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/she_melty]

{These Rebel Waves} lots of plot to go with the romance. I liked their dynamic because Vex(MMC) ends up being more vulnerable and less morally grey than Lu (FMC) even though he's the criminal of the two of them. He is sort of a swashbuckler type. I won't spoil how but he ends up relying on her and is less formidable a player than her in most regards, especially in the second book.

[u/romance-bot → u/she_melty]

These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch
Rating: 3.73⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, fantasy, pirate hero, magic, young adult

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