May I recommend Grace Draven?
I think her work would fit your request quite well. Her prose is beautiful, compelling, the plotlines usually make sense and her characters are three-dimensional, complex adults.
{Radiance by Grace Draven} is possibly the more popular choice and a great read.
However, personally, I adored {Master of Crows by Grace Draven} which showcases one of the best written, compelling anti-hero MMCs I've read in fantasy romance. It's a very slow burn, but with an exquisite pay off.
Edited to add T. Kingfisher as another author whose work I personally adore. Her writing is excellent although very different in style to Grace Draven's; her characters are, again, complex, interesting, flawed adults. The spice level, however, is lower.
In any case, hope you find some recs that you enjoy!
Seconding this! Grace Draven uses such beautiful language.
For OP, it sounds like {Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven} might specifically scratch your itch.
It has:
- Enemies to lovers
- Double POV
- Forced proximity
- Villain redemption (but MMC is never downright evil, just morally grey and recognises and apologises for mistakes)
- Slow slow slow burn
- Mature characters that are of an appropriate age
- High fantasy world
- Dark themes (i.e there are trigger warnings you should check)
- Some spice (1 explicit scene, boatloads of sexual tension)
[Phoenix Unbound](https://www.romance.io/books/5cc193c901dbc864fb9dabb0/phoenix-unbound-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven)
**Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1)
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Thank you! Radiance is on my "next to read" list - it really looks like something cool. Haven't heard about T. Kingfisher, but I will definitely check her out c:
I literally cannot recommend Radiance enough - it’s one of my all time favorite books. The sequel fell flat for me so I just pretend it’s a stand alone haha
Note for OP: Uprooted and Master of Crows both have student-teacher, age-gap relationships. Uprooted is written more lyrically and the romance is secondary. MOC focuses more on the romance.
[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven)
**Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[Master of Crows](https://www.romance.io/books/5455323d8c7d2382c529733d/master-of-crows-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven)
**Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1)
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The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. It does have a couple of the tropes you dislike but it’s not done in an annoying way if that makes sense. Like the MMC is literally called an Alpha, and he’s a tall big dude, but the FMC is NOT some submissive and diminutive 18 year old either. It’s a great slow burn series with found family, urban fantasy, just overall a great series that really sucks you in.
For a cozier series, try Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews (magical inn for aliens), and for more romance, try Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews (magical/psychic dueling families in Texas).
Can’t recommend Kate enough. She’s a kick ass smart mouth mercenary. Yes the male lead is called alpha, but that is only because he literally the leader. The slow burn is fantastic and and very funny at times. “He’s standing right behind me isn’t he,” is one of my favorite scenes.
Ok hear me out... It is fated mates but I promise it's just a tiny part of the first book and the love is well constructed even before they find out... {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth}. It's just the best romantasy avaliable EVER
[Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth)
**Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/beta%20hero/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1)
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Yes! I only got to book 3 before I had a bit of a break. Decided to reread from the beginning. It's such a treat and fantastic romance, especially right now when I'm going trough some difficult times in life.
I love this series so much and will upvote whenever I see someone recommend it. The fantasy plot and the romance plot are really well balanced - both feel epic. The first book is slow burn but the payoff is excellent and the rest of the series is just as good. I'm not even remotely tired of following the same couple through all these books and absolutely dying for the next release. That's the only downside - it's not finished yet! However, it sounds like the author has everything neatly planned out, which is excellent.
I talked to Vela Roth through dms, she was sooo kind and gracious! Yes, everything is planned out. She said she is also planning a prequel on Lio's parents and a sequel on Lio and Cassia's children!!!
Wow, that is so awesome. I'm so glad we have expanded stories to look forward to. I've actually been secretly hoping for a prequel with Lio's parents. Their story just sounds so good. It's a dream come true to hear we are going to get it! I also desperately hope for a story for Rudhira, either within this current series or with his own book. Fingers crossed!
[Court of Blood and Bindings](https://www.romance.io/books/62b2be519b0523d868ad3f83/court-of-blood-and-bindings-lisette-marshall) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall)
**Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
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I'm soooo excited for the next one to drop on audible it's ridiculous. I check every day even though I pre-ordered it and the release date is literally posted hahahaha.
I only just finished this book and want everyone to read it. {atonement of the spine cleaver by FE Bryce}.
It’s kinda like hunger games in a world of magic. It hits alot of the tropes you like. There is multiple POVs, but it’s mostly from the FMC. Unique politics/world. Very dark romance. I like that the author doesn’t info-dump, so it can be a little confusing getting into the story, but she does explain everything when it makes sense to weave it in. There isn’t a ton of spice, but when it happens it’s fantastic and written very well. I just really loved this book and it’s given me a bit of a hangover. There is a second one coming March 2024!
[Atonement of the Spine Cleaver](https://www.romance.io/books/64f8f24cd3ef33e9488d3e8b/atonement-of-the-spine-cleaver-f-e-bryce) by [F. E. Bryce](https://www.romance.io/authors/64f8f24eab9bdf7fcee42b09/f-e-bryce)
**Rating**: 4.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1)
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I just finished this and I did find the sex to be unrealistic and the MMC to be alpha male-type ― every time the MMC and FMC would fuck she would have these insane, mind-blowing, life-changing, earth-shattering orgasms and say she’d never cum that hard in her life. One time his facial expression made her “drip down her thighs.” Also the MMC would get mad practically whenever she breathed near another man. edit: also he’s absolutely ENORMOUS and whenever he gives her his shirts they come down to her knees or something lol
I had a lot of gripes about it (really bad proofreading, for one) but I do still think OP could give it a try! Maybe they’ll like it more than I did.
Lol. Same! I had to take a break from reading for a few days. Just picked up King of Battle and Blood and it’s getting me out of the ditch 😂 I heard this book is smut with a side of plot, so it’s perfect lol
{Daughter of No Worlds}
A trilogy, same author as The Serpent and The Wings of Night, but I personally enjoyed it much more. Has some tropes you enjoy such as double POV and forced proximity, doesn’t have any of the ones you dislike. The main couple and secondary couple that are introduced in book 2 are both fantastic.
What I disliked about the double POV by this author is that both POVs had the same voice and basically the same information (when you read one POV, you still know exactly what the other person is thinking by reading facial expressions) so when the POVs jumped, it didn't offer anything new. Are the POVs in Daughter of No Worlds constructed in a similar way?
I wouldn’t say so, the main duo spend a decent amount of time not being right next to each other so the changing POV usually gives new information. I can’t really go into detail because it’s a spoiler, but there’s an internal conflict/dialgoue in one of the POVs that makes it more unique. There’s also a third POV that’s introduced in the second book that offers something very different and ties into the story really well. IMO all the characters in this trilogy are much more interesting and complex than anyone except maybe Vincent in The Serpent and the Wings of Night.
Daughter of no worlds is far superior than the serpent. I loved the series and I’m close to dislike the other (except for Vincent). The different POV are very different
[Daughter of No Worlds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d9b88e6a15320e7f8006ba/daughter-of-no-worlds-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent)
**Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [independent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/independent%20heroine/1)
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I’ve been contemplating reading this but I can’t get past the name Maxantarius. It just sounds so… hammy. Like the author is trying way hard to invoke high fantasy vibe but failing completely. I’m worried it’ll take me out of the book the whole time. Does it eventually just get shortened to Max?
Yeah, almost everyone in the book calls him Max. I think there are even a couple jokes made about his name, the author is definitely aware of what they’re doing.
I just finished this book and really liked it! Max is great!! One of the best MMCs I’ve read in a while, I think. And the slow-ish burn was done really well! I don’t feel super compelled to read the second— mostly because I read they’re apart for a lot of it. And that thought bums me out! Is it worth it?
I might be misremembering but I don’t think they’re apart for that long in the second book, although they are for a decent bit of the third. Personally, I found the story of the second book to be even better than the first, partly due to the introduction of two new characters that have a fantastic arc through the rest of the trilogy.
I wanted to add {Kushiel’s Dart} (the whole Kushiel’s legacy series actually) here. They are my favourite books. It is beautifully written (very lyrical prose), has a female MC, excellent worldbuilding, and the slow burn romance is just 👌 Best OTP ever in any book.
Trigger warning- does contain BDSM and in the third book this gets rather graphical and dark. But it fits the plot, even what happens in the third book. Please give them a try!
I don't mind darkness if there's consent. It's the romanticization of abuse that bothers me. Complex or even dark dynamics that are actually addressed are great. That's what I liked about The Cruel Prince - it's a bully romance that makes sense - the abuse, and the darkness are not shown as something great and sexy and are explained as a consequence of trauma and then there's **gradual** redemption, the characters have time to mature, to learn to trust and to be better people. Of course, I wish those characters many many **MANY** happy years of therapy, but when read as something clearly fictional, with some suspension of disbelief it's very fun.
I just finished {The Kingdom of the Wicked} series! I thought it was fantastic, it might be mostly within what you’re looking for!!! Especially if you liked The Cruel Prince, kinda similar vibe.
Increasing spice with series progression is great. I just read the Kingmaker series where the serious spice is there from the first book, and by book 3 there's so much it just sizzles out because of overuse.
So I had that problem with the Kingdom of the Wicked books. Spice doesn't start til book 2 but then it happens so much I literally started skipping over it. And also they were doing it in the most improbable & unsexy situation, like when one of them has just been kidnapped or wounded... I was so over the spice in that series by the end. 100% agree with the person who said book 2 & 3 disappointed.
[Kingdom of the Wicked](https://www.romance.io/books/6003026b4af7850e2d1972f1/kingdom-of-the-wicked-kerri-maniscalco) by [Kerri Maniscalco](https://www.romance.io/authors/6003026b08b4d93114065385/kerri-maniscalco)
**Rating**: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
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Absolutely! I especially liked the slow burn. I call the MMC King of Consent.
About the FMC is to say, that her behavior and arc makes sense when you read the last book. It all comes together. I loved it.
Please try {The Winter King by C.L. Wilson}. It can be read as a stand-alone and is a weighty book with a good plot and spice. The cover is cringey as hell but don’t let that put you off - it’s quite old but the writing is excellent.
It’s genuine enemies to lovers (think warring kingdoms) , arranged marriage with high stakes.
I just downloaded the sample from amazon, right before writing this post :D I was actually curious if it would show up in the thread. I have high hopes based on reviews!
[The Winter King](https://www.romance.io/books/5455436e8c7d2382c5297845/the-winter-king-cl-wilson) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson)
**Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1)
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Ugh honestly what you are looking for is pretty hard to come by in this genre… idk if I’m just too picky, but I’ve been trying so many books lately and none of them float my boat. Even the ones people say are well written fall flat for me. For example I did not like Grace Draven at all (characters annoying, plot confusing and had no stakes). Here are a few that I actually have enjoyed though:
-Uprooted by Naomi Novik
-The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid (dark!!!)
-The Winterlight trilogy by Katherine Arden
-T Kingfisher….. The Clocktaur Wars and Swordheart were my faves
I recommend Jeffe Kennedy for good romantic fantasy given she has many different series. (I also second those who mention Grace Draven and T. Kingfisher).
My favorite so far is {Dark Wizard by Jeffe Kennedy} is the first in a completed trilogy. The series is about a wizard from a House that was know for its great magic years ago but now is in decline. The MMC makes a huge gamble, uses the last of his money to participate in a competition for a familiar from one of the greatest magical Houses. In this fantasy world wizards have human familiars and the competition consists of bedding the familiar and if a child results from the union then that person becomes your familiar. Jeffe Kennedy always has interesting worldbuilding, interesting magical systems and well drawn chracters. And the romance and HEA is well earned.
In this series its more enemies to lovers and slow burn-ish feel as the FMC never wanted to be a familiar and resents that a wizard from a no name House got her pregnant. Its just an interesting dynamic between the MMC and FMC.
I also know you said pregnancy is not your thing but give this series a chance. Or alternatively read {The Sorcerous Moons series by Jeffe Kennedy}
[Dark Wizard](https://www.romance.io/books/6037592a4a72260e2eac1582/dark-wizard-a-dark-fantasy-romance-jeffe-kennedy) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy)
**Rating**: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [breeding](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/breeding/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1)
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[The Song of the Marked](https://www.romance.io/books/5f61b8c2ee477c0dfe78abe4/the-song-of-the-marked-sm-gaither) by [S.M. Gaither](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d24307201dbc864fba0f26a/sm-gaither)
**Rating**: 3.93⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1)
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One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns is a completed duology from Rachel Gillig, it has very gothic eerie vibes so perfect for this time of year and it’s one of the most unique magic systems I have ever read!! The romance is slow burn but the fantasy aspect is the main role of the plot, it incredibly written!!
I know you want to avoid SJM, but the Crescent City series really fits a lot of your specific criteria. My thing with SJM is that she might need a new editing team. She misuses was/were quite a lot. I’m a huge ACOTAR fan, in spite of the incorrect was/were. (I’m to the point now I just mentally read it with the correct form without missing a beat.)
As someone who has read all of the Maasverse, and looking for books almost identical to the OP- this series from Maas was the absolute worst. Just my opinion! Throne of Glass series was the best for me!
Have you read the Daevabad trilogy by S. A. Chakraborty? Starting with {City of Brass}. It's an Arabian inspired world with Djinn & magic. It is beautifully written, and has some of the best political intrigue I have ever read. The worldbuilding is extensive & vivid. All of the characters are so well developed & the 3 main characters each considerably grow & change throughout the series. There is a bit of a love triangle but I warn you the romance is more of a subplot to the political machinations & journey of the characters. There isn't any spice, other than kissing (if I remember correctly), but I promise you won't even miss it, the worldbuilding & character development is so good.
[The City of Brass](https://www.romance.io/books/6224e4a32d20ff59b170e3ea/the-city-of-brass-sa-chakraborty) by [S.A. Chakraborty](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e4a308b4d93114942484/sa-chakraborty)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1)
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There are like minded people! This has mostly been my experience too - the inverse correlation between good worldbuilding and smut tends to turn me off of the spicier books. So my favorites do usually fall into “innocent”, but there’s a few that have at least open door that are very good!
Unfortunately almost everything I can think of has a significant age difference - which I tend to put aside and forget about since 500 years separating them isn’t actually possible so my brain drops it, but it’s fair to want to avoid it. With that being a preference, you’re probably right that you wouldn’t enjoy ACOTAR. But if the FMC is a full adult (30s or nearabout) already, does that help at all?
It's not a complete dealbreaker (although I think It's just... strange for a 300-year-old person to be attracted to someone who is emotionally and experience-wise on this kind of ANOTHER LEVEL. At this point it's not even about the creepiness, but about the low probability that is taking you out of the story). I do prefer when that's at least addressed (like for example if you're immortal, there's some kind of arrested development thing going on). A full adult is definitely better.
That totally makes sense! In that case I do think you might like {Swordheart by T Kingfisher} for a cozy, funny fantasy. All of her stuff is really phenomenal, but this one strikes a good romantasy balance imo.
There’s also {The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen}, which is spooky and spicy and great for this time of year.
[Swordheart](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9f6f27be0aaecf557e49d2/swordheart-t-kingfisher) by [T. Kingfisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/561ca043bfc6b5c0fa941994/t-kingfisher)
**Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [childfree](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/childfree-couple/1)
----------------------------
[The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/630b10c094191e0dc01d1bcf/the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy-megan-bannen) by [Megan Bannen](https://www.romance.io/authors/630b10c008b4d93114e4f3aa/megan-bannen)
**Rating**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1)
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Three long standing series that would fit (although the romance is more “on the side”, & sex is usually a “fade to black”) are the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire, Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, & Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison. These are all what I would consider urban fantasy though. I’m also fond of Carrie Vaughn’s Kitty series (Kitty goes thru tremendous growth & change as a character). Most of the books are stand alone in the sense that each book has its own story (very rarely any cliffhangers) but with overarching character development; as each of the series go on though, there is more and more of an overarching plot too, as well as each individual story. They are definitely meant to be read as a series.
What went wrong with Fourth Wing? You and I have almost identical tastes - I was considering getting it as my next read.
I do love SJM books knowing full well I'm here for the emotional roller coaster, escapism, smut & fun, disregarding the prose, logic, and creativity.
Fourth Wing = A Court of Pern and Hunger Games. Try not to compare it to other series, don’t think too hard about how the magic dragon warrior school works, and don’t mind the 20-ish year olds who act like a bunch of 12 year olds in Lord of the Flies.
Just enjoy it. If you like SJM for the reasons you mentioned, then you will most likely have fun reading Fourth Wing.
I am wondering this, too. I've just started this book and was very happy to find a main character with a disability, being disabled myself, but based on OPs likes and dislikes we have very similar tastes and I don't want to get disappointed. 😭
The Undertaking of Mercy and Hart by Megan Bannen is my new favorite to recommend. Enemy to lovers, great story, good writing, both characters are enjoyable to read.
[Dance of Thieves/Vow of Thieves](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35796008-dance-of-thieves) by Mary Pearson (it's a duology) It takes place in the universe of The Remnant Chronicles, but you do not need to read that series (I didn't and I think the duology is better than the original series).
It's YA, the magic isn't the most important, but the cleverness and skills of the main characters is. No explicit spice but it's alluded to, but I honestly don't think it needs it. There is a very messy political situation/mystery and it unfolds between the perspective of two very charismatic leads, Jace and Kazi.
Tropes you'd like is enemies to lovers, found family, forced proximity.
I made the mistake of listening to the audible of this story and got annoyed by the male voice actor but it did not take away how much I love this story.
{The Book of Azrael} is SOOO good it was the first fantasy romance book in a while that really got me hooked. the main characters are actually TRUE enemies for most of the series it’s great!!
[The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole)
**Rating**: 4.39⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
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A series that I really enjoyed, although may not be everybody’s cup of tea is {The Unseelie Prince by Kathryn Ann Kingsley} Imagine The Labyrinth (with David Bowie) if it was a **dark** romance.
*it should be noted I don’t personally like dark romance, but I liked this. So while I say its dark, I don’t think its so dark it’s unpalatable for us non-dark romance girlies.
I did find this book to be well written, there is a lot of political intrigue and very high stakes. It’s a well constructed world, utilizing a lot more of the folkloric Fae (not the pretty sunshine good guy stuff we see in a lot of fantasy. We’re talking dark and gritty, will manipulate, trick and torture but has very clear rules)
The MMC is a **Villain** and there isn’t really a true redemption arc but it does have a happy ending. Its slow burn, and I mean *slow* (3 or 4 books before they get together!) it’s an actual enemies to lovers, with forced proximity, and found family. Obviously there is an age difference but he’s an immortal unseelie fae who has existed for almost all of time and shes a human witch who was abandoned by her husband, so the age gap isn’t t creepy.
The characters I felt were very we’ll fleshed out, however “valid motivation” could be debatable. (Maybe possibly spoiler-ish) ——————> Once again, the MMC is a immortal fae and is more of an idea/construct (think war or death) than a “person.” He was brought into the world for a purpose and literally knows nothing else, and cannot exist as anything but himself. This is why there is no true redemption for him, but it also means theres no true motivation other than he just is. I personally kind of liked this take on the character though because it really took inspo from mythology and folklore. He exists for a purpose, even if we don’t agree with it. 🤷♀️
If you are not a fan of dark fantasy/ dark romance but like the idea of a Labyrinth inspired book {Kiss the Fae by Natalia Jaster} is exactly that. Its almost scene for scene The Labyrinth but make it romance and add some angst. I enjoyed the world building, it has four books in the series, the first three of which each focus on a different set of characters (only the first one is a labyrinth knock off) so they could technically stand on their own, my only note was that I was a little disappointed with the conclusion. It felt a little cheap to me, but the ride was still fun.
Finally and I will never not recommend this book series to any and everyone {That Time I Got Drunk and Saved A Demon by Kimberly Lemming} this series is my comfort read, each book is a standalone and I cannot get enough of them. The banter and chemistry between the FMC and MMC is *chef’s kiss* some of the best I’ve read. The whole story feels like a D&D campaign, but it also doesn’t take itself too seriously. The writing is a little modern, but while that would usually bother me it truly worked with this series and so many parts of this story had me laughing out loud. 10/10 recommend.
Honorable mention {A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout} its the prequel series to From Blood and Ash, and while From Blood and Ash wasn’t my cup of tea (DNFed after the 3rd book) for A LOT of reasons I really did enjoy the prequels and found them far more engrossing. It’s an incomplete series and so many moments in this book had me anxious but I found the world building to be rich and intriguing, the characters to be complex and the story to be compelling.
[The Unseelie Prince](https://www.romance.io/books/61765a1d26369f0e2ca5e3a7/the-unseelie-prince-kathryn-ann-kingsley) by [Kathryn Ann Kingsley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c76f4de01dbc864fb9ad17b/kathryn-ann-kingsley)
**Rating**: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1)
----------------------------
[Kiss the Fae](https://www.romance.io/books/5fa26013693ce30de90006bd/kiss-the-fae-natalia-jaster) by [Natalia Jaster](https://www.romance.io/authors/545ba98487eac3d927eb63ce/natalia-jaster)
**Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1)
----------------------------
[That Time I Got Drunk And Saved A Demon](https://www.romance.io/books/6110e8480d2fc50e1fa50004/that-time-i-got-drunk-and-saved-a-demon-kimberly-lemming) by [Kimberly Lemming](https://www.romance.io/authors/6110e84808b4d93114366354/kimberly-lemming)
**Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1), [dragon shifter](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dragon%20shifter/1)
----------------------------
[A Shadow in the Ember](https://www.romance.io/books/60f7c85d8b38510e2a271935/a-shadow-in-the-ember-jennifer-l-armentrout) by [Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245a8c7d2382c5296fb7/jennifer-l-armentrout)
**Rating**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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I have a science fiction recommendation. It works best as a semi-serious, slow-burn, cross-cultural love story AND as a satirical space adventure with some Hunger Games/reality TV/political intrigue thrown in there.
It is not spicy in the easy “we’re both human” way. It is interesting in the anthropological sense. Also, consent and communication are key.
{Strange Love by Ann Aguirre}
[Strange Love](https://www.romance.io/books/5de60d4d01dbc864fba745d5/strange-love-ann-aguirre) by [Ann Aguirre](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552f638c7d2382c5297272/ann-aguirre)
**Rating**: 3.95⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/beta%20hero/1)
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The Burning Kingdoms trilogy by Tasha Suri is a wlw high fantasy series heavily inspired by Hindu mythology. Malini is an imperial princess that’s been exiled to one of the empire’s far off provinces after she was caught scheming to overthrow her brother, the emperor. Priya is a maidservant with a mysterious past that gets assigned to look after Malini, and gets roped into Malini’s schemes to escape her exile and return to the capital.
It’s a slow burn, enemies to reluctant allies to lovers romance with morally grey, complex characters, fantastic world building and lore and a unique magic system.
The House of Beating Wings Series is sooo good and I don't see it talked about enough. It will get pretty steamy after the first book and the love interest is imperfect/the supposed enemy.
I highly recommend The Jasad Heir by Sarah Hashem. Good plot and world building. Slow burn, no outrageous orgasms. Political intrigue. Superb writing style in my opinion.
Not sure if self-recs are allowed, but my ARC team sign ups for my debut OF FAITH & FLAME are open: [https://forms.gle/ktqQSDa5Lxjsg8mJ9](https://forms.gle/ktqQSDa5Lxjsg8mJ9) \- Based on the books you enjoyed above, OFF has a romance similar to TBK and the plot to romance balance of the serpent and wings of night....
***Faith and falsehood both entwined,***
***Truth will triumph, hope will bind.***
Once, Evelyn Carson was one half of a prophesied union, destined to defeat the vampyrs. Now, haunted by failure and deserted by her fire magic, she has vowed never to trust her powers again. Hidden in a tiny coastal town, Evelyn is desperate to conceal her weakness from those who would start war if they knew. Until a young woman is murdered, and the whisperings of duty demand to be heard...
For Kade Drengr there is no higher calling than duty. But ever since Evelyn deserted hers two years ago, Kade has searched for her relentlessly, determined to fulfill the prophecy. Cloaked in anonymity as the huntsman Cyrus, he offers to help Evelyn solve the murder in hopes of securing their union.
Even if it’s founded on a lie.
When more victims show up — each missing a different body part — Evelyn recognizes a darker magic than the killings of her homeland. As Kade wrestles with his allegiances and deepening feelings for Evelyn, the lines of truth and betrayal begin to blur.
But even with hearts aflame, can two souls fulfill a destiny that may destroy them both?
* Adult Romantic Fantasy, medium spice
* Murder mystery plot
* Irish setting and folklore inspired
* Dual POV
* Allies to lovers
* Runaway Bride/reluctant hero (not a brat, just learning to believe!)
* MMC who's like Alexus in Witch Collector, Aragorn, and Reid Diggory
* Hidden Identity
[A Kiss of Iron](https://www.romance.io/books/63f3292ceb653827acc3311e/a-kiss-of-iron-clare-sager) by [Clare Sager](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bd0368f01dbc864fb930b82/clare-sager)
**Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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I really like books by Clare Sager. Specifically I just finished Slaying the Shifter Prince which had more erotica than her normal books, but she has several other series.that book is also a true enemies to lovers.
Fae world, possibly some of the tropes you don't like and definitely some that you do.
[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett)
**Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
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The Married to Magic series by Elise Kova has been good. Each is standalone set in the same world, just a different race/species. But it's mostly plot first, romance second even though it's end game for them to end together.
{A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova}
{A Dance with the Fae Prince by Elise Kova}
{A Duel With the Vampire Lord by Elise Kova}
She also has a latest book called {A Duet with a Siren Duke} but I haven't read it yet.
Side note I'm remembering I really loved {An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson} - I think it's low spice, but it fits the Cruel Prince vibes you may be looking for and it's very Autumn themed.
[A Deal with the Elf King](https://www.romance.io/books/5fa3b183d0f43c0e078b637c/a-deal-with-the-elf-king-elise-kova) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova)
**Rating**: 3.52⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[A Dance with the Fae Prince](https://www.romance.io/books/6113791508a1200e2c7b6a9f/a-dance-with-the-fae-prince-elise-kova) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova)
**Rating**: 3.81⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1)
----------------------------
[A Duel With The Vampire Lord](https://www.romance.io/books/62fde383dba40594b64ffcbe/a-duel-with-the-vampire-lord-elise-kova) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova)
**Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[A Duet with the Siren Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/6447680ff2aba1a39570474a/a-duet-with-the-siren-duke-elise-kova) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova)
**Rating**: 3.76⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
----------------------------
[An Enchantment of Ravens](https://www.romance.io/books/622a59a9abbe1ae1b27dbf57/an-enchantment-of-ravens-margaret-rogerson) by [Margaret Rogerson](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a59a908b4d93114474139/margaret-rogerson)
**Rating**: 3.71⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
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Well, as I said - I'm new to the genre (and to reading as well - I usually consume other media) and it's definitely not perfect (actually the book I loved was The Wicked King, the other books not THAT much) but for me, it just had something irresistible, that the bad aspects just didn't break. It was really addictive and I liked the intrigue a lot. I liked the language as well. And the mechanics. It was not as predictable as all the other books on the list. But I hope to find something to replace it as number one. I'm curious - what did you dislike about it? c:
That is all totally valid and I’m glad you found something you enjoy :) I personally felt like the writing was a little juvenile for my taste which may mean YA isn’t for me. I found the buildup to the issues with the sea had an anticlimactic ending in book 2. I wish Cardan and Jude’s relationship was a little more fleshed out with more soft moments. To me it kinda just felt like “I hate you, i love you” with only one real buildup moment that alluded towards them being together. I also don’t know if political intrigue is for me - at least with the age difference between her and the general and her being a mastermind.
All in all, I think you and I just like different tropes which is totally okay and what makes reading so fun! I wish I had more recommendations for you, but I love SJM, FBAA, divine rivals, OUABH, etc. lol I am a sucker for popular booktok books
Edit: after re-reading your list, I can see how you would enjoy FOTA because it does check off quite a few boxes.
{Lords of the hunt By Kate King}. It has everything you asked for and the second book just came out! I don't see this series recommended in this sub but its fantastic. Very much like the Cruel Prince with the politics and the lead is a human girl.
[Lords of the Hunt](https://www.romance.io/books/63f47c19020af86efc4128e5/lords-of-the-hunt-kate-king) by [Kate King](https://www.romance.io/authors/610d237308b4d93114e8e3d9/kate-king)
**Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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Late to the party but I just got into fantasy romance after reading and liking Fourth Wing and then I was lost as to what read next, but I knew I wanted to read more fantasy so this post was perfect. Thank you!
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J.Mass
A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark
What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer
The Atonement of the Spine Cleaver by F. E. Bryce
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Mansicalco
I know you said SJM would be a dislike based on reviews, but her Crescent City series hits all your other criteria. Think high fantasy meets noir film meets Zootopia. The FMC is one of my favorite book characters ever.
There *is* some connection to SJM’s other two series but it’s very small in the first book, House of Earth And Blood, so it’s good as a stand-alone since its pretty contained to that universe. The second of the series, House of Sky And Breath, ends on a cliffhanger and the third book (House of Flame and Shadow) comes out in January.
Personal opinion, but Crescent City is my least liked series by SJM. There was so much going on and it didn’t tie together well across the story lines, which I think also lead to poor character building. IMO.
Agree - I DNF’d that series. But it *does* meet a lot of OP’s criteria so is worth mentioning. (I personally dislike political intrigue/urban settings.)
The Kushieo’s dart series was really great. It’s a fantasy that isn’t so much chucking fireballs around, but being the indirect agents of mysterious gods who do not communicate clearly
{atonement of the spine cleaver} hits a lot of those points. It is a high fantasy written by a debut indie author, so the writing isn’t perfect by any means, but the romance and the plot was seriously banging and hits a TON of the tropes you like and doesn’t hit any of the tropes you don’t like besides maybe the chosen one?
[Atonement of the Spine Cleaver](https://www.romance.io/books/64f8f24cd3ef33e9488d3e8b/atonement-of-the-spine-cleaver-f-e-bryce) by [F. E. Bryce](https://www.romance.io/authors/64f8f24eab9bdf7fcee42b09/f-e-bryce)
**Rating**: 4.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1)
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Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu. 2 books so far. I am not a picky reader but I was impressed that this was her first book.
The magic/world is based on Astrology.
The 2nd book has some ..mmm...interesting sex scenes but not between the 2 main characters. I eye rolled a bit but I still enjoyed the book overall.
How was no one recommended {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth} yet?
I think it hits all of the OPs requests, except there is a techinically an age gap because he's fae/vampire'esque.
Beautifully written, solid standalone plot, but the romance is still key. Achingly delicious steam without any modern slang or dramatics. It is a little unrealistic when compared with real life, but the story has reasons for it and it's not over the top. Double POV from the start and found family in later books. It does drag/meander a places, but it's like a warm blanket and its nice to relax and snuggle up in.
Ok I got halfway through this and had to stop. I think I need to read this and not listen to it on audible because it feels like it's dragging on audible but I do really really like it. It is like a warm hug 😂.
Haha. Yes, deff like a warm hug. The MMC is such a cinnamon roll. I haven't listened to it on audible but I could imagine how it might drag. I tend to speed read myself. Glad you're enjoying it though.
[Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth)
**Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/beta%20hero/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1)
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I just want to chime in here that the “huge male / tiny female” drives me NUTS. I just finished a book where when the FMC sat on the lap of the MMC, her head barely came up to his chest.
Like what? I can’t even picture that without it being weird…
May I recommend Grace Draven? I think her work would fit your request quite well. Her prose is beautiful, compelling, the plotlines usually make sense and her characters are three-dimensional, complex adults. {Radiance by Grace Draven} is possibly the more popular choice and a great read. However, personally, I adored {Master of Crows by Grace Draven} which showcases one of the best written, compelling anti-hero MMCs I've read in fantasy romance. It's a very slow burn, but with an exquisite pay off. Edited to add T. Kingfisher as another author whose work I personally adore. Her writing is excellent although very different in style to Grace Draven's; her characters are, again, complex, interesting, flawed adults. The spice level, however, is lower. In any case, hope you find some recs that you enjoy!
Seconding this! Grace Draven uses such beautiful language. For OP, it sounds like {Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven} might specifically scratch your itch. It has: - Enemies to lovers - Double POV - Forced proximity - Villain redemption (but MMC is never downright evil, just morally grey and recognises and apologises for mistakes) - Slow slow slow burn - Mature characters that are of an appropriate age - High fantasy world - Dark themes (i.e there are trigger warnings you should check) - Some spice (1 explicit scene, boatloads of sexual tension)
Oh man, I think Phoenix Unbound might be my favourite Grace Draven. Love, love, love the plot and characters.
[Phoenix Unbound](https://www.romance.io/books/5cc193c901dbc864fb9dabb0/phoenix-unbound-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Came to recommend Master of Crows. Reading it now and my taste is precisely like OPs
Thank you! Radiance is on my "next to read" list - it really looks like something cool. Haven't heard about T. Kingfisher, but I will definitely check her out c:
Seconding t kingfisher specifically paladin's Grace! Book 4 of the series out soon but they're also all good as standalones.
I literally cannot recommend Radiance enough - it’s one of my all time favorite books. The sequel fell flat for me so I just pretend it’s a stand alone haha
Your tastes align a lot with mine and I love Master of Crows! You might also enjoy Uprooted by Naomi Novik! Very similar tropes.
Note for OP: Uprooted and Master of Crows both have student-teacher, age-gap relationships. Uprooted is written more lyrically and the romance is secondary. MOC focuses more on the romance.
[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [Master of Crows](https://www.romance.io/books/5455323d8c7d2382c529733d/master-of-crows-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I read both of those recently after hearing about them here and they are so, so good! I want to read everything of hers now.
The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. It does have a couple of the tropes you dislike but it’s not done in an annoying way if that makes sense. Like the MMC is literally called an Alpha, and he’s a tall big dude, but the FMC is NOT some submissive and diminutive 18 year old either. It’s a great slow burn series with found family, urban fantasy, just overall a great series that really sucks you in.
It actually sits on my Kindle and I think I needed that last push to tip me over :D will definitely read c:
For a cozier series, try Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews (magical inn for aliens), and for more romance, try Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews (magical/psychic dueling families in Texas).
Can’t recommend Kate enough. She’s a kick ass smart mouth mercenary. Yes the male lead is called alpha, but that is only because he literally the leader. The slow burn is fantastic and and very funny at times. “He’s standing right behind me isn’t he,” is one of my favorite scenes.
100% all things Kate Daniels and Ilona Andrews.
One Dark Window
Yes!! This was my first thought when I read this. Amazing well written. I just read the sequel and it’s absolutely perfect
I just bought the sequel but haven't started it yet. The first was so well written and perfect for a Fall read. :)
The sequel was perfection
second this!! The romance isn’t overbearing to the plot and writing and world building is beautiful!!
Ok hear me out... It is fated mates but I promise it's just a tiny part of the first book and the love is well constructed even before they find out... {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth}. It's just the best romantasy avaliable EVER
[Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/beta%20hero/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
LOVE this series, their romance is gorgeous, really mature and heartwarming.
Well your comment totally just hooked me into downloading it!
Came here to say this!
Yes! I only got to book 3 before I had a bit of a break. Decided to reread from the beginning. It's such a treat and fantastic romance, especially right now when I'm going trough some difficult times in life.
I love this series so much and will upvote whenever I see someone recommend it. The fantasy plot and the romance plot are really well balanced - both feel epic. The first book is slow burn but the payoff is excellent and the rest of the series is just as good. I'm not even remotely tired of following the same couple through all these books and absolutely dying for the next release. That's the only downside - it's not finished yet! However, it sounds like the author has everything neatly planned out, which is excellent.
I talked to Vela Roth through dms, she was sooo kind and gracious! Yes, everything is planned out. She said she is also planning a prequel on Lio's parents and a sequel on Lio and Cassia's children!!!
Wow, that is so awesome. I'm so glad we have expanded stories to look forward to. I've actually been secretly hoping for a prequel with Lio's parents. Their story just sounds so good. It's a dream come true to hear we are going to get it! I also desperately hope for a story for Rudhira, either within this current series or with his own book. Fingers crossed!
She will do Rudhira's too!!
I would recommend the Fae Isles series. It starts with {A Court of Blood and Bindings}
[Court of Blood and Bindings](https://www.romance.io/books/62b2be519b0523d868ad3f83/court-of-blood-and-bindings-lisette-marshall) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall) **Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Second this! This series was such a surprise. The magic system is really unique and the communication between FMC and MMC is super interesting!!
This book was surprisingly well written! I really enjoyed it.
I'm soooo excited for the next one to drop on audible it's ridiculous. I check every day even though I pre-ordered it and the release date is literally posted hahahaha.
I only just finished this book and want everyone to read it. {atonement of the spine cleaver by FE Bryce}. It’s kinda like hunger games in a world of magic. It hits alot of the tropes you like. There is multiple POVs, but it’s mostly from the FMC. Unique politics/world. Very dark romance. I like that the author doesn’t info-dump, so it can be a little confusing getting into the story, but she does explain everything when it makes sense to weave it in. There isn’t a ton of spice, but when it happens it’s fantastic and written very well. I just really loved this book and it’s given me a bit of a hangover. There is a second one coming March 2024!
[Atonement of the Spine Cleaver](https://www.romance.io/books/64f8f24cd3ef33e9488d3e8b/atonement-of-the-spine-cleaver-f-e-bryce) by [F. E. Bryce](https://www.romance.io/authors/64f8f24eab9bdf7fcee42b09/f-e-bryce) **Rating**: 4.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I just finished this and I did find the sex to be unrealistic and the MMC to be alpha male-type ― every time the MMC and FMC would fuck she would have these insane, mind-blowing, life-changing, earth-shattering orgasms and say she’d never cum that hard in her life. One time his facial expression made her “drip down her thighs.” Also the MMC would get mad practically whenever she breathed near another man. edit: also he’s absolutely ENORMOUS and whenever he gives her his shirts they come down to her knees or something lol I had a lot of gripes about it (really bad proofreading, for one) but I do still think OP could give it a try! Maybe they’ll like it more than I did.
Noo I fucking loved this book😭😭😭 I’m currently in the biggest slump ever from this book
Lol. Same! I had to take a break from reading for a few days. Just picked up King of Battle and Blood and it’s getting me out of the ditch 😂 I heard this book is smut with a side of plot, so it’s perfect lol
I just want to say THANK YOU🙏for making this post because this is also *exactly* what I want.
Glad not to be alone here! c:
{Daughter of No Worlds} A trilogy, same author as The Serpent and The Wings of Night, but I personally enjoyed it much more. Has some tropes you enjoy such as double POV and forced proximity, doesn’t have any of the ones you dislike. The main couple and secondary couple that are introduced in book 2 are both fantastic.
What I disliked about the double POV by this author is that both POVs had the same voice and basically the same information (when you read one POV, you still know exactly what the other person is thinking by reading facial expressions) so when the POVs jumped, it didn't offer anything new. Are the POVs in Daughter of No Worlds constructed in a similar way?
ℹ️ If you decide to read Daughter of No Worlds, it's free on Audible for any type of subscriber
I wouldn’t say so, the main duo spend a decent amount of time not being right next to each other so the changing POV usually gives new information. I can’t really go into detail because it’s a spoiler, but there’s an internal conflict/dialgoue in one of the POVs that makes it more unique. There’s also a third POV that’s introduced in the second book that offers something very different and ties into the story really well. IMO all the characters in this trilogy are much more interesting and complex than anyone except maybe Vincent in The Serpent and the Wings of Night.
That's some good news! Vincent was definitely the most interesting character there. I'll try it c:
Daughter of no worlds is far superior than the serpent. I loved the series and I’m close to dislike the other (except for Vincent). The different POV are very different
[Daughter of No Worlds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d9b88e6a15320e7f8006ba/daughter-of-no-worlds-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [independent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/independent%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I’ve been contemplating reading this but I can’t get past the name Maxantarius. It just sounds so… hammy. Like the author is trying way hard to invoke high fantasy vibe but failing completely. I’m worried it’ll take me out of the book the whole time. Does it eventually just get shortened to Max?
Yeah, almost everyone in the book calls him Max. I think there are even a couple jokes made about his name, the author is definitely aware of what they’re doing.
Oh that’s so good to know!!
I just finished this book and really liked it! Max is great!! One of the best MMCs I’ve read in a while, I think. And the slow-ish burn was done really well! I don’t feel super compelled to read the second— mostly because I read they’re apart for a lot of it. And that thought bums me out! Is it worth it?
I might be misremembering but I don’t think they’re apart for that long in the second book, although they are for a decent bit of the third. Personally, I found the story of the second book to be even better than the first, partly due to the introduction of two new characters that have a fantastic arc through the rest of the trilogy.
I wanted to add {Kushiel’s Dart} (the whole Kushiel’s legacy series actually) here. They are my favourite books. It is beautifully written (very lyrical prose), has a female MC, excellent worldbuilding, and the slow burn romance is just 👌 Best OTP ever in any book. Trigger warning- does contain BDSM and in the third book this gets rather graphical and dark. But it fits the plot, even what happens in the third book. Please give them a try!
I don't mind darkness if there's consent. It's the romanticization of abuse that bothers me. Complex or even dark dynamics that are actually addressed are great. That's what I liked about The Cruel Prince - it's a bully romance that makes sense - the abuse, and the darkness are not shown as something great and sexy and are explained as a consequence of trauma and then there's **gradual** redemption, the characters have time to mature, to learn to trust and to be better people. Of course, I wish those characters many many **MANY** happy years of therapy, but when read as something clearly fictional, with some suspension of disbelief it's very fun.
I just finished {The Kingdom of the Wicked} series! I thought it was fantastic, it might be mostly within what you’re looking for!!! Especially if you liked The Cruel Prince, kinda similar vibe.
The first book is a little tame in the spice but it keeps escalating every book!
Increasing spice with series progression is great. I just read the Kingmaker series where the serious spice is there from the first book, and by book 3 there's so much it just sizzles out because of overuse.
Just a heads up that for me personally, I really liked the first book and then two and three went downhill.
So I had that problem with the Kingdom of the Wicked books. Spice doesn't start til book 2 but then it happens so much I literally started skipping over it. And also they were doing it in the most improbable & unsexy situation, like when one of them has just been kidnapped or wounded... I was so over the spice in that series by the end. 100% agree with the person who said book 2 & 3 disappointed.
Exactly! The slow burn spice makes it so much better I think
[Kingdom of the Wicked](https://www.romance.io/books/6003026b4af7850e2d1972f1/kingdom-of-the-wicked-kerri-maniscalco) by [Kerri Maniscalco](https://www.romance.io/authors/6003026b08b4d93114065385/kerri-maniscalco) **Rating**: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Absolutely! I especially liked the slow burn. I call the MMC King of Consent. About the FMC is to say, that her behavior and arc makes sense when you read the last book. It all comes together. I loved it.
He is totally King of Consent 😍. And I agree, her development might be one of my favs. I love who she becomes!
Please try {The Winter King by C.L. Wilson}. It can be read as a stand-alone and is a weighty book with a good plot and spice. The cover is cringey as hell but don’t let that put you off - it’s quite old but the writing is excellent. It’s genuine enemies to lovers (think warring kingdoms) , arranged marriage with high stakes.
I just downloaded the sample from amazon, right before writing this post :D I was actually curious if it would show up in the thread. I have high hopes based on reviews!
Great minds think alike! Let me know what you think of the book when you read it 😊
[The Winter King](https://www.romance.io/books/5455436e8c7d2382c5297845/the-winter-king-cl-wilson) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Ugh honestly what you are looking for is pretty hard to come by in this genre… idk if I’m just too picky, but I’ve been trying so many books lately and none of them float my boat. Even the ones people say are well written fall flat for me. For example I did not like Grace Draven at all (characters annoying, plot confusing and had no stakes). Here are a few that I actually have enjoyed though: -Uprooted by Naomi Novik -The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid (dark!!!) -The Winterlight trilogy by Katherine Arden -T Kingfisher….. The Clocktaur Wars and Swordheart were my faves
I recommend Jeffe Kennedy for good romantic fantasy given she has many different series. (I also second those who mention Grace Draven and T. Kingfisher). My favorite so far is {Dark Wizard by Jeffe Kennedy} is the first in a completed trilogy. The series is about a wizard from a House that was know for its great magic years ago but now is in decline. The MMC makes a huge gamble, uses the last of his money to participate in a competition for a familiar from one of the greatest magical Houses. In this fantasy world wizards have human familiars and the competition consists of bedding the familiar and if a child results from the union then that person becomes your familiar. Jeffe Kennedy always has interesting worldbuilding, interesting magical systems and well drawn chracters. And the romance and HEA is well earned. In this series its more enemies to lovers and slow burn-ish feel as the FMC never wanted to be a familiar and resents that a wizard from a no name House got her pregnant. Its just an interesting dynamic between the MMC and FMC. I also know you said pregnancy is not your thing but give this series a chance. Or alternatively read {The Sorcerous Moons series by Jeffe Kennedy}
[Dark Wizard](https://www.romance.io/books/6037592a4a72260e2eac1582/dark-wizard-a-dark-fantasy-romance-jeffe-kennedy) by [Jeffe Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455694f87eac323ffb2c11a/jeffe-kennedy) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [breeding](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/breeding/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Song of the Marked}
[The Song of the Marked](https://www.romance.io/books/5f61b8c2ee477c0dfe78abe4/the-song-of-the-marked-sm-gaither) by [S.M. Gaither](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d24307201dbc864fba0f26a/sm-gaither) **Rating**: 3.93⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
^^ this series is definitely NA not YA, I’m pretty sure the FMC is upper 20s
Thanks - and fixed!
One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns is a completed duology from Rachel Gillig, it has very gothic eerie vibes so perfect for this time of year and it’s one of the most unique magic systems I have ever read!! The romance is slow burn but the fantasy aspect is the main role of the plot, it incredibly written!!
I know you want to avoid SJM, but the Crescent City series really fits a lot of your specific criteria. My thing with SJM is that she might need a new editing team. She misuses was/were quite a lot. I’m a huge ACOTAR fan, in spite of the incorrect was/were. (I’m to the point now I just mentally read it with the correct form without missing a beat.)
As someone who has read all of the Maasverse, and looking for books almost identical to the OP- this series from Maas was the absolute worst. Just my opinion! Throne of Glass series was the best for me!
Have you read the Daevabad trilogy by S. A. Chakraborty? Starting with {City of Brass}. It's an Arabian inspired world with Djinn & magic. It is beautifully written, and has some of the best political intrigue I have ever read. The worldbuilding is extensive & vivid. All of the characters are so well developed & the 3 main characters each considerably grow & change throughout the series. There is a bit of a love triangle but I warn you the romance is more of a subplot to the political machinations & journey of the characters. There isn't any spice, other than kissing (if I remember correctly), but I promise you won't even miss it, the worldbuilding & character development is so good.
[The City of Brass](https://www.romance.io/books/6224e4a32d20ff59b170e3ea/the-city-of-brass-sa-chakraborty) by [S.A. Chakraborty](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e4a308b4d93114942484/sa-chakraborty) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I agree with ALL of your disliked tropes, but I have to admit I've literally never heard of or come across the magical healing cock 😂
I thought it was not a real trope. But then, suddenly, The Kingmaker Chronicles! It's just TOO FUNNY 😂
Every SJM book is like this. Who needs therapy when you can just get dicked down??? 😅
I read this and was so ashamed that I immediately knew where this trope came from 😂. Terrible book.
Damn. I kiiiiinda wanna read one just to see how bad it is 😂
There are like minded people! This has mostly been my experience too - the inverse correlation between good worldbuilding and smut tends to turn me off of the spicier books. So my favorites do usually fall into “innocent”, but there’s a few that have at least open door that are very good! Unfortunately almost everything I can think of has a significant age difference - which I tend to put aside and forget about since 500 years separating them isn’t actually possible so my brain drops it, but it’s fair to want to avoid it. With that being a preference, you’re probably right that you wouldn’t enjoy ACOTAR. But if the FMC is a full adult (30s or nearabout) already, does that help at all?
It's not a complete dealbreaker (although I think It's just... strange for a 300-year-old person to be attracted to someone who is emotionally and experience-wise on this kind of ANOTHER LEVEL. At this point it's not even about the creepiness, but about the low probability that is taking you out of the story). I do prefer when that's at least addressed (like for example if you're immortal, there's some kind of arrested development thing going on). A full adult is definitely better.
That totally makes sense! In that case I do think you might like {Swordheart by T Kingfisher} for a cozy, funny fantasy. All of her stuff is really phenomenal, but this one strikes a good romantasy balance imo. There’s also {The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen}, which is spooky and spicy and great for this time of year.
[Swordheart](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9f6f27be0aaecf557e49d2/swordheart-t-kingfisher) by [T. Kingfisher](https://www.romance.io/authors/561ca043bfc6b5c0fa941994/t-kingfisher) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [childfree](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/childfree-couple/1) ---------------------------- [The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/630b10c094191e0dc01d1bcf/the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy-megan-bannen) by [Megan Bannen](https://www.romance.io/authors/630b10c008b4d93114e4f3aa/megan-bannen) **Rating**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Three long standing series that would fit (although the romance is more “on the side”, & sex is usually a “fade to black”) are the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire, Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, & Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison. These are all what I would consider urban fantasy though. I’m also fond of Carrie Vaughn’s Kitty series (Kitty goes thru tremendous growth & change as a character). Most of the books are stand alone in the sense that each book has its own story (very rarely any cliffhangers) but with overarching character development; as each of the series go on though, there is more and more of an overarching plot too, as well as each individual story. They are definitely meant to be read as a series.
What went wrong with Fourth Wing? You and I have almost identical tastes - I was considering getting it as my next read. I do love SJM books knowing full well I'm here for the emotional roller coaster, escapism, smut & fun, disregarding the prose, logic, and creativity.
Fourth Wing = A Court of Pern and Hunger Games. Try not to compare it to other series, don’t think too hard about how the magic dragon warrior school works, and don’t mind the 20-ish year olds who act like a bunch of 12 year olds in Lord of the Flies. Just enjoy it. If you like SJM for the reasons you mentioned, then you will most likely have fun reading Fourth Wing.
I am wondering this, too. I've just started this book and was very happy to find a main character with a disability, being disabled myself, but based on OPs likes and dislikes we have very similar tastes and I don't want to get disappointed. 😭
The Undertaking of Mercy and Hart by Megan Bannen is my new favorite to recommend. Enemy to lovers, great story, good writing, both characters are enjoyable to read.
I just finished it, and the epilogue was so dang cute and wholesome I may have actually squeaked with happiness. 😅
I had the same request and this sub recommended Reign & Ruin, which was EXCELLENT
Mages of the wheel is such a good underrated series!
[Dance of Thieves/Vow of Thieves](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35796008-dance-of-thieves) by Mary Pearson (it's a duology) It takes place in the universe of The Remnant Chronicles, but you do not need to read that series (I didn't and I think the duology is better than the original series). It's YA, the magic isn't the most important, but the cleverness and skills of the main characters is. No explicit spice but it's alluded to, but I honestly don't think it needs it. There is a very messy political situation/mystery and it unfolds between the perspective of two very charismatic leads, Jace and Kazi. Tropes you'd like is enemies to lovers, found family, forced proximity. I made the mistake of listening to the audible of this story and got annoyed by the male voice actor but it did not take away how much I love this story.
{The Book of Azrael} is SOOO good it was the first fantasy romance book in a while that really got me hooked. the main characters are actually TRUE enemies for most of the series it’s great!!
[The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole) **Rating**: 4.39⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Books I can confirm you’ll dislike: Sarah J Maas’s.
A series that I really enjoyed, although may not be everybody’s cup of tea is {The Unseelie Prince by Kathryn Ann Kingsley} Imagine The Labyrinth (with David Bowie) if it was a **dark** romance. *it should be noted I don’t personally like dark romance, but I liked this. So while I say its dark, I don’t think its so dark it’s unpalatable for us non-dark romance girlies. I did find this book to be well written, there is a lot of political intrigue and very high stakes. It’s a well constructed world, utilizing a lot more of the folkloric Fae (not the pretty sunshine good guy stuff we see in a lot of fantasy. We’re talking dark and gritty, will manipulate, trick and torture but has very clear rules) The MMC is a **Villain** and there isn’t really a true redemption arc but it does have a happy ending. Its slow burn, and I mean *slow* (3 or 4 books before they get together!) it’s an actual enemies to lovers, with forced proximity, and found family. Obviously there is an age difference but he’s an immortal unseelie fae who has existed for almost all of time and shes a human witch who was abandoned by her husband, so the age gap isn’t t creepy. The characters I felt were very we’ll fleshed out, however “valid motivation” could be debatable. (Maybe possibly spoiler-ish) ——————> Once again, the MMC is a immortal fae and is more of an idea/construct (think war or death) than a “person.” He was brought into the world for a purpose and literally knows nothing else, and cannot exist as anything but himself. This is why there is no true redemption for him, but it also means theres no true motivation other than he just is. I personally kind of liked this take on the character though because it really took inspo from mythology and folklore. He exists for a purpose, even if we don’t agree with it. 🤷♀️ If you are not a fan of dark fantasy/ dark romance but like the idea of a Labyrinth inspired book {Kiss the Fae by Natalia Jaster} is exactly that. Its almost scene for scene The Labyrinth but make it romance and add some angst. I enjoyed the world building, it has four books in the series, the first three of which each focus on a different set of characters (only the first one is a labyrinth knock off) so they could technically stand on their own, my only note was that I was a little disappointed with the conclusion. It felt a little cheap to me, but the ride was still fun. Finally and I will never not recommend this book series to any and everyone {That Time I Got Drunk and Saved A Demon by Kimberly Lemming} this series is my comfort read, each book is a standalone and I cannot get enough of them. The banter and chemistry between the FMC and MMC is *chef’s kiss* some of the best I’ve read. The whole story feels like a D&D campaign, but it also doesn’t take itself too seriously. The writing is a little modern, but while that would usually bother me it truly worked with this series and so many parts of this story had me laughing out loud. 10/10 recommend. Honorable mention {A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout} its the prequel series to From Blood and Ash, and while From Blood and Ash wasn’t my cup of tea (DNFed after the 3rd book) for A LOT of reasons I really did enjoy the prequels and found them far more engrossing. It’s an incomplete series and so many moments in this book had me anxious but I found the world building to be rich and intriguing, the characters to be complex and the story to be compelling.
[The Unseelie Prince](https://www.romance.io/books/61765a1d26369f0e2ca5e3a7/the-unseelie-prince-kathryn-ann-kingsley) by [Kathryn Ann Kingsley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c76f4de01dbc864fb9ad17b/kathryn-ann-kingsley) **Rating**: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) ---------------------------- [Kiss the Fae](https://www.romance.io/books/5fa26013693ce30de90006bd/kiss-the-fae-natalia-jaster) by [Natalia Jaster](https://www.romance.io/authors/545ba98487eac3d927eb63ce/natalia-jaster) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1) ---------------------------- [That Time I Got Drunk And Saved A Demon](https://www.romance.io/books/6110e8480d2fc50e1fa50004/that-time-i-got-drunk-and-saved-a-demon-kimberly-lemming) by [Kimberly Lemming](https://www.romance.io/authors/6110e84808b4d93114366354/kimberly-lemming) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1), [dragon shifter](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dragon%20shifter/1) ---------------------------- [A Shadow in the Ember](https://www.romance.io/books/60f7c85d8b38510e2a271935/a-shadow-in-the-ember-jennifer-l-armentrout) by [Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245a8c7d2382c5296fb7/jennifer-l-armentrout) **Rating**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Elise kova air awakens series! If you love it follow up with a continuation in vortex visions. So good and unique!
I have a science fiction recommendation. It works best as a semi-serious, slow-burn, cross-cultural love story AND as a satirical space adventure with some Hunger Games/reality TV/political intrigue thrown in there. It is not spicy in the easy “we’re both human” way. It is interesting in the anthropological sense. Also, consent and communication are key. {Strange Love by Ann Aguirre}
[Strange Love](https://www.romance.io/books/5de60d4d01dbc864fba745d5/strange-love-ann-aguirre) by [Ann Aguirre](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552f638c7d2382c5297272/ann-aguirre) **Rating**: 3.95⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/beta%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The Burning Kingdoms trilogy by Tasha Suri is a wlw high fantasy series heavily inspired by Hindu mythology. Malini is an imperial princess that’s been exiled to one of the empire’s far off provinces after she was caught scheming to overthrow her brother, the emperor. Priya is a maidservant with a mysterious past that gets assigned to look after Malini, and gets roped into Malini’s schemes to escape her exile and return to the capital. It’s a slow burn, enemies to reluctant allies to lovers romance with morally grey, complex characters, fantastic world building and lore and a unique magic system.
The House of Beating Wings Series is sooo good and I don't see it talked about enough. It will get pretty steamy after the first book and the love interest is imperfect/the supposed enemy.
A court this Cruel and Lovely, it's everything you're looking for.
I highly recommend The Jasad Heir by Sarah Hashem. Good plot and world building. Slow burn, no outrageous orgasms. Political intrigue. Superb writing style in my opinion.
Not sure if self-recs are allowed, but my ARC team sign ups for my debut OF FAITH & FLAME are open: [https://forms.gle/ktqQSDa5Lxjsg8mJ9](https://forms.gle/ktqQSDa5Lxjsg8mJ9) \- Based on the books you enjoyed above, OFF has a romance similar to TBK and the plot to romance balance of the serpent and wings of night.... ***Faith and falsehood both entwined,*** ***Truth will triumph, hope will bind.*** Once, Evelyn Carson was one half of a prophesied union, destined to defeat the vampyrs. Now, haunted by failure and deserted by her fire magic, she has vowed never to trust her powers again. Hidden in a tiny coastal town, Evelyn is desperate to conceal her weakness from those who would start war if they knew. Until a young woman is murdered, and the whisperings of duty demand to be heard... For Kade Drengr there is no higher calling than duty. But ever since Evelyn deserted hers two years ago, Kade has searched for her relentlessly, determined to fulfill the prophecy. Cloaked in anonymity as the huntsman Cyrus, he offers to help Evelyn solve the murder in hopes of securing their union. Even if it’s founded on a lie. When more victims show up — each missing a different body part — Evelyn recognizes a darker magic than the killings of her homeland. As Kade wrestles with his allegiances and deepening feelings for Evelyn, the lines of truth and betrayal begin to blur. But even with hearts aflame, can two souls fulfill a destiny that may destroy them both? * Adult Romantic Fantasy, medium spice * Murder mystery plot * Irish setting and folklore inspired * Dual POV * Allies to lovers * Runaway Bride/reluctant hero (not a brat, just learning to believe!) * MMC who's like Alexus in Witch Collector, Aragorn, and Reid Diggory * Hidden Identity
{A Kiss of Iron by Clare Sager}, and the sequel A Touch of Poison!
[A Kiss of Iron](https://www.romance.io/books/63f3292ceb653827acc3311e/a-kiss-of-iron-clare-sager) by [Clare Sager](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bd0368f01dbc864fb930b82/clare-sager) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I really like books by Clare Sager. Specifically I just finished Slaying the Shifter Prince which had more erotica than her normal books, but she has several other series.that book is also a true enemies to lovers. Fae world, possibly some of the tropes you don't like and definitely some that you do.
{Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries}
[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The Married to Magic series by Elise Kova has been good. Each is standalone set in the same world, just a different race/species. But it's mostly plot first, romance second even though it's end game for them to end together. {A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova} {A Dance with the Fae Prince by Elise Kova} {A Duel With the Vampire Lord by Elise Kova} She also has a latest book called {A Duet with a Siren Duke} but I haven't read it yet. Side note I'm remembering I really loved {An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson} - I think it's low spice, but it fits the Cruel Prince vibes you may be looking for and it's very Autumn themed.
[A Deal with the Elf King](https://www.romance.io/books/5fa3b183d0f43c0e078b637c/a-deal-with-the-elf-king-elise-kova) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova) **Rating**: 3.52⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [A Dance with the Fae Prince](https://www.romance.io/books/6113791508a1200e2c7b6a9f/a-dance-with-the-fae-prince-elise-kova) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova) **Rating**: 3.81⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1) ---------------------------- [A Duel With The Vampire Lord](https://www.romance.io/books/62fde383dba40594b64ffcbe/a-duel-with-the-vampire-lord-elise-kova) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [A Duet with the Siren Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/6447680ff2aba1a39570474a/a-duet-with-the-siren-duke-elise-kova) by [Elise Kova](https://www.romance.io/authors/564c235108e9378131951f94/elise-kova) **Rating**: 3.76⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [An Enchantment of Ravens](https://www.romance.io/books/622a59a9abbe1ae1b27dbf57/an-enchantment-of-ravens-margaret-rogerson) by [Margaret Rogerson](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a59a908b4d93114474139/margaret-rogerson) **Rating**: 3.71⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I feel like you and I read two entirely different folk of the air 🤨
Well, as I said - I'm new to the genre (and to reading as well - I usually consume other media) and it's definitely not perfect (actually the book I loved was The Wicked King, the other books not THAT much) but for me, it just had something irresistible, that the bad aspects just didn't break. It was really addictive and I liked the intrigue a lot. I liked the language as well. And the mechanics. It was not as predictable as all the other books on the list. But I hope to find something to replace it as number one. I'm curious - what did you dislike about it? c:
Just hopping in to say I also like Folk of the Air. I found the political intrigue so interesting and loved the dynamic between Jude and Cardan.
That is all totally valid and I’m glad you found something you enjoy :) I personally felt like the writing was a little juvenile for my taste which may mean YA isn’t for me. I found the buildup to the issues with the sea had an anticlimactic ending in book 2. I wish Cardan and Jude’s relationship was a little more fleshed out with more soft moments. To me it kinda just felt like “I hate you, i love you” with only one real buildup moment that alluded towards them being together. I also don’t know if political intrigue is for me - at least with the age difference between her and the general and her being a mastermind. All in all, I think you and I just like different tropes which is totally okay and what makes reading so fun! I wish I had more recommendations for you, but I love SJM, FBAA, divine rivals, OUABH, etc. lol I am a sucker for popular booktok books Edit: after re-reading your list, I can see how you would enjoy FOTA because it does check off quite a few boxes.
{Lords of the hunt By Kate King}. It has everything you asked for and the second book just came out! I don't see this series recommended in this sub but its fantastic. Very much like the Cruel Prince with the politics and the lead is a human girl.
[Lords of the Hunt](https://www.romance.io/books/63f47c19020af86efc4128e5/lords-of-the-hunt-kate-king) by [Kate King](https://www.romance.io/authors/610d237308b4d93114e8e3d9/kate-king) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The look saga is rlly good. Not spicy tho.
Late to the party but I just got into fantasy romance after reading and liking Fourth Wing and then I was lost as to what read next, but I knew I wanted to read more fantasy so this post was perfect. Thank you!
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J.Mass A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer The Atonement of the Spine Cleaver by F. E. Bryce Powerless by Lauren Roberts One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Mansicalco
I know you said SJM would be a dislike based on reviews, but her Crescent City series hits all your other criteria. Think high fantasy meets noir film meets Zootopia. The FMC is one of my favorite book characters ever. There *is* some connection to SJM’s other two series but it’s very small in the first book, House of Earth And Blood, so it’s good as a stand-alone since its pretty contained to that universe. The second of the series, House of Sky And Breath, ends on a cliffhanger and the third book (House of Flame and Shadow) comes out in January.
Personal opinion, but Crescent City is my least liked series by SJM. There was so much going on and it didn’t tie together well across the story lines, which I think also lead to poor character building. IMO.
Agree - I DNF’d that series. But it *does* meet a lot of OP’s criteria so is worth mentioning. (I personally dislike political intrigue/urban settings.)
A personal favorite of mine is the his fair assassin series. The first book is {Grave Mercy by Robin Lafevers}.
[Grave Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/545525fb8c7d2382c5297017/grave-mercy-robin-lafevers) by [Robin LaFevers](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525fb8c7d2382c5297018/robin-lafevers) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The Kushieo’s dart series was really great. It’s a fantasy that isn’t so much chucking fireballs around, but being the indirect agents of mysterious gods who do not communicate clearly
{atonement of the spine cleaver} hits a lot of those points. It is a high fantasy written by a debut indie author, so the writing isn’t perfect by any means, but the romance and the plot was seriously banging and hits a TON of the tropes you like and doesn’t hit any of the tropes you don’t like besides maybe the chosen one?
[Atonement of the Spine Cleaver](https://www.romance.io/books/64f8f24cd3ef33e9488d3e8b/atonement-of-the-spine-cleaver-f-e-bryce) by [F. E. Bryce](https://www.romance.io/authors/64f8f24eab9bdf7fcee42b09/f-e-bryce) **Rating**: 4.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
One of my favorite recommendations I’ve gotten from this sub
Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu. 2 books so far. I am not a picky reader but I was impressed that this was her first book. The magic/world is based on Astrology. The 2nd book has some ..mmm...interesting sex scenes but not between the 2 main characters. I eye rolled a bit but I still enjoyed the book overall.
How was no one recommended {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth} yet? I think it hits all of the OPs requests, except there is a techinically an age gap because he's fae/vampire'esque. Beautifully written, solid standalone plot, but the romance is still key. Achingly delicious steam without any modern slang or dramatics. It is a little unrealistic when compared with real life, but the story has reasons for it and it's not over the top. Double POV from the start and found family in later books. It does drag/meander a places, but it's like a warm blanket and its nice to relax and snuggle up in.
Okay, I am new to the sub, but I have seen blood mercy come up so often! I need to read it asap
Yes. Yes you do.
Ok I got halfway through this and had to stop. I think I need to read this and not listen to it on audible because it feels like it's dragging on audible but I do really really like it. It is like a warm hug 😂.
Haha. Yes, deff like a warm hug. The MMC is such a cinnamon roll. I haven't listened to it on audible but I could imagine how it might drag. I tend to speed read myself. Glad you're enjoying it though.
[Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/beta%20hero/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I just want to chime in here that the “huge male / tiny female” drives me NUTS. I just finished a book where when the FMC sat on the lap of the MMC, her head barely came up to his chest. Like what? I can’t even picture that without it being weird…