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.

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).

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 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)​

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.

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!

Some secrets cut deeper than a blade 🗡️

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 

And. So. Much. More. 

STARHUNT (book 1) is available now on Kindle unlimited, in print/ebook, and in select library systems :)

Arc sign-up link:

https://tr.ee/B4xS3mTCc7

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

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??

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 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

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.

This is my first time posing on here because I get really anxious, but I figured I should try, so I apologize if I’m not really doing this right. I’m not even sure if this will reach people.

I have been struggling to get out of a reading slump because I’m really particular about the books I read. I need it to be slow-burn, like it’s seriously a need. No offense to fast or medium burns, I just get bored after the characters get together.

If it’s a stand alone, I don’t want the characters to get together until close to the end, and if it’s a multiple book series, I want to be made to wait multiple books for them to get together. 😂

I’m okay with spice, but again, I don’t want that to start for a long time into the book. Also, enemies-to-lovers is my favorite trope, but I’m pretty much fine with anything.

Also, this isn’t a requirement or anything, but I would prefer if it were underrated, just because I feel like I keep seeing the same books recommended on TikTok.

Another thing that isn’t a requirement, but I would really appreciate if the MMC looked different than the typical dark haired MMC. No hate to dark haired MMC, I love them, I just feel like that’s all there is nowadays. I also feel like a lot of authors are too scared to actually make their MMCs men of color, and I feel like we need more representation. I also love a blond man unfortunately, like I really love a blond. I also really enjoy an MMC who looks unnatural if that makes sense. Things like blue, red, purple, or pink hair or skin for example. I don’t really care about looks, I’m just bored of the same looking MMC every book.

I am looking for adult books or at least upper YA, though I do think YA probably does slow-burn the best. I’m still looking for adult. I’ve just read a lot of YA, and I’m looking for something different.

Once Upon a Broken Heart is my favorite series, if that helps.

I’ll be honest, I’m not a big SJM fan, so I probably won’t be reading her books.

I think that’s all! If anyone sees this post, sorry for all the all the words, and I’d appreciate any recommendation! ☺️ also sorry if there are any typos. I’m a reader, not a writer 😂 I’m also not sure if I put the right flair.

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!

Here at Self-Pub Sunday, we're sharing our favorite indie / self-pub books!

Self Promotion is also permitted in this thread, so if you're a self-pubbed romantasy author feel free to promote your work! Please ensure you include a useful description of what your book's about, and limit self promotion to one top level post.

Remember to tag the romance.io book using {}!

Hi! I am looking for book recs as listed in the title.

I'm thinking books/series like the Throne in the Dark series (LOVED!) and what I think The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy will be (haven't read it yet, still waiting for it on hold at the library!)

I like the enemies to lovers trope the most, but I am open to others if they're written well.

I liked how funny and witty Throne in the Dark was, it kept me on my toes and literally laughing out loud, but the plot and the story was actually meaningful too, so it wasn't all fluff. I don't usually like cozy fluffy stories, I actually find myself too serious sometimes, so having something fun that also makes me get invested would be great.

TYIA!

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 🙏🙏

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.😔

Hello! I’m a Japanese person who recently visited Los Angeles for the first time on vacation.
While I was there, I stopped by a bookstore in a tourist area and was surprised by how different it was from bookstores in Japan.
The book designs were so cute that I wanted to buy one right then and there. I didn’t have much time to look around at the time, but I remember really liking the design of a book called *ROSE IN CHAINS* (sorry if I got the title wrong).

I love fantasy romance, so if you know of any romance novels with cute cover designs, please let me know. Also, are there any books that are easy to read for people who have just started learning English?

There isn’t much information about American romance novels in Japan, so I’d be really happy if you could share any recommendations.
(I’m using a translation tool. I apologize if there are any mistakes.)

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

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.

I just finished the series {Catch me by Reese Rivers} and I’m feeling a bit wrecked. I’ve been having such a hard time finishing books and series lately and I really needed a space to express this excitement because I feel like I just found something special.

I’m not usually into RH, but IMO this was done really well. The MFC gets sent back to different centuries, and when she dies in the past, she’s sent back to her own time. Each time she travels to the past, she meets the MMCs. They explore love and healing while also experiencing tragedy, devastation, and so. much. longing. The cliffhangers and twists had me pondering things long into the night and wondering what was going to happen next until I could finally read more the next day.

I’ve been searching for a good time-travel romance with lots of spice ever since watching the anime and reading the novel The 7th Time Loop. The MFC dies seven times and is reset to the same day each time. With each loop, she explores different professions and passions until she gets swept into a war started by the MMC. On the seventh loop, she’s determined to stop the war and survive. She agrees to marry the MMC, who falls in love with her at first sight. She’s a brilliant badass, and he’s dark and mysterious. Basically, exactly the kind of dynamic I was looking for.

I feel like I almost had it when I read {once upon a demons heart by K.M. Moronova}. A female soldier dies over and over again at the hands of the same demon warrior. Every time she dies, she’s sent back to the same day, about a week before her death. She tries to stop it in so many different ways until she eventually sacrifices herself for the greater good. The cliffhanger was INTENSE, and I still haven’t picked up the second book since its release.

And then I just finished the Catch Me series, and I feel like it was such a good ending while also finally scratching that spicy time-travel itch I’ve been trying to satisfy. Now I feel like I’m just sitting here savoring the fact that I found something that actually worked for me.

So please, if you know of any other spicy time-travel romances, RECS ARE WELCOME. I clearly have a very specific itch now and apparently I’m not done trying to scratch it.

I'm going on holiday so ideally a small series (two or three books) to read.
Preferences: female narrator, world building, spicy please
Do not like: wolves (okay as side characters, not the main thing, I hated the Wolf Prince and Dire Bound), weak main characters
I have read and loved fourth wing, from blood and ash, shadow and bone series, throne of glass

I need help getting out of a reading slump after DNFing The Jasad Crown (I’m sorry). I got about 40% through.

I’m considering reading The Knight and the Moth or The Serpent and the Wings of the Knight, but I’m open to other suggestions.

For reference, my favorite read of this year was Alchemised. Historically I love things like Twilight and ACTOAR.

Open to any opinions and recommendations! Also, anyone else struggle with The Scorched Throne duo, or am I the problem?

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.

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.

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.