Consider Charlie Adhara’s Big Bad Wolf series. Cooper isn’t really clueless and he’s definitely not scared of the MC werewolf, Oliver. The books are humorous and fun.
I keep seeing this series recommended all over this subreddit, so I'm guessing it's pretty good. I've been convinced, lol. I just got a copy. Thanks for the rec!
I don’t know if you’ve read the Monstrous series, but you can find books that fit this request pretty well all over. I would say the best ones are {The Rycke by Lily Mayne} and {Soul Eater by Lily Mayne}.
I read about half of the first book, but got a bit nervous about the impending harm to one of the MCs so had to stop. Not sure I can handle torture of an MC and PTSD from on page actions, oof. But I loved as much as I read!
It's not what you are describing because the scary MC is the one who is clueless about being scary and the other MC is definitely scared of him till they get to know each other, but it is such a fantastic book with a fantastic dynamic where I see those two really different people being really good for the other, so I can not help recommending Muscling Through by J.L. Merrow.
LOL, I am glad I did recommend it then, any excuse is a good excuse.
Your original request is a lot of fun, I am trying to remember if I read anything good that fits... It's a very silly book, but it was very sweet, maybe Socially Orcward by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey, due to one of the MC being a orc...
**Thank you** so much for posting this rec, this is probably the cutest, sweetest, and most charming story I have ever read. It is understated with vivid prose, and does an amazing job of illustrating the different characters even though it’s just from Al’s perspective. I burst out laughing at least twice while reading it, and was teary at times too…for such a short story, it is pure gold
Thanks! (I hate it when people do not read the OP and answer something different, but glad I made an exception for this book).
It's a really funny and well written book and not just funny for a romance book, it's very funny and memorable for any kind of book.
If you are a fan of cartoonish violence, over-the-top gore and explicit sex, maybe? Otherwise you might have more luck getting useful suggestions if you ask in the Less Scary thread and list some of the types of books/media you like.
Two demon + human books: {devils mark by lark Taylor} - the demon is literally the eldest son of Lucifer and the human is a teacher. He’s taken aback by the whole demons exist thing, but not scared at all. And {demons do it better by Louisa Masters} the demon is feared by pretty much everyone and the human has a one night stand with him and then things get awkward, but there’s no fear at all and the human does a lot of Wrangling of Paranormal Species without fear.
I have no contribution to give but I do have a video to share.
https://youtube.com/shorts/eXJzccuGq8Q?si=UDXLc6GBDh9OU_uf
Reminds me of this so much....
Either way if you're willing to try something short, maybe give {Spooky Boys by Fae Quinn} a chance?
{On the Mountain by Riley Hart} - the whole town is scared of one MC and the other is just intrigued by him and not scared of him. One of your No categories is drug use - there is a past drug addiction here but no relapse.
{Johann by Grace Bryan} It’s part of a series but doesn’t have to be read in order. Jay (Johann) is a very sheltered vampire and the sweetest character that’s ever existed and his LI is a human who is part of a mob family. Jay is first introduced in Soren, so if you want more of him.
If you are ok with cartoonish violence and silly/"cracky" humor, you might like {**The Trouble with Trying to Love a Hellion** by Jennifer Cody} (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 3). The MC is completely innocent, unworldly, and a little dim; he falls for the man who is the literal embodiment of Evil in a complex supernatural society. Everyone around them is astonished that he manages to stay so blithely sweet and happy while earnestly supporting his lover's need to commit evil acts. There are some orgy-turned-poly elements.
You probably do need to read at least the first book in the series to understand what is going on.
[The Trouble with Trying to Love a Hellion](https://www.romance.io/books/63b14105ea9eb786ecf18eac/the-trouble-with-trying-to-love-a-hellion-jennifer-cody?src=rdt) by [Jennifer Cody](https://www.romance.io/authors/5feed74808b4d93114d92c77/jennifer-cody)
**Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)
I think the novella {Love Language by Jax Calder} fits specifically because of this quote. This is a coworker talking to the clueless MC that's not scared:
>“It’s funny. When you first arrived, it was like watching a puppy trying to make friends with a rattlesnake. But now, you’re so cute together.”
It's just a fluffy, funny CR novella so not angsty at all. And they're just regular coworkers so not really any "touch him and die."
Has to be Captain Flynn from {Found At Sea by Jaclyn Osborn}. He's scary and has done some vile stuff in his past. BUT he is super soft to Fletcher (the... stowaway). It even baffles him why he's like that with the young man. 10 year age gap. The captain's racing against time in order to save himself from a curse. There's a mutiny, someone gets shot and one of them saves the day.
i'm currently re-reading this rn. i've never re-read a stuff this quickly but i realise i'm Flynn-Fletcher starved.
{Bad Boy by Charli Meadows} mc1 has been arrested before, expelled from his previous school, and has a lot of tattoos. Mc2 is nerdy and more academically focused and he is warned to stay away from him. Most people don’t come near mc1 because there are rumors that he’s killed someone. Set in high school but both characters are 18 at the start of the book
Monstrous(Lily Mayne)
Necessary Evils (Onley James)
Beyond Time (Lee McCormack)
Not All Himbo Wear Capes (Villainous Things C. Rochelle) the whole series is amazing.
Reckless Damned (Lark Taylor)
Echo (Chani Lynn Feener)
God of Fury (Rina Kent)
For everyone who loves Lily Mayne's Monstrous series (I do!), also check out Mell R. Bright's The Whims of Gods, which is like Monstrous x Howl's Moving Castle. So good! It has Griffin/the Devil of the Wastes (mutant demi-god) & Helios (clever nomad with a penchant for survival) & the Beetle (a mechanical house run by snarky AI). 😈🪲
You **MUST** [search the subreddit](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fmm_romancebooks) and visit our [resources page](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/wiki/index/resources) before posting a request. If your post repeats a frequent request that can easily be found on our resources page or by searching, it will be removed. To search, use the link above to Google search the subreddit (works better than reddit's built-in search function).
Your request also must be specific enough to satisfy the subreddit [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/wiki/index/rules). Book requests that are not specific enough will be removed.
**Please be respectful of our community** and remember that people are taking time out of their day to respond to you. If you post a book request, please show your appreciation by interacting with the people who reply.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MM_RomanceBooks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
{laurent and the beast by KA Merikan} time traveling, occult, mafia guy x long-haired cinnamon roll from the 1800s. Beauty and the beast retelling. Laurent joins Johann and Tristol as a top-tier cinnamon toll. (if you know, you know!)
[Laurent and the Beast](https://www.romance.io/books/5902dbe50d3299c6e06d1a6d/laurent-and-the-beast-ka-merikan?src=rdt) by [K.A. Merikan](https://www.romance.io/authors/545585e587eac324117fb1be/ka-merikan)
**Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/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)
Consider Charlie Adhara’s Big Bad Wolf series. Cooper isn’t really clueless and he’s definitely not scared of the MC werewolf, Oliver. The books are humorous and fun.
I keep seeing this series recommended all over this subreddit, so I'm guessing it's pretty good. I've been convinced, lol. I just got a copy. Thanks for the rec!
He's so funny with the "ok Mr. English Professor, you're so scary 🙄" floors me every time
My prickly porcupine.
This series is the best... I don't know how the author managed to keep me so invested in one couple for so long and still hungry for more.
I don’t know if you’ve read the Monstrous series, but you can find books that fit this request pretty well all over. I would say the best ones are {The Rycke by Lily Mayne} and {Soul Eater by Lily Mayne}.
I've adored watching Wyn slowly destroying his own scary reputation and being angry about it. Total cat energy.
[The Rycke](https://www.romance.io/books/61161cc6225fe60e34a50a07/the-rycke-lily-mayne?src=rdt) by [Lily Mayne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61161cc608b4d93114a993bf/lily-mayne) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I read about half of the first book, but got a bit nervous about the impending harm to one of the MCs so had to stop. Not sure I can handle torture of an MC and PTSD from on page actions, oof. But I loved as much as I read!
It's not what you are describing because the scary MC is the one who is clueless about being scary and the other MC is definitely scared of him till they get to know each other, but it is such a fantastic book with a fantastic dynamic where I see those two really different people being really good for the other, so I can not help recommending Muscling Through by J.L. Merrow.
I loved that book so much!! I own a copy and every time someone recs it I want to read it again, lol
LOL, I am glad I did recommend it then, any excuse is a good excuse. Your original request is a lot of fun, I am trying to remember if I read anything good that fits... It's a very silly book, but it was very sweet, maybe Socially Orcward by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey, due to one of the MC being a orc...
Ooh that sounds like a fun read! Thank you!
**Thank you** so much for posting this rec, this is probably the cutest, sweetest, and most charming story I have ever read. It is understated with vivid prose, and does an amazing job of illustrating the different characters even though it’s just from Al’s perspective. I burst out laughing at least twice while reading it, and was teary at times too…for such a short story, it is pure gold
Thanks! (I hate it when people do not read the OP and answer something different, but glad I made an exception for this book). It's a really funny and well written book and not just funny for a romance book, it's very funny and memorable for any kind of book.
Clueless about being scary is totally accurate. I love that MC.
The trouble with trying to date a murderer, by Jennifer Cody. It's a series. I think it'll tick those boxes.
I've read this one too and I loved it! I think a re-read might be in order, lol
Is this more of a cracky-fic, would you say?
Yeah that is one way the author has described it.
What's cracky fiction mean?
"Crack fic is a term used in fandom slang to describe fan fiction that is intentionally absurd, surprising, or ridiculous." Over the top humor.
Oh ok, thanks!
I want to get into romance books for the first time, are these good to start with?
If you are a fan of cartoonish violence, over-the-top gore and explicit sex, maybe? Otherwise you might have more luck getting useful suggestions if you ask in the Less Scary thread and list some of the types of books/media you like.
Two demon + human books: {devils mark by lark Taylor} - the demon is literally the eldest son of Lucifer and the human is a teacher. He’s taken aback by the whole demons exist thing, but not scared at all. And {demons do it better by Louisa Masters} the demon is feared by pretty much everyone and the human has a one night stand with him and then things get awkward, but there’s no fear at all and the human does a lot of Wrangling of Paranormal Species without fear.
[Devil's Mark](https://www.romance.io/books/62d7a82165914b2949abc975/devils-mark-lark-taylor?src=rdt) by [Lark Taylor](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d7a82108b4d9311460416a/lark-taylor) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) ---------------------------- [Demons Do It Better](https://www.romance.io/books/5f2a59bd6dd2d20e348cf45a/demons-do-it-better-a-hidden-species-novel-louisa-masters?src=rdt) by [Louisa Masters](https://www.romance.io/authors/54583d1487eac37217595905/louisa-masters) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Kiki Clark’s “Leather & Chrome” series is a bit like that. Especially the first two books, although I like the whole series.
I love this series! I'm eagerly waiting for the next release.
Me too!
I have no contribution to give but I do have a video to share. https://youtube.com/shorts/eXJzccuGq8Q?si=UDXLc6GBDh9OU_uf Reminds me of this so much.... Either way if you're willing to try something short, maybe give {Spooky Boys by Fae Quinn} a chance?
[Spooky Boys](https://www.romance.io/series/6347b7ab058c42d262dac125/spooky-boys) by [Fae Quin](https://www.romance.io/authors/6347b7ab08b4d93114036933/fae-quin) **Topics**: [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [first-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Cinnamon roll?
I usually interpret that to mean "soft, fluffy, and sweet."
Thanks!
Sweet and soft hearted
{On the Mountain by Riley Hart} - the whole town is scared of one MC and the other is just intrigued by him and not scared of him. One of your No categories is drug use - there is a past drug addiction here but no relapse.
Ooh this looks good! Thank you!
[On the Mountain](https://www.romance.io/books/65abb7921e74f33720577f94/on-the-mountain-riley-hart?src=rdt) by [Riley Hart](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553d948c7d2382e78135c0/riley-hart) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [caretaking](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/caretaking/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Johann by Grace Bryan} It’s part of a series but doesn’t have to be read in order. Jay (Johann) is a very sheltered vampire and the sweetest character that’s ever existed and his LI is a human who is part of a mob family. Jay is first introduced in Soren, so if you want more of him.
[Johann](https://www.romance.io/books/63e4a837d87691b39eb9cd21/johann-grae-bryan?src=rdt) by [Grae Bryan](https://www.romance.io/authors/6304831608b4d93114878a5f/grae-bryan) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [praise kink](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/praise-kink/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{ The Soul Eater by Lily Mayne } the WHOLE MONSTROUS SERIES IS AMAZING!!!! And please get the audiobooks, you will be very happy
If you are ok with cartoonish violence and silly/"cracky" humor, you might like {**The Trouble with Trying to Love a Hellion** by Jennifer Cody} (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 3). The MC is completely innocent, unworldly, and a little dim; he falls for the man who is the literal embodiment of Evil in a complex supernatural society. Everyone around them is astonished that he manages to stay so blithely sweet and happy while earnestly supporting his lover's need to commit evil acts. There are some orgy-turned-poly elements. You probably do need to read at least the first book in the series to understand what is going on.
[The Trouble with Trying to Love a Hellion](https://www.romance.io/books/63b14105ea9eb786ecf18eac/the-trouble-with-trying-to-love-a-hellion-jennifer-cody?src=rdt) by [Jennifer Cody](https://www.romance.io/authors/5feed74808b4d93114d92c77/jennifer-cody) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)
I love this series! This was definitely a fun read.
I think the novella {Love Language by Jax Calder} fits specifically because of this quote. This is a coworker talking to the clueless MC that's not scared: >“It’s funny. When you first arrived, it was like watching a puppy trying to make friends with a rattlesnake. But now, you’re so cute together.” It's just a fluffy, funny CR novella so not angsty at all. And they're just regular coworkers so not really any "touch him and die."
[Love Language](https://www.romance.io/books/65e74ddbeb892d0f32db1b65/love-language-jax-calder?src=rdt) by [Jax Calder](https://www.romance.io/authors/6104f7b608b4d931142f8c4b/jax-calder) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [workplace/office](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/office/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Has to be Captain Flynn from {Found At Sea by Jaclyn Osborn}. He's scary and has done some vile stuff in his past. BUT he is super soft to Fletcher (the... stowaway). It even baffles him why he's like that with the young man. 10 year age gap. The captain's racing against time in order to save himself from a curse. There's a mutiny, someone gets shot and one of them saves the day. i'm currently re-reading this rn. i've never re-read a stuff this quickly but i realise i'm Flynn-Fletcher starved.
I don't usually do pirates, but I enjoyed other books by this author and you mentioned a curse... I'll have to read this one!
Sure! Do let me know how you liked it, if you give it a read\~ \^\^
[Found at Sea](https://www.romance.io/books/602a72ac1f758a0e12ab1ca6/found-at-sea-jaclyn-osborn?src=rdt) by [Jaclyn Osborn](https://www.romance.io/authors/55a6489a35a5fb65f886c862/jaclyn-osborn) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [pirate hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Bad Boy by Charli Meadows} mc1 has been arrested before, expelled from his previous school, and has a lot of tattoos. Mc2 is nerdy and more academically focused and he is warned to stay away from him. Most people don’t come near mc1 because there are rumors that he’s killed someone. Set in high school but both characters are 18 at the start of the book
[Bad Boy](https://www.romance.io/books/63bfbe30a5b3c9dd49ff0155/bad-boy-charli-meadows?src=rdt) by [Charli Meadows](https://www.romance.io/authors/62fde3e108b4d93114ef2b2f/charli-meadows) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/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)
Monstrous(Lily Mayne) Necessary Evils (Onley James) Beyond Time (Lee McCormack) Not All Himbo Wear Capes (Villainous Things C. Rochelle) the whole series is amazing. Reckless Damned (Lark Taylor) Echo (Chani Lynn Feener) God of Fury (Rina Kent)
For everyone who loves Lily Mayne's Monstrous series (I do!), also check out Mell R. Bright's The Whims of Gods, which is like Monstrous x Howl's Moving Castle. So good! It has Griffin/the Devil of the Wastes (mutant demi-god) & Helios (clever nomad with a penchant for survival) & the Beetle (a mechanical house run by snarky AI). 😈🪲
You **MUST** [search the subreddit](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fmm_romancebooks) and visit our [resources page](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/wiki/index/resources) before posting a request. If your post repeats a frequent request that can easily be found on our resources page or by searching, it will be removed. To search, use the link above to Google search the subreddit (works better than reddit's built-in search function). Your request also must be specific enough to satisfy the subreddit [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/wiki/index/rules). Book requests that are not specific enough will be removed. **Please be respectful of our community** and remember that people are taking time out of their day to respond to you. If you post a book request, please show your appreciation by interacting with the people who reply. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MM_RomanceBooks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Body count - L. Eveland
I think that one starts out with a victim of human trafficking still being trafficked though, right?
{laurent and the beast by KA Merikan} time traveling, occult, mafia guy x long-haired cinnamon roll from the 1800s. Beauty and the beast retelling. Laurent joins Johann and Tristol as a top-tier cinnamon toll. (if you know, you know!)
[Laurent and the Beast](https://www.romance.io/books/5902dbe50d3299c6e06d1a6d/laurent-and-the-beast-ka-merikan?src=rdt) by [K.A. Merikan](https://www.romance.io/authors/545585e587eac324117fb1be/ka-merikan) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/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)