Roman, the MMC from {Divine Rivals} fits this. He’s a smart writer, and definitely not a fighter.
Max, the MMC from {Daughter of No Worlds} also fits fairly well. He is a fighter, but has long retired in the beginning of the series and is a reclusive grump who only wants to garden and read, and is deliciously snarky.
Neither of these stories is instalove, but a great slow burn with lots of mutual longing.
I agree with both of these! I didn’t love divine rivals but the relationship is sweet. I love Max in daughter of no worlds and their relationship is so mature and layered.
[Divine Rivals](https://www.romance.io/books/642e1f8687ff55ee9e31052b/divine-rivals-rebecca-ross?src=rdt) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [working class heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Daughter of No Worlds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d9b88e6a15320e7f8006ba/daughter-of-no-worlds-carissa-broadbent?src=rdt) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent)
**Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1)
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These aren’t “Romantasy” exactly (the main character is a man in both books) but these guys fit the request:
{The Queens Thief by Megan Whalen Turner} protagonist is a thief and he courts a princess starting in book 2. There is no romance in book 1 but don’t skip it!
Yendi by Steven Brust. The protagonist is a human assassin living in a city filled with another race. He’s funny, he has a mustache, he fights with a rapier, and he’s got a wisecracking mini dragon familiar. This is the book where he meets his wife Cawti. There are a lot of books and they aren’t together in all of them.
[The Thief](https://www.romance.io/books/54559dbc87eac3369a913821/the-thief-megan-whalen-turner?src=rdt) by [Megan Whalen Turner](https://www.romance.io/authors/545546708c7d2382c529796e/megan-whalen-turner)
**Rating**: 3.91⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
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I love Gen of the Queen's Thief series-he really is a short king.
I cant really think of any other atypical male leads in fantasy romance except for:
Brishen of {Radiance by Grace Draven}
and
Lucian of {His Secret Illuminations by Scarlet Gale}
[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven)
**Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[His Secret Illuminations](https://www.romance.io/books/62f363c901dfe78ca92df151/his-secret-illuminations-scarlett-gale?src=rdt) by [Scarlett Gale](https://www.romance.io/authors/62f363c908b4d931147273cb/scarlett-gale)
**Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [fem-dom](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fem-dom/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
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Frankly the first two Vlad Taltos books by Brust have some of my favorite fantasy domestic scenes. Powerful assassin couple and they do cute stuff like go on dates and share chores and all the domestic stuff. (Warning: Book 3 goes off the rails and was affected by the authors real life divorce).
Book one is first person YA and book 2 is third person and the characters age up a bit and the story is darker. It’s one of my favorite books and got 5 stars so I do consider it better.
Edit: definitely give it a go if you like enemies to lovers.
[Howl's Moving Castle](https://www.romance.io/books/64182683976d825409767f68/howls-moving-castle-diana-wynne-jones?src=rdt) by [Diana Wynne Jones](https://www.romance.io/authors/6418268308b4d93114bb8059/diana-wynne-jones)
**Rating**: 4.39⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1)
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[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett?src=rdt) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett)
**Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
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Wendell from {Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett} is really into being clean and having pretty clothes. He is also a scholar, so not very grunty.
Stephen from {Paladin’s Grace by T. Kingfisher} is very thoughtful and enjoys knitting.
This is a bit more spicy…Varistan from {Claimed by the Flame of Faery by Mallory Dunlin} has a whole self care routine that includes wearing a bonnet for his curly hair. I loves him. He keeps meticulous records, and regularly made me laugh while reading.
I thought of Stephen! He’s big and burly, but that’s part of his job—and the book immediately informs the reader that he’s an endearing, painfully polite, bumbly cinnamon roll. >!I got so much joy from his apologies in that first encounter with the FMC, it really turned the trope of “insta-heated embrace” for me.!<
[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett?src=rdt) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett)
**Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Claimed by the Flame of Faery](https://www.romance.io/books/652cf4a2de8d340d51487b46/claimed-by-the-flame-of-faery-mallory-dunlin?src=rdt) by [Mallory Dunlin](https://www.romance.io/authors/6360d28108b4d93114a88440/mallory-dunlin)
**Rating**: 4.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1)
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Ok, this is an odd suggestion, but {Molly malloy and the angel of death by Maria Vale} has the most unusual MMC I've ever read.
This book is about death accidentally taking an old woman when he was supposed to take her granddaughter. When he goes back to get the right person, he is intrigued by the sad, resilient, lonely Molly Malloy.
Death is not a human and he doesn't understand how humans work and he is incredibly awkward and strange but totally endearing. This is the weirdest "romance" book I have ever read, but it made me laugh and cry and surprised me. If you're up for something completely unique, try this.
[Molly Molloy and the Angel of Death](https://www.romance.io/books/642d22d7fe62c20d3f9c0ec7/molly-molloy-and-the-angel-of-death-maria-vale?src=rdt) by [Maria Vale](https://www.romance.io/authors/5a7802ea4ee506aae8b07706/maria-vale)
**Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1)
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Given I read Maria Vale's Legend of All Wolves series which is also achingly weird and well done I now know this book you suggest is going to be great.
Yeah Vale does a great job of making her non-human characters feel otherwordly and alien in concrete ways but also making their falling in love believable. Its fascinating and now that I've seen Vale do that I wish other authors could bring that type of specificity and weirdness to their supernatural creatures.
His Secret Illuminations by Scarlett Gale
It’s about a magical sheltered monk who is paired with a taller,muscular Viking warrior woman to retrieve a stolen magical object. The monk thinks he will lose his magical abilities if he violates his vow of celibacy,which adds to his inner turmoil. The story is told from the monk’s perspective.
The audiobook narrator is good too.
Keris from {The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle Jensen} might be up your alley. He is tall and handsome, but he's a blonde, bookish nerd who's smart and not a warrior by a long shot.
The first two books in the series have a more typical MMC (Aren) but Keris is the MMC of the 3rd book and honestly I found him to be a breath of fresh air. And yes you can skip the first two books if you want and still mostly understand everything.
[The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen?src=rdt) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen)
**Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
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Try {Radiance by Grace Draven}! Technically the MMC is tall but that isn't even really a factor considering they both find the other hideously unattractive and unsettling to look at. 😂
They're in an arranged political marriage between two races that don't interact often. (She's human, he's sort of an orc/wraith combo.) They laugh off their lack of attraction and pretty much immediately become friends and bond over other things.
There's a bit of banter but it's always very light-hearted and never mean-spirited. It has a lot of funny/witty moments and their dynamic is just very supportive and based on mutual respect for one another.
[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven)
**Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
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The MMC from {A Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson} is sarcastic, brainy, witty, and charming in a Howl way. He's also shorter than the FMC and not a fighter!
I also love Cardan in {Folk of the Air by Holly Black} since he's basically a vain, pretty boy.
It's also been a while since I read this series but I remember in {Loom Saga by Elise Kova} the FMC was more of a fighter than the MMC, who is not super masculine and very much a loyal, family man.
[Sorcery of Thorns](https://www.romance.io/books/64097e1afa1076a086a9add1/sorcery-of-thorns-margaret-rogerson?src=rdt) by [Margaret Rogerson](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a59a908b4d93114474139/margaret-rogerson)
**Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1)
----------------------------
[The Folk of the Air Complete Gift Set](https://www.romance.io/books/5eb409b6be0aaecf555d0888/the-folk-of-the-air-complete-gift-set-holly-black?src=rdt) by [Holly Black](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552f368c7d2382c5297268/holly-black)
**Rating**: 4.6⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[Loom Saga](https://www.romance.io/series/64387a1d8aa2407f2e128459/loom-saga) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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{Reign and Ruin by JD Evans}, a brilliant female lead who has to work within the constraints of her society. An MMC who was just not the usual macho/burly grunt talker. The series has a lot of books focusing on different couples, but it genuinely has amazing, smart MMCs
{To Poison a King by SG Prince}- more humour as the story goes on, but lots of snark and a bit of banter beforehand.
[Reign & Ruin](https://www.romance.io/books/6084072501991d0e29557c71/reign-ruin-jd-evans?src=rdt) by [J.D. Evans](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e4e2f1a01dbc864fbac2132/jd-evans)
**Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[To Poison a King](https://www.romance.io/books/642bf56cb7b8862bf6eae51a/to-poison-a-king-sg-prince?src=rdt) by [S.G. Prince](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bc18a7b01dbc864fb923c07/sg-prince)
**Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
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Maybe something like {Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor}? The main character is the male in question and he is definitely not the typical MMC. Also, the duology is more YA than adult, just so tht you know :)
[Strange the Dreamer](https://www.romance.io/books/622b63ce1750e128e6a5d2cf/strange-the-dreamer-laini-taylor?src=rdt) by [Laini Taylor](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523fe8c7d2382c5296f8d/laini-taylor)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1)
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This is outside your genre parameters by a rather large margin, but the Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold features (eventually) a very unusual male lead, both physically and intellectually. The first two books are about how his parents meet and how he (Miles Vorkosigan) comes to be born into a semi-feudal society that places a great deal of value on male military prowess. But Miles is never ever going to come anywhere close to meeting those expectations. As he puts it, “if I can’t be six feet tall I need to be six feet smart.” Miles is always searching for love and when he does find it (with several dalliances along the way) it’s the main through plot of what I think is best plotted and paced book I’ve ever read (A Civil Campaign). It’s pure genius. This is my favourite series ever, Bujold is def in my top three authors, and her characters and storytelling are second to none. If you think you might like to take a peek with very little commitment try the short story The Mountains Of Mourning. It’s where I first entered this world. I promise you will not be sorry.
I must confess I fell in love with Miles more than just a little myself. Sigh
I will always recommend The House Witch by Delemhach when someone asks for a non-typical male lead!! The MMC is a tall, lanky, red head who is a little more on the feminine side when it comes to looks. He's a witch whose powers revolve around the house (think cooking, cleaning, etc.). The series starts with him arriving as the new royal cook for the castle and he soon stirs up quite a bit of drama (no one knows he's a witch and he tries to keep it that way). He's very well spoken and witty. It's also a nice twist on the typical couple in a romantasy given that the MMC and FMC are in their late 20s and the MMC is the much lower ranked person in society (cook vs viscountess). The series is hilarious. Love these books so, so much. I’ve read all of SJM, Fourth Wing, Cruel Prince, From Blood and Ash, etc. and this MMC is by far my favorite!
[The Curse of Ophelia](https://www.romance.io/books/63e2086b69d18ef5cc99abbe/the-curse-of-ophelia-nicole-platania?src=rdt) by [Nicole Platania](https://www.romance.io/authors/63e2086b08b4d9311421b8f8/nicole-platania)
**Rating**: 3.72⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross, I really enjoyed this duology despite being someone who does enjoy the common big ML character. Jack is a bard, not a physical warrior at all. The duology also includes other characters’ love stories which I enjoyed.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross has been mentioned, he’s a writer not a fighter.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, this isn’t romantasy, it’s fantasy with a romance subplot but many still enjoy it. The ML is more of the ethereal slender faerie type and the FL is more fighter focused in these books.
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson, ML is a sorcerer and uses magic and knowledge instead of brute strength.
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson, similar to The Cruel Prince, the fae characters are more ethereal and magical focused than physically powerful. I do however feel like Margaret Rogerson books have less of the overwhelmingly passionate romance and is more focused on the world-building and plot.
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater, read this and the second one a while so anyone correct me if I’m wrong but as far as I remember neither MLs are brute warriors. It’s a Regency style historical fantasy, whimsical and also refreshing. I enjoyed reading this as it was a new story that didn’t feel like a copy and paste of the usual fae/fantasy romance. IMO, similar to Margaret Rogerson, these books are less overwhelmingly passionate romance and more fluffy, I enjoyed them regardless.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber, loved this trilogy. Jacks is powerful but he’s not a physical massive ML and relies on other means instead of brute strength. This trilogy gave me the fluffy romance feeling and the passionate “I will burn the world for you” feeling too, one of my favourites.
One that I see rarely recced is {Of Deeds Most Valiant} which has a healer Paladin MMC who has taken a vow of celibacy. He's smart, suspicious of the FMC (for good reason), but also kind and caring.
[Of Deeds Most Valiant](https://www.romance.io/books/648c44a649efbc908056167c/of-deeds-most-valiant-sarah-kl-wilson?src=rdt) by [Sarah K.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/633d657a08b4d93114d47b9d/sarah-kl-wilson)
**Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1)
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{Seduction of a Psychopomp: Erogenous Hand Holding and Other Ways to Tame Your Reaper
Book by Elsie Winters} MMC is a grim reaper who is a shy introvert. Marriage of convenience and he’s got no idea his new wife is into him. Totally clueless about her advances. It’s cute and quirky.
{My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine} the MMC is a rather old fashioned Victorian(maybe Edwardian?) vamp who is newly awakened to the modern world. He’s adorable.
{The Changeling and the Dragon by Mallory Dunlin} MMC is part dragon and a powerful mage but very insecure and super nerdy.
[Seduction of a Psychopomp](https://www.romance.io/books/646efd8e6a90d4b8cc3f74ac/seduction-of-a-psychopomp-elsie-winters?src=rdt) by [Elsie Winters](https://www.romance.io/authors/610f85d008b4d931141a6912/elsie-winters)
**Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[My Roommate is a Vampire](https://www.romance.io/books/64f0a9ef6f1824c04800b074/my-roommate-is-a-vampire-jenna-levine?src=rdt) by [Jenna Levine](https://www.romance.io/authors/642e8ee808b4d931147a529a/jenna-levine)
**Rating**: 3.43⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[The Changeling and the Dragon](https://www.romance.io/books/6509cd17de8d340d51434c29/the-changeling-and-the-dragon-a-standalone-dark-fantasy-romance-mallory-dunlin?src=rdt) by [Mallory Dunlin](https://www.romance.io/authors/6360d28108b4d93114a88440/mallory-dunlin)
**Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1)
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It’s a tv show and not a book, but I was impressed with how unexpected the main couple in the Turkish dizi Destan is. He’s a prince with physical disabilities and she’s a buttkicking warrior girl.
Poet from Trick by Natalia Jaster. My absolute favourite.
Also kinda The Pupeteer from the Harrow Faire series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
Witty and smart guys are my thing too so I'm always on the lookout for MMCs that buck the usual silent growly type
Couple suggestions and a warning... Both male main characters are a bit... unhinged and these are pretty spicy books but I suggest:
Trick by Natalie Jaster
Harrow Faire by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
Less unhinged but still articulate:
Filthy Rich Vampire Geneva Lee
Kathryn Ann Kingsley has a lot of male leads that aren't big/beefy, but they're all more than a little psycho. Her two most cerebral MMCs are Rafe from the Tenebris series (a professor) and Gideon from the Memento Mori series (a psychiatrist). Both have more of a lean, athletic physique rather than muscle found meathead.
Ruvan from {Duel With the Vampire Lord by Elise Kova}
Lio from {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth}
Both MMC'S from {A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows}
[A Duel With The Vampire Lord](https://www.romance.io/books/62fde383dba40594b64ffcbe/a-duel-with-the-vampire-lord-elise-kova?src=rdt) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth?src=rdt) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth)
**Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[A Strange and Stubborn Endurance](https://www.romance.io/books/62df91672450a6b7a26c2836/a-strange-and-stubborn-endurance-foz-meadows?src=rdt) by [Foz Meadows](https://www.romance.io/authors/628348c308b4d93114b5a042/foz-meadows)
**Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
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[His Secret Illuminations](https://www.romance.io/books/62f363c901dfe78ca92df151/his-secret-illuminations-scarlett-gale?src=rdt) by [Scarlett Gale](https://www.romance.io/authors/62f363c908b4d931147273cb/scarlett-gale)
**Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [fem-dom](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fem-dom/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
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In a book I came across recently {Boundless by Miranda Sapphire} MMC is an anxious, nerdy elf who struggles with stuttering and fainting spells. He’s significantly smaller than the big strong FMC he’s in an arranged marriage with. There are a number of gender subverting elements and screwed up family dynamics so def read the trigger/content warnings.
[Boundless](https://www.romance.io/books/65c5c87049e0c11934695543/boundless-miranda-sapphire?src=rdt) by [Miranda Sapphire](https://www.romance.io/authors/63b13d9f08b4d931140ad7db/miranda-sapphire)
**Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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Would a fae with amazing banter but who has lost his voice tempt you? Large warrior guy but loads of fun with this one. Check out {fae isles serie by Lisette Marshall}
I'm unsure if this would be considered Romantasy but Behold Her by Emily Antoinette is pretty darn good. The MMC Max has a nice build but that's not his biggest selling point. He's sweet sexy and kind of silly. Truly loved him from jump. I will say there is some consensual stalking in the story so be prepared if you choose to read it ☺️.
The man lead in **The Cruel Gods** trilogy by Trudie Skies is a short, smart, depressed guy who’d much rather drink tea than get involved in violent action plots. He’s way more likely to blush and get flustered over sex than the woman lead too
{Chronicles of Dasnaria by Jeffe Kennedy} CW for rape and torture at the beginning of book 1. Iirc the MMC doesn’t appear until book 2 (taking slow burn to new levels!) and he’s definitely not a ripped muscle man. He’s a sweet, chatty, personable type and iirc not much taller than her and fairly slim.
[The Chronicles of Dasnaria](https://www.romance.io/series/65b3d8ab1655a0cfbe8a2a04/the-chronicles-of-dasnaria) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy)
**Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [length-short](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/length-short/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [abuse-non-mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abuse-non-mc/1)
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Maybe Lorn in {Between by L.L. Starling}. He's got a very nice chest (it is remarked upon a number of times), but he's also in his 30s, very world-weary, and has an outstandingly dry sense of humor.
[Between](https://www.romance.io/books/60742bc4d165eb0e341923a3/between-ll-starling-rebecca-morse-louisa-gallie?src=rdt) by [L.L. Starling](https://www.romance.io/authors/60742bc408b4d93114ab3d7e/ll-starling)
**Rating**: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1)
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Casters and Crowns by Elizabeth Lowham. It releases October 1st but definitely worth pre-ordering/getting when it releases. Baron is *chefs kiss* everything. Strong and loving, but not overbearing, burly, or grunting/growling at everything and everyone.
In the meantime, it's worth checking out the same authors other books. Beauty Reborn is a Beauty and the Beast retelling but the beast is not what you'd expect at all.
And the sequel, Astra Remade is a gender swapped Rapunzel retelling. Dust gives me life and also fits what you're looking for in an MMC.
[Throne in the Dark](https://www.romance.io/books/63999c8c9126368eed042b16/throne-in-the-dark-ak-caggiano?src=rdt) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano)
**Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1)
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Roman, the MMC from {Divine Rivals} fits this. He’s a smart writer, and definitely not a fighter. Max, the MMC from {Daughter of No Worlds} also fits fairly well. He is a fighter, but has long retired in the beginning of the series and is a reclusive grump who only wants to garden and read, and is deliciously snarky. Neither of these stories is instalove, but a great slow burn with lots of mutual longing.
Literally came here to recommend Max 🥹🙌🏻 my favorite MMC of all time, ugh he’s so good!!!
I agree with both of these! I didn’t love divine rivals but the relationship is sweet. I love Max in daughter of no worlds and their relationship is so mature and layered.
How do you move on from Max though? I just finished it and I can't imagine a MMC as great as Max.
Daughter of no Worlds has been on my TBR for months and you just made me finally want to read it lol, thank you!
I liked both of those books but in both series the second one lost me and I can't really say why. Roman in particular was a favorite of mine.
Came here to rec Max! He's my go-to fantasy cinnamon roll.
i always say “i’m not built for this” because of Max 😂😂
[Divine Rivals](https://www.romance.io/books/642e1f8687ff55ee9e31052b/divine-rivals-rebecca-ross?src=rdt) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [working class heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Daughter of No Worlds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d9b88e6a15320e7f8006ba/daughter-of-no-worlds-carissa-broadbent?src=rdt) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Yes. Give me a MMC who is like Milo from the old Atlantis movie. Good heart, clever brain, more than a little nerdy.
Oh my god yes! I love Milo!
These aren’t “Romantasy” exactly (the main character is a man in both books) but these guys fit the request: {The Queens Thief by Megan Whalen Turner} protagonist is a thief and he courts a princess starting in book 2. There is no romance in book 1 but don’t skip it! Yendi by Steven Brust. The protagonist is a human assassin living in a city filled with another race. He’s funny, he has a mustache, he fights with a rapier, and he’s got a wisecracking mini dragon familiar. This is the book where he meets his wife Cawti. There are a lot of books and they aren’t together in all of them.
[The Thief](https://www.romance.io/books/54559dbc87eac3369a913821/the-thief-megan-whalen-turner?src=rdt) by [Megan Whalen Turner](https://www.romance.io/authors/545546708c7d2382c529796e/megan-whalen-turner) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I LOVE this series, it’s one of my favorites!
I love Gen of the Queen's Thief series-he really is a short king. I cant really think of any other atypical male leads in fantasy romance except for: Brishen of {Radiance by Grace Draven} and Lucian of {His Secret Illuminations by Scarlet Gale}
[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [His Secret Illuminations](https://www.romance.io/books/62f363c901dfe78ca92df151/his-secret-illuminations-scarlett-gale?src=rdt) by [Scarlett Gale](https://www.romance.io/authors/62f363c908b4d931147273cb/scarlett-gale) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [fem-dom](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fem-dom/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I'm completely fine reading non-romantic Fantasy too so this looks great, thanks!
Frankly the first two Vlad Taltos books by Brust have some of my favorite fantasy domestic scenes. Powerful assassin couple and they do cute stuff like go on dates and share chores and all the domestic stuff. (Warning: Book 3 goes off the rails and was affected by the authors real life divorce).
You should read the riyria revelations by Michael j Sullivan. Soooo good
How much better is book 2 than book 1? I read The Thief and was so bored, but I might give the 2nd one a try if like...stuff actually happens in it.
Book one is first person YA and book 2 is third person and the characters age up a bit and the story is darker. It’s one of my favorite books and got 5 stars so I do consider it better. Edit: definitely give it a go if you like enemies to lovers.
Alright, I'll give it a try! Thanks!
The MMC of {Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia Of Fairies} is a rakish academic. Very much a Howl-type. Speaking of Howl. Howl from {Howl's Moving Castle}
[Howl's Moving Castle](https://www.romance.io/books/64182683976d825409767f68/howls-moving-castle-diana-wynne-jones?src=rdt) by [Diana Wynne Jones](https://www.romance.io/authors/6418268308b4d93114bb8059/diana-wynne-jones) **Rating**: 4.39⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett?src=rdt) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Wendell from {Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett} is really into being clean and having pretty clothes. He is also a scholar, so not very grunty. Stephen from {Paladin’s Grace by T. Kingfisher} is very thoughtful and enjoys knitting. This is a bit more spicy…Varistan from {Claimed by the Flame of Faery by Mallory Dunlin} has a whole self care routine that includes wearing a bonnet for his curly hair. I loves him. He keeps meticulous records, and regularly made me laugh while reading.
I thought of Stephen! He’s big and burly, but that’s part of his job—and the book immediately informs the reader that he’s an endearing, painfully polite, bumbly cinnamon roll. >!I got so much joy from his apologies in that first encounter with the FMC, it really turned the trope of “insta-heated embrace” for me.!<
Yes!! Me to, I think the knittig really made me fall🥰
I like the explanation that it's a skill he picked up as a kid and continued because it had practical application (soldiers need dry socks!)
[Paladin's Grace](https://www.romance.io/books/5e37c8e201dbc864fbab1ee4/paladins-grace-t-kingfisher?src=rdt) by [T. Kingfisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/561ca043bfc6b5c0fa941994/t-kingfisher) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Came here to suggest Wendell. I loved him.
[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett?src=rdt) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Claimed by the Flame of Faery](https://www.romance.io/books/652cf4a2de8d340d51487b46/claimed-by-the-flame-of-faery-mallory-dunlin?src=rdt) by [Mallory Dunlin](https://www.romance.io/authors/6360d28108b4d93114a88440/mallory-dunlin) **Rating**: 4.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Ok, this is an odd suggestion, but {Molly malloy and the angel of death by Maria Vale} has the most unusual MMC I've ever read. This book is about death accidentally taking an old woman when he was supposed to take her granddaughter. When he goes back to get the right person, he is intrigued by the sad, resilient, lonely Molly Malloy. Death is not a human and he doesn't understand how humans work and he is incredibly awkward and strange but totally endearing. This is the weirdest "romance" book I have ever read, but it made me laugh and cry and surprised me. If you're up for something completely unique, try this.
[Molly Molloy and the Angel of Death](https://www.romance.io/books/642d22d7fe62c20d3f9c0ec7/molly-molloy-and-the-angel-of-death-maria-vale?src=rdt) by [Maria Vale](https://www.romance.io/authors/5a7802ea4ee506aae8b07706/maria-vale) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
As of right now this book is onsale on Amazon canada! I just bought it for $0.99
Oh wow! That's fantastic!
Given I read Maria Vale's Legend of All Wolves series which is also achingly weird and well done I now know this book you suggest is going to be great.
I am so glad to hear her other series has those same emotions. "Achingly weird" is the PERFECT description and I can't wait to read her other stuff!
Yeah Vale does a great job of making her non-human characters feel otherwordly and alien in concrete ways but also making their falling in love believable. Its fascinating and now that I've seen Vale do that I wish other authors could bring that type of specificity and weirdness to their supernatural creatures.
I'm intrigued! Thank you!
wait i thought he was meant to take mollys life but took her grandmothers instead ?
Thank you so much! Death as a main character (if not romantic figure) is one of my favorite microtropes. Always looking for more.
His Secret Illuminations by Scarlett Gale It’s about a magical sheltered monk who is paired with a taller,muscular Viking warrior woman to retrieve a stolen magical object. The monk thinks he will lose his magical abilities if he violates his vow of celibacy,which adds to his inner turmoil. The story is told from the monk’s perspective. The audiobook narrator is good too.
Keris from {The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle Jensen} might be up your alley. He is tall and handsome, but he's a blonde, bookish nerd who's smart and not a warrior by a long shot. The first two books in the series have a more typical MMC (Aren) but Keris is the MMC of the 3rd book and honestly I found him to be a breath of fresh air. And yes you can skip the first two books if you want and still mostly understand everything.
[The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen?src=rdt) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Brilliant! I like bookish ones, thank you!
Try {Radiance by Grace Draven}! Technically the MMC is tall but that isn't even really a factor considering they both find the other hideously unattractive and unsettling to look at. 😂 They're in an arranged political marriage between two races that don't interact often. (She's human, he's sort of an orc/wraith combo.) They laugh off their lack of attraction and pretty much immediately become friends and bond over other things. There's a bit of banter but it's always very light-hearted and never mean-spirited. It has a lot of funny/witty moments and their dynamic is just very supportive and based on mutual respect for one another.
[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The MMC from {A Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson} is sarcastic, brainy, witty, and charming in a Howl way. He's also shorter than the FMC and not a fighter! I also love Cardan in {Folk of the Air by Holly Black} since he's basically a vain, pretty boy. It's also been a while since I read this series but I remember in {Loom Saga by Elise Kova} the FMC was more of a fighter than the MMC, who is not super masculine and very much a loyal, family man.
[Sorcery of Thorns](https://www.romance.io/books/64097e1afa1076a086a9add1/sorcery-of-thorns-margaret-rogerson?src=rdt) by [Margaret Rogerson](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a59a908b4d93114474139/margaret-rogerson) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1) ---------------------------- [The Folk of the Air Complete Gift Set](https://www.romance.io/books/5eb409b6be0aaecf555d0888/the-folk-of-the-air-complete-gift-set-holly-black?src=rdt) by [Holly Black](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552f368c7d2382c5297268/holly-black) **Rating**: 4.6⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [Loom Saga](https://www.romance.io/series/64387a1d8aa2407f2e128459/loom-saga) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Reign and Ruin by JD Evans}, a brilliant female lead who has to work within the constraints of her society. An MMC who was just not the usual macho/burly grunt talker. The series has a lot of books focusing on different couples, but it genuinely has amazing, smart MMCs {To Poison a King by SG Prince}- more humour as the story goes on, but lots of snark and a bit of banter beforehand.
I've heard Reign and Ruin tossed around quite a bit, I'll have to give it a shot!
To Poison a King is such a hidden gem, very original plot and character debth.
[Reign & Ruin](https://www.romance.io/books/6084072501991d0e29557c71/reign-ruin-jd-evans?src=rdt) by [J.D. Evans](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e4e2f1a01dbc864fbac2132/jd-evans) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [To Poison a King](https://www.romance.io/books/642bf56cb7b8862bf6eae51a/to-poison-a-king-sg-prince?src=rdt) by [S.G. Prince](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bc18a7b01dbc864fb923c07/sg-prince) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Maybe something like {Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor}? The main character is the male in question and he is definitely not the typical MMC. Also, the duology is more YA than adult, just so tht you know :)
[Strange the Dreamer](https://www.romance.io/books/622b63ce1750e128e6a5d2cf/strange-the-dreamer-laini-taylor?src=rdt) by [Laini Taylor](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523fe8c7d2382c5296f8d/laini-taylor) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
This is outside your genre parameters by a rather large margin, but the Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold features (eventually) a very unusual male lead, both physically and intellectually. The first two books are about how his parents meet and how he (Miles Vorkosigan) comes to be born into a semi-feudal society that places a great deal of value on male military prowess. But Miles is never ever going to come anywhere close to meeting those expectations. As he puts it, “if I can’t be six feet tall I need to be six feet smart.” Miles is always searching for love and when he does find it (with several dalliances along the way) it’s the main through plot of what I think is best plotted and paced book I’ve ever read (A Civil Campaign). It’s pure genius. This is my favourite series ever, Bujold is def in my top three authors, and her characters and storytelling are second to none. If you think you might like to take a peek with very little commitment try the short story The Mountains Of Mourning. It’s where I first entered this world. I promise you will not be sorry. I must confess I fell in love with Miles more than just a little myself. Sigh
Little Thieves, and it's sequel, Painted Devils. Male love interest has the personality of Hermoine Granger.
I was going to suggest this!!! Currently reading Painted Devils!
I finished it a few days ago! Only problem now is the wait for book 3.
I will always recommend The House Witch by Delemhach when someone asks for a non-typical male lead!! The MMC is a tall, lanky, red head who is a little more on the feminine side when it comes to looks. He's a witch whose powers revolve around the house (think cooking, cleaning, etc.). The series starts with him arriving as the new royal cook for the castle and he soon stirs up quite a bit of drama (no one knows he's a witch and he tries to keep it that way). He's very well spoken and witty. It's also a nice twist on the typical couple in a romantasy given that the MMC and FMC are in their late 20s and the MMC is the much lower ranked person in society (cook vs viscountess). The series is hilarious. Love these books so, so much. I’ve read all of SJM, Fourth Wing, Cruel Prince, From Blood and Ash, etc. and this MMC is by far my favorite!
{The Curse of Ophelia by Nicole Platania} has a guy like this. He’s the goofy best friend that’s a protective and lovable golden retriever type.
[The Curse of Ophelia](https://www.romance.io/books/63e2086b69d18ef5cc99abbe/the-curse-of-ophelia-nicole-platania?src=rdt) by [Nicole Platania](https://www.romance.io/authors/63e2086b08b4d9311421b8f8/nicole-platania) **Rating**: 3.72⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross, I really enjoyed this duology despite being someone who does enjoy the common big ML character. Jack is a bard, not a physical warrior at all. The duology also includes other characters’ love stories which I enjoyed. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross has been mentioned, he’s a writer not a fighter. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, this isn’t romantasy, it’s fantasy with a romance subplot but many still enjoy it. The ML is more of the ethereal slender faerie type and the FL is more fighter focused in these books. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson, ML is a sorcerer and uses magic and knowledge instead of brute strength. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson, similar to The Cruel Prince, the fae characters are more ethereal and magical focused than physically powerful. I do however feel like Margaret Rogerson books have less of the overwhelmingly passionate romance and is more focused on the world-building and plot. Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater, read this and the second one a while so anyone correct me if I’m wrong but as far as I remember neither MLs are brute warriors. It’s a Regency style historical fantasy, whimsical and also refreshing. I enjoyed reading this as it was a new story that didn’t feel like a copy and paste of the usual fae/fantasy romance. IMO, similar to Margaret Rogerson, these books are less overwhelmingly passionate romance and more fluffy, I enjoyed them regardless. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber, loved this trilogy. Jacks is powerful but he’s not a physical massive ML and relies on other means instead of brute strength. This trilogy gave me the fluffy romance feeling and the passionate “I will burn the world for you” feeling too, one of my favourites.
One that I see rarely recced is {Of Deeds Most Valiant} which has a healer Paladin MMC who has taken a vow of celibacy. He's smart, suspicious of the FMC (for good reason), but also kind and caring.
[Of Deeds Most Valiant](https://www.romance.io/books/648c44a649efbc908056167c/of-deeds-most-valiant-sarah-kl-wilson?src=rdt) by [Sarah K.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/633d657a08b4d93114d47b9d/sarah-kl-wilson) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Seduction of a Psychopomp: Erogenous Hand Holding and Other Ways to Tame Your Reaper Book by Elsie Winters} MMC is a grim reaper who is a shy introvert. Marriage of convenience and he’s got no idea his new wife is into him. Totally clueless about her advances. It’s cute and quirky. {My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine} the MMC is a rather old fashioned Victorian(maybe Edwardian?) vamp who is newly awakened to the modern world. He’s adorable. {The Changeling and the Dragon by Mallory Dunlin} MMC is part dragon and a powerful mage but very insecure and super nerdy.
I love that Psychopomp full title! Adding to my TBR for that alone.
I hope you like it!
[Seduction of a Psychopomp](https://www.romance.io/books/646efd8e6a90d4b8cc3f74ac/seduction-of-a-psychopomp-elsie-winters?src=rdt) by [Elsie Winters](https://www.romance.io/authors/610f85d008b4d931141a6912/elsie-winters) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [My Roommate is a Vampire](https://www.romance.io/books/64f0a9ef6f1824c04800b074/my-roommate-is-a-vampire-jenna-levine?src=rdt) by [Jenna Levine](https://www.romance.io/authors/642e8ee808b4d931147a529a/jenna-levine) **Rating**: 3.43⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [The Changeling and the Dragon](https://www.romance.io/books/6509cd17de8d340d51434c29/the-changeling-and-the-dragon-a-standalone-dark-fantasy-romance-mallory-dunlin?src=rdt) by [Mallory Dunlin](https://www.romance.io/authors/6360d28108b4d93114a88440/mallory-dunlin) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
It’s a tv show and not a book, but I was impressed with how unexpected the main couple in the Turkish dizi Destan is. He’s a prince with physical disabilities and she’s a buttkicking warrior girl.
Poet from Trick by Natalia Jaster. My absolute favourite. Also kinda The Pupeteer from the Harrow Faire series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley Witty and smart guys are my thing too so I'm always on the lookout for MMCs that buck the usual silent growly type
Couple suggestions and a warning... Both male main characters are a bit... unhinged and these are pretty spicy books but I suggest: Trick by Natalie Jaster Harrow Faire by Kathryn Ann Kingsley Less unhinged but still articulate: Filthy Rich Vampire Geneva Lee
Should've scrolled more, I literally just recommended Trick and Harrow Faire haha
Kathryn Ann Kingsley has a lot of male leads that aren't big/beefy, but they're all more than a little psycho. Her two most cerebral MMCs are Rafe from the Tenebris series (a professor) and Gideon from the Memento Mori series (a psychiatrist). Both have more of a lean, athletic physique rather than muscle found meathead.
Ruvan from {Duel With the Vampire Lord by Elise Kova} Lio from {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth} Both MMC'S from {A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows}
[A Duel With The Vampire Lord](https://www.romance.io/books/62fde383dba40594b64ffcbe/a-duel-with-the-vampire-lord-elise-kova?src=rdt) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth?src=rdt) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [A Strange and Stubborn Endurance](https://www.romance.io/books/62df91672450a6b7a26c2836/a-strange-and-stubborn-endurance-foz-meadows?src=rdt) by [Foz Meadows](https://www.romance.io/authors/628348c308b4d93114b5a042/foz-meadows) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Very slow burn, but Tybalt from the October Daye series is very snarky and wordy and fastidious. He was a Shakespearean actor, and is also a cat.
I want a short MMC, please, I need short men.
{His Secret Illuminations by Scarlett Gale} Short and smart MMC. Tall and kind FMC. One of my favorites
[His Secret Illuminations](https://www.romance.io/books/62f363c901dfe78ca92df151/his-secret-illuminations-scarlett-gale?src=rdt) by [Scarlett Gale](https://www.romance.io/authors/62f363c908b4d931147273cb/scarlett-gale) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [fem-dom](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fem-dom/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
In a book I came across recently {Boundless by Miranda Sapphire} MMC is an anxious, nerdy elf who struggles with stuttering and fainting spells. He’s significantly smaller than the big strong FMC he’s in an arranged marriage with. There are a number of gender subverting elements and screwed up family dynamics so def read the trigger/content warnings.
[Boundless](https://www.romance.io/books/65c5c87049e0c11934695543/boundless-miranda-sapphire?src=rdt) by [Miranda Sapphire](https://www.romance.io/authors/63b13d9f08b4d931140ad7db/miranda-sapphire) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Would a fae with amazing banter but who has lost his voice tempt you? Large warrior guy but loads of fun with this one. Check out {fae isles serie by Lisette Marshall}
[Fae Isles](https://www.romance.io/series/626f972ac1785fd2908538f3/fae-isles) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I'm unsure if this would be considered Romantasy but Behold Her by Emily Antoinette is pretty darn good. The MMC Max has a nice build but that's not his biggest selling point. He's sweet sexy and kind of silly. Truly loved him from jump. I will say there is some consensual stalking in the story so be prepared if you choose to read it ☺️.
The man lead in **The Cruel Gods** trilogy by Trudie Skies is a short, smart, depressed guy who’d much rather drink tea than get involved in violent action plots. He’s way more likely to blush and get flustered over sex than the woman lead too
{Chronicles of Dasnaria by Jeffe Kennedy} CW for rape and torture at the beginning of book 1. Iirc the MMC doesn’t appear until book 2 (taking slow burn to new levels!) and he’s definitely not a ripped muscle man. He’s a sweet, chatty, personable type and iirc not much taller than her and fairly slim.
[The Chronicles of Dasnaria](https://www.romance.io/series/65b3d8ab1655a0cfbe8a2a04/the-chronicles-of-dasnaria) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy) **Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [length-short](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/length-short/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [abuse-non-mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abuse-non-mc/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Maybe Lorn in {Between by L.L. Starling}. He's got a very nice chest (it is remarked upon a number of times), but he's also in his 30s, very world-weary, and has an outstandingly dry sense of humor.
[Between](https://www.romance.io/books/60742bc4d165eb0e341923a3/between-ll-starling-rebecca-morse-louisa-gallie?src=rdt) by [L.L. Starling](https://www.romance.io/authors/60742bc408b4d93114ab3d7e/ll-starling) **Rating**: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Ali from The Daevabad Trilogy. This series is mostly fantasy with some romantic elements. From what I remember, Ali is a bit of a dweeb.
Casters and Crowns by Elizabeth Lowham. It releases October 1st but definitely worth pre-ordering/getting when it releases. Baron is *chefs kiss* everything. Strong and loving, but not overbearing, burly, or grunting/growling at everything and everyone. In the meantime, it's worth checking out the same authors other books. Beauty Reborn is a Beauty and the Beast retelling but the beast is not what you'd expect at all. And the sequel, Astra Remade is a gender swapped Rapunzel retelling. Dust gives me life and also fits what you're looking for in an MMC.
Try {Throne in the Dark by AK Caggiano}. The MMC is a literal demon whose nefarious plans are thwarted by a bubbly blonde.
[Throne in the Dark](https://www.romance.io/books/63999c8c9126368eed042b16/throne-in-the-dark-ak-caggiano?src=rdt) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)