Essentially, I’m getting super tired of the trope where every male love interest (especially in fantasy novels) is the same cookie-cutter, rough sharp-jawed and raven-haired emotionally unavailable guy. As well written as some of them may be I’m just starting to find it completely impossible to get interested in these kinds of books because it’s like EVERY lead love interest is written with almost the exact same appearance, and they all have some kind of tragic backstory that results in their cold demeanour.
I literally have no idea where to look for books that don’t have this kind of love interest, so I’m resorting to Reddit as a last hope.
To make my point a little clearer, I’m looking for books where the love interest steers away from the personality (and also the black hair thing is a pet peeve of mine, because it’s so overused) of Xayden from Fourth Wing, Cardan from The Cruel Prince, or Adam from Love Hypothesis. Ideally maybe something like Ron Weasley or Peeta Mellark? But again, I’m not picky.
Just give me funny guys, nerdy guys, cute guys, ANY kind of guy but the aloof guarded guy please. I don’t mind if the romance is drawn out over several books, and I’ll even take it if it’s only a minor subplot — just so long as the relationship is end game by the end of the series. (I’m not a fan of unhappy or bittersweet endings, either haha).
by LollIssaWorm
5 Comments
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries.
The Lord of Stariel series.
The male love interest in *Daindreth’s Assassin* by Elisabeth Wheatley has golden retriever energy and manages to remain good despite being literally possessed by a demon. He is also blond! The female love interest is something of a misunderstood bad girl, though.
The male protagonist of *The Rosie Project* by Graeme Simpsion is an autistic professor. He’s frequently misunderstood but really a sweetheart.
The Scholomance series by Naomi Novik.
His secret illuminations. It’s from the guys point of view he’s a monk and the girl he’s with is a badass mercenary. I liked it but I only read the first one. I will say it panders more to men but it’s fun switching it up sometimes
He’s SO mean, but SO hot, and only you can change him for the low, low price of your dignity and self-esteem 🤢 I’m so with you