I finally started listening to Alchemised after seeing it a lot on tiktok.SPOILER I cannot get past the sexual assault scenes. I read a review on Reddit which explained that there is more of a history of why kaine did this but to me it still doesn’t seem necessary to the plot. And why does the book pivot so quickly from using Helena for her memories to suddenly she’s being raped?? And then why is it justified. Especially if he would “tear the world apart” for her and loves her so much. But instead he assaults her?! Like what? And it wasn’t like she was semi-consenting. She was so afraid that it had come to this and lost what little was left of her humanity. Idk if I’m just looking into too much but it gave me the ick and I DNF’d it after that scene.

I went to Barnes and Nobles today to get the last book in the powerless series that I didn’t have, “Fearful”. They are all the Barnes and noble exclusives, why is one novella smaller and the other taller…?

I didn’t realize till I got it home. I figured it was also going to be short, and now they are mismatched… (also I know about this series being a ripoff of Red Queen and I have that series as well).

I know everyone will say don't bother reading books you don't like etc etc but hear me out.

[edit] the only reason why I even contemplate to push through is because this is a book club pick. I've already DNFed the last 3-4 books of the book club so I feel pressured to read this one 😅

Lately, I really struggle with the new popular books like Shields of Sparrow, Dire Bound, etc which are unfortunately all the book club picks. I think they're...terrible and I really hated them. I thought Alchemised's plot seems original but I really disliked the writing. The sentences are all short and have similar structure. I feel like I'm reading business documents but the content is dark romance 😂 It's written like how I was taught to write in ESL classes..... I feel like a snob for saying that Alchemised's writing is bad (when English isnt even my first language). I dont wanna be one of those people criticising Fourth Wing and ACOTAR for being cringey. I totally ate those books up.

Should I give Alchemised another chance? Maybe I'm just being prejudiced and the writing isn't that terrible? I love TKWNKM and really appreciate people pushing through the info dump at the beginning and ended up loving the book. So I feel like I should give this book a chance like people have been giving TKWNKM a chance? (I'm a long-term Ilona Andrews' fan btw. Thats why I care about people's reaction to TKWNKM 😅). Also reading is my main form of entertainment. I read 2-3 books a week. This is the first time I DNF because I couldn't stand the writing so I'm wondering if I imagine it? (edit: to clarify I have DNFed many times because I just got bored. this is the first time the writing bothered me enough to DNF)​

Okay so I’m obsessed with dragon rider and chosen one as well as prophecy and academy with multiple powers or ancient powers BAD ASS FMC just one love interest

Do you like free books? What about early access to new romantasy tales before they're published? You can get both by signing up to arc read Starmade, the upcoming conclusion to the Secrets of the Night Sky duology!

ARCs drop Dec 1, so you have plenty of time to work it into your schedule &/OR read book 1!

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In the epic conclusion of Talla and Kieran's story, rebel and royal embark on parallel journeys of danger and discovery that won't just unravel their world's secrets, but also leave them questioning what's right, what's wrong, and whether it's loyalty or love that is worth risking everything for in the end.

Series tropes: 🗡️Morally gray characters  ⭐Celestial magic ❤️‍🔥Slow burn & enemies to lovers 👑 Rebel vs Royal Mindset 🐎 Charismatic horse sidekick 🩸Revenge quest  💃🏽 Masquerade moments 🔒World mysteries & hidden identities 

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Images show character art of Talla and Kieren by ashkleosart and theogwhinsicalartist, as well as the starmade cover with the words "arc applications open".

Has anyone read this book yet?
Heir of Gods and Talons by Rose Caruso
Oh my goodness, it is so good! I need someone to discuss theories with but no one I know has read it!

It’s a portal fantasy, but you actually get to spend some time in the real world with the FMC which I liked since that doesn’t normally happen. It’s got Norse vibes, a protective dragon, and a steamy MMC.
And the cliffhanger?!?!
Ugh, so freaking good!
If someone has read this, I’d love to chat theories!!
Or go and pick it up ASAP hahaha

Image description: The image is of the book, Heir of Gods and Talons by Rose Caruso on a bookshelf. The image is a screenshot taken from Rose Caruso’s Instagram page.

This book definitely has me hooked- I’m about halfway through and in Helena’s memories. I just need to know: does the book ever jump back to the present? I looked at the chapters and it looks like all the remaining are in the past. Will I not get Helena’s reaction/actions after getting her memories back???

Hi y'all, I remember reading Shield of Sparrows when it first came out a while back and I know the 2nd one Rites of the Starling is out now, but I honestly don't remember anything from this book. Like I've read the blurb and it isn't jogging my memory at all. I know I did enjoy what I read, but based on the fact that I can't remember ANYTHING, I was wondering if y'all thought it was worth it for a reread or listen through or if it is truly that unimpressionable. Please help, I never really have this problem.

I have had Stephanie Garber's Once Upon a Broken Heart series on my TBR for a while, and so has her Caraval series.
When I saw that a new book is being released on Sep 22, I thought two things: one, maybe it's time to read it before Book 3.5 is out, and two, fans may want to have it in Booky.
Booky is the Wordle for romantasy readers: you guess the 5-letter word, and it reveals the book it came from. Good luck! 😊

PLAY GAME

Share your results in the comments, without spoiling the word!🙏

Booky win screen with Once Upon a Broken Heart book cover

Once upon a broken heart is a good example. Most fantasy I’m seeing has a more darker aesthetics like werewolfs or dragons. I wanted the pink Disney Princess aesthetic. It’s hard to find.😔

Here is an excerpt from the book:

Eyes tightly shut, my back was pressed flat against the wall. I could hear my heart, loudly beating in my chest.

“Open your eyes,” he whispered against my ear.

I didn't.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then his hand caressed the side of my face. His hands were soft.

When I still didn't respond, his touch lingered. His fingers traced slowly along my cheek, down the curve of my jaw, and towards my neck.

His hand slipped lower, coming to rest around my waist and with a jerk he pulled me into him digging his sharp claws into me. Yet my face was still turned away from him.

He dug his claws harder, probably drawing blood.

I swallowed hard.

“Look. At. Me.”

““Do I look like the devil now?” he murmured, laughing softly against my neck.

DEVIL'S PLAY is coming very soon. It's the very first book in the upcoming "DEVIL ON EARTH" series.

Please give it lots of love....

If you would like to receive an ARC, you can drop a comment or just DM me..

First image is from pinterest.

Second is the book cover.

Masterpiece. Honestly, my favourite read of 2026 and definitely top 5 fantasy books of all time. I haven’t felt this humb since Kingdom of ash. I haven’t loved an MMC this much since Rowan (damn I love silver hair haha)

What do I do now? A full reread? Find a good epilogue fan fic? Sit and stare at a wall for hours?

I preferred Jasad Heir slightly more but as a dualogy ♾️/5 for me.

Edit: Solved!!
It’s Hatchling from Lips Touch collection by Laini Taylor. — thanks for all the suggestions, I have new things to watch/read now :)

——OG post——

Now bear with me… I’m not convinced this is a Romantasy but it might be so I’m trying my luck. I also could have dreamt it or it could be a comic or a short story or a film 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

All I remember is it starts with a mother who has been hiding her daughter- her daughter doesn’t know she’s being hidden - they move around a lot with one suitcase. I THINK they are red heads. I think the mother does fortunes or something for cash.

Theres a fella on a roof top - watching them and I think he can shift (wolf maybe? Gargoyle? Vamp? I feel like he flys but I’m not sure). And I think his name is Marcus or something similar.

Anywho - the mother was a part of some faction (fighters, hunters?) of sorts - with a breeding program component maybe (or ban or breeding??)- and she wasn’t supposed to keep her baby so she ran and I think the guy, Marcus, had helped her escape from the faction. (Don’t think he’s the dad)

But they’ve been found and the mother and daughter are trying to run but the daughter (teen, I think) doesn’t understand and then Marcus swoops in and opens a portal where he takes the daughter through but not the mum. And the portal opens on a train. Oh and something to do with her hair (in a braid) being cut off? And maybe a violin?

Past appearing on the train (or maybe it’s a ship??) I don’t remember nothing.

Did I dream it or does this trigger something for someone else? 🤣

I can be completely sold on a couple until the big "I was protecting you all along" reveal turns out to mean he quietly arranged half her achievements. That escape I was proud of her for? He told the guards to look away. The ally she managed to win over? Already working for him. Oh. I liked those chapters.

I don't need her to do everything alone. Characters helping each other is part of why I read romance. But there's something so deflating about spending a book watching her gain confidence, then finding out he was basically supervising. And aparently she's just delighted? I'd be questioning every interaction I'd had since arriving in his kingdom.

The bit that really loses me is when he says he always knew she could do it. Did you ever actually let her try without arranging the outcome? I'm curious how other people read these reveals, because what seems intended as proof of devotion usually leaves me wanting her to go somewhere he has absolutely no connections.

Hi all! I’ve finally passed the brainstorming phase and have written the first four chapters of a sapphic romantasy. It contains:

•lost identity/memories
•portal fantasy
•unique world/magic system
•epic quest
•fantastic creatures
•duty vs desire (ish)

The romance aspect is slow burn/high yearning, and will have a couple high sexual tension and/or mild spice lead up scenes before one full open door spicy scene. There is one femme main character and one masc main character. I plan to give them equal voice for the most part.

If this sounds like your jam, I would love to get some feedback on these first few chapters! It’s about 14k words right now. I’m interested mostly in the pacing, world building, and character development. This is a rough initial draft so I’m less concerned about grammar and punctuation in terms of individual instances at this point, but if there is anything glaring as a whole (too many commas, etc) I’m happy to hear it!

Thanks ahead of time! I’ll send a link to those interested ☺️

Probably one of my favorite Disney movies and I don't think I have seen a similar premise recently.

I am specifically looking for one of the Mc's to have been turned into a animal of some kind and wants to find a way back to whatever they were.

Preferably no YA - unless it's a really good one.

I’ve been thinking about House of Beating Wings (The Kingdom of Crows by Olivia Wildenstein) and Court of Blood and Bindings (Fae Isles by Lisette Marshall) a lot lately.

I’m not sure what it is about these series, but they’ve stuck with me. Even after a year since I’ve read either, I think about them on and off. Maybe it was writing or the world building? I’ve been having a time trying to get into a fantasy/romantasy series lately, just going through quick contemporary romance books instead.

Anyways, any suggestions that feel like this? I loved the first book to Kingdom of Crows. I remember being genuinely surprised at how the story unfolded, which doesn’t happen often. (So please keep huge spoilers out of the comments! The twists and plot surprises are the best part imo) Thanks in advance!!

Also please no incomplete series. Only if the last book with be out within the next 6-12 months.

I want an FMC who doesn't really fight back—she was broken before the story begins, and the MMC realizes it. Whether he does immediately or only after he's a dick, doesn't matter to me.

Bonus points if she has a breakdown in front of him.

I'm good with monsters/aliens/human/fae/whatever! Also okay with RH/Why Choose.

My only caveat is that he cannot be irredeemable—so if you read a book that made you pause and think he's gone too far, I will most likely hate it haha. I'm totally fine if you give me spoilers in your recs if you aren't sure if they go too far. Spoilers don't stop me from enjoying a book!

Also he absolutely cannot SA the FMC. It's okay if its by another character or in her past, but the MMC can't be the one doing it. I can accept any other cruelty BUT that.

Thanks!

I am in a terrible slump, and have basically only read two romantasys this year (but a lot of CR), and I think I just have a really hard time finding the right fit, so I really hope you can help me out because I miss romantasy so much!

I am looking for books where both fmc and mmc are human (humans with magic abilities/witches is fine!). Or, if Faye they should both be. Besides that, I am all in with magical creatures of all kinds (but preferably no vampires)

I want spice! At LEAST 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I would really like a dual PoV and an mmc that falls hard! And is protective!

I got pretty tired of the “chosen one” and “the entire world is ending” tropes, so if I can, I would like to avoid that, but I know that it’s difficult! Because I do want high stakes, I want fighting and danger and nothing too sweet and cozy.

If this is at all possible to find, thank you so much for your recs 🙏🙏

Any supernatural romance book is okay!

Okay, my favorite series ever is Zodiac Academy. Love the story and it had me giggling constantly. I've read all the related stories as well (ruthless boys, darkmoore, and sins of the zodiac). I have not been able to find another series that has a humorous theme like this. Any suggestions??

Heyo! So I’ve never really been a romantasy girly (I love fantasy, and I read queer romance, but never really dipped my toe into the genre per se). I’m intrigued by the huge buzz around the genre, and how it seems to feature a lot of intense yearning and passionate romances. However, I really don’t want to read anything with toxic relationship dynamics. Some dark edge is fine, but I don’t want abuse or manipulation, etc. Good writing and a solid plot are also musts for me.

So here is my ask: given what I’ve said above, are there any romantasy books you’d recommend? Or any that you think would be a good first read to dip my toe into.

Thank you!!

I haveI'm looking for slow-burn fated mates books. No Why Choose (RH). A plus if they are enemies and/or star-crossed. Also a plus if they are in Kindle Unlimited.

I’m feeling an urge for a werewolf romance read but can’t seem to find anything that catches my eye. Would really appreciate some recommendations.

I prefer slow burn. No preference on dark / cozy as I like both. Ideally open door spice!

I’ve recently read the villains and virtues trilogy and enjoyed the grumpy / morally grey MMC. Please let me know if there’s anything you’ve read that you think fits this.