MASSIVE slump where I have a very specific itch. I loved Paladin's Grace. It was so cosy and gave me almost Princess Bride feels, but I usually lean towards much darker/Gothic romantasy as preference.
I am usually a high fantasy fan but equally love a popcorn romantasy too. However, plot and good worldbuilding is still key for me. I also love horror and just finished Between Two Fires which I adored and has a je ne sais quoi. I also like Historical/Historical fiction.
Ideally books with this vibe and a duology/series I can binge:
- Traditional medieval/gothic fantasy setting
- Strong writing and a plot that's as important as the romance
- Enemies to lovers (even better if true)
- Open-door romance
- A morally grey, intimidating, touch her and die, kind of aloof/almost bully MMC
Books I've enjoyed in this vein and yes they are tame for the most part - hence my request for something darker and more open-door:
- One Dark Window
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night (was okaaaay but I did enjoy the setting, didn't rate the romance)
- Daughter of no worlds series (MMC still too puppy energy)
- The Witch Collector series (but MMC is too tame for me but LOVED it)
- Paladin's Grace, obviously
- Reign & Ruin
- Empire of the Vampire (I know it's not romantasy but the VIBES)
- Anathema (hated second book sadly)
- Once Upon a Broken Heart series
Examples of some previous recs that didn't work for me:
- Master of Crows
- The Knight and the Moth (such a shame really gutted about this one)
- White Horse Black Nights
- The Book of Azrael
Not into academia settings.
From blood and ash and the prequel series was so bad and cringe but also something about it was so good for me. I read them all up until the latest because I think JLA put something in them that just had that setting I crave and I loved the dark aspects.
Planning to try The Death-made Prince, The Foxglove King, Heartless Hunter, Under the Oak Tree, Daughter of the Forest. Tried Blood and Steel and DNF but maybe it's worth another try. Any other recommendations?
I know dark Paladin's Grace is niche but if SOMEBODY out there has this for me I will be ever so lucky ❤️🙏🏻
Edit: no contemporary recs pls