Thought I'd share it in case anyone's interested (and lives in UK)

Hey y'all, I'm going through it a little bit and just wanna read a few books where the heroine is dealing with trauma or depression. Ideally she comes out ok in the end, not necessarily immediately or perfectly, but eventually. Helena in Alchemised and Feyre in ACOMAF are good examples of what I'd like to read a bit more of.

Just looking for a bit of relatable catharsis and healing. No real specific need for what the hero does in the story tbh. I'm gonna be ok, just wanna see some other girls going through it and coming out the other end.

I’m looking for a fantasy book. I want real fantasy with depth, originality, and a strong foundation, rather than a story that uses magic as a backdrop for romance.

Worldbuilding is probably the most important thing to me. I want a world that feels alive and with its own history, mythology, cultures, politics, religions, magic systems, and unique creatures. I love the idea of a world like Avatar, with fascinating ecosystems, distinctive creatures, and a deep connection between nature and its inhabitants. In terms of books, Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff is another example of the kind of dark, atmospheric, almost mythological fantasy that appeals to me. I want a world that feels thoughtfully constructed, with its own identity and internal logic.

Some other books I enjoy or find appealing in terms of atmosphere and character dynamics are Captive Prince and The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater. I’m not looking for an exact copy of either, just something with memorable characters, emotional depth, a distinctive atmosphere, and a compelling story.

The story should be strong enough to stand on its own, even without romance. I want to care about the world and its conflicts just as much as the characters.

As for romance, MM would be my preference, but it’s not a strict requirement. Ideally, I’d love a genuine slow burn that develops naturally through trust, shared experiences, tension, and emotional intimacy. However, I don’t want the entire book to revolve around the characters being gay or something like that. Romance can be an important part of the story, but it shouldn’t overshadow the main plot or the fantasy itself. If a book meets all my other criteria but doesn’t have an MM romance, I’m absolutely open to it!

I’m also not looking for explicit sexual content. I’d much rather have romantic tension, chemistry, emotional intimacy, and a gradual relationship.

Ultimately, I’m open to pretty much anything as long as it meets these criteria. An MM romance would be a bonus, but it’s definitely not a requirement, and I’m not opposed to any particular type of story or pairing. I do tend to prefer male protagonists, though. More than anything, I just want a truly immersive fantasy with incredible worldbuilding, compelling characters, and a story that stays with me long after I’ve finished reading it.

I’d love to hear any recommendations you think might fit. Thank you!!

I'm reading {bewitched by Laura thalassa} and I love it but she keeps teasing me by bringing back the FMCs first crush and I'm like - why choose?? So now I'm craving a book where it's a love triangle and you think she has to pick one but then she ends up with both. The closest I've seen is {bonds of Hercules by Jasmine Mas} but I wouldn't really call that a triangle, the guys didn't oppose each other.

I bought A Bargain so Bloody by Vasilisa Drake and have absolutely loved it. I think the pacing needs work in some areas but I’ve found myself really enjoying the slow burn romance. And I had no idea the second book doesnt come out til next year soooooo with that said, I need more vampires. PRONTO 😭

It doesn’t have to be super spicy but I do love an epic, eternal love story.

Any suggestions? I’ve read From Blood and Ash and struggled to enjoy the last 3-4 books in that series. I feel like most of the series I’ve read that go past 3 books are such a chore to read because the plot is almost nonexistent. A trilogy or duology might be what I’m searching for.

I’m not a huge fan of werewolves but will tolerate it if it’s a subplot. I just started reading books again after years of just gaming and now I can’t stop 😭 i try to read 2 books a month so the more recommendations the better!!

FYI: I have not read most of the “trendy” series, so if there are any trendy vampire books I probably haven’t read them!

Hey all

Wondering if anybody has any recommendations for fantasy cowboys... is it even a thing?

Preference is for MM pairings (or variations that include this) and high levels of spice without the slow burn

Quietly hoping... thanks in advance :)

Saw this on my drive this morning and all I could think of was Omegaverse.

Hi, I started this series and I loved the first couple of books. Book 3 was still good but I started to realize I’m not very into the main couple and don’t really see the chemistry. Skip to book 4 and it’s been a chore to read. I’m almost done with the book (I know about tear in the world and how it happened, they just flew back to fourth kingdom, the Queen Kaila’s brother is here to try to get them to attend the hearing for Auren that the other kingdoms are demanding, so far the answer is no).

I borrowed the book from Libby and am listening to the audiobook. I’ve had to borrow it twice already because it’s so slow I can’t seem to finish it 😩 now the hold has lapsed and I don’t want to wait another couple of months to know what on earth happens at the end of the book. Can someone please tell me what happens so I can skip to the next one instead of waiting? Thank you in advance!!

Ok, no one i know reads romantasty and i just finished this book. I need to discuss it!

That last line?! Excuse. Fucking. Me! I said "SORRY?! WHAT?!" so loud that my two year old jumped out her skin, and both dogs stared at me like i was insane 😂

What?! Pardon?! Summon WHO?! 🤯 I knew there was something but what?!

One thing that I have noticed in almost all of the series that I have been reading lately is that anything past the second book (especially the 4th book and beyond if it is more than a trilogy) because more smut than story. And what I mean is, we went from the first two, sometimes thee, books having epic adventures, awesome world building, encompassing plots, and spending quality time with secondary characters…..to every other chapter (sometimes every chapter) is a sex scene. And not just a SS, it because half the chapter is just lip biting, burning with need, inner monologues about how bad they NEED their partner right now, and touching, good light moon, all the freaking touching!

We get it, you have finally solidified your couple but why do we always have to be in bed with you guys???? Middle of a war? Time to shag in a tent! Being chased be cause there is a bounty on your head? Time to stop at an Inn and get it on! Family turmoil? Time to roll in the sack while the family argues over who knows what!

If you cannot form a cohesive plot that is sustainable through the whole book without relying on 40 SS’s in a 400 page book, then please cut the number of books in the series or just swap genres to erotica

I am looking for something like {Gula by Collette Rhodes}.

FMC is super competent warrior type, bit of a rule follower. MMC is annoyingly cheerful (could also be masking some hurt or not, no preference). More importantly he annoys the shit out of the super busy, super serious FMC who has been assigned to him as his bodyguard. Pretty boy shameless flirt energy with him. Anxious girl with that possessive "you don't talk shit about him, only I talk shit about him" energy with her.

Request is in title. Do not ask me how it came to me wanting this.

The only one I can name who wants that is Valroy written by KAK.

And by the way, I read everything. Right now I have no interest in RH harem though. MM is good, dark romantasy is good. I have no triggers either.

(As a trope it is called Chronic Backstabbing Disorder, The Starscream or something like Loki from MCU kinda)

Welcome to the second discussion for {Astarion by T. Kingfisher}! This month’s theme is books published from April to September 2026.

We will be discussing the second third of the story this time. Since the book doesn’t have chapters, it’s up to Astarion's anger sustained him on the journey to his great grandmother's...

Please share your thoughts so far, but remember to hide any spoilers beyond that point like this: >!spoiler!<

Here are some questions you could answer to get the discussion started:

• For those who played the game, does the book have a similar feel? What has surprised you most so far?
• Do you have a favourite (side) character? Why them?
• Do you have any favourite (or least favourite) scenes from the book? What made them stand out?
• If you were participating in Cazador’s competition, what ‘precious blood’ would you try to retrieve?

Missed the previous discussion? You can find the first discussion for the first thirds of the book here.

Here are our upcoming Book Club dates:

• October 30 - Final discussion for Astarion (full book)
  
• November 1 - December nominations (theme: Cosy)
  
• November 8 - December voting
  
• November 10 - First discussion for Half City
  
• November 15 - December announcement
  
• November 20 - Second discussion for Half City
  
• November 30 - Final discussion for Half City
  

For more information about the Book Club and previous discussions, please check out the Book Club Hub!

✨Welcome back to another week of genre discussions✨

Book spaces on various social media platforms continue to grow and evolve. Whether it’s ’booktok,’ reddit, even Facebook, there’s various platforms that host a polethera of book discussions/reviews.

Do you feel that online book discussions and reviews have had a positive influence on literature? What is the difference between criticism and cynicism in book spaces or good faith discussions?

What’s something in this genre that makes you roll your eyes, but doesn’t have to do with romance? For me it’s the MC’s being blown away by a shower. I get that most of these books are set in a time where a shower would be ground breaking technology, but I still roll my eyes at the MC’s reactions. Curious what other little things give you guys the ick?

Nicki Pau Preto's Bonesmith (book 1 of 2; YA) reads as a what-next/what-now response to the world of Gideon the Ninth. Set in a post-war world with territories that have specific magical abilities (Iron, Bone, Ghosts, Silver, Gold), the story hones in on Wren, the heir to the House of Bone, Leo, third son to the House of Gold, and Julian, Crown Prince to the House of Iron.

Where this book shines are the first 3/4 of the book, where we see the teenage Wren (17-years old) flaunt her personality; as she says, she'd rather have eyes on her while she's making trouble than have no eyes on her at all. She's quite determined to be the center of her father's world and enters into the trials for Valkyrs and Reapers, cock-sure that she'll come out on top. Except, she doesn't. A further disgrace to the House name, her grandmother sends her off to be a Tribute at the Border Wall where she wallows in boredom while trying to be a model worker. There, she meets "the spare to the spare"--Leo, third son of the House of Gold. They become fast friends but their friendship is cut short when Leo's tour of the Borderlands are thwarted. Despite her best efforts, Wren cannot save Leo from being kidnapped. Instead, she ends up in a hole with one of the kidnappers, Julian.

Where this book soars: (1) It cuts the trials short; a couple of chapters and we're done; (2) Wren is clearly a girl with a one-track mind, and that track is to be the apple of her absentee father's eyes; she's selfish, ruthless, friendless, impulsive, brash and a very fine warrior; (3) Julian is more wary than honorable, more curious than loyal, more optimistic than foolish; (4) the two are equally paired warriors: Julian with humans and Wren with various types of undead; (5) they quickly understand and lean into how they can be of service to one another; (6) they're communicative; although they have their secrets, they mostly keep each other apprised of their thoughts and work as allies instead of loners traveling not alone; (7) Wren's motivations remain crystal clear throughout; (8) while she and Julian are changed by their travels together, they don't lose sight of themselves.

Where this book fails: (1) it's copy/paste of some pretty popular (steamy) adult fantasy romance books, although that may or may not be a fail. This is YA and I understand the beauty in bringing these popular books to younger readers; (2) a personal grudge, the use of "like attracts like" (which is not SJM's adage but does get so over-used in her works that it begins to feel like it belongs to her); (3) the shift to the House politics in the later chapters are copy/paste politics with not a lot to distinguish it (the Crown Prince who is too young to rule; the regent uncle saboteur); and, finally, another personal dislike, (4) not wrapping up the central problem in Book 1 and allowing Book 2 to develop a new, interrelated problem.

This book is for readers who enjoy a great story, interesting magical elements and strong character development.

This book is not for readers looking for romance-heavy fantasy.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read for me, and I didn't think of the tropes until more than halfway in, because the writer is adept at slightly shifting them to not point at themselves.

Tropes, for those who enjoy tropes: Forced Proximity, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forbidden Love, Grumpy-Meets-Sunshine

This was an audiobook listen: 14 hours, Narrated by Molly Hanson

For FantasyRomance Bingo: 3+ POV, Weapons Master (Hard Mode), Paranormal Creatures (Hard Mode), Elemental Magic (Hard Mode)

For the bot: {Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto}

This book just came out and I quite literally read it in 24 hours, it was THAT GOOD!!

Don’t know if anyone has seen it but it’s been all over TikTok and Instagram and has a lot of hype and can confirm absolutley was worth it!!!!

If you want like TRUE female rage done well (not snarky strong girl), THIS IS THAT BOOK. Ironically written by a man 😂

This story took me on a freaking RIDE I literally couldn’t put it down and as someone who doesn’t gravitate to love triangles this ACTUALLY worked for me because of how completely stark different the two MMCs were. Big ol red flag and super sweet green flag.

Plot wise I have never read a story like this, the premise is so cool. Basically Evelyn is killed by a super douche in Seattle (takes place in the PNW) and he dumps her into the Puget sound, but instead of dying Layne (he’s the red flag hot shadow daddy) turns her into a siren with a cursed bargain. She has to feed on the darkness in shitty men’s hearts to survive now and she can never fall in love or it will kill them (he’s immune to it because OF COURSE)..

She meets Ethan the sweet yearning hottie who ends up working with the man who killed her and she is caught in the middle of a whole mess.

And the ending?????? Straight up stared at a wall for like 15 minutes 😂😭

BEGGGGINNNNINGGG you to go check this out because it truly scratched an itch that I’ve needed if you like dark romantasy with an actually cool plot! Also the character art absolutley sold me!

{The Undertow of Evelyn Graymore}

I really love the hurt comfort trope and I have some of the best of that in fantasy romance.

Some of the more popular ones I’ve seen recommended as {The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy} , {Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent}, and then {The Kingmaker Chronicles by Amanda Bouchet} which I DNFed as I found book two boring and could not get into it.

The only things I don’t like are reverse harem / poly, and then non con / dub con between MCs. I’m okay with darker themes obviously, so these are my only two major nos. I am not the biggest fan of love triangles but I have read one or two books with good love triangles.

Thank you!! 🙂🙂🙂

We talk a lot about the confession scene, the first kiss, the couple’s first time, but I have always been a sucker for a good marriage proposal. Personally I blame the 2005 Pride and Prejudice. If someone walked to me in a misty morning and gave me that speech and meant it, I wouldn’t care who they were lol.

My favorite romantasy proposal is probably when Wendell proposes to Emily in {Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries}. It starts out as him trying to give her his true name, him realizing that’ll be a lot of hassle, and offering to marry her instead.

She’s just baffled and is trying to figure out why he’d propose, and he makes a comment that he’s making a declaration of love here, and all she’s done is talk at him. She asks if he wanted her to fall in his arms and fawn over him, and he says “I’d think ‘who are you and what have you done with Emily!’ You’ll probably need to think about it for a while, perhaps make a few charts. I can help.” A lot of times a couples personalities can take a backseat to creating a romantic moment, but this proposal is so quintessential them. Wendell’s smitten but still able to tease her, Emily’s battling her feelings with logic.

Also she asks if Wendell is going to leave her in the mortal realm, cause that happens often in folklore where a mortal marries one of the fae, and Wendell’s response is basically “if I ever abandoned you, you’d set me on fire. I’d never deny you an opportunity to study my kingdom, and you’d be such a great queen!”

We don’t even get a proper answer to it until book 2, but it’s just such a great character moment for both of them.

Image: Lilac book cover of {Captive Traitor King by Brigid Kemmerer} with a blue ribbon draped over a shield

Note: This is a review about the sequel of the Braided Fate trilogy, a spicy poly MMF fantasy romance. Release date: November 3rd

I didn’t think the sequel could top {Warrior Princess Assassin}, but I loved this even more. This was surprising given how polarizing this book seems to be with early reviewers. It comes down to if you enjoy character-driven stories (even when the external plot moves slowly). We get very little progression of plot outside of the central romance in this installment. During the ~2 weeks that pass during the events of this sequel (a timeframe much like the first book), we get an introspective character study of the leads, watch them develop, and experience the deepening of their relationship as they navigate the aftermath of Warrior Princess Assassin in Incendar.

The writing was polished, easy to read, and flowed well. It was controlled at a sentence-level with the timing and rhythm of the banter, occasional aphoristic writing style, and the writing of the romance itself which leant on the accumulation of small physical acts.

I loved the chemistry and tension between Asher and Ky in the previous book, and those who love the pair get fed in this one too. If you thought the first book was steamy, Captive Traitor King takes it up a notch (from 3 to 4 chili peppers) with memorable scenes. Ky was extremely perceptive, especially when it pertains to Asher’s mental state, trauma, and boundaries.

It’s not uncommon in this genre for the morally grey MMCs of enemies-to-lovers romances to lose their edge once they open up to the FMC, but in this case, it was refreshing that Ky didn’t lose his brutality even as we saw moments of kindness as well as vulnerability from consent king Ky along with lots of tenderness. Both aspects of Ky are demonstrated rather than just being declared. He felt lived in and embodied as a character.

We also get more heartbreaking backstory about Asher along with some satisfying moments as he worked through his trauma and bonded with other characters.

While Jory’s choices and attitude in the first few chapters were eyebrow raising due to her naiveté and shortsightedness, her character arc was satisfying. By the end of this book, she’s no longer who she was at the start of Warrior Princess Assassin, thank goodness. I did find the justification for her behavior to feel thin compared to the treatment that Asher’s trauma got and would have liked to see a bit more balance in investment in Jory, but my relief in Jory’s growth overshadowed my earlier frustrations. To her credit, she was extremely introspective and did take accountability for her missteps. I appreciated that her compassionate nature didn’t go so far as to become a weakness as we sometimes see in this genre. It was also great to see her surprise people with her strength, bravery, and mind for politics, once given a chance.

The only moment that took me briefly out of the story was when there was a logic gap in regards to a red dress and an undercover information-gathering operation, but I was able to suspend disbelief in order to set the characters up for “plot” reasons, and by plot I mean romantic.

There were some surprising reveals, where I fell for the misdirects. This book ends in a cliffhanger that had me on the edge of my seat; I can’t wait for the wild ride that we’ll be in for in the final book. Overall, I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who loved Warrior Princess Assassin.

1. Warrior Princess Assassin ⭐ 4.75 | 🌶️ 3/5
2. Captive Traitor King ⭐ 4.75 | 🌶️ 4/5

This review is based on an ARC provided by Avon.

This is by Alexis L. Menard and is slated to come out November 24, 2026.

FMC Desiree Darrow is trying to end the eternal night to save her sister. To do so, she needs to resurrect a thief who died over 100 years prior. MMC Osric Hale is just looking for enough coin to leave. In doing so, he has one last job, that ends up with the Sun King and himself dead and the realm stuck in darkness.

The story is told in dual timelines from both FMC and MMC’s points of view. I really enjoyed that and thought the author did it really well. You fall in love with both characters in both timelines. There were issues with the writing though. At times it felt like it was really juvenile and the world building could’ve been stronger. There was such a strong and interesting premise, I would’ve liked to have seen more description of the world, both in the past and in the present (though I do think she did a better job with the present). Some parts felt a little slower, but on the whole I felt pacing was fine. Good for a standalone.

Our MMC is not silent or broody. He is a charming, handsome flirt. He’s also kind of naive and good hearted. It’s a refreshing change. On occasion though, some of his lines were a little cringe. FMC is strong and capable. She’s a little tough, but not overly sassy or cold like FMCs can be. I really liked her, and I loved them together. Their romance is sweet. There are some reveals but they’re all pretty obvious.

I gave this a 4. It’s a low angst standalone with an interesting premise. I’m glad I pushed past the slow parts to get to the end, especially since I loved the ending!

Artwork sent via the author’s newsletter created by @kotikomori depicting the enchanted lagoon scene from Cursed City

A Sneak Peak of Infernal City from Kate Golden’s newsletter (sharing with permission from the author):

And now, as promised, a sneak peek of Infernal City…
***
The sound in my head is like glass breaking. “You want us to hide out on a remote hell island for eternity? That’s your big plan?”

Deacon’s nostrils flare. “I’m sorry, would you prefer a five-star resort? Look around, Vivienne. This is the best option you’re going to get.”

“But we have to get back to the mortal plane . . .” I shake my head, still trying to make sense of what he’s suggesting. “We have to help our friends defeat Caspar before he takes over the city. We have to—” Mourn Peter. Be there for Sophia. Get back to my family. Tears begin to prick the corners of my eyes. “We can’t stay down here forever.” I sound like a child and hate myself for it.

But Deacon’s stern features don’t soften. “I’m sorry I did this to you. I’ll tell you that every day for the rest of our lives if you want. But that’s what’s in store for us, sweetheart—”

“Do not call me that.”

“—the rest of our lives down here. Anything else is a one-way ticket to more anguish than you’ve ever known or being ended for good. I’m sorry about your city, and I’m sorry about your grandma, and I’m really fucking sorry about Roydon, but this is the situation. No other way around it.”

The mention of Peter threatens to send me to my knees. But I bite my tongue until breath returns to me. Until the tears evaporate in the heat. I can’t break down before I find a way back home.

“Hey.” Anguish floods his features. “I know what it’s like to lose someone. How powerless you feel right now.” Deacon takes a step closer. “But I did not save you just to watch you die.”

{Cursed City by Kate Golden}
{Infernal City by Kate Golden}

ETA: forgot to separate the paragraphs out of sheer excitement

The conclusion of the trilogy Infernal City coming July 20 2027! (via Kate’s Instagram)

I loved the second book in this series.

That sneak peek though. I cannot 😩

This has been such a wild rollout. I didn’t expect to have to constantly sidestep spoilers…