Specific fantasy with romance request!

Book Request: No Self-Promo

Okay gang, I'd be so grateful please for any recs for the following. 

I absolutely adored the Cruel Prince trilogy (Holly Black) and the Emily Wilde trilogy (Heather Fawcett) - both have MMCs that are obsessed with the female main character, who is largely oblivious to their feelings, although the reader is not. Both series are also really well written and have a strong A plot, with the romance woven into a B plot that nevertheless is the heart of the book and the reason you want to keep reading. 

I've tried so many other things and nothing is scratching the same itch!! It could also be M/M or F/F - I just love that whole vibe where the main character is adored by someone and you the reader can see it, even if the main character can't. 

Tldr:

* something akin to Emily Wilde / Cruel Prince trilogy
* Well written 
* Strong A plot with romance / strong emotions building alongside (I.e. Fantasy with romance, rather than fantasy romance)

Any ideas? if there are any romance books that fit this specific vibe too, I'm also interested. Thank you!

Posted Jun 10, 2026, 4:24 PM UTC

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