Looking for slow burn, single POV, working class MCs—no billionaires or smooth talkers

On a rec from this sub I read {The Lair by Lisina Coney} and it wrecked me (in the best way). It reminded me of my two favorite Mariana Zapata books, {Wait For It by Mariana Zapata} and {Luna and the Lie by Mariana Zapata}. It got me wondering: what *is* it with this trope that always gets me? The large, gruff man who grunts instead of speaks, and you get to slowly watch his single-word answers and vaguely affirmative grunts turn into love over the course of 300 pages? Also the FMCs in these books are solid, women I'd be friends with in real life.

Anyway. Here's everything I love that these books get right:

- **Slow burn** with longing/yearning that stretches across the *whole* book. I especially love a good friends to lovers.

- **Single POV**—I love being stuck in the FMC's head wondering what the MMC is actually thinking the entire time

- **Working class, down-to-earth characters**—these MCs work in bars, fix cars, cut hair. Real jobs, real people.

- **Imperfect, raw intimacy**—I love when the spicy scenes feel a little awkward and human, not prettified by smooth talking or dirty talk

- Bonus: it wasn't a 500-page commitment like Zapata tends to be (love her, but lol)

Other stuff in my wheelhouse: {Bass-Ackwards by Eris Adderly} (not a particularly deep love story, but the overall vibe and tone) and Cate C Wells—her Wall books and Motorcycle Club series really had this thing down.

What I'm looking for: normal, grounded people. **No billionaires, no smooth talkers.** Extra points for single POV.

Thanks in advance! 🙏