u/teacher_blue

My GP gave me a script for HRT (progesterone and the gel), but didn’t really elaborate on dosing. From reading this sub and Instagram reels, I’ve discovered that my progesterone dose should/could (?) minim my cycle? Unsure what to do. Do I follow their dosing of one per day or do I cycle it?

My insta reels are also showing Telehealth options (Australia). I would be grateful if any Aussie ladies can share their experiences with any of these options. I’m contemplating using one of these clinics rather than my GP as per my questions above, I’m concerned that my GP may not be across this as well as she could be.

{Tell me something real by Rachae Stevens}

If you are looking for a romance with a genuinely deep connection between the characters, where the focus is on depth and not familiar tropes, this book is a must-read.

The relationship is the heart of the story, and it feels authentic, and deep. Rather than relying on unnecessary conflict between the characters, the book focuses on the way love can offer comfort and hope during the most difficult moments of a person’s life.

At times, the story is heartbreaking, so I recommend reading the trigger warnings before beginning. However, the heartbreak is not caused by the romantic relationship itself. I do not want to say too much because this is a story that deserves to unfold naturally, without its most powerful moments being spoiled.

What affected me most was the emotional depth of the writing. Stevens explores grief, trauma, vulnerability and healing with sensitivity, but the story never feels entirely consumed by sadness. There is also tenderness, humour and a strong sense of hope. The characters do not simply fall in love; they genuinely see, understand and support one another. Their connection feels intimate and meaningful, and the love between them is shown through patience, reassurance and the quiet ways they care for each other.

I cannot fully explain how deeply this book affected me. It is beautiful, devastating and hopeful all at once. It will stay with me for a long time.

One of my favourite sections:
“I used to think hope was a tangible thing. A date on the calendar, a new year’s resolution, a task you add to a checklist. Something you see up ahead, a goal to chase after. What I know now is hope isn’t finite. It’s not limited by time or reach or capacity. Hope is a lot like love. It’s strong. Unwavering. It doesn’t relent when life gets hard. Its roots run deep so the strongest of winds and highest of waves can’t overcome it. You cling to it and its heels dig in—immovable. Unshakeable. Hope feels a lot like the arms wrapped around me in bed every night, the hands that tip up my chin when my mind goes somewhere dark to remind me I’m not alone—that I’m safe.”

{Cinder by Hailey Rodger} left me breathless.

The lead-up between Evan and Penny is exquisitely drawn. Their yearning accumulates slowly, almost painfully, until the eventual combustion feels both inevitable and completely earned. This anticipation is powerful and made my stomach swoop and my breath hitch.

Evan is an exceptional male lead: protective without becoming insufferable and devoted to his daughter Elle. Penny is equally strong, warm, perceptive and compelling. Elle, meanwhile, is not a decorative plot device and gives the novel much of its tenderness, humour and emotional weight.

I stayed up until 3 a.m. to finish it and I’m still thinking about the book.

I fear I’ve developed a deeply specific romance addiction and I’m calling it “Coach Daddy” energy. NOT daddy kink/DDLG.

I need MMC’s who are protective, and naturally take charge in a way that makes the FMC feel challenged, safe, and completely feral. The kind of man who notices everything, pushes her outside the bedroom because he believes in her, and has that calm, capable energy that makes the spice ten times hotter.

These books nailed that vibe for me:
{Waking Olivia by Elizabeth O’Roark} — Will Langstrom and Olivia are the blueprint. He’s her college track coach, and the tension comes from how hard he pushes her while also becoming fiercely protective of her. Will is emotionally restrained, demanding, frustrated by how much he cares, and constantly trying to keep professional boundaries intact. The coaching dynamic mixed with all that repression makes the payoff and spice so hot!

{In Her Own League by Liz Tomforde} — Reese Remington and Emmett Montgomery scratched this itch perfectly as well. Emmett has that exact “coach daddy” energy I’m obsessed with! And the dirty talk is just my cup of tea.

{A Major Puck Up by Brittanee Nicole} — Gavin and Millie gave me the more playful, spicy version of this dynamic. Gavin has that confident pro-athlete energy where he naturally takes control, knows exactly how to push Millie’s buttons, and balances cockiness with genuine attentiveness. The spice felt very “he knows exactly what he’s doing and she loves every second of it.” (The term Coach Daddy comes from this book!🤣)

So now I need more books with:
- coach/player or mentor-style dynamics
- competent MMCs with “I’ve got you” energy
- emotionally restrained men who become obsessed with her
- protective/caretaking vibes
- excellent tension AND excellent spice
- a strong FMC that gives as good as she gets

NOT looking for:
- actual daddy kink/DDLG
- MM/sapphic or why choose
- dark romance
- bully romance
- HR or fantasy, or anything else that is not CR

Please enable my problem and give me your best Coach Daddy recs.