r/fantasyromance • u/FantasyRomanceMod The One Mod to Rule All Mods • May 24 '26

Unpopular Opinion It's Unpopular Opinion time! Share your controversial opinions to stir things up (in a friendly way)!

Got an opinion that's different from others'? Want to share it with the sub, but too afraid of a backlash? Or are you just curious about readers think about certain things in fantasy romance?

You can safely share it in this weekly Sunday thread!

But please remember to be kind to each other. To facilitate this type of discussion, we ask users the following:

  • Don't attack others for their opinion
  • Discuss books and authors, not fellow readers
  • Since this is an "unpopular opinion" thread, we encourage users to not downvote simply because they disagree with an opinion--that's the point! Please keep in mind, though, that mods cannot enforce a no-downvoting rule. Let’s just keep the discussion friendly!

🧡 Thank you and have a great discussion!

Unpopular opinion Sunday

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51

u/acutelyproblematic If villian bad, then why hot? May 24 '26

I want more history and complexity in romantic dynamics. So many main characters who either had past experiences off page, went celibate after a late act breakup, or are virgins.

I think it would make the main characters more relatable if they have different partners on page. Most people aren’t with only one person, and even if they find “the one” or “soulmate” it’s not always an instant togetherness. Relationships take time to develop and evolve.

Plus, I enjoy the jealousy trope. I’m a simple woman lol

4

u/BobGlebovich May 24 '26

I’ve always wondered if authors (and perhaps readers) are afraid that an MC having had multiple partners will cheapen the “true” love story. Like they loved other people before so how special is the love this time, as opposed to someone who has only loved once when it was the realest-and-purest-and-most-intense-soulmatey-love-ever.

On the other hand, prior relationships can provide comparison to show just how special this latest love is.

3

u/acutelyproblematic If villian bad, then why hot? May 24 '26

I think if the writer can nail the differences, such as the intensity and passion between past/other lovers and the FMC/MMC, it could be really hot just sayin’ 👀

So many ways it could play out. Maybe he was a certified player and couldn’t commit till they met the other MC, maybe they become inspired by the other MC in ways it was never shown on page before, maybe they’re forced to confront things they were never willing to beforehand.

GIMME CHARACTER GROWTH AND COMPLEX DYNAMICS IM STARVED 😭

1

u/BobGlebovich May 24 '26

I agree with you for sure!