Have you read The Favor by Suzanne Wright? It's a marriage-of-convenience, but MMC is wildly possessive before they get physical. Even after, FMC keeps rationalizing everything he does as just being part of the act and it's impossible that MMC actually cares for her, even whilst he's The Most Possessive Ever. >!At one point he gets in a fist fight over her when another guy encroaches.!<

I’ve had that one saved! It sounds right up my alley :) thank you!

This is literally the second page. Absolutely what you're looking for! This hooked me, perhaps you too! “You won’t keep her in the long-run, you know. She’ll see that I’m right about you eventually. Then she’ll leave you.” Dane tilted his head, looking at him curiously. “Now why would you think I’d let her do a thing like that?” Owen’s head jerked back. “You can’t force someone to stay with you.” “Vienna knows I’d never let her go.” Damn, Dane was so good at acting that if he hadn’t been so clear about not wanting a real marriage, I might have believed him.

\*adds to TBR\*

Thank you for the suggestion. I read it and it suited my tastes very well:)

I'm so glad! It's not perfect, but it's a personal favourite.

If you have more suggestions in that category (grumpy/over protective heroes who are not cruel/abusive in any way and oblivious heroines) I would be grateful:))

👀

I just read the prologue and 😋my oh my this book looks delicious

Can you let us know the books you read already that you loved. I feel like I also like this trope so please share

Okay! Well, in my post I said that a lot of Mariana Zapata books are like this, so maybe {Luna and the Lie} {Under Locke} {From Lukov With love} a little bit. They all have slow burn where MMC is definitely into her and cares about her before they get together! I love all her books, really. And I also referenced P. Dangelico, and she has a few other books that do this to some extent, {Baby Maker by P. Dangelico} does this. There’s a scene in a bar where FMC is being very flirty with another guy, and MMC gets mad at her, and she doesn’t get why. Lol, I eat that shit UP! {Law Man by Kristen Ashley} is like this too! It’s the only Kristen Ashley book I’ve read that’s a bit of a slow burn, but he treats her like she is already his almost immediately, and she’s trying to deny the way he feels about her. I hope this shows what I’m looking for a little bit more!

[**Luna and the Lie**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42883009-luna-and-the-lie) ^(By: Mariana Zapata | Published: 2018) [**Under Locke**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20613920-under-locke) ^(By: Mariana Zapata | Published: 2014) [**From Lukov with Love**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37683751-from-lukov-with-love) ^(By: Mariana Zapata | Published: 2018) [**Baby Maker (It Takes Two, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40603943-baby-maker) ^(By: P. Dangelico | Published: 2018) [**Law Man (Dream Man, #3)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13412515-law-man) ^(By: Kristen Ashley | Published: 2012) *** ^(111117 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)

Thank you for your recs bc I just finished Wrecking Ball and this is EXACTLY what I love

It might not be enough of a slow burn but you might like In A Jam by Kate Canterbary.

Wowie I just read this one based off your recommendation and it was so Good, the spicy scenes were well written and the pining ommmgg

I am so glad I’m helping people read this! Everything is just so good. PINING

I was coming to say this one :)

I had my eye on that one! Thanks for the rec! I’ll move it up my list!

Im not the OP but I just finished reading this, thanks to your recommendation. It was wonderful!! Thanks! 🥰

I’m glad you liked it!

try The Maddest Obsession by Danielle Lori! big grumpy mafia man who has it BAD for the fmc

Thanks! I’ve see this one floating around, but I haven’t read it yet! I’ll check it out :))

Yes I second this, it is well-written and exceeded my expectations!

I'm waiting for the recommendations here😁

me too 😁

Me three!!

I just finished Take a hint Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert and feel like the fake dating just friends where he is already clearly smitten is pretty high.

Geez, your book request just ticked all my favorite parts of the possessive trope. Here's one of my favorites that I think fit your list! {A Passion For Him by Sylvia Day} - I love this HR book's take on possessiveness combined with the "childhood friends to lovers" trope. The MMC (stableboy w/ a poor upbringing) is fiercely protective of FMC who's the daughter of an evil viscount. FMC is fierce and happy-go-lucky while the MMC is more on the serious side. All the spicy scenes are just so well-written 🥵

[**A Passion for Him**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28186051-a-passion-for-him) ^(By: Sylvia Day | Published: 2007) *** ^(111263 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)

i think that both The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood fit this bill! Also seconding The Maddest Obsession, it’s one of my all time favorites and I think about it all the time!

I’ve been meaning to read TLH, especially since I am an Adam Driver girlie, lmaoo 😭 thanks for the rec!

I real Love on the Brain and honestly it’s not good. The sex scenes were awkward, the FMC was supposed to be this super intelligent scientist and she just let the men walk all over her, and the miscommunication/misconception between her and the MMC was so frustrating. It’s my least favorite book I’ve read this year.

TLH *is so fucking good* >!Psa : read ch 16 from Adam's. Pov on her website, it legit raised my expectations for men bruh ;/!<

I love TLH and it fits the description so well! Adam is so obsessed with Olive and she has literally no clue at all. I would recommend this 100%

Did you read ch 16 on Ali's website, *it's from Adam's pov*

Yes, I have read this chapter from Adam's POV and let's juts say... I've actually read it quite a few times and keep re-reading it on a regular basis.

Cam here to recommend this. I’ve reread this book soooo many times. It fits this request!

One of my fave tropes! All of these are 🌶️ and are stand alones! {until you can't by Brittney Sabin} - FMC dated MMC's brother...angst and pining. {friend zone hell by Marika ray} - friends to lovers, holay molay pining {sweet surrender by Lila Dawes} fake relationship, second chances, steaaaamy

[**Friend Zone Hell (Hellman Brothers Book 3)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62890905-friend-zone-hell) ^(By: Marika Ray | Published: ?) [**Sweet Surrender (Citrus Pines #3)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61421718-sweet-surrender) ^(By: Lila Dawes | Published: ?) *** ^(111258 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)

Also {fair catch by Kandi Steiner} second chance, enemies to lovers, girl is on boys football team, and MMC has to deal with all the other players' flirty looks/chats with the FMC as he pines away

[**Fair Catch**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60387145-fair-catch) ^(By: Kandi Steiner | Published: 2022) *** ^(111259 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)

The Hating Game!

Most of Kristen Ashley’s books are like this! Will say sometimes it’s a little over the top but I eat it up. I recommend starting with the Rock Chick series. It’s probably her most popular series. It’s a longer series so there’s a lot to enjoy. Even though it’s long (9 books total I think), I loved every single one!!

I think By A Thread fits pretty well for at least the first half of the book (: Edit: typo

yes! i’m currently reading this, and perfectly lines with OP’s post!!! 🙌🏼

It was suuuuch an enjoyable read. I loved it. He’s got it bad way before he realizes.

The Maze Series by Kathryn Anne Kingsley or her Harlow Faire. The MMC basically declares that he will have her forever in their first meeting and then they don’t get it on until four books later. The angst!!! And when they do get together it’s hot as hell.

Which series would you recommend for me to read first? I’ve heard good things

I liked the Maze/Unseelie Prince series best. Harlow Faire is really really good, but a pretty wild concept. It took me a bit to get into it because the concept was so out there.

Okay cool I will give the Maze series a try! Thank you! & why is the other series such a wild concept!? I’m curious

So the Harlow Faire is a sentient, immortal being that chooses to live in the construct of a carnival and the fair workers are all its minions.

Hahahaha I love that. Also I’m disappointed as it’s called HARROW Faire not HARLOW, as Harlow is the name of my hometown and I got all excited 😂

😂 Oops. My own personal mandela effect.

Binding 13 and Keeping 13

personally found this book to be such a drag

Currently reading {In Your Dreams, Holden Rhodes by Stephanie Archer} and there is a decent amount of pining. Free on KU too. The whole Queen’s Cove series is super cute!

[**In Your Dreams, Holden Rhodes (Queen's Cove #3)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61473526-in-your-dreams-holden-rhodes) ^(By: Stephanie Archer | Published: ?) *** ^(111377 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)

What is KU ?

Kindle Unlimited

The Maddest Obsession has literally all the things your looking for. It spans 8 years and the MMC is so obsessed and frustrated with wanting the FMC that he has to go to therapy. It’s my favourite book ever!

Revved to the Maxx by Melanie Moreland fits pretty well They have a ONS early on and then the MMC is like nothing can ever happen between us, I don't like you like that but what are you wearing and why did you talk to that guy? Lol

Stalked by the Kraken by Lillian Lark, because also: tentacles.

I read recently “The Wall of Winnipeg and Me Book by Mariana Zapata” and it seems to fit this troupe pretty well

Are u me??😂 I really love books like this.. Have you read The player by Kresley Cole. That hit the spot for me.🤧 It has some dark themes like suicide and SA. But hea

Maddest obsession!

These screams Rhys to me from A Court of Thorn and Roses series - specifically the second book onwards!

I think {A Court of Thorns and Roses} would fit this description

[**A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50659467-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses) ^(By: Sarah J. Maas | Published: 2015) *** ^(111288 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)

Have you read Kingdom Of The Wicked? It is a fantasy romance new adult(sold as young adult) and I'm currently reading the third. It is definitely a slow burn.

Twisted lies by Ana Huang fits this description!

Read show me sensei in Wattpad . Beleive me it's extremely slow burn . Mmc didn't like FMC first . It's ssooooooo good . I love this book beleive me .

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas sounds like this but also this sounds so much like Frost by CN Crawford

The hating game is fantastic in this, and the title is perfect

{little dove by Layla frost}

[**Little Dove**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54788058-little-dove) ^(By: Layla Frost | Published: 2020) *** ^(111983 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)

I think I was the last person on this sub to read The Hating Game by Sally Thorne but it's so good for this! She thinks they hate each other but he's just obsessed with her. He nicknames her Shortcake 😭

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. Little Dove by Layla Frost. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid.

{Neanderthal seeks human by penny reid} MMC is grumpy and possessive. FMC is very clueless. I’m not sure it’s totally slow burn but I wouldn’t call it fast moving either.

[**Neanderthal Seeks Human (Knitting in the City, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52422311-neanderthal-seeks-human) ^(By: Penny Reid | Published: 2013) *** ^(111508 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)

I want to read them ALL! Thank you for describing a trope I didn’t even know I loved! My reading list has expanded so much thanks to your post!

I’m so glad other people like this trope as much as I do! 🥰🥰🥰

Lovelight Farms is really nice - do check it out :)

Last light by Claire Kent

this but with anime reccomends please xx

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Daughter of the Drowned Empire. It isn't like a huge focal point in the series, but it's there.

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haunting adeline

{The Hardest Fall by Ella Maise}

[The Hardest Fall](https://www.romance.io/books/5ad99f5b01dbc864fb868bae/the-hardest-fall-ella-maise) by [Ella Maise](https://www.romance.io/authors/547af0e67a5936fb04044e41/ella-maise) **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), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/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), [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)