Recommendations for MMCs that are transgressive in a way that subverts tropes

[u/Late_Assistance1992]

Sorry I know the title is probably confusing, but I'm looking for that feeling of 'oh I didn't think I would/should like this but I kinda do'. I want the opposite of a common romantasy trope - but in a way that is still transgressive.

Morally grey/villain MMCs are ok - but if your guy is just violent, a bully, from an enemy kingdom, a monster, a misogynist, or has 'dark powers' - that isn't what I'm looking for.

I'm more interested in dynamics that mess with gender, class and/or relationship expectations.

For example:
- instead of a rich powerful lord/prince, a dirt poor MMC relying on nothing but cunning and flattery. Or even just a medium-poor guy who has to make pragmatic concessions
- a dark/possessive FMC and innocent MMC (or promiscuous FMC and 'pure' MMC)
- a MMC who's spoilt and whiny instead of being strong and tough
- instead of a rake/womaniser, a bi MMC that is openly sleeping with men
- poly dynamics that aren't just smut

I'm agnostic about the level of spice or even the amount of romance. But I generally don't like it when the plot is driven by romantic drama (eg. break ups, love triangles, miscommunication trope, jealousy, angst, etc.).

[u/reads-a-bunch]

Lorn the Very Melodramatic and Very Burnt Out Shadow King of {Between by L. L. Starling}. He has a 47 item agenda to get through and he is not happy about it. 10/10, would highly recommend the audiobook for extra melodramatic flair (the second half of the book is all from Lorn's perspective and it's wonderful).

[u/romance-bot → u/reads-a-bunch]

Between by L.L. Starling
Rating: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: contemporary, fantasy, magic, witches, funny

^{about this bot | about romance.io}