December 12, 2024 at 18:54 IST
TikTok users are diving into the romance genre, with books like A Court of Thorns and Roses being described as delightful guilty pleasures. That’s why
The romance subgenre — a fusion of romance and fantasy — has taken social media by storm, with #BookTok abuzz with edgy reads dubbed “fairy porn.” Books like A Yard of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maass and The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaras, enchant Gen Z and millennial readers with their blend of captivating fantasy worlds and X-rated highlights. These novels offer a tempting escape that’s impossible to put down. (Also read: Step inside Swades star Gayatri Joshi’s palace: One of the most beautiful celebrity homes with the best sea view )
The appeal of stormy romance and complex characters
The popular book has become a hot topic online, with readers praising its captivating plot and characters. One anonymous reader in his 30s described it to The Telegraph as “the literary equivalent of a guilty pleasure – a mixture of indulgence, guilt and something you can’t wait to sink into after a long day”.
What sets the story apart is its depiction of male characters who combine stereotypical masculinity—muscles, dominance, and hot encounters—with surprising vulnerability and emotional depth. “It’s something about wings,” the reader added, hinting at the appeal of the fantasy. As the Daily Mail points out, books like The Fourth Wing have been compared to The Hunger Games and 50 Shades of Grey, while A Court of Thorns and Roses (or ACOTAR) has been openly called a “monster” by some.
How the internet reacts
“These books are very unpleasant and I am obsessed. I was late to the party, so now I have a whole stack to read… it’s perfect,” enthused the TikTok content creator. One particularly striking line from “A Court of Mist and Fury,” the sequel to ACOTAR, captures his allure: “With one long claw, he tore through the silk and lace, and my underwear fell to pieces.”
Yes, women are unapologetically diving into this X-rated content in public. “Reading ‘ACOTAR’ in public is a real test of keeping a straight face,” one TikTok user joked. The appeal is undeniable. As The Guardian put it: “It’s cheaper than travel and more fun than therapy.” Another fan told The Telegraph that the series is pure escapism: “It’s exciting and completely otherworldly – not at all like my own life. I’m a bit obsessed.”
Many TikTok readers admit that they are confused after the end of the series, not knowing how to move on. Even reality TV star Chloe Burrows of Love Island fame admitted she was “in love” with Rhys’ character, sharing how she felt “depressed” after reaching the end of the saga.
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