Mike Truk writes great books, and The Five Trials (Tsun-Tsun TzimTzum Book 1) is the start of a series that may fit what you are looking for.
That's a tough balancing act. Are they concerned about the group's best interests or are they argumentative just for a sake of being contrarian? How long have they been together and is this early in the novel? For difficult\uncooperative women, I'm going to refer you to Mike Truk's series as good examples. In the Tsun-Tsun TzimTzum series there are a couple women who are less than thrilled with the MC, but eventually "see the light".
I'm gonna echo Mr. Michael Scott Earle here, Mike Truk would probably be a solid choice for your preferences. I haven't read much by him yet but the Tsun-Tsun TzimTzum series hits all your points. I will say it's a bit on the darker side, so there will be sections that make for a tense read.
I’m in total agreement with you, but I gotta say I’m surprised to hear that from someone with your username! ;-)
Anyway, I share your preference for emotional content, and disdain for the lack of it. I hope you get more answers than mine so I can benefit too!
One series I have found rather better in this respect is Mike Truk’s Tsun-Tsun Tzim Tzum: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Trials-Tsun-Tsun-TzimTzum-Book-ebook/dp/B07F7483NY . Characters are more willing than real life - especially the first one - but they still have distinct personalities and don’t just leap into bed at the first sniff of our hero’s codpiece.
I also particularly liked the beginning of Daniel Schinhofen’s Binding Words series (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07GGWCL51) where development was slower. Later books in the series fall into the usual traps, although by then you have other reasons to care, so maybe it’s forgivable.
Hope they’re new to you, and enjoyable. Have you found any others that have merit?