u/TheRealTrueStori

Honestly. I've been trying to think about all the ways I could talk about this book in this sub because I just loved it so much lol and finally I settled on this. If you want to read my long rambling review it's here.

This single moment has remained in my mind and it had me going crazy, giggling and kicking my feet like a madman. I was reading {The Influencer by August Jones} and one sentence stood out to me so hard I can't stop thinking about it.

I am a sucker for non-sexual intimacy. Touches, acts, words, etc. that don't lead to or have anything connected to sex. It just hits so hard especially when....yea lol. Anyways here's the sentence and my explanations afterwards will be spoilery if you plan on reading:

"I stand and turn the phoenix charm on his necklace so it's facing the right way, then tap the barely noticeable dimple on his chin."

I know. Sounds basic right? But it's not and I'll tell you why:

1. I love small, intimate gestures that show you care for someone. Especially with no words. Straightening their tie or clothes, putting their hair back in place, fixing jewelry etc. so this was going to hit regardless but it hit harder because of the next point.

2. They had just had a pretty big set back and a slight argument because of some outside factors. So not only was this a sweet and intimate gesture it came at a much needed time. It showed that yes we might not be on exactly the same page but I still care about you. SWWWOOOOOOONNNNN.

3. And this was what brought it home to me. MC1 was "straight" and broody and moody af. MC2 who had on the necklace was a huge brat and vain but it was to mask his insecurities. He was a diva who did the most and wore crazy outfits but MC1 didn't care and this was yet another way of showing without a bunch of words and filler that he accepted MC2 for who he was and wanted to make sure he looked good because he knew it made him feel good. Again SWOOOOOONNNNNN.

And this is also why I don't like too much rambling inner thoughts and going on and on. Just SHOW ME. This was an example of showing me. I didn't have to read what I just said to understand what was being conveyed and it was just one sentence that had me thinking all of this and going CRAZY.

Ok this was long so what are you personal favorite non-sexual forms of intimacy and bonus points for exact books or scenes!

Hey! My first post here yay!

I'm in a very particular mood right now and I'm not sure this book exists but if it does that would be great. Walk with me here.

This is inspired by {Beneath Cherry Blossom Memories by Myka Loren} I loved this book. First 5 star read I've had since starting this MM journey and first book to bring tears to my eyes since high school.

But I did find myself having a particular itch I wanted to scratch when the MCs were talking about the dynamic of their relationship before they broke up. It was toxic, codependent, controlling, lots of lying, anger issues, a twinge of violence just all that stuff and I found myself WANTING a full book on their initial relationship. If you've read the book you know what I mean and hopefully I'm explaining it well.

I want something where the MCs start out cute enough but then either because of clashing personalities, addictions, childhood upbringing, past relationships, etc. they slowly descend into chaos and it turns toxic to the point somebody has to leave and somebody has to make a move to get things right. See {Echoes of Us by Alex Cross} as a good example of the descent I'm talking about.

Needs to happen all in one book I'm realizing I'm not much of a series girlie right now. But it can be apart of larger universe where I can understand as a standalone. And to be clear addiction doesn't have to be the thing it's more so about their relationship dynamic.

No *hard* nos but a couple soft nos are religious trauma and/or homophobia. Character driven please!

On page, explosive argument(s) a huge plus.