Happily Ever After Cafe discussion

Hello everyone!

After reading one too many books with insta-love, I am finally putting my foot down and looking for some books with a good slow-burning romance :-) No love at first sight, no making out on the first date. I am looking for a book where the characters slowly (almost painfully slow!) fall in love, and then get together around 75% of the way through (not at the ending because that's no fun either!) I guess I'm just a fan of the anticipation and build-up of the relationship. It bums me out when there is nothing else to look forward to because the couple already got together!

Bonus Points: I also really love a book that starts out with the hero/heroine hating each other. Just makes the ending that much sweeter! ;)

Does anyone else agree with me on the slow-burn romance?

I like a slow burn, too, and that's why I write them (most of mine, anyway). I like to watch the couple fall in love cautiously and I think it's fun when the reader sees it before the couple does. A little hesitancy and a few missed opportunities makes that eventual coming together so much more satisfying.

I really love the Kate Daniels series for slow burn if you're into the paranormal/urban fantasy stuff as well.
However hero and heroine don't get together until I think the second or third book, but you get lots of playful banter inbetween.
They're really good reads though and my favourite series (next to harry potter of course) by far!

Leonie wrote: "I really love the Kate Daniels series for slow burn if you're into the paranormal/urban fantasy stuff as well.
However hero and heroine don't get together until I think the second or third book, bu..."

One of the best slow burns ever! I didn't mind waiting because it was so well written. To rush it would have changed the story too much.

Something wicked by Jo Beverly. They start out enemies with a twist. Really recommend this one.

I am reading Truth or Beard and it has a slow burn.

I'm reading Wallbanger now. They are attracted to each other but hated each other in the beginning. They call a truce and become friends. On page 178 and they have only kissed once, almost had sex once after friendship/flirting/teasing.

A lot of Marysol James couples are slow burn. The only insta-love/hookup I can think of is her latest, Solid Steel. The rest build relationships before jumping into bed.

Kulti

Very slow burn, and realistic, and free until tomorrow!
http://smile.amazon.com/Wet-Part-S-Ja...

Wet

Jennifer Crusie - Bet Me

Lots of Mariana Zapata's books are like this!

Lynne wrote: "Lots of Mariana Zapata's books are like this!"

I second that! I have just read her latest book, The Wall of Winnipeg and Me and what a good slow-burn it was! I wish there were more slow burn romance books like hers!

I second both Kate Daniels and Wallbanger!

I have been loving Mariana Zapata... All slow burn.! Mariana Zapata The Wall of Winnipeg ad Kulti are great.

Nadine wrote: "Lynne wrote: "Lots of Mariana Zapata's books are like this!"

I second that! I have just read her latest book, The Wall of Winnipeg and Me and what a good slow-burn it was! I wish there were more s..."

lol I didn't see this but that is what I said lol

I second Mariana Zapata! I also recommend Susan Elizabeth Phillips

I'm a Susan Elizabeth Phillips fan, but I too am looking for more options without insta-lust/love. I want romance and steam with mature characters (ie no angst) in 3rd POV. I much prefer great dialogue to detailed bedroom scenes.