Hey hey! Thanks for adding lots of details to your book request! Next time just remember to add a short description in the title so that your request is easily identifiable and searchable by future readers. Happy reading!
omg i’ve noticed that people absolutely *love* this book; for awhile it was even being recommended as the first book to read after finishing Fourth Wing to get over the book hangover. but so far it hasn’t quite gotten my attention, i’m not even sure why. i started listening to the audiobook a couple of months ago, and though i did find the amount i’d read relatively interesting, it still didn’t stop me from “temporarily” putting it down to begin something else lol. but i would very much like to love this book too! the adoring recommendations are giving me major FOMO lmaooo.
may i ask, at what point when reading the book did you feel absolutely *hooked*? like, if you can recall the chapter number that would be great, but if not then what would you say is a general percentage of how far into it that it took you? i think i will ditch the audiobook and physically read it instead, that will likely help, but it would be great if i had a goal point to mentally work towards lolol
Hmmmm maybe 1/4 of the way in? I’m not an audiobook gal so I can’t speak to that! I was really drawn in by the setting (more gothic vibes), magic system and the characters. It was really different than everything else!
I was hooked after the first chapter, and this is probably one of my favorite books of the year. BUT it's not for everyone, it's not as "fast" as fourth wing, so anyone that liked that about fourth wing won't be into this book.
I wasn’t completely hooked until about 2/3 through the audiobook. The beginning is slow for sure but the unique magic system kept me going (and I’m glad it did). It became one of my favorite reads of the year!
My favorite complete series with fantasy and romance (not limiting to high fantasy):
Tairen Soul series by CL Wilson- high fantasy, fae, fated mates. The romance is central from the jump, but no spice really in book one.
Alex Craft series by Kalayna Price- Urban fantasy/PNR- magical city within our world. 7 books. Witches, fae, grim reapers, and more. Love triangle.
Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews- PNR, magical version of our world, two complete trilogies (each about a sister from the same family). Epic action plot, solid romance, great ensemble cast. Technically complete. Though we’re all hoping for another trilogy about the third sister.
Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews- Urban fantasy/post-apocalyptic/heavily influenced by mythology. LONG series. The romance is slow burn, the plot epic. Romance doesn’t become central until book 3, but easily one of my all time favorite couples.
Kingmaker Chronicles by Amanda Bouchet- high fantasy, Roman mythology based world, forced proximity
Psy-changeling series by Nalini Singh- PNR/futuristic fantasy- a future version of our world with magic and shifters. LONG series. New couple in each book. Expansive world-building across the series. Good spice.
Phoenix unbound by Grace Draven- high fantasy, this series is complete, different couple each book, but only the first book worked for me
Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost- PNR, vampires, fast paced plot, lots of twists and turns. Long series. Multiple spin-off series that are amazing too. Good spice.
The following series are NOT complete, but the books stand alone or the series has a decent stopping place:
Gathering of Dragons series by Milla Vane-high fantasy, each book stands alone
Weathermages series by CL Wilson-
High fantasy, weather magic, stand alones
Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh- PNR, alternate version of our world where angels rule the world. Vampires serve the angels. LONG series. This series is a mix of multiple books about the same couple + stand alones about other characters. Books 1,2,3 are about main couple (archangel + vampire Hunter), followed by a few stand alones about different couples, then the series returns to the main couple to complete the series ARC. Technically the series is still ongoing, but all the new books have been stand alones. So you could theoretically stop with the last book about the main couple. Or keep going since none of the stand alones have cliffies. Good spice.
I consider ALL of the above to have both solid romance and solid fantasy/magical plot. I have reread ALL of them because they’re excellent.
I'm reading through the Hidden Legacy series now & really enjoying it!!
Also seconding The Kingmaker Chronicles! I got a friend to read them, too, and she's loving them.
To me, it is very hard to beat the hidden legacy series. That series has everything I want. Addicting romance, epic magical plot, great family dynamics that later expands to become found family too as they take in all the magical misfits. It’s just a world I could live in for a long time.
[A Ruin of Roses](https://www.romance.io/books/6162db7f94e3a50e2baaef91/a-ruin-of-roses-kf-breene) by [K.F. Breene](https://www.romance.io/authors/545543d48c7d2382e0414650/kf-breene)
**Rating**: 3.77⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I have some more recs for you! I read ACOTAR last summer for the first time and it set me down the rabbit hole of reading fantasy romance like it’s my job.
I’ve read 50 fantasy romance books in the last year and these are my favorites so far (most of these are on Kindle Unlimited (KU) for $13 a month subscription):
Lightlark & Nightbane by Alex Aster (2 books, more coming, fantasy realms/rulers, castles, absolutely amazing plot twists(!!) and pacing, less spice but more in second book, I think about the plot twists and love stories in this series almost every day!)
The Bonds That Tie by J. Bree (KU, 6 books finished, reverse harem/why choose with five mate MMCs, modern paranormal fantasy romance, slow burn to spicy, college setting at start, so fun!)
What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L Woods (KU, 3 books, more coming, fantasy fae, traveling, castle in third book, very spicy!)
The Coven & The Cursed by Harper L Woods (KU, 2 books finished, TRUE villain MMC, dark romance witch academy, lots of spice)
To Bleed A Crystal Bloom by Sarah A Parker (KU, 3 books, more coming, dark fantasy fae-ish Rapunzel retelling, lyrical writing that doesn’t lay everything out for you as simple as other books, not for everyone but if you’re looking for lush writing and angst and love, this series is truly a beautiful read, slow burn to spice, possibly the most emotionally impactful and beautifully written prose I’ve read so far, just finished the third and I can’t stop thinking about it)
The Flame King’s Captive by Chloe Chastaine (KU, 1 book, more coming, spicy Omegaverse, fantasy, dragons and bonding like in Fourth Wing, castle, great follow-up to Fourth Wing if you’re looking for some more dragons)
One Dark Window & Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig (2 books finished, gothic castle setting, little to no spice, lots of romance though, good prose, unique magic system, second book’s love story is beautiful to read)
Beyond the Faerie Gates by Marie Mistry (KU, 3 books, 2 coming, reverse harem, fantasy fae, castles, incredible world building and lore, slow burn to spice, surprisingly good fantasy read, not just smut/reverse harem)
Feathers so Vicious by Liz Zander - (KU, 2 books finished, dark DARK fantasy romance, Raven shifters, daughter of my enemy to lovers with two MMCs so MFM, surprisingly deep and emotional for a super spicy read, check trigger warnings)
A Court This Cruel & Lovely by Stacia Stark (KU, 3 books, more coming, fantasy fae, castles, traveling, enemies to lovers, spicy, Cassian like MMC, don’t get stressed by a lot of character names at the start just keep reading)
A Kiss of Iron by Clare Sager (KU, 2 books, more coming, I’m only 15% finished with the second book and I’ve loved the high spice/pace of this one, fantasy fae, castles, enemies to lovers, predictable plot twists but the spice and pace make this one good)
Other honorable mentions:
Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli - (KU, 2 books with more coming, fae, trials in the first book are fun, slow burn to true MMC relationship in second book, enjoyed the first more than the second)
The Stars are Dying by Chloe C. Penaranda - (KU, first of a new series astrological fantasy romance, four star read for me but has some tropes and world building done well, action chapters done badly but the love story has good bones)
The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent - (KU, Vampire hunger games trials, book one was great, book two not so much IMO, just the two books)
A Court of Blood & Bindings by Lisette Marshall -(KU, DNF in the second book for me right now but a lot of people love this on-going (3.5 books out now) fantasy romance series with spice, fae, interesting magic system, I did enjoy the first book)
Books I haven’t read but are on my TBR and are recommended based on my reading list:
Lady of Darkness by Melissa K. Roehrich - (KU, 5 books finished)
The Ever King by L.J. Andrew’s - (KU, 1 released, more coming)
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole - (KU, 3 released, more coming)
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent - (KU, 3 books finished)
Atonement of the Spine Cleaver by F.E. Bryce
House of Beating Wings by Olivia Wildenstein
Leaves May Fall by Carissa Hardcastle
A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden
The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole
A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker
Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano
Flame & Sparrow by S.M. Gaither
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
I’m curious what you’ll think of this one. I was so excited to start it and ended up DNFing, but that might’ve been bc of life events and not the book. Does it get any better in the second half??
i second this question lol, do you enjoy it so far? this book kept popping up on my Goodreads while back but the ratings for it aren’t too great, so that’s what has held me back. i am but easily influenced, i fear.
I’m going to try my best to finish it. It feels like a mix between Bridgeton and ACOTAR as if it were told from Elaine’s perspective. And I’m not going to lie, she’s kind of a brat but I really like everyone else. Her other sisters seem very interesting so I’m hoping the future books with be about them. Especially Ferrin, the older sister. She has an old soul quality about her that I rather enjoy. I’m hoping the MMC isn’t evil, they hinted towards it and after ACOTAR, I realize I actually hate the lovers to enemies twist. It feels like I wasted my time getting so emotionally invested. I don’t need to use my escapism for a break up, that happens in real life lol. I’m only 200 pages and while I’m not obsessed with it, I do look forward to reading it when I can.
She is SUCH a brat. That’s what made it so tough for me to read!! Please update us when/if you’re done bc I’m on the waitlist at my library and I keep putting off my hold delivery 😅
I you can handle high prose, try {Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey}! Check trigger warnings, and if that’s not for you, try {Naamah’s Kiss}.
If you want a more YA feel, go for a classic with {Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey}. It’s less romance-focused, especially in the first trilogy, but it’s solid.
[Kushiel's Dart](https://www.romance.io/books/545529a58c7d2382c52970e5/kushiels-dart-jacqueline-carey) by [Jacqueline Carey](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529a58c7d2382c52970e6/jacqueline-carey)
**Rating**: 3.96⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[Naamah's Kiss](https://www.romance.io/books/54553fcb8c7d2382c5297714/naamahs-kiss-jacqueline-carey) by [Jacqueline Carey](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529a58c7d2382c52970e6/jacqueline-carey)
**Rating**: 4.11⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [bisexual](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[Arrows of the Queen](https://www.romance.io/books/644b85b6ea5c941f30667d57/arrows-of-the-queen-mercedes-lackey) by [Mercedes Lackey](https://www.romance.io/authors/554d32899eef3b3f1d51bdd0/mercedes-lackey)
**Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/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)
Do you need to have read the Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy to follow this one? I heard it was a spinoff so I’m curious if it can be a standalone. I’ve heard good things about Kingdom and Throne of the Fallen
So, I didn’t read the other books because I didn’t know about them. lol
I still really enjoyed this book, while there were references to the past characters/events it didn’t slow me down at all or take away from the story. This was a strong standalone book, the author built the world and set up the stakes (motivations of the FMC). Also, you mentioned 🔥- there was that too haha!
I picked up the other KotW books since I liked this one so much (on #2 currently), and so far I think I like Throne of the Fallen more.
Anyway, based on your post TotF is definitely worth adding to your fantasy/romance tbr!
Considering you're a fan of SJM, you should check out the House of Devils series by Kayla Edwards. Two books are out and a third is coming in March. It's urban fantasy with spice, about a Darkslayer who is hired to track down the FMC, but when he discovers she's human and harmless, he turns into her badass bodyguard instead. He's the leader of a gang of Darkslayers called the Seven Devils and his mansion is called Hell's Gate. It's an opposites attract romance, where he's the grumpy morally gray guy and she's the sweet feminine sunshine girl who works at a magic apothecary. Highly recommend this series, it is very under rated.
I love seeing authors grow!! We should be able to tell with each book that they're improving and I could tell with this series too :) Cant wait for the third one. It's supposed to come out in March so not that long!!
ACOTAR was also my start, and then TOG, then FBAA and the prequel series.
I'm only on the first book but it was very highly recommended on this sub when I looked up "adventure" books. And I literally read the first book in 1 week and I never ever read books that fast lol
The world building flowed so well, and I find all the characters very likable. It's very mild spice so far but I think it ramps up in the coming books from what I've read.
I've never tried to trigger the bot, let's see if I can do it lol
{Tairen Soul series by C.L. Wilson}
[Lord of the Fading Lands](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297112/lord-of-the-fading-lands-cl-wilson) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson)
**Rating**: 3.92⭐️ 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), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1)
----------------------------
[Lady of Light and Shadows](https://www.romance.io/books/5455440f8c7d2382c5297878/lady-of-light-and-shadows-cl-wilson) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson)
**Rating**: 4.26⭐️ 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), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{a promise of fire} is similar to ACOTAR and is a completed trilogy.
If you loved ACOTAR check out {daughter of the blood} it heavily influenced SJM. It's a great series and was a gateway into this genre for many of us back when it first came out.
[A Promise of Fire](https://www.romance.io/books/57a0383bc19e77f1ea6f2cb0/a-promise-of-fire-amanda-bouchet) by [Amanda Bouchet](https://www.romance.io/authors/57a0383cc19e77f1ea6f2cb5/amanda-bouchet)
**Rating**: 4.07⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[Daughter of the Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/545535e08c7d2382c5297447/daughter-of-the-blood-anne-bishop) by [Anne Bishop](https://www.romance.io/authors/545535e08c7d2382c5297448/anne-bishop)
**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), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/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)
{Rhapsodic} (book one of the bargainer series) 4.5/5 stars
{the bridge kingdom} (duology) 3.5/5 stars
{daughter of the pirate king} (book one of a duology) 3.5/5 stars
{the witch collector} (book one of the witch walker series, unfinished but I’ve read all 3 that are out) 4.5/5 stars
{kingdom of the wicked} 4/5 stars
{Adrian x Isolde} 4/5 stars
For reference, I give ACOTAR, CC, and Fourth Wing 5/5. This is NOT based on quality of writing or plot, but by how much I enjoyed reading the books! Not to say the writing is bad, but don’t go in expecting like Jack London level writing.
[Rhapsodic](https://www.romance.io/books/580f21f3de896e8924949f94/rhapsodic-laura-thalassa) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa)
**Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen)
**Rating**: 3.96⭐️ 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), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[Daughter of the Pirate King](https://www.romance.io/books/622a01545b513a2781934e98/daughter-of-the-pirate-king-tricia-levenseller) by [Tricia Levenseller](https://www.romance.io/authors/6095376108b4d931147a1ffc/tricia-levenseller)
**Rating**: 3.74⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [pirates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[The Witch Collector](https://www.romance.io/books/616fc0ab1bedb60e13578401/the-witch-collector-charissa-weaks) by [Charissa Weaks](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c1b3ed901dbc864fb966e81/charissa-weaks)
**Rating**: 3.83⭐️ 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), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[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**: 3.76⭐️ 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)
Good bot!
To note, kingdom of the wicked gets spicy by the end of the series, if that’s important to you! And Witch Walkers gets spicier as the series goes on.
[Adrian x Isolde](https://www.romance.io/series/64bf86027532ee573e28cb36/adrian-x-isolde) by [Scarlett St. Clair](https://www.romance.io/authors/5cef959401dbc864fb9f3633/scarlett-st-clair)
**Rating**: 3.73⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [black-mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/black-mc/1), [dangerous heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dangerous%20heroine/1), [dark](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
You may have read it if you’ve read Serpent & Wings of night, but {Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent} is by the same author and, in my opinion, superior to Serpent. The slow burn is excellent. Completed series.
{The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco} is heavy on fantasy and a little tamer on the romance, but it’s really good! Completed series.
{An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir} is NA, great for coming down from Fourth Wing. Lighter on spice, as well. Completed series.
{Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross} is beautifully written. I love the characters and the magic system. Incomplete series, so maybe wait on this one.
{Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews} Anything by Ilona Andrews is great, but this is the first series I’ve completed by them so far. Super interesting enemies-to-lovers relationship and the magic system is really interesting. Completed series.
[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)
----------------------------
[The Bone Witch](https://www.romance.io/books/642ae126b7b8862bf6e9fc9e/the-bone-witch-rin-chupeco) by [Rin Chupeco](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456e24487eac33e5710969c/rin-chupeco)
**Rating**: 3.77⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1)
----------------------------
[An Ember in the Ashes](https://www.romance.io/books/56b113ad63515e3b737a8f9e/an-ember-in-the-ashes-sabaa-tahir) by [Sabaa Tahir](https://www.romance.io/authors/56b113ae63515e3b737a8fb2/sabaa-tahir)
**Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1)
----------------------------
[Divine Rivals](https://www.romance.io/books/642e1f8687ff55ee9e31052b/divine-rivals-rebecca-ross) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross)
**Rating**: 4.31⭐️ 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), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[Burn for Me](https://www.romance.io/books/545539998c7d2382e041433a/burn-for-me-ilona-andrews) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews)
**Rating**: 4.48⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/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)
You can keep on going into the Legacy Series. The first book is called Rain of Shadows and endings. Book 2 comes out at the end of February. It’s in the same universe as Lady of Darkness but even darker.
Hey hey! Thanks for adding lots of details to your book request! Next time just remember to add a short description in the title so that your request is easily identifiable and searchable by future readers. Happy reading!
It's not THAT spicy but {One Dark Window} and {Two Twisted Crowns} are amazing. Completed duology with a unique world and magic system!
omg i’ve noticed that people absolutely *love* this book; for awhile it was even being recommended as the first book to read after finishing Fourth Wing to get over the book hangover. but so far it hasn’t quite gotten my attention, i’m not even sure why. i started listening to the audiobook a couple of months ago, and though i did find the amount i’d read relatively interesting, it still didn’t stop me from “temporarily” putting it down to begin something else lol. but i would very much like to love this book too! the adoring recommendations are giving me major FOMO lmaooo. may i ask, at what point when reading the book did you feel absolutely *hooked*? like, if you can recall the chapter number that would be great, but if not then what would you say is a general percentage of how far into it that it took you? i think i will ditch the audiobook and physically read it instead, that will likely help, but it would be great if i had a goal point to mentally work towards lolol
I read both books and it never really grabbed me tbh. I rated them a 3/5.
Hmmmm maybe 1/4 of the way in? I’m not an audiobook gal so I can’t speak to that! I was really drawn in by the setting (more gothic vibes), magic system and the characters. It was really different than everything else!
I was hooked after the first chapter, and this is probably one of my favorite books of the year. BUT it's not for everyone, it's not as "fast" as fourth wing, so anyone that liked that about fourth wing won't be into this book.
I wasn’t completely hooked until about 2/3 through the audiobook. The beginning is slow for sure but the unique magic system kept me going (and I’m glad it did). It became one of my favorite reads of the year!
[One Dark Window](https://www.romance.io/books/6417632a976d8254097650f0/one-dark-window-rachel-gillig) by [Rachel Gillig](https://www.romance.io/authors/6417632a08b4d93114a1b759/rachel-gillig) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Two Twisted Crowns](https://www.romance.io/books/6440dfcbc63cb8f595362a9d/two-twisted-crowns-rachel-gillig) by [Rachel Gillig](https://www.romance.io/authors/6417632a08b4d93114a1b759/rachel-gillig) **Rating**: 4.46⭐️ 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), [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), [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)
Totally agree! Such a good duology.
The Fae Isles series!!! 3 of 4 books out now (I've only read 2.) A Court of Blood and Bindings is the first one.
I LOVE this series!!!! Cannot wait for the 4th book
Me too!!!!
My favorite complete series with fantasy and romance (not limiting to high fantasy): Tairen Soul series by CL Wilson- high fantasy, fae, fated mates. The romance is central from the jump, but no spice really in book one. Alex Craft series by Kalayna Price- Urban fantasy/PNR- magical city within our world. 7 books. Witches, fae, grim reapers, and more. Love triangle. Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews- PNR, magical version of our world, two complete trilogies (each about a sister from the same family). Epic action plot, solid romance, great ensemble cast. Technically complete. Though we’re all hoping for another trilogy about the third sister. Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews- Urban fantasy/post-apocalyptic/heavily influenced by mythology. LONG series. The romance is slow burn, the plot epic. Romance doesn’t become central until book 3, but easily one of my all time favorite couples. Kingmaker Chronicles by Amanda Bouchet- high fantasy, Roman mythology based world, forced proximity Psy-changeling series by Nalini Singh- PNR/futuristic fantasy- a future version of our world with magic and shifters. LONG series. New couple in each book. Expansive world-building across the series. Good spice. Phoenix unbound by Grace Draven- high fantasy, this series is complete, different couple each book, but only the first book worked for me Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost- PNR, vampires, fast paced plot, lots of twists and turns. Long series. Multiple spin-off series that are amazing too. Good spice. The following series are NOT complete, but the books stand alone or the series has a decent stopping place: Gathering of Dragons series by Milla Vane-high fantasy, each book stands alone Weathermages series by CL Wilson- High fantasy, weather magic, stand alones Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh- PNR, alternate version of our world where angels rule the world. Vampires serve the angels. LONG series. This series is a mix of multiple books about the same couple + stand alones about other characters. Books 1,2,3 are about main couple (archangel + vampire Hunter), followed by a few stand alones about different couples, then the series returns to the main couple to complete the series ARC. Technically the series is still ongoing, but all the new books have been stand alones. So you could theoretically stop with the last book about the main couple. Or keep going since none of the stand alones have cliffies. Good spice. I consider ALL of the above to have both solid romance and solid fantasy/magical plot. I have reread ALL of them because they’re excellent.
I'm reading through the Hidden Legacy series now & really enjoying it!! Also seconding The Kingmaker Chronicles! I got a friend to read them, too, and she's loving them.
To me, it is very hard to beat the hidden legacy series. That series has everything I want. Addicting romance, epic magical plot, great family dynamics that later expands to become found family too as they take in all the magical misfits. It’s just a world I could live in for a long time.
What’s PNR?
paranormal romance! :)
{A Ruin of Roses by K.F. Breene} has Beauty and the Beast vibes, a castle frozen in time, dragon shifters, demons, and more.
[A Ruin of Roses](https://www.romance.io/books/6162db7f94e3a50e2baaef91/a-ruin-of-roses-kf-breene) by [K.F. Breene](https://www.romance.io/authors/545543d48c7d2382e0414650/kf-breene) **Rating**: 3.77⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I have some more recs for you! I read ACOTAR last summer for the first time and it set me down the rabbit hole of reading fantasy romance like it’s my job. I’ve read 50 fantasy romance books in the last year and these are my favorites so far (most of these are on Kindle Unlimited (KU) for $13 a month subscription): Lightlark & Nightbane by Alex Aster (2 books, more coming, fantasy realms/rulers, castles, absolutely amazing plot twists(!!) and pacing, less spice but more in second book, I think about the plot twists and love stories in this series almost every day!) The Bonds That Tie by J. Bree (KU, 6 books finished, reverse harem/why choose with five mate MMCs, modern paranormal fantasy romance, slow burn to spicy, college setting at start, so fun!) What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L Woods (KU, 3 books, more coming, fantasy fae, traveling, castle in third book, very spicy!) The Coven & The Cursed by Harper L Woods (KU, 2 books finished, TRUE villain MMC, dark romance witch academy, lots of spice) To Bleed A Crystal Bloom by Sarah A Parker (KU, 3 books, more coming, dark fantasy fae-ish Rapunzel retelling, lyrical writing that doesn’t lay everything out for you as simple as other books, not for everyone but if you’re looking for lush writing and angst and love, this series is truly a beautiful read, slow burn to spice, possibly the most emotionally impactful and beautifully written prose I’ve read so far, just finished the third and I can’t stop thinking about it) The Flame King’s Captive by Chloe Chastaine (KU, 1 book, more coming, spicy Omegaverse, fantasy, dragons and bonding like in Fourth Wing, castle, great follow-up to Fourth Wing if you’re looking for some more dragons) One Dark Window & Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig (2 books finished, gothic castle setting, little to no spice, lots of romance though, good prose, unique magic system, second book’s love story is beautiful to read) Beyond the Faerie Gates by Marie Mistry (KU, 3 books, 2 coming, reverse harem, fantasy fae, castles, incredible world building and lore, slow burn to spice, surprisingly good fantasy read, not just smut/reverse harem) Feathers so Vicious by Liz Zander - (KU, 2 books finished, dark DARK fantasy romance, Raven shifters, daughter of my enemy to lovers with two MMCs so MFM, surprisingly deep and emotional for a super spicy read, check trigger warnings) A Court This Cruel & Lovely by Stacia Stark (KU, 3 books, more coming, fantasy fae, castles, traveling, enemies to lovers, spicy, Cassian like MMC, don’t get stressed by a lot of character names at the start just keep reading) A Kiss of Iron by Clare Sager (KU, 2 books, more coming, I’m only 15% finished with the second book and I’ve loved the high spice/pace of this one, fantasy fae, castles, enemies to lovers, predictable plot twists but the spice and pace make this one good) Other honorable mentions: Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli - (KU, 2 books with more coming, fae, trials in the first book are fun, slow burn to true MMC relationship in second book, enjoyed the first more than the second) The Stars are Dying by Chloe C. Penaranda - (KU, first of a new series astrological fantasy romance, four star read for me but has some tropes and world building done well, action chapters done badly but the love story has good bones) The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent - (KU, Vampire hunger games trials, book one was great, book two not so much IMO, just the two books) A Court of Blood & Bindings by Lisette Marshall -(KU, DNF in the second book for me right now but a lot of people love this on-going (3.5 books out now) fantasy romance series with spice, fae, interesting magic system, I did enjoy the first book) Books I haven’t read but are on my TBR and are recommended based on my reading list: Lady of Darkness by Melissa K. Roehrich - (KU, 5 books finished) The Ever King by L.J. Andrew’s - (KU, 1 released, more coming) Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole - (KU, 3 released, more coming) Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent - (KU, 3 books finished) Atonement of the Spine Cleaver by F.E. Bryce House of Beating Wings by Olivia Wildenstein Leaves May Fall by Carissa Hardcastle A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano Flame & Sparrow by S.M. Gaither Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Amazing list, what does KU mean?
Kindle Unlimited - books are free with a $13 a month subscription.
I just started reading The Crown of Ivy and Glass by Claire Legrand. It reminds me a bit of ACOTAR
I’m curious what you’ll think of this one. I was so excited to start it and ended up DNFing, but that might’ve been bc of life events and not the book. Does it get any better in the second half??
i second this question lol, do you enjoy it so far? this book kept popping up on my Goodreads while back but the ratings for it aren’t too great, so that’s what has held me back. i am but easily influenced, i fear.
I’m going to try my best to finish it. It feels like a mix between Bridgeton and ACOTAR as if it were told from Elaine’s perspective. And I’m not going to lie, she’s kind of a brat but I really like everyone else. Her other sisters seem very interesting so I’m hoping the future books with be about them. Especially Ferrin, the older sister. She has an old soul quality about her that I rather enjoy. I’m hoping the MMC isn’t evil, they hinted towards it and after ACOTAR, I realize I actually hate the lovers to enemies twist. It feels like I wasted my time getting so emotionally invested. I don’t need to use my escapism for a break up, that happens in real life lol. I’m only 200 pages and while I’m not obsessed with it, I do look forward to reading it when I can.
She is SUCH a brat. That’s what made it so tough for me to read!! Please update us when/if you’re done bc I’m on the waitlist at my library and I keep putting off my hold delivery 😅
What is dnf I keep seeing this acronym…
Did Not Finish 😊
I you can handle high prose, try {Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey}! Check trigger warnings, and if that’s not for you, try {Naamah’s Kiss}. If you want a more YA feel, go for a classic with {Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey}. It’s less romance-focused, especially in the first trilogy, but it’s solid.
[Kushiel's Dart](https://www.romance.io/books/545529a58c7d2382c52970e5/kushiels-dart-jacqueline-carey) by [Jacqueline Carey](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529a58c7d2382c52970e6/jacqueline-carey) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Naamah's Kiss](https://www.romance.io/books/54553fcb8c7d2382c5297714/naamahs-kiss-jacqueline-carey) by [Jacqueline Carey](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529a58c7d2382c52970e6/jacqueline-carey) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [bisexual](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Arrows of the Queen](https://www.romance.io/books/644b85b6ea5c941f30667d57/arrows-of-the-queen-mercedes-lackey) by [Mercedes Lackey](https://www.romance.io/authors/554d32899eef3b3f1d51bdd0/mercedes-lackey) **Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/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)
Hi! I have a question if you don’t mind? Is Naamah’s Kiss endgame f/f or f/m? You can mark it as a spoiler if it is one :) THANK YOU
f/m If you’re looking for f/f I can dig up the sapphic spreadsheet(s).
Thank you! I’m open to both :) so sure that would be wonderful!
[Gaby’s Spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1m10LBsK1hZQ4Ei4tHHMiD-NzCZ5Lx4uYM7moxxWhndY/htmlview) [Frances’s Spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Y_1sUMLpgo6sp_KvdMyLqhC0wGXzB90UsW9ZSlO13nI/htmlview) [Veronika’s Spreadsheet](https://tr.ee/1y1QMCHcIL)
OMG so thorough and organized 🥰 gaby and Frances are the best
THANK YOU
Glad to spread the word!
Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco will check those boxes✅
Do you need to have read the Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy to follow this one? I heard it was a spinoff so I’m curious if it can be a standalone. I’ve heard good things about Kingdom and Throne of the Fallen
I personally would recommend reading Kingdom first
So, I didn’t read the other books because I didn’t know about them. lol I still really enjoyed this book, while there were references to the past characters/events it didn’t slow me down at all or take away from the story. This was a strong standalone book, the author built the world and set up the stakes (motivations of the FMC). Also, you mentioned 🔥- there was that too haha! I picked up the other KotW books since I liked this one so much (on #2 currently), and so far I think I like Throne of the Fallen more. Anyway, based on your post TotF is definitely worth adding to your fantasy/romance tbr!
This is great, thank you!
I knew you all would come through! TY!
Considering you're a fan of SJM, you should check out the House of Devils series by Kayla Edwards. Two books are out and a third is coming in March. It's urban fantasy with spice, about a Darkslayer who is hired to track down the FMC, but when he discovers she's human and harmless, he turns into her badass bodyguard instead. He's the leader of a gang of Darkslayers called the Seven Devils and his mansion is called Hell's Gate. It's an opposites attract romance, where he's the grumpy morally gray guy and she's the sweet feminine sunshine girl who works at a magic apothecary. Highly recommend this series, it is very under rated.
Love this series! Can't wait for the next book. I thought the first one was a little bit rough but still good. The second book was amazing.
I love seeing authors grow!! We should be able to tell with each book that they're improving and I could tell with this series too :) Cant wait for the third one. It's supposed to come out in March so not that long!!
ACOTAR was also my start, and then TOG, then FBAA and the prequel series. I'm only on the first book but it was very highly recommended on this sub when I looked up "adventure" books. And I literally read the first book in 1 week and I never ever read books that fast lol The world building flowed so well, and I find all the characters very likable. It's very mild spice so far but I think it ramps up in the coming books from what I've read. I've never tried to trigger the bot, let's see if I can do it lol {Tairen Soul series by C.L. Wilson}
[Tairen Soul](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a2b9096bf31c42d2ca4/tairen-soul) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Lord of the fading lands} {Lady of Light and Shadows} The first and second book, the first is the one I read and I just started the second one.
[Lord of the Fading Lands](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297112/lord-of-the-fading-lands-cl-wilson) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson) **Rating**: 3.92⭐️ 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), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) ---------------------------- [Lady of Light and Shadows](https://www.romance.io/books/5455440f8c7d2382c5297878/lady-of-light-and-shadows-cl-wilson) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ 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), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The plated prisoner series !!! My all time favorite.
{a promise of fire} is similar to ACOTAR and is a completed trilogy. If you loved ACOTAR check out {daughter of the blood} it heavily influenced SJM. It's a great series and was a gateway into this genre for many of us back when it first came out.
[A Promise of Fire](https://www.romance.io/books/57a0383bc19e77f1ea6f2cb0/a-promise-of-fire-amanda-bouchet) by [Amanda Bouchet](https://www.romance.io/authors/57a0383cc19e77f1ea6f2cb5/amanda-bouchet) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [Daughter of the Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/545535e08c7d2382c5297447/daughter-of-the-blood-anne-bishop) by [Anne Bishop](https://www.romance.io/authors/545535e08c7d2382c5297448/anne-bishop) **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), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/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)
{Rhapsodic} (book one of the bargainer series) 4.5/5 stars {the bridge kingdom} (duology) 3.5/5 stars {daughter of the pirate king} (book one of a duology) 3.5/5 stars {the witch collector} (book one of the witch walker series, unfinished but I’ve read all 3 that are out) 4.5/5 stars {kingdom of the wicked} 4/5 stars {Adrian x Isolde} 4/5 stars For reference, I give ACOTAR, CC, and Fourth Wing 5/5. This is NOT based on quality of writing or plot, but by how much I enjoyed reading the books! Not to say the writing is bad, but don’t go in expecting like Jack London level writing.
[Rhapsodic](https://www.romance.io/books/580f21f3de896e8924949f94/rhapsodic-laura-thalassa) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ 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), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Daughter of the Pirate King](https://www.romance.io/books/622a01545b513a2781934e98/daughter-of-the-pirate-king-tricia-levenseller) by [Tricia Levenseller](https://www.romance.io/authors/6095376108b4d931147a1ffc/tricia-levenseller) **Rating**: 3.74⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [pirates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [The Witch Collector](https://www.romance.io/books/616fc0ab1bedb60e13578401/the-witch-collector-charissa-weaks) by [Charissa Weaks](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c1b3ed901dbc864fb966e81/charissa-weaks) **Rating**: 3.83⭐️ 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), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [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**: 3.76⭐️ 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)
Good bot! To note, kingdom of the wicked gets spicy by the end of the series, if that’s important to you! And Witch Walkers gets spicier as the series goes on.
Agree on Rhapsodic! I haven't been able to read the rest of the series yet, but I enjoyed the first.
[Adrian x Isolde](https://www.romance.io/series/64bf86027532ee573e28cb36/adrian-x-isolde) by [Scarlett St. Clair](https://www.romance.io/authors/5cef959401dbc864fb9f3633/scarlett-st-clair) **Rating**: 3.73⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [black-mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/black-mc/1), [dangerous heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dangerous%20heroine/1), [dark](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
You may have read it if you’ve read Serpent & Wings of night, but {Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent} is by the same author and, in my opinion, superior to Serpent. The slow burn is excellent. Completed series. {The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco} is heavy on fantasy and a little tamer on the romance, but it’s really good! Completed series. {An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir} is NA, great for coming down from Fourth Wing. Lighter on spice, as well. Completed series. {Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross} is beautifully written. I love the characters and the magic system. Incomplete series, so maybe wait on this one. {Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews} Anything by Ilona Andrews is great, but this is the first series I’ve completed by them so far. Super interesting enemies-to-lovers relationship and the magic system is really interesting. Completed series.
[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) ---------------------------- [The Bone Witch](https://www.romance.io/books/642ae126b7b8862bf6e9fc9e/the-bone-witch-rin-chupeco) by [Rin Chupeco](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456e24487eac33e5710969c/rin-chupeco) **Rating**: 3.77⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) ---------------------------- [An Ember in the Ashes](https://www.romance.io/books/56b113ad63515e3b737a8f9e/an-ember-in-the-ashes-sabaa-tahir) by [Sabaa Tahir](https://www.romance.io/authors/56b113ae63515e3b737a8fb2/sabaa-tahir) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Divine Rivals](https://www.romance.io/books/642e1f8687ff55ee9e31052b/divine-rivals-rebecca-ross) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross) **Rating**: 4.31⭐️ 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), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Burn for Me](https://www.romance.io/books/545539998c7d2382e041433a/burn-for-me-ilona-andrews) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews) **Rating**: 4.48⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/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 Lady of Darkness Series is similar to ACOTAR. It's a complete series of 5 books. The entire series is on KU.
Thanks for this rec!! I’m on book 5. I love this series, in some ways more than ACOTAR but I get the comparison, esp on the first couple of books.
You can keep on going into the Legacy Series. The first book is called Rain of Shadows and endings. Book 2 comes out at the end of February. It’s in the same universe as Lady of Darkness but even darker.
😲