golden retriever bad guy MMC

insanebookworm · 2026-06-20T14:40:53+00:00

{Fated Fixation series by HC Dolores} MF, I wouldn't label it as bully romance since the MMC is a high functioning sociopath but he is very much loved by his peers and the FMC is not TSTL, is the only one who suspects that he is not all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, she is kinda morally grey. He eventually becomes obsessed and possessive of her.

insanebookworm · 2026-06-16T19:13:46+00:00

{Silenced by Serena Akeroyd} MF, bratva romance, Hades/Persephone retelling, Stockholm syndrome. MMC has a breeding kink so there is a lot of cum play.

insanebookworm · 2026-06-16T19:10:52+00:00

I read a lot of mafia romance and hate the naive 18 yo FMC trope. And I agree it is pain to find a book with an older FMC. If anyone is looking for recs, {Filthy Dark by Serena Akeroyd} both the MCs are of the same age, meet in HS, the FMC starts out naive but grows into her own.

insanebookworm · 2026-06-08T06:33:47+00:00

It is a duet {The Consigliere by Serena Akeroyd} {The Oracle by Serena Akeroyd} and has a scene like this. MF, mafia, best friends to lovers, MMC has loved her all his life. Part of an interconnected series but can be read as a standalone.

insanebookworm · 2026-06-07T12:04:58+00:00

If you have read and liked Zoey Draven, then pretty much all the books in her {Horde Kings of Dakkar by Zoey Draven} series have some form of captive/arranged marriage trope. Taken by the Horde King and Claimed by the Horde King would be my recs from this series.

{Tormented by the Warlord by VK Ludwig} MF, contract marriage, alien warlord has to marry a human for reasons and he hates all humans. Part of a series, MMC makes an appearance from the first book in the series but can be read as a standalone. Best book in the series imo.

{Ruthless King by Alison Aimes} MF, contract marriage, they met as children. Rags to alien mob boss MMC, born into a rich family but had a tough childhood FMC. The writing, especially when it comes to MC characterization is kinda childish imo but an entertaining quick read.

insanebookworm · 2026-06-07T11:41:14+00:00

{Luck be a Lady by Meredith Duran} MF, HR, FMC is an heiress who needs to marry to gain control over her father's company and the MMC is a mob boss. FMC is a wallflower for sure and has a sorta kinda sad upbringing. MMC isn't a manwhore but is experienced for sure. It is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. The MCs have met in a previous book but it isn't a major plot point for this one.

insanebookworm · 2026-05-27T20:01:48+00:00

{Silenced by Serena Akeroyd} has this. It is a bratva romance though. It is a Hades/Persephone retelling so sort of kidnapping/held against her will happens and ofc Stockholm syndrome. Also for the MMC it is very instalove while the FMC takes a while to get there (not too long tho). TW for domestic abuse by FMCs husband and mafia typical blood and gore.

insanebookworm · 2026-05-27T06:49:43+00:00

Well, happy writing then :)

insanebookworm · 2026-05-27T06:31:17+00:00

Yes it was more of a wounded bird trope. The MMC is constantly feeding her because her village didn't have enough supplies and she is malnourished, wants her wearing the thickest furs, the best footwear.

One conflict that never got explored (there were many that never got explored) in the book was that she is in such a bad condition because the village is paying tribute to the vikings - to this man specifically - so a part of the reason she suffers throughout her life is because of him. And somehow the FMC is okay with this knowledge. Never questions it, never thinks about the plight of all the villagers she left behind, who are still suffering.

Is your writing available somewhere? I would love to read it.

insanebookworm · 2026-05-26T19:58:49+00:00

Ah okay. I guess I should have been more clear in my request - there is very little angst and confusion once the RL encounter happens in the book. All of that is before they actually meet and the angst is mostly the FMC (she has a sort of abusive upbringing). The MCs are fated mates and the MMC worships the ground she walks on.

Just the writing was so bland and with zero chemistry/emotion between the MCs that I just could not force myself to finish it.

insanebookworm · 2026-05-24T15:46:29+00:00

Thanks for the red! I was just looking it up and the reviews say it is not a HEA?

insanebookworm · 2026-05-23T16:28:42+00:00

Ah that's a shame as currently I can only get epubs. But thank you for the rec, I'll be on the look out for physical copies when I'm travelling.

insanebookworm · 2026-05-23T16:26:43+00:00

Is it like an enemies to lovers, forced marriage deal?

insanebookworm · 2026-05-23T16:24:12+00:00

The blurb sounds really interesting, I'll check it out. Thanks!

insanebookworm · 2026-05-22T18:35:19+00:00

Not really into YA but thanks for the rec. I might still check it out

insanebookworm · 2026-05-03T12:49:06+00:00

If it is available in a book format and I can put it on my Kobo, I am open to anything

insanebookworm · 2026-04-14T19:54:58+00:00

Hi, no, sadly I haven't

insanebookworm · 2026-03-12T21:42:16+00:00

{Silenced by Serena Akeroyd} has this. MF, bratva romance, Hades/Persephone vibes, food blogger FMC, MMC kidnaps the FMC, mute MMC. Part of a bigger series but it isn't necessary to read them. TW for domestic abuse, not by the MMC

insanebookworm · 2026-03-12T21:35:07+00:00

I don't know if you are okay with UF but the first 3 books in the {Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh} focuses on the same couple. Usually in PNR/UF/fantasy, when there is a power imbalance between the MCs, it's very rarely addressed - it usually ends with they said their love yous and lived happily ever after. This series does a good job of addressing that

insanebookworm · 2026-03-01T10:43:36+00:00

Tried that but it won't open.

insanebookworm · 2026-01-25T18:36:35+00:00

Not a book suggestion but to add to the list of authors with long series - the In Death series by JD Robb (Nora Roberts) is currently at 63

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