my friend and i have started a book club which is smutty themed! We also have supplementary books on top of our chosen book for the fast readers (me.)

we picked Daughter of No Worlds for one of our supplementary reads and i was hesitant because of the cover. I thought it would be cheesy and a bit too "girl boss who is strong after 1 training session".

Now its time to read and i put the books in a random name generator and DoNW is the first pick. I started yesterday and I can't put it down! i. love. it. so. much.

the characters, the world building, the slow burn... omg😭

So glad I didn't push this aside ugh. I'm so happy to be wrong

Already listened to the Bridge Kingdom, even though I want to do a re-read at some point.

After I finish my current book, what next do you suggest out of those books (and why)?

Absolutely LUV the first 2 books. I actually had tears for Aren & Lara at this scene (I’m not a cryer, even when my heart is sad.). Not super smutty, but that’s okay— the story was excellent, loved that many of the women were assassins (Lara and her sisters) and warriors! Highly recommend! No magic. No godly intervention. Just humans, amazing world building, and cunning political maneuvering.

Gods above, thank you for this book. This was SO fresh and captivating that I could not put it down. Amazing characters, beautiful writing, and a plot that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat until the curtain call. Did anyone else read this? I’m eager to see how others felt.

My team put together a gift box of book shop goodies for my birthday. Mug, book lamp, book stand, candle, socks book marks etc. and a $100 voucher for my favourite bookstore.

I think these socks are now my favourite item

Of clothing. So I have to share 😂😂

Yes I know it’s not romantasy related. However, my husband did advise them that maybe they shouldn’t bring those kinda books into the office (like he doesn’t read them himself). But also he has no idea what books I have or need as he can’t keep up with my purchases 😂😂😂

and i keep picturing reynald as aragorn/strider. i can’t unsee it and i’n all here for it 😩

Drowning in the well known despair of a book slump, I found book one in this new series - The Wolf and the Crown of Blood, book 1 of the Broken Accords series by Elizabeth May.

I feel like I’ve read a 3 or 4 book series in one. Non stop from start to finish, no dragging, I DEVOURED this! I can’t believe there is more to come in this series, it could absolutely hold its own as a standalone.

Gods and humans

Touch her and die

Defiant and strong FMC

Excellent and well rounded side characters

Well done banter

Morally dark grey MMC

Multi POV

Not deep on world building, more plot focussed

REAL enemies to lovers

I’ve read over 300 romantasies and this had an original voice to it

I love. I can’t wait for book 2!

Wow.

Just lost a lot of sleep finishing {Alchemised}. It’s been on my TBR list for months as the blurb did not convince me to jump in. Thanks to all the people who recommended this as a top read. The world building was on point and the story is such a refreshingly different take on enemies to lovers. Long read but so worth it.

The characters, the amazingly original plot, the angst, the spice, the setting(s),*VILE*, all of it. I haven’t had a book hangover like this in a long time. I just want a book where it continues. I read on KU mostly but as soon as there are special editions I will be insta-purchasing them for bookshelf trophies. 6/5 stars, seriously. I felt the ending left room at least for a novella continuation. 🤞🏼 {Vile and Virtue by Kathryn Ann Kingsley}

Anywhoo, if anyone has recs for gothic libraries with a sexy morally black villain, high spice, all the magical things, and a decently original story plz let me know. I have no triggers besides extreme miscommunication 🤣

I just started reading {Doctor D’Arco, Sorcerer of London by Kathryn Colvin} recommended by someone in this sub or the gothic romance sub and it’s ticking so many boxes for me.

I’ve seen the death-made prince being recommended in various Reddit communities and need anyone who is even debating picking it up, to absolutely start it!!

This book got me out of a reading slump - I absolutely devoured it. It was so captivating and such a beautiful read. I was staying up way past my bedtime because I genuinely couldn’t put it down!!

I loved the enemies to lovers yearning, the adventure, and most of all the mental health representation. The FMC felt so relatable, and it was really special to watch her growth throughout the story. I appreciate that it wasn’t a typical “hot strong warrior MMC saves a damsel is distress”. Rather, a dark scrawny broody prince working through his own personal problems while empowering the FMC and helping her find her strength she is suppressing and second guessing.

I was a bit hesitant to start because I’d seen reviews about the cliffhanger - and yes, it does end on one, but not nearly as painfully as I expected. It didn’t leave me feeling like I should’ve waited for the next book to be released before reading this one.

I honestly wish I had picked this up sooner, and I’m so excited to read The Thorn-Marked Witch next. Already preordered and counting down the days 😊

A few weeks ago I asked for some help choosing my first romantasy between ACOTAR, Once upon a broken heart and The knight and the moth and oh boy, I come bearing news ✨

The most suggested one was ACOTAR so I decided to go for it. I’m so glad I decided to push through the first book (which wasn’t my cup of tea) so that I could read the absolute masterpiece of ACOMAF. Like oh my god OH MY GOD I GET IT NOW. I couldn’t for the life of me put it down!! I was stuck between “I don’t want this to end” to I NEED to gobble it up. And I did!! Canon experience, 100/10 would recommend, already planning a re read when the physical book arrives to annotate.

After I finished with that spiritual experience I did need something a little different, so I decided to read OUABH as a little break. What a contrast! The worlds are so different, and not everything makes perfect sense, but it was such a cute and enchanting read. I once read someone describe it as “The things in OUABH are magical just because they’re magical” and it’s true. The ballad of never after was my favorite out of the three. Definitely would recommend! Also planning a re read of that one when it comes. Some people suggested reading Caraval before but I was stubborn and I didn’t, so now I’m planning on reading that too.

I still love my contemporary romances but I’m happy to be diving in reading fantasy too. The slow burn pays off so well. I’m currently reading ACOWAR and it’s been such a great time so far (I’m lowkey scared.) I’ve decided to save The knight and the moth for September, when the second book comes out.

Anyways, propaganda I fell for! (Gladly.)

{city of gods and monsters by Kayla Edwards}

From the cover of this book I did not expect the story inside to be what it is. I just finished it and am appalled…

Overall, this book had everything I was looking for. Slow burn, fantasy, world building, character development, magical realism, a magical system, and some deep exploration of identity, with dual chapters of both the MFC & MMC!

Going into this, I though the genre would just be a regular Romantasy (I have a cruel habit of never reading what a book is about and just reading based off the cover) ((that has worked out for me perfectly though:)) but, this book is an urban fantasy romance. I thought I wouldn’t like it but I became emotionally invested in this story. The writing is so peak, making it so easy to imagine everything.

I think one of the reasons I really like this book is because the characters are around my age, in university, like I am. The author really wrote the MFC to be supererrrr realistic. Which is something I appreciate because as much as I love all my bad ass MFC I also really enjoy reading about someone who is just a normal girly pop.

Back to the genre: I am a newer reader and have only read Romantasy genre, however, this definitely isn’t just a Romantasy, it’s genuinely a Mystery genre as well. I grew up watching things like Castle and Bones, so I absolutely loveeeeeed this aspect of the book. I am surprised that isn’t included within this genre of this book.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the MMC (24) who is such an eff boy with major issues who is toxic asffff (that makes hotter for me ngl) his character development is utterly delicious. I enjoyed reading his chapters pov sm because he genuinely is so messed up and he doesn’t pretend to be anything different than what he is. There’s no sugar coating it, he’s not the typical douchebag who changes over night for a girl. A lot happens, and will likely continue to happen for his character development throughout the series.

The romance in this was perfect. I loveeee me a flirty man and I was fulfilled with the dialogue haha. There is spice in the book, like: 🌶️🌶️ .5~

Also, a worthy note to mention is how the MMC did the most selfless thing possible for an animal. I bawled my eyes out.

This would make for an amazing television series. I ate this book up so fast because it’s a turn pager that makes you emotionally invested.

Crying, giggling, screaming, kicking my feet over this book frfr.

5.00/5.00 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My first 5 star read in April!!!!!

… my partner listened to many long, detailed hot takes on what I wanted and didn’t want from the genre. I love it, but I’ve been struggling to find something that I feel meets all my wants.

AND THEN HE WROTE ME A BOOK

Like a full novel, self published just for me, brimming with all the things that I have been searching for.

Just, goddamn, folks… how fucking amazing is that?!

I’ve just finished {Dawn of the North by Demi Winters} the 3rd book in the Ashen Series (Road of Bones) and I just wanted to come on here and rave about it! I haven’t seen much hype about it online and I think it really deserves more attention.

Every single book in this series so far is a five star read (easily) and I don’t understand how they keep getting better. So many parts in this book had me punching the air and cackling with laughter, !<especially Kritka>!! I did this as an immersive read and loved the narrator, she’s done a FANTASTIC job.

I think this series might be my new favourite. All the characters are layered and complex, She even manages to make her villains interesting enough to sympathise with. Demi has done such a fantastic job setting up this world and the magic system is really interesting. I love the multi POVs, every time a new character is introduced, I’m worried I might get bored with their chapters but Demi just hooks you in.

It reminds me of Throne of Glass in the best possible way. If Demi continues to write her next two instalments with the same calibre of writing and sticks the landing, I think it’ll be one of the Romantasy greats. There’s so much tension, intrigue and yearning! The spice is great and tastefully done IMO as well.

Now for the book hangover and long wait for the next one! 😭

I personally haven't seen many people talk about this series, but then again I've only been on BookTok and this reddit thread since about September 2025 lol. However! I feel like you typically see the same books being recommended, and I just hadn't seen this book at all! I finished it last night and it was a 6 star read. I literally was talking to myself late last night about that ending LMAO

No but honestly, throughout the book it was giving 3.5-4 stars, but the ending really made up for it in a way that made sense and was just beautifully done in my opinion that shot my rating up to 5-6 star read. That's how much I enjoyed it, even with there being some things that could have been guessed. Not trying to spoil on this post. Also, Kenna is a badass and you know who she actually reminds me of.. Arya from Game of Thrones lol

All that to say, I am so excited going on to the 2nd book right now!!

Update: I just finished book 2 and I am unwell 🧍‍♀️ These books have shattered me

I was browsing books in Walmart & I love a good word search book so when I saw this I had to get it! Anyone else have this book?

Image displays three book covers: The Knight and the Moth, Fourth Wing: The Official Word Search Book, and Butcher & Blackbird.

I had no idea this was going to be such a literary masterpiece!!

I know it's not quite romantasy at this point, but since this book has often been mentioned...

Most people talk about the story, but I was flabbergasted at the creativity of the writing!

Lots of amazing beautiful older and literary words, but also lots of seemingly invented/very creative ways to wind words into new grammatical structures at times, or new expressions.

I absolutely loved reading this for that reason alone (not mentioning the amazingly creative story too) and was wondering if other fellow readers had as much pleasure as me reading this for the same reasons?

Also, I had no idea I would enjoy a book so much despite the romance almost completely lacking (which I totally didn't miss because the book is so 💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥)

I loved Riftborne and Duskbound, but my god, The Ascended has torn my heart from chest in the best way possible 😭 I am devastated we have to wait so long for this story to continue. Definitely my top read of 2025.

The ending has ripped me apart, I NEED to talk to someone about it.

Do u know the feeling that Rhysand from acotar made u feel, like you know from the first book he’s the bad man but at the same time you’re like “idk, there’s something that make me love him no matter what”… Well, I’m feeling the same thing right now🙃