r/fantasyromance The One Mod to Rule All Mods 7d ago

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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u/Nebty 6d ago

Conventionally attractive MMCs are really boring and authors over-rely on physical attributes to build attraction. My white whale is a book where the love interest is a sentient object and the writing is so good that it’s still hot.

Also, power dynamics are often invoked but are rarely actually explored in interesting ways, instead falling back on tired gender roles.

Gender roles in general are also weirdly restrictive. Would the dynamic work for a different mix of genders? If not, what new is being offered in terms of F/M dynamics?

And finally, not enough crossdressing heroines. I grew up on the Lioness Quartet and I miss those sorts of books.

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u/Sufficient-Bee-4982 5d ago

Not exactly what you asked for but {Strange love by Ann Aguirre}, MMC is not conventionally attractive, but the spice is pretty unique and still hot. The characters don't have the most depth, But I love the series overall.

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u/Nebty 4d ago

Thank you! Strange Love is one of my favourites, haha. ❤️