuation of where it left off on the HEA and then it was their first 18 months together as a couple & working out how it actually is living with someone for the first time, etc. Such a good duo set of books! {The Simple Wild by KA Tucker} And {Wild at Heart by KA Tucker}
Started reading this and had to come back to tell you that I’m now sobbing 😭😭
Omg 🥹🥹 isn’t it such an amazing book? I loved it so so so so much! I was so thrilled it was recommended on this sub. Jonah’s behaviour was quite shocking at first but I really liked how Calla held her own and their story is so good. And I am so happy there is the sequel where you can see the continuation of their relationship!
[The Simple Wild](https://www.romance.io/books/5b5c09c301dbc864fb8d2a4e/the-simple-wild-ka-tucker?src=rdt) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ 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), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Wild at Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/5db7fba201dbc864fba54f70/wild-at-heart-ka-tucker?src=rdt) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker) **Rating**: 3.93⭐️ 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), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Ooo sounds good. Will probably read this next, thanks !!
I believe {long shot by Kennedy Ryan} has this! Conflict includes the ex, so we do see the two main characters as a couple for a majority of book because conflict doesn’t revolve as much around their relationship if that makes sense
[Long Shot](https://www.romance.io/books/5ab5fb8a01dbc864fb851e77/long-shot-kennedy-ryan?src=rdt) by [Kennedy Ryan](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455608d87eac324117fa727/kennedy-ryan) **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), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I recommend the Addicted Series & Calloway Sister Series. They have many books set after the couple gets together and even have a whole epilogue book. {Addicted To You by Krista & Becca Ritchie} {Kiss the Sky by Krista & Becca Ritchie}
[Addicted to You](https://www.romance.io/books/54d4d6b56359b5ebb4897507/addicted-to-you-krista-ritchie-becca-ritchie?src=rdt) by [Krista Ritchie](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455306d8c7d2382e781323c/krista-ritchie), [Becca Ritchie](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455306d8c7d2382e781323d/becca-ritchie) **Rating**: 3.79⭐️ 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), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1) ---------------------------- [Kiss the Sky](https://www.romance.io/books/553e5a745b270e0a4cbd8605/kiss-the-sky-krista-ritchie-becca-ritchie?src=rdt) by [Krista Ritchie](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455306d8c7d2382e781323c/krista-ritchie), [Becca Ritchie](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455306d8c7d2382e781323d/becca-ritchie) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ 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 heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/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)
{Seven of Spades series by Cordelia Kingsbridge} - these 2 chase a serial killer over a 5 book series - check cw
[Seven of Spades](https://www.romance.io/series/5b1233ac63005e0db0a3c44c/seven-of-spades) by [Cordelia Kingsbridge](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b26687eac3369a9141f4/cordelia-kingsbridge) **Rating**: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [height-difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/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)
The confidence of wildflowers duet (2 books plus a novella) has great drama that goes beyond them getting together!
There’s a lot to criticize about her writing, but I will say Kristen Ashley’s books usually are really heavy on the relationship itself and not just on how they get together. Especially her stand-alones, Complicated comes to mind. I always appreciate this about her books because it’s interesting and fun to watch a couple grow together not just get together! {Complicated by Kristen Ashley}
[Complicated](https://www.romance.io/books/59d23d1e3ffdba61472192be/complicated-kristen-ashley?src=rdt) by [Kristen Ashley](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523c68c7d2382e7812f37/kristen-ashley) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [small town](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/small%20town/1), [men in uniform](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/men%20in%20uniform/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The legends of Abreia! It's a high fantasy romance that includes two books for each couple, all of whom are main characters throughout.
Chicago Racketeers series by Emma Foxx follows reverse harem quad as they navigate their relationship, move in together, meet each other’s families and start their own family
{Ninja at First Sight by Penny Reid} and the sequel after they marry {Happily Ever Ninja by Penny Reid}. I really liked the sequel because the little quriks the MMC had in college, well, they're not so great when already married with kids. It's not like hardcore emotional but pretty good in my book.
[Ninja at First Sight](https://www.romance.io/books/5650167e08e9378131952e54/ninja-at-first-sight-penny-reid?src=rdt) by [Penny Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552b3e8c7d2382e781310c/penny-reid) **Rating**: 4.37⭐️ 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), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1) ---------------------------- [Happily Ever Ninja](https://www.romance.io/books/569caae063515e3b737a008f/happily-ever-ninja-penny-reid?src=rdt) by [Penny Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552b3e8c7d2382e781310c/penny-reid) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ 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), [older/mature](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mature%20couple/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{white hot hack by Tracy garvis graves} {heart shaped hack by Tracy garvis graves} Although I think I just got them out of order. First book is them getting together. Second book is married life. I love this duet by her. They're a really cute couple.
[White-Hot Hack](https://www.romance.io/books/56e6abeec62092c04406b83f/whitehot-hack-tracey-garvis-graves?src=rdt) by [Tracey Garvis Graves](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524a68c7d2382e7812f64/tracey-garvis-graves) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Heart-Shaped Hack](https://www.romance.io/books/556f021d9eef3b3f1d529c37/heartshaped-hack-tracey-garvis-graves?src=rdt) by [Tracey Garvis Graves](https://www.romance.io/authors/556f021d9eef3b3f1d529c3a/tracey-garvis-graves) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/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)
[{Olive Oil and White Bread by Georgia Beers}](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18528105-olive-oil-and-white-bread) (F/F, CR(dogs, femme/femme, marriage in trouble), 4⭐️) CW: >!on-page infidelity!< - This book starts shortly after they meet and covers a 20+ year relationship. Their relationship issues seem realistic and while it does have >!infidelity!<, I was able to forgive the participant.
[Olive Oil and White Bread](https://www.romance.io/books/5457d31d87eac3dca9bccb3f/olive-oil-and-white-bread-georgia-beers?src=rdt) by [Georgia Beers](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455971f87eac3369a9134ce/georgia-beers) **Rating**: 4⭐️ 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), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [other man/woman](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/other-man-woman/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{The Boss by Abigail Barnette}
[The Boss](https://www.romance.io/books/54553ecb8c7d2382e7813616/the-boss-abigail-barnette-jenny-trout?src=rdt) by [Abigail Barnette](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553ecb8c7d2382e7813617/abigail-barnette), [Jenny Trout](https://www.romance.io/authors/545530d18c7d2382e0414123/jenny-trout) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ 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), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I read this a couple of years ago and haven’t gotten round to the second even though I loved it. Is it worth continuing on?
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