Is there anything more satisfying than reading about a romance novel bad boy who falls ass-over-elbow into love? Don't answer that. It's rhetorical.  I already know the answer. So, that said, here's a list of some of the romance novel bad boys who fell the hardest (And yes, I realize the picture of Spike is in no way related to the list. I just like him. So what? Sue me.): 

I've talked before about my favorite villains and why I think they deserved redemption arcs AND romance. I've also talked about why villains are sometimes WAY more interesting than heroes. But I've never specifically recommended romance reads where the villain gets a much-deserved happily ever after. Until today: 

If you've spent any time on the interwebs, you know that everyone is talking about A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas. And I'm not going to badmouth it. Like most books, some folks love it, and some loathe it. That's just part of the publishing game. But the one negative thing I WILL say is that it's on EVERY "must read" fantasy romance list, and frankly, I get tired of seeing it there. So, my list isn't going to include it. (Same goes for From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L Armentrout) I'm a contrarian that way. Instead, here are some fantasy romance reads that AREN'T ACoTAR. And, hey, who knows? Maybe you'll find something here you like even more: