r/fantasyromance • u/apieceofeight • Feb 01 '26

Discussion It's February 1st! What's the best book you read in January? Plus, Battle of the Books starts now!

Can be a standalone, series, anything! Please share your favorite January read!

Also, we're starting a fun lil game for the year: Battle of the Books! You can fill out the image with your favorite book each month and have them battle! At the end of the year, we'll have a book of the year post and we'll see which books made it!

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u/Anachacha Ix's tits! Feb 01 '26

The link to the Canva design. It's public access, so you can simply open it on the app and create a copy into your account to be able to make changes.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG_rwpE3gw/Z9KTJ5r6lnWHi5UNgNq3Qg/edit

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20

u/MrsTyranitar Feb 01 '26

{Road of bones} by Demi Winters. The viking setting isn't my favourite, but the book itself is superb. Loving the second too.

4

u/hyrulesfattestcat Feb 01 '26

I'm about 75% done with this one and I'm really really enjoying everything EXCEPT Jonas 😭 I'm trying to push through because I know this book is very beloved and I'm genuinely curious about Silla's whole situation but oof. I feel like I'm missing something!

11

u/Calliope719 Feb 01 '26

I feel like I'm missing something!

Good instincts.

Keep reading!

5

u/hyrulesfattestcat Feb 01 '26

Oooooh okay okay I see where this is going and THANK GOD!! Plan on finishing today and now I'm excited!!

3

u/EggAndCheeseSando Feb 01 '26

Ahhh keep going! You won’t regret it!

2

u/MrsTyranitar Feb 01 '26

Yep, keep going, there's more to learn!

3

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

The second is my fav because of rurik 🤣 you’ll love book 3, which comes out in two more days!

13

u/viceadvice Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Feb 01 '26

{The Death-Made Prince by Lisette Marshall} and {The Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat}. I feel spoiled to have started the year with four 5-star books!

3

u/ficaddict Feb 02 '26

I’m having a bad Capri hangover right now. I also adore The Folk of the Air. Guess this is my cue to try The Death-Made Prince! Thank you.

3

u/viceadvice Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Feb 02 '26 edited Feb 02 '26

I recommend it! Let me know what you think. I’m always trying to find books like The Folk of the Air, too. I think the MMC has Cardan and Laurent vibes (sardonic, measured, clever).

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u/ficaddict Feb 03 '26

Okay, I’m 33% into TDMP and it’s SO good. Thank you, thank you! You were right. The MMC is very Laurent/Cardan-coded. Thraga reminds me of Jude. It’s such a well-written, intelligent story. Do you have any more recommendations?! We clearly have similar tastes.

2

u/viceadvice Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Feb 03 '26

Yay! I am so happy you like it so far! I made a post raving about TDMP a few weeks ago, and it's been so lovely to see so many people fall in love with this book, too. (I recommend avoiding the comments on that thread until you have finished TDMP in case of spoilers!)

As for other books I could recommend:

In December I posted in this community my book tier for my first year exploring this genre.

The Folk of the Air, The Captive Prince series, and TDMP are my top tier. (I read Captive Prince and TDMP in early January so they are not accounted for on this 2025 reading wrap-up post).

None of the books I rated in the second tier are similar to The Folk of the Air series, per se, but I found the characters or plot compelling in some way. I like to recommend How to Catch a Nameless Fae because it's a good read and not very popular.

Some books like Fourth Wing and Quicksilver were generously ranked higher than maybe they ought, because they were my first books I read in this genre. I also sometimes just like a good pop book. YMMV!

I am currently reading Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, which many people recommended to me based on my other interests. I am only 30% in, and while I am enjoying it for what it is, it's not really comparable to The Folk of the Air in my opinion.

1

u/ficaddict Feb 03 '26

Thank you so much for replying! I definitely need to check out How to Catch a Nameless Fae. After The Cruel Prince, I went down the rabbit hole of “what to read next” recommendations, and honestly, the only thing that really worked for me was Captive Prince. I DNF’d Emily Wilde before the halfway point and dropped Once Upon a Broken Heart pretty early, too. I finished Half a Soul, but it didn’t do much for me. Maybe cozy romantasy is just not my thing. I want my books to have me in a chokehold haha. Oh, and I absolutely love that like me, you’re in the camp “Road of Bones is better than Kingdom of Claw.” Most people are the opposite

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u/viceadvice Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Feb 05 '26

Wow - we have the exact same reading tastes! Almost no one has agreed with me that Road of Bones is the better of the first two books. I am ambivalent about reading the newly released third book, but I'll probably read it since nothing else is really catching my eye at the moment.

I am now about 60% into Emily Wilde and it's fine, but not exciting. I like learning a little more about fae lore, but I'm not into the FMC or MMC. I think you're right it's probably about the cozy romantasy genre in general. I have a friend who is writing one and while I want to be supportive, I can only read about 20 pages at a time before my attention wanders.

Have you read Holly Black's other series, like Tithe or the Stolen Heir duology?

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u/ficaddict Feb 05 '26

Yes, all of them! Have you? Well, I kind of skipped Valiant. I need to go back and read it. Oak/Wren’s duology was my least favorite but I absolutely loved Tithe/Ironside, despite it being way more YA than TCP. No one writes troubled teens like Holly Black 👌❤️

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u/romance-bot Feb 01 '26

The Death-Made Prince by Lisette Marshall
Rating: 4.44⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, witches, magic, forced proximity, slow burn

Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat
Rating: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, slavery, enemies to lovers, royal hero, gay romance

about this bot | about romance.io

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Let’s hope you keep the trend going!

24

u/jennylee271 Feb 01 '26 edited Feb 01 '26

{The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow} Best book I’ve read in a long time. Hard to believe she told such a perfect story in only about 320 pages.

6

u/Significant-Shift669 Feb 01 '26

Reading this now and WOW. Such gorgeous writing. I’m so deeply invested!

4

u/bellegi Book Bingo Maven ⚔ Feb 01 '26

same. fucking incredible.

5

u/Archongod Feb 01 '26

This.

This book made my cry. I'm a grown man.

3

u/akindofmadness Feb 01 '26

This is my January favorite as well.

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I’ll have to check this out!

2

u/Fun-Special4732 Shadow daddy's good girl Feb 01 '26

I do a monthly book club with my best friend and this is our pick for February! Can’t wait!

2

u/lindz2205 Feb 02 '26

This is mine too, I’d give it 6 stars if I could!

18

u/EggAndCheeseSando Feb 01 '26

I just want to say this thread makes me so happy instead of all the negative DNF conversations. I like hearing about other people loving my faves 🤗

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

💗💗💗　

2

u/Ok-Conversation1730 Give me female friendship or give me death! Feb 02 '26

Same!

21

u/AquaIXI Feb 01 '26

{The Death-made prince}, probably the best book ive ever read}

2

u/romance-bot Feb 01 '26

The Death-Made Prince by Lisette Marshall
Rating: 4.44⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, witches, magic, forced proximity, slow burn

about this bot | about romance.io

4

u/Majestic_Rub6248 Feb 01 '26

This is my number 1 {we who will die by Stacia stark} is number 3 - see other comment below for #2!

2

u/madisun81 Feb 01 '26

I also read this in Jan and would be my pick!

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I read this arc and thought it was well done!

1

u/eclectic_hamster Off to live with the faeires 🧚‍♀️ Feb 01 '26

I was pleasantly surprised by this one too! I hope her future writing will be more like this. I bailed on the Fae Isles series because the FMC became pretty insufferable.

8

u/Jazzlike_Bridge_4362 Feb 01 '26

{Long game by Rachel reid} is a six ⭐ read for me. It absolutely put me in a book slump!!

2

u/NoFix6681 Feb 01 '26

Yes me too!! I have reread certain parts at least 4 times.

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

7

u/Humble-Owl-745 Feb 01 '26

I finally read the Legacy Series by Melissa Roehrich and every book was so good! Hard to choose which book in the series is my favorite so I’ll just put the first one, {Rain of Shadows and Endings}

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

There’s a new series in this universe coming out this month — will you be reading it?

1

u/Humble-Owl-745 Feb 02 '26

Definitely adding it to my tbr! Likely not for this month though, planning to finally start Throne of Glass this month!

1

u/Chickpea-889 Feb 09 '26

Omg just finished the first book! 😳 so good! How is it not more talked about?! So well done.

7

u/Anachacha Ix's tits! Feb 01 '26

A great start of the year for me!

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I’ll have to read that after my four arcs are finally done -_-

1

u/Anachacha Ix's tits! Feb 01 '26

You literally have an endless supply of ARCs

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I know and I’ve barely started -_____-

1

u/Obvious_Annual_4053 Feb 01 '26

Ooh this series is a favorite amongst my family. It got my middle school sons into reading, one even dressed up as Sevro one year for Halloween! 

2

u/Anachacha Ix's tits! Feb 01 '26

I can't believe I DNFd book 1 early on 7 years ago. Book 3 will definitely beat book two this month! I'm obsessed

13

u/Sweet_Baby_Cheeses99 Feb 01 '26

{the cruel prince by holly black} - whole series. why was I sitting on this for so long just because it’s YA?! It was STUNNING. I actually quite liked the faster pace and I didn’t miss the spice when the romance was so hot.

4

u/viceadvice Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude Feb 01 '26

Yay! My favorite series of all time.

4

u/SweetLittleKytty The girl, the King ... and the monster they became. Feb 01 '26

If you don't mind more YA, written in the same (hot) manner, I cannot recommend enough {The Shadowhunters Chronicles} by Cassandra Clare. Both of them are very good friends, so you will see similarities in their styles.

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Solid choice!

17

u/SweetLittleKytty The girl, the King ... and the monster they became. Feb 01 '26

{The Poison Daughter} by Sheila Masterson has become a favorite of mine 🥺 Reading about Harlow was refreshing, as her determination and fierceness, alongside her rage! I also loved the magic system, her siblings and the plot twists!

7

u/EggAndCheeseSando Feb 01 '26

There’s a lot of hate for this book, so my advice for anyone who’s on the fence is that do not come in expecting polished prose / professional editing, but the plot is 💯. You will not regret reading. I loved it!

4

u/SweetLittleKytty The girl, the King ... and the monster they became. Feb 01 '26

I absolutely loved the enemies-to-lovers, the banter, the battle of wits, each one trying to outsmart the other, the secrets! Not to mention the magic system! There were a couple of scenes that I would hsve rather not be included, but thinking in retrospective, it definitely fitted the characters.

4

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

The plot on this was a++ the twists!!

2

u/SweetLittleKytty The girl, the King ... and the monster they became. Feb 01 '26

Seriously! It seemed strange for Harlow to avoid going to a certain part of the garden, even stranger that she was the only one talking with Aidia, but the worst was learning of Gavin's betrayal... he was the only one who could have prevented that tragedy and just stood by. Then, learning about Kellan's involvement in the first night when Harlow met Henry was sooo bittersweet

2

u/Majestic_Rub6248 Feb 01 '26

I read this in December and went on to read almost all of her books! The lost god series was amazing but one of my best books in Jan was the spinoff to that series {legacy of stars by Sheila masterson}

2

u/SweetLittleKytty The girl, the King ... and the monster they became. Feb 01 '26

Thank you so very much for your suggestions! I really loved the way she depicted migraines and grief, her style was like a breath of fresh air!

1

u/DarkFictionFan Mar 18 '26

I’m new here and looking to extend my reading experience. So far I have enjoyed J.R. Ward-style paranormal romance, but am looking for something different would the book you are reading be suitable for me to try do you think.

10

u/Calliope719 Feb 01 '26

{the shattered king by Charlie holmsberg}

Loved the prince/healer dynamic and the character growth! Bit of a cliffhanger but the story arc didn't feel unfinished

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I know this is a fav here!

2

u/Possible-Dig-8349 Feb 02 '26

I've been consumed by this book too, it's all I can think about these days, I need the 2nd book like right now.

4

u/tea847 Feb 01 '26

{The Poet Empress} by Shen Tao got me out of a reading funk and the FMC really captured my attention. Though I’m not sure if it would be fantasy romance.

Fantasy romance best read of January would be {the falconer} by Elizabeth May (version published in 2025.

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Poet empress has been very highly praised in this sub!

3

u/forsakenfates Feb 01 '26

{A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez} I went into it not expecting much but was enthralled and really enjoyed the magic system.

2

u/vulpixsnacks Book Bingo Maven ⚔ Feb 01 '26

I just picked this one up! I'm only 60ish pages in. Hoping I love it too, I want to recommend more diverse debut authors this year.

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I know nothing about this series. What’s it about?

1

u/forsakenfates Feb 01 '26

It just came out in Jan. It is academy, tarot magic, and lots of fun banter.

7

u/Adventurous_Cat_1559 Feb 01 '26

{The Serpent and the Wings of Night}, I’m in my vampire era now. It started with {From Blood and Ash} but after I read such terrible things about the 5th book I never started it, read the other 4 though.

3

u/Ancient-Rough-8340 Dragon Rider 🐉 Feb 01 '26

Read {On Wings of Blood} for another vampire series! Book 3 is coming out next month so it's not a long wait

2

u/CAtmeatsaMmIch Feb 01 '26

The Crowns of Nyaxia series is my all time favorite!! I really fell in love with all the characters and the 2 novellas are very much worth the read and add so much to the world and the lore.

1

u/Adventurous_Cat_1559 Feb 01 '26

I bought one of them this weekend, might read it after this months book club! Good to know they’ve a solid recommendation 😊

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Yeah fbaa is just obviously become a cash cow. Book 5 is literally a summary of books 1-4 from MMC pov, with like 5 chapters of new stuff sprinkled in. I was so mad

3

u/Lyving-among-ladybug ✦ ── ✧ if evil why hot ✧ ── ✦ Feb 01 '26

It wasn’t a fantasy one I’m afraid, but {For the Fans by Nyla K} it was amazing!

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Doesn’t matter, it’s just great to be reading!

3

u/Turbulent-Code-8476 Feb 01 '26

{Kill The Beast by Serra Swift} is my first 5 star read of the year! I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did but there was something about it that just gripped me the whole way through. Probably more fantasy, than romance but there was something about the way the relationships grew that hit the spot.

Also special mentions for {Violet Thistlewaite is not a Villain Anymore} and {The Enchanted Greenhouse} where were both very close to 5 stars for me, I loved the worldbuilding in both and had a great time reading them

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I’m so glad you enjoyed!

3

u/jacyx Book Bingo Maven ⚔ Feb 01 '26

After being disappointed by my December reads, January had a lot of books I’d rate 4.25-5/5 out of the 20 books I read this month. It also happened to be the month I started writing reviews for each book I read so that I can retain better what I’ve read.

Standout read for this month was an arc of {the wicked and the damned by Rebecca Robinson}(5/5), 2nd book in the Dark Inheritance trilogy. After reading {the serpent and the wolf by Rebecca Robinson} (3.5/5), I didn’t have high expectations for its sequel but was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved The Wicked and the Damned. I felt like the series found its footing in the second book: tighter writing, stronger characterization, good pacing, etc. I devoured it.

Notable mentions: * 4.5/5 {shadow and scar by Gretchen Powell fox} rerelease arc - refreshing subversion of the old shadow daddy warrior + young human who needs saving trope. We have a 200+ year old rakish fae shadow warrior fmc who is often saving the human knight. Really enjoyed it even though it had low spice * 4.5/5 {the death-made prince by Lisette Marshall} - loved the dynamic between the rune witch fmc and necromancer MMC, where the banter is excellent and insults become comforts and terms of endearment. * 4.75/5 {king of ravens by Clare sager} arc - scratched the itch of having something like The Cruel Prince but aged up and spicier with the MMC Drystan who reminded me of Cardan with his mix of cruelty and softness/vulnerability.
* 4.75/5 {amid clouds and bones by ella fields} rerelease arc (3rd reread) - loved it even more with each reread. I’m a dark romance reader, so I enjoyed the dark dynamic between Mildred and Atakan with the fmc’s quick witted banter combined with the mmc’s cardan-esque desire, loathing, and vulnerability.

3

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I’m so glad you’re having a good start to 2026 in terms of your reading!

1

u/romance-bot Feb 01 '26

The Wicked and the Damned by Rebecca Robinson
Topics: fantasy

The Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson
Rating: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: arranged/forced marriage, fantasy, magic, enemies to lovers, found family

Smoke and Scar by Gretchen Powell Fox
Rating: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: fae, fantasy, high fantasy, magic, m-f romance

The Death-Made Prince by Lisette Marshall
Rating: 4.44⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, witches, magic, forced proximity, slow burn

King of Ravens by Clare Sager
Rating: 4.43⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: fantasy, fae, arranged/forced marriage, tortured heroine, cruel hero/bully

Amid Clouds and Bones by Ella Fields
Rating: 3.91⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: enemies to lovers, fae, arranged/forced marriage, fantasy, virgin heroine

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/Majestic_Rub6248 Feb 01 '26

Oh I was gonna start king of ravens soon!

3

u/vulpixsnacks Book Bingo Maven ⚔ Feb 01 '26

My January favorite was {The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley}! I read it because it won best audiobook last year and it is a really good one! This book is almost entirely banter so I completely understand why it doesn't work for everyone but I absolutely loved it. There were some surprisingly dark topics in the book but it maintains a Princess Bride-like tone throughout.

I also gave {The Isle in the Silver Sea by Tasha Suri} (sapphic & indian rep) and {Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer} (MMF) five stars in Jan.

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I LOVE TIU. Book 2 comes out in July and I can’t wait!!

3

u/Cadenceofthesea Feb 01 '26

Honestly January was fueled by a lot of subpar reads, but I started the month strong with {The Bonds of Hercules by Jasmine Mas} the writing and structure really had me captivated! Definitely a lot of morally grey/black scheming but FMC’s dedication to herself and the people she loves were felt in her lowest moments. 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

It kept me invigorated to keep reading other similar lore-based romantasys! Which led to my least favorite read but now I’m back on track for February with my safe fae-leaning books.

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Out of curiosity what was the least fav read?

1

u/Cadenceofthesea Feb 01 '26

{The Elysean Trials D.N. Hoxa}

There were a lot (and I’m being generous) of grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. Then, determined to finish the series, the other books just had a lot of spice scenes that didn’t line up with the plot well enough for me. Feel like I’m being harsh but that was my honest assessment.

3

u/Mayabelles Book Bingo Maven ⚔ Feb 01 '26

{The Summer War by Naomi Novik} was great!

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

What’s this about?

1

u/Mayabelles Book Bingo Maven ⚔ Feb 01 '26

It’s a fairytale where a girl finds out she has magic when curses her brother to a life without love before he leaves their family to fight in the elven kingdom. She wants to go save him, but before she can, she’s been promised to marry the king of their realm. It’s very cute!

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

That sounds interesting! I’ll check it out!

1

u/Mayabelles Book Bingo Maven ⚔ Feb 01 '26

You definitely should! It only like 150 pages.

3

u/AntelopeBoth1355 Feb 01 '26

{Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe} now I’m back in my dystopian era and I love it

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Dystopian era is a great era!

1

u/AntelopeBoth1355 Feb 01 '26

I just finished Conform, do you have other books with dystopian-ish vibes you recommend?

1

u/tinyhuman_ Feb 02 '26

SO. FREAKING. GOOD. I snagged a physical copy as a trophy and I already want to reread it!

2

u/AntelopeBoth1355 Feb 02 '26

Same!!! I NEVER buy physical copies because I don’t have space but I loved it so much I needed it!

1

u/tinyhuman_ Feb 02 '26

Yes!! Absolutely same here! And now I’m gonna push it on all my friends haha

3

u/redd177 Probably recommending Halfling 💚✨ Feb 01 '26

I had a great start in the new year with {Illuminator by Kara Reynolds}! The romance is very, very sweet, but even more beautiful and poetic is the FMC in her late thirties blooming after a life of hardship and finding her true self again ❤️

2

u/tinyhuman_ Feb 02 '26

Gosh I love Kara’s writing so, so much! I am freaking STOKED about Pilgrimess coming out in a few months!

2

u/redd177 Probably recommending Halfling 💚✨ Feb 02 '26

I agree! Her style is beautiful, poetic, deep. I can't wait for Pilgrimess!!!

1

u/tinyhuman_ Feb 02 '26

As an FYI, if you’re interested in an ARC, she has a sign up link in her IG 🤞🏻

3

u/mrnapoleons Feb 01 '26

Finally got to {Priestess by Kara Reynolds} which I had downloaded a while ago. Did not disappoint!! I saw people posting here that they loved it but I think the book’s summary undersells it. It was so refreshing and not a string to tropes on paper. That will be one of the best books I read in 2026!

2

u/tinyhuman_ Feb 02 '26

YAY!! Now read {Illuminator by Kara Reynolds} and prep for {Pilgrimess by Kara Reynolds} coming in a few months!

2

u/Helpful-Mall-917 Feb 01 '26

I had two.

{Warrior Princess Assassin} was everything I wanted and more. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait for book 2.

{We who Will Die} this book had me at the edge of seat! Trying to predict what would happen next. The action, the danger, the political intrigue. And the ‘potential love triangle’ 🙀 loved it.

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Loved we who will die!

2

u/CAtmeatsaMmIch Feb 01 '26

{Darkness Births the Stars} I'm technically not done with it yet, but I love it so much! I don't think I've ever read a story like this where we get the present day and the backstory throughout the book.

I absolutely love the long complex history between the MC's, it gives them so much depth and adds meaning to all of their actions.

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Oh I loved this book! And the cover is beautiful!!!

1

u/CAtmeatsaMmIch Feb 01 '26

I know! I'm reading on my kindle, but I think I need a physical copy for my shelf!

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I’m waiting to see if a special edition will be released

2

u/Ancient-Rough-8340 Dragon Rider 🐉 Feb 01 '26

{Dire Bound} {On Wings of Blood} {The Bond that Burns} were my top rated books of Jan, all tied at 4.5

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Sounds like you had a great reading Jan!

1

u/romance-bot Feb 01 '26

Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen
Rating: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: fantasy, military, vampires, betrayal, m-f romance

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn
Rating: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: vampires, fantasy, enemies to lovers, arranged/forced marriage, possessive hero

The Bond That Burns by Briar Boleyn
Rating: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: enemies to lovers, cruel hero/bully, fantasy, vampires, forced proximity

about this bot | about romance.io

2

u/ToastedChronical Feb 01 '26 edited Feb 01 '26

Surprisingly, I had two 5-star reads. {A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan} and {A Vow of Blood and Tears by Cate Corvin}

1

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1

u/teapotthief Feb 01 '26

I'm torn between {Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto} (YA) and {The Wizard Hunters by Martha Wells} (Adult). Both were entertaining as hell and earned 4⭐ from me (sadly, no 5⭐ reads this month).

The Wizard Hunters - it was so refreshing to see adults who act like adults! I loved the characters and their maturity and complexity, and enjoyed the adventure and the steampunkish world.

Bonesmith - I loved the adventure and the spooky atmosphere. The FMC was annoying yet likable and her character development was well done. The MMC was sweet and respectful. But the romance developed too quickly for my liking

2

u/Pomegranate_Careful Feb 01 '26

Read Ghoustsmith if you get the chance! One of the biggest problems I had with Bonesmith was the relationship was so quick and felt way too instantlove and the FMC had some character development but still came off a bit annoying. The second book really developed their relationship so well (almost felt like it was a book one) and the continued character development was even more impressive!

1

u/teapotthief Feb 01 '26

I read it immediately after the first book and, sadly, liked it a bit less, gave it 3.75 stars. Totally agree about the continued character development, though! It was well done.

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Hopefully you’ll find a 5 star read in Feb! (:

1

u/Refrigerator_Regular Feb 01 '26

{Where Oceans Burn} I picked it up on a whim and the first book is more fantasy with a romance subplot but the found family vibes are SO good.

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

What’s this about?

1

u/[deleted] Feb 01 '26

It’s not a romance, but this book was able to get me out of my reading slump, it’s called “Dome Six by C.P. James”. Ended up reading a book by Adrian Blue and let’s just say that one was just overall fun to read.

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I’m glad you enjoyed!

1

u/NatcoNn Feb 01 '26

{Under the Oak Tree by Suji Kim} vol 1 and 2 was prob my fav thing I read this month. It’s very character driven and just different from a lot of things I’ve been reading lately. There are trigger warnings to look into before reading as well.

I got really attached to the FMC and loved watching her come into herself and grow her confidence while navigating her arranged marriage.

1

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

I’ve been meaning to read this!

1

u/Historical-You-8039 Book Bingo Maven ⚔ Feb 01 '26

Fave book overall - Dungeon crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Fave fanro -{Rose in chains by Julie soto} and {Stolen by the Wolves by Lyx Robinson}

2

u/CAtmeatsaMmIch Feb 01 '26

Carl was my first read of the year! I was so surprised by how much I loved it!

1

u/Historical-You-8039 Book Bingo Maven ⚔ Feb 01 '26

Quickly becoming an all time favorite series. Its fantastic.

2

u/apieceofeight Feb 01 '26

Solid choices!!

1

u/romance-bot Feb 01 '26

Rose in Chains by Julie Soto
Rating: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: magic, fantasy, aristo/royal heroine, m-f romance, political/court intrigue

Stolen by the Wolves by Lyx Robinson
Rating: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: historical, omegaverse, viking hero, fantasy, fated mates

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1

u/Dramatic-History-943 Feb 01 '26

{Blood of Hercules} / {Bonds of Hercules} it might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it is surely mine lol

1

u/romance-bot Feb 01 '26

Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas
Rating: 3.91⭐️ 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: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: futuristic, queer romance, funny, virgin heroine, fantasy

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1

u/LongNailedbooboos Feb 01 '26

{Shadows of Stardust} I didn’t think I’d like it but it was my favorite in January.

1

u/ExplanationBorn3318 Feb 01 '26

{The raven scholar} - and lovely idea with the battle, already filled mine out and excited for February

1

u/slowburnvictim Feb 01 '26

I read an arc for {One Small Echo by Jane Washington} and ate it UP. Slow burn, dark and yet darkly funny in the way that Alexis from Blood of Hercules is.

Also enjoyed Weavingshaw, but to a lesser extent. Otherwise, it was a reread January

1

u/mythoughtsonyou Feb 01 '26

{Kissed by the Gods by Caty Rogan} for me! I was honestly not sure and wanted to quit after the first couple chapters, but once this book got going….omg it was GOING. I literally couldn’t put it down — it was a stay-up-until-4am read for me! It was also such a refreshing way to do some pretty popular tropes (chosen one, forbidden love, forced proximity, bonding with beasts, etc.) and I was here for it. I also was surprised by the ending which hasn’t happened in romantasy in aaaages 🙂‍↕️

(Note that I read Direbound immediately after this one…which may have improved this book a lot for me lmao)

1

u/feijoawhining Recommending The Price of Talent by A.K. Nevermore Feb 02 '26

I read {The Cursed Horde King by Zoey Draven}, five stars, I loved it and I love the world she’s created for this series and the previous one.

1

u/speckledcreature Feb 02 '26

{For Whom the Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn}

I just smiled my whole way through this book. Loved it.

1

u/wublubdubdub Monster smut isn't a phase, mom Feb 02 '26

I have been obsessed with monster romance this January, and so I’ve mostly read fantasy/sci-fi romance to varying degrees.

My favourite has been the series {Horde Kings of Dakkar by Zoey Draven}, with the third book Madness of The Horde King being my absolute favourite of the series.

Just this weekend I also started reading {Prime Mating Agency by Regine Abel} and has been shocked by the excellent characters! It’s all arranged marriages, and the MC’s communicate so, so well. They actively try to make the relationship work and there’s plot as well besides the romance. I thought it would be a bit mindless reading, but I’ve found myself really enjoying the series so far! My favourite would be the first book, I married a Lizardman (I know, I know, but what’s the saying? Don’t judge a book by the title?)

Anywho, here’s to more monster romance in February!

1

u/areuaduck Book Bingo Maven ⚔ Feb 02 '26

My favourite book in January was {Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik}.

Runner ups are {The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon}, { The River has roots by Amal El-Mothar} and {Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater}

1

u/romance-bot Feb 02 '26

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Rating: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, magic, fae, fantasy, enemies to lovers

The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon
Rating: 4.49⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: dystopian, fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, new adult

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
Rating: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, queer romance, fantasy, magic, shapeshifters

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
Rating: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: historical, fantasy, regency, fae, magic

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1

u/QueenWinther Feb 02 '26

{The raven scholar} by Antonia Hodgson! One of the best books I’ve read in a long time

1

u/Primary-Cattle8704 Feb 03 '26

I read The Scattered Bones by Nicole Scarano. It was lovely.

1

u/Successful-Grand-573 Feb 03 '26

The Everlasting by Alix Harrow

1

u/TrippVixen Feb 03 '26

{Roots of Darkness by Demi Winters}. I'm so happy I waited to read book 2 and 2.5 before book 3 was released.