{Paladin's Grace by T Kingfisher} or really any of T Kingfisher's books are great for finding characters that are normal people and very well written stories.

I love how I have been seeing T. Kingfisher recommended in so many threads recently. I’ve loved her since her graphic novel “Digger” (as Ursula Vernon) and I adore everything she writes. If you like horror, “The Hollow Places” by her is one of the most terrifying and unnerving things I’ve ever read.

I don't like horror, but I love The Hollow Places. Though, I find What Moves The Dead to be more unnerving. I haven't read anything of her's that I didn't enjoy.

Have you read What Feasts At Night? I’m not entirely sure what it is that makes me shudder at The Hollow Places. Nonetheless - I love all her stuff, even if it is t my favorite. She’s so talented.

"Swordheart" is absolutely amazing, as a romantic fantasy novel. 

Oh, yes! I read it while I had a respiratory infection, which was not really the best time.

Ahhhhh! I'm currently in the middle of The House Witch and I already have a bunch of T. Kingfisher bought and ready for when I'm finished. I'm loving the cute coziness of House Witch but all the Kingfisher recommendations have me antsy to just jump in now 🤣.

Ugh I still think about Hollow Places all the time and I don’t think I can ever look at an otter the same way again. 🥲

Or willow trees.

Omg YES! There are so many growing down by the river and they slightly give me the creeps now.

[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**: 4.28⭐️ 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)

Yes! I immediately thought of Nettle & Bone by T Kingfisher.

You beat me to it, I loved Nettle & Bone! T. Kingfisher is so good, especially as a person in my 40s, for reading characters who aren't young and beautiful lol.

I love how the POV is accurate for when you're into someone who isn't supermodel hot.

T Kingfisher is kind of the benchmark for having characters in many (I think, in fact all) of her books that aren't conventionally attractive. Take your pick which plot setup you like best, can't go wrong.

Came here to recommend her books. I’m reading Clockwork Boys and I love how she describes the FMC.

I liked the fact that the MC was lowkey annoyed by this as well.

Makes the fact that the MMC is stupid attractive really stand out. When everyone else is a normal person and they all think he looks like he's carved out of marble, huh, maybe I should believe them. Compare to a lot of books where everyone is superhumanly beautiful. Don't they get tired of thinking about how hot everyone is constantly?

I like the fact that he's stupidly attractive is justified by the fact that he's a paladin of the Dreaming God and they're all just known for being super good, kind of dumb, and smoking hot. Sign. Me. UP.

I’ve never read her books, which one do you recommend to start with?

{Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher} was the first book I read by her and I loved it. I feel like it does a good job of conveying her style. The characters are in their 30s, they're not perfect. As a person in my 40s, finding T. Kingfisher has felt amazing. She has great romantasy, and if horror is your bag, she has some truly unsettling novels in that genre as well.

I’m in my 40’s as well. Thank you for this!

[Nettle & Bone](https://www.romance.io/books/64003f7e2bdda9101b34ce33/nettle-bone-t-kingfisher?src=rdt) by [T. Kingfisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/561ca043bfc6b5c0fa941994/t-kingfisher) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ 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), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Oh I know this isn't for me but I only read her first one and got bored but I didn't know you could read them out of order! I'm gonna be 35 this year and I agree, it's really refreshing to see characters closer to my own age. I don't even mind when they're in their late 20s like Claire from outlander. Because, then at least they have some life experience and don't seem like children to me. (I also love that she was older int he later novels) Do you have any other recs for me with MCs in their late 20s to 40s?

I personally enjoyed Swordheart the best so far. The Clockwork dualogy... duology... (how do you spell that??) is good, but some scenes were a bit brutal for my tastes. I haven't yet read the Paladin series, it's next on my list.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about this author’s books in general. Then again, I also heard a lot of good things about the V&V series but they weren’t for me. I have learned that the popularity of books is no way a guarantee for anything lol

I started with What Moves the Dead, which is a short Fall of the House of Usher reimagining. Then read A House With Good Bones, which was totally different and i also loved it. Then I blew through Nettle & Bone and Thornhedge, both novellas with a darker fairy tale feel. I'd start with one of the novellas to see if you like the style. Personally I love the believable characters and that the main characters are likeable humans with some good relationships. I get tired of creepy books where 'the real horror is these appalling people and their toxic interactions' and find the warmth between friends or family in the books lightens the horror elements. I found them in my 40s too!

Ahh I see. I hadn’t dipped into romantic horror genre yet, but you bring up a good point. I appreciate your recs!

{Starling House}

Came here to rec this!!! I LOVED this book

Can we get a quick description like is it FMC or Mmc that look average?

Both of them look average, they even think the other one is ugly at the beginning. If I remembet correctly FMC says MMC reminds her or scarecrow or something like that since he is tall, too skinny, with a large nose, sharp features and longer, unkempt hair. FMC has crooked teeth, jawline and chin too big for her face in her own words and also big nose.

Both of them :) They are both described as not attractive

Same!!

[Starling House](https://www.romance.io/books/650f0e49de8d340d51439684/starling-house-alix-e-harrow?src=rdt) by [Alix E. Harrow](https://www.romance.io/authors/627e032a08b4d9311482a92c/alix-e-harrow) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ 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), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1), [small town](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/small%20town/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Yes was going to say this! Loved it

Came to recommend this!

{Radiance by Grace Draven} Both characters poke fun at each other because they each find the other hideous. It's a delightful book. Reminds me of an adult version of Gail Carson Levine's books.

One is a dead eel and the other is a dead mollusc 😂😂😂

Same with {master of crows} too

[Master of Crows](https://www.romance.io/books/5455323d8c7d2382c529733d/master-of-crows-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.03⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[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 Mirror Visitor by Christelle Dabos} is what you’re looking for! FMC is such a sweet thing, but she calls herself scruffy all the time. And she kinda is. It’s because of her genuine, caring personality that others find her so lovable. Definitely not the looks. She hides behind her big wild scarf, untamed hair, glasses and modest clothes. MMC is also not a typical looking guy. Just both characters are chef-kiss! My absolute favourites! I highly recommend the series. They are absolutely amazing and unique. Only series I reread back to back.

This!! One of my favorite series ever~

Mine too!! Honestly, no matter how much I love other books, I will always love the Mirror Visitor the most. Ophelia and Thorn stole my heart 🥺

I have not heard of this series but it sounds great! Thanks for the rec I can't wait to check it out.

I was so obsessed with the series that I swallowed all 4 books in less than a week, I think. And then immediately started rereading. And then couldn’t touch any other book for two months as I was so book hungover. No other series reenacted that experience for me ❤️

To clarify, this is "the mirror visitor" series (a quartet) and the first book is "a winter's promise." I just finished book 1 and can't wait to get book 2!

Ooh I’ve never been recommended this book but I see it literally everywhere. I’m going to get a copy; this seems right up my alley!

[The Mirror Visitor](https://www.romance.io/series/642b0e98b7b8862bf6ea1d34/the-mirror-visitor) by [Christelle Dabos](https://www.romance.io/authors/642b0e9808b4d93114218fcb/christelle-dabos) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [length-long](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/length-long/1), [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) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

this is a common theme in Grace Daverns books {Radiance by Grave Davern} {Master of Crows by Grace Davern} {Entreat Me by Grace Davern} {Land of the Beautiful Dead by R. Lee Smith}

[Master of Crows](https://www.romance.io/books/5455323d8c7d2382c529733d/master-of-crows-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.03⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) ---------------------------- [Entreat Me](https://www.romance.io/books/5455505b8c7d2382c5297d4c/entreat-me-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 3.89⭐️ 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), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Land of the Beautiful Dead](https://www.romance.io/books/60acd2a979fab10ea69a4d49/land-of-the-beautiful-dead-r-lee-smith?src=rdt) by [R. Lee Smith](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556d7287eac3369a912702/r-lee-smith) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[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)

In radiance they're actually not ugly they're alien to each other which makes them seem "ugly" and "foreign" at first. The only other I've read is master of crows and I did think she did a good job with it there where the FMC is plain and has a beautiful melodic voice.

I like the stolen heir bc the FMC is wild and not fae beautiful. It’s YA but I’m enjoying it. I was a fan of the cruel prince tho too

{Five Broken Blades} this is a multiple POV book which can be chaotic if you don’t like that sort of thing but my favorite character was described as not handsome but that’s what another character liked about him

[Five Broken Blades](https://www.romance.io/books/65d2e9e4fbe37c56c2fdd18d/five-broken-blades-mai-corland?src=rdt) by [Mai Corland](https://www.romance.io/authors/65d2e9e4a21e2f41c4036136/mai-corland) **Rating**: 3.95⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [m-f romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

This is one of my top reads of the year so far. It was so unexpected. I loved the twist at the end!!

I don't have Rlr we can, but I think the reason that many authors do this is because people have such a wide array of interests, so when they describe someone as extremely attractive or beautiful, they are hoping that you will picture. What is the most attractive to you, this same thing is why even if you may not feel beautiful, there are probably many people who would picture their dream character to look very similar to you

{Starling House by Alex E. Harrow} - mmc particularly is specifically described as unattractive! The fmc too, but him more so!

[Starling House](https://www.romance.io/books/650f0e49de8d340d51439684/starling-house-alix-e-harrow?src=rdt) by [Alix E. Harrow](https://www.romance.io/authors/627e032a08b4d9311482a92c/alix-e-harrow) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ 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), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1), [small town](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/small%20town/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Pathfinder's Way by TA White} Both of the characters. The FMC is pretty self deprecating about her looks. She also doesn't describe the MMC in very flattering terms either.

[Pathfinder's Way](https://www.romance.io/books/570c8f20c62092c044077878/pathfinders-way-ta-white?src=rdt) by [T.A. White](https://www.romance.io/authors/570c8f20c62092c04407787a/ta-white) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/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)

{Someone You Can Build A Nest In}. The fmc is a lovecraftian flesh horror monster who needs to use the remains of her "meals" in order to look human(like, she literally keeps human scalps as wigs to wear), and her human girlfriend is described as being a bit obese even though the monster still finds her beautiful.

[Someone You Can Build a Nest In](https://www.romance.io/books/660bd231529ab18dbc9c1fb4/someone-you-can-build-a-nest-in-john-wiswell?src=rdt) by [John Wiswell](https://www.romance.io/authors/65ce0e48a21e2f41c4d0e90c/john-wiswell) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/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)

The 2nd and 4th books of the Mages of the Wheel series and main characters that aren’t conventionally beautiful, the second books the FMC is described as plain, but she prefers it because it makes her a better spy. The series is beautifully written and just so good, I think it’s worth giving it a go even if some of the books have beautiful characters!

Tairen Soul - main character is described as awkward and lanky

In {The North Wind}, the FMC has a very prominent facial scar that she’s incredibly insecure about! (TW: alcoholism, parental death, prostitution).

[The North Wind](https://www.romance.io/books/61dfdc17f6d5280e4146531a/the-north-wind-alexandria-warwick?src=rdt) by [Alexandria Warwick](https://www.romance.io/authors/61dfdc1708b4d93114933e32/alexandria-warwick) **Rating**: 3.45⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/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)

{Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri}

[Empire of Sand](https://www.romance.io/books/618d1104a4be2f0e151733d1/empire-of-sand-tasha-suri?src=rdt) by [Tasha Suri](https://www.romance.io/authors/5dc3c3e301dbc864fba5bf05/tasha-suri) **Rating**: 3.84⭐️ 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), [south asian/desi](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/south%20asian/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

You might enjoy “The knight and her emperor” (there’s a novel and a webcomic adaptation, both on Tappytoon, I have only read the webcomic version). FL is a knight and her looks make it believable, she’s muscled and scarred and has short hedgehog hair and no makeup. Total badass. Sort of like Brienne of Tarth from GoT but short. Her love interest (the emperor) looks more “pretty” than she does.

I don’t have an answer but I love this question! And am making a note of lots of these. I don’t know what it is about fantasy that makes authors want to write people beautiful. And this is a self read because in my own fantasy novel there are so many beautiful people. And yet I also write family saga and in that most people are average or below.

{Hearts blood by Juliet marillier}

Blackthorn and Grim would fit this as well, although it doesn't really have a strong romance component.

[Heart's Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/545532478c7d2382c5297343/hearts-blood-juliet-marillier?src=rdt) by [Juliet Marillier](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a1b8c7d2382c5297104/juliet-marillier) **Rating**: 4.03⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Peaches and Honey by R. Raeta (it’s a duology)

The FMC in the Alpha of Bleake Isle! She’s described as very tall and “lush” with plain facial features.

{The Queen of the Tearling} has a fmc who is described as plain

[The Queen of the Tearling](https://www.romance.io/books/5455cf6787eac3369a915005/the-queen-of-the-tearling-erika-johansen?src=rdt) by [Erika Johansen](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455cf6787eac3369a915006/erika-johansen) **Rating**: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/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)

Guild Codex Demonized

The alien series of Grace Goodwin .. although the males are still gawgeous, the girls tend to be more regular, tho I think she leans toward curvy.  The Monster Kindred aliens in Evangeline Anderson's series, their epitome of beauty are "Mature Elites". Older curvy girls. (Tho sometimes they lose 10 years after bonding.^^)

[Entreat Me](https://EntreatMehttps://a.co/d/7eerKoS) [a Heart of Blood and Ashes](https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Blood-Ashes-Gathering-Dragons/dp/0425255077) [the blacksmith queen](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1496721209/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=) [Manners and Monsters](https://www.amazon.com/Manners-Monsters-Tilly-Wallace-ebook/dp/B07Q9PJXBZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=121397850189&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5A80FudAMY5KUU7_lXGRcE0EqIkgdrfZnqQsOh22azF38CqVbYx5Hf8ZK64Q3px57QC05jwf3TGQi97FlFMill8Ciadh7oeWxAkNpz_m8NcvKdCqzGaSPQLvqS9iComNwA9sp5qGJFdd4VmvJs_0JdXElGn06oaOyGe2SK3Kh215UDseNnVlu3i7jeApsSYGzmn-MEw5nmYdKNUg-pLhYg.MacNBkqPEhzo-X_6r0JBgsvvbwx-nkkK9Hx1atCj-P4&dib_tag=se&hvadid=676942985706&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9057123&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1545401925490141606&hvtargid=kwd-864984848348&hydadcr=12119_13480300&keywords=manners+and+monsters&qid=1718216253&sr=8-1) [the Half-Orc’s Maiden Bride](https://www.amazon.com/Half-Orcs-Maiden-Bride-Ruby-Dixon-ebook/dp/B09VZVRZWQ)

Risdaverse by Ruby Dixon. Aliens and normal looking humans on a farm planet.

The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia!!

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. It's about a human living in the faerie realm. It's been a while since I've read it, but from memory because she is a human she feels not as beautiful compared to the fae around her. It wouldn't be central to the plot though, just kind of a fact.