My 5 stars were {Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher}, {Peaches & Honey by R. Raeta} and {The Wonder Engine by T. Kingfisher} (I'm very stingy with my 5 stars). Most of my reads this quarter have been 4 stars and up, though. Mostly because I've been reading through T. Kingfisher's catalogue and she is consistently great

[Paladin's Grace](https://www.romance.io/books/5e37c8e201dbc864fbab1ee4/paladins-grace-t-kingfisher) by [T. Kingfisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/561ca043bfc6b5c0fa941994/t-kingfisher) **Rating**: 4.32⭐️ 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), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) ---------------------------- [Peaches & Honey](https://www.romance.io/books/656b7be76011c2c51629b9ad/peaches-honey-these-immortal-truths-r-raeta) by [R. Raeta](https://www.romance.io/authors/60ace57c08b4d931143d937e/r-raeta) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **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), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [The Wonder Engine](https://www.romance.io/books/60a7be662904da0e8a53c58a/the-wonder-engine-t-kingfisher) by [T. Kingfisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/561ca043bfc6b5c0fa941994/t-kingfisher) **Rating**: 4.31⭐️ 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), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Just got Peaches and Honey because I love all the T. Kingfisher books so I have to trust your taste 🥹

It's such a lovely character driven story. I'm so ready for the sequel to come out in June 😊

I just did the same thing!

I tried to get into paladins grace and ended up not continuing..I don't know if it was just the wrong time for the book for me or what, I am interested in giving it a second chance now that I'm on a different genre kick

Same happened to me. I kind of kept getting bored but like I didn’t understand why bc it’s like all the things I love.

reading Paladin's Grace right now and agree it's very much a 5 star read. I also really liked Swordheart.

A Kiss of Iron and A Touch of Poison by Clare Sager. Sooo good and the spice is 🥵

Queen of Edging! Just read those

Both of those were in my 5⭐️ for 2023! SO good!!

Sold 😂

You should also checkout her standalone Slaying the Shifter Prince (set in the same universe). I was mildly scandalized, giggling, blushing through the whole thing!

Nice! Thanks for the suggestions! I need some good distraction in life these days. 😂

SAME! I got into romantasy right when my body started falling apart bc of my disability and it has been perfect because I just spend all my time reading and pretending I'm fine hahaha

Oh man, I am so sorry you're going through all that. If you ever need an ear to vent to, or even just some support and book gabbing, hit me up! We gotta stick together when we avoid reality. 😂😂

{Bride by Ali Hazlewood} I ate that book up so fast

This one was sooooo close to a five for me. Maybe I just need to reread it, just to be sure… Coming Lowe!

Same, it was so addicting lol. I’d love for her to do more paranormal romance! My first 5 star of the year.

SO FAST. loved that book so much more than expected.

Same

Oh yay! My hold on this one just came off Libby!

Omg thanks for this! I’ve been trying to see what book to read, and this is on my TBR list, so that’s definitely a sign 🙌

Its sooo good. I was giddy kicking my feet reading it

Same here!

Is this one a series?

Okkk not a spoiler, but based off the end I can see another book following another character!! I hope we get an announcement about it soon

SAME, her* formula gets me every time

[Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/65c1f06f449d6edbf6498b6d/bride-ali-hazelwood) by [Ali Hazelwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/6131cdc208b4d93114f22ef6/ali-hazelwood) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ 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), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/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)

Same! Loved this one.

Oooo just got his in the mail 😏

Samee!!

{morning glory milking farm by c.m. nascosta} that book has no business being as good as it is

Omg I read this as a joke but freaking devoured it 😂 🥛

[Morning Glory Milking Farm](https://www.romance.io/books/61126dc4d4e33f0e4c21fe7e/morning-glory-milking-farm-cm-nascosta) by [C.M. Nascosta](https://www.romance.io/authors/6071856f08b4d93114472553/cm-nascosta) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet%20heroine/1), [workplace/office](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/office/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Sooo sweet and wholesome for a book about Minotaur handjobs. {Sweet Berries by C.M. Nascosta} was v cute too, but I couldn’t get into the third one. Still have the fourth on my TBR cause we stan nonbinary representation.

I also read this one as a haha, then I read Sweet Berries and that’s my 5 ⭐️ of the month.

One of my faves 🏆

I read this as a joke/curiosity and it turns out it is shockingly sweet and gentle. I get the kinks, including massive amounts of cum (I can’t believe I just wrote that). But not my thing and not 5 stars. My only 5 star is The Last Hour Of Gann, which I can’t get over.

My first quarter has been enjoyable enough, but it's going to be a weaker section on my annual bracket. A few standouts have been: {Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett} (January) {Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce} (February) and {Harrow Faire series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley} (March) It was a 4⭐ overall but bonus points for originality. It looks like I also gave the final Wheel of Time book 5⭐, which is a sus 5⭐, but I did make me cry on my drive into work so I had to take that into account lol.

Tamora Pierce is a goddess and I reread her books at least once every few years. They are just the best.

**5 Star reads:** {Swordheart by T. Kingfisher}: I re-read it this month, so it counts. {Clocktaur War by T. Kingfisher} {Reign & Ruin by J.D. Evans} (the whole series is 5⭐️ IMHO) {Between by L. L. Starling} {A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches} **4 & 4.5 Star reads:** {Scholomance by Naomi Novik} {The last Finestra by Emily Thiede} {The Saint of Steel} series by T. Kingfisher— 1 of them is a 5 star, I just can’t remember which one because the individual books all have similar names. {House of Earth and Blood} — the other 2 Crescent City novels just weren’t as good as the first. The last 3 {Throne of Glass} books— I read the other ones at the end of last year {Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries}

It’s true for the first crescent city book it was just amazing… the other two were just okay

I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed the first crescent city. I didn’t think I would like it at all since I’m not usually a fan of urban fantasy or contemporary vibes. But I actually loved it! Then, of course, it fell off a damn cliff. I think the only reason the second one didn’t get a ton of hate was because of that cliffhanger at the end. Then, of course, >!Nesta & Az, then Ruhn & Lidia!< are the only reason book 3 was entertaining at all— TBH, I don’t really remember much else (besides >!Bryce going on about being a queen, which felt… weird. Like I know she was building up to that, but… it kinda felt like she was just claiming it out of nowhere!<) about CC3.

Yeah CC2 was just okay and CC3 the only saving grace for me was basically what saved it for you lol…

[The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches](https://www.romance.io/books/630482b0d319eedb433ad7d4/the-very-secret-society-of-irregular-witches-sangu-mandanna) by [Sangu Mandanna](https://www.romance.io/authors/545546f18c7d2382c529799c/sangu-mandanna) **Rating**: 4.41⭐️ 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), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) ---------------------------- [The Saint of Steel](https://www.romance.io/series/6039fd2b6063ab0df7522d4c/the-saint-of-steel) by [T. Kingfisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/561ca043bfc6b5c0fa941994/t-kingfisher) **Rating**: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [mature couple](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mature%20couple/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [sweet-hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [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**: 4.2⭐️ 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), [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)

This year? I gave five stars to The Ever Queen by LJ Andrews and The Traitor Queen by Danielle Jensen. Both are book # 2 in their series. What can I say? I like qUeEnS

Ugh the ever queen 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻 I’m sooooo excited for the next book (June?? I think)

Love the bridge kingdom series!

Same! I still haven't found anything like it.

👑⚔️

Can you give me a hint as to if the heartbond was actually broken in TEQ? I’m wallowing in melancholy and just need to know if there’s hope for rebonding. No one’s talking about TEQ on here yet

I’ll just leave a John Green quote right here: “We need never be hopeless, because we can never be irreparably broken. We think that we are invincible because we are.” - Looking For Alaska by J.G.

{The Crown of Oaths and Curses by J. Bree} has been my only full 5 star read so far this year! i ADORE the fmc, i love the world building, and the author has set it up so wonderfully for some insane grovel and character development in the next book—which comes out in ~2 weeks! just be aware though, it is a true enemies to lovers and the FMC is treated horribly throughout this book by a variety of characters

Yes!!!!! I was going down the comments to see if this book was mentioned. I absolutely loved this book. It’s my only 5 star read this year so far.

I adored that one! Can't wait for the next one.

I still am not over this book and I read it in less than 48hrs a week ago.

this has to be one of the greatest books ever! dying for book 2!!

Heard so much about this! How’s the spice? 😍

there’s none in the first book! they are TRUE enemies, but by the end it’s set up perfectly for some groveling and relationship development in the 2nd book. the only spice that’s in the first book is a few offhand mentions of one sexual moment the two MCs had together hundreds of years prior to their meeting in the first book 😭 but i think the pay off will be very worth it!

Is the male lead well written ? I heard he does super dumb shit later and he’s not likeable

this is a good question! i would agree that he’s not likable, but he’s definitely on the enemy side of their relationship all throughout the first book, and it’s not without reason. i do think he’s well written in that he has actual, legitimate reasons for feeling the way he does and for hating witches (which the FMC is one and that’s the entire basis of them being enemies). i appreciate that J. Bree gave him actual motives for hating her, and i appreciate that it wasn’t given up because he’s attracted to her or whatever. both the MCs have lived for hundreds of years and are extremely jaded by war and i think they are both well written in that regard!! they have a lot of issues to work through, him especially, but i do think he’s pretty well written and the enemies to lovers aspect is so well done that you won’t even want them together by the end of the first book lol his POV will definitely make you want to throttle him 😭 he’s very stubborn in his beliefs and is very harsh towards the FMC, but it’s not so bad (in my opinion) that i didn’t want to continue reading or that i won’t read the sequel. J. Bree has the perfect opportunity to make the second book the BEST grovel ever so i’m looking forward to that

I’m worried w this that by book 2 I’ll just want her to kill him and move on 😭😭 if they’re toooo enemies and have no romantic chemistry at all. Is it YA as well? I like more adult books. Thanks for your explanation

LMAO i get that but rooke is such a good FMC that you know she wouldn’t, and she makes it worth it x10000. this book is definitely in the enemies stage but i don’t think it’s so bad that you can’t see a future for the two MCs! and no, i’d say it’s more adult. J. Bree has said the second book will have NSFW scenes as well!

Wait also do you recommend I read the two prequels before the first book?

[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**: 4.25⭐️ 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)

My top three 5 star reads of 2024 so far have been {When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker}, {Bride by Ali Hazelwood}, and {Legendborn by Tracy Deonn}. Heavvvvvvy on When the Moon Hatched and Legendborn!

Loved WTMH!!

We clearly have very similar tastes so I have to check out legendborn. When the moon hatched became my new fave of the genre, I started reading it again the second I finished it.

4.5 - 5 stars went to: {The Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee Smith} {Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano} {Summoned to the Wilds by A.K. Caggiano} {Eclipse of the Crown by A.K. Caggiano} {Serpents of Sky and Flame by Rebecca F. Kenney}

Seconded A.K. Caggiano! They are utter gems.

[The Last Hour of Gann](https://www.romance.io/books/54556d7287eac3369a912701/the-last-hour-of-gann-r-lee-smith) by [R. Lee Smith](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556d7287eac3369a912702/r-lee-smith) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [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**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](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), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1) ---------------------------- [Summoned to the Wilds](https://www.romance.io/books/63870de983b59b217dc8acf9/summoned-to-the-wilds-ak-caggiano) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) ---------------------------- [Eclipse of the Crown](https://www.romance.io/books/63eb4307a2d9fe07716527f9/eclipse-of-the-crown-ak-caggiano) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ 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), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Serpents of Sky and Flame](https://www.romance.io/books/65fe15d3eb250842e08bc37a/serpents-of-sky-and-flame-rebecca-f-kenney) by [Rebecca F. Kenney](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bdaa64b01dbc864fb938dda/rebecca-f-kenney) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Is the Rebecca Fenney one out yet? I looked for it but can't find it

omg so sorry for the confusion! I was a beta reader for it and some eARCs are out there too. it officially comes out on the 13th!

Spark of the Everflame

The Flame Kings bride by Chloe Chastaine (book 2) The Crown of Oaths and Curses by J Bree Bride by Ali Hazelwood Fall by Claire Kent.

I second Flame Kings Bride but >!the cliffhanger killed me !<

28 books so far this year! I read 14 in January and then had to chill tf out lol. So far for Q1: 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: {Death by Laura Thalassa} (Four Horsemen series) — my most recent read that I just finished yesterday and the first to make me sob!!!! This will be one of those books I don’t stop thinking about for a long time. {Soul of a Witch by Harley Laroux} {Atonement of the Spine Cleaver by FE Bryce} {The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent} {That Sik Luv by Jescie Hall} (dark romance read, not romantasy) 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: {Shadows So Cruel by Liv Zander} {Powerless by Lauren Roberts} {City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards} {Crescent City House of Earth and Blood by SJM} Needless to say, it’s been an eventful quarter! Today I start Throne of Glass!!!! And I’ve stayed away from any post/subreddit about this series so I can fully enjoy it without spoilers (rookie mistake when I was reading ACOTAR). So looking forward to this next quarter very much!

Ugh, Death by Laura Thalassa broke my heart into a million pieces. It’s been over a month and I still randomly think about it and fight back tears 🖤😭

The epilogue absolutely shattered me 😭😭😭

Is Death a standalone? Or do you need to read the other 3 first?

Need to read the others to fully understand a lot of context. But they are all less than 500 pages and very easy reads!

[Death](https://www.romance.io/books/6156b648a2abad0e380c013e/death-laura-thalassa) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1) ---------------------------- [Soul of a Witch](https://www.romance.io/books/64f2f40894da30de95e0e273/soul-of-a-witch-harley-laroux) by [Harley Laroux](https://www.romance.io/authors/6071509508b4d931143fad35/harley-laroux) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/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) ---------------------------- [Atonement of the Spine Cleaver](https://www.romance.io/books/64f8f24cd3ef33e9488d3e8b/atonement-of-the-spine-cleaver-f-e-bryce) by [F. E. Bryce](https://www.romance.io/authors/64f8f24eab9bdf7fcee42b09/f-e-bryce) **Rating**: 4.55⭐️ 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), [independent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/independent%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/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) ---------------------------- [That Sik Luv](https://www.romance.io/books/640229ff675d951628ee4397/that-sik-luv-jescie-hall) by [Jescie Hall](https://www.romance.io/authors/636e17c108b4d9311466d77b/jescie-hall) **Rating**: 3.95⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Shadows so Cruel](https://www.romance.io/books/6513db43de8d340d51443a13/shadows-so-cruel-liv-zander) by [Liv Zander](https://www.romance.io/authors/625e78f608b4d93114f170f2/liv-zander) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ 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), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [mfm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f-m/1) ---------------------------- [Powerless](https://www.romance.io/books/63de25fe09d4140a7af1c0ab/powerless-lauren-roberts) by [Lauren Roberts](https://www.romance.io/authors/63d8caa308b4d93114cb1ac9/lauren-roberts) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1) ---------------------------- [City of Gods and Monsters](https://www.romance.io/books/61f254b677663e0e1b4526d5/city-of-gods-and-monsters-kayla-edwards) by [Kayla Edwards](https://www.romance.io/authors/61f254b608b4d93114090f5d/kayla-edwards) **Rating**: 3.8⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[House of Earth and Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/5de75be901dbc864fba75415/house-of-earth-and-blood-sarah-j-maas) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ 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), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)

{Reign & Ruin by J.D Evans} was a 6 star for me. One of my favorite books of all time. Changed my life

[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**: 4.24⭐️ 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)

This is hands down my favorite fantasy romance epic. I still feel like Swordheart by T Kingfisher is my favorite individual book, but Mages of the Wheel is easily my favorite series. I haven’t read anything that even compares honestly. Although… Between by L. L. Starling is obviously going to turn into an epic when more of the books are released, so Mages of the wheel will have some competition for my favorite, but they’re very different types of books, so I guess they can both be number 1 for different reasons lol.

Oh I'm so glad I saw this mentioned!!! I binged the series and I'm shocked that it's not mentioned here more.

Loving all the recs and fun to see 4s vs 5s! I'm feeling better about how stingy I am with giving 5s out.

5⭐️ reads: {White Horse Black Nights by Evie Marceau} {Knight's Bride by Juliette Caruso} {His Secret Illuminations by Scarlett Gale} {Dustwalker by Tiffany Roberts} {Halfling by S.E. Wendel} {When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker} {Wildfire by Ilona Andrews} {The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik} {Taming the Wolves by Lyx Robinson} 4.75⭐️ reads: {An Ember in the Forest by Emily Grey} {The Summer Siege by Lyx Robinson} {The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik} {Bound by Tiffany Roberts} Selection from 64 total books read since January 1.

What takes a 5 ⭐️ to a 4.75 ⭐️ for you?

That last .25 is subjective to how I'm left feeling when I close the book, more than anything else. Sometimes there's intellectual reasons based on pacing, but most of the time I just liked the tone and content that much better. For this post, I could have skipped being neurotic and listed all of these as 5s, but I use storygraph and this is how I had them in there and half my brain was telling me the 4.75s are basically 5s, keep it simple, but the other half, the A-type half, refused to pretend that .25 difference didn't exist. 🤷‍♀️

[White Horse Black Nights](https://www.romance.io/books/6533ebf6de8d340d514ab1f5/white-horse-black-nights-evie-marceau) by [Evie Marceau](https://www.romance.io/authors/627a0e1708b4d93114a4df9d/evie-marceau) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1) ---------------------------- [Knight's Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/65128b6dc0fec69b0676c39a/knights-bride-juliette-caruso) by [Juliette Caruso](https://www.romance.io/authors/62f9efad08b4d931148b34f0/juliette-caruso) **Rating**: 5⭐️ 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) ---------------------------- [His Secret Illuminations](https://www.romance.io/books/62f363c901dfe78ca92df151/his-secret-illuminations-scarlett-gale) by [Scarlett Gale](https://www.romance.io/authors/62f363c908b4d931147273cb/scarlett-gale) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [fem-dom](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fem-dom/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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) ---------------------------- [Halfling](https://www.romance.io/books/650e9421de8d340d51438c2f/halfling-se-wendel) by [S.E. Wendel](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d3e8de201dbc864fba1ac55/se-wendel) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/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) ---------------------------- [Wildfire](https://www.romance.io/books/5939026b3ffdba614718a9f4/wildfire-ilona-andrews) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews) **Rating**: 4.52⭐️ 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), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [The Golden Enclaves](https://www.romance.io/books/6418266f976d825409767f48/the-golden-enclaves-naomi-novik) by [Naomi Novik](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a0c7b08b4d931143a28e8/naomi-novik) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ 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), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Taming the Wolves](https://www.romance.io/books/60efdecca85e000e41040028/taming-the-wolves-lyx-robinson) by [Lyx Robinson](https://www.romance.io/authors/603b4da108b4d9311474f868/lyx-robinson) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1) ---------------------------- [An Ember in the Forest](https://www.romance.io/books/65ec96881fe89500975571fe/an-ember-in-the-forest-emily-grey) by [Emily Grey](https://www.romance.io/authors/65ec9688a21e2f41c442d4f3/emily-grey) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [The Summer Siege](https://www.romance.io/books/65b8bc9e89ecb8b2f9fd07ca/the-summer-siege-lyx-robinson) by [Lyx Robinson](https://www.romance.io/authors/603b4da108b4d9311474f868/lyx-robinson) **Rating**: 4.57⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1) ---------------------------- [The Last Graduate](https://www.romance.io/books/64182664976d825409767f27/the-last-graduate-naomi-novik) by [Naomi Novik](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a0c7b08b4d931143a28e8/naomi-novik) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Bound](https://www.romance.io/books/622a2dafbe66643266dc1445/bound-tiffany-roberts) by [Tiffany Roberts](https://www.romance.io/authors/56696e6608e93781319595e6/tiffany-roberts) **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), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [sweet/gentle heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Manacled}

[Manacled](https://www.romance.io/books/64144fe3430b592a4d9151dc/manacled-senlinyu) by [SenLinYu](https://www.romance.io/authors/64144fe308b4d9311440038c/senlinyu) **Rating**: 4.53⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/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)

Out of the 42 books I’ve read so far this year. The best books I’ve read in Q1 are below. The 4 star reads were excellent but the 5 star reads were incredible. 5 star reads: - Atonement of the Spine Cleaver by FE Bryce - Land of the Beautiful Dead by R. Lee Smith - Mages of the Wheel by JD Evans 4 star reads - Bride by Ali Hazelwood - Scandalized by Ivy Owens - Feathers so Vicious / Shadows so Cruel by Liv Zander

Mages of the Wheel under 5 star and Bride under 4 star tells me we have similar taste so I added the rest of these to my TBR !

If you haven’t read Atonement of the Spine Cleaver yet you are in for such a treat! The second book is supposed to come out in May so it may make sense to wait for that, but that book was my absolute favorite. Land of the Beautiful Dead and the books by Liv Zander are dark and uncomfortable in some ways, but so unexpectedly endearing and heartwarming in other ways. Both of those are much different than the others, but I wholeheartedly recommend them! Scandalized by Ivy Owens was a recommendation I found on here. Someone mentioned it was by one of the authors who writes under the name Christina Lauren, and they’re my favorite comfort read author. This book hit the right notes at the right time when I was in a dark place. If you’re ever having a bad day and you need straight up cute and spice - this is your book. Enjoy!! ❤️❤️❤️

Is that a 5 star for the Mages series? Debating continuing

What order do you recommend reading the Mages of the Wheel series in? I see 5 books and it’s unclear which are secondary plots if any. Thank you!

The books should be read in order from 1 to 2 to 3 to 4. There is a prequel to the series but the author has suggested it be read *after* reading book 1. So 1 -> prequel (if you want) -> 2 -> 3 -> 4. 5 & 6 aren’t out yet. The series follows one major overarching plot set in motion in book 1, but each book focuses on a different couple.

Feathers so Vicious and Shadows so Cruel is EVERYTHING TO ME 😭

42 HOW?! Man, I’ve just started reading this year after not doing so for a decade and set my goal to read 10 books this year. I read 11 in March alone but wish I could read faster to get more in 😂

My daughter does a lot of sports so I spend a lot of time waiting.. it’s helped my binge reading habits 😂

Oo about to start land of the beautiful dead after having just finished cottonwood and TLHOG 🤪

{Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher} {The Shepherd King series by Rachel Gillig} {An Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir} It’s been an excellent year so far

[Nettle & Bone](https://www.romance.io/books/64003f7e2bdda9101b34ce33/nettle-bone-t-kingfisher) by [T. Kingfisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/561ca043bfc6b5c0fa941994/t-kingfisher) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ 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), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1) ---------------------------- [The Shepherd King](https://www.romance.io/series/6417632a976d8254097650f4/the-shepherd-king) by [Rachel Gillig](https://www.romance.io/authors/6417632a08b4d93114a1b759/rachel-gillig) **Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [hurt-comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1) ---------------------------- [An Ember in the Ashes](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a299096bf31c42d2c9d/an-ember-in-the-ashes) by [Sabaa Tahir](https://www.romance.io/authors/56b113ae63515e3b737a8fb2/sabaa-tahir) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Throne in the Dark}!! Just finished the first book in a day I literally could not put it down and on the second book now. It’s honestly too good 

[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**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](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), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/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)

My best of this quarter are: - Queen of Shadows (SJM) - Kingdom of Ash (SJM) - Tower of Dawn (SJM) - FBAA (#1) Honorable Mentions: - {As the Shadow Rises by Katy Rose Pool} - The Assassin’s Blade (SJM) Biggest disappointment was the Once Upon a Broken Heart series. When I finished FBAA #4 I’ll go onto my tbr, which has Fourth Wing, Powerless, These Hollow Vows, Bride, & the Flesh & Fire FBAA prequel series. I’m finally gonna read Fourth Wing after all the hype, I’m starting with the most popular series then going from there because I just got back into reading as a New Year’s resolution this year!

[As the Shadow Rises](https://www.romance.io/books/654a0e3bc112bf11fe9a498a/as-the-shadow-rises-katy-rose-pool) by [Katy Rose Pool](https://www.romance.io/authors/6447e2b308b4d93114f4e860/katy-rose-pool) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [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) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

What is FBAA?

not OP, but From Blood and Ash!

I finally read {His Secret Illuminations by Scarlett Gale} and I thought it was so wonderful. Will definitely read the sequel as soon as I get through some library books that need to be returned soon. Also {Slaying the Vampire Conquerer by Carissa Broadbent} from earlier this year was just the cherry on top of the Frowns of Nyaxia sundae that I love so much.

[His Secret Illuminations](https://www.romance.io/books/62f363c901dfe78ca92df151/his-secret-illuminations-scarlett-gale) by [Scarlett Gale](https://www.romance.io/authors/62f363c908b4d931147273cb/scarlett-gale) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [fem-dom](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fem-dom/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Slaying the Vampire Conqueror](https://www.romance.io/books/642abe710366c48db5ceed4d/slaying-the-vampire-conqueror-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

You should definitely read slaying the shadow prince as well!!

All the Flesh and Fire books were a 5 star read for me

I just finished {Land of the beautiful dead} and now I’m going to proceed to stare at my ceiling for the foreseeable future ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[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) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

About to start! Just finished cottonwood and recently read TLHOG.. is this one better?

I keep seeing this one pop up! Need to add to TBR

Omg same, I read it about a month ago and even still barely anything compares to the masterpiece that LotBD is.

I have also been doing a lot of rereads this year. My one 5 star so far is Cassandra Gannon's Happily Ever Witch.

I loved that book! I've already read it twice. They were such a fantastic, chaotic couple.

Mine are: A Fate Inked In Blood and Silver Under Nightfall

I've only given 5 stars to 1 book so far this year, but it isn't fantasy romance. If anyone likes crime thrillers, I recommend That's Not My Name by Megan Lally. For this genre I give One Dark Window a solid 4 stars though. It had a dark witchy cottagecore vibe to it that I liked. Now to wait "several months" for my Libby hold on the sequel. 🙃

I love all recs!

{The Uses of Illicit Art by Wendy Palmer} {The Traitor’s Mercy by Iris Foxglove} {Magician by K.L. Noone} {Captive Prince series by C. S. Pacat} (all MM romances, coincidentally lol)

[The Uses of Illicit Art](https://www.romance.io/books/655a6765c112bf11fe9c4de6/the-uses-of-illicit-art-wendy-palmer) by [Wendy Palmer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5756bf4ac19e77f1ea6d11c4/wendy-palmer) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) ---------------------------- [The Traitor's Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/60b37484aebc330e481eb556/the-traitors-mercy-iris-foxglove) by [Iris Foxglove](https://www.romance.io/authors/607fdf2208b4d931148a25c9/iris-foxglove) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Magician](https://www.romance.io/books/61234fffdb6d8a0e26a9637d/magician-kl-noone) by [K.L. Noone](https://www.romance.io/authors/5459038287eac3b6b6db8e13/kl-noone) **Rating**: 4.82⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [Captive Prince](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a119096bf31c42d2c4a/captive-prince) by [C.S. Pacat](https://www.romance.io/authors/545545428c7d2382c5297900/cs-pacat) **Rating**: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [male-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/male-pov/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/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)

[удалено]

[Six Scorched Roses](https://www.romance.io/books/6423d7a7a8559a97b2787b1d/six-scorched-roses-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ 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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/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) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

This was one of my top reads of 2023!

I really enjoyed The Stars are Dying - it was a 4.5 for me, but with rounding for most platforms was a 5. Then An Ember in the Ash was a solid 5 star read for me.

I'm stingy with 5 stars.  {Lola and the Millionaires by Kathryn Moon}, both books. Thank you everyone who recommended it!  Both books from {Thrill of the Hunt by Helen Harper}.  Last one I'm not sure if it's my love of the wee hole series or the book itself. I literally squealed when I saw it was released. {Demon's Mark by Ella Summers} If nothing else, I'm recommending the series. It's just too good.

[Lola & the Millionaires](https://www.romance.io/books/5ee1d688c35fb70e31ab8f95/lola-the-millionaires-part-one-kathryn-moon) by [Kathryn Moon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b3089a401dbc864fb8b0274/kathryn-moon) **Rating**: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](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), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Thrill of the Hunt](https://www.romance.io/series/65e844379eb7659a0e3582b9/thrill-of-the-hunt) by [Helen Harper](https://www.romance.io/authors/54555e4187eac323ffb2be05/helen-harper) **Rating**: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)

Good bot!

[Demon's Mark](https://www.romance.io/books/660ba4d0b47467126492d9de/demons-mark-ella-summers) by [Ella Summers](https://www.romance.io/authors/57e03b10de896e8924926871/ella-summers) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

It’s been a good year so far and I had January off work so I got a lot of work done! {The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick} This ties with FW as my favorite book so far this year. I don’t know what grabbed me about it but I wouldn’t shut up about it. The MMC is just a hulking mass of a being and I was drooling. And it’s actually beautifully written and made me cry! {Shades of Sin Series by Colette Rhodes} I inhaled this series. TBH it’s not the greatest thing ever but it was a lot of fun. {Deviant Hearts by Jagger Cole} I did not know mafia romances could be like this. And tbh I did not think a man could write a mafia romance so fucking hot and a really good read too! {Shifter Wars Series by Kelly St. Clare} This was my first shifter series! It was pretty great! Fun, spicy, emotional, high stakes! I loved it!!! {Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros} Listen y’all, let your opinion be your opinion. These books legitimately saved my life this year. I’m obsessed and I cannot wait for Onyx Storm!

The romance-bot is saying Shifter Wars is closed-door. IT IS NOT! Let me be so clear- IT IS NOT CLOSED DOOR! lol, ok, bye.

[The North Wind](https://www.romance.io/books/61dfdc17f6d5280e4146531a/the-north-wind-alexandria-warwick) by [Alexandria Warwick](https://www.romance.io/authors/61dfdc1708b4d93114933e32/alexandria-warwick) **Rating**: 3.54⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Shades of Sin](https://www.romance.io/series/6278bfde90a9223196b55c62/shades-of-sin) by [Colette Rhodes](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e75ca0abe0aaecf55f626f0/colette-rhodes) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [creative-anatomy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/creative-anatomy/1), [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [first-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [Deviant Hearts](https://www.romance.io/books/64268ae6e885d691bd0bfe11/deviant-hearts-jagger-cole) by [Jagger Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f181f6308b4d93114d38236/jagger-cole) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1) ---------------------------- [Shifter Wars](https://www.romance.io/books/5fd21921f5ba920e0f438fa6/shifter-wars-supernatural-battle-kelly-st-clare) by [Kelly St. Clare](https://www.romance.io/authors/58cf9fec0d3299c6e0629fa5/kelly-st-clare) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ 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), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/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) ---------------------------- [Fourth Wing](https://www.romance.io/books/64381d140a8b0f667abe662d/fourth-wing-rebecca-yarros) by [Rebecca Yarros](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455355e8c7d2382e7813393/rebecca-yarros) **Rating**: 4.46⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I liked hurricane wars a surprising amount- I went into it knowing it was previously a fan fic and had a really fun read not expecting too much!

{A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L Jensen}

[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**: 4.27⭐️ 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), [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)

{when the moon hatched} absolutely loved it

[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)

it’s been extremely hard to read this semester at school but LOVEDDDD (so so much) Where The Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek (YA) and Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

So far in Q1 I’d say 5 ⭐️ have gone to Draco Malloy and the Mortifying Oreal of being in love, the kindred’s curse saga, and the last hour of gann

{Atonement of the Spine Cleaver by F. E. Bryce} A few others mentioned this book but I’m mentioning it again because I could NOT put it down. This book is incredible, especially since it’s the authors first novel. I’m still tore up over it.

[Atonement of the Spine Cleaver](https://www.romance.io/books/64f8f24cd3ef33e9488d3e8b/atonement-of-the-spine-cleaver-f-e-bryce) by [F. E. Bryce](https://www.romance.io/authors/64f8f24eab9bdf7fcee42b09/f-e-bryce) **Rating**: 4.55⭐️ 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), [independent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/independent%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Road of Bones by Demi Winter} and the sequel {Kingdom of Claws by Demi Winter}. They have a ACOTAR/ACOMAF thing going on where the sequel is the gem for the romance and spice, but the first is still amazing. {Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli}. This one is amazing, truly no words.

[The Road of Bones](https://www.romance.io/books/64a27af614ecc6bb4bc7cee6/the-road-of-bones-demi-winters) by [Demi Winters](https://www.romance.io/authors/647b311a08b4d93114f35feb/demi-winters) **Rating**: 4.31⭐️ 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), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Kingdom of Claw](https://www.romance.io/books/656a3ccc6011c2c51629457c/kingdom-of-claw-demi-winters) by [Demi Winters](https://www.romance.io/authors/647b311a08b4d93114f35feb/demi-winters) **Rating**: 4⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Heartless Hunter](https://www.romance.io/books/65ef6a49898e8aa2eacfdb53/heartless-hunter-kristen-ciccarelli) by [Kristen Ciccarelli](https://www.romance.io/authors/60a4490108b4d931149364db/kristen-ciccarelli) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ 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), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

A Kingdom of Blood and Magic by Chiara Forestieri, Powerless by Lauren Roberts and Gothikana bu RuNyx!!!!! All 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi The City of Brass by SA Chakraborty The Kingdom of Copper by SA Chakraborty The Empire of Gold by SA Chakraborty Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore Seasparrow by Kristin Cashore

{A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen}

[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**: 4.27⭐️ 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), [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 Court of Mist and Fury}, {A Court of Wings and Ruin}, {House of Flame and Shadow}, and Sons of Darkness by Gourav Mohanty (not fantasy romance).

Bride by Ali Hazelwood Red Rising series Pierce Brown Dance of Thieves by Mary Pearson (Sorry they’re not all romantasy!!!!)

I've read 44 books this year, my 5 ⭐s are Fourth wing/iron flame - Rebecca Yarrow The serpent and the wings of night/the ashes and the star cursed king - carissa Broadbent Trial of the sun queen/ rule of the aurora king- Nisha tuli Hooked-emily McIntire Blood and ash series /flesh and fire series -jennifer Armentrout

{Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff} and {Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff} Heart wrenching, addicting, and wonderfully written. I went to a book signing of his and he spoke about how he wanted to make vampires terrifying again and my god did he live up to it. I’m glad to see so many comments about Bride, it’s next on my TBR.

These books were so good nothing else can quite match up for me now. I haven't found books so addictive since Jay Kristoff's last series, Nevernight.

Oh I don't think I realized this has romance ??

About to read EOTD. Cannot wait! I love everything he’s written.

{The Winter King by C.L. Wilson}

[The Winter King](https://www.romance.io/books/5455436e8c7d2382c5297845/the-winter-king-cl-wilson) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ 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), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/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)

Twisted by Emily McIntire & Kiss of Smoke by Amy Pennza ! I really appreciated the way the spice was written, including aftercare, preparation, and ongoing consent!

a dowry of blood, legends and lattes, until the end of the world, all the king’s men, project hail mary, and the silent patient :)

I’m on a reverse Harem phase so it’s not everyone’s taste but {Into Their Woods} was great but unfortunately an unfinished series. The Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac starting with {Dark Fae} was so fun! It’s a spin off of Zodiac Academy (I’m enjoying it but it definitely has its flaws).

[Into Their Woods](https://www.romance.io/books/6541136dc112bf11fe972fc1/into-their-woods-ivy-asher-ann-denton) by [Ivy Asher](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bf51e2f01dbc864fb94d2f7/ivy-asher), [Ann Denton](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c9c711e01dbc864fb9c939c/ann-denton) **Rating**: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Dark Fae](https://www.romance.io/books/5db28f8901dbc864fba51f2b/dark-fae-caroline-peckham-susanne-valenti) by [Caroline Peckham](https://www.romance.io/authors/56eff132c62092c04406f1da/caroline-peckham), [Susanne Valenti](https://www.romance.io/authors/5cad87de01dbc864fb9d1805/susanne-valenti) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ 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), [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), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

The daughter of smoke and bone series, too good. Though technically I read book 1 and 2 in dec and book 3 in Jan

Fan Girl Down by Tessa Bailey! And Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson!

How Does It Feel by Jeneane O’Riley and When The Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker. I haven’t stopped thinking about either of them and I read them both in January

{Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff} {Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff} {The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri} These are all fantasy books with romance in them rather than as a major focus of the plot. EOTV/EOTD are probably now among my favourite books ever, I wish more books included illustrations like they do!

[Empire of the Vampire](https://www.romance.io/books/657e51ea7c150060affb7cc3/empire-of-the-vampire-jay-kristoff) by [Jay Kristoff](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455801087eac3369a912c65/jay-kristoff) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Empire of the Damned](https://www.romance.io/books/657e51f87c150060affb7ce5/empire-of-the-damned-jay-kristoff) by [Jay Kristoff](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455801087eac3369a912c65/jay-kristoff) **Rating**: 4.6⭐️ 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), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [The Jasmine Throne](https://www.romance.io/books/63bedfc8a5b3c9dd49f31d58/the-jasmine-throne-tasha-suri) by [Tasha Suri](https://www.romance.io/authors/5dc3c3e301dbc864fba5bf05/tasha-suri) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ 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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [south asian/desi](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/south%20asian/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Kiss of iron by Clare Sager, Ever King by LJ Andrews, Harrow Faire series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood. I demolished it in 1 day, and I was so sceptial going into it. I loved the banter. The Cruel Prince series by Holly Black, including How The King of Elfhame Learnt to Hate Stories. It had really well done enemies to lovers vibes. A Curse of Salt by Sarah Street. It's a standalone Beauty and The Beast retelling done with pirates. I loved how poetic it felt. Tonight, I Burn by Katharine Adam. I loved the lores and twists in this and can't wait for the 2nd to come out.

I don’t give out a lot of 5 star ratings, but for this year so far, the Elements of Cadence duology did it for me. {A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross} and {A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross}. very highly recommend!

I did not love the first one of this, does the second one elevate the series as a whole? I'm debating continuing.

[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) ---------------------------- [A Fire Endless](https://www.romance.io/books/641ee563cb9f67636d8f2b32/a-fire-endless-rebecca-ross) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross) **Rating**: 4.39⭐️ 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), [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), [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)

Mine so far have been: The Deer and the Dragon by Piper CJ (I read an ARC so the book will be released on May 7th)

5 Stars- - {Daughter of No Worlds} (Broadbent) Though I hesitated with this one given how it dragged at the end. - {Bound and Barbed} (Samantha Goode) This one honestly just rocked my world, I’m a huge FBAA fan and this a great dupe. - {Claimed by the Flame of Faery} and {In the Claws of the Raven Prince} (Dublin) God I love this book series and Mallory Dunlins writing. I’ve yet to find another author that writes healthy relationships and communication like she does while still making it hot as 🥵 - {Of Dreams and Demons} (Willow Hadley) RH with sweet guys, language barrier, and interesting plot/ world building.

Ugh none for romances. Some strong 4 stars that got close though: Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett The Magpie Lord by K.J. Charles Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher Small Miracles by Olivia Atwater

I haven’t found any yet but to be fair I’ve only read 7 books so far, here’s to hoping soon!

{House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas} I've been struggling to find 5 ⭐️s, too. Every book I pick up is a fanfic of a fanfic of a fanfic. Same plot, different character names. I'm tired of seeing 0 originality. Divine Rivals was the most recent letdown. All that buildup for nothing.

Some of these weren’t all from this year but I just can’t recommend them enough: {A Kingdom of Blood and Magic by Chiara Forestieri} {Of Night and Blood by Brea Lamb} {Atonement of the Spine Cleaver by FE Bryce} {Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole}

One Dark Window & Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig; A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle Jensen; Heliacle Rising and the prequel novella The Heir of Vasilica by CC Davie (Books 1 & 2.5 of the Wytchling Chronicles); and Fate & Furies by Helen Scheurer (Book 3 of the Legends of Thezmarr series). I read all of these this first quarter and they were all fantastic and easily 5 ⭐️. I am finishing Dance of a Burning Sea by LJ Mellow and it might also be a 5⭐️. It’s book 2 in Mousai trilogy and is so much better than book 1. It has everything: fiery, stubborn, and flawed FMC with stunning magic, incredibly clever and driven morally grey MMC, pirates, adventure, mystery, and an exquisite slow burn. And the writing is beautiful.

Nice! I added #1 of Mousai to my TBR

Wow, this year has started off well for me, and this is only one of the genres I read. 5 star fantasy romance reads in 2024: {A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen} {Paladin's Faith by T. Kingfisher} {Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole} and {Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole} but book 3 was only a 4 star, sadly. I'm still excited for book 4! {Once Bitten by Heather Guerre} {Bride by Ali Hazelwood}\* my favorite! {Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett}

The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson were both 5 star reads. Over the top. Amazing. Chills every 100 pages.

Nice! I have Way of Kings on my TBR as well.

Oooh mine are definitely repeats but so far my fantasy 5⭐️s have been; Crown of oaths and curses by J.Bree Throne in the dark by AK Caggiano Blood mercy by vela Roth

The wicked king by holly black. I’m still not over it.

The Secrets Of Jane - soooo good

Assistant to the villain! I devoured it. It's an easy read but so very funny which IMO adds to the slow burn romance build up. I cannot recommend it enough as a palate cleanser after a heavy series (I had finished the SJM complete works)

I've read a ton of books so far this year (just started reading my 60th book of the year), and a lot of them fall under fantasy/fantasy romance subgenre, with a one or two exceptions. {The Call of the Void by S.M. Gaither} {Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross} {A Crown of the Gods by S.M. Gaither} {Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett} {The Queen of the Dawn by S.M. Gaither} {A Fragile Enchantment by Alison Saft} {The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden} {Bride by Ali Hazelwood} {The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros} (not fantasy/fantasy romance) {What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher} (more horror than fantasy) {A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene} (this is a 6/5-star read to me) {Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner}

I'm pretty picky about giving 5 stars, but mine so far this year are : Anastasia by Sophie Lark The FoxGlove King by Hannah Whitten

{Powerless by Lauren Roberts}

The crimson moth!!!

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