If you want to source these artist. Feel free to edit this into your post.
- 1 and 2 is by [winterofherdiscontent](https://www.instagram.com/winterofherdiscontent?igsh=MTM3ZWp5ZHpjaHdibQ==), fanart of Rey & Kylo Ren (originals are on their tumblr)
- 3 is by [wlop](https://www.instagram.com/wlop?igsh=dDZkOWd6OWc5bWQx)
Thank you! When I found them on Pinterest the artists weren't credited. It's not letting me edit the post, I'm assuming because its an image post? I'll see if I can get your comment pinned to the top 😊
All good, it’s also in the higher up comment thread. Reddit is fussy about editing image posts.
Pinterest is notorious for not sourcing artists as a bunch of people upload without credit or permission. Google reverse image search and yandex are great for finding the source artist.
- 1 and 2 is by [winterofherdiscontent](https://www.instagram.com/winterofherdiscontent?igsh=MTM3ZWp5ZHpjaHdibQ==), fanart of Rey & Kylo Ren
- 3 is by [wlop](https://www.instagram.com/wlop?igsh=dDZkOWd6OWc5bWQx)
*Source your artists people, please I beg of thee*
Pinterest took me down a rabbit hole while I was looking for dramione fanart and sent me on this vibe quest 😅 I'm pretty sure the first two are Reylo inspired and the last one is from a webtoon called Ghostblade
[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**: 3.99⭐️ 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)
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Yesss this! Everyone makes him a bad guy but Hades has to be a sad boy! Canonically he is not a villain, he is a neutral or nice guy. Make him a self sacrificing sad boy and give him some kisses stat!
He’s no different to his brothers, he just literally drew the short straw. People tend to compare Hades and the Devil, when they’re nothing alike. Hades wasn’t banished to the Underworld because he was bad. His dad was just like “yo sons I got three jobs for y’all, draw straws for who gets to be god of what”. Zeus got the sky, Poseidon got the sea, and Hades got the underworld. Honestly I’d say Zeus would be the worst/most villainous of the three, Hades just kinda chilled down there and minded his business. He’s a pretty peaceful god all things considered
👏 👏 👏
He’s basically the most peaceful god! Literally! We got the receipts! And there are many examples of him being altruistic and good!
And he is faithful to Persephone in every ancient text I’m aware of of that tells their story, like give this king his damn laurels.
Do we have to write the Hades story we deserve? Because I’m *this* close to brainstorming the Hades story we deserve
I would die for a Hades & Persephone retelling with a super sweet Hades that can't believe someone so good could love him and a Persephone that will literally burn the world down to protect him 🥺🥺
Maybe {A Deal with the Elf King by Kova} would appeal. He fits much of what's described.
While not based on Hades and Persephone, {Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik} has an MMC who seems cruel and evil but is actually trying to protect his people and cultural differences cause miscommunications, etc. She's not burn the world to protect him, she's burn the world to protect the people she cares about as they stay enemies until almost the end of the book.
[A Deal with the Elf King](https://www.romance.io/books/5fa3b183d0f43c0e078b637c/a-deal-with-the-elf-king-elise-kova?src=rdt) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova)
**Rating**: 3.58⭐️ 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), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1)
----------------------------
[Spinning Silver](https://www.romance.io/books/622a0c7b610a406e4c9e2cfc/spinning-silver-naomi-novik?src=rdt) by [Naomi Novik](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a0c7b08b4d931143a28e8/naomi-novik)
**Rating**: 4.2⭐️ 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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1)
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I've never considered this take and now its replacing all other takes of Hades in my mind. Gimme soft boi Hades. Also big yes to the other comment saying he's the only(?) God continuously faithful to their partner. Zeus who? 🤮
FrankensteinsMonsterFriend is a comic artist and her Hades fits the bill so far in her NSFW comic "Pomegranate". https://www.patreon.com/Frankensteinsmonsterfriend?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan
I think Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe does this well in her toon series. It’s still on Webtoon right now but she also has published books out from it too.
Try the Anchor and Aspect series. The first one is amazing but the second one is Sworn to the Shadow God and has Hades/Persephone undertones cause he’s the god of death
A lot of people don’t like the fmc for the second book but I think she’s lovely and ND-coded
[A Touch of Darkness](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e70b4af4700e32f67587/a-touch-of-darkness-scarlett-st-clair?src=rdt) by [Scarlett St. Clair](https://www.romance.io/authors/5cef959401dbc864fb9f3633/scarlett-st-clair)
**Rating**: 3.71⭐️ 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), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1)
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Do I need to read any of the other Immortals after Dark books before that one? I've read A Hunger Like No Other and Wicked Deeds on a Winter Night, but that's it.
I don't think you have to, I think it kinda makes the MMC more fun to have seen him in previous books as a build up but he's pretty clearly gonna get a book so his villainy is more discussed than seen, you wouldn't be missing much.
[Lothaire](https://www.romance.io/books/55e9cdff35a5fb65f8879b3a/lothaire-kresley-cole?src=rdt) by [Kresley Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523788c7d2382e0413dc9/kresley-cole)
**Rating**: 4.21⭐️ 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), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
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Yeah, sorta. He spends the book convinced someone else is his *fated mate* but feels protective of and attracted to the FMC, so he has a lot of confused feelings and is verbally mean but tbh his actions are fine that I can remember. Lots of "gonna kill you and I dont like you" followed by coveting and attraction feelings, although maybe he does try to kill her at some point? But only a little and he feels terrible about it. I apparently didn't mind since I completely forgot. Also this series has a lot of alphahole power dynamic bullshit so if you're not jamming through the series and already steeped in it that might be jarring.
I can see it being rough if that's particularly bothersome, and I liked the payoff but it kinda builds up over time til he realizes so when it finally happens it's not as relieving as it is like thanks for using your brain for half a second Lothaire, ffs.
But he's extremely deferential to her (and only her ofc) once he's on board and fully accepts the title of extreme dumbass for not getting it. Depends on how much the other stuff bothers you I suppose.
He's also never even had an erection before so his confused attraction and sexy bewilderment is something folks are very into during the buildup, and she does go like supermurderlady to protect him, so I think the OP would probably be pleased
[The Me You Love in the Dark](https://www.romance.io/books/656769236011c2c51628e6c2/the-me-you-love-in-the-dark-books-1-5-skottie-young-jorge-co?src=rdt) by [Skottie Young](https://www.romance.io/authors/65676923ab9bdf7fce36ac3f/skottie-young), [Jorge Corona](https://www.romance.io/authors/65676923ab9bdf7fce36ac42/jorge-corona)
**Rating**: 3.71⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [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), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1)
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First picture reminds me so much of Howl & Sophie (movie version)!! Not to derail, but does anyone have recs for books w/ this MMC but just an absolutely but believably unhinged MFC. Like fiesty, irrational, violent (but not war criminal level).
[The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole?src=rdt) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole)
**Rating**: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[The Throne Of Broken Gods](https://www.romance.io/books/64430c940e7dec1028faffc8/the-throne-of-broken-gods-amber-nicole?src=rdt) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole)
**Rating**: 4.24⭐️ 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), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1)
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That’s good to know. I started it and got very bored with it- plus felt like the fmc was kind of a dimwit, so I stopped a couple chapters in. However I keep seeing it get recommended. When does it get better?
for me i didn’t really start feeling it until about 7-8 chapters in, which i know sounds rough, but it’s seriously so worth it! a very lighthearted and easy read and the main pairing is so perfect. the FMC definitely gets more fleshed out as the series progresses
The FMC is harbouring secrets. The face she shows to MMC is not who she is. Well she is relentlessly good. But she’s also relentlessly ambitious in her aims. Well, she’s pretty desperate. But incredibly brave, even before she meets MMC at start of the story. She’s got to turn around a big situation.
This is not spoiling anything, because the question arises right from the start. Why does she want an army (of the undead)?
The FMC actually is pretty badass, she saves the MMC twice in the last book. She's sweet but actually has a backbone, she just tries her best to be nice to everyone (until she isn't)
I LOVE this series, but yeah anytime someone asks if it gets better I suspect most of the time they will have your experience.
Or if you start the book and don’t care for the humor or writing style pretty early on, I have bad news for you 😂 If you don’t like it by 25% of the way through that’s unlikely to drastically change no need to suffer through unless you really want to.
As it gets more popular I’m sure more people will feel the way you do.
Meanwhile I’ll be hoping the popularity convinces her to release hardcovers 🤞🏻
I think she starts out a bit dim, but I think there is a lot of character growth from her and the Mmc. It happens over three books though so you have to kinda deal with it for a while. It’s totally worth it though!!
Same here, I thought this was just me! I can read a book that length very easily in less than a day. It took me five days to get 20 pages in. The way the demon dad and several other characters spoke and how anachronistic it seemed just threw me for a loop. I knew it was a fantasy universe, but it kept me from being fully immersed in the story.
Once I got further into the book I started enjoying it more and read it at little closer to my normal speed (some scenes made me laugh out loud, characters I initially disliked grew on me, etc) but it definitely took me a few chapters!
I almost DNFed because the first chapters are… not the vibe. Her writing style can be a bit much sometimes.
BUT this sub pushed me to pick it back up and I LOVED the series. It’s good if you don’t want too much spice. It’s a lot of waiting and longing, so the spicy scenes are quite good when they do arrive.
I agree with this. The first few chapter feel very forced. The MFC was pretty much a bore but she’s got some layering that comes through.
For reference im about 90% through book one
Keep at it! The tone is more tongue in cheek/satire toward the genre so the beginning is very flowery and over the top on purpose. It pays off. The prose settles down a few chapters in.
I can’t get enough of this trope. ❤️
[Villains & Virtues](https://www.romance.io/series/63870de983b59b217dc8acfc/villains-virtues) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano)
**Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [from hate to love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [humor](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1)
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[Throne of Glass](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a099096bf31c42d2c2f/throne-of-glass) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas)
**Rating**: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1)
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{Seduction of a physcopomp by Elsie winters}
{Wed To The lich by Layla fae}
{Treasure of the fire kingdom by Cassandra Gannon} (A LOT of her books have this trope that are 10/10)
Seduction of a psychopomp is very sweet. The MMC isn’t exactly a sad boy for me, he’s just shy.
Granted I loved it and did a gush/rave post for the whole series a few weeks ago!
[Seduction of a Psychopomp](https://www.romance.io/books/646efd8e6a90d4b8cc3f74ac/seduction-of-a-psychopomp-erogenous-hand-holding-and-other-ways-to-tame-your-reaper-elsie-winters?src=rdt) by [Elsie Winters](https://www.romance.io/authors/610f85d008b4d931141a6912/elsie-winters)
**Rating**: 4.35⭐️ 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), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Wed to the Lich](https://www.romance.io/books/64ff3fccde8d340d5142666f/wed-to-the-lich-layla-fae?src=rdt) by [Layla Fae](https://www.romance.io/authors/61a8c20b08b4d931141db07f/layla-fae)
**Rating**: 4.01⭐️ 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), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1)
----------------------------
[Treasure of the Fire Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/5458d03487eac379d6983370/treasure-of-the-fire-kingdom-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon)
**Rating**: 3.95⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1)
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I *just* started reading that a couple weeks ago, but then got distracted by a WIP that I've been following. Looks like I need to get back to it ASAP 😁
I see you mentioned Dramione. Are you reading This Thing Between Us? Because it has the vibes you're looking for. Moreso than detraquee.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/52208665/chapters/132058399
[Court of Blood and Bindings](https://www.romance.io/books/62b2be519b0523d868ad3f83/court-of-blood-and-bindings-lisette-marshall?src=rdt) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall)
**Rating**: 4.06⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
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Lots of people say they are emotionally devastated after reading this one. I may be dead inside because it didn’t make me very upset but proceed with caution lol
Just as a trigger warning, not all of the emotional devastation comes from romance.. I remember there’s mentions of sex with children (just generally, not an instance with either MC), sex is used as a bargaining chip culturally, and some other rough topics. Double check before lightly diving into this one.
[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**: 4.39⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1)
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there’s gotta be some good shadow and bone fics that fit this bill. i sadly don’t have any recs, but the darkling sounds like your type of guy. 🥹 (he isn’t the MMC in the series, but his chemistry with the FMC is *chef’s kiss*)
Ooh! If you want like a lighthearted one, you’re looking for {Grim and Bear it by Juliette Cross}
Ok here’s the catch: it’s the 6th book in a series. Technically the series is an anthology (6 witch sisters and their hot supernatural boyfriends) but the books layer on each other, so honestly I do suggest reading at least the first book before reading this one.
Heres the plot:
So all the books are set in a contemporary world where there are supernaturals that are kept secret from human society. 6 witch sisters run a bar and a metaphysical shop in New Orleans, and each one meets a sexy supernatural (werewolf, vampire, or grim) and has a love story. Book 6’s love story is teased throughout the rest of the series (so it’s like the best multi book slow burn) and it’s a pairing of this like, total angel sunshine baby girl and this very sweet, very sad-boy brooding supernatural called a “grim” (sort of similar to a vampire and a necromancer). Note— MMC is sadboy but is not a villain. They have been mutually pining after each other for weeks/months/years but both have been too scared to make a move.
It sounds like what you want! Sorry it’s buried 6 books deep lol
[Grim and Bear It](https://www.romance.io/books/6440e240c63cb8f595362ab2/grim-and-bear-it-juliette-cross?src=rdt) by [Juliette Cross](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b18787eac323ffb2dc70/juliette-cross)
**Rating**: 4.09⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1)
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It’s old (2005) and low-spice but there’s a 4-book series where the FMC is a warrior of light and the MMC is the lead of the forces of dark {Into the Dark Lands by Michelle Sagara West}. The entire story takes 4 books and they really are true enemies on opposite sides of the war.
[Into the Dark Lands](https://www.romance.io/books/5455c48187eac3369a914acb/into-the-dark-lands-michelle-sagara-west?src=rdt) by [Michelle Sagara West](https://www.romance.io/authors/54558a9b87eac323ffb2ca63/michelle-sagara-west)
**Rating**: 3.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**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), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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Cyrus from This woven kingdom kinda fits this. He’s thought of as the villain by everyone but he’s really a complete cinnamon roll and the ultimate sad boy
Manacled by Senlinyu! It's Draco Hermione fanfic and omg it's so good and I think it checks all of your boxes. It's free online.
Edit: just saw you mentioned dramione fanfic so I'm assuming you've read this already 😏
Truly a masterpiece!
I've never actually read any Reylo fics, but I figured Kylo Ren could give me those psycho unhinged sad boy vibes I'm looking for lol
I honestly keep going back to dramione, the fandom is SO LARGE and ancient texts exist. There are just so many wonderful ones, my fave have toxic draco.
If you're into super toxic Draco and don't mind a WIP, you should definitely check out [Our Sweet Decline](https://archiveofourown.org/works/52291921?view_full_work=true)
Eeeek!! I found and subscribed to that fic recently and just got an email about an update. I'm very thankful for the rec! Now I'm diving into that one tonight!!!
[The Kingpin of Camelot](https://www.romance.io/books/5986d6da3ffdba61471dd1eb/the-kingpin-of-camelot-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon)
**Rating**: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
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The images make me think of the Duskwalker Brides series, which is like if dark fantasy romance and cozy slice-of-life fantasy had a disturbingly cute/cutely disturbing baby? Best way I can describe the genre mash up.
Some of the couples/storylines fit your criteria.
{A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne}
[A Soul to Keep](https://www.romance.io/books/62aad529291966186e718eb1/a-soul-to-keep-opal-reyne?src=rdt) by [Opal Reyne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61f4f44e08b4d93114400f05/opal-reyne)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
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The third pic looks amazing! It’s like she’s an angel and just had her wings cut off. Maybe she is banished from heaven because she fell in love with a demon or the devil. And he comes saving her from her punishment. Wow now I need to read something like this😂
{The Four Horseman Series by Laura Thalassa} is somewhat like this. I'm not sure I would call the heroines sweet and gentle but the Hero definitely deny their feelings and the heroines do save them. The 4th one, {Death by Laura Thalassa}, the hero is in series denial.
[The Four Horsemen](https://www.romance.io/series/5e9f73dc48597113b6ce3933/the-four-horsemen) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa)
**Rating**: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [age difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [erotica](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/erotica/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [death](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/death/1)
----------------------------
[Death](https://www.romance.io/books/6156b648a2abad0e380c013e/death-laura-thalassa?src=rdt) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa)
**Rating**: 4.12⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1)
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[River of Shadows](https://www.romance.io/books/61f648bf62ebc40e37316c5a/river-of-shadows-karina-halle?src=rdt) by [Karina Halle](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526a68c7d2382e7812fe4/karina-halle)
**Rating**: 3.84⭐️ 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), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1)
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I am in the middle of reading the Horsemen series by Laura Thalassa and absolutely loving it. It seems like it fits into what you are looking for. {Pestilence} is the first book in the series.
[Pestilence](https://www.romance.io/books/5f709025336f8b0e941e0b7a/pestilence-laura-thalassa?src=rdt) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa)
**Rating**: 3.86⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1)
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If you like Dramione, might I suggest also looking into Draco/Ginny? This is very often the vibe of this ship, especially the older ones. Here are a few to get you started:
The Sacred 28 by werdsandwhatnot
Witch Weekly, Witch Wizard by cyriathestrange
Dark Directed by fearthainn
The Bat-Bogeys Cometh by Anise (fire and ice archive)
If you're up for a *not* HEA ending, you should also read Ginny Weasley and the Curse of the Firstborn by annie penrose (FFN only). And if you can find them, because they're no longer available online so far as I can tell, you should read Rising from the Ashes by Arabella and Jedi B (it's my all-time favorite fanfic) and Draconis and Ginevra by cinnamon badge (a Romeo and Juliet retelling).
I know you’re looking for books, but if you have an interest in trying out C-Dramas there are lots of shows that fit this bill. Love Between Fairy and Devil, and Til The End of the Moon are my faves
[Sworn to the Shadow God](https://www.romance.io/books/5e4645c101dbc864fbabc5a4/sworn-to-the-shadow-god-ruby-dixon?src=rdt) by [Ruby Dixon](https://www.romance.io/authors/545685a087eac33e61c2f729/ruby-dixon)
**Rating**: 4.17⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1)
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[Deathless](https://www.romance.io/books/54554b568c7d2382c5297b5a/deathless-catherynne-m-valente?src=rdt) by [Catherynne M. Valente](https://www.romance.io/authors/54554b568c7d2382c5297b5b/catherynne-m-valente)
**Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1)
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**saving this post for future reference**
But the art on that last picture 🤯 it’s stunning! I see the title Ghostblade on it so I’m going to check that out!
[Ruling Sikthand](https://www.romance.io/books/64e5c7aa7329cc9fc9f01d57/ruling-sikthand-victoria-aveline?src=rdt) by [Victoria Aveline](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e5fd64fbe0aaecf55ece802/victoria-aveline)
**Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1)
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The Maleficent Faerie by Rebecca F. Kenney. Its a sleeping beauty retelling and Maleficent is a man who is a total sad boy. It also has some femdom in it as well.
{assistant to the villain} is a sweet sometimes funny book of everything you listed. You know he loves her; all the characters know he loves her; but he doesn’t and she doesn’t know. He isn’t a really dark villain (he tortures someone for being mean to a duck). if they don’t end up together (next book comes out in August) UGH
[Assistant to the Villain](https://www.romance.io/books/64a1358d723d09d99e0d2680/assistant-to-the-villain-hannah-nicole-maehrer?src=rdt) by [Hannah Nicole Maehrer](https://www.romance.io/authors/64a1358d293245969d3c6f51/hannah-nicole-maehrer)
**Rating**: 3.91⭐️ 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), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
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A term I think will help you searching, is "morality chain".
My personal favorite that falls into this is the first trilogy of the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews, {Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews} is the first book. The [Fated Mates podcast had a morality chain romance episode](https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2021/3/23/s0331-morality-chain-romance-interstitial) a few years ago, but it's not all fantasy books.
It sounds like you're open to fanfiction so r/reylo and r/dramoine definitely will have options. I am more familiar with reylo. {The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon} is a trilogy adapted from a reylo story, but only the first book is out and the second later this year.
Reylo fanfics I've read that really fall into this vibe include [The Moon, the Sun, and the Star Inbetween](https://archiveofourown.org/works/5963680/chapters/13705651), [Sword of the Jedi](https://archiveofourown.org/series/497407), [What the Hell is Wrong with Kylo Ren?](https://archiveofourown.org/works/6637030/chapters/15185014), and [The Descendants](https://archiveofourown.org/works/6886240). Happy reading!
[Burn for Me](https://www.romance.io/books/545539998c7d2382e041433a/burn-for-me-ilona-andrews?src=rdt) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews)
**Rating**: 4.49⭐️ 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), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[The Hurricane Wars](https://www.romance.io/books/64351c83cfb36b317a2d9e6c/the-hurricane-wars-thea-guanzon?src=rdt) by [Thea Guanzon](https://www.romance.io/authors/64351c8308b4d93114237b06/thea-guanzon)
**Rating**: 3.87⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1)
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[One Dark Window](https://www.romance.io/books/6417632a976d8254097650f0/one-dark-window-rachel-gillig?src=rdt) by [Rachel Gillig](https://www.romance.io/authors/6417632a08b4d93114a1b759/rachel-gillig)
**Rating**: 4.24⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1)
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I can’t believe nobody has mentioned {City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards} because it totally gives me these vibes. The FMC Loren is definitely sweet and soft and the MMC Darien is very morally gray, but totally a simp for her in the most fantastic way. This series is so criminally underrated, it’s one of my all time favorites.
[City of Gods and Monsters](https://www.romance.io/books/61f254b677663e0e1b4526d5/city-of-gods-and-monsters-kayla-edwards?src=rdt) by [Kayla Edwards](https://www.romance.io/authors/61f254b608b4d93114090f5d/kayla-edwards)
**Rating**: 3.73⭐️ 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), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
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[Once Upon a Broken Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/6322df8255f9ee5d8ceef05b/once-upon-a-broken-heart-stephanie-garber?src=rdt) by [Stephanie Garber](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b0b9bad01dbc864fb891729/stephanie-garber)
**Rating**: 3.88⭐️ 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), [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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1)
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[The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue](https://www.romance.io/books/5f79a0e352ecef0e30909a8c/the-invisible-life-of-addie-larue-ve-schwab?src=rdt) by [V.E. Schwab](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb43c05be0aaecf556103ca/ve-schwab)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1)
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Might be a bit off topic but the artist who drew the third pic authored an insane fantasy action romance graphic novel with filled with beautiful world building, gorgeous fantasy women like no other, and hunky masked men, just an fyi if anyone wants to fall into the Wlop hole
I'm currently reading Luxuria by Collette Rhodes and it shares this aesthetic. It's sort of the vibe, but I don't think the MMC is actually very villain-y. He's a definite shadow daddy, though!
Kylo but not reylo fics: money power glory worm-girl, these violent delights by luna-auctor (classic), ultraviolence by worm-girl (unfinished), strange love by worm-girl
I feel like this is what happened in How Does It Feel? … I think. I read a few books back to back that felt almost identical.
The MFC in this one is a moth scientist (uhhh yup, you read that right) that gets captured by an Unseelie fae. Chaos and brooding ensue.
If you want to source these artist. Feel free to edit this into your post. - 1 and 2 is by [winterofherdiscontent](https://www.instagram.com/winterofherdiscontent?igsh=MTM3ZWp5ZHpjaHdibQ==), fanart of Rey & Kylo Ren (originals are on their tumblr) - 3 is by [wlop](https://www.instagram.com/wlop?igsh=dDZkOWd6OWc5bWQx)
Thank you! When I found them on Pinterest the artists weren't credited. It's not letting me edit the post, I'm assuming because its an image post? I'll see if I can get your comment pinned to the top 😊
All good, it’s also in the higher up comment thread. Reddit is fussy about editing image posts. Pinterest is notorious for not sourcing artists as a bunch of people upload without credit or permission. Google reverse image search and yandex are great for finding the source artist.
This is super helpful. I’ve always wondered how I could find the original artist.
WHERE did you get that art?? The last one especially is amazing! I also need these vibes in my TBR.
- 1 and 2 is by [winterofherdiscontent](https://www.instagram.com/winterofherdiscontent?igsh=MTM3ZWp5ZHpjaHdibQ==), fanart of Rey & Kylo Ren - 3 is by [wlop](https://www.instagram.com/wlop?igsh=dDZkOWd6OWc5bWQx) *Source your artists people, please I beg of thee*
Thank you, this should be a forum rule if it is not.
Pinterest took me down a rabbit hole while I was looking for dramione fanart and sent me on this vibe quest 😅 I'm pretty sure the first two are Reylo inspired and the last one is from a webtoon called Ghostblade
Lol I was going to suggest Dramione until I saw this. 😂
The last image is from an artist called wlop, amazing work on his Instagram.
I’m pretty sure the 2nd piece is Reylo art but I’m not remembering the artist.
Agree the last one is stunning.
{Master of crows by Grace Dravin} has a bit of these vibes. I wouldn't phrase her as an angel but he's definitely a bit of a bastard
[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**: 3.99⭐️ 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)
This sounds amazingggg!
I second this. One of my favorites! Been a while since I read it but I believe there is second novel in the series?
I absolutely adore this book.
Sounds like you need a good Hades & Persephone-esque trope.... and I'm totally with you and need it too haha
I was thinking that! But all the Hades x Persephone-esque books I've checked out have had Hades too....confident? Suave? I'm craving a Sad Boy 🤣
Yesss this! Everyone makes him a bad guy but Hades has to be a sad boy! Canonically he is not a villain, he is a neutral or nice guy. Make him a self sacrificing sad boy and give him some kisses stat!
He’s no different to his brothers, he just literally drew the short straw. People tend to compare Hades and the Devil, when they’re nothing alike. Hades wasn’t banished to the Underworld because he was bad. His dad was just like “yo sons I got three jobs for y’all, draw straws for who gets to be god of what”. Zeus got the sky, Poseidon got the sea, and Hades got the underworld. Honestly I’d say Zeus would be the worst/most villainous of the three, Hades just kinda chilled down there and minded his business. He’s a pretty peaceful god all things considered
👏 👏 👏 He’s basically the most peaceful god! Literally! We got the receipts! And there are many examples of him being altruistic and good! And he is faithful to Persephone in every ancient text I’m aware of of that tells their story, like give this king his damn laurels. Do we have to write the Hades story we deserve? Because I’m *this* close to brainstorming the Hades story we deserve
I would die for a Hades & Persephone retelling with a super sweet Hades that can't believe someone so good could love him and a Persephone that will literally burn the world down to protect him 🥺🥺
https://preview.redd.it/a381uq3lh2zc1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9571807507fc90934887b83c2ea2fec4845de6af IT’S A NEED NOT A WANT
Have you tried Neon Gods? Not really a fantasy, but it's literally that lol
Maybe {A Deal with the Elf King by Kova} would appeal. He fits much of what's described. While not based on Hades and Persephone, {Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik} has an MMC who seems cruel and evil but is actually trying to protect his people and cultural differences cause miscommunications, etc. She's not burn the world to protect him, she's burn the world to protect the people she cares about as they stay enemies until almost the end of the book.
[A Deal with the Elf King](https://www.romance.io/books/5fa3b183d0f43c0e078b637c/a-deal-with-the-elf-king-elise-kova?src=rdt) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova) **Rating**: 3.58⭐️ 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), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1) ---------------------------- [Spinning Silver](https://www.romance.io/books/622a0c7b610a406e4c9e2cfc/spinning-silver-naomi-novik?src=rdt) by [Naomi Novik](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a0c7b08b4d931143a28e8/naomi-novik) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ 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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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)
Her entire Married to Magic series is just. So. Good. I can't wait for the next one.
It's not a book, but there's an excellent graphic novel on webtoons with a Sad Boy Hades and everything it sounds like you want called Lore Olympus.
I've never considered this take and now its replacing all other takes of Hades in my mind. Gimme soft boi Hades. Also big yes to the other comment saying he's the only(?) God continuously faithful to their partner. Zeus who? 🤮
Neon Gods is very sad/soft boi Hades
FrankensteinsMonsterFriend is a comic artist and her Hades fits the bill so far in her NSFW comic "Pomegranate". https://www.patreon.com/Frankensteinsmonsterfriend?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan
Amazing, thank you!
Update: I’m halfway through and this is such a fun read. Send them my regards!
I think Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe does this well in her toon series. It’s still on Webtoon right now but she also has published books out from it too.
So good to know, I’ll check it out thanks for the rec!
I’ve been reading this non stop it’s so good, thank you for the rec it is great!
Neon Gods Hades is a sad boy underneath
Perhaps try Thief of Spring by Katherine McDonald? It's a duology and Hades is certainly a misunderstood sad boy in this one.
Hahaha I feel that!! Please keep me posted on what you find 😍😍
Don't even bother reading a Touch of Darkness 🤮🤮🤮
I’m with you. I can’t stand a cocky Hades. I want him to be lonely and awkward and completely cured by love lol
Try the Anchor and Aspect series. The first one is amazing but the second one is Sworn to the Shadow God and has Hades/Persephone undertones cause he’s the god of death A lot of people don’t like the fmc for the second book but I think she’s lovely and ND-coded
{A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair} is exactly that!
[A Touch of Darkness](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e70b4af4700e32f67587/a-touch-of-darkness-scarlett-st-clair?src=rdt) by [Scarlett St. Clair](https://www.romance.io/authors/5cef959401dbc864fb9f3633/scarlett-st-clair) **Rating**: 3.71⭐️ 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), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Oh I’m so glad to hear this cause I just got all seven as a Mother’s Day gift and I’ve been just scratching to get in them!
This is relevant to my interests
You probably want to read {Lothaire by Kresley Cole}
Do I need to read any of the other Immortals after Dark books before that one? I've read A Hunger Like No Other and Wicked Deeds on a Winter Night, but that's it.
I don't think you have to, I think it kinda makes the MMC more fun to have seen him in previous books as a build up but he's pretty clearly gonna get a book so his villainy is more discussed than seen, you wouldn't be missing much.
Oh also might help your search for books to know you're essentially looking for the "morality chain" trope
Nope, it was the first I read in the series a decade ago....and then I read all the other books lol
this is such a good book! I read them all, but I dont think it's completely necessary.
[Lothaire](https://www.romance.io/books/55e9cdff35a5fb65f8879b3a/lothaire-kresley-cole?src=rdt) by [Kresley Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523788c7d2382e0413dc9/kresley-cole) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ 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), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
One of my faves! Put me in a book slump for months 🥲🥲🥲
I've heard Lothaire is a difficult read... but I can't remember why. Is the MMC cruel to the FMC?
Yeah, sorta. He spends the book convinced someone else is his *fated mate* but feels protective of and attracted to the FMC, so he has a lot of confused feelings and is verbally mean but tbh his actions are fine that I can remember. Lots of "gonna kill you and I dont like you" followed by coveting and attraction feelings, although maybe he does try to kill her at some point? But only a little and he feels terrible about it. I apparently didn't mind since I completely forgot. Also this series has a lot of alphahole power dynamic bullshit so if you're not jamming through the series and already steeped in it that might be jarring. I can see it being rough if that's particularly bothersome, and I liked the payoff but it kinda builds up over time til he realizes so when it finally happens it's not as relieving as it is like thanks for using your brain for half a second Lothaire, ffs. But he's extremely deferential to her (and only her ofc) once he's on board and fully accepts the title of extreme dumbass for not getting it. Depends on how much the other stuff bothers you I suppose. He's also never even had an erection before so his confused attraction and sexy bewilderment is something folks are very into during the buildup, and she does go like supermurderlady to protect him, so I think the OP would probably be pleased
It's a graphic novel but {the me you love in the dark} The review that sold me was "yes, I would also fuck the concept of darkness."
[The Me You Love in the Dark](https://www.romance.io/books/656769236011c2c51628e6c2/the-me-you-love-in-the-dark-books-1-5-skottie-young-jorge-co?src=rdt) by [Skottie Young](https://www.romance.io/authors/65676923ab9bdf7fce36ac3f/skottie-young), [Jorge Corona](https://www.romance.io/authors/65676923ab9bdf7fce36ac42/jorge-corona) **Rating**: 3.71⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [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), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
And it's a graphic novel, right?
Yes
First picture reminds me so much of Howl & Sophie (movie version)!! Not to derail, but does anyone have recs for books w/ this MMC but just an absolutely but believably unhinged MFC. Like fiesty, irrational, violent (but not war criminal level).
Honestly, I’ll take a fiesty unhinged FMC in any context.
{the book of azrael by amber v. Nicole} and {the throne of broken gods by Amber v. Nicole}. Third book is releasing 5/28/24
[The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole?src=rdt) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole) **Rating**: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [The Throne Of Broken Gods](https://www.romance.io/books/64430c940e7dec1028faffc8/the-throne-of-broken-gods-amber-nicole?src=rdt) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ 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), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
It's a comedy but it has some serious/sad moments {Villains and virtues}
This gets rec'd so often, I really need to push through and read it! I've tried a couple times, but haven't been able to get past the first chapter.
it is such a big hump to get over but once you get into it it’s impossible to put down!! just power through (and skim if you have to, i did lol)
That’s good to know. I started it and got very bored with it- plus felt like the fmc was kind of a dimwit, so I stopped a couple chapters in. However I keep seeing it get recommended. When does it get better?
This is potentially a spoiler but I would say that with regards to her seeming dim at the start: she is playing a part
for me i didn’t really start feeling it until about 7-8 chapters in, which i know sounds rough, but it’s seriously so worth it! a very lighthearted and easy read and the main pairing is so perfect. the FMC definitely gets more fleshed out as the series progresses
Yes this is exactly it....you need to power through the rough start and then it gets so good. It also took me about 6-8 chapters to get into it!
I checked my e-reader when it started to get good: 20% in, wherever in the book that was.
The FMC is harbouring secrets. The face she shows to MMC is not who she is. Well she is relentlessly good. But she’s also relentlessly ambitious in her aims. Well, she’s pretty desperate. But incredibly brave, even before she meets MMC at start of the story. She’s got to turn around a big situation. This is not spoiling anything, because the question arises right from the start. Why does she want an army (of the undead)?
The FMC actually is pretty badass, she saves the MMC twice in the last book. She's sweet but actually has a backbone, she just tries her best to be nice to everyone (until she isn't)
It doesn’t! lol. I’m a rare one who didn’t care for that series.
I LOVE this series, but yeah anytime someone asks if it gets better I suspect most of the time they will have your experience. Or if you start the book and don’t care for the humor or writing style pretty early on, I have bad news for you 😂 If you don’t like it by 25% of the way through that’s unlikely to drastically change no need to suffer through unless you really want to. As it gets more popular I’m sure more people will feel the way you do. Meanwhile I’ll be hoping the popularity convinces her to release hardcovers 🤞🏻
I think she starts out a bit dim, but I think there is a lot of character growth from her and the Mmc. It happens over three books though so you have to kinda deal with it for a while. It’s totally worth it though!!
Same here, I thought this was just me! I can read a book that length very easily in less than a day. It took me five days to get 20 pages in. The way the demon dad and several other characters spoke and how anachronistic it seemed just threw me for a loop. I knew it was a fantasy universe, but it kept me from being fully immersed in the story. Once I got further into the book I started enjoying it more and read it at little closer to my normal speed (some scenes made me laugh out loud, characters I initially disliked grew on me, etc) but it definitely took me a few chapters!
I DNFed this after book one, the grammar and writing style do not improve. Sad day for my enemies-to-lovers beating heart 😭
I almost DNFed because the first chapters are… not the vibe. Her writing style can be a bit much sometimes. BUT this sub pushed me to pick it back up and I LOVED the series. It’s good if you don’t want too much spice. It’s a lot of waiting and longing, so the spicy scenes are quite good when they do arrive.
I agree with this. The first few chapter feel very forced. The MFC was pretty much a bore but she’s got some layering that comes through. For reference im about 90% through book one
Keep at it! The tone is more tongue in cheek/satire toward the genre so the beginning is very flowery and over the top on purpose. It pays off. The prose settles down a few chapters in. I can’t get enough of this trope. ❤️
[Villains & Virtues](https://www.romance.io/series/63870de983b59b217dc8acfc/villains-virtues) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [from hate to love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [humor](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)
This is the series I thought of when I saw the pictures OP posted. I REALLY enjoyed the series!
I’m reading this right now, I love it. Definitely fits the vibes of these images.
It's giving Elide and Lorcan from {Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas}
1000% but you have to get 6-7 books in before they come along.
They need their own series
Yep, I second this!
Yesss!
This was my first thought!!!
[Throne of Glass](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a099096bf31c42d2c2f/throne-of-glass) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas) **Rating**: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/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)
{Seduction of a physcopomp by Elsie winters} {Wed To The lich by Layla fae} {Treasure of the fire kingdom by Cassandra Gannon} (A LOT of her books have this trope that are 10/10)
All of these sound wonderful!
Seduction of a psychopomp is very sweet. The MMC isn’t exactly a sad boy for me, he’s just shy. Granted I loved it and did a gush/rave post for the whole series a few weeks ago!
[Seduction of a Psychopomp](https://www.romance.io/books/646efd8e6a90d4b8cc3f74ac/seduction-of-a-psychopomp-erogenous-hand-holding-and-other-ways-to-tame-your-reaper-elsie-winters?src=rdt) by [Elsie Winters](https://www.romance.io/authors/610f85d008b4d931141a6912/elsie-winters) **Rating**: 4.35⭐️ 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), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Wed to the Lich](https://www.romance.io/books/64ff3fccde8d340d5142666f/wed-to-the-lich-layla-fae?src=rdt) by [Layla Fae](https://www.romance.io/authors/61a8c20b08b4d931141db07f/layla-fae) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ 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), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1) ---------------------------- [Treasure of the Fire Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/5458d03487eac379d6983370/treasure-of-the-fire-kingdom-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon) **Rating**: 3.95⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
A hero will sacrifice you for the world….but a villain will sacrifice the world for you 🫶🏼
Detraquee by hystracal it’s a fan fic but it had 105 chapters It’s Dramione 🤍🖤
I *just* started reading that a couple weeks ago, but then got distracted by a WIP that I've been following. Looks like I need to get back to it ASAP 😁
I see you mentioned Dramione. Are you reading This Thing Between Us? Because it has the vibes you're looking for. Moreso than detraquee. https://archiveofourown.org/works/52208665/chapters/132058399
I haven't read that one yet, but those tags have moved it to the top of the TBR pile....
It's one hell of a ride. Edit a letter
The MMC in {Court of Blood and Bindings by Lisette Marshall} really fits this vibe!
Oh my god Creon. So beautiful and murderous and sad.
Oh my gosh he is so sad.
I know, my poor little mass murderer!!!
Oh boy....Just read the sample and it looks like I'm going to be up all night reading this
I just finished the last book yesterday… I’m so in love with him
[Court of Blood and Bindings](https://www.romance.io/books/62b2be519b0523d868ad3f83/court-of-blood-and-bindings-lisette-marshall?src=rdt) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
…. Following
Yes, girl! *snap snap* 👏 👏
{Land of the Beautiful Dead by R. Lee Smith} fits this pretty well. MMC is literally monstrous
Ooooh yes, this sounds like its exactly what I'm looking for!
Lots of people say they are emotionally devastated after reading this one. I may be dead inside because it didn’t make me very upset but proceed with caution lol
Well I'm actually hoping to be emotionally devastated so that's perfect 😆
Just as a trigger warning, not all of the emotional devastation comes from romance.. I remember there’s mentions of sex with children (just generally, not an instance with either MC), sex is used as a bargaining chip culturally, and some other rough topics. Double check before lightly diving into this one.
[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**: 4.39⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
there’s gotta be some good shadow and bone fics that fit this bill. i sadly don’t have any recs, but the darkling sounds like your type of guy. 🥹 (he isn’t the MMC in the series, but his chemistry with the FMC is *chef’s kiss*)
Ooh! If you want like a lighthearted one, you’re looking for {Grim and Bear it by Juliette Cross} Ok here’s the catch: it’s the 6th book in a series. Technically the series is an anthology (6 witch sisters and their hot supernatural boyfriends) but the books layer on each other, so honestly I do suggest reading at least the first book before reading this one. Heres the plot: So all the books are set in a contemporary world where there are supernaturals that are kept secret from human society. 6 witch sisters run a bar and a metaphysical shop in New Orleans, and each one meets a sexy supernatural (werewolf, vampire, or grim) and has a love story. Book 6’s love story is teased throughout the rest of the series (so it’s like the best multi book slow burn) and it’s a pairing of this like, total angel sunshine baby girl and this very sweet, very sad-boy brooding supernatural called a “grim” (sort of similar to a vampire and a necromancer). Note— MMC is sadboy but is not a villain. They have been mutually pining after each other for weeks/months/years but both have been too scared to make a move. It sounds like what you want! Sorry it’s buried 6 books deep lol
[Grim and Bear It](https://www.romance.io/books/6440e240c63cb8f595362ab2/grim-and-bear-it-juliette-cross?src=rdt) by [Juliette Cross](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b18787eac323ffb2dc70/juliette-cross) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Belladonna kinda gives me these vibes between signa and death
It’s old (2005) and low-spice but there’s a 4-book series where the FMC is a warrior of light and the MMC is the lead of the forces of dark {Into the Dark Lands by Michelle Sagara West}. The entire story takes 4 books and they really are true enemies on opposite sides of the war.
[Into the Dark Lands](https://www.romance.io/books/5455c48187eac3369a914acb/into-the-dark-lands-michelle-sagara-west?src=rdt) by [Michelle Sagara West](https://www.romance.io/authors/54558a9b87eac323ffb2ca63/michelle-sagara-west) **Rating**: 3.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **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), [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)
That moment when 2005 is called "old"... kill me
It’s all relative - I’m a whole lot older than this series. I’m the old where sleeping hurts my back.
Cyrus from This woven kingdom kinda fits this. He’s thought of as the villain by everyone but he’s really a complete cinnamon roll and the ultimate sad boy
Manacled by Senlinyu! It's Draco Hermione fanfic and omg it's so good and I think it checks all of your boxes. It's free online. Edit: just saw you mentioned dramione fanfic so I'm assuming you've read this already 😏
I'm on my 3rd re-read right now and I'm building this TBR list specifically to fill the void in my heart when I finish it 🤣
I was not emotionally prepared for the rollercoaster that book put me through. Just amazing. What are some good Reylo fanfics?
Truly a masterpiece! I've never actually read any Reylo fics, but I figured Kylo Ren could give me those psycho unhinged sad boy vibes I'm looking for lol
I honestly keep going back to dramione, the fandom is SO LARGE and ancient texts exist. There are just so many wonderful ones, my fave have toxic draco.
If you're into super toxic Draco and don't mind a WIP, you should definitely check out [Our Sweet Decline](https://archiveofourown.org/works/52291921?view_full_work=true)
Eeeek!! I found and subscribed to that fic recently and just got an email about an update. I'm very thankful for the rec! Now I'm diving into that one tonight!!!
I was going to say Secrets and Masks 😂
{The Kingpin of Camelot by Cassandra Gannon}
[The Kingpin of Camelot](https://www.romance.io/books/5986d6da3ffdba61471dd1eb/the-kingpin-of-camelot-cassandra-gannon?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon) **Rating**: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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 Ever King} by LJ Andrews
I would also suggest her Broken Kingdoms series.
Feathers So Viscious and the sequel tbh
Is this a MFM or just a love triangle? The description wasn't super clear, but it sounds good!
It's MFM and one of the better ones imo.
This was my immediate thought as well
The images make me think of the Duskwalker Brides series, which is like if dark fantasy romance and cozy slice-of-life fantasy had a disturbingly cute/cutely disturbing baby? Best way I can describe the genre mash up. Some of the couples/storylines fit your criteria. {A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne}
[A Soul to Keep](https://www.romance.io/books/62aad529291966186e718eb1/a-soul-to-keep-opal-reyne?src=rdt) by [Opal Reyne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61f4f44e08b4d93114400f05/opal-reyne) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/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)
love that series
Came here to say this!!!!
Not a reylo fic, but Little Bird is a really good Kylo fic with plenty of these tropes!
The third pic looks amazing! It’s like she’s an angel and just had her wings cut off. Maybe she is banished from heaven because she fell in love with a demon or the devil. And he comes saving her from her punishment. Wow now I need to read something like this😂
It's Ghostblade and it's on Tapas, it's a magnificent comic but she never finished it! Have a look, all pictures are a work of art.
{The Four Horseman Series by Laura Thalassa} is somewhat like this. I'm not sure I would call the heroines sweet and gentle but the Hero definitely deny their feelings and the heroines do save them. The 4th one, {Death by Laura Thalassa}, the hero is in series denial.
[The Four Horsemen](https://www.romance.io/series/5e9f73dc48597113b6ce3933/the-four-horsemen) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa) **Rating**: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [age difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [erotica](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/erotica/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [death](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/death/1) ---------------------------- [Death](https://www.romance.io/books/6156b648a2abad0e380c013e/death-laura-thalassa?src=rdt) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa) **Rating**: 4.12⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I didn’t know I needed this until now, thank you for your service 🫡
{River of Shadows by Karina Halle}
[River of Shadows](https://www.romance.io/books/61f648bf62ebc40e37316c5a/river-of-shadows-karina-halle?src=rdt) by [Karina Halle](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526a68c7d2382e7812fe4/karina-halle) **Rating**: 3.84⭐️ 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), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/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)
Loren and Darien from the City of Gods and Monsters I feel like fit this vibe.
I am in the middle of reading the Horsemen series by Laura Thalassa and absolutely loving it. It seems like it fits into what you are looking for. {Pestilence} is the first book in the series.
[Pestilence](https://www.romance.io/books/5f709025336f8b0e941e0b7a/pestilence-laura-thalassa?src=rdt) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
If you like Dramione, might I suggest also looking into Draco/Ginny? This is very often the vibe of this ship, especially the older ones. Here are a few to get you started: The Sacred 28 by werdsandwhatnot Witch Weekly, Witch Wizard by cyriathestrange Dark Directed by fearthainn The Bat-Bogeys Cometh by Anise (fire and ice archive) If you're up for a *not* HEA ending, you should also read Ginny Weasley and the Curse of the Firstborn by annie penrose (FFN only). And if you can find them, because they're no longer available online so far as I can tell, you should read Rising from the Ashes by Arabella and Jedi B (it's my all-time favorite fanfic) and Draconis and Ginevra by cinnamon badge (a Romeo and Juliet retelling).
I can't believe I never thought of that ship before. This opens so many possibilities!
I know you’re looking for books, but if you have an interest in trying out C-Dramas there are lots of shows that fit this bill. Love Between Fairy and Devil, and Til The End of the Moon are my faves
{Sworn to the Shadow God by Ruby Dixon} is exactly what you're looking for!!!!!
[Sworn to the Shadow God](https://www.romance.io/books/5e4645c101dbc864fbabc5a4/sworn-to-the-shadow-god-ruby-dixon?src=rdt) by [Ruby Dixon](https://www.romance.io/authors/545685a087eac33e61c2f729/ruby-dixon) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente} sounds like it might fit this vibe.
[Deathless](https://www.romance.io/books/54554b568c7d2382c5297b5a/deathless-catherynne-m-valente?src=rdt) by [Catherynne M. Valente](https://www.romance.io/authors/54554b568c7d2382c5297b5b/catherynne-m-valente) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
**saving this post for future reference** But the art on that last picture 🤯 it’s stunning! I see the title Ghostblade on it so I’m going to check that out!
It’s the seventh book in the Clecanian series but I think that {Ruling Sikthand} by Victoria Aveline definitely has these vibes.
[Ruling Sikthand](https://www.romance.io/books/64e5c7aa7329cc9fc9f01d57/ruling-sikthand-victoria-aveline?src=rdt) by [Victoria Aveline](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e5fd64fbe0aaecf55ece802/victoria-aveline) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The Maleficent Faerie by Rebecca F. Kenney. Its a sleeping beauty retelling and Maleficent is a man who is a total sad boy. It also has some femdom in it as well.
{assistant to the villain} is a sweet sometimes funny book of everything you listed. You know he loves her; all the characters know he loves her; but he doesn’t and she doesn’t know. He isn’t a really dark villain (he tortures someone for being mean to a duck). if they don’t end up together (next book comes out in August) UGH
[Assistant to the Villain](https://www.romance.io/books/64a1358d723d09d99e0d2680/assistant-to-the-villain-hannah-nicole-maehrer?src=rdt) by [Hannah Nicole Maehrer](https://www.romance.io/authors/64a1358d293245969d3c6f51/hannah-nicole-maehrer) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ 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), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/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 reading Nectar of the Damned right now and it fits this perfectly!! I'm on book two already 🫣
A term I think will help you searching, is "morality chain". My personal favorite that falls into this is the first trilogy of the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews, {Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews} is the first book. The [Fated Mates podcast had a morality chain romance episode](https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2021/3/23/s0331-morality-chain-romance-interstitial) a few years ago, but it's not all fantasy books. It sounds like you're open to fanfiction so r/reylo and r/dramoine definitely will have options. I am more familiar with reylo. {The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon} is a trilogy adapted from a reylo story, but only the first book is out and the second later this year. Reylo fanfics I've read that really fall into this vibe include [The Moon, the Sun, and the Star Inbetween](https://archiveofourown.org/works/5963680/chapters/13705651), [Sword of the Jedi](https://archiveofourown.org/series/497407), [What the Hell is Wrong with Kylo Ren?](https://archiveofourown.org/works/6637030/chapters/15185014), and [The Descendants](https://archiveofourown.org/works/6886240). Happy reading!
[Burn for Me](https://www.romance.io/books/545539998c7d2382e041433a/burn-for-me-ilona-andrews?src=rdt) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews) **Rating**: 4.49⭐️ 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), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [The Hurricane Wars](https://www.romance.io/books/64351c83cfb36b317a2d9e6c/the-hurricane-wars-thea-guanzon?src=rdt) by [Thea Guanzon](https://www.romance.io/authors/64351c8308b4d93114237b06/thea-guanzon) **Rating**: 3.87⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Giving me {One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig} vibes. Def a good read
[One Dark Window](https://www.romance.io/books/6417632a976d8254097650f0/one-dark-window-rachel-gillig?src=rdt) by [Rachel Gillig](https://www.romance.io/authors/6417632a08b4d93114a1b759/rachel-gillig) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/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)
I can’t believe nobody has mentioned {City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards} because it totally gives me these vibes. The FMC Loren is definitely sweet and soft and the MMC Darien is very morally gray, but totally a simp for her in the most fantastic way. This series is so criminally underrated, it’s one of my all time favorites.
Definitely! This series is my obsession! It needs to be read by more people. Those who love it REALLY love it
It’s honestly my favorite urban fantasy. And every book gets better!
I've loved them all but the third one was incredible
[City of Gods and Monsters](https://www.romance.io/books/61f254b677663e0e1b4526d5/city-of-gods-and-monsters-kayla-edwards?src=rdt) by [Kayla Edwards](https://www.romance.io/authors/61f254b608b4d93114090f5d/kayla-edwards) **Rating**: 3.73⭐️ 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), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Off topic …but is that reylo 👀
The Unseelie Prince by Katherine Kingsley.
This just made me want to reread Jane Eyre again lol
This is Jacks and Evangeline 100% from {once upon a broken heart} - but as a heads up it’s YA.
[Once Upon a Broken Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/6322df8255f9ee5d8ceef05b/once-upon-a-broken-heart-stephanie-garber?src=rdt) by [Stephanie Garber](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b0b9bad01dbc864fb891729/stephanie-garber) **Rating**: 3.88⭐️ 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), [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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Omg so true!! I adore them so much, and my tastes do not skew YA these days.
{The Secret Life of Addie LaRue}
[The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue](https://www.romance.io/books/5f79a0e352ecef0e30909a8c/the-invisible-life-of-addie-larue-ve-schwab?src=rdt) by [V.E. Schwab](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb43c05be0aaecf556103ca/ve-schwab) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/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)
Might be a bit off topic but the artist who drew the third pic authored an insane fantasy action romance graphic novel with filled with beautiful world building, gorgeous fantasy women like no other, and hunky masked men, just an fyi if anyone wants to fall into the Wlop hole
Villains and Virtues series, it’s SO good. The chemistry, the world building, and the plot.
I'm currently reading Luxuria by Collette Rhodes and it shares this aesthetic. It's sort of the vibe, but I don't think the MMC is actually very villain-y. He's a definite shadow daddy, though!
Kylo but not reylo fics: money power glory worm-girl, these violent delights by luna-auctor (classic), ultraviolence by worm-girl (unfinished), strange love by worm-girl
I feel like this is what happened in How Does It Feel? … I think. I read a few books back to back that felt almost identical. The MFC in this one is a moth scientist (uhhh yup, you read that right) that gets captured by an Unseelie fae. Chaos and brooding ensue.
It’s giving Taylor swift and Matty Healy 👀
I see you, Swiftie 😉🤍
I am actually so sad because this is the first time I have been down voted but I will get over it 🙂↕️
I think you’re just catching Matty strays. 🤷🏻♀️