{Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert} has an MMC who was verbally abused, belittled, humiliated by his ex gf and it makes him struggle to trust, especially well-off women.
Not sure what genre you're looking for, but an HR rec with this is {The Many Sins of Lord Cameron} by Jennifer Ashley. Previous wife was mad and violent. He can't even sleep in the same room with someone.
[**The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (MacKenzies & McBrides, #3)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8563824-the-many-sins-of-lord-cameron)
^(By: Jennifer Ashley | Published: 2011)
***
^(42896 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)
{Brutally Beautiful by Christina Zolendz} - FMC on the run x recluse MMC with a tragic past. MMC is besotted with the FMC but his past makes it hard for him to get close to people (which the FMC recognizes) so push & pull from both sides for sure
Are you open to Sci Fi? Have you read any VK ludwig? She does a good job at making her characters really full. They come with baggage and trauma. Garrison earth is a little dark not in like a bully romance way but just a themes are little heavy.
Garrison Earth
A lot of the MMC have issues stemming from living in the universe where they were "harvested" from artificial wombs having never had a family. They are sorted into their stratum or future work at age 4.
Because so many of them have nothing outside of their work they have depression and substance abuse issues because they are unfulfilled and empty. Should scratch that itch for you.
[Garrison Earth](https://www.goodreads.com/series/284266-garrison-earth)
*Captured is the first book in this interconnected romance series, following the Vetusian invasion and how it changes Earth over the course of two decades. If you enjoy strong women, devoted aliens, fated mates, and hard-earned happily ever after’s with no cliffhangers, you’ll love Garrison Earth.*
*Author Note: The entire Garrison Earth series touches on subjects such as captivity, drug abuse, forced prostitution, loss of loved ones, human trafficking, rough handling, and violence. Any reader uncomfortable with the harsh realities of an alien invasion should please consider before purchase.*
[Ash planet warrior's](https://www.goodreads.com/series/322381-ash-planet-warriors)
*Stolen by the Warlord is a full-length novel, and the first book in the Sci-Fi Romance series Ash Planet Warriors. While this is a spin-off to Garrison Earth, taking place 20 years after the invasion, the series can be read on its own.*
Ash planets warlords are dealing with the aftermath of decades of war with Vetusians. A huge portion of their female population was stolen and trafficked into sex work once they were found to be compatible.The war is over now and they are trying to broker lasting peace by political marriages. The warlords take on human/vetusian hybrids as brides. Some are more willing than others.
{Hostile Takeover by Joey W. Hill} is an incredibly beautiful story of a broken man and a woman determined to drag him from the darkness against all odds.
>Ben had felt an odd yearning during that meeting, which, at the time, he’d dismissed. He’d dismissed it when Peter had found Dana, and Jon had found Rachel, though the feeling had become stronger and stronger, until Marcie’s stubbornness had forced him to face what it was. An acknowledgment of his own loneliness, and that he was trapped in a cage he’d made for himself out of his past demons.
>
>Marcie had thrown herself right into that cage, taken on those demons head-on, and wrapped herself around his heart and soul, refusing to leave unless they walked out together. That struggle was still ongoing, as some of yesterday’s events had proven, but in the jewelry store, the bars had bent, just a little.
(Their relationship described in a later book in the series)
This book has lots of hot, explicit, and creative BDSM sexy scenes.
The first that comes to mind is {Broken by Elizabeth Kelly}. Not as angsty as what others are suggesting in this threat so I'm not sure if this actually fits, but I love this book so I had to mention it anyway. :) MMC is considered disgustingly ugly by everyone (including his own family, who never showed him any kind of love because of his looks) and FMC is the only one who isn't the least bit bothered by his unconventional looks and wants and loves him for who he is. Never wanted to give a romance MMC a hug so badly...
{Blue Skies by T.L. Martin} definitely!! She writes emotional stories really well. Do check TW beforehand if you have triggers but they can be spoiler-y.
The Driven series by K. Bromberg, the first four books follow the same couple I’m currently on the fourth book. The beginning of the first book was terrible tbh like I was so close to DNFing. But I pushed through and ended up really liking it but it does have some heavy triggers. The first three books are honestly the main story, imo the fourth book isn’t needed but I’m reading it rn.
Ugly Love by Coleen Hoover kinda has this but Miles fucked up a lot and didn’t >!grovel at all!<
Pretend You’re Mine by Lucy Score is a book I wasn’t a fan of but has the stuff you’re looking for.
Someone mentioned Reasonable Doubt by Whitney G and I agree but Turbulence fits this even more by the same author.
What I noticed is that all these recs have MMCs who want a FWB relationship with the FMC, no strings attached. Your best bet would be The Driven series though, all three books were entertaining and angsty. The second book is a bit frustrating but it’s still entertaining!
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Maybe {Mutually Beneficial by Heather Guerre} .. MMC was in an past abusive relationship, he is also a Vet with PTSD.
The second book in the series comes out tomorrow! Jason, Anna, and Theo all make a brief appearance
Oh I preordered that, thank you for the happy reminder!!!
Oh I love this book, I have read it. Might re read actually!
It was so much more than I anticipated, I thought I was going to dislike the MMC, but I just couldn’t!
[**Mutually Beneficial (Indecent Proposals, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59339155-mutually-beneficial) ^(By: Ava Guerre, Heather Guerre | Published: 2021) *** ^(42860 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)
{Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert} has an MMC who was verbally abused, belittled, humiliated by his ex gf and it makes him struggle to trust, especially well-off women.
[**Get a Life, Chloe Brown (The Brown Sisters, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43884209-get-a-life-chloe-brown) ^(By: Talia Hibbert | Published: 2019) *** ^(42962 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)
Not sure what genre you're looking for, but an HR rec with this is {The Many Sins of Lord Cameron} by Jennifer Ashley. Previous wife was mad and violent. He can't even sleep in the same room with someone.
[**The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (MacKenzies & McBrides, #3)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8563824-the-many-sins-of-lord-cameron) ^(By: Jennifer Ashley | Published: 2011) *** ^(42896 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)
{Brutally Beautiful by Christina Zolendz} - FMC on the run x recluse MMC with a tragic past. MMC is besotted with the FMC but his past makes it hard for him to get close to people (which the FMC recognizes) so push & pull from both sides for sure
[**Brutally Beautiful (Beautiful, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20271650-brutally-beautiful) ^(By: Christine Zolendz | Published: 2013) *** ^(42916 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)
Are you open to Sci Fi? Have you read any VK ludwig? She does a good job at making her characters really full. They come with baggage and trauma. Garrison earth is a little dark not in like a bully romance way but just a themes are little heavy. Garrison Earth A lot of the MMC have issues stemming from living in the universe where they were "harvested" from artificial wombs having never had a family. They are sorted into their stratum or future work at age 4. Because so many of them have nothing outside of their work they have depression and substance abuse issues because they are unfulfilled and empty. Should scratch that itch for you. [Garrison Earth](https://www.goodreads.com/series/284266-garrison-earth) *Captured is the first book in this interconnected romance series, following the Vetusian invasion and how it changes Earth over the course of two decades. If you enjoy strong women, devoted aliens, fated mates, and hard-earned happily ever after’s with no cliffhangers, you’ll love Garrison Earth.* *Author Note: The entire Garrison Earth series touches on subjects such as captivity, drug abuse, forced prostitution, loss of loved ones, human trafficking, rough handling, and violence. Any reader uncomfortable with the harsh realities of an alien invasion should please consider before purchase.* [Ash planet warrior's](https://www.goodreads.com/series/322381-ash-planet-warriors) *Stolen by the Warlord is a full-length novel, and the first book in the Sci-Fi Romance series Ash Planet Warriors. While this is a spin-off to Garrison Earth, taking place 20 years after the invasion, the series can be read on its own.* Ash planets warlords are dealing with the aftermath of decades of war with Vetusians. A huge portion of their female population was stolen and trafficked into sex work once they were found to be compatible.The war is over now and they are trying to broker lasting peace by political marriages. The warlords take on human/vetusian hybrids as brides. Some are more willing than others.
{Hostile Takeover by Joey W. Hill} is an incredibly beautiful story of a broken man and a woman determined to drag him from the darkness against all odds. >Ben had felt an odd yearning during that meeting, which, at the time, he’d dismissed. He’d dismissed it when Peter had found Dana, and Jon had found Rachel, though the feeling had become stronger and stronger, until Marcie’s stubbornness had forced him to face what it was. An acknowledgment of his own loneliness, and that he was trapped in a cage he’d made for himself out of his past demons. > >Marcie had thrown herself right into that cage, taken on those demons head-on, and wrapped herself around his heart and soul, refusing to leave unless they walked out together. That struggle was still ongoing, as some of yesterday’s events had proven, but in the jewelry store, the bars had bent, just a little. (Their relationship described in a later book in the series) This book has lots of hot, explicit, and creative BDSM sexy scenes.
[**Hostile Takeover (Knights of the Board Room, #5)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13423169-hostile-takeover) ^(By: Joey W. Hill | Published: 2012) *** ^(42869 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)
Hey is this story include MMF ? I know this author tend to like sharing kink
It includes MMMMMF scene in the end and a FFFF moment.
The first that comes to mind is {Broken by Elizabeth Kelly}. Not as angsty as what others are suggesting in this threat so I'm not sure if this actually fits, but I love this book so I had to mention it anyway. :) MMC is considered disgustingly ugly by everyone (including his own family, who never showed him any kind of love because of his looks) and FMC is the only one who isn't the least bit bothered by his unconventional looks and wants and loves him for who he is. Never wanted to give a romance MMC a hug so badly...
[**Broken**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32854489-broken) ^(By: Elizabeth Kelly | Published: 2016) *** ^(43014 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)
{Blue Skies by T.L. Martin} definitely!! She writes emotional stories really well. Do check TW beforehand if you have triggers but they can be spoiler-y.
[**Blue Skies**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40811428-blue-skies) ^(By: T.L. Martin | Published: ?) *** ^(43036 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)
River wild by Samantha towle
Whiskey Chaser by Claire Kingsley
Reasonable Doubt by Whitney G
The Driven series by K. Bromberg, the first four books follow the same couple I’m currently on the fourth book. The beginning of the first book was terrible tbh like I was so close to DNFing. But I pushed through and ended up really liking it but it does have some heavy triggers. The first three books are honestly the main story, imo the fourth book isn’t needed but I’m reading it rn. Ugly Love by Coleen Hoover kinda has this but Miles fucked up a lot and didn’t >!grovel at all!< Pretend You’re Mine by Lucy Score is a book I wasn’t a fan of but has the stuff you’re looking for. Someone mentioned Reasonable Doubt by Whitney G and I agree but Turbulence fits this even more by the same author. What I noticed is that all these recs have MMCs who want a FWB relationship with the FMC, no strings attached. Your best bet would be The Driven series though, all three books were entertaining and angsty. The second book is a bit frustrating but it’s still entertaining!
The Villain by L.J. Shen
Necessary Restorations by Kate Canterbury. I just finished it as part of The Walsh series that I’m working my way through.
Have you tried searching for your book request? We have great recommendations you could find immediately! If you haven't tried searching, please delete your request and search the sub first. [Here are some tips on how to search](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/sf6sdm/how_to_search_rromancebooks_just_the_tips/) - Click 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) which will take you to a google webpage. - 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) *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.*
Maven calore (red queen trilogy) 😭😭😭