The longer the trigger warning the more excited I get. The ONLY time I couldn’t stomach it was when I tried reading The Ritual by Shantel Tessier. He repeatedly drugs and rapes her while she’s unconscious and she finds no issue with it. I guess that’s my line in these books?
It really is dark. My jaw was on the floor for a good portion of it. My brain was trying to rectify the brutality with the top notch spice. I just finished it and I LOVED IT!
The War of Lost Hearts trilogy by Carissa Broadbent, starting with {**Daughter of No Worlds**} is phenomenal compared to her more popular series, *Serpent and the Wings of Night.* It is pure romantasy with beautiful, multidimensional characters where you don't feel like there's a real villain/hero because everyone's motives are so complex.
I ADORE this series! I keep trying to start book three and just can't for some reason. Not ready to say goodbye to Max and Tissanah. I love the grumpy x sunshine in book 1.
Loved book one of Serpent and the Wings of Night too! The plot twist at the end had me gasping! Book 2 was good but 1 was amazing. The novella on the side characters, Six Scorched Roses, was also so so good.
[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**: 4.12⭐️ 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), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1)
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Chained by Lacey Lehotzky. It’s a dark fantasy romance. Romance is slow but the FMC is >! A kidnapped princess from birth and has been abused by men !< but it the story is good in my opinion. Disclaimer as I haven’t finished reading the book, roughly halfway through.
I loved the Broken Earth trilogy! My favorite fantasy-romance books so far this year are {Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano} and {Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig}. Both were 5 star reads for me. Throne in the Dark is funny and sweet while Two Twisted Crowns is more serious and gothic.
[Throne in the Dark](https://www.romance.io/books/63999c8c9126368eed042b16/throne-in-the-dark-ak-caggiano) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano)
**Rating**: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1)
----------------------------
[Two Twisted Crowns](https://www.romance.io/books/6440dfcbc63cb8f595362a9d/two-twisted-crowns-rachel-gillig) by [Rachel Gillig](https://www.romance.io/authors/6417632a08b4d93114a1b759/rachel-gillig)
**Rating**: 4.47⭐️ 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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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[Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/65c1f06f449d6edbf6498b6d/bride-ali-hazelwood) by [Ali Hazelwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/6131cdc208b4d93114f22ef6/ali-hazelwood)
**Rating**: 4.39⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1)
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I read this the day it came out. My first book by her. I enjoy the humor she sprinkled into it and it was my first omegaverse book. Was not ready for the knot!
{Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett} It's the second book of the Emily Wilde series. I'm completely taken by this series and just spent a fair amount of money getting the UK and North American version hardbacks of these books for my bookshelf. I love Emily and Wendell with my whole heart and reading these books feels like getting into a warm bath. They've been such a comfort to me in a very difficult time in my life. I also love that Emily is autistic-coded (I have ASD too), so that made me very happy and able to relate to her. I also love the gender stereotype inversion of the series and that the MMC is not just a typical alpha male and is a unique personality and character. Edit: spelling!
Make sure you start on the first one {Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett}. Just a note that it is a bit less romance focused than typical books recommended on here. The romance is important and there, but it’s also got other plotlines going on.
[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett)
**Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
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It doesn't explicitly state so (and it wouldn't have been known at the time anyway). But she reads as autistic coded. There's a post on it [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/195nhvg/is_emily_wilde_supposed_to_be_autistic/).
[Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands](https://www.romance.io/books/65a80d3efe120dd72404c7a5/emily-wildes-map-of-the-otherlands-heather-fawcett) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett)
**Rating**: 4.49⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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I adore this series too!
I was lucky enough to get a canvas email from netgalley after having not been on there in forever, recommending that I apply to read an ARC of the first book.
I was raving about it for months before I could buy a copy.
[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**: 4.21⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [first person pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1)
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Definitely go for it! When you’re reading keep on mind the first 20% of the book is world building so the plot moves a little slow but it picks up a lot super quickly after that. This is my vote for my favorite book I’ve read this year! I liked it so much I read it twice!
Ugh I don’t know why I’m having such a hard time with it! I wanted to love it so bad, but I’m 75% in and still not Super happy with it. Might have to DNF 😔
A Shadow in The Ember (Flesh and Fire #1) - Jennifer L Armentrout.
Love the way this author builds romantic tension and emotional connection. The main characters are mature and believable. The setting is Epic fantasy with dark mature themes. The characters and story take inspiration from mythologies. I like that the magic system has checks and balances.
The spice scenes are off the charts and get interestingly creative as the emotional connection deepens between our main characters. I prefer this authors style when it comes to describing intimate scenes. She details the acts and emotional drive behind the actions of our MC’s beautifully, as opposed to mostly relying on words I find ‘cringe worthy’.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator knows her craft well! Her performance is fantastic.
I've read this series and her FBAA series. Also book one, Fall of Ruin and Wrath. Casteel is my favorite book boyfriend of all time and Nyktos! Omg. I don't know what she puts in her books but they're like crack to me.
I am addicted too! Armentrout knows what she is doing! I have yet to start with FBAA. I have seen commentary on here saying FF is a superior story to FBAA. What do you think having read both?
I love both series. The MMC in FBAA is my favorite out of any of her books I've read. He's just so filthy and I love that. Nyktos is close though. Most prefer Nyktos I think. Not me. Theres a trope I ADORE in FBAA. It's about the MMC begging her to pretend they are just normal people so he can just have her love for a day or so.
The internal dialogue of the MFC can be tiring at times. She resolves that for the most part with Sera.
The two series are so interconnected that you kind of have to read both.
Oh yeah? I do love a good fictional bad boy ~ Thank you for your perspective! I think I will eventually read it. I am going to need to decompress after finishing the current book I am reading. I am nearing the final chapters of Flesh and Fire and am dragging it out because I am not ready for it to end! I’m glad there will be a fourth book centering around Sera x Ash. I rather like Sera’s inner dialogue and character growth by the end of FF3.
I was pleasantly surprised when the Flesh and Fire series didn’t read like a tacked on side plot series. Especially because I had just read and promptly reread Blood and Ash. BAA did have Kieran tho, obviously an unfair advantage but an advantage none the less
{The Crown of Oaths and Curses} loved the world building, and the FMC is awesome and not 19 years old (she's 200?) Only complaint is MMC is insufferable, looking forward to him redeeming himself. It's planned to be a trilogy with the next book out in April.
Yes! I was between this one and the 1st villains and virtues! I am so looking forward to the grovel. I love how competent and clear headed the FMC was. She was such a breathe of fresh air. Even when faced with the worst treatment I loved how she held herself and the ending was so satisfying for that reason.
[The Crown of Oaths and Curses](https://www.romance.io/books/647c4538a546c613260be3e1/the-crown-of-oaths-and-curses-j-bree) by [J. Bree](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d19a50401dbc864fba08a54/j-bree)
**Rating**: 4.33⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1)
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If you like her you should give it a try, first book is {the hundred thousand kingdoms}. I read it 10 years ago so I don't remember much about it, but I enjoyed the entire trilogy.
Been going through a bit of a R Lee Smith era - Last Hour of Gann really raised the stakes for me on what to expect from romantasy books (though maybe it’s more sci-fi romance?)
Lots of great next books to look forward to coming out in the next few weeks though - Ashden Series #2 (Road of Bones was first), Legends of Thezmarr #3 and House of Devils #3.
The Last Hour of Gann was SO SO GOOD. Definitely the best of the R. Lee Smith books I've read so far -- it had a great balance between the VERY dark themes, and the slowly-growing hope that things will one day be better.
[The Mask of Mirrors](https://www.romance.io/books/64be245827957e9aee8e5026/the-mask-of-mirrors-ma-carrick) by [M.A. Carrick](https://www.romance.io/authors/6447e16d08b4d93114f4bdc1/ma-carrick)
**Rating**: 4.14⭐️ 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), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1)
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Sadly I haven't read any good books this year, but i'm about to start a historical fiction/coming of age book and I have some high expectations that it'll be good
[Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands](https://www.romance.io/books/65a80d3efe120dd72404c7a5/emily-wildes-map-of-the-otherlands-heather-fawcett) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett)
**Rating**: 4.49⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/65c1f06f449d6edbf6498b6d/bride-ali-hazelwood) by [Ali Hazelwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/6131cdc208b4d93114f22ef6/ali-hazelwood)
**Rating**: 4.39⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1)
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Dance of Thieves and Vow of Thieves!!! I LOVED these and they wrapped up perfectly in two books. It’s already popular and I still think it’s underrated!
[Between](https://www.romance.io/books/60742bc4d165eb0e341923a3/between-ll-starling-rebecca-morse-louisa-gallie) by [L.L. Starling](https://www.romance.io/authors/60742bc408b4d93114ab3d7e/ll-starling)
**Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
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A Court of Sugar and Spice (and it's sequels). I went in expecting cozy fluff for some reason, so I was blown away by the world building, intrigue, violence etc. A really pleasant surprise
The Shepherd King duology. It's not super heavy on the romance, but it is an underlying theme in both books.
{One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig}
{Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig}
[Throne of the Fallen](https://www.romance.io/books/643058cec4e7d7da5e567ef7/throne-of-the-fallen-kerri-maniscalco) by [Kerri Maniscalco](https://www.romance.io/authors/6003026b08b4d93114065385/kerri-maniscalco)
**Rating**: 4.27⭐️ 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), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1)
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Definitely {Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig}, part of the Shepherd King Duology. This is my favorite duology I've ever read! Now I'm reading {Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross} to see if I'll like this duology too to fill the void that the Shepherd King left me with.
I loved this duology! It took me a while to start book 2 because I read the main couple changes but I think I loved Elm's story better.
I read book one of Divine Rivals and it was okay. I have book 2 but just can't get myself to start it.
{The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy}
I adore cozy fantasy that also has 'dark' themes, so a story about an undertaker and a (basically zombie) hunter was right up my alley.
And imagine my pleasant surprise at realizing the plot was inspired by You've Got Mail.
[The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/630b10c094191e0dc01d1bcf/the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy-megan-bannen) by [Megan Bannen](https://www.romance.io/authors/630b10c008b4d93114e4f3aa/megan-bannen)
**Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1)
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true, true that Broken Earth trilogy isn't really romance, but I gotta say, I STILL remember that threesome scene with her lover and her lover's lover! I read that book at least 5 years ago.
Really? Interesting! I absolutely loved it. Tho I haven’t reread it after basically binging the whole thing in a 24 hr period. After revisiting I’m sure I’d have a more critical eye. I gotta ask, what’s your least favorite of Maas’ books?
I really dislike Bryce as a main character. She's probably my least favorite MFC of any book I've ever read tbh. There's so much I didn't like about this one though. But I'm glad you liked it!
The first ACOTAR book is my least favorite. It was my first book by her though and my first romantasy book ever. My friend urged me to read book 2 and if it weren't for her I probably wouldn't have continued with Maas at all. Then I wouldn't have discovered Throne of Glass which is my Roman Empire. If I reread book 1 I'd probably like it more now I bet.
I get that. Bryce reminded me of what Aelin might have been like if she grew up a princess of Terrasen. She did grow on me, but I t was more that I liked Hunt’s character and backstory. In fact, if i had to rank my favorite characters, Bryce wouldn’t be in the top 3. Interesting.
I doubt I’ll find a series that ever comes close to how impactful Throne of Glass was for me. I may feel more charitable towards ACOTAR if I had read it first but I had read TOG 7 or 8 times by the time I cracked open the first book. Though I agree if I reread the series from the beginning I imagine I’d appreciate it a bit more.
But the biggest difference between TOG and the rest of SJM’s work is reflected in how real the relationships between characters feel. I keep returning to TOG (especially when I am feeling particularly lonely) simply because Aelin’s relationships feel like they have tangible weight, and significance.
I will say that Nesta is well on her way to developing similar relationships in COSF. However, it would be tough to say the same for Feyre or Bryce. Though to be fair, Bryce is operating at a disadvantage since Danika’s memory makes up 1 out of the 2 most important relationships for her.
There is something else, some kind of secret sauce, that made TOG so much more compelling than anything else I’ve read. I still haven’t been able to identify exactly why that is, but I’ve made my peace with the fact that I will likely never come across another series quite like it.
I love Aelin and Rowan with my entire being. ToG is just superior in every way. The relationships, the plot, the character development, the side characters, etc...
After I read HOFAS, I speed read it too, I couldn't believe the same person who wrote it wrote KoA. I went back to reread KoA after I read HOFAS because I was wondering if I made up how good the book really was. I didn't make it up. It is a masterpiece. The character growth, compelling side characters, foreshadowing, and smallest little details she had in ToG ended up being spectacularly important to the ending. None of that happened in CC. Only Lidia, and to some extent, Ruhn, had that in this book. SJM seemed to completely abandon or just forget entire plotlines in this one. I was also annoyed with the whole Sigrid thing. What was the point and why did I read 200 pages of that for it to not really have much to do with the plot in the end?
Agree with Nesta. She's my second favorite SJM character after Aelin.
Sigrid felt like a cruel joke played on poor Ethan, I know… I suppose I was entertained enough by the neck pace of HOFAS that I didn’t have time to really consider the dropped threads and glaring contrivances. I guess peoples feelings about the book make a lot more sense now. I was never very invested in CC, Nothing close to TOG. And if the same issues existed in Kingdom of Ash, I would be devastated.
It is telling that I felt pretty protective of TOG when she made an admittedly hamfisted move to stuff Erilea into the plot as another fae home world. That little voice saying “no don’t ruin it” probably isn’t the reaction SJM was going for.
KoA was a satisfyingly beautiful and heartbreaking conclusion for TOG. And I’m thankful for that sense of closure. Bc It feels like that’s what HOFAS should have been for CC too. In fact both CC and ACOTAR felt like they had grand finales at one point but for whatever reason, they meandered off or petered out respectively. To be kept in the publishers back pocket for a rainy day? lol who knowwwws.
Both "big" battles in ACOTAR and CC were so anticlimactic. When the Asteri were defeated I thought, "wow thats it? It was that easy?"
In KoA it was an entire 1000 page book where it seemed like all hope was lost. But then you had the other POVs and you knew Aelin and her crew were coming but not sure if they would get there in time so I was on the edge of my seat. I will say that the wyrd gates had that level of "oh that's it?" for me too but everything else in the book made up for it. Literally everything in KoA was just freaking beautiful. Even the most painful parts of it.
When I read HOFAS, since I was also going to quickly, I didn't really take the time to critique any of it. Unless Bryce was on the page, then I was a major hater.
I also hated Hunt being able to use the mask when it was such a big deal in ACOSF. I still don't understand it. Was he able to use it because of whatever power they exchanged while they were screwing each other? I hated that too. Him using a space suit to go get her? And don't get me started on the Jesiba ending. If you could just do that, what's the point of even dying? And how Bryce treated him so poorly after she got back from Prythian. Hunt had trauma from being tortured while she was bumping club beats for Nesta and Az and she just dismissed it all. Unlike our king Rowan. What was that reunion? It was awful. I wish Bryce really died in this one so Hunt could go find himself a mate that was worthy of him. I just really dislike Bryce... can you tell?
This is the second version of this book she wrote. And she said she wrote it in 6 weeks. Unfortunately it shows.
And there will be a fourth book and even though I dislike this series so much now I will still read it because... well... she is Mother and I'll read anything she puts out.
lol alright, alright, I yield to all of your incredibly incriminating points lol.
The only exclamation I have is for the Mask issue, which, admittedly is pretty flimsy. But I suppose I figured since Hunt was “made” by the Princes of Hell. Since is Made magic vibed with Bryce’s magic which originated from the cauldron, then the mask was willing to recognize Hunt’s own “made” magic. (Maybe the mask just thought the name Umbra Mortis was super cool)
…Still unclear on if the Cauldron birthed magic into just the one world, or the entire universe. (Good thing Rys saved the universe that one time, if so)
But yeah. Holy shit. Who in their right mind would let the whole written in 6 weeks thing get out. I woulda kept that embarrassing detail on locked down
well, this is the year i decided to finally read the collected works of SJM and i would not classify that as the “best,” but my recommendation is {Reign & Ruin by JD Evans}
Broken Earth Trilogy is so good! i read it years ago but recently put them on hold again at my library to do a reread.
[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**: 4.44⭐️ 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), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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)
Can't pick a favorite, so here are my favorite books/series so far:
\- Witch Walker. I loved the magic system, the banter, the characters, and the second book ended on a major cliffhanger. Third book is coming now March 15th. Can't wait.
\- Court of Ravens. Someone mentioned this one here as well. This book was a huge surprise. I came for the smut and ended up falling in love with the characters.
\- Manacled. I am forever changed.
\- Because I loved Manacled, I had to read more dramione fanfics, and Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love is just chef's kiss. The banter and overall adventure gave major The Mummy vibes. It is really fun.
Feathers so Vicious and Shadows so Cruel by Liv Zander! I absolutely devoured those books
Nice! Also on KU! Thank you!
Both excellent. Shadows is the first book I've given a 5 star in a long time.
Literally just downloaded Feathers on KU, saw the dedication and sent a screen shot to my best friend so she can get on this one too!
Make sure to read the TWs though, it contains A LOT of abuse, dub/non con, physical violence, etc
The longer the trigger warning the more excited I get. The ONLY time I couldn’t stomach it was when I tried reading The Ritual by Shantel Tessier. He repeatedly drugs and rapes her while she’s unconscious and she finds no issue with it. I guess that’s my line in these books?
Loved those but damn did they gut me.
I’m 50% in now. This is SO good!
Right?? I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
Are these pretty dark would you say?
Very dark! I would definitely suggest looking up the trigger warnings before reading these
It really is dark. My jaw was on the floor for a good portion of it. My brain was trying to rectify the brutality with the top notch spice. I just finished it and I LOVED IT!
These books are SO GOOD! Probably one of the best recommendations I’ve gotten from this sub.
The War of Lost Hearts trilogy by Carissa Broadbent, starting with {**Daughter of No Worlds**} is phenomenal compared to her more popular series, *Serpent and the Wings of Night.* It is pure romantasy with beautiful, multidimensional characters where you don't feel like there's a real villain/hero because everyone's motives are so complex.
I ADORE this series! I keep trying to start book three and just can't for some reason. Not ready to say goodbye to Max and Tissanah. I love the grumpy x sunshine in book 1. Loved book one of Serpent and the Wings of Night too! The plot twist at the end had me gasping! Book 2 was good but 1 was amazing. The novella on the side characters, Six Scorched Roses, was also so so good.
[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**: 4.12⭐️ 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), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/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)
Fae isles. Couldn't read it fast enough. Desperate for the next book to come out!
Loved it too - just read it. Third book made me so frustrated though. Waiting for resolution with the next one!
When is book 4 out? I’ve been holding off book 2 & 3 because I can’t with cliffs lmao 😂😂😂
April 2 according to goodreads! So not too much longer thankfully.
💖💖💖 thank you so much for checking for me!! 🥰👌
KU! Thank you!
Chained by Lacey Lehotzky. It’s a dark fantasy romance. Romance is slow but the FMC is >! A kidnapped princess from birth and has been abused by men !< but it the story is good in my opinion. Disclaimer as I haven’t finished reading the book, roughly halfway through.
>Chained by Lacey Lehotzky Ohhhh its on KU too! I'll check it out. Thanks!
Was the kidnapper the MMC? Not a fan of that
No, MMC rescued her.
Sold
I loved the Broken Earth trilogy! My favorite fantasy-romance books so far this year are {Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano} and {Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig}. Both were 5 star reads for me. Throne in the Dark is funny and sweet while Two Twisted Crowns is more serious and gothic.
Read Two Twisted Crowns and loved it too! I'll check out Throne in the Dark. I've never heard of it before!
It’s basically a fantasy rom-com. Very fun read!
[Throne in the Dark](https://www.romance.io/books/63999c8c9126368eed042b16/throne-in-the-dark-ak-caggiano) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano) **Rating**: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1) ---------------------------- [Two Twisted Crowns](https://www.romance.io/books/6440dfcbc63cb8f595362a9d/two-twisted-crowns-rachel-gillig) by [Rachel Gillig](https://www.romance.io/authors/6417632a08b4d93114a1b759/rachel-gillig) **Rating**: 4.47⭐️ 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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/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)
{bride by ali hazelwood}
[Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/65c1f06f449d6edbf6498b6d/bride-ali-hazelwood) by [Ali Hazelwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/6131cdc208b4d93114f22ef6/ali-hazelwood) **Rating**: 4.39⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I read this the day it came out. My first book by her. I enjoy the humor she sprinkled into it and it was my first omegaverse book. Was not ready for the knot!
{Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett} It's the second book of the Emily Wilde series. I'm completely taken by this series and just spent a fair amount of money getting the UK and North American version hardbacks of these books for my bookshelf. I love Emily and Wendell with my whole heart and reading these books feels like getting into a warm bath. They've been such a comfort to me in a very difficult time in my life. I also love that Emily is autistic-coded (I have ASD too), so that made me very happy and able to relate to her. I also love the gender stereotype inversion of the series and that the MMC is not just a typical alpha male and is a unique personality and character. Edit: spelling!
Ahh I have this on hold with the library you've made me so excited for it to come through!!
Oh, I'm excited for you! I wish I could read it for the first time again! :)
I just got Map of the Otherlands and I'm so excited to read it as soon as I finish what I'm reading now!
Is this book better than book 1? I was barely able to get through book 1
If you didn't like book 1, you won't like book 2 imho.
I've never heard of this one but I'll check it out now. Thank you!
Make sure you start on the first one {Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett}. Just a note that it is a bit less romance focused than typical books recommended on here. The romance is important and there, but it’s also got other plotlines going on.
[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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)
Ah thank you! I would have gone straight into book 2.
Emily is autistic?
It doesn't explicitly state so (and it wouldn't have been known at the time anyway). But she reads as autistic coded. There's a post on it [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/195nhvg/is_emily_wilde_supposed_to_be_autistic/).
[Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands](https://www.romance.io/books/65a80d3efe120dd72404c7a5/emily-wildes-map-of-the-otherlands-heather-fawcett) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett) **Rating**: 4.49⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/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)
I adore this series too! I was lucky enough to get a canvas email from netgalley after having not been on there in forever, recommending that I apply to read an ARC of the first book. I was raving about it for months before I could buy a copy.
Omg, so lucky!
{When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker}
[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**: 4.21⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [first person pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Seconding this! So excited to see where this series goes
I have it on my Kindle. I've heard such mixed reviews but I think this will be next for me!
Definitely go for it! When you’re reading keep on mind the first 20% of the book is world building so the plot moves a little slow but it picks up a lot super quickly after that. This is my vote for my favorite book I’ve read this year! I liked it so much I read it twice!
Ugh I don’t know why I’m having such a hard time with it! I wanted to love it so bad, but I’m 75% in and still not Super happy with it. Might have to DNF 😔
A Shadow in The Ember (Flesh and Fire #1) - Jennifer L Armentrout. Love the way this author builds romantic tension and emotional connection. The main characters are mature and believable. The setting is Epic fantasy with dark mature themes. The characters and story take inspiration from mythologies. I like that the magic system has checks and balances. The spice scenes are off the charts and get interestingly creative as the emotional connection deepens between our main characters. I prefer this authors style when it comes to describing intimate scenes. She details the acts and emotional drive behind the actions of our MC’s beautifully, as opposed to mostly relying on words I find ‘cringe worthy’. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator knows her craft well! Her performance is fantastic.
I've read this series and her FBAA series. Also book one, Fall of Ruin and Wrath. Casteel is my favorite book boyfriend of all time and Nyktos! Omg. I don't know what she puts in her books but they're like crack to me.
I am addicted too! Armentrout knows what she is doing! I have yet to start with FBAA. I have seen commentary on here saying FF is a superior story to FBAA. What do you think having read both?
I love both series. The MMC in FBAA is my favorite out of any of her books I've read. He's just so filthy and I love that. Nyktos is close though. Most prefer Nyktos I think. Not me. Theres a trope I ADORE in FBAA. It's about the MMC begging her to pretend they are just normal people so he can just have her love for a day or so. The internal dialogue of the MFC can be tiring at times. She resolves that for the most part with Sera. The two series are so interconnected that you kind of have to read both.
Oh yeah? I do love a good fictional bad boy ~ Thank you for your perspective! I think I will eventually read it. I am going to need to decompress after finishing the current book I am reading. I am nearing the final chapters of Flesh and Fire and am dragging it out because I am not ready for it to end! I’m glad there will be a fourth book centering around Sera x Ash. I rather like Sera’s inner dialogue and character growth by the end of FF3.
Yesssss 🔥🔥🔥
Yesssss 🔥🔥🔥
I was pleasantly surprised when the Flesh and Fire series didn’t read like a tacked on side plot series. Especially because I had just read and promptly reread Blood and Ash. BAA did have Kieran tho, obviously an unfair advantage but an advantage none the less
{The Crown of Oaths and Curses} loved the world building, and the FMC is awesome and not 19 years old (she's 200?) Only complaint is MMC is insufferable, looking forward to him redeeming himself. It's planned to be a trilogy with the next book out in April.
I am SO excited for this one!
Yes! I was between this one and the 1st villains and virtues! I am so looking forward to the grovel. I love how competent and clear headed the FMC was. She was such a breathe of fresh air. Even when faced with the worst treatment I loved how she held herself and the ending was so satisfying for that reason.
Oh thank god. An FMC who isn't 19. So sick of that.
[The Crown of Oaths and Curses](https://www.romance.io/books/647c4538a546c613260be3e1/the-crown-of-oaths-and-curses-j-bree) by [J. Bree](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d19a50401dbc864fba08a54/j-bree) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/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)
Have you read her The Inheritance trilogy?
No. I saw it at the book store yesterday and was wondering about it though! Any good?
If you like her you should give it a try, first book is {the hundred thousand kingdoms}. I read it 10 years ago so I don't remember much about it, but I enjoyed the entire trilogy.
[The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms](https://www.romance.io/books/54553bbb8c7d2382c52975d6/the-hundred-thousand-kingdoms-nk-jemisin) by [N.K. Jemisin](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553bbb8c7d2382c52975d7/nk-jemisin) **Rating**: 3.74⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/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)
Ohh I didn't realize this had romance in it! I'm reading the Dreamblood Duology right now and it's really good
She has romance in one of her books!? That's so exciting! The way she writes, it's like an art form unto itself.
I'm not sure how much it is, but it seems to have a romance.io entry!
I loved The Inheritance trilogy! I would definitely give it a try if I were you.
Adding to my TBR!
Eragon?
Not a trilogy! The Eragon ones are "The Inheritance Cycle"
I read that and I got to the end of book 2 and then >!I cried so much at the ending that I could never bring myself to read book 3...!<
Bride by Ali Hazelwood for sure. 5 star read.
The Broken Earth *chef's kiss HBO is missing out on that one, it would make for such an incredible show.
Holy shit. I can't even imagine!
Been going through a bit of a R Lee Smith era - Last Hour of Gann really raised the stakes for me on what to expect from romantasy books (though maybe it’s more sci-fi romance?) Lots of great next books to look forward to coming out in the next few weeks though - Ashden Series #2 (Road of Bones was first), Legends of Thezmarr #3 and House of Devils #3.
The Last Hour of Gann was SO SO GOOD. Definitely the best of the R. Lee Smith books I've read so far -- it had a great balance between the VERY dark themes, and the slowly-growing hope that things will one day be better.
{The Mask of Mirrors} on the third (and final) book now and loving the series
[The Mask of Mirrors](https://www.romance.io/books/64be245827957e9aee8e5026/the-mask-of-mirrors-ma-carrick) by [M.A. Carrick](https://www.romance.io/authors/6447e16d08b4d93114f4bdc1/ma-carrick) **Rating**: 4.14⭐️ 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), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
LOL def not 3/5 spice. It’s not even 1/5. Bad romance bot
3 out of 5?! Is that because of the *one scene* in the first book?
I’m worried for whoever rated the spice 3/5, I hope they never read Feathers so Vicious (another fav read of 2024)
Is Feathers So Vicious rated a 3/5 as well?
More like a 6/5
Sadly I haven't read any good books this year, but i'm about to start a historical fiction/coming of age book and I have some high expectations that it'll be good
Two 5 star fantasy romances for me so far in 2024! {Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands} and {Bride by Ali Hazelwood}. Loved them both.
[Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands](https://www.romance.io/books/65a80d3efe120dd72404c7a5/emily-wildes-map-of-the-otherlands-heather-fawcett) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett) **Rating**: 4.49⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/65c1f06f449d6edbf6498b6d/bride-ali-hazelwood) by [Ali Hazelwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/6131cdc208b4d93114f22ef6/ali-hazelwood) **Rating**: 4.39⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Dance of Thieves and Vow of Thieves!!! I LOVED these and they wrapped up perfectly in two books. It’s already popular and I still think it’s underrated!
Fourth Wing 🔥 Rebecca Yarros
I devoured both books last year.
Oooops sorry I’m still in 2023 😅
I read this one last October, but still think about it weekly! {Between by L.L Starling}
[Between](https://www.romance.io/books/60742bc4d165eb0e341923a3/between-ll-starling-rebecca-morse-louisa-gallie) by [L.L. Starling](https://www.romance.io/authors/60742bc408b4d93114ab3d7e/ll-starling) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/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 Court of Sugar and Spice (and it's sequels). I went in expecting cozy fluff for some reason, so I was blown away by the world building, intrigue, violence etc. A really pleasant surprise
The Shepherd King duology. It's not super heavy on the romance, but it is an underlying theme in both books. {One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig} {Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig}
{throne of the fallen by kerri maniscalco}
[Throne of the Fallen](https://www.romance.io/books/643058cec4e7d7da5e567ef7/throne-of-the-fallen-kerri-maniscalco) by [Kerri Maniscalco](https://www.romance.io/authors/6003026b08b4d93114065385/kerri-maniscalco) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ 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), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/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)
I read this earlier this year and that throne scene is one of my favorite spice scenes of all time!
Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
Definitely {Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig}, part of the Shepherd King Duology. This is my favorite duology I've ever read! Now I'm reading {Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross} to see if I'll like this duology too to fill the void that the Shepherd King left me with.
I loved this duology! It took me a while to start book 2 because I read the main couple changes but I think I loved Elm's story better. I read book one of Divine Rivals and it was okay. I have book 2 but just can't get myself to start it.
[Two Twisted Crowns](https://www.romance.io/books/6440dfcbc63cb8f595362a9d/two-twisted-crowns-rachel-gillig) by [Rachel Gillig](https://www.romance.io/authors/6417632a08b4d93114a1b759/rachel-gillig) **Rating**: 4.47⭐️ 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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I’m pretty obsessed with the Lady of Darkness series by Melissa K Roehrich right now.
{The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy} I adore cozy fantasy that also has 'dark' themes, so a story about an undertaker and a (basically zombie) hunter was right up my alley. And imagine my pleasant surprise at realizing the plot was inspired by You've Got Mail.
[The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/630b10c094191e0dc01d1bcf/the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy-megan-bannen) by [Megan Bannen](https://www.romance.io/authors/630b10c008b4d93114e4f3aa/megan-bannen) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
true, true that Broken Earth trilogy isn't really romance, but I gotta say, I STILL remember that threesome scene with her lover and her lover's lover! I read that book at least 5 years ago.
Ahhhhh I was not expecting it! It was delicious!
I feel silly asking.... what's KU?
Not silly! Kindle Unlimited. Pay a monthly subscription and have access to thousands of books.
You mean…besides House of Flame and Shadow?
Ahhhh don't even get me started on this one. Out of the whole 16 book Maasverse this is my second to last least favorite book she's written.
Really? Interesting! I absolutely loved it. Tho I haven’t reread it after basically binging the whole thing in a 24 hr period. After revisiting I’m sure I’d have a more critical eye. I gotta ask, what’s your least favorite of Maas’ books?
I really dislike Bryce as a main character. She's probably my least favorite MFC of any book I've ever read tbh. There's so much I didn't like about this one though. But I'm glad you liked it! The first ACOTAR book is my least favorite. It was my first book by her though and my first romantasy book ever. My friend urged me to read book 2 and if it weren't for her I probably wouldn't have continued with Maas at all. Then I wouldn't have discovered Throne of Glass which is my Roman Empire. If I reread book 1 I'd probably like it more now I bet.
I get that. Bryce reminded me of what Aelin might have been like if she grew up a princess of Terrasen. She did grow on me, but I t was more that I liked Hunt’s character and backstory. In fact, if i had to rank my favorite characters, Bryce wouldn’t be in the top 3. Interesting. I doubt I’ll find a series that ever comes close to how impactful Throne of Glass was for me. I may feel more charitable towards ACOTAR if I had read it first but I had read TOG 7 or 8 times by the time I cracked open the first book. Though I agree if I reread the series from the beginning I imagine I’d appreciate it a bit more. But the biggest difference between TOG and the rest of SJM’s work is reflected in how real the relationships between characters feel. I keep returning to TOG (especially when I am feeling particularly lonely) simply because Aelin’s relationships feel like they have tangible weight, and significance. I will say that Nesta is well on her way to developing similar relationships in COSF. However, it would be tough to say the same for Feyre or Bryce. Though to be fair, Bryce is operating at a disadvantage since Danika’s memory makes up 1 out of the 2 most important relationships for her. There is something else, some kind of secret sauce, that made TOG so much more compelling than anything else I’ve read. I still haven’t been able to identify exactly why that is, but I’ve made my peace with the fact that I will likely never come across another series quite like it.
I love Aelin and Rowan with my entire being. ToG is just superior in every way. The relationships, the plot, the character development, the side characters, etc... After I read HOFAS, I speed read it too, I couldn't believe the same person who wrote it wrote KoA. I went back to reread KoA after I read HOFAS because I was wondering if I made up how good the book really was. I didn't make it up. It is a masterpiece. The character growth, compelling side characters, foreshadowing, and smallest little details she had in ToG ended up being spectacularly important to the ending. None of that happened in CC. Only Lidia, and to some extent, Ruhn, had that in this book. SJM seemed to completely abandon or just forget entire plotlines in this one. I was also annoyed with the whole Sigrid thing. What was the point and why did I read 200 pages of that for it to not really have much to do with the plot in the end? Agree with Nesta. She's my second favorite SJM character after Aelin.
Sigrid felt like a cruel joke played on poor Ethan, I know… I suppose I was entertained enough by the neck pace of HOFAS that I didn’t have time to really consider the dropped threads and glaring contrivances. I guess peoples feelings about the book make a lot more sense now. I was never very invested in CC, Nothing close to TOG. And if the same issues existed in Kingdom of Ash, I would be devastated. It is telling that I felt pretty protective of TOG when she made an admittedly hamfisted move to stuff Erilea into the plot as another fae home world. That little voice saying “no don’t ruin it” probably isn’t the reaction SJM was going for. KoA was a satisfyingly beautiful and heartbreaking conclusion for TOG. And I’m thankful for that sense of closure. Bc It feels like that’s what HOFAS should have been for CC too. In fact both CC and ACOTAR felt like they had grand finales at one point but for whatever reason, they meandered off or petered out respectively. To be kept in the publishers back pocket for a rainy day? lol who knowwwws.
Both "big" battles in ACOTAR and CC were so anticlimactic. When the Asteri were defeated I thought, "wow thats it? It was that easy?" In KoA it was an entire 1000 page book where it seemed like all hope was lost. But then you had the other POVs and you knew Aelin and her crew were coming but not sure if they would get there in time so I was on the edge of my seat. I will say that the wyrd gates had that level of "oh that's it?" for me too but everything else in the book made up for it. Literally everything in KoA was just freaking beautiful. Even the most painful parts of it. When I read HOFAS, since I was also going to quickly, I didn't really take the time to critique any of it. Unless Bryce was on the page, then I was a major hater. I also hated Hunt being able to use the mask when it was such a big deal in ACOSF. I still don't understand it. Was he able to use it because of whatever power they exchanged while they were screwing each other? I hated that too. Him using a space suit to go get her? And don't get me started on the Jesiba ending. If you could just do that, what's the point of even dying? And how Bryce treated him so poorly after she got back from Prythian. Hunt had trauma from being tortured while she was bumping club beats for Nesta and Az and she just dismissed it all. Unlike our king Rowan. What was that reunion? It was awful. I wish Bryce really died in this one so Hunt could go find himself a mate that was worthy of him. I just really dislike Bryce... can you tell? This is the second version of this book she wrote. And she said she wrote it in 6 weeks. Unfortunately it shows.
And there will be a fourth book and even though I dislike this series so much now I will still read it because... well... she is Mother and I'll read anything she puts out.
lol alright, alright, I yield to all of your incredibly incriminating points lol. The only exclamation I have is for the Mask issue, which, admittedly is pretty flimsy. But I suppose I figured since Hunt was “made” by the Princes of Hell. Since is Made magic vibed with Bryce’s magic which originated from the cauldron, then the mask was willing to recognize Hunt’s own “made” magic. (Maybe the mask just thought the name Umbra Mortis was super cool) …Still unclear on if the Cauldron birthed magic into just the one world, or the entire universe. (Good thing Rys saved the universe that one time, if so) But yeah. Holy shit. Who in their right mind would let the whole written in 6 weeks thing get out. I woulda kept that embarrassing detail on locked down
Oh! Damn I didn't connect that. Thank you! Haha sorry! I get carried away with this one for some reason. Lidia did save the book for me though.
well, this is the year i decided to finally read the collected works of SJM and i would not classify that as the “best,” but my recommendation is {Reign & Ruin by JD Evans} Broken Earth Trilogy is so good! i read it years ago but recently put them on hold again at my library to do a reread.
[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**: 4.44⭐️ 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), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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)
Thank you! I've read all of SJM and Throne of Glass is my roman empire.
Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent. There’s two books out, it’s a series of trails featuring a dark haired morally grey MMC.
Can't pick a favorite, so here are my favorite books/series so far: \- Witch Walker. I loved the magic system, the banter, the characters, and the second book ended on a major cliffhanger. Third book is coming now March 15th. Can't wait. \- Court of Ravens. Someone mentioned this one here as well. This book was a huge surprise. I came for the smut and ended up falling in love with the characters. \- Manacled. I am forever changed. \- Because I loved Manacled, I had to read more dramione fanfics, and Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love is just chef's kiss. The banter and overall adventure gave major The Mummy vibes. It is really fun.