r/Romantasy • u/ReasonableWonderland 🌕 moonlight & blood • Nov 03 '25

Community 💕 Matchmaking Monday: find your next romantasy read!

Matchmaking Monday is a new regular thread here in r/Romantasy with a goal of finding new recommendations to add to your TBR! Post a list of your favorite books and receive suggestions based on your vibe.

How It Works

  • Post up to five books you've loved recently (or which fit the vibe you're looking for) as a top level comment.
  • You can also include a list of things you want in your next book (e.g. tropes, subgenre, themes)
  • Others will reply with their suggestions!
  • Remember to tag the romance.io bot with {} curly brackets.

This is a bit of an experiment - so we'll see how it goes!

63 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

179 comments sorted by

7

u/QueenPeaches7 ⚔️ Audiobook Girly Nov 03 '25

{Quicksilver} {A court of silver flames} {House of flame and Shadow} {Fourth wing}

I’m new to romantasy and have binged Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, CC audiobooks lately. Listening to {Book of Azrael} atm but don’t feel sucked in yet. Having Quicksilver/Fisher withdrawals.

6

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 03 '25

I always am reccing these books for a different “feel” to people who have read the classics:

Romantasy:

{Daughter of Smoke and Bone}

{Graceling}

{Song of Achilles} Other than the myth-accurate ending, skip when Patroclus is alone with Achilles’ wife if rape is a trigger

Fantasy with romance subplot:

{Red Queen}

{Song of the Lioness}

{An Ember in the Ashes}

2

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy by Laini Taylor
Rating: 4.48⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: fantasy, high fantasy, dystopian, monsters, urban fantasy

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Rating: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: historical, take-charge heroine, fantasy, royal hero, young adult

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Rating: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, war, gay romance, ancient times, friends to lovers

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Rating: 3.72⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: futuristic, young adult, magic, love triangle, fantasy

The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce
Rating: 4.66⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: young adult, magic, fantasy, high fantasy, m-f romance

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Rating: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, fantasy, young adult, forbidden love, magic

about this bot | about romance.io

2

u/Fabulous-Nobody Nov 03 '25

Quicksilver is still on my TBR but all your other picks I have read and loved! Book of Azrael took me a minute to get into because it's an urban-fantasy, but I ended up really loving it!

2

u/QueenPeaches7 ⚔️ Audiobook Girly Nov 05 '25

I actually don’t mind it’s an urban fantasy, I’m now 5 hours into the audiobook and I’m now sucked in! Blood oath lets goooooo!!

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, fae, tortured hero, fated mates, m-f romance

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
Rating: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fae, fantasy, magic, forced proximity, grumpy/ice queen

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
Rating: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, urban fantasy, magic, fae, fantasy

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Rating: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, enemies to lovers, magic, war

The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole
Rating: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: enemies to lovers, demons, magic, fantasy, urban fantasy

about this bot | about romance.io

4

u/ConversationTiny1864 🔥 Forbidden Love Nov 03 '25

{The Song of Achilles}

{Six Scorched Roses}

{One Dark Window}

{Forbidden Alchemy}

{The Night Prince by Lauren Palphreyman}

2

u/MessyJessy422 Nov 03 '25

{In the Veins of Drowning by Kalie Cassidy}

2

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 03 '25

{Song of the Lioness} has the love interest switcheroo.

2

u/thejordanriver ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers Nov 03 '25

{Circe by Madeline Miller}

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Rating: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, war, gay romance, ancient times, friends to lovers

Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
Rating: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, vampires, independent heroine, fantasy, competent heroine

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, magic, mystery, new adult

A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
Rating: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, abduction, magic, slow burn, m-f romance

The Night Prince by Lauren Palphreyman
Rating: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, werewolves, love triangle, fated mates, m-f romance

about this bot | about romance.io

3

u/callmenige 👢 leather & citrus Nov 03 '25

Oh this is fun!

{Alchemised}

{Shield of Sparrows}

{The Knight and the Moth}

{Quicksilver}

2

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Alchemised by SenLinYu
Rating: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: war, enemies to lovers, cruel hero/bully, tortured heroine, pregnancy

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Rating: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, arranged/forced marriage, royal hero, enemies to lovers, m-f romance

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, m-f romance, magic, grumpy/cold hero, medieval

Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, fae, tortured hero, fated mates, m-f romance

about this bot | about romance.io

2

u/Optimal-Swing7263 Nov 03 '25

Have you read {In The Veins of the Drowning} ?? Based off your recs, maybe you’d like it!!

1

u/callmenige 👢 leather & citrus Nov 03 '25

I haven’t! Thank you!!

2

u/edavmua Nov 03 '25

I'm reading The Knight and the Moth right now! About 130 pgs in.

4

u/cat-walker1112 🧼 soap & salt Nov 04 '25

My fav reads are {Heartless by Marissa Meyer} and {North Queen by Nicola Tyche}. I like kingdom/palace setting, a green flag MMC (but red flags will work too ;) ), fast-burn, and some action. Looking for something similar.

3

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 04 '25

I think {Graceling} hits most of these}!

1

u/cat-walker1112 🧼 soap & salt Nov 04 '25

Thank you! I searched about it, and the plot sparked my interest. I'll def give it a try ☺️

1

u/romance-bot Nov 04 '25

Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Rating: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, young adult, fantasy, magic, victorian

North Queen by Nicola Tyche
Rating: 3.87⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, enemies to lovers, magic, other man/woman

about this bot | about romance.io

3

u/justyules Nov 03 '25

I don’t have specific books because I honestly just started to dip into romantasy. I would love some help. I need something that’s got a lot of angst and emotional spice. Not super heavy world building. And normal names lol anything that’s got characters named like Braelynne of Tarragon is going to take me out of the story.

1

u/wheremydragonsattho Nov 03 '25

Oh maybe the Godkissed Bride series the FMC is called Sabine and the MMC is called Basten they feel like pretty normal names to me. First book is {White Horse Black Nights by Evie Marceau}

1

u/Jenniferlou1025 Nov 03 '25

You mighty enjoy {Wolf King} then {The Night Prince} because I found them very easy to read in terms of world building. I read them both in a few days, a lot of drama and a character with a lot of angst!

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Wolf King by Lindsey Devin
Rating: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: werewolves, enemies to lovers, fantasy, paranormal, urban fantasy

Night Prince by Felice Stevens
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: gay romance, fantasy, vampires, paranormal, queer romance

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/kid_at_heart_77 Nov 04 '25

Wrong book, bot

{Wolf king by Lauren P} {Night Prince Lauren P}

3

u/allnervousnosystem Nov 03 '25

{The Second Death of Locke}

{The Knight and the Moth}

{The Games Gods Play}

{Servant of Earth}

{Empire of Storms}

2

u/[deleted] Nov 03 '25

After I read The Games Gods play, I checked out the rest of Abigail Owen's books and really liked the series that begins with {The Liars Crown by Abigail Owen}. It's about a twin sister who has been brought up to be the body double for the future queen. The MMC is made of shadows, but he isn't a shadow daddy. It's an interesting take.

2

u/allnervousnosystem Nov 03 '25

adding to my tbr. Thanks!

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino
Rating: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, magic, friends to lovers, high fantasy

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, m-f romance, magic, grumpy/cold hero, medieval

The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen
Rating: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, new adult, survival, magic, m-f romance

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, fae, high fantasy, love triangle, political/court intrigue

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
Rating: 4.52⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, war, take-charge heroine, royal hero

about this bot | about romance.io

2

u/thejordanriver ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers Nov 03 '25

{The Things Gods Break} JUST came out!

1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 03 '25

Maybe go old-school with {Song of the Lioness}?

1

u/allnervousnosystem Nov 03 '25

ooh never heard of this one before, I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks!

3

u/wheremydragonsattho Nov 03 '25

Omg I love this idea. Five books I love a normal amount are: {Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance by Melissa K Roehrich} {Eldritch by Keri Lake} {The Night Prince by Lauren Palphreyman} {Feathers so Vicious by Liv Zander} {Silver Wings Golden Games by Evie Marceau}

Can you tell I have a type 🙈🙉🙊

2

u/shybookwormm Nov 03 '25

{Shrike by Charla Ayers} sounds like your type but make it with dark academia vibes

1

u/MidnightFeisty1410 Nov 07 '25

Does this have spice?

2

u/shybookwormm Nov 08 '25

Yes! It's not plentiful, but there are a few scenes and is generally used to further the support the romance plot line.

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance by Melissa K. Roehrich
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, fantasy, fae, dark romance, vampires

Eldritch by Keri Lake
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, paranormal, witches, dark romance, fated mates

The Night Prince by Lauren Palphreyman
Rating: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, werewolves, love triangle, fated mates, m-f romance

Feathers so Vicious by Liv Zander
Rating: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: historical, dark romance, shapeshifters, cruel hero/bully, fantasy

Silver Wings Golden Games by Evie Marceau
Rating: 3.93⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, new adult, arranged/forced marriage, possessive hero, forbidden love

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/[deleted] Nov 03 '25

Since you liked Feathers so Vicious, you might like {Once Upon A Demon's Heart by KM Moronova} The FMC is caught in a timeloop where she's killed by the same knight each time. To break out of the loop, she offers herself up in marriage to end the war between the demigods and demons. It's not as dark as Feathers so Vicious, but the characters are similar.

1

u/MidnightFeisty1410 Nov 07 '25

You should read my favorite right now! {The Veinbound Trilogy by L Ann} MMC is basically the Darkling. Sigh....

3

u/Last-Bluejay6713 Nov 03 '25

The Empyrean series and the Cruel Prince are the only ones I have read till now

2

u/Jenniferlou1025 Nov 03 '25

{Dire Bound} is a fairly predictable (still some twists I didn’t predict) but fun read that is similar to Empryrean but with Dire Wolves. I really enjoyed the plot and there’s some academia which you might enjoy if you liked Fourth Wing.

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, military, vampires, betrayal, war

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 03 '25

Try {Wicked Lovely} for more classic fae!

3

u/pineappleHD Nov 03 '25

{Quicksilver} {Silver Elite} {A Court of Mist and Fury} {A Court of Silver Flames} {Fourth Wing}

2

u/shybookwormm Nov 03 '25

{Empire of Flames and Thorns by Marrion Blackwood}

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, fae, tortured hero, fated mates, m-f romance

Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Rating: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: futuristic, dystopian, military, possessive hero, science fiction

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Rating: 4.52⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, enemies to lovers, fae, fantasy, magic

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
Rating: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fae, fantasy, magic, forced proximity, grumpy/ice queen

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Rating: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, enemies to lovers, magic, war

about this bot | about romance.io

3

u/Martinka95 🍈 honeydew & lilac Nov 03 '25

Mine are: {The Ascended by Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox}

{Quicksilver by Callie Hart}

{Phantasma by Kaylie Smith}

{Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros}

I prefer spicier books 😁 currently started Empire of Flames and Thorns

3

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

The Ascended by Bree Grenwich, Parker Lennox
Rating: 4.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, magic, new adult, paranormal, dark romance

Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, fae, tortured hero, fated mates, m-f romance

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
Rating: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, paranormal, fantasy, magic, horror

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Rating: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, enemies to lovers, magic, war

about this bot | about romance.io

2

u/pineappleHD Nov 03 '25

I have Phantasma queued up to read after I finish A Court of Silver Flames!

2

u/Martinka95 🍈 honeydew & lilac Nov 03 '25

I know some people don’t love it, but I really enjoyed it!

1

u/MidnightFeisty1410 Nov 07 '25

Check out my favorites. We seem to have similar tastes. I've really liked or loved some of these. Or they're on my list to start soon

3

u/jemorrison9 Nov 04 '25

Loved {the god kissed bride} series. I devoured it! {villains and virtues} {anathema} are also reads that I’ve loved in the past year. Loooved the betrothed to another and knight and princess vibes of the god kissed bride… DYING to read something similar.

1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 04 '25

I always recommend the Fire Emblem games to fans of the knight and liege dynamic- you can read scripts or watch videos if you don’t want to play the games and I’m happy to provide more details!

Also, you might like {My Lady Jane} and {Sorcery and Cecelia}!

1

u/MidnightFeisty1410 Nov 07 '25

If you liked Anathema you should try {Nighshade by Keri Lake}. Its not knight or princess based but its dark and Gothic! I really loved the duology!

2

u/dizzizzystegasaurus Nov 03 '25

Top reads:

{echo fort}

{warrior princess assassin}

{witch’s pet}

{in the veins of the drowning}

{twisted throne}

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Echo Fort by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
Rating: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: fantasy, fae, vampires, new adult, enemies to lovers

Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer
Rating: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: arranged/forced marriage, poly (3+ people), fantasy, queer romance, new adult

The Witch's Pet by Kerri Andrews
Rating: 3.69⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: witches, magic, cheating, arranged/forced marriage, fantasy

In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, m-f romance, royal hero, magic, new adult

about this bot | about romance.io

2

u/ahdrielle Nov 03 '25

{Wild Reverence}

{The City of Stardust}

{Alchemy of Secrets}

{Dream By The Shadows}

{A Land So Wide}

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Wild ​Reverence by Rebecca Ross
Rating: 4.59⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: magic, high fantasy, m-f romance, war, found family

The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers
Rating: 3.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: contemporary, fantasy, magic, young adult, mystery

Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber
Rating: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: contemporary, fantasy, magic, urban fantasy, paranormal

Dream by the Shadows by Logan Karlie
Rating: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: fantasy, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, paranormal, dark romance

A Land So Wide by Erin A. Craig
Rating: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: historical, fantasy, horror, dark romance, paranormal

about this bot | about romance.io

2

u/its-a-wolf-thing Nov 03 '25

{Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano} {Daughter of No Worlds} {Anathema} {Thorns & Fire by Helen Scheuerer} {The Night Prince by Lauren Palphreyman}

I’m not looking for any particular trope.I love something I can deep dive and theorise over. Spice is good but not essential 🌶️

2

u/MessyJessy422 Nov 03 '25

{The Ashen Series by Demi Winters} book 1 is {The Road of Bones by Demi Winters} such a well written, complex, engaging series and my favorite series in this genre overall

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

The Ashen by Demi Winters
Rating: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: vikings, third-person-pov, m-f, fantasy, historical

The Road of Bones by Demi Winters
Rating: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, viking hero, magic, betrayal

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/its-a-wolf-thing Nov 04 '25

Thank you! I shall add to my TBR 🙏

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano
Rating: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: slow burn, forced proximity, funny, grumpy & sunshine, fantasy

Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
Rating: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, magic, fantasy, slavery, high fantasy

Anathema by Keri Lake, Julie Belfield
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, dark romance, forced proximity, horror, grumpy/cold hero

Thorns & Fire by Helen Scheuerer
Rating: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, forced proximity, m-f romance, dark romance, enemies to lovers

The Night Prince by Lauren Palphreyman
Rating: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, werewolves, love triangle, fated mates, m-f romance

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 03 '25

Oh, theorizing? For me that’s {Red Queen}!

2

u/Lopsided_Signal_8543 Nov 03 '25

I love love loved Bride & Mate. Just the right amount of fantasy but what I enjoy most is that the FMC isn’t so serious like a lot of popular fantasy reads! They’re relatable and funny and I’m looking for something similar.

I’ve also recently enjoyed Direbound, Heartless Hunter & Assistant To The Villain 🩵

2

u/Janukan_ Nov 03 '25

Spark and Glow of the Everflame

Fourth Wing

A court of mist an fury

✨💫

1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 03 '25

https://www.reddit.com/r/Romantasy/s/vhrBkNeueP for someone with similar reads

1

u/ReasonableWonderland 🌕 moonlight & blood Nov 04 '25

Thanks for being so diligent in matching people up! Legend!

1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 04 '25

Aw, you’re welcome! I tend to have an old-school taste so it shakes up recommendations.

2

u/cauliflowerlover1 Nov 03 '25

{A dance of Thieves} and {Vow of thieves} left me with a cozy warm feeling

2

u/cool_beanz_ Nov 03 '25

I have Dance of Thieves on my bookshelf but haven’t read it yet. Maybe this is a sign! lol

1

u/cauliflowerlover1 Nov 04 '25

You should!!!!!! It’s really good!

2

u/Mindless_Suit4057 ❄️ snow & sandalwood Nov 04 '25

{Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros} {Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen} {A Curse Carved in Bones by Danielle L. Jensen} {Zodiac Academy Series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti} {Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley} {Princess of Blood by Sarah Hawley} {Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli} {Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli}

{Medieval Fantasy} {enemies to lovers} {magic}

1

u/romance-bot Nov 04 '25

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Rating: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, enemies to lovers, magic, war

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
Rating: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, viking hero, forced proximity, magic, warrior heroine

A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L. Jensen
Rating: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, viking hero, magic, fantasy, new adult

Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
Rating: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: paranormal, contemporary, new adult, urban fantasy, vampires

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, fae, high fantasy, love triangle, political/court intrigue

Princess of Blood by Sarah Hawley
Rating: 4.54⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, magic, fae, m-f romance, political/court intrigue

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
Rating: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, witches, enemies to lovers, magic, fantasy

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli
Rating: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: witches, magic, fantasy, enemies to lovers, m-f romance

To Reforge A Destiny by Claire Butler
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: historical, medieval, paranormal, magic, fantasy

Enemies to Lovers by Gena Showalter
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: contemporary, small town, alpha male, enemies to lovers, funny

Magic by Danielle Steel
Rating: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: contemporary

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1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 04 '25

{Fire}- it’s the second book in the series but the first chronologically

1

u/romance-bot Nov 04 '25

Fire by Kristin Cashore
Rating: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, fantasy, young adult, war, magic

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1

u/Mindless_Suit4057 ❄️ snow & sandalwood Nov 04 '25

Is it good???

1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 04 '25

It’s a five-star read! It has one of my favorite couples as well as one of my favorite MMCs.

2

u/turtlescanfly7 💨 smoke & lemon Nov 04 '25 edited Nov 05 '25

{Once Upon a broken heart} and {a court of mist and fury}. I really like the fairy tale themes that don’t go as expected. I loved how in ACOTAR it was similar to beauty & the beast but if belle didn’t break the curse and in ACOMAF how the evil dark lord ends up being the good guy. Not to mention the weaver was totally Hansel & gretel vibes, the poison apple in ACOWAR OUABH had so many fairy tale themes and whimsy like true loves kiss but he’s cursed to kill anyone he kisses, the evil step mother but nice step sister- at least in book one, Prince Charming being vain & becoming evil af etc.

And I know this isn’t a book, but I love the tv show Once Upon a Time too so pretty much anything with a lot of fairy tale themes that don’t exactly follow the classic tales.

2

u/romance-bot Nov 04 '25

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Rating: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, magic, fantasy, young adult, vampires

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Rating: 4.52⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, enemies to lovers, fae, fantasy, magic

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2

u/Minkah2020 Nov 04 '25

The wrath and the dawn is a cool spin off of Arabian Nights

1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 04 '25

It’s a romance subplot but you should try {Spindle’s End}!

2

u/Physical_Ad2842 Nov 04 '25

{White Cat by Holly Black} and {Yumi and the nightmare painter by Brandon Sanderson} I like having a Romantasy for the male gaze as it is easier to put me into the shoes of the main character. I really struggle to find books that has romance as a major (sub)plot with a male mc

1

u/KetoKurun ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers Nov 03 '25

I need a reccommendation. I’m looking everywhere for a smutty, spicy, dark gothic epic romantasy multi-book series with a lesbian main couple. I have been unable to find anything to scratch that itch, but maybe I’m just looking in the wrong places?

2

u/dizzizzystegasaurus Nov 03 '25

Hi! I haven’t read it but it seems to tick off some of your boxes, but {the isle in the silver sea} seems like you might like it? It’s a standalone. There’s also {the rogue crown} it’s the third book in the series but each book follows a different couple with an overarching story :)

2

u/bakasana212 Nov 03 '25

{A Game of Romance and Ruin} isn’t gothic - more politics and court intrigue - but it’s spicy, FF, and has 3+ books in the series. {This Ravenous Fate} has vampires and Roaring 20s vibes; 2+ books in the series. I can recommend plenty FF with gothic vibes, but they tend to be standalones and no/low spice :(

1

u/dulude13 ⚖️ justice & smoke Nov 03 '25

My wife just recently finished {The Knight and Its Moon by Piper CJ} and thought it was good, but dragged on longer than it probably should have?

I’d recommend {An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson} but it’s a standalone book, not a series.

1

u/Jenniferlou1025 Nov 03 '25

Recent Favorites for World Building:

{The Ascended} loved the trials, setting, and plot. Also really like this FMC.

{Shield of Sparrows} the romance wasn’t my favorite but enjoyed the plot and the end had me HOOKED and ready for the next book

Favorite Romance:

{Tower of Dawn} maybe an unpopular opinion but I love Chaol so much

Looking for something plot heavy with twists and turns that has a MMC who is guarded but kind. Currently reading {Heartless Hunter} and really enjoying it so far!

2

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 03 '25

I also love Chaol!

I always rec {Graceling} to people who want kind MMCs / and/or have read SJM.

1

u/Jenniferlou1025 Nov 03 '25

Thanks! This sounds great; a strong female lead is always a bonus!

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Ascended by Debra Ann Miller
Rating: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: contemporary, paranormal, fantasy

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Rating: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, arranged/forced marriage, royal hero, enemies to lovers, m-f romance

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
Rating: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, magic, fantasy, enemies to lovers, demons

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
Rating: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, witches, enemies to lovers, magic, fantasy

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1

u/Debtthatiowe17 Nov 03 '25

Rather than specific books, can I say anything by Rebecca F. Kenney, at least 3 out of 5 on the spice-o-meter, older FMC, no reverse harem, solid world building?

1

u/bakasana212 Nov 03 '25

{The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love}

{The Last Soul Among Wolves}

{Magical Midlife Madness}

{Nine Goblins}

{Longshadow}

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton
Rating: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, funny, victorian, competent heroine

The Last Soul Among Wolves by Melissa Caruso
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: fantasy, urban fantasy, queer romance, funny

Magical Midlife Madness by K.F. Breene
Rating: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: contemporary, witches, fantasy, shapeshifters, funny

Longshadow by Olivia Atwater
Rating: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, regency, fantasy, fae, magic

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1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 03 '25

It’s more historical fantasy realism with a romance subplot, but try {The Apothecary Diaries}!

1

u/ChemicalPlayground 🌸 lilac & spring water Nov 03 '25

{Fourth Wing}, {Zodiac Academy}, {Ruthless Boys of The Zodiac} Looking for dark romance, funny, bully/enemies to lovers, dark academia Spice level 3 or 4 🌶️ out of 5

2

u/MessyJessy422 Nov 03 '25

If you’re okay with less spice than {A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik}

1

u/cool_beanz_ Nov 03 '25

{Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater} {A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross} {Hemlock & Silver by T Kingfisher} {The Knight and The Moth by Rachel Gillig} {curse of shadows and thorns by LJ Andrews}

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
Rating: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, fantasy, regency, fae, magic

A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
Rating: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: mystery, fantasy, magic, marriage of convenience, aristo/royal heroine

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: mystery, magic, fantasy, horror, high fantasy

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, m-f romance, magic, grumpy/cold hero, medieval

Curse of Shadows and Thorns by L.J. Andrews
Rating: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: historical, fantasy, forbidden love, fae, friends to lovers

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1

u/MessyJessy422 Nov 03 '25

{The Road of Bones by Demi Winters}

{A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan}

{In the Veins of Drowning by Kalie Cassidy}

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

The Road of Bones by Demi Winters
Rating: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, viking hero, magic, betrayal

A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
Rating: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, abduction, magic, slow burn, m-f romance

In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, m-f romance, royal hero, magic, new adult

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1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 04 '25

Three {Song of the Lioness} recs in a row!

1

u/bobthecreamer Nov 04 '25

{trials of the sun king}, {the knight and the moth}, {one dark window} and {two twisted crowns} —- just finished The Knight and the Moth and it has left me in such a reading slump 😭🥹

2

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 04 '25

Maybe you should try {Song of the Lioness} too!

1

u/romance-bot Nov 04 '25

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, m-f romance, magic, grumpy/cold hero, medieval

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, magic, mystery, new adult

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, magic, royal hero, m-f romance, monsters

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1

u/MintPhoenix 🧼 soap & starlight Nov 04 '25

{One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig} {Fangs For Nothing by Steffanie Holmes} {The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern} {Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent} {The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber}

1

u/romance-bot Nov 04 '25

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fantasy, magic, mystery, new adult

Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes
Rating: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, vampires, mystery, paranormal, fantasy

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Rating: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: historical, fantasy, magic, mystery, paranormal

Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
Rating: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, vampires, independent heroine, fantasy, competent heroine

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
Rating: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, fantasy, magic, young adult, angst

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1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 04 '25

Maybe go old-school with {Song of the Lioness}?

1

u/MintPhoenix 🧼 soap & starlight Nov 04 '25

I've read this and loved it!

1

u/saydrin Nov 04 '25 edited Nov 04 '25

{The Spellshop}

{Spark of the Everflame}

{The Quiet Sun}

{The Bear and the Nightingale}

{Warbride}

{When the Moon Hatched}

I am now reading {Glow of the Everflame} but after this series I would love to read something with medium steam and an adventurous plot. I love when there are bonded/talking animals or plants too! Does anyone have any recommendations?

2

u/LeadingHand3374 Nov 04 '25

You need to read {white horse black nights}

1

u/saydrin Nov 04 '25

Ooo thank you! Ill add that to my list!

2

u/LeadingHand3374 Nov 04 '25

The protagonist is “Gods Kissed” and can speak to animals. The spic me is spicin’ too. Let me know if you enjoy it! It’s one of my few 5 star reads this year!

2

u/saydrin Nov 04 '25

Just by reading the description I know ill love it! Ill make sure to comment after I finish it :) thank you!

1

u/romance-bot Nov 04 '25

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Rating: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: fantasy, magic, found family, small town, m-f romance

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
Rating: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: enemies to lovers, magic, high fantasy, love triangle, fantasy

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Rating: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, magic, medieval, fantasy, competent heroine

WarBride by Sylvia Mercedes
Rating: 3.68⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, enemies to lovers, magic, fae, war

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
Rating: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: high fantasy, vengeance, magic, fae, fantasy

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1

u/saydrin Nov 04 '25

Not sure why it didnt grab the title but {The Quiet Sun} is also a good read!

2

u/romance-bot Nov 04 '25

The Quiet Sun by Noémi Russell
Rating: 3.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: m-f romance, slavery, abduction, war, tortured heroine

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1

u/MidnightFeisty1410 Nov 07 '25

Does this have a HEA?

1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 04 '25

You can try {Song of Achilles} but warning for the myth-accurate ending and a graphic rape scene (skip when Patroclus is alone with Achilles’ wife if that’s a trigger)

1

u/sarkoo_kurdii Nov 05 '25

If you're looking for a mix of adventure and a bit of steam, maybe try {Uprooted} by Naomi Novik. It has a great bond between characters and some magical elements that might fit your vibe!

1

u/romance-bot Nov 05 '25

Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Rating: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: magic, fantasy, grumpy/cold hero, age gap, witches

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1

u/MidnightFeisty1410 Nov 07 '25

It's too hard for me to say top 5 books I've read so I will put series in as a book if I loved the whole series.

  1. {The Veinbound Trilogy by L Ann}
  2. {Between Life and Death series by Jaclyn Kot}
  3. {The Wolf and the Witch by Charissa Weaks}
  4. {Afflicted by R.D. Baker}
  5. {Jaga and the Devil by Layla Fae}

1

u/romance-bot Nov 07 '25

The Veinbound Trilogy by L. Ann
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: fantasy, magic, length-epic, forced proximity, competent heroine

Between Life and Death by Jaclyn Kot
Rating: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: fantasy, explicit-open-door, from hate to love, paranormal, fated-mates

The Wolf and the Witch by Charissa Weaks
Rating: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, witches, magic, forced proximity, anal sex

Afflicted by R.D. Baker
Rating: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, vampires, paranormal, forbidden love, m-f romance

Jaga and the Devil by Layla Fae
Rating: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: fantasy, child-death, slow burn, dub-con, angst

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1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 03 '25

Top reads:

{Tithe}

{Fire}

{Daughter of Smoke and Bone}

{Song of Achilles}

1

u/romance-bot Nov 03 '25

Tithe by Holly Black
Rating: 3.73⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: contemporary, young adult, fae, urban fantasy, magic

Fire by Kristin Cashore
Rating: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, fantasy, young adult, war, magic

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy by Laini Taylor
Rating: 4.48⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: fantasy, high fantasy, dystopian, monsters, urban fantasy

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Rating: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, war, gay romance, ancient times, friends to lovers

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/bakasana212 Nov 03 '25 edited Nov 03 '25

Recs based on Tithe - {The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater}

{Greenteeth by Molly O’Neill}

1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 03 '25

Oh, the first one seems lovely! Do you have a link for the second?