Reverse harem is a subgenre of romance literature that features a central female protagonist and three or more male love interests. Unlike traditional harem stories, where a male protagonist is surrounded by multiple female love interests, in a reverse harem story, the female protagonist is the focus of romantic attention from multiple male characters.
In reverse harem, the male love interests often have distinct personalities and qualities that appeal to different aspects of the female protagonist's personality. The relationships between the female protagonist and the male love interests can range from platonic friendships to romantic and sexual relationships.
Reverse harem stories may also involve elements of fantasy or paranormal, with the male love interests being supernatural creatures such as vampires, werewolves, or demons. The setting may be a contemporary urban environment, a historical period, or a completely fantastical world.
The subgenre is often marketed towards female readers and can explore themes such as self-discovery, personal growth, and the different types of love and relationships. The storylines often focus on the female protagonist navigating the romantic and emotional complexities of having multiple love interests, as well as dealing with external obstacles such as societal expectations or supernatural threats.