I'm only human, and a woman to boot. Of course I love the idea of wallowing in a world where a woman has multiple gorgeous mates who worship her.
But.... yeah, unfortunately there is a big ass BUT when it comes to the reality of me picking up a reverse harem novel and immersing myself, mainly because for me, very few of these romances actually work.
Creating a romance between a couple is hard enough. Throw two or invariably four more people into the equation and well, things can go pear shaped very quickly.
Sometimes the storyline can get lost in the equation. Instead the reader is presented with nothing but sex, sex, sex. Which occasionally isnt a bad thing. Except when it is done at the cost of the characters. Plus I still need an evident connection to be present before two.... let alone six people do the dirty deed. And whilst one sizzling instant attraction is believable, six?
Sorry, I start to feel cheated, not to mentioned bored.
Creating a fascinating story and a reverse harem romance between one woman and several men is a tricky equation. And a lot, sorry, let me emphasise that, A LOT of authors have jumped on the reverse harem bandwagon (so long billionaire bear shifters)
The problem for me is that I still need everything I would expect in a female/male romance to be present for me to become invested in a reverse harem novel.
Excellent world building
Fantastic storyline
Layered characters.
Characters that are unique (my biggest problem with a lot of the male characters in a RH is that I can't tell them apart. And too often nor can the author)
And for some bizarre reason RH's have become associated with novellas that must end on cliffhangers. I can think of no other reason than money being at the root of this phenomena.
Pretty clear given the prices RH authors are happy to tag their too often flimsy offerings.
For some reason I keep trying RH books. Probably because I know when I hit the right author with the right story a RH can be magic, hot and fun.
I have found two or three authors that have the golden touch. Who take the slow burn route. Build a great world. Get me invested in a great storyline.
In the meantime I think I will continue to be picky. Looking for the elusive golden needles amongst the ever growing larger stacks of hay.
What about you, are you a RH fan? Has this become your new fave genre?
Happy Reading all. May all your picks be five star fanastic
If you haven't tried them, I would suggest them. They aren't all menage either.