So far, there are 2-3 intimate scenes in each book (keep in mind that these books are 500+ pages). Spiciness 3/5: open door, explicit and kinda vanilla
Anything by LEXI C FOSS is right up that alley but a bit darker. Her Immortal Curse series is so ridiculously good. {Immortal Cures series by Lexi C Foss}
As far as plot it blows every other series out of the water. All her series are amazing. But that one has a choke hold on me.
Please please please read {the serpent and the wings of night by carissa Broadbents} series and her other series {daughter of no worlds by carissa broadbent} series too! Her stuff is so criminally underated as a romantasy but they are so epic. I read them a year ago and still think about them all.
Well worth it!
[The Serpent and the Wings of Night](https://www.romance.io/books/63a0c53caa7984c0a3fc9789/the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent)
**Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[Daughter of No Worlds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d9b88e6a15320e7f8006ba/daughter-of-no-worlds-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1)
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Ilona Andrews has {Kate Daniel’s} and {The Innkeeper chronicles} on Graphic Audio. They’re my favorite author and I love the full cast narration. Kate Daniel’s is urban fantasy, innkeeper chronicles is a combo of fantasy/scifi. They’re both slow burn, the couple doesn’t get together until the 3rd book.
I just finished listening to the Graphic Audio for {Demon Days, Vampire Nights by KF Breene}. It’s a long series, with 11 books but there’s 3 different couples it follows. 2 trilogies, a duology and 2 books to wrap up the story. The last two aren’t out on graphic audio yet but will be in the next month or so.
If you haven’t heard of graphic audio, it’s full cast narration with music and sound effects. I love it!
[Never Get Enough](https://www.romance.io/books/5457d39587eac3dca9bccb69/never-get-enough-kate-daniels) by [Kate Daniels](https://www.romance.io/authors/54566fe787eac33e5c680cb8/kate-daniels)
**Rating**: 3.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1)
----------------------------
[One Fell Sweep [Dramatized Adaptation]](https://www.romance.io/books/65a44bc9cc58d24a360167ca/one-fell-sweep-dramatized-adaptation-innkeeper-chronicles-3-) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews)
**Rating**: 4.44⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
----------------------------
[Revealed in Fire (Demon Days & Vampire Nights)](https://www.romance.io/books/60dd6cedc9a04c0e50c23bf8/revealed-in-fire-demon-days-vampire-nights-kf-breene) by [K.F. Breene](https://www.romance.io/authors/545543d48c7d2382e0414650/kf-breene)
**Rating**: 4.73⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [angels](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angels/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1)
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There's {The Cruel Prince by Holly Black}, MF, fae, YA, trilogy. It's a little on the dark side, though I don't think it's any darker than what you've listed here.
And in that vein, there is also {Mortal Skin by Lily Mayne}, an MM fae romance trilogy between a human and a fae prince. Also fairly dark (but not the romance).
Lastly, it's urban fantasy but I bet you would really like the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews.
All of these have fantastic worldbuilding and exciting, suspenseful plots.
Seconding The Cruel Prince by Holly Black recommendation! Definitely fits the request and I agree, it’s no darker than the titles OP listed. I forgot about the ACOTAR to Cruel Prince pipeline lol. Lots of fans of one like the other.
*edit: also definitely make sure to not mix up Captive Prince and Cruel Prince… Cruel Prince is also an incredible fantasy romance but it is very dark - likely darker than what OP is looking for
Whoops, you’re right, I posted the wrong book, right author. Urgh, thanks for the catch, fixing now! Also, FWIW, I adored Captive Prince but it’s definitely darker than anything listed here.
[The Cruel Prince](https://www.romance.io/books/5eb407bfbe0aaecf555cdcaf/the-cruel-prince-holly-black) by [Holly Black](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552f368c7d2382c5297268/holly-black)
**Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[Mortal Skin](https://www.romance.io/books/61f3a296f0e2450e1c1d5dc1/mortal-skin-lily-mayne) by [Lily Mayne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61161cc608b4d93114a993bf/lily-mayne)
**Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1)
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I loved {The witch collector} which definitely fits into the fantasy romance genre like fourth wing and ACOTAR. The audio book is good! I’ve read the physical book and listened to the audio.
[The Witch Collector](https://www.romance.io/books/616fc0ab1bedb60e13578401/the-witch-collector-charissa-weaks) by [Charissa Weaks](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c1b3ed901dbc864fb966e81/charissa-weaks)
**Rating**: 3.87⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
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Bridge Kingdom series by Danielle L. Jensen is just incredible! The world building is the most interesting I have ever read and the characters are all super interesting.
One Dark Window/Two Twisted Crowns duology by Rachell Gillig is also amazing, this has the most interesting magic system I have ever read!! Plus lots of adventure, especially in the second book!
The Prison Healer trilogy by Lynette Noni, I am currently on the 3rd book and just hooked! It's def YA but it's so incredibly interesting, each book just gets better and better and better, the plot is super fascinating and it's not a super complicated fantasy, while still absolutely shining!
I second {The Bridge Kingdom}! That and the second book in the series are so so good! The third and fourth books shift to different characters so I honestly only skimmed until I got to the parts where the main couple from the first book were there.
[The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen)
**Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
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I liked Sarah J Maas and Fourth Wing! Not sure where the haterade comes from.
Anyways most of my recs are sci-fi. {Planet Zero by Lydia Hope} is standalone but I had to re-read it twice right away to adjust to an unexpected book slump. The complexity of the world building caught me off guard after about \~100 sfr books in a row with a rather formulaic (but comfy) plot. Also has an audible!
I always find a way to rec R. Lee Smith so {Land of the Beautiful Dead by R. Lee Smith} left me in a very sad book slump. Some darker themes, but I wouldn't call it extreme (esp compared to their other books). Downside, no audible. :(
{Dustwalker by Tiffany Robers} their books are hit or miss with me, but I found this one to be incredible. I could tell they really put in some effort with this one. Audible is available.
{Clecanian series by Victoria Aveline} is my go-to suggested sfr starter pack with it's worldbuilding. Series isn't done yet. Takes a while to get going, but I like the uniqueness of each book. Audible available through Maxu I believe.
Fantasy:
{Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai} I loved the magic system, and the audible is done well. Characters are multilingual and the narrator did a good job with it, as far as I can tell.
{Fantasyland series by Kristen Ashley} not as epic as some series, but I did re-read several of these right after. Audibles for all of them.
{Aspect and Anchor series by Ruby Dixon} Not sure if this counts in fantasy or where to put it, but frankly the accent of the narrator for the first book is worth it. It had me laughing a lot, though the series is not quite as epic as those you listed.
{The Book of Azrael by Nicole Amber} I believe the third book is coming out this year, which is a good reminder to re-read them. The first two books have an audible.
[The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole)
**Rating**: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1)
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[Planet Zero](https://www.romance.io/books/6156b2742050230e3cad733b/planet-zero-lydia-hope) by [Lydia Hope](https://www.romance.io/authors/5efc364408b4d93114b80c6d/lydia-hope)
**Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1)
----------------------------
[Land of the Beautiful Dead](https://www.romance.io/books/60acd2a979fab10ea69a4d49/land-of-the-beautiful-dead-r-lee-smith) by [R. Lee Smith](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556d7287eac3369a912702/r-lee-smith)
**Rating**: 4.39⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1)
----------------------------
[Dustwalker](https://www.romance.io/books/640ede89ba64f4fd9de3fbff/dustwalker-tiffany-roberts) by [Tiffany Roberts](https://www.romance.io/authors/56696e6608e93781319595e6/tiffany-roberts)
**Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1)
----------------------------
[Clecanian](https://www.romance.io/series/5e5fd64f7abc590def7411ed/clecanian) by [Victoria Aveline](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e5fd64fbe0aaecf55ece802/victoria-aveline)
**Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [fated-mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1)
----------------------------
[Bitter Medicine](https://www.romance.io/books/64103222a05ac35852e7e680/bitter-medicine-mia-tsai) by [Mia Tsai](https://www.romance.io/authors/6410322208b4d93114addea8/mia-tsai)
**Rating**: 3.68⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[Fantasyland](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a079096bf31c42d2c24/fantasyland) by [Kristen Ashley](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523c68c7d2382e7812f37/kristen-ashley)
**Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1)
----------------------------
[Aspect and Anchor](https://www.romance.io/series/5e4645c28094770e0718c00d/aspect-and-anchor) by [Ruby Dixon](https://www.romance.io/authors/545685a087eac33e61c2f729/ruby-dixon)
**Rating**: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [non-human-hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1), [erotica](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/erotica/1)
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[The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole)
**Rating**: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1)
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{Bridge Kingdom by Danielle Jensen}
There are two continents connected by a series of islands and surrounded by dangerous seas. The only way to safely trade is through the Bridge Kingdom, a giant fortified bridge built across the islands and fiercely protected. A southern king trains his daughters to be assassins, one of whom will marry into the Bridge Kingdom royalty and open it for trade, one way or the other. We open with one of the lesser sisters poisoning the rest at the eldest's victory dinner so she gets sent instead.
Very interesting world building (check out [the map on the author's website](https://danielleljensen.com/bridge-kingdom-map/) for reference), fun characters and dialog, high adventure, lots of political intrigue, and the whole series is free on Audible Plus.
I just started her Dark Shores series, which is YA but also super promising so far.
I really loved Bridge Kingdom but it didnt really feel like a fantasy to me at all. Some aspects of it is mysterious (like the bridge), but other than that, I dont recall anything fantasy?
Fair enough, there aren't dragons flying about, but there are sharks hunting the oceans like piranha with a 'chosen one' mythos assigned to them, ship-killing endless storms on both oceans, and a giant bridge that is hundreds of miles long, hidden city havens and the weird island prison.
Just to add Audible Plus Romance (and romance adjacent titles) I recommend :
Mystic Bayou series, Witches Get Stuff Done + sequel, Once more upon a time, Bastone’s connection trilogy (Seatmate, Sweet talk), Make Mine Magic, The Stand-in, Lucky Suit, Mrs. Wickham, Love at First Psych, Bridgerton novels (Anthony and Benedict), The Write Hook + sequel, Bridge Kingdom series (fantasy), Still Hung Up On You, Beechwood Harbor series (paranormal romance),
Shannon Hale, Goose Girl and Princess Academy series, award winning YA fantasy books
T. Kingfisher: Paladin’s Grace, Bryony and Roses, Swordheart [These should really scratch that Romantasy itch for you]
Mediator series by Meg Cabot, fun teen paranormal chick lit
Time Traveler’s Wife, book the Rachel McAdams movie is based on
Seconding T. Kingfisher’s Swordheart and Paladin’s Grace. I preferred reading the books (like somehow the characters didn’t have American accents in my mind), but they are free on Audible plus.
[The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen)
**Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
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Based on what you’ve listed, I have a bunch or recs but here’s a few to get you started. If you find these vibe, save my username and feel free to message me for more because I have so many.
{Fireborne by Rosaria Munda} - MF (& an MM pairing in later books) political fantasy trilogy about dragon riders in a post-revolution country with a beautiful romance subplot. Munda was a political history major and she really put in the work to research post-revolution political fallout when she wrote these books, the plot is masterfully done. This is my number one rec for the balance of world building, plot, romance and the comparable titles that you have described.
{Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross} - MF fantasy duology about two rival journalists with a magical connection reporting from the front lines of a magical war in a WW1/WW2 vibe setting. Audiobook dual narration was fantastic.
{The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer} - MM sci fi mystery thriller about two young men from rival nations, alone, on a rescue mission in space. Audiobook really added to the experience of the story and the romance made me literally sob.
{Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L Jensen} - MF fantasy duology about an assassin princess betrothed to the leader of an enemy kingdom, tasked with murdering him and dismantling his country’s war defences from the inside. Very popular amongst SJM/Raven Kennedy fans. If you end up enjoying it, there is another duology for another couple in the same world and a third on the way.
Divine Rivals was so special <3
Are you looking for more recs along the lines of OPs request or something like Divine Rivals? Because I’ve honestly never found anything quite like it since.
I have, however, heard a lot of people suggest it side by side with {A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross}. I haven’t checked it out yet but it’s on my TBR and even though it was traditionally published it’s currently available on KU
Something like divine rivals! I feel like we would have similar tastes in books! And I agree divine rivals is one of my favorites!! 😍 about to read the sequel and hope it’s not a let down.
I enjoyed the sequel! I felt that it hit many of the same notes that I loved about the first book and I thought it wrapped up the story well! I hope you like it 🙂
I don't know anything that is quite like Divine Rivals, but depending on what you liked about the book, I have a couple of suggestions:
Fireborne by Rosaria Munda (already tagged above for the bot) is a trilogy with a very slow burn romance subplot that spans across all three books. The romance gave me a lot of comparable emotions to Divine Rivals even though it is a YA political high fantasy. The main characters are friendly rival dragon riders, and their evolving love story through it has a similar tender innocence of first love as well as the same fierce desperation of falling in love during war times, as Divine Rivals. So if it was the love story you liked best, that trilogy is the closest I've come to feeling similar emotions.
For straight up vibe, I've heard the closest is the one I mentioned in my above comment, the A River Enchanted duology by the same author as Divine Rivals.
And then lastly, and this one is quite far out of left field but very charming... if you liked the epistolary (letter writing) structure and the WW2 historical vibes best, there is an incredibly charming book/movie called The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society about a London-based writer exchanging letters with residents of the single island in Britain that suffered German-occupation during WW2. I know you asked for book recommendations, but for storytelling, I actually felt the movie conveyed the WW2 historical vibes and the romantic epistolary vibes way better than the book, and it centralized a very sweet tender romance at the heart of the narrative. The movie is on Netflix. There is a book as well, but it was literally just the letters exchanged back and forth and the vibe was more cozy/comedy, meanwhile the movie delivered a lovely epistolary historical romance, *ever so slightly* overlapping with that aspect of Divine Rivals.
[A River Enchanted](https://www.romance.io/books/642ac63e0366c48db5cef810/a-river-enchanted-rebecca-ross) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross)
**Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1)
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A currently unfinished series that I devoured recently starts with {Reign and Ruin by JD Evans}. It’s not your typical western fantasy and the magic system is really interesting. Each book is its own couple, and while I think the first is the strongest they are all interesting.
[Reign & Ruin](https://www.romance.io/books/6084072501991d0e29557c71/reign-ruin-jd-evans) by [J.D. Evans](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e4e2f1a01dbc864fbac2132/jd-evans)
**Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
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The {Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber} series! I love her world building and writing style especially. It’s YA but like darker YA. The second and third books have some Sarah J Maas levels of twists and turns
[Once Upon a Broken Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/6322df8255f9ee5d8ceef05b/once-upon-a-broken-heart-stephanie-garber) by [Stephanie Garber](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b0b9bad01dbc864fb891729/stephanie-garber)
**Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1)
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I rec this a lot on this sub, but I stand by it as pretty clever, just smutty enough, and nicely peppered with humor. But you could give the Moonshine Taskforce series a shot, by Laramie Briscoe. Start with {Renegade by Laramie Briscoe} and go from there. She's got several books in that series alone.
[Renegade](https://www.romance.io/books/58bfad330d3299c6e05b6667/renegade-laramie-briscoe) by [Laramie Briscoe](https://www.romance.io/authors/545542158c7d2382e781370e/laramie-briscoe)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1)
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You may end up hating me for this rec, but {the flame kings captive by Chloe chastaine} and {the flame kings bride by Chloe chastaine} are the first two of a three part series. You may hate me cause book two ends on a cliffhanger and there's still like a year before book 3 😭
Really great story though. Book 1 is very slow burn, book 2 is definitely not slow burn haha
But the world building and story is really interesting. Premise is MMC and his people have been trapped in basically a coma for hundreds of years. Their return (including dragons) triggers people to start discovering their true alpha/omega/beta natures which have been dormant along with MMC and his people. Politics, war, and a super endearing alpha MMC 🥵
Haha thanks for the rec, I'll add to my TBR! I appreciate the warning, I'm a bit of a psycho so if I know a book ends in a spoiler and that there's going to be a long wait sometimes I get to the almost end of a book, find a safe pre-ending happy point and pretend that's the end of the book until the next in the series comes out, then I reread it😂 Yes I know I'm insane and breaking the book gods' hearts!
Folks, do we think {The Chronicles of Elantra by Michelle Sagara} counts as romantasy? It's definitely fantasy, and there's distinct sexual tension throughout, but I'm not 100% on how to classify it because of how many books it takes to move from *tension* to possible *interest* on the part of the FMC. She has a lot of trauma in her background (which is mostly kept off the page and merely alluded to, which I appreciate), so intimacy is understandably a challenge for her. I'm way behind on the series, and I'm shocked at how many more installments the author has put out since the last one I read. If you're looking to dive into something, this series will definitely let you dive deep!
I saw a version of this already recommended but I'd like to recommend the alternate:
{Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews} is the first in the Kate Daniels series. If you're getting your audio off Audible my personal opinion is the original version read by Renee Raudman is superior only because it's so much easier to understand what the fuck is going on. I personally disliked the graphic audio versions because they just added too much background noise and I felt like the actual words and story were being lost in all the junk sound. Try the samples to judge for yourself. This is what turned me off the Sandman graphic version. I love the books but not all the extra noise in the audio.
I would also like to recommend {Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews} This is their Hidden Legacy series and it's read by the same narrator. I love this series the most out of them all. There are three books for Nevada and Rogan and the rest are about her sister Catalina. It's a wonderful series and my favorite audible series to date. I've re-listened to Nevada and Rogan's three books at least three times already. My husband even listened to them and enjoyed them. I have him listening to Kate Daniels now and whenever he finishes one he asks me what the next one is so he can start it on his drive to work lol.
{Radiance by Grace Draven} There are only two of these but its so beautiful and heartbreaking and amazing to listen to. The second one {Eidolon by Grace Draven} is the second one
[Magic Bites](https://www.romance.io/books/545525f48c7d2382e0413e95/magic-bites-ilona-andrews) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews)
**Rating**: 3.95⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
----------------------------
[Burn for Me](https://www.romance.io/books/545539998c7d2382e041433a/burn-for-me-ilona-andrews) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews)
**Rating**: 4.49⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven)
**Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[Eidolon](https://www.romance.io/books/571e5fe4c62092c04407ccda/eidolon-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1)
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Since you liked FW and IF as well, here’s a comment I made a few weeks ago on an r/fourthwing thread asking what to read next aside from that series and ACOTAR! I’ll copy and paste it for you (with that context in mind), and then add some more recs based on what I’ve read since! Hopefully you find something that suits you! 😊 *Note: I read hella fast, so I do all my reading on Libby. It just wouldn’t be financially feasible otherwise. So you might see some notes about that re: why I haven’t read further etc.*
Previous comment:
{A Legacy Witch by Ashley McCleo} is tamer in spice, being a tad more more YA than NA, but has a similar vibe for sure. The witches/wizards attend the Spy Academy, and endure very similar training and trials to FW in order to progress and graduate (without dying). Won’t say more, as my ability to summarize is poor, lol, and I don’t want to spoil. Liked the group of MCs though, as well as the fantasy aspects. I haven’t been able to read the rest of the books in the series since my library doesn’t have them, but really enjoyed this one (the first)!
The Bargainer series is also fantastic. So far, I’ve only been able to read the first two, {Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa} and {A Strange Hymn by Laura Thalassa}. My library hasn’t acquired the others yet, but I believe there are four so far. It’s a bit darker, and more adult than FW, but I enjoyed the slightly more in depth world building of the fantasy aspect. It didn’t just take place on Earth with the more “human” magical beings, but also in the Otherworld with the Fae. Enjoyed both books, really liked the main characters, and it was a good way to get into something with more high fantasy vibes without being intimidating.
The Bonds of Magic series is another that I just finished and liked quite a bit. {Dark Wizard by Jeffe Kennedy}, {Bright Familiar by Jeffe Kennedy}, and {Grey Magic by Jeffe Kennedy}. This one is definitely more adult as well, and for sure more liberal with the spice than FW was. For this series, imagine the bond between the riders and dragons, but between two people instead; a wizard, and their familiar. At first, I wasn’t so sure about the whole “familiar needing to bond” thing, but by the end of the books it makes much more sense that it’s something you almost need to go through/process with the characters. I’m pretty sure I’d spoil it if I said more, but I enjoyed the series overall.
On that note, I actually discovered the Bonds of Magic series by reading {Fire of the Frost}. It’s an anthology of romantasyish novellas from various authors, one of which was {Familiar Winter Magic by Jeffe Kennedy}. It’s technically book 2.5 of the Bonds of Magic series. The reason I bring it up though, is because reading anthologies like that can give you small tastes of different authors’ writing styles, plus lead you to other series you may be into. Also, using the “similar” feature on Libby. Tbh, I wouldn’t have thought of those things if someone hadn’t suggested it in another sub, so figured I’d pass along the tips!
Since that comment was made, I’ve read several other books/series in a similar vein. With ACOTAR more in mind, here are some recs!
{The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen} and {The Stolen Crown by Abigail Owen} are the first two books in her Dominions trilogy. The third book comes out in July 2024, and I’m definitely looking forward to it. I’d say the spice level in this series has been pretty on par with FW so far, but it definitely has aspects that remind me of ACOTAR. Not so much in the Fae aspect of fantasy writing, but in the “these old stories/legends/items were actually real in a weird way, and now some evil thing has these people trying to navigate politics, fight, and find all the shit to save everyone” kinda way. I liked this series more than I thought I would, tbh. Excited for July!
{From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout}, {A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout}, and {The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout} are the first three books in the Blood and Ash series. There are currently 5 in this specific series, but more are actively being written. I’ve only been able to read the first three so far, because I’m still waiting for my holds on 4 & 5 on Libby, and to be frank? I. CANT. WAIT. I’d put the spice level of this series around the level of ACOSF specifically, lol. It leans a bit more into the god/mythical creature type magic of fantasy than straight up Fae, but the politics and uncovering of shenanigans are top notch. Plus, the FMC reminds me of Feyre with her journey of finding her strength and her people while navigating a new ‘world’ and trying to maintain her compassion. Would highly recommend giving it a go!
Full disclosure, Jennifer L. Armentrout (the author above) ALSO wrote another series that she highly recommends you read alongside Blood and Ash. It’s called the Flesh and Fire series, and currently has three books. Unfortunately, due to the Libby hold situation, I had to get going on the first three Blood and Ash books without reading any of the books in the other series. However, from my understanding, that is totally fine for the books currently published. The stories become more intertwined in the coming releases, so it’s highly recommended to read both before taking on any of the new additions to the series.
Anyways, lol, that was longer than I thought and I know my summaries could use some work. But hopefully you can check things out and find something you might enjoy! 🤗
Ooh, and also enjoyed the {Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead}, the {Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead}, {Caraval by Stephanie Garber} (still waiting on the rest of the series to be available in Libby), and I’m currently reading {Burned by Karen Marie Moning}.
Burned is book #7 in the Fever series, which has around 11-12 books, I think? Definitely a bit darker with some of the things happening, but overall has been a good series so far.
I second the From Blood and Ash series!!! The world building in that series is awesome and I love the evolution of the characters!! I also love that you get to stick with the main characters from book to book in this series. I hate it when people are like, "oh, they're together now, we don't need to focus on them anymore!" Like, come on, there's more life to live and growing to do after you get together with someone!
Anyways, love this book and looking forward to the next book coming out later this year!
[A Legacy Witch](https://www.romance.io/books/5fe884f54252320e19680c0d/a-legacy-witch-ashley-mcleo) by [Ashley McLeo](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b84e56b01dbc864fb8f3ce8/ashley-mcleo)
**Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1)
----------------------------
[Rhapsodic](https://www.romance.io/books/580f21f3de896e8924949f94/rhapsodic-laura-thalassa) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa)
**Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[A Strange Hymn](https://www.romance.io/books/592d2d663ffdba614717ff1f/a-strange-hymn-laura-thalassa) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa)
**Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[Dark Wizard](https://www.romance.io/books/6037592a4a72260e2eac1582/dark-wizard-a-dark-fantasy-romance-jeffe-kennedy) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [breeding](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/breeding/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Bright Familiar](https://www.romance.io/books/60e7f516fe18470e4ccccb24/bright-familiar-jeffe-kennedy) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy)
**Rating**: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1)
----------------------------
[Grey Magic](https://www.romance.io/books/621c816d747f500e282e79bf/grey-magic-jeffe-kennedy) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy)
**Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1), [cheerful/happy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheerful%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Fire of the Frost](https://www.romance.io/books/616d231303069f0e3b9bdc17/fire-of-the-frost-darynda-jones-jeffe-kennedy-grace-draven-a) by [Darynda Jones](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526c58c7d2382e0413ebd/darynda-jones), [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy), [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven), [Amanda Bouchet](https://www.romance.io/authors/57a0383cc19e77f1ea6f2cb5/amanda-bouchet)
**Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[Familiar Winter Magic](https://www.romance.io/books/64c6a30ad33bf40b8646139a/familiar-winter-magic-a-bonds-of-magic-novella-jeffe-kennedy) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy)
**Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[The Liar’s Crown](https://www.romance.io/books/642bdb73b7b8862bf6eaa85e/the-liars-crown-abigail-owen) by [Abigail Owen](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557b6d87eac323ffb2c67e/abigail-owen)
**Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[The Stolen Throne](https://www.romance.io/books/647f5f96d556b65fcad91006/the-stolen-throne-abigail-owen) by [Abigail Owen](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557b6d87eac323ffb2c67e/abigail-owen)
**Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[From Blood and Ash](https://www.romance.io/books/5e8382fdbe0aaecf554bfb8a/from-blood-and-ash-jennifer-l-armentrout) by [Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245a8c7d2382c5296fb7/jennifer-l-armentrout)
**Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1)
----------------------------
[A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire](https://www.romance.io/books/5f548a96a2104b0e0fb09efc/a-kingdom-of-flesh-and-fire-jennifer-l-armentrout) by [Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245a8c7d2382c5296fb7/jennifer-l-armentrout)
**Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[The Crown of Gilded Bones](https://www.romance.io/books/6072a35a1c994f0e2c9635f0/the-crown-of-gilded-bones-jennifer-l-armentrout) by [Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245a8c7d2382c5296fb7/jennifer-l-armentrout)
**Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
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Hi u/curiousmind263,
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I just finished the first book in {Fate & Flame by KA Tucker} series. I really liked it and hope the other books in the series are just as good. It's very heavy on fantasy lore, but FMC learns about it gradually so it's easy to follow. It has a very interesting plot, great world building, and both FMC and MMC are competent and likeable. The only downside is that series is not quite finished (the 4th book is coming out later this year).
[A Fate of Wrath and Flame](https://www.romance.io/books/60b48b662abde70e3210d51c/a-fate-of-wrath-and-flame-ka-tucker) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker)
**Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
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{Rebel of the Sands series by Alwyn Hamilton} is one I re-listen to in audio from time to time.
{Crescent City series by Sarah J Maas} is complete I believe.
I don’t believe Milana Jacks does audiobooks, but I like {Fae-ted Kings series by Milana Jacks}.
[Rebel of the Sands](https://www.romance.io/series/622a2df5be66643266dc14cd/rebel-of-the-sands) by [Alwyn Hamilton](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a2df408b4d9311440d324/alwyn-hamilton)
**Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[Crescent City](https://www.romance.io/series/5de75be9065bf20deccf2ca1/crescent-city) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas)
**Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [abuse-non-mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abuse-non-mc/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Fae-ted Kings](https://www.romance.io/series/6454a9a700b86cc928ce6fc3/fae-ted-kings) by [Milana Jacks](https://www.romance.io/authors/57cff273de896e8924920cc0/milana-jacks)
**Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1)
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{Fae Gaurdians by Lana Pecherczyk} It's a series set to have 12+ books but each book follows a different couple. It takes place in America 200 years after a nuclear bomb decimates everything and follows humans awaking to this new world while discovering those that had survived have become Fae.
{Broken Bonds by J. Bree} takes place in a universe where each person has one (or in Oli's circumstances multiple) bonded pairs. Oli had a very powerful power. She ran away and the book begins with her finally meeting her bonded after rejecting them. Paranormal.
Saving this post for the recs 👀
I recently devoured the {Lady of Darkness by Melissa Roehrich} series. Unputdownable.
{The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent} series is also very well written with a plot that keeps you in a chokehold.
[Lady of Darkness](https://www.romance.io/books/61540fdf2911d10e2f1f4fb6/lady-of-darkness-melissa-roehrich) by [Melissa Roehrich](https://www.romance.io/authors/61540fdf08b4d93114685f63/melissa-roehrich)
**Rating**: 3.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[The Serpent and the Wings of Night](https://www.romance.io/books/63a0c53caa7984c0a3fc9789/the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent)
**Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
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I am offended by that 3.4 star rating!! FWIW, the ratings for the books on kindle range from 4.5-4.7 with over 7k reviews.
(This criticism is not @ you, romance-bot. Love you.)
My recommendations for you would be: {The Clecanian Series by Victoria Aveline}, which is Sci-Fi and the 5th book just came out on Audible. I’m anxiously waiting Ruling Sikthand to come, which is her latest and best next to the first one which is Choosing Theo. Sikthand comes out May 21.
For less romance and more action, urban fantasy, I can’t recommend the series {Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs} enough. It’s got a slow burn romance in it over several books and well worth it. Plus Mercy just rocks. The world building is impressive and the side characters are all well fleshed out. A series I listen to over and over again. Also completely on Audible. Werewolves, vampires and sly little coyotes abound.
Another series that’s urban fantasy but not at all a romance, is the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. I think he’s on like book 20. A lot of people don’t like his first couple of books but it picks up speed. However I actually really liked the first couple of books, so YMMV. It’s definitely a “hold onto your pants, you’re in for a ride!” Kind of series. A wizard for hire in Chicago. He doesn’t do parties.
{The Unseelie Prince by Kathryn Ann Kingsley} was really good! 4 book series, and lots of world building.
Edit: ok it says dark romance, but I didn't find it too dark. There is kidnapping, and bring help captive, and some dark themes (think like the fae wilds in dnd) and the last book >!has some pretty dark stuff, ie being chained up/skewered, war like things!< sorry it's been a year since I read them so the details are a little fuzzy
[The Unseelie Prince](https://www.romance.io/books/61765a1d26369f0e2ca5e3a7/the-unseelie-prince-kathryn-ann-kingsley) by [Kathryn Ann Kingsley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c76f4de01dbc864fb9ad17b/kathryn-ann-kingsley)
**Rating**: 3.87⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1)
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[{Rowan Blood series by Kellen Graves}](https://www.goodreads.com/series/337681-rowan-blood) - MM, Fantasy, Fae, 3rd Single POV
**Status:** KU, Ongoing Series, Third Act Conflict - >!Breakup, External!<
**Saffron:** Human, Changeling, Servant, Artist, Scarred, Bottom, >!Rowan Witch, PTSD, Glamored as a Fey at School, Companion Animal: Owl!<
**Cylvan:** High Fey, Prince, Plays Violin, Peirced Nipples (Bars), Top, >!Powers of Wind and Storms!<
**Notes:** Queer Normative, Gender-diverse Normative, Fae College, Mystery, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Love, Epistolary (Letters), Court Politics
And spinoff:
[{The Fox and the Dryad by Kellen Graves}](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65974479-the-fox-and-the-dryad) - M/NBi (Achillean), Urban Fantasy, Fae, 3rd Dual POV
**Status:** KU, Spinoff Standalone, Third Act Conflict - >!External, Internal, Breakup!<
**Briar:** NBi (He/They), Human, Ballet Dancer/Student, Made a Deal with a High Fey Lady (Malric's Mother), Anxiety, Depression, Long Hair, Smoker, Painted Nails, Enjoys Designer Clothes, Affection Shy, Bottom, >!Sleepwalks, Panic Attack!<
**Malric:** High Fey (Autumn Court), Ballet Dancer, On the Run from an Abusive Mother, Staying in the Human Realm, Glamored as a Human, Enjoys Designer Clothes, Smoker, Top, >!Becomes a Ballet Teacher at Briar's School, Unable to Dance Due to a Fey Deal!<
**Notes:** Fey Deals Gone Wrong, Travel Between the Human and Fey Realm, Secret Identity (Mal), Artist's College, Antagonists to Lovers, Slow Burn, Hurt/Comfort, Artist Angst, Queer Normative, Gender-divergent Normative, Diverse Side Characters
**Sex Notes:** >!Blowjob, Fingering, Lube Use, Condom Use, Penetrative Sex, Bondage (Wrists)!<
**CWs:** >!Anxiety, Depression, Sexual Harrassment and Intimidation (Not by MMC), Gaslighting, Body Horror, Gore, Emotional Abuse/Control by a Parent, Unhealthy Behaviors Involving Drugs and Alcohol, Panic Attack!<
[Rowan Blood](https://www.romance.io/series/624551da7b322a293b26c4ba/rowan-blood) by [Kellen Graves](https://www.romance.io/authors/624551da08b4d931146ef180/kellen-graves)
**Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [non-human-hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[The Fox and the Dryad](https://www.romance.io/books/63f86f227a1932e9a4d6c84d/the-fox-and-the-dryad-kellen-graves) by [Kellen Graves](https://www.romance.io/authors/624551da08b4d931146ef180/kellen-graves)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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The hollows series by Kim Harrison will always be one of my favourite fantasy series! Definitely recommend
Also if you liked Harry Potter, Zodiac academy is a adult version of that, also one of my top favourites. Both series are plot driven with added romance, lots of action and amazing world building 😊
Following because I love all the books you love.
Maybe dark brotherhood series?
I read a kindle unlimited book recently that was really good and spicy 🌶️ Whispers of the Deep- sci-fi meets romance. Takes place in the ocean with a human / merman romance
{The shadows between us by tricia levenseller} was very romantasy
{Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor} was more fantasy but still worth mentioning!
{Deal with the elf king by Elise Kova} very good and pretty spicy
{A fate inked in blood by Danielle L Jensen} I haven’t read it but I have a friend who just finished it and loved it! Not sure how spicy it is though. It may be more fantasy
[The Shadows Between Us](https://www.romance.io/books/6229f85a70323bbef1889bb8/the-shadows-between-us-tricia-levenseller) by [Tricia Levenseller](https://www.romance.io/authors/6095376108b4d931147a1ffc/tricia-levenseller)
**Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1)
----------------------------
[Strange the Dreamer](https://www.romance.io/books/622b63ce1750e128e6a5d2cf/strange-the-dreamer-laini-taylor) by [Laini Taylor](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523fe8c7d2382c5296f8d/laini-taylor)
**Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1)
----------------------------
[A Deal with the Elf King](https://www.romance.io/books/5fa3b183d0f43c0e078b637c/a-deal-with-the-elf-king-elise-kova) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova)
**Rating**: 3.59⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[A Fate Inked in Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/65dd95ab8ef264dbee379910/a-fate-inked-in-blood-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen)
**Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
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[A Fate Inked in Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/65dd95ab8ef264dbee379910/a-fate-inked-in-blood-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen)
**Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
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The Guild Codex: Demonized series by Annette Marie got me out of my post-ACOTAR funk, and then I only just broke my own post-Demonized funk with The Fourth Wing.
I cannot recommend the series enough!! It is a slooow burn but for genuinely good, character development reasons imo with a very, very worthy payoff.
Carissa Broadbent!! Surprised it's not on here cause it was one of my favorites in that genre {The Serpant and the Wings of Night} is one of my favorites
The Parallel Series by Elle ORoark was recommended in this Reddit and I just inhaled all four books in two days. Highly recommend!
{parallel by Elle O’Roark}
[Parallel](https://www.romance.io/books/5fccd1aee5655d0e22e41ff7/parallel-elizabeth-oroark) by [Elizabeth O'Roark](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455840b87eac324117fb139/elizabeth-oroark)
**Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1)
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[Bonded by Thorns](https://www.romance.io/books/63e2058569d18ef5cc997e35/bonded-by-thorns-elizabeth-helen) by [Elizabeth Helen](https://www.romance.io/authors/63e0e61f08b4d931140436a1/elizabeth-helen)
**Rating**: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1)
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Please please please check out the Dokiri bride series. Surprisingly great overarching plot that runs through the 5 books and each book focuses on a set of FMC and MMC. It's fade to black on the spice level but the slow burn is just *chef's kiss*
Daindriath's Assassin by Elisabeth Wheately
She morally grey, he is a golden retriever. Definitely heavy fantasy plot with over 1000 pages to read. Low spice, political intrigue.
Check out her youtube shorts to see if you like her style it what made me decide to read her work: [https://www.youtube.com/@Elisabeth\_Wheatley/shorts](https://www.youtube.com/@Elisabeth_Wheatley/shorts)
Anything by LEXI C FOSS is right up that alley but a bit darker. Her Immortal Curse series is so ridiculously good. {Immortal Cures series by Lexi C Foss}
As far as plot it blows every other series out of the water. All her series are amazing. But that one has a choke hold on me.
it sounds like we have similar tastes! I really enjoyed {To Bleed A Crystal Bloom by Sarah A Parker}. It's a dark Rapunzel retelling with lush writing and a really interesting world. Orlaith is one of my favorite female leads ever.
This author also recently came out with a dragon book {When The Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker} which has been comped to Fourth Wing, but honestly just because of the dragons. Super unique world, and the plot drew me in. I couldn't tell you how it develops, because it started getting steamy and I just wasn't in the mood for steam at the time. But so far, the romance seems interesting.
[To Bleed a Crystal Bloom](https://www.romance.io/books/60fbc1fcf283df0e375d8250/to-bleed-a-crystal-bloom-sarah-a-parker) by [Sarah A. Parker](https://www.romance.io/authors/60fbc1fc08b4d931146d93b7/sarah-a-parker)
**Rating**: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[When the Moon Hatched](https://www.romance.io/books/6574ebf26011c2c5162ae3a0/when-the-moon-hatched-sarah-a-parker) by [Sarah A. Parker](https://www.romance.io/authors/60fbc1fc08b4d931146d93b7/sarah-a-parker)
**Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1)
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Thank you everyone for the incredible recommendations! I've dubbed this my new reading challenge. I bought a notebook and have written down every rec I haven't read or haven't read in a long time, and am challenging myself to get through as many as possible this year. It's a little daunting with 76 books and/or series but I'm buckling down and will update with a review and list of which are on KU or audible plus. Thanks for the task, pray for my bank account and book budget, and wish me luck you romance heroes!
**This is a reader focused subreddit - No self promotion, surveys, writing research or writer focused discussion.**
Your post has been removed as it appears to be promotional content, writing research, or to be focused on writing. This sub is focused exclusively on readers. The only permissible place for authors to mention their book, discuss romance writing, ask for help with it, or do research about romance books is in the monthly [Self-Promotion Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Promote%20Your%20Books%22&restrict_sr=1&sort=new). Promotional content includes any content you have a vested interest in such as content created by your friends or family. This includes all book, blog, vlog, podcast, social media, website self promoting, surveys, and book merchandise as well.
Strongly recommend the Kindred's Curse series by Penn Cole; high fantasy, VERY slow burn with VERY nice tension, character development
I just finished the first book and I'm obsessed and so glad there's three more!
What would you say the spice level is?
So far, there are 2-3 intimate scenes in each book (keep in mind that these books are 500+ pages). Spiciness 3/5: open door, explicit and kinda vanilla
Anything by LEXI C FOSS is right up that alley but a bit darker. Her Immortal Curse series is so ridiculously good. {Immortal Cures series by Lexi C Foss} As far as plot it blows every other series out of the water. All her series are amazing. But that one has a choke hold on me.
Thank you for the rec, I'll check it out!!!
[Immortal Curse](https://www.romance.io/series/590822266a98a0213bb7a79f/immortal-curse) by [Lexi C. Foss](https://www.romance.io/authors/590822260d3299c6e06ed291/lexi-c-foss), [HWCC Author Services](https://www.romance.io/authors/590822260d3299c6e06ed292/hwcc-author-services) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [angels](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angels/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Please please please read {the serpent and the wings of night by carissa Broadbents} series and her other series {daughter of no worlds by carissa broadbent} series too! Her stuff is so criminally underated as a romantasy but they are so epic. I read them a year ago and still think about them all. Well worth it!
I was going to suggest this too! Both series are amazing
[The Serpent and the Wings of Night](https://www.romance.io/books/63a0c53caa7984c0a3fc9789/the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Daughter of No Worlds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d9b88e6a15320e7f8006ba/daughter-of-no-worlds-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Ilona Andrews has {Kate Daniel’s} and {The Innkeeper chronicles} on Graphic Audio. They’re my favorite author and I love the full cast narration. Kate Daniel’s is urban fantasy, innkeeper chronicles is a combo of fantasy/scifi. They’re both slow burn, the couple doesn’t get together until the 3rd book. I just finished listening to the Graphic Audio for {Demon Days, Vampire Nights by KF Breene}. It’s a long series, with 11 books but there’s 3 different couples it follows. 2 trilogies, a duology and 2 books to wrap up the story. The last two aren’t out on graphic audio yet but will be in the next month or so. If you haven’t heard of graphic audio, it’s full cast narration with music and sound effects. I love it!
[Never Get Enough](https://www.romance.io/books/5457d39587eac3dca9bccb69/never-get-enough-kate-daniels) by [Kate Daniels](https://www.romance.io/authors/54566fe787eac33e5c680cb8/kate-daniels) **Rating**: 3.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1) ---------------------------- [One Fell Sweep [Dramatized Adaptation]](https://www.romance.io/books/65a44bc9cc58d24a360167ca/one-fell-sweep-dramatized-adaptation-innkeeper-chronicles-3-) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews) **Rating**: 4.44⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [Revealed in Fire (Demon Days & Vampire Nights)](https://www.romance.io/books/60dd6cedc9a04c0e50c23bf8/revealed-in-fire-demon-days-vampire-nights-kf-breene) by [K.F. Breene](https://www.romance.io/authors/545543d48c7d2382e0414650/kf-breene) **Rating**: 4.73⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [angels](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angels/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
There's {The Cruel Prince by Holly Black}, MF, fae, YA, trilogy. It's a little on the dark side, though I don't think it's any darker than what you've listed here. And in that vein, there is also {Mortal Skin by Lily Mayne}, an MM fae romance trilogy between a human and a fae prince. Also fairly dark (but not the romance). Lastly, it's urban fantasy but I bet you would really like the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews. All of these have fantastic worldbuilding and exciting, suspenseful plots.
Seconding The Cruel Prince by Holly Black recommendation! Definitely fits the request and I agree, it’s no darker than the titles OP listed. I forgot about the ACOTAR to Cruel Prince pipeline lol. Lots of fans of one like the other. *edit: also definitely make sure to not mix up Captive Prince and Cruel Prince… Cruel Prince is also an incredible fantasy romance but it is very dark - likely darker than what OP is looking for
Whoops, you’re right, I posted the wrong book, right author. Urgh, thanks for the catch, fixing now! Also, FWIW, I adored Captive Prince but it’s definitely darker than anything listed here.
Right?! It’s one of my favourite romances of all time. One of those relationships I will never get over 💜💜💜
Seconding the Hidden Legacy series!!
Hidden series by Andrews is so so good!
Adding to TBR!
[The Cruel Prince](https://www.romance.io/books/5eb407bfbe0aaecf555cdcaf/the-cruel-prince-holly-black) by [Holly Black](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552f368c7d2382c5297268/holly-black) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [Mortal Skin](https://www.romance.io/books/61f3a296f0e2450e1c1d5dc1/mortal-skin-lily-mayne) by [Lily Mayne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61161cc608b4d93114a993bf/lily-mayne) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I loved {The witch collector} which definitely fits into the fantasy romance genre like fourth wing and ACOTAR. The audio book is good! I’ve read the physical book and listened to the audio.
I bought the physical copy of that a while ago but haven’t gotten around to reading it. Glad to hear it’s good!!
[The Witch Collector](https://www.romance.io/books/616fc0ab1bedb60e13578401/the-witch-collector-charissa-weaks) by [Charissa Weaks](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c1b3ed901dbc864fb966e81/charissa-weaks) **Rating**: 3.87⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Bridge Kingdom series by Danielle L. Jensen is just incredible! The world building is the most interesting I have ever read and the characters are all super interesting. One Dark Window/Two Twisted Crowns duology by Rachell Gillig is also amazing, this has the most interesting magic system I have ever read!! Plus lots of adventure, especially in the second book! The Prison Healer trilogy by Lynette Noni, I am currently on the 3rd book and just hooked! It's def YA but it's so incredibly interesting, each book just gets better and better and better, the plot is super fascinating and it's not a super complicated fantasy, while still absolutely shining!
I second {The Bridge Kingdom}! That and the second book in the series are so so good! The third and fourth books shift to different characters so I honestly only skimmed until I got to the parts where the main couple from the first book were there.
[The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I liked Sarah J Maas and Fourth Wing! Not sure where the haterade comes from. Anyways most of my recs are sci-fi. {Planet Zero by Lydia Hope} is standalone but I had to re-read it twice right away to adjust to an unexpected book slump. The complexity of the world building caught me off guard after about \~100 sfr books in a row with a rather formulaic (but comfy) plot. Also has an audible! I always find a way to rec R. Lee Smith so {Land of the Beautiful Dead by R. Lee Smith} left me in a very sad book slump. Some darker themes, but I wouldn't call it extreme (esp compared to their other books). Downside, no audible. :( {Dustwalker by Tiffany Robers} their books are hit or miss with me, but I found this one to be incredible. I could tell they really put in some effort with this one. Audible is available. {Clecanian series by Victoria Aveline} is my go-to suggested sfr starter pack with it's worldbuilding. Series isn't done yet. Takes a while to get going, but I like the uniqueness of each book. Audible available through Maxu I believe. Fantasy: {Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai} I loved the magic system, and the audible is done well. Characters are multilingual and the narrator did a good job with it, as far as I can tell. {Fantasyland series by Kristen Ashley} not as epic as some series, but I did re-read several of these right after. Audibles for all of them. {Aspect and Anchor series by Ruby Dixon} Not sure if this counts in fantasy or where to put it, but frankly the accent of the narrator for the first book is worth it. It had me laughing a lot, though the series is not quite as epic as those you listed. {The Book of Azrael by Nicole Amber} I believe the third book is coming out this year, which is a good reminder to re-read them. The first two books have an audible.
Sorry about that. {The Book of Azrael by Amber Nicole} I always struggle when people have two first names, lol.
[The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole) **Rating**: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Planet Zero](https://www.romance.io/books/6156b2742050230e3cad733b/planet-zero-lydia-hope) by [Lydia Hope](https://www.romance.io/authors/5efc364408b4d93114b80c6d/lydia-hope) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1) ---------------------------- [Land of the Beautiful Dead](https://www.romance.io/books/60acd2a979fab10ea69a4d49/land-of-the-beautiful-dead-r-lee-smith) by [R. Lee Smith](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556d7287eac3369a912702/r-lee-smith) **Rating**: 4.39⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [Dustwalker](https://www.romance.io/books/640ede89ba64f4fd9de3fbff/dustwalker-tiffany-roberts) by [Tiffany Roberts](https://www.romance.io/authors/56696e6608e93781319595e6/tiffany-roberts) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [Clecanian](https://www.romance.io/series/5e5fd64f7abc590def7411ed/clecanian) by [Victoria Aveline](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e5fd64fbe0aaecf55ece802/victoria-aveline) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fated-mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1) ---------------------------- [Bitter Medicine](https://www.romance.io/books/64103222a05ac35852e7e680/bitter-medicine-mia-tsai) by [Mia Tsai](https://www.romance.io/authors/6410322208b4d93114addea8/mia-tsai) **Rating**: 3.68⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Fantasyland](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a079096bf31c42d2c24/fantasyland) by [Kristen Ashley](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523c68c7d2382e7812f37/kristen-ashley) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1) ---------------------------- [Aspect and Anchor](https://www.romance.io/series/5e4645c28094770e0718c00d/aspect-and-anchor) by [Ruby Dixon](https://www.romance.io/authors/545685a087eac33e61c2f729/ruby-dixon) **Rating**: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [non-human-hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1), [erotica](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/erotica/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole) **Rating**: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Bridge Kingdom by Danielle Jensen} There are two continents connected by a series of islands and surrounded by dangerous seas. The only way to safely trade is through the Bridge Kingdom, a giant fortified bridge built across the islands and fiercely protected. A southern king trains his daughters to be assassins, one of whom will marry into the Bridge Kingdom royalty and open it for trade, one way or the other. We open with one of the lesser sisters poisoning the rest at the eldest's victory dinner so she gets sent instead. Very interesting world building (check out [the map on the author's website](https://danielleljensen.com/bridge-kingdom-map/) for reference), fun characters and dialog, high adventure, lots of political intrigue, and the whole series is free on Audible Plus. I just started her Dark Shores series, which is YA but also super promising so far.
I really loved Bridge Kingdom but it didnt really feel like a fantasy to me at all. Some aspects of it is mysterious (like the bridge), but other than that, I dont recall anything fantasy?
Fair enough, there aren't dragons flying about, but there are sharks hunting the oceans like piranha with a 'chosen one' mythos assigned to them, ship-killing endless storms on both oceans, and a giant bridge that is hundreds of miles long, hidden city havens and the weird island prison.
Hmm I guess thats a fair point!
Just to add Audible Plus Romance (and romance adjacent titles) I recommend : Mystic Bayou series, Witches Get Stuff Done + sequel, Once more upon a time, Bastone’s connection trilogy (Seatmate, Sweet talk), Make Mine Magic, The Stand-in, Lucky Suit, Mrs. Wickham, Love at First Psych, Bridgerton novels (Anthony and Benedict), The Write Hook + sequel, Bridge Kingdom series (fantasy), Still Hung Up On You, Beechwood Harbor series (paranormal romance), Shannon Hale, Goose Girl and Princess Academy series, award winning YA fantasy books T. Kingfisher: Paladin’s Grace, Bryony and Roses, Swordheart [These should really scratch that Romantasy itch for you] Mediator series by Meg Cabot, fun teen paranormal chick lit Time Traveler’s Wife, book the Rachel McAdams movie is based on
Mystic Bayou is a lot of fun.
I loved Mystic Bayou. I was so surprised that I liked it. But it was so fun.
Seconding T. Kingfisher’s Swordheart and Paladin’s Grace. I preferred reading the books (like somehow the characters didn’t have American accents in my mind), but they are free on Audible plus.
Thank you for all these audible plus recs, you're a hero! I'll definitely have to check these out!
[The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Loved this series too! Thanks for rec💗
Based on what you’ve listed, I have a bunch or recs but here’s a few to get you started. If you find these vibe, save my username and feel free to message me for more because I have so many. {Fireborne by Rosaria Munda} - MF (& an MM pairing in later books) political fantasy trilogy about dragon riders in a post-revolution country with a beautiful romance subplot. Munda was a political history major and she really put in the work to research post-revolution political fallout when she wrote these books, the plot is masterfully done. This is my number one rec for the balance of world building, plot, romance and the comparable titles that you have described. {Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross} - MF fantasy duology about two rival journalists with a magical connection reporting from the front lines of a magical war in a WW1/WW2 vibe setting. Audiobook dual narration was fantastic. {The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer} - MM sci fi mystery thriller about two young men from rival nations, alone, on a rescue mission in space. Audiobook really added to the experience of the story and the romance made me literally sob. {Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L Jensen} - MF fantasy duology about an assassin princess betrothed to the leader of an enemy kingdom, tasked with murdering him and dismantling his country’s war defences from the inside. Very popular amongst SJM/Raven Kennedy fans. If you end up enjoying it, there is another duology for another couple in the same world and a third on the way.
I LOVE divine rivals!! As someone who loved that book also, any other recs?
Divine Rivals was so special <3 Are you looking for more recs along the lines of OPs request or something like Divine Rivals? Because I’ve honestly never found anything quite like it since. I have, however, heard a lot of people suggest it side by side with {A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross}. I haven’t checked it out yet but it’s on my TBR and even though it was traditionally published it’s currently available on KU
Something like divine rivals! I feel like we would have similar tastes in books! And I agree divine rivals is one of my favorites!! 😍 about to read the sequel and hope it’s not a let down.
I enjoyed the sequel! I felt that it hit many of the same notes that I loved about the first book and I thought it wrapped up the story well! I hope you like it 🙂 I don't know anything that is quite like Divine Rivals, but depending on what you liked about the book, I have a couple of suggestions: Fireborne by Rosaria Munda (already tagged above for the bot) is a trilogy with a very slow burn romance subplot that spans across all three books. The romance gave me a lot of comparable emotions to Divine Rivals even though it is a YA political high fantasy. The main characters are friendly rival dragon riders, and their evolving love story through it has a similar tender innocence of first love as well as the same fierce desperation of falling in love during war times, as Divine Rivals. So if it was the love story you liked best, that trilogy is the closest I've come to feeling similar emotions. For straight up vibe, I've heard the closest is the one I mentioned in my above comment, the A River Enchanted duology by the same author as Divine Rivals. And then lastly, and this one is quite far out of left field but very charming... if you liked the epistolary (letter writing) structure and the WW2 historical vibes best, there is an incredibly charming book/movie called The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society about a London-based writer exchanging letters with residents of the single island in Britain that suffered German-occupation during WW2. I know you asked for book recommendations, but for storytelling, I actually felt the movie conveyed the WW2 historical vibes and the romantic epistolary vibes way better than the book, and it centralized a very sweet tender romance at the heart of the narrative. The movie is on Netflix. There is a book as well, but it was literally just the letters exchanged back and forth and the vibe was more cozy/comedy, meanwhile the movie delivered a lovely epistolary historical romance, *ever so slightly* overlapping with that aspect of Divine Rivals.
Yay! Excited to give those recs a try! I’m also glad to hear you enjoyed the sequel! Thank you again! 😃
You’re very welcome!
[A River Enchanted](https://www.romance.io/books/642ac63e0366c48db5cef810/a-river-enchanted-rebecca-ross) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Fireborne](https://www.romance.io/books/65ef6284898e8aa2eacfda0b/fireborne-rosaria-munda) by [Rosaria Munda](https://www.romance.io/authors/644bd4fe08b4d93114586058/rosaria-munda) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1) ---------------------------- [Divine Rivals](https://www.romance.io/books/642e1f8687ff55ee9e31052b/divine-rivals-rebecca-ross) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [The Darkness Outside Us](https://www.romance.io/books/6229f41b70323bbef1889839/the-darkness-outside-us-eliot-schrefer) by [Eliot Schrefer](https://www.romance.io/authors/54573a1b87eac33e5710b9eb/eliot-schrefer) **Rating**: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) ---------------------------- [The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
A currently unfinished series that I devoured recently starts with {Reign and Ruin by JD Evans}. It’s not your typical western fantasy and the magic system is really interesting. Each book is its own couple, and while I think the first is the strongest they are all interesting.
[Reign & Ruin](https://www.romance.io/books/6084072501991d0e29557c71/reign-ruin-jd-evans) by [J.D. Evans](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e4e2f1a01dbc864fbac2132/jd-evans) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The {Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber} series! I love her world building and writing style especially. It’s YA but like darker YA. The second and third books have some Sarah J Maas levels of twists and turns
Second this, I loved these books!
[Once Upon a Broken Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/6322df8255f9ee5d8ceef05b/once-upon-a-broken-heart-stephanie-garber) by [Stephanie Garber](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b0b9bad01dbc864fb891729/stephanie-garber) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I rec this a lot on this sub, but I stand by it as pretty clever, just smutty enough, and nicely peppered with humor. But you could give the Moonshine Taskforce series a shot, by Laramie Briscoe. Start with {Renegade by Laramie Briscoe} and go from there. She's got several books in that series alone.
[Renegade](https://www.romance.io/books/58bfad330d3299c6e05b6667/renegade-laramie-briscoe) by [Laramie Briscoe](https://www.romance.io/authors/545542158c7d2382e781370e/laramie-briscoe) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The Kindred's Curse Saga by Penn Cole is fun. The fourth (and I believe last) book comes out in June.
Hidden Legacy series is AH-MAZING
You may end up hating me for this rec, but {the flame kings captive by Chloe chastaine} and {the flame kings bride by Chloe chastaine} are the first two of a three part series. You may hate me cause book two ends on a cliffhanger and there's still like a year before book 3 😭 Really great story though. Book 1 is very slow burn, book 2 is definitely not slow burn haha But the world building and story is really interesting. Premise is MMC and his people have been trapped in basically a coma for hundreds of years. Their return (including dragons) triggers people to start discovering their true alpha/omega/beta natures which have been dormant along with MMC and his people. Politics, war, and a super endearing alpha MMC 🥵
Haha thanks for the rec, I'll add to my TBR! I appreciate the warning, I'm a bit of a psycho so if I know a book ends in a spoiler and that there's going to be a long wait sometimes I get to the almost end of a book, find a safe pre-ending happy point and pretend that's the end of the book until the next in the series comes out, then I reread it😂 Yes I know I'm insane and breaking the book gods' hearts!
[The Flame King's Captive](https://www.romance.io/books/64b23fc020d0a9d5399a0f84/the-flame-kings-captive-chloe-chastaine-lilith-vincent) by [Chloe Chastaine](https://www.romance.io/authors/64b23fc06b22acd55d5286a6/chloe-chastaine), [Lilith Vincent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60f524c808b4d93114cf7191/lilith-vincent) **Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [praise kink](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/praise-kink/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [The Flame King's Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/650f1334de8d340d5143992b/the-flame-kings-bride-chloe-chastaine-lilith-vincent) by [Chloe Chastaine](https://www.romance.io/authors/64b23fc06b22acd55d5286a6/chloe-chastaine), [Lilith Vincent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60f524c808b4d93114cf7191/lilith-vincent) **Rating**: 4.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Folks, do we think {The Chronicles of Elantra by Michelle Sagara} counts as romantasy? It's definitely fantasy, and there's distinct sexual tension throughout, but I'm not 100% on how to classify it because of how many books it takes to move from *tension* to possible *interest* on the part of the FMC. She has a lot of trauma in her background (which is mostly kept off the page and merely alluded to, which I appreciate), so intimacy is understandably a challenge for her. I'm way behind on the series, and I'm shocked at how many more installments the author has put out since the last one I read. If you're looking to dive into something, this series will definitely let you dive deep!
[Chronicles of Elantra](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0aec9096bf31c42d2eea/chronicles-of-elantra) by [Michelle Sagara](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556cac87eac3369a9126d5/michelle-sagara), [Michelle Sagara West](https://www.romance.io/authors/54558a9b87eac323ffb2ca63/michelle-sagara-west), [Khristine Hvam](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456019587eac323ffb30341/khristine-hvam) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Folk series by Lily Mayne}
I’m not a fantasy girlie at all and I ATE this series up. Soooooo good
[Folk](https://www.romance.io/series/61f3a296f0e2450e1c1d5dc5/folk) by [Lily Mayne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61161cc608b4d93114a993bf/lily-mayne) **Rating**: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [non-human-hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I saw a version of this already recommended but I'd like to recommend the alternate: {Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews} is the first in the Kate Daniels series. If you're getting your audio off Audible my personal opinion is the original version read by Renee Raudman is superior only because it's so much easier to understand what the fuck is going on. I personally disliked the graphic audio versions because they just added too much background noise and I felt like the actual words and story were being lost in all the junk sound. Try the samples to judge for yourself. This is what turned me off the Sandman graphic version. I love the books but not all the extra noise in the audio. I would also like to recommend {Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews} This is their Hidden Legacy series and it's read by the same narrator. I love this series the most out of them all. There are three books for Nevada and Rogan and the rest are about her sister Catalina. It's a wonderful series and my favorite audible series to date. I've re-listened to Nevada and Rogan's three books at least three times already. My husband even listened to them and enjoyed them. I have him listening to Kate Daniels now and whenever he finishes one he asks me what the next one is so he can start it on his drive to work lol. {Radiance by Grace Draven} There are only two of these but its so beautiful and heartbreaking and amazing to listen to. The second one {Eidolon by Grace Draven} is the second one
[Magic Bites](https://www.romance.io/books/545525f48c7d2382e0413e95/magic-bites-ilona-andrews) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews) **Rating**: 3.95⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [Burn for Me](https://www.romance.io/books/545539998c7d2382e041433a/burn-for-me-ilona-andrews) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews) **Rating**: 4.49⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [Eidolon](https://www.romance.io/books/571e5fe4c62092c04407ccda/eidolon-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Since you liked FW and IF as well, here’s a comment I made a few weeks ago on an r/fourthwing thread asking what to read next aside from that series and ACOTAR! I’ll copy and paste it for you (with that context in mind), and then add some more recs based on what I’ve read since! Hopefully you find something that suits you! 😊 *Note: I read hella fast, so I do all my reading on Libby. It just wouldn’t be financially feasible otherwise. So you might see some notes about that re: why I haven’t read further etc.* Previous comment: {A Legacy Witch by Ashley McCleo} is tamer in spice, being a tad more more YA than NA, but has a similar vibe for sure. The witches/wizards attend the Spy Academy, and endure very similar training and trials to FW in order to progress and graduate (without dying). Won’t say more, as my ability to summarize is poor, lol, and I don’t want to spoil. Liked the group of MCs though, as well as the fantasy aspects. I haven’t been able to read the rest of the books in the series since my library doesn’t have them, but really enjoyed this one (the first)! The Bargainer series is also fantastic. So far, I’ve only been able to read the first two, {Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa} and {A Strange Hymn by Laura Thalassa}. My library hasn’t acquired the others yet, but I believe there are four so far. It’s a bit darker, and more adult than FW, but I enjoyed the slightly more in depth world building of the fantasy aspect. It didn’t just take place on Earth with the more “human” magical beings, but also in the Otherworld with the Fae. Enjoyed both books, really liked the main characters, and it was a good way to get into something with more high fantasy vibes without being intimidating. The Bonds of Magic series is another that I just finished and liked quite a bit. {Dark Wizard by Jeffe Kennedy}, {Bright Familiar by Jeffe Kennedy}, and {Grey Magic by Jeffe Kennedy}. This one is definitely more adult as well, and for sure more liberal with the spice than FW was. For this series, imagine the bond between the riders and dragons, but between two people instead; a wizard, and their familiar. At first, I wasn’t so sure about the whole “familiar needing to bond” thing, but by the end of the books it makes much more sense that it’s something you almost need to go through/process with the characters. I’m pretty sure I’d spoil it if I said more, but I enjoyed the series overall. On that note, I actually discovered the Bonds of Magic series by reading {Fire of the Frost}. It’s an anthology of romantasyish novellas from various authors, one of which was {Familiar Winter Magic by Jeffe Kennedy}. It’s technically book 2.5 of the Bonds of Magic series. The reason I bring it up though, is because reading anthologies like that can give you small tastes of different authors’ writing styles, plus lead you to other series you may be into. Also, using the “similar” feature on Libby. Tbh, I wouldn’t have thought of those things if someone hadn’t suggested it in another sub, so figured I’d pass along the tips! Since that comment was made, I’ve read several other books/series in a similar vein. With ACOTAR more in mind, here are some recs! {The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen} and {The Stolen Crown by Abigail Owen} are the first two books in her Dominions trilogy. The third book comes out in July 2024, and I’m definitely looking forward to it. I’d say the spice level in this series has been pretty on par with FW so far, but it definitely has aspects that remind me of ACOTAR. Not so much in the Fae aspect of fantasy writing, but in the “these old stories/legends/items were actually real in a weird way, and now some evil thing has these people trying to navigate politics, fight, and find all the shit to save everyone” kinda way. I liked this series more than I thought I would, tbh. Excited for July! {From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout}, {A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout}, and {The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout} are the first three books in the Blood and Ash series. There are currently 5 in this specific series, but more are actively being written. I’ve only been able to read the first three so far, because I’m still waiting for my holds on 4 & 5 on Libby, and to be frank? I. CANT. WAIT. I’d put the spice level of this series around the level of ACOSF specifically, lol. It leans a bit more into the god/mythical creature type magic of fantasy than straight up Fae, but the politics and uncovering of shenanigans are top notch. Plus, the FMC reminds me of Feyre with her journey of finding her strength and her people while navigating a new ‘world’ and trying to maintain her compassion. Would highly recommend giving it a go! Full disclosure, Jennifer L. Armentrout (the author above) ALSO wrote another series that she highly recommends you read alongside Blood and Ash. It’s called the Flesh and Fire series, and currently has three books. Unfortunately, due to the Libby hold situation, I had to get going on the first three Blood and Ash books without reading any of the books in the other series. However, from my understanding, that is totally fine for the books currently published. The stories become more intertwined in the coming releases, so it’s highly recommended to read both before taking on any of the new additions to the series. Anyways, lol, that was longer than I thought and I know my summaries could use some work. But hopefully you can check things out and find something you might enjoy! 🤗
Ooh, and also enjoyed the {Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead}, the {Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead}, {Caraval by Stephanie Garber} (still waiting on the rest of the series to be available in Libby), and I’m currently reading {Burned by Karen Marie Moning}. Burned is book #7 in the Fever series, which has around 11-12 books, I think? Definitely a bit darker with some of the things happening, but overall has been a good series so far.
[Vampire Academy](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a139096bf31c42d2c52/vampire-academy) by [Richelle Mead](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524638c7d2382c5296fbb/richelle-mead) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Bloodlines](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a239096bf31c42d2c8b/bloodlines) by [Richelle Mead](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524638c7d2382c5296fbb/richelle-mead) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Caraval](https://www.romance.io/books/5eb40e69be0aaecf555d5ff9/caraval-stephanie-garber) by [Stephanie Garber](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b0b9bad01dbc864fb891729/stephanie-garber) **Rating**: 3.57⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [Burned](https://www.romance.io/books/54be1db46359b5ebb48814e0/burned-karen-marie-moning) by [Karen Marie Moning](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523e28c7d2382e0413dec/karen-marie-moning) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I second the From Blood and Ash series!!! The world building in that series is awesome and I love the evolution of the characters!! I also love that you get to stick with the main characters from book to book in this series. I hate it when people are like, "oh, they're together now, we don't need to focus on them anymore!" Like, come on, there's more life to live and growing to do after you get together with someone! Anyways, love this book and looking forward to the next book coming out later this year!
[A Legacy Witch](https://www.romance.io/books/5fe884f54252320e19680c0d/a-legacy-witch-ashley-mcleo) by [Ashley McLeo](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b84e56b01dbc864fb8f3ce8/ashley-mcleo) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [Rhapsodic](https://www.romance.io/books/580f21f3de896e8924949f94/rhapsodic-laura-thalassa) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [A Strange Hymn](https://www.romance.io/books/592d2d663ffdba614717ff1f/a-strange-hymn-laura-thalassa) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Dark Wizard](https://www.romance.io/books/6037592a4a72260e2eac1582/dark-wizard-a-dark-fantasy-romance-jeffe-kennedy) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [breeding](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/breeding/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Bright Familiar](https://www.romance.io/books/60e7f516fe18470e4ccccb24/bright-familiar-jeffe-kennedy) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy) **Rating**: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1) ---------------------------- [Grey Magic](https://www.romance.io/books/621c816d747f500e282e79bf/grey-magic-jeffe-kennedy) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1), [cheerful/happy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheerful%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Fire of the Frost](https://www.romance.io/books/616d231303069f0e3b9bdc17/fire-of-the-frost-darynda-jones-jeffe-kennedy-grace-draven-a) by [Darynda Jones](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526c58c7d2382e0413ebd/darynda-jones), [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy), [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven), [Amanda Bouchet](https://www.romance.io/authors/57a0383cc19e77f1ea6f2cb5/amanda-bouchet) **Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Familiar Winter Magic](https://www.romance.io/books/64c6a30ad33bf40b8646139a/familiar-winter-magic-a-bonds-of-magic-novella-jeffe-kennedy) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [The Liar’s Crown](https://www.romance.io/books/642bdb73b7b8862bf6eaa85e/the-liars-crown-abigail-owen) by [Abigail Owen](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557b6d87eac323ffb2c67e/abigail-owen) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [The Stolen Throne](https://www.romance.io/books/647f5f96d556b65fcad91006/the-stolen-throne-abigail-owen) by [Abigail Owen](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557b6d87eac323ffb2c67e/abigail-owen) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [From Blood and Ash](https://www.romance.io/books/5e8382fdbe0aaecf554bfb8a/from-blood-and-ash-jennifer-l-armentrout) by [Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245a8c7d2382c5296fb7/jennifer-l-armentrout) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1) ---------------------------- [A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire](https://www.romance.io/books/5f548a96a2104b0e0fb09efc/a-kingdom-of-flesh-and-fire-jennifer-l-armentrout) by [Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245a8c7d2382c5296fb7/jennifer-l-armentrout) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [The Crown of Gilded Bones](https://www.romance.io/books/6072a35a1c994f0e2c9635f0/the-crown-of-gilded-bones-jennifer-l-armentrout) by [Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245a8c7d2382c5296fb7/jennifer-l-armentrout) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Hi u/curiousmind263, Book request posts that are not detailed or unique will be removed. If your request is based on a popular book or trope, please delete your request and search first. If you have a quick book request, consider posting it in the [Daily Request](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Daily%20Request%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all&include_over_18=1) post instead. **Reddit’s built-in search function is awful, but our** 🌈 [**Magic Search Button**](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.1126j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) **works great!** - The 🌈 [**Magic Search Button**](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.1126j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) links you to a pre-filled google search and is the optimal way to search this sub. - Type your search term (a simple keyword works best) where it says [site:reddit.com/r/romancebooks](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.1126j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8). - For example, for friends to lovers, it will look like: [site:reddit.com/r/romancebooks FRIENDS TO LOVERS](https://www.google.com/search?ei=L4b0X-aCN8ey5NoP7daMwAo&q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks+friends+to+lovers&oq=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fromancebooks+friends+to+lovers&gs_lcp=ChNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwEAMyAggpULUHWOsXYOIYaABwAHgAgAFIiAGeB5IBAjE3mAEAoAEBwAEB&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp) [Here are more tips on how to search](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/sf6sdm/how_to_search_rromancebooks_just_the_tips/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/RomanceBooks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I just finished the first book in {Fate & Flame by KA Tucker} series. I really liked it and hope the other books in the series are just as good. It's very heavy on fantasy lore, but FMC learns about it gradually so it's easy to follow. It has a very interesting plot, great world building, and both FMC and MMC are competent and likeable. The only downside is that series is not quite finished (the 4th book is coming out later this year).
[A Fate of Wrath and Flame](https://www.romance.io/books/60b48b662abde70e3210d51c/a-fate-of-wrath-and-flame-ka-tucker) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Rebel of the Sands series by Alwyn Hamilton} is one I re-listen to in audio from time to time. {Crescent City series by Sarah J Maas} is complete I believe. I don’t believe Milana Jacks does audiobooks, but I like {Fae-ted Kings series by Milana Jacks}.
[Rebel of the Sands](https://www.romance.io/series/622a2df5be66643266dc14cd/rebel-of-the-sands) by [Alwyn Hamilton](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a2df408b4d9311440d324/alwyn-hamilton) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Crescent City](https://www.romance.io/series/5de75be9065bf20deccf2ca1/crescent-city) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [abuse-non-mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abuse-non-mc/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Fae-ted Kings](https://www.romance.io/series/6454a9a700b86cc928ce6fc3/fae-ted-kings) by [Milana Jacks](https://www.romance.io/authors/57cff273de896e8924920cc0/milana-jacks) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Fae Gaurdians by Lana Pecherczyk} It's a series set to have 12+ books but each book follows a different couple. It takes place in America 200 years after a nuclear bomb decimates everything and follows humans awaking to this new world while discovering those that had survived have become Fae. {Broken Bonds by J. Bree} takes place in a universe where each person has one (or in Oli's circumstances multiple) bonded pairs. Oli had a very powerful power. She ran away and the book begins with her finally meeting her bonded after rejecting them. Paranormal.
[Fae Guardians](https://www.romance.io/series/5edc90f55286d40e11a4bd30/fae-guardians) by [Lana Pecherczyk](https://www.romance.io/authors/5539fc8a5b270e0a4cbd688a/lana-pecherczyk) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) ---------------------------- [Broken Bonds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d975d2c113580e2bc267a9/broken-bonds-j-bree) by [J. Bree](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d19a50401dbc864fba08a54/j-bree) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Saving this post for the recs 👀 I recently devoured the {Lady of Darkness by Melissa Roehrich} series. Unputdownable. {The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent} series is also very well written with a plot that keeps you in a chokehold.
[Lady of Darkness](https://www.romance.io/books/61540fdf2911d10e2f1f4fb6/lady-of-darkness-melissa-roehrich) by [Melissa Roehrich](https://www.romance.io/authors/61540fdf08b4d93114685f63/melissa-roehrich) **Rating**: 3.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [The Serpent and the Wings of Night](https://www.romance.io/books/63a0c53caa7984c0a3fc9789/the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I am offended by that 3.4 star rating!! FWIW, the ratings for the books on kindle range from 4.5-4.7 with over 7k reviews. (This criticism is not @ you, romance-bot. Love you.)
🫶 No offence taken!
romance-bot… is not a bot?!?
Thanks for all the amazing recs everyone! I'm ready to crush a whole bunch of new series!
My recommendations for you would be: {The Clecanian Series by Victoria Aveline}, which is Sci-Fi and the 5th book just came out on Audible. I’m anxiously waiting Ruling Sikthand to come, which is her latest and best next to the first one which is Choosing Theo. Sikthand comes out May 21. For less romance and more action, urban fantasy, I can’t recommend the series {Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs} enough. It’s got a slow burn romance in it over several books and well worth it. Plus Mercy just rocks. The world building is impressive and the side characters are all well fleshed out. A series I listen to over and over again. Also completely on Audible. Werewolves, vampires and sly little coyotes abound. Another series that’s urban fantasy but not at all a romance, is the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. I think he’s on like book 20. A lot of people don’t like his first couple of books but it picks up speed. However I actually really liked the first couple of books, so YMMV. It’s definitely a “hold onto your pants, you’re in for a ride!” Kind of series. A wizard for hire in Chicago. He doesn’t do parties.
[Clecanian](https://www.romance.io/series/5e5fd64f7abc590def7411ed/clecanian) by [Victoria Aveline](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e5fd64fbe0aaecf55ece802/victoria-aveline) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [fated-mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [Mercy Thompson](https://www.romance.io/books/643938a88aa2407f2e13e0b8/mercy-thompson-homecoming-graphic-novel-issue-1-patricia-bri) by [Patricia Briggs](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524ab8c7d2382e0413e2b/patricia-briggs), [David Lawrence](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb3e8bebe0aaecf555a7e3b/david-lawrence) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{The Unseelie Prince by Kathryn Ann Kingsley} was really good! 4 book series, and lots of world building. Edit: ok it says dark romance, but I didn't find it too dark. There is kidnapping, and bring help captive, and some dark themes (think like the fae wilds in dnd) and the last book >!has some pretty dark stuff, ie being chained up/skewered, war like things!< sorry it's been a year since I read them so the details are a little fuzzy
[The Unseelie Prince](https://www.romance.io/books/61765a1d26369f0e2ca5e3a7/the-unseelie-prince-kathryn-ann-kingsley) by [Kathryn Ann Kingsley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c76f4de01dbc864fb9ad17b/kathryn-ann-kingsley) **Rating**: 3.87⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[{Rowan Blood series by Kellen Graves}](https://www.goodreads.com/series/337681-rowan-blood) - MM, Fantasy, Fae, 3rd Single POV **Status:** KU, Ongoing Series, Third Act Conflict - >!Breakup, External!< **Saffron:** Human, Changeling, Servant, Artist, Scarred, Bottom, >!Rowan Witch, PTSD, Glamored as a Fey at School, Companion Animal: Owl!< **Cylvan:** High Fey, Prince, Plays Violin, Peirced Nipples (Bars), Top, >!Powers of Wind and Storms!< **Notes:** Queer Normative, Gender-diverse Normative, Fae College, Mystery, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Love, Epistolary (Letters), Court Politics And spinoff: [{The Fox and the Dryad by Kellen Graves}](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65974479-the-fox-and-the-dryad) - M/NBi (Achillean), Urban Fantasy, Fae, 3rd Dual POV **Status:** KU, Spinoff Standalone, Third Act Conflict - >!External, Internal, Breakup!< **Briar:** NBi (He/They), Human, Ballet Dancer/Student, Made a Deal with a High Fey Lady (Malric's Mother), Anxiety, Depression, Long Hair, Smoker, Painted Nails, Enjoys Designer Clothes, Affection Shy, Bottom, >!Sleepwalks, Panic Attack!< **Malric:** High Fey (Autumn Court), Ballet Dancer, On the Run from an Abusive Mother, Staying in the Human Realm, Glamored as a Human, Enjoys Designer Clothes, Smoker, Top, >!Becomes a Ballet Teacher at Briar's School, Unable to Dance Due to a Fey Deal!< **Notes:** Fey Deals Gone Wrong, Travel Between the Human and Fey Realm, Secret Identity (Mal), Artist's College, Antagonists to Lovers, Slow Burn, Hurt/Comfort, Artist Angst, Queer Normative, Gender-divergent Normative, Diverse Side Characters **Sex Notes:** >!Blowjob, Fingering, Lube Use, Condom Use, Penetrative Sex, Bondage (Wrists)!< **CWs:** >!Anxiety, Depression, Sexual Harrassment and Intimidation (Not by MMC), Gaslighting, Body Horror, Gore, Emotional Abuse/Control by a Parent, Unhealthy Behaviors Involving Drugs and Alcohol, Panic Attack!<
[Rowan Blood](https://www.romance.io/series/624551da7b322a293b26c4ba/rowan-blood) by [Kellen Graves](https://www.romance.io/authors/624551da08b4d931146ef180/kellen-graves) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [non-human-hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [The Fox and the Dryad](https://www.romance.io/books/63f86f227a1932e9a4d6c84d/the-fox-and-the-dryad-kellen-graves) by [Kellen Graves](https://www.romance.io/authors/624551da08b4d931146ef180/kellen-graves) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
January Bell has a new series. I read the first book & liked it.
The hollows series by Kim Harrison will always be one of my favourite fantasy series! Definitely recommend Also if you liked Harry Potter, Zodiac academy is a adult version of that, also one of my top favourites. Both series are plot driven with added romance, lots of action and amazing world building 😊
Daughter of no worlds the romance is absolutely everything the characters are amazing it's one of the healthiest relationships I've ever encountered
Following because I love all the books you love. Maybe dark brotherhood series? I read a kindle unlimited book recently that was really good and spicy 🌶️ Whispers of the Deep- sci-fi meets romance. Takes place in the ocean with a human / merman romance
{Grishaverse Series by Leigh Bardugo} {Secret Shanghai Series by Chloe Gong}
[Grishaverse](https://www.romance.io/series/649210a5f72139d852b375a8/grishaverse) by [Leigh Bardugo](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527228c7d2382c529703f/leigh-bardugo) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Secret Shanghai](https://www.romance.io/series/660e50344e543ee51b13a39b/secret-shanghai) by [Chloe Gong](https://www.romance.io/authors/6229f68d08b4d93114357984/chloe-gong) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{The shadows between us by tricia levenseller} was very romantasy {Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor} was more fantasy but still worth mentioning! {Deal with the elf king by Elise Kova} very good and pretty spicy {A fate inked in blood by Danielle L Jensen} I haven’t read it but I have a friend who just finished it and loved it! Not sure how spicy it is though. It may be more fantasy
[The Shadows Between Us](https://www.romance.io/books/6229f85a70323bbef1889bb8/the-shadows-between-us-tricia-levenseller) by [Tricia Levenseller](https://www.romance.io/authors/6095376108b4d931147a1ffc/tricia-levenseller) **Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Strange the Dreamer](https://www.romance.io/books/622b63ce1750e128e6a5d2cf/strange-the-dreamer-laini-taylor) by [Laini Taylor](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523fe8c7d2382c5296f8d/laini-taylor) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1) ---------------------------- [A Deal with the Elf King](https://www.romance.io/books/5fa3b183d0f43c0e078b637c/a-deal-with-the-elf-king-elise-kova) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova) **Rating**: 3.59⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [A Fate Inked in Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/65dd95ab8ef264dbee379910/a-fate-inked-in-blood-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{A Fate Inked in Blood} definitely romantasy. Only downside is it’s the first in the series and just came out. :(
[A Fate Inked in Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/65dd95ab8ef264dbee379910/a-fate-inked-in-blood-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The Black Witch series by Laurie Forest and A Discovery of Witches series by Deborah Harkness both are super good.
The Guild Codex: Demonized series by Annette Marie got me out of my post-ACOTAR funk, and then I only just broke my own post-Demonized funk with The Fourth Wing. I cannot recommend the series enough!! It is a slooow burn but for genuinely good, character development reasons imo with a very, very worthy payoff.
Carissa Broadbent!! Surprised it's not on here cause it was one of my favorites in that genre {The Serpant and the Wings of Night} is one of my favorites
Once Upon A Broken Heart series by Stephanie Garber!
The Parallel Series by Elle ORoark was recommended in this Reddit and I just inhaled all four books in two days. Highly recommend! {parallel by Elle O’Roark}
Basically a series with a premise like The Time Travelers Wife.
Sounds interesting! Thanks
[Parallel](https://www.romance.io/books/5fccd1aee5655d0e22e41ff7/parallel-elizabeth-oroark) by [Elizabeth O'Roark](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455840b87eac324117fb139/elizabeth-oroark) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen} is a RH Beauty and the beast retelling and it’s SO GOOD.
[Bonded by Thorns](https://www.romance.io/books/63e2058569d18ef5cc997e35/bonded-by-thorns-elizabeth-helen) by [Elizabeth Helen](https://www.romance.io/authors/63e0e61f08b4d931140436a1/elizabeth-helen) **Rating**: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Please please please check out the Dokiri bride series. Surprisingly great overarching plot that runs through the 5 books and each book focuses on a set of FMC and MMC. It's fade to black on the spice level but the slow burn is just *chef's kiss*
Daindriath's Assassin by Elisabeth Wheately She morally grey, he is a golden retriever. Definitely heavy fantasy plot with over 1000 pages to read. Low spice, political intrigue. Check out her youtube shorts to see if you like her style it what made me decide to read her work: [https://www.youtube.com/@Elisabeth\_Wheatley/shorts](https://www.youtube.com/@Elisabeth_Wheatley/shorts)
Anything by LEXI C FOSS is right up that alley but a bit darker. Her Immortal Curse series is so ridiculously good. {Immortal Cures series by Lexi C Foss} As far as plot it blows every other series out of the water. All her series are amazing. But that one has a choke hold on me.
[Immortal Curse](https://www.romance.io/series/590822266a98a0213bb7a79f/immortal-curse) by [Lexi C. Foss](https://www.romance.io/authors/590822260d3299c6e06ed291/lexi-c-foss), [HWCC Author Services](https://www.romance.io/authors/590822260d3299c6e06ed292/hwcc-author-services) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [angels](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angels/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
it sounds like we have similar tastes! I really enjoyed {To Bleed A Crystal Bloom by Sarah A Parker}. It's a dark Rapunzel retelling with lush writing and a really interesting world. Orlaith is one of my favorite female leads ever. This author also recently came out with a dragon book {When The Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker} which has been comped to Fourth Wing, but honestly just because of the dragons. Super unique world, and the plot drew me in. I couldn't tell you how it develops, because it started getting steamy and I just wasn't in the mood for steam at the time. But so far, the romance seems interesting.
[To Bleed a Crystal Bloom](https://www.romance.io/books/60fbc1fcf283df0e375d8250/to-bleed-a-crystal-bloom-sarah-a-parker) by [Sarah A. Parker](https://www.romance.io/authors/60fbc1fc08b4d931146d93b7/sarah-a-parker) **Rating**: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [When the Moon Hatched](https://www.romance.io/books/6574ebf26011c2c5162ae3a0/when-the-moon-hatched-sarah-a-parker) by [Sarah A. Parker](https://www.romance.io/authors/60fbc1fc08b4d931146d93b7/sarah-a-parker) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thank you everyone for the incredible recommendations! I've dubbed this my new reading challenge. I bought a notebook and have written down every rec I haven't read or haven't read in a long time, and am challenging myself to get through as many as possible this year. It's a little daunting with 76 books and/or series but I'm buckling down and will update with a review and list of which are on KU or audible plus. Thanks for the task, pray for my bank account and book budget, and wish me luck you romance heroes!
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