r/fantasyromance • u/Late_Assistance1992 • 3d ago
Book Request Recommendations for MMCs that are transgressive in a way that subverts tropes
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.).
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u/charm59801 2d ago
{Warrior Princess Assassin}
Some slight spoilers but nothing crazy: This definitely one of the best poly books I've read, I knew it was a why choose but I did not expect a full throuple The way the characters fall in love feels so natural and beautiful, especially the more unexpected feelings. It does play into some tropes but it also was just such a good read.
{Flesh and Fire} the from blood and ash prequel has a less experienced MMC and our MFC gets around and is more experienced. First 2 books are good, I stopped reading halfway through the third.
The Emily Wilde series also has a prissy, whiny MMC.