Looking for romance with ruthless/protective male leads who are equals
Currently finishing Hailey Turner’s Resurrection Reprise for the nth time, and I’m in desperate need of recommendations with a similar vibe, especially dynamic-wise.
What I’m looking for is:
a feared/ruthless/powerful man who cares only for his own people
another equally competent, powerful, self-reliant man
both highly capable in their own right
falling in love while dealing with an external threat/crisis.
I love comfort, loyalty, devotion, and a really good saving/protective scene, but I don’t want a dynamic where one MC is significantly weaker, inexperienced, or constantly being rescued. I specifically want two competent men who stand beside each other as equals, preferably one with a big found family behind him integrating the other into it.
Preferably supernatural/paranormal/urban fantasy with
vampires, magic users, shifters, necromancers, etc., or
modern fantasy settings.
But I’m open to other genres too if the relationship dynamic fits.
Bonus points for:
possessiveness/protectiveness
morally gray characters
powerful men being soft only for each other
competent teamwork
“everyone else fears him except his partner” energy
found family/loyal inner circles
hurt/comfort.
I can’t think of any other book I’ve read that has this specific dynamic.
Thank you for any recommendations.