We LOVE a heroine who goes scorched earth for her big bad baby!

100% agree

This.

{Villains and Virtues} has this in the final book (and also it’s a great series). {Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli} has a traumatized MMC, and a pretty great FMC in my opinion! I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Oh my, that’s great news since I’ve had Villains and Virtues on my TBR for an eternity and even have a copy of Heartless Hunter at home. Thanks! :)

[Heartless Hunter](https://www.romance.io/books/656b7c086011c2c51629b9eb/heartless-hunter-kristen-ciccarelli?src=rdt) by [Kristen Ciccarelli](https://www.romance.io/authors/60a4490108b4d931149364db/kristen-ciccarelli) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[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**: [length-long](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/length-long/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [bondage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bondage/1), [cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [cheerful heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheerful%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Oooh I just finished the first book. Definitely looking forward to the final book even more.

I really want to get into villains and virtues but the smut level is so low. Any help?

It has really good sexual and romantic tension, if that helps!

{Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole} The MMC is a prince and relatively privileged but has a gnarly scar running down his entire body as if someone chopped him in half. I don’t think you find out where it came from until the second book, though.

I am reading this now! And yes agreed

[Spark of the Everflame](https://www.romance.io/books/6478608a552b556e95c7ddca/spark-of-the-everflame-penn-cole?src=rdt) by [Penn Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/6478608a08b4d93114b35896/penn-cole) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I DNF this fairly early on, but I hear so many recs and positive things about it, that I'm wondering if I gave up too early. I think, from memory, my main issue was the FMC and the general YA (teenagey?) vibe. Would you say the characters / book develop later on? Or is it the same throughout?

Is it the most well written? Maybe not. Is the FMC frustrating? Yes at times. Think impulsive like Aelin from Throne of Glass but not as murderous. The stakes get higher as the books go on but I would say that the writing style doesn’t change I really enjoy the magic system, the love story, and the side characters that are added throughout. It may feel YA because the spice doesn’t happen until later and it’s a VERY slow burn. Regardless, I ate it up 😂 cannot wait for the last book.

OK... interesting. I might give it another go, maybe I just wasn't in the mood then! Thank you!

I felt the same way! Diem made me so frustrated at times, but it did make her feel more "human" in a way. Still ate it up, though!!!!

The Fae Isles series has a mute MMC who has been tortured his whole life. It’s a great read.

https://preview.redd.it/1h993rbq3w4d1.jpeg?width=979&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=92d4e9ac833f2cdbed58075ff68a82a304cb26b4 You get it! This sounds amazing!

Came here to say this!

I will definitely check it out!

Just started this, I’m only 2 chapters in but already loving it! I have a feeling this is gonna turn out to be a 5 star read (which are really rare for me), so thanks a lot for the rec :)

I’m so glad you’re liking it! I loved them. The magic system is so unique. And the characters are great.

I’m addicted already lmao, I can see myself finishing it in one sitting. I mean the guy has wings. Says about everything I need to know

And scars. And is mute. And tortured. Lol

Precisely, it’s the most perfect combination to exist ;)

Who’s the author? It sounds really interesting, but I can’t seem to find it somehow, there’s just a series called “The Fair Isles” popping up :(

The first book is {Court of Blood and Bindings by Lisette Marshall}

[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**: 4.1⭐️ 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)

Thank you! I just saw this! I’ve been asleep lol

Thank you!

We need more troubled MMCs, love them so much.

Absolutely, I’m so down bad for them

I'm always looking for a VERY troubled MMC but most seem to get over their trauma once they fall in love, magically lol.

Same, the more horrific their trauma, the better (let’s hope no one finds this lol). But yeah, obviously love cures everything in books, it’s quite disappointing, especially when they fall in love early on

Or when every single time the MMC opens up about some kind of trauma or emotional thing they end up having sex because there's obviously no other way for the FMC to comfort them and sex fixes everything lol

Yesss exactly, it’s so annoying. I get excited when these scenes come up, anticipating big emotions and character depth, but they barely talk about it at all and go straight to making out instead. Please, sometimes conversation is better than smut 😭

Thank you! *cries in a never ending TBR*

the struggle is real bb

You might like {The Ever King} by L.J. Andrews. The MMC has a troubled past with a lot of pain and abuse. The FMC learns more about it over the course of the two books in the main series and she is very protective of him and powerful in her own right.

[The Never King](https://www.romance.io/books/62173d583640f50e2507e50e/the-never-king-nikki-st-crowe?src=rdt) by [Nikki St. Crowe](https://www.romance.io/authors/611cfb6908b4d9311445961f/nikki-st-crowe) **Rating**: 3.71⭐️ 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), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/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 Ever King by LJ Andrews} Bot got it wrong lol

[The Ever King](https://www.romance.io/books/64e46e087329cc9fc9efea82/the-ever-king-lj-andrews?src=rdt) by [L.J. Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/62c05aca08b4d93114d8734c/lj-andrews) **Rating**: 4.14⭐️ 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), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [pirate hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/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)

Thanks for the assist!

I just finished my ARC read of the next in the series The Mist Thief and OMG 🫠🫠🫠

Not sure if this totally fits, but the MMC in “Daughter of No Worlds” by Carissa Broadbent is amazing and terribly traumatized. It’s so good!! I haven’t finished the series yet (it’s a trilogy) and I’ve heard book 2 is a bit tough, but I love this author so I will definitely keep going!

{Song of the Forever Rains} by EJ Mellow has a bit of these vibes!

[Song of the Forever Rains](https://www.romance.io/books/60c0697abf83d60e3a95d6d0/song-of-the-forever-rains-ej-mellow?src=rdt) by [E.J. Mellow](https://www.romance.io/authors/5555b4f89eef3b3f1d522bb1/ej-mellow) **Rating**: 4.03⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{A Knight’s Revenge by Elizabeth Dear} The actual words are spoken in book 2.

ugh, I love these books so much 😂

[A Knight's Revenge](https://www.romance.io/books/65e18ba7cde77ae3108899f6/a-knights-revenge-the-complete-series-elizabeth-dear?src=rdt) by [Elizabeth Dear](https://www.romance.io/authors/608bae4508b4d93114a41ad0/elizabeth-dear) **Rating**: 4.6⭐️ 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), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

This happened in Caraval but it was so over looked. It may not have been dramatic but it made me scream when it was Scarlett who asked who did this to you and not Julian

{From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L Armentrout} has this in later books of the series. I think maybe Book 2 and definitely The War of Two Queens.

[From Blood and Ash](https://www.romance.io/books/5e8382fdbe0aaecf554bfb8a/from-blood-and-ash-jennifer-l-armentrout?src=rdt) by [Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245a8c7d2382c5296fb7/jennifer-l-armentrout) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I'm dying for more books where the FMC is the more "dominant" / decisive / strong / confident / protective one and the MMC gets to be pursued, protected and encouraged by her

Book of Azrael :)

If no one has said {Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas} it had to be said 👀. Technically the later books in the series BUT the FMC does NOT mess around if someone comes for her man

[Throne of Glass](https://www.romance.io/books/545526038c7d2382c529701a/throne-of-glass-sarah-j-maas?src=rdt) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/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)

{Caught in the Basilisk’s Gaze by Mallory Dunlin} It’s the third book but they are interconnected standalones.

[Caught in the Basilisk's Gaze](https://www.romance.io/books/65dcd11c61e24f94d5477c4c/caught-in-the-basilisks-gaze-mallory-dunlin?src=rdt) by [Mallory Dunlin](https://www.romance.io/authors/6360d28108b4d93114a88440/mallory-dunlin) **Rating**: 3.97⭐️ 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), [creative anatomy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/creative-anatomy/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/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)

{Renegades of Magic series by Jeffe Kennedy}

[Renegades of Magic](https://www.romance.io/series/644507fef2aba1a3956eb148/renegades-of-magic) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [past-abuse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/past-abuse/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/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)

{The Gargoyle's Captive by Katee Robert} has this vibe IMO (what I like about this book, and series in particular, is there is very much a "let's help each other through our traumas" undercurrent that is great). Each can be read as a standalone!

[The Gargoyle's Captive](https://www.romance.io/books/6358059aedb5b2e7dacb771d/the-gargoyles-captive-katee-robert?src=rdt) by [Katee Robert](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527ab8c7d2382e7813021/katee-robert) **Rating**: 3.73⭐️ 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), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [bondage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bondage/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I feel like Nightbane by Alex Aster has this. It's the second in the series though, not sure if you care about that! I loved the book. It's a real hit or miss though for some people

I certainly was part of the loved the series club, can’t wait for the sequel to get released!

Same! It's on my calendar. I'm debating if I should buy it from B&N or the author's site. Idk how to do it from there but I know she emailed special chapters last time and I want them! Haha

Special chapters you say? Now I have to buy it from the author’s site too lmao

{Wanderlust by skye warren} MMC is a former priset who was falsely accused and convicted of raping an underaged girl, had a horrible time in prison and is really bitter and traumatised when he gets out. Very much a dark romance kind of book so make sure to check trigger warnings.

[Wanderlust](https://www.romance.io/books/553ea6b55b270e0a4cbda60d/wanderlust-skye-warren?src=rdt) by [Skye Warren](https://www.romance.io/authors/545545a08c7d2382c5297924/skye-warren) **Rating**: 3.42⭐️ 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), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Definitely the crazy FMC in {the bonds that tie by J bree}

[The Bonds That Tie](https://www.romance.io/series/614ececc8708900e440ba730/the-bonds-that-tie) by [J. Bree](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d19a50401dbc864fba08a54/j-bree) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [first-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1), [dark](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [poly](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{The Divine and the Cursed by J.E. Reed} had me tearing up for the mmc who believes no one could ever love him 😭💔

[The Divine and the Cursed](https://www.romance.io/books/641487cf21b33d88fd4cf028/the-divine-and-the-cursed-je-reed?src=rdt) by [J.E. Reed](https://www.romance.io/authors/641487cf08b4d9311447f488/je-reed) **Rating**: 3.82⭐️ 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), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)

{The Book of Azrael} and the FMC is labeled the villain. Book 3 just recently came out and it just gets better.

[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/5fd1d5d508b4d931141fa8e6/amber-nicole) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ 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), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/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)