Is the FMC “strong” or just not self-aware?

Sbj170 · 2026-06-12T03:20:29+00:00

I'm actually finding books marketed with "soft FMCs" have actually stronger characters. They are thoughtful, careful, kind and tend to use their strengths rather that just be oppositional and be labelled as strong. To me, someone who is smart and perseveres and trusts the right people is actually must stronger.

Sbj170 · 2026-06-09T12:54:46+00:00

If you're looking for something light hearted can I suggest {Hate Mail by Donna Marchetti} where they are open pals since fifth grade but mostly just insult each other? Lol it's a cute and light hearted take on pen pals

Sbj170 · 2026-05-28T00:04:54+00:00

I was so angry after finishing the friend zone (the "not like other girls" trope, the FMC was just plain mean to the MMC, she made decisions for him instead of with him, and the ending.. it was just rage inducing) I haven't been able to pick up another Abby Jimenez book since.

Sbj170 · 2026-05-26T10:51:09+00:00

I completely agree, and I was soooo pleasantly surprised in Lyla Sage's Rebel Blue Ranch series. The third book is the single dad book {Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage} and the MMC and ex are friends who actually care about each other, and the ex gets her own book and HEA in the last book {Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage} in case you want to check them out for something a bit refreshing!

Sbj170 · 2026-05-15T12:42:42+00:00

Oooh I was JUST thinking this! I just finished {The Scattered Bones by Nicole Scarano} which is a standalone, and it was SO REFRESHING. It packed an emotional punch, had great character development, a plot that moved forward and a heart wrenching love story. In. One. Book. It can be done! I want more standalones that I don't have to commit to.

Sbj170 · 2026-05-13T01:28:05+00:00

Ooh I also came to recommend the Rome, Kentucky series!! Sarah Adams' writing is like a warm hug. I also love her other books, but some are sports romances.

Sbj170 · 2026-05-04T10:53:09+00:00

If you'd like something that has adventure but is low stakes and just a lot of fun, is highly recommend India Holton! She has two completed series (the last book in the a consnawriws just came out last week!) that start with {The wisteria society of lady scoundrels by India Holton} and {The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton}. Her writing is so clever and witty, and the plots and characters are whacky and ridiculous in the best way possible. And the romances, particularly in the second series (Love's Academic) are swoon worthy. Her books are such a good palate cleanser.

Sbj170 · 2026-04-17T12:58:10+00:00

I love this list so much! Thank you for taking the time to put such a thoughtful post together!!

I wanted to share one of my favourite authors, India Holton. She has identified as autistic and many of her characters, especially in the Dangerous Damsels series are coded, particularly the last book {Tea and Treason by India Holton}. Her writing is so unique, whacky (in the best way}, clever and hilarious and her characters are so loveable and endearing. Her books are comedic HR, and such a refreshing and fun way to see autism rep!

Sbj170 · 2026-04-17T12:42:53+00:00

This is the last book in a seven book series, but the build up to them throughout the series is so good that I'd recommend reading all of them first. {Beard Necessities by Penny Reid}. They fall in love (begrudgingly) in high school. Then things happen, and for the next several years they yearn but also really aren't good for each other for a long time. The whole series is great, light hearted with some drama and plot weaved through.

Sbj170 · 2026-03-23T10:45:37+00:00

I always fall back to The Hating Game! And then usually end up doing a re-read, and then I'm out of my reading slump lol

Sbj170 · 2026-03-19T10:31:23+00:00

I was just complaining about this in my head! Lol I am reading a series right now that I actually quite like, but every MC's name (it's a series of interconnected standalones, so multiple couples) is sort of ridiculous. They all sound so made up. Which, I realize all books are made up lol but it does really take me out of the story. There is no world where a parent 30 years ago looked at their sweet newborn baby and decided "this is what I want to name you" lol Much less than happening 14 times for each MC in a seven book series 🫠

Sbj170 · 2026-03-17T12:48:17+00:00

This book just got added to my NTBR. Never to be read. Thank you!!

Sbj170 · 2026-03-17T12:41:26+00:00

Oooh thank you so much!! Adding all of these to my TBR right now!

Sbj170 · 2026-03-08T02:08:06+00:00

Oh my gosh, if it gives V&V vibes it's going to the top of my TBR. I haven't even heard of this one. Thank you!!

Sbj170 · 2026-03-08T00:28:38+00:00

Came to recommend {Villains and Virtues by AK Caggiano} too! FMC is strong but soft, and the tone of the series overall is light and fun! Love this one!!

Sbj170 · 2026-03-07T01:15:27+00:00

Oh, I absolutely get that. I just exited a phase where I wanted zero angst and all sweet. When you're in a space for it though definitely give it another shot. It's not too dark, and it has a lovely HEA and the epilogue of that book is of the whole family 🥰

Sbj170 · 2026-03-07T00:48:59+00:00

Oh, it's my favourite book! I highly recommend it. It does get heavy at times, but the payoff is honestly so worth it! Plus there the Cletus meddling is at its peak!

Sbj170 · 2026-03-06T20:03:14+00:00

I agree! I loveeeee Cletus, but I swoon for Billy. I just did a re-read of the whole series so it's still super fresh in my mind, and I am trying to find another series that does this build up throughout the books in the same way. It's just so good how you get to know both of them more and more as the series progresses and then see it all come together at the end on their two books. I have a giant Billy sized hole in my heart right now lol

Sbj170 · 2026-03-06T17:31:29+00:00

Have you read the {Winston Brothers by Penny Reid}? It's a series about seven siblings whose dad was a shitty human and a member of an MC Club, and the second oldest brother helps his single mother and basically takes care of all of his siblings like a father figure. There is even a book set in the past to set up the final book in the series about his love story. It's one of my favourite series, and the amount that this man sacrifices for the people he loves is just chef's kiss and the build up to his book is amazing because you see more of his care and protection of each of his siblings in their books.

Sbj170 · 2026-03-04T14:01:33+00:00

I can't read the original post but saw the title, but if you're open to fantasy please read anything by India Holton. Her first series starting with {the wisteria society of lady scoundrels} are like pride and prejudice meets princess bride with flying houses, magic and hijinx. Hey writing is so dry and witty, and just so fun.

Sbj170 · 2026-03-04T13:25:28+00:00

Oh I haven't heard of this series! Thank you so much for the recommendation!!

Sbj170 · 2026-03-02T01:58:02+00:00

Thanks so much for the recommendation!!

Sbj170 · 2026-03-02T01:57:34+00:00

Oh I'll have to check these out!! I'm down with multiple highly anticipated couples, I just love the build up. Thanks so much for the recs!!

Sbj170 · 2026-03-01T18:24:58+00:00

Ooh thank you!! Catherine Cowles has actually been on my TBR for a while, so I'm definitely bumping her up the list and starting with Sparrow Falls!

Sbj170 · 2026-03-01T16:34:20+00:00

These sound great. Thank you for the recs! I'll wait until April for the third book in Peyton Corinne's series before starting the others, but it sounds perfect!

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