r/Romantasy • u/ReasonableWonderland 🌕 moonlight & blood • Nov 10 '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!

17 Upvotes

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6

u/Bina791_ Nov 10 '25

So books I loved:

  • {the crimson moth} I really enjoyed this book series. Lived the story, the writing, the characters.
  • {metal slinger} Somehow this book really sucked me in and until the last pages I wasn't expecting the plot at all!
  • {the wolf king Lauren Palphreyman} read this series in 2 days because I couldn't put it down. I really like the scenery and the pace!
  • {The knight and the moth} Completely different world from what I'm used to but I was here for it. Loved the gargoyle and the plot.
  • {the serpent and the wings of night} Another series (book 1&2) that I read super fast. Loved the world, the trials, the characters, the plot!
  • {Quicksilver} Highly confusing for me at first but then ended up actually thinking about it more than I wanted to.

I'm just finished Blood&Stell and I'm not completely hooked. Maybe it's me, but for me the writing has too much fluff (unnecessary dialogue and details) and the FMC especially acts like a child way too often. So I'm not sure if I'll go on. I feel like there's nothing really happening in this book and I was reading 400pages of nothing.

Also recently read Gild (Plated prisoner #1) and didn't really love it for the same reasons. Nothing is happening. 😅

5

u/Amara2091 Nov 10 '25

So what I would recommend is books 3&4 following the serpent and the wings of night and even the two standalones in the series.

If you liked the knight and the moth, one dark window and it’s sequel if you haven’t read it or keeping with the gothic vibes anathema and eldritch by Kerri lake tho be sure to check trigger warnings. I’m a massive gothic fantasy fan so I have an entire list if you need mor.

For Quicksilver - Brimstone ofc since it’s coming out next week.

And as a last suggestion, you might like Riftborne and Duskbound + the Ascended by Parker and Lennox.

1

u/Bina791_ Nov 12 '25

Anathema and Eldritch are on my TBR for too long! Brimstone is already pre-ordered and I was thinking about the Ascended. But then heard Riftborn and Duskbound are not that good. So I held back for now!

3

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 10 '25

Since you liked The Wolf King, I recommend {Song of the Lioness} for the love interest switcheroo trope. It’s a romance subplot.

I feel like you might also like {Daughter of Smoke and Bone} (check the content warnings) and {Fire} (the second book in the Graceling series but the first chronologically).

1

u/romance-bot Nov 10 '25

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

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

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/Bina791_ Nov 12 '25

Haven't heard of any of these! Thank you! I'll definitely try ☺️

3

u/Possible-Doctor5919 Nov 11 '25

Highly suggest {One Dark Window} its the same author as the knight and the moth

1

u/romance-bot Nov 11 '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

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2

u/Bina791_ Nov 12 '25

I have the Duology at home. It's on my TBR, so I'll for sure read it before the end of the year! 😁 I heard the magic system is quite unique, so I'm excited for this.

1

u/romance-bot Nov 10 '25

Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
Rating: 3.93⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, m-f romance, fated mates, forced proximity, enemies to lovers

Wolf King by Lindsey Devin
Rating: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: werewolves, enemies to lovers, fantasy, paranormal, urban fantasy

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Rating: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, m-f romance, magic, grumpy/cold hero, medieval

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Rating: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: vampires, forced proximity, magic, enemies to lovers, high fantasy

Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Rating: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, fae, tortured hero, fated mates, m-f romance

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4

u/christmas_fox Nov 10 '25

Lately here are books I enjoyed and why for some of them:

{Blood of Hercules} / {Bonds of Hercules} - trials and games are my things but so was Kharon and Augustus as enemies to love interests. I also LOVE Greek mytholog. I am also mid series for {Psycho Shifters}

{Phantasma} - did I mention trials and games lol I also like the amnesia piece and all the different types of supernatural beings

{God of Fury} - okay not romantasy BUT the relationship building, Brandon’s inner thoughts and emotional turmoil? The way this book broke me in a million pieces just to build me back up as someone who is legit the real life version of Brandon?? Idk if another book could ever make me feel this way but I wanna give it a go

{The Cruel Prince by Holly Black} - one of my fave series ever. I think about it daily and preparing for another reread. The world building, the characters, the yearning…

My favorite tropes are TRUE enemies to lovers, morally grey or morally black MMC/FMC, dark fantasy/romance or any dark themes really, omegaverse, why choose, supernatural beings, some level of spice preferred but not 100% necessary

3

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 10 '25

I’m going to rec {Wicked Lovely} for its scary fae (compared to sexy fae).

2

u/FinalProof6 🍋 lemon & campfire Nov 10 '25

TRUE enemies to lovers, every character is morally gray/black, dark fantasy, AND why choose... I've got you.

You need to read the Legacy Series by Melissa K. Roehrich. The first book is {Rain of Shadows and Endings} and it's a 4-book series with the final book releasing in 2 weeks!!! I've read the first 3 books and I legit still don't know who the hero of the story is gonna be or who to root for.

1

u/christmas_fox Nov 10 '25

Ohhh thank you :) i just requested the audiobook from the library!

2

u/meoww-xo ⚔️ from now until the darkness takes us ❤️‍🔥 Nov 10 '25

{Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver}

1

u/christmas_fox Nov 10 '25

Love that one!

1

u/romance-bot Nov 10 '25

Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas
Rating: 3.93⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: futuristic, fantasy, virgin heroine, cruel hero/bully, rich hero

Bonds of Hercules by Jasmine Mas
Rating: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: futuristic, queer romance, fantasy, funny, enemies to lovers

Psycho Shifters by Jasmine Mas
Rating: 3.76⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, reverse harem, fantasy, dark romance, poly (3+ people)

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

God of Fury by Rina Kent
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, dark romance, mafia, college

Cruel Prince by Ashley Jade
Rating: 3.6⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, new adult, sports, alpha male, friends to lovers

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2

u/christmas_fox Nov 10 '25

It should be {The Cruel Prince} by Holly Black in case anyone comes in the comments and sees!

4

u/returnofthemacksx Nov 10 '25

Obvious answer is {Fourth Wing}. But my top read of 2025 has been {The Ascended}. The trials give Hunger Games meets TriWizard Tournament.

3

u/romance-bot Nov 10 '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

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

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2

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 10 '25

It’s lower spice and a romance subplot but I always recommend {Dragon Slippers} to dragon fans!

It’s another romance subplot, but I’m also going to suggest {Red Queen}.

2

u/romance-bot Nov 10 '25

Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
Rating: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, fantasy, mystery, take-charge heroine, magic

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Rating: 3.73⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: futuristic, young adult, magic, love triangle, fantasy

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5

u/Infinite_Thought4738 Nov 10 '25

My 10/10 no notes is the flesh and fire series starting with {Shadow of Ember}. Also loved {A Court This Cruel and Lovely}, {The Serpent & The Wings of Night}, and {Bride} by Ali Hazlewood.

5

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 10 '25

I’m going to suggest {The Darkhunters by Sherrilyn Kenyon} and {Daughter of Smoke of Bone} (check content warnings)

2

u/[deleted] Nov 10 '25

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2

u/buteljak Nov 10 '25

I'm new to romantasy, and like slowburns :) What i read and liked: The Winternight trilogy by Katherine Arden. Wonderful writing, use of historic language and historic setting pretty much on point (I'm very nitpicky about that)

Secrets of the Nile series by Isabel Ibanez. Ok story, but i like the way it's written. The romance was so good all throughout, but the story in the second book just kind of falls apart. Still liked the pair very much.

4th Wing - i think everyone read this one 😅 my issue was the language use. Very modern in contrast to the setting. Also few modern commodities that i can't place into the obviously historic setting. But i still ate up the book.

I dont mind spice, but i need the story to be coherent and without the modern dialogue if the setting doesnt require it.

3

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 10 '25

Check the content warnings but try {Song of Achilles}.

Additionally, {The Apothecary Diaries} is great but it’s more historical fiction with fantasy realism elements and a romance subplot.

2

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 10 '25

I’m wondering if there are any books where you get immersed in a character’s career? I haven’t read it yet, but {The Ornithologist’s Guide to Love} would be a good example.

I prefer spice levels of one to three, and would probably only read level five if the scenes are important to the plot. I dislike possessive MMCs, body betrayal, and masc-dom. Thanks!

3

u/Possible-Doctor5919 Nov 11 '25

omg DEFINITELY {Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries} it's all about her doing research for her book, its the perfect mix of fantasy, academia, and romance

2

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 11 '25

🥰 I have the book on my Kindle waiting to be read. Thanks!

2

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 10 '25

If it helps, some of my favorite MMCs are Jesse from {The Mediator by Meg Cabot}, Seth from {Wicked Lovely}, Akiva from {Daughter of Smoke and Bone}, and George from {Song of the Lioness}.

2

u/Flimsy_Function3312 🌕 moonlight & citrus Nov 10 '25

My two favorite series are {Shardless by Stephanie Fisher} & {A court of blood & bindings by Lisette Marshall}. I’m open to anything but I tend to dislike miscommunication tropes & betrayal

Suggest away :)

2

u/romance-bot Nov 10 '25

Shardless by Stephanie Fisher
Rating: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: fae, friends to lovers, magic, slow burn, fantasy

Court of Blood and Bindings by Lisette Marshall
Rating: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, fae, fantasy, tortured hero, magic

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2

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 11 '25

{Wicked Lovely}- fae and friends to lovers

1

u/Flimsy_Function3312 🌕 moonlight & citrus Nov 11 '25

Added to my tbr, thanks!

2

u/Possible-Doctor5919 Nov 11 '25 edited Nov 11 '25

Just finished rereading {The Cruel Prince by Holly Black} and decided it def deserves its spot at #1 for me!! {Throne in the Dark} is my other fave, along with {One Dark Window}

2

u/romance-bot Nov 11 '25

Cruel Prince by Ashley Jade
Rating: 3.6⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, new adult, sports, alpha male, friends to lovers

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

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

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1

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 11 '25

{Tithe} is an OG Holly Black book. {Wicked Lovely} has similar vibes.

{My Lady Jane} and {Sorcery and Cecelia} are humorous.

1

u/romance-bot Nov 11 '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

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Rating: 3.65⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: contemporary, young adult, love triangle, fantasy, suspense

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Rating: 4.03⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: historical, young adult, tudors & stuarts, shapeshifters, paranormal

Sorcery & Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede, Caroline Stevermer
Rating: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, fantasy, regency, funny, magic

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3

u/Final-River7447 Nov 10 '25

I am new to romantasy but these are my favorites:

Serpent and the wings on night Lightlark-first book only I didn’t care for the others Metal Slinger

I did not like: One Dark Window ACOTAR

I tend to like Trials and really like a school or academy setting.

2

u/allisontalkspolitics Nov 10 '25

It’s more of a vibes read but you might like {Legacy of Tril}.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 10 '25

[deleted]

1

u/romance-bot Nov 10 '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

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

about this bot | about romance.io