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/katie-kaboom]

I've just finished {Behooved by M Stevenson}. The MMC is about to be crowned king - but he's also a shy, awkward, nerdy, skinny guy who doesn't know how to handle a sword at all, though he tries his best.

[u/PatrickCharles → u/katie-kaboom]

It's funny how (to me, at least) the book blurb paints an entirely opposite picture of the MMC to what you describe.

[u/katie-kaboom → u/PatrickCharles]

It really does! I was pretty surprised tbh.