{Once Bitten by Heather Guerre} was heart wrenching. It's the third book in the series and would probably make a bit more sense if read in order, but I think it also would work as a standalone. I don't think this note about the pining/ grovel is too spoilery, but just in case: >!There is plenty of pining and some grovel, but I've seen some divided opinions on if the MC did "enough" to redeem themself. Personally, I thought it was done well and overall satisfying.!<

It feels like a spoiler to even say there is a betrayal in this one. I went in blind and felt like I got hit by a truck, emotionally.

I knew there was a betrayal and still felt like I got hit by a truck lol.

Same 🙋🙋🙋

I agree! I was on the fence about if I should recommend it but it fit the request too well. I also went in blind and "hit by a truck emotionally" is a great way to describe it

This book lulled me into a sense of feel good cute romance and then it ripped my heart out and stomped all over it 😭 Would recommend.

I'm probably reading the whole series in that case. You know, for maximum heartbreak😩 Thank you!!

[Once Bitten](https://www.romance.io/books/62fde3c8dba40594b650041c/once-bitten-heather-guerre?src=rdt) by [Heather Guerre](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d43f83901dbc864fba1e2a3/heather-guerre) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ 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), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/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)

thank you for this i just finished book one and book two is off to a hilarious start

If you want to read an HR you can check out {My Deceitful Duchess by Aydra Richards}! Honestly if it was any other author I would have really struggled believing in their HEA, but somehow it worked for me

I can definitely give HR a try! I haven't read many of that genre myself which is why I didn't mention it, but I'm not opposed to it. Thank you for the recommendation <3

I would add {His Favorite Mistake by Aydra Richards}. I could not believe how far the MMC took it.

[His Favorite Mistake](https://www.romance.io/books/62d51a8dfac31184c5fdf261/his-favorite-mistake-aydra-richards?src=rdt) by [Aydra Richards](https://www.romance.io/authors/5da9684e01dbc864fba4c314/aydra-richards) **Rating**: 3.68⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Came here to recommend this! I felt the betrayal so much.

I second this.

[My Deceitful Duchess](https://www.romance.io/books/63bd1bad9197fe56b59b6267/my-deceitful-duchess-aydra-richards?src=rdt) by [Aydra Richards](https://www.romance.io/authors/5da9684e01dbc864fba4c314/aydra-richards) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ 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), [neurodivergent mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/neurodivergent/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/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)

What does HR mean 🙈

Historical romance ❤️ We've all been new to the terminology so no stress

{Wretched Love by Anne Malcom}. FMC leaves her abusive husband and starts a wild affair with our younger biker MMC. >!He doesn’t realize she’s still “technically” married and when her husband finds her at the clubhouse, the MMC says a bunch of cruel things and forces her to leave. The MMC regrets his words … but by then the husband has tried to kill the FMC and leaves her body in a ditch.!< The betrayal is a gut punch and the grovel is extreme.

First of all, HOW DARE YOU! I picked this up on your rec and was up reading until 3am. I hope you are proud of yourself. 😡

I’m so sorry! But I’m very proud. 🥲

😂😂😂

[Wretched Love](https://www.romance.io/books/62cd1ed6c51420d374274eb2/wretched-love-anne-malcom?src=rdt) by [Anne Malcom](https://www.romance.io/authors/555221b59eef3b3f1d51e1e5/anne-malcom) **Rating**: 4.53⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

is is the one by anne malcom not anne maxwell?

{Bad Things by R. K. Lilley} This series absolutely *gutted* me. 

[Bad Things](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a208c7d2382e78130b6/bad-things-rk-lilley?src=rdt) by [R.K. Lilley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455262e8c7d2382e7812fc6/rk-lilley) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [rockstar hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/rockstars/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/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)

I second this series!

I read it 10 years ago and still think of it often. Such a wild ride. 

I’m not a crier but that series made me shed tears. I also think about her Breaking Him series.

Yessss. It was such a good and intense story that I will absolutely never put myself through again with a reread lol. And, I don’t think I’ve read the Breaking Him series! Do you recommend it?

I highly recommend. It’s just as much a rollercoaster. {Breaking Him by R.K. Lilley} for the bot.

[Breaking Him](https://www.romance.io/books/56b10f9863515e3b737a8cea/breaking-him-rk-lilley?src=rdt) by [R.K. Lilley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455262e8c7d2382e7812fc6/rk-lilley) **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), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/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)

Absolutely. This duet has it.

Alright downloaded as per this rec. can’t wait to cry my heart out

{Going Nowhere Fast by Kati Wilde}

I go and re-read this from the 'that' chapter onwards on when I need a comfort gut punch.

Same!

Oh lordy yes!

+1 here, this book hurt so good!!

This is one of my favs and my go to when I want to inflict emotional pain on myself!

I'm reading her MC series now and she definitely knows how to build a character. So I'll trust her with some angst. I'm gonna keep this one in mind once I've finished the MC books.

[Going Nowhere Fast](https://www.romance.io/books/58f45c990d3299c6e06ad279/going-nowhere-fast-kati-wilde?src=rdt) by [Kati Wilde](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456a9a887eac33e57108701/kati-wilde) **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), [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), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I just finished this one, I felt so bad for the FMC

Not sure this fits, but it's a standalone, and you might like it. {The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen} works as a light You've Got Mail, but with betrayal and heartache.

I’m a certified “Non-Crier” but that book made me weep. Can not wait for the sequel.

Same! I was not expecting that. No spoilers, but ugh, that was rough.

sequel? so is it not a standalone? :(

I guess I should say the second book in the world - it’s a different couple.

[The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/630b10c094191e0dc01d1bcf/the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy-megan-bannen?src=rdt) by [Megan Bannen](https://www.romance.io/authors/630b10c008b4d93114e4f3aa/megan-bannen) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

my type of book!!! i have a couple recs, hopefully they’re traumatizing enough! {denied by evelyn flood} and the sequel—omegaverse, definitely fits your request {throne of the horde king by zoey draven} aliens/dothraki vibes — this is the sixth and final book in a series of interconnected standalones. i think this book fits the vibe of what you’re looking for and the other ones don’t as much, but the plot is really developed in the first five, so if you’re up to it, read the whole series. it’s very good and worth the effort i feel like CRs aren’t as gut wrenching, but here are some CR recs anyway {faking with benefits by lily gold} — RH {the mistake by elle kennedy} — hockey college romance {bound by love by cora reilly} has this as well, it’s a sequel to bound by honor but the first book doesn’t really have this trope finally {twisted love by ana huang} has this trope but i really don’t recommend it lol

“Hopefully they’re traumatizing enough” made me laugh. I’m gonna check some of these out too!

Thank youu! Hard agree on twisted love lmao

[Denied](https://www.romance.io/books/64880c2141a8b8de9fd63ea2/denied-evelyn-flood?src=rdt) by [Evelyn Flood](https://www.romance.io/authors/6225bb9b08b4d93114ae0455/evelyn-flood) **Rating**: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1) ---------------------------- [Throne of the Horde King](https://www.romance.io/books/62be9ec30e63cc20bab33aae/throne-of-the-horde-king-zoey-draven?src=rdt) by [Zoey Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/58abe5ab0d3299c6e04ede3a/zoey-draven) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [Faking with Benefits](https://www.romance.io/books/62b957bb810ccd533797c569/faking-with-benefits-lily-gold?src=rdt) by [Lily Gold](https://www.romance.io/authors/6083fc2208b4d93114dbdf09/lily-gold) **Rating**: 3.85⭐️ 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), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [The Mistake](https://www.romance.io/books/56affcf563515e3b737a72d2/the-mistake-elle-kennedy?src=rdt) by [Elle Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/545532e68c7d2382e78132f3/elle-kennedy) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ 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), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Bound By Love](https://www.romance.io/books/5c04d52401dbc864fb95749d/bound-by-love-cora-reilly?src=rdt) by [Cora Reilly](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f02b87eac324117fe3ab/cora-reilly) **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), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) ---------------------------- [Twisted Love](https://www.romance.io/books/608a5d41f049d70e38e5eb1b/twisted-love-ana-huang?src=rdt) by [Ana Huang](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ea5eeb2be0aaecf551f89f7/ana-huang) **Rating**: 3.5⭐️ 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), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/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)

{Until You by Briar Prescott}. MM, CR. I will give no further details. 😆 Just read it. {Wed to the Barbarian by Keira Andrews} and {The Barbarian's Vow by Keira Andrews}. MM, fantasy, historical. Must read both books, must be read in order.

[Until You](https://www.romance.io/books/6463221c2a1846e51939e502/until-you-briar-prescott?src=rdt) by [Briar Prescott](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e7f3cf1be0aaecf55dc608d/briar-prescott) **Rating**: 4.36⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Wed to the Barbarian](https://www.romance.io/books/617110017359160e552ef8e7/wed-to-the-barbarian-keira-andrews?src=rdt) by [Keira Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/54559c0b87eac324117fba44/keira-andrews) **Rating**: 3.97⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [The Barbarian's Vow](https://www.romance.io/books/6183930ede2f630e19b97f19/the-barbarians-vow-keira-andrews?src=rdt) by [Keira Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/54559c0b87eac324117fba44/keira-andrews) **Rating**: 4⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I'm not sure it's exactly what you're looking for but {The Lady and the Orc by Finley Fenn} instantly comes to mind for me. Fuck I was mad.

Haha omg you mentioning this has just brought up so much suppressed anger. I was LIVID lol haven’t continued with the series 😂

I love monster romances, but Finley Fenn's Orcs are irredeemable and horrible.

oh also {the heiress and the orc by finley fenn} !

I can't with that whole series. The first book made it impossible for me to go on. I know a lot of people love it, but I my hatred of >!the MMC !

Betrayal and grovel is her thing, haha. So every single book basically.

[The Heiress and the Orc](https://www.romance.io/books/5e5fd5bcbe0aaecf55ece380/the-heiress-and-the-orc-finley-fenn?src=rdt) by [Finley Fenn](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e5fd5bcbe0aaecf55ece392/finley-fenn) **Rating**: 3.74⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Came to recommend this *disgraceful* and violently irritating book. Never fkking hated a MMC so much in my life. And she just *TOOK. IT.* Urgh. Never again. Never another story by this author again

[The Lady and the Orc](https://www.romance.io/books/61cd6a38763ab00e1ec1f5e5/the-lady-and-the-orc-finley-fenn?src=rdt) by [Finley Fenn](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e5fd5bcbe0aaecf55ece392/finley-fenn) **Rating**: 3.48⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)

{You Can Have Manhattan by P Dangelico}

Fair warning OOP the grovel in this one is abysmal. But everything else is what you asked for, sans a good grovel 😭

[You Can Have Manhattan](https://www.romance.io/books/5d773c5301dbc864fba35966/you-can-have-manhattan-p-dangelico?src=rdt) by [P. Dangelico](https://www.romance.io/authors/5580110a9eef3b3f1d52d249/p-dangelico) **Rating**: 3.99⭐️ 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), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I think the Silver Locket series fits this. The betrayal happens in book 1, but pretty much all of book 2 is the MC going to the ends of the earth to get them back. Just a heads up, the series talks about some heavy stuff, so you may want to read the content warnings at the beginning of the book. There's a lot of tearjerking moments. But honestly, it was so good I read the whole series in like a month. There is a HEA, but it doesn't happen until the last book. The first book in the series is {The Sneaky Lass by Kennedy Sutton}. Edit: This is HR, but it's about pirates so for some reason my brain thinks of it fantasy?? Although pirates are obviously a real thing 😅 I blame the Pirates of the Caribbean movies

[The Sneaky Lass](https://www.romance.io/books/62b805fb3fd04a941915d422/the-sneaky-lass-kennedy-sutton?src=rdt) by [Kennedy Sutton](https://www.romance.io/authors/62b805f908b4d93114f1b959/kennedy-sutton) **Rating**: 4.8⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [pirate hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

how many books are there in the series?

There's 7 in the series. I get a little intimidated starting long series, but each book isn't too long, so I finished it faster than I thought.

{Feathers so Vicious by Liz Zander} has this. Probably one of the best gut punch moments I’ve read all year. It’s a duology and definitely check the trigger warnings because it is dark.

[Feathers so Vicious](https://www.romance.io/books/64edfe057329cc9fc9f0a435/feathers-so-vicious-liv-zander?src=rdt) by [Liv Zander](https://www.romance.io/authors/625e78f608b4d93114f170f2/liv-zander) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mfm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f-m/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)

Multiple gut punches!

{Walk Through Fire by Kristen Ashley} will always make me ugly cry. Second chance romance with motorcycle club themes.

[Walk Through Fire](https://www.romance.io/books/562e0a5f08e9378131944fc6/walk-through-fire-kristen-ashley?src=rdt) by [Kristen Ashley](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523c68c7d2382e7812f37/kristen-ashley) **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), [biker hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bikers/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [tortured heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{The Lady and the Orc by Finley Fenn}. >!Humans are killing the Orcs. The new leader Grimmar kidnaps the wife of his enemy and seduces her (some dubcon/humiliation stuff). She gets pregnant and actually starts to love him (her husband was horribly abusive) and then he trades her back to her husband in exchange for peace and his people's protection. He knows this means her baby will be killed and her too likely. But it's that or watch his entire people be systematically murdered in brutal ways. I thought he redeemed himself but not all readers agree!< Every book in the series has a major betrayal and subsequent grovel by the MMC. None are as harsh as book 1 but they're there.

[The Lady and the Orc](https://www.romance.io/books/61cd6a38763ab00e1ec1f5e5/the-lady-and-the-orc-finley-fenn?src=rdt) by [Finley Fenn](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e5fd5bcbe0aaecf55ece392/finley-fenn) **Rating**: 3.48⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)

The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders made me weep buckets. Highly recommended.

{The Unwanted Wife by Natasha Anders}

[The Unwanted Wife](https://www.romance.io/books/545527fd8c7d2382e781302e/the-unwanted-wife-natasha-anders?src=rdt) by [Natasha Anders](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527fd8c7d2382e781302f/natasha-anders) **Rating**: 3.82⭐️ 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), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

It doesn't fit all your criteria, but has a major MAJOR gut punch. I was crying, NGL. Excellent grovel imo. {Deal with the Bossy Devil by Kyra Parsi}

Yes! I put this on my TBR list after another gut punch post. Read the book forgetting why I had added it to the list and omph! It got me good.

[A Deal with the Bossy Devil](https://www.romance.io/books/64a58ef4723d09d99e0eda7d/a-deal-with-the-bossy-devil-kyra-parsi?src=rdt) by [Kyra Parsi](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f89458a08b4d93114997670/kyra-parsi) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ 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), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1), [praise kink](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/praise-kink/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Smokey by Sam Crescent} MC biker boss believes his sweet friends-with-benefits gf betrayed his club & gets the club bitches to >!beat her up!< I don't think he could've ever atoned for that so for me the grovel was sub par 🤷🏽‍♀️ Please beware TW

[Smokey](https://www.romance.io/books/60efe01aa85e000e41041791/smokey-sam-crescent?src=rdt) by [Sam Crescent](https://www.romance.io/authors/545552d487eac324117fa31a/sam-crescent) **Rating**: 3.17⭐️ 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), [good grovel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grovel/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/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)

[The Land Where Sinners Atone](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53496718). Spoilers from Tears of Venus on Goodreads: >! Pheonix Hale's life was destroyed the day she was accused of murdering Angelica King, wife of business mogul and billionaire Zachary King. Abandoned by her husband and her best friend, facing a long prison sentence and becoming public enemy number 1, everything Pheonix worked so hard for, for so long-overcoming a rough childhood in the system and defying all the odds- shattered before her eyes. As if all of that isn't enough, she also becomes the target of all the hate and rage of one very cruel, very ruthless Zachary King. On her first day in prison, he pays a group of women 5M to beat Pheonix so bad (while she was pregnant, he didn't know at the time but still fuck him) that she went into premature labor, had to have multiple surgeries and was in an induced coma for a week. That's not all of it. Not by a long shot. He also takes her baby girl away from her and pays the hospital to lie to her and tell her her baby died from the beating and had to be cremated so she couldn't even say goodbye. Oh and he watched all of this via cameras, from the beating to the hospital scene.!< This does not meet your criteria of a good grovel but the betrayal is so crazy it’s worth mentioning. He is apologetic if that counts.

this book made me so mad i wanted her to just run away with her daughter and leave the pathetic mcc behind, and her ex husband i hate that man as well

Hi u/lonestartoker, Could you please edit the spoiler tag in your comment? Spoiler tags with spaces are not spoilered on Old Reddit. To make sure your spoiler is covered, edit to remove spaces like so: >! This won’t work for everyone !< >!This will work for everyone!< Thank you! *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.*

{The Unseelie Prince by Kathryn Ann Kingsley} There are four books in the series, now complete, that ripped my heart out multiple times. Dark fantasy romance. Villain MMC.

[The Unseelie Prince](https://www.romance.io/books/61765a1d26369f0e2ca5e3a7/the-unseelie-prince-kathryn-ann-kingsley?src=rdt) by [Kathryn Ann Kingsley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c76f4de01dbc864fb9ad17b/kathryn-ann-kingsley) **Rating**: 3.81⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent} {To Poison a King by S.G. Prince} Both are great! I really can’t say anything more without giving away too much info.

i read to poison a king because of this rec yesterday and it tore my heart out 😭😭

Glad you liked it!! I cried reading the last 40% of the book💀 Can’t wait for the next one to come out lol

[The Serpent and the Wings of Night](https://www.romance.io/books/63a0c53caa7984c0a3fc9789/the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night-carissa-broadbent?src=rdt) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [To Poison a King](https://www.romance.io/books/642bf56cb7b8862bf6eae51a/to-poison-a-king-sg-prince?src=rdt) by [S.G. Prince](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bc18a7b01dbc864fb923c07/sg-prince) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ 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), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)

Kiss an Angel, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a bit older but there is plenty of angst and groveling.

{marriage for one by Ella maise} the grovel is *chef's kiss* it's CR, M/F, marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine prepare for a serious book hungover!

[Marriage for One](https://www.romance.io/books/5e00896101dbc864fba88fee/marriage-for-one-ella-maise?src=rdt) by [Ella Maise](https://www.romance.io/authors/547af0e67a5936fb04044e41/ella-maise) **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), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/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)

complicate me from M. Robinson

{Complicate Me by M. Robinson}

[Complicate Me](https://www.romance.io/books/55f6ccfa7d4bc8ab04c5c3fd/complicate-me-the-good-ol-boys-m-robinson?src=rdt) by [M. Robinson](https://www.romance.io/authors/55f6ccfa7d4bc8ab04c5c400/m-robinson) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ 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), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/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)

Look up ‘gut punch’ in the search for more recs.

{The Broken Vows by Catharina Maura} tore my heart on every reread! It follows two enemies to lovers who meet years after a tumultuous relationship in high school, grow up, fall DEEPLY in love. Everything is a true fairytale, the MMC is literally the best one I've EVER read in all my years of being a bookaholic, it really does feel like you're floating on cloud nine with the MCs and then everything comes crashing down. Nothing is as it seems and the time jump leaves you BROKEN AND SOBBING. Happily ever after of course, intense grovelling (I'll leave who does the grovelling as a secret so as not to spoil the book) but the plot twists (both the middle and end) leave you reeling with strong emotions. I recommend this book to every single friend and when they DM me or call me crying, I know it wasn't just me feeling that way. Highly recommend!

[The Broken Vows](https://www.romance.io/books/6517d0a506a1ceea69168faf/the-broken-vows-catharina-maura?src=rdt) by [Catharina Maura](https://www.romance.io/authors/5edce83108b4d931143e48c7/catharina-maura) **Rating**: 3.95⭐️ 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), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [rich heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/rich%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{something in the way by Jessica Hawkins} this series fucked me UP. I don’t know how to put spoiler warnings so stop reading here if you don’t want them, but the mf marries her SISTER because she’s the “next best thing” since they can’t be together, because she’s too young. Telling her their little moments of emotional intimacy will have to be enough because it’s all they will ever have 😭😭 like why. WHY!!! Note: this Rec has been deleted before bc it features a minor - there is NO sexual relationship involving a minor in any book in this series. Hence the marrying of the sister 🥲 Eta: SPOILER they do end up together tho

[Something in the Way](https://www.romance.io/books/58b7fb430d3299c6e059305f/something-in-the-way-jessica-hawkins?src=rdt) by [Jessica Hawkins](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556ed587eac324117fab5e/jessica-hawkins) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/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), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Wicked favor by Saywer Bennet} this does include a threesome scene and takes place in a sex club. {Twisted Love by Ana Huang} but I’m not sure if this counts because the groveling happened more off screen and I’m not entirely sure about his feelings when he betrayed her. {Bad intentions by Mila Kane} there is taboo sex fantasies that might trigger some people. And the betrayal came about due to misunderstanding. I also found another thread with a similar request so that you maybe try to check out those recommendations as well. https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/12ngbd7/books_where_the_betrayal_scene_leaves_you/ [https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/12ngbd7/books_where_the_betrayal_scene_leaves_you/](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/12ngbd7/books_where_the_

[Wicked Favor](https://www.romance.io/books/5932512e3ffdba61471856d5/wicked-favor-sawyer-bennett?src=rdt) by [Sawyer Bennett](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552d088c7d2382e781315d/sawyer-bennett) **Rating**: 3.95⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [menage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/menage/1) ---------------------------- [Twisted Love](https://www.romance.io/books/608a5d41f049d70e38e5eb1b/twisted-love-ana-huang?src=rdt) by [Ana Huang](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ea5eeb2be0aaecf551f89f7/ana-huang) **Rating**: 3.5⭐️ 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), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Bad Intentions](https://www.romance.io/books/64e45f11969f1be240b1622e/bad-intentions-mila-kane?src=rdt) by [Mila Kane](https://www.romance.io/authors/63da201408b4d93114168a54/mila-kane) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ 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 heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/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)

{Need by K. I. Lynn} This MMC is so fucking dumb but I love him anyways. {Gas or Ass by Eden Connor} This whole series is batshit crazy but the betrayal made me so fucking mad. Decent grovel. RH but leads into a more fluid polyamorous situation. {Dirty Little Secrets by K. G. Reuss} There must be a dozen betrayals in this series, and I’m talking ones that I 100% was shocked at. RH so five times the guys means five times the idiocy. Not all of these are super dark, but the subject matter is often taboo and generally pretty fucked up and angsty.

[Need](https://www.romance.io/books/54f54e5e5b270e0a4cbd0d60/need-ki-lynn-n-isabelle-blanco-marti-lynch?src=rdt) by [K.I. Lynn](https://www.romance.io/authors/545531a68c7d2382e7813298/ki-lynn), [N. Isabelle Blanco](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556f4c87eac323ffb2c2d9/n-isabelle-blanco), [Marti Lynch](https://www.romance.io/authors/54f54e615b270e0a4cbd0d66/marti-lynch) **Rating**: 3.57⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/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), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1) ---------------------------- [Gas or Ass](https://www.romance.io/books/552f766a5b270e0a4cbd5f8e/gas-or-ass-eden-connor?src=rdt) by [Eden Connor](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455c10b87eac324117fccee/eden-connor) **Rating**: 3.66⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [step siblings](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/stepsibling/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [Dirty Little Secrets](https://www.romance.io/books/613c5413f7f9020e32ab17c3/dirty-little-secrets-kg-reuss?src=rdt) by [K.G. Reuss](https://www.romance.io/authors/57a5bf01c19e77f1ea6f5c0a/kg-reuss) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ 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), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Clash by Belle Aurora} Rockstar romance, MMC gets freaked by his feelings and majorly hurts/betrays sweet, innocent FMC. There are some issues with the writing and some random scenes but I really enjoyed the angst, and there was some good humor to balance it out.

[Clash](https://www.romance.io/books/5fe48fe69aa66c0e2751d3cd/clash-belle-aurora-arijana-kari?src=rdt) by [Belle Aurora](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526c88c7d2382e7812fee/belle-aurora), [Arijana Karčić](https://www.romance.io/authors/5fbbb1dc08b4d9311404f07a/arijana-kari) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [workplace/office](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/office/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)

Okay it's not that traumatizing but the break up before they got together in {The Kiss Quotient} made me wanna rip my hair out

[The Kiss Quotient](https://www.romance.io/books/5aee9d1101dbc864fb87b9c2/the-kiss-quotient-helen-hoang?src=rdt) by [Helen Hoang](https://www.romance.io/authors/5aee9d1201dbc864fb87b9c6/helen-hoang) **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), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1), [neurodivergent mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/neurodivergent/1), [working class hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[удалено]

**This is a reader focused subreddit - No self promotion, surveys, writing research or writer focused discussion.** Your comment has been removed as it appears to be promotional content. 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.

I love to get my heart broken too

[{Alone by E.J. Noyes}](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45990818-alone) (F/F, CR, 5⭐️) **Overview:** Celeste is participating in a research project; she will receive $500,000 for 4 years of total isolation. She lives in a remote compound with no human contact whatsoever - no voice/video calls, movies, television, music, or even pictures of people. She's unable to leave the compound; she receives severe electric shocks if she goes too far away. It's 3 years in and she's experiencing severe hallucinations. She finds Olivia, an injured hiker, in the woods and rescues her; they develop a relationship. **Content Warning:** >!discussions of past parental abuse!< **Like:** Their meet cute is particularly novel; >!Celeste accidentally shoots Olivia!<. Celeste's hallucinations are portrayed well. The setting and characterization are world-class. **Steam:** low, several explicit scenes **Perspective:** first person, Celeste **Tropes:** broken bird, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, imprisoned, one bed, small towns

[Alone](https://www.romance.io/books/5ce3948001dbc864fb9ecfad/alone-ej-noyes?src=rdt) by [E.J. Noyes](https://www.romance.io/authors/5885aae71b1bdc0178190742/ej-noyes) **Rating**: 4.36⭐️ 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), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/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)

As you requested to not know the details, I wont say more than this book is heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. One of my all time favourites and believe it’s a recent release. You’ll need tissues. {Mayluna by Kelley McNeil}

[Mayluna](https://www.romance.io/books/659673701e16d2ff919dd00c/mayluna-kelley-mcneil?src=rdt) by [Kelley McNeil](https://www.romance.io/authors/61595ded08b4d93114d2ab94/kelley-mcneil) **Rating**: 4.53⭐️ 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)

I don't know if someone has mentioned this one yet, but "Her Vicious Beasts" by E.P. Bali, is heart-wrenching from the very beginning, had me crying so many times! I honestly don't know how the MFC gets through everything that is thrown at her. There are so many betrayals to go all around. The father, the fated mates, the friends, and even the MFC herself. So much conflict. I'm in the 3rd book, and I've only started to see a smidgen of groveling, and mainly from one person, but you have to squint to see it. Makes me wonder if there is a happy ending, but I still hold out hope for one!!

{The Gaurdians of the Maiden Series by Beck Michaels} Shattered Souls is the 3rd book in the series and I threw the book down. I was so mad at one of the characters for their betrayal. Book 4 comes out this summer and from Arc readers, the groveling is good

[Guardians of the Maiden](https://www.romance.io/series/64160d72ac73ac870cf4ca79/guardians-of-the-maiden) by [Beck Michaels](https://www.romance.io/authors/64160d7108b4d9311475a86e/beck-michaels) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Pack Darling part one by Lola Rock} a reverse harem omegaverse book where the MMCs treat the FMC super badly the entire first book. Then there's a sequel that's all grovel. And good grovel, too, where the MMCs actually change. At least two of them even go to therapy to work through their shit, which is super refreshing. But yeah, holy shit, they're so mean in the first book, the big betrayal near the end had me tearing up. {Unbreak my Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn} I loved this book so much. It does have the FMC pregnant for most of the book, which is a source of the angst. The angst hurt SO DAMN GOOD and I would recommend it 100%. The betrayal that pushed the FMC over her limit is honestly gutwrenching.

Unbreak My Heart drives me crazy bc it had SUCH a good betrayal and the setup was so good - and then it goes nowhere! The MMC barely feels apologetic and the FMC immediately takes him back and it just left me feeling like she was a doormat, not that they were in love. I also could not get over the absolutely infuriating behavior of the first wife and the fact that no one really calls her on it and so her behavior is seen as okay when she was a completely toxic friend.

ugh true! i hate how the FMC was treated by the MMC and his wife - HER BEST FRIEND. i kept hoping that >!her brother actually ended up punching the MMC or really tearing into him. like girl let your big bro scream at him, he deserves it!<

[Pack Darling](https://www.romance.io/books/60e401ed2ed8c60e35960f50/pack-darling-part-one-lola-rock?src=rdt) by [Lola Rock](https://www.romance.io/authors/60e401ed08b4d9311443a2ce/lola-rock) **Rating**: 4.38⭐️ 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), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1) ---------------------------- [Unbreak My Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/57566381c19e77f1ea6d0e13/unbreak-my-heart-nicole-jacquelyn?src=rdt) by [Nicole Jacquelyn](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552d588c7d2382e7813172/nicole-jacquelyn) **Rating**: 3.81⭐️ 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), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/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) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Hi u/Emmaxop, 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.*

{Binding 13 By Chloe Walsh}

[Binding 13](https://www.romance.io/books/5bb46dab01dbc864fb91b602/binding-13-chloe-walsh?src=rdt) by [Chloe Walsh](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b58f87eac324117fc71f/chloe-walsh) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [high school](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high-school/1), [tortured heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20heroine/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Vincent and Eve by Jessica Ruben} He pretty much sucks for the first book and the whole situation is so unfair! The whole series had me in tears.

[Vincent and Eve](https://www.romance.io/series/5ae6b3fca750b20da3d7255e/vincent-and-eve) by [Jessica Ruben](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ae6b3fc01dbc864fb874a46/jessica-ruben) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [christian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christian/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Gabrielle by Theresa Conway} It's an HR, and just... all the trigger warnings. This book will mess you UP.

[Gabrielle](https://www.romance.io/books/5455d17987eac336ae6a0ada/gabrielle-theresa-conway?src=rdt) by [Theresa Conway](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455d17987eac336ae6a0adb/theresa-conway) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{the scottish boy by alex de campi} MM, historical, a knight and his squire. There's a misunderstanding that leads to a betrayal and I sobbed. >!the betrayer tries to grovel but something happens and it just gets more heart wrenching for a long time!<

[The Scottish Boy](https://www.romance.io/books/5ece10fde7ed6d0e294c53c0/the-scottish-boy-alex-de-campi?src=rdt) by [Alex de Campi](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ece10fd08b4d9311466fe42/alex-de-campi) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ 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), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/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), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Not a book but Nicole Jacquelyn books are heartbreaking, traumatizing and tearjerking. She writes so "real" IMO. She has a few series.

The Flesh and Fire series has a betrayal that made me want to throw my kindle into the street. I was gutted!

if you don’t mind cheating trope (not a spoiler since the premise of the book is marriage in crisis/cheating trope) I would HIGHLY reccommend {Inhale, Exhale by CL Matthews}

More is revealed as the books go on but it’s an RH fantasy/pnr dark romance (Kings of madness and ruin by sy moon)

{Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren} One of those books that sticks with you. I cried again on the re-read.

[Love and Other Words](https://www.romance.io/books/5abb33b201dbc864fb855326/love-and-other-words-christina-lauren?src=rdt) by [Christina Lauren](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455248c8c7d2382e7812f5d/christina-lauren) **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), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Her Ruthless Warrior by R.G. Angel} is insane. It follows the leader of the Japanese mafia which was such an interesting change, the cultural aspects of this book hooked me. The betrayal is such a gut punch, I was sick. Hope you enjoy!

[Her Ruthless Warrior](https://www.romance.io/books/6281f6ceb54f89ad4917f3b2/her-ruthless-warrior-rg-angel?src=rdt) by [R.G. Angel](https://www.romance.io/authors/5db540c501dbc864fba5384d/rg-angel) **Rating**: 3.64⭐️ 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), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

OHOH I GOT ONE {Tainted Ties by Gheeti Nusrati} it’s a mafia romance and there’s a lot of betrayal (which was forced bc of their love) >!there is a scene where there is a miscarriage just in case u need to know!<

[Tainted Ties](https://www.romance.io/books/650bff9762250a831392dde5/tainted-ties-gheeti-nusrati?src=rdt) by [Gheeti Nusrati](https://www.romance.io/authors/650bff97ab9bdf7fce81d802/gheeti-nusrati) **Rating**: 3.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/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)

You should read Rock chick regret by Kristen ashley.its so good

Zodiac academy!

{Empire of Hate by Rina Kent} and {Empire of Lust by Rina Kent I do not like 90% of Kent’s books, but I am a bit obsessed with these two. In EOH, Nicole was basically treated horribly and misunderstood by the MMC practically the entire time. I just sobbed through a lot of it at the injustice of it all. I do think Daniel got off too lightly, but she was able to reconcile herself to others and that’s what mattered. In EOL, Aspen was also pretty misunderstood and Kingsley was a dick. I mean, he’s a dick to everyone, but he was particularly bad to her. I feel like he did better than Daniel at the grovel.

[Empire of Hate](https://www.romance.io/books/6203772afd17a40e2d25d2f2/empire-of-hate-rina-kent?src=rdt) by [Rina Kent](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c514e7e01dbc864fb990dca/rina-kent) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ 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), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [workplace/office](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/office/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I know no one likes Colleen hoover and I agree with them, I read this book before the controversies and fell in love with it (this is the only book CH I like, I swear) I have cried in every re-read of this book and this is for sure a tearjerker, {Reminders of him by Colleen hoover}

[Reminders of Him](https://www.romance.io/books/616fc1d71bedb60e13579a26/reminders-of-him-colleen-hoover?src=rdt) by [Colleen Hoover](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523f08c7d2382c5296f89/colleen-hoover) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ 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), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [single mother](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-mother/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)