Book Boyfriends: Top 5 Reasons Tamlin Is THE WORST

All About Tamlin From ACOTAR

Tamlin (A Court of Thorns and Roses) starts with a strong pitch: cursed High Lord, dangerous faerie court, enormous estate and a human woman he’d risk everything to protect.

He gives Feyre safety when she badly needs it. He has claws. There’s a mask involved. Honestly, I see the attraction!

Then the protection gets rather less sexy

Tamlin wants Feyre safe. Fair enough. But what happens when the woman he loves needs freedom more than shelter? His fear starts making decisions for both of them, and suddenly that beautiful estate feels a lot smaller.

Of course, plenty of readers still love him, and others reckon he deserves a redemption arc. I can see why. A character can be compelling, sympathetic and spectacularly wrong at the same time.

So here’s my tongue in cheek list of reasons Tamlin is ‘THE WORST’. Let’s go!

1) He mistakes control for protection

These guys get called ‘morally grey protectors’, but are we sure they’re not just kidnappers???

Tamlin decides what Feyre can handle, where she can go and what risks she’s allowed to take, without bothering to ask her.

2) He ignores Feyre’s trauma

Look, Tamlin has had a rough time. I can empathise with that. Being a fae ruler sounds like hard work!

But Feyre is wasting away in front of him and Tamlin is too consumed by his own fear and damage to really see hers. Not cool!

3) He literally locks Feyre up

So Tamlin turns up, calls Feyre a murderer, then … *checks notes* drags her off to the fae world and locks her up??

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like trapping a traumatised woman inside the house she’s desperate to escape.

4) He has terrifying tantrums

When Tamlin loses control, rooms explode. Literally. Feyre is expected to understand because he’s upset.

5) He’s protected by High Lord Logic™

Apparently, a tragic past and genuine feelings make possessiveness romantic. They do not.

Would I date Tamlin in real life?

Yikes, no thanks. I enjoy leaving the house without submitting a written request. But do I want SJM to give him a proper redemption arc? Regrettably, yes.

Want More Book Boyfriends?

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If you like dystopian thrillers with found family, impossible choices and danger around every corner, this series is for you.