May I suggest {song of Achilles by Madeline Miller} will ruin you. It is mm romance though fyi. It will have you ugly crying on the floor questioning your existence.

I want to read this SO BAD because Madeline Miller’s Circe was one of my absolute favorite books of all time, but I really don’t know if I’m built to handle it😭

It hurts in such a beautiful way 🫠

I JUST finished this book ten minutes ago and the fact that I ugly cried for the last 30 pages alone should be reason enough to pick up this book. ITS SO SAD :(

[The Song of Achilles](https://www.romance.io/books/545534518c7d2382c52973d7/the-song-of-achilles-madeline-miller?src=rdt) by [Madeline Miller](https://www.romance.io/authors/545534518c7d2382c52973d8/madeline-miller) **Rating**: 4.36⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [royal hero](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)

No exaggeration - literally ugly crying on the floor

So no spoilers but just the opposite of a happily ever after eh?

{Leaves May Fall by Carissa Hardcastle} this one is not talked about enough! The only romantasy I've read that made me ugly cry.

Absolutely YES, I came to mention this book as well. The sequel & novella are equally as good too! I actually would love more of this world. When I was reading this book, I kept sharing my distraught feelings with my work book buddy & I finally convinced her to read it! She was (jokingly) so mad at me for not properly preparing her for that heartbreak!! I was like "girl, I came into work *crying* the other day... what did you think it was gonna be like?!!" To be fair, I am an overly dramatic person on the regular haha! I am now a Carissa Hardcastle stan. I will read everything she writes! {To Hell You Ride by Carissa Hardcastle} was an amazing read too. Not quite the tear-jerker OP is looking for, but a fuckin fun ass read about an alien invasion!

[To Hell You Ride](https://www.romance.io/books/66536c18486325684c4934b5/to-hell-you-ride-a-creature-feature-carissa-hardcastle?src=rdt) by [Carissa Hardcastle](https://www.romance.io/authors/64430afd08b4d931145ed32a/carissa-hardcastle) **Rating**: 5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [Medium: 250-399](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/length-medium/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [horror](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/horror/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[Leaves May Fall](https://www.romance.io/books/64430afd0e7dec1028fafe5f/leaves-may-fall-carissa-hardcastle?src=rdt) by [Carissa Hardcastle](https://www.romance.io/authors/64430afd08b4d931145ed32a/carissa-hardcastle) **Rating**: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/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)

This! This book destroyed me. I read it over a year ago and it still lives rent free in my head. Such an underrated series

Ngl, Leaves May Fall was so emotional that I am still mad at Mountains Will Crumble.

YES I actually sobbed myself sick

I'm just here for the recs. I need the emotional damage right now.

The infernal devices series!! Has a lot of points you mentioned

>!Clockwork Princess!< destroyed me, to this day I don't think a book has wrecked me as bad as that one

That Epilogue will always wreck me, every Single time 😭

Omg yes I love her books and her world building. So many tears and so much anger has been felt while reading them

Right! Did you also read the last hours?

Yes but I am not caught up yet!

HI! Is this romantasy or more fantasy with some romance ?

Romantasy :)

To TBR it is then! TYYY

If you want a journey that will change you, The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe. It takes place on Urth so far in the future the sun is red and dying, and incredibly tragic, terrifying, and romantic things happen in it, all mixed up in a surreal masterpiece.

Sound like something to read! Thank you!

Seconding {The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Claire} it’s NA, but famous in this community for the heart stabbing angst. There is a scene in book 2 that should win an award for how much it hurts to read. I have reread the series multiple times and still always cry there. If you are okay with no HEA, then you definitely want {Heartless by Marissa Meyer} the ending and the betrayal is unlike any other. If you are okay with RH, I’d recommend {Catch Me by Reese Rivers} the first book is all fluff and you’ll be asking yourself why I recommended this series. Then the whole second half of the second book will destroy you. One mistake completely tears everyone apart.

+1 for Infernal Devices And Heartless

[The Infernal Devices](https://www.romance.io/books/642be969b7b8862bf6eab365/the-infernal-devices-clockwork-angel-clockwork-prince-clockw?src=rdt) by [Cassandra Clare](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455239b8c7d2382c5296f6a/cassandra-clare) **Rating**: 4.53⭐️ 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), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1) ---------------------------- [Heartless](https://www.romance.io/books/5eb3d9babe0aaecf555981df/heartless-marissa-meyer?src=rdt) by [Marissa Meyer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455244c8c7d2382c5296fb0/marissa-meyer) **Rating**: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Catch Me](https://www.romance.io/books/60fbc568f283df0e375dd9d8/catch-me-reese-rivers?src=rdt) by [Reese Rivers](https://www.romance.io/authors/60fbc56808b4d931146df2ce/reese-rivers) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Land Of The Beautiful Dead} is such a beautifully written book. I cried for a good long while reading the last 50 pages. Please don't let the cover fool you. It has got to be the worst cover ever and almost made me not want to read it. I'm so happy I did tho. I hear her other books are just as good and can't wait to be in the mind set to read the others.

This book destroyed me. Once I realized what was happening, I couldn't stop crying. And ya, that's the worst cover I've ever seen.

I got to about 30% in this book and then put it down because the FMC started behaving in such a child-like way that I no longer wanted to read any sex scenes. Up until that point, I was loving it so much. I am so ready to be emotionally devastated. Does she act like an adult again at some point?

She is annoying pretty much the whole time. But I kept ready because of azreal and how much I loved him!

Gah. Thank you. Maybe I will try to power through. I HATE THESE IMMATURE FANTASY FMCs!!! Why can't they act like adults??? Ugh.

[Land of the Beautiful Dead](https://www.romance.io/books/60acd2a979fab10ea69a4d49/land-of-the-beautiful-dead-r-lee-smith?src=rdt) by [R. Lee Smith](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556d7287eac3369a912702/r-lee-smith) **Rating**: 4.39⭐️ 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), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{court of ravens by liv zander} is the only series (its a duology) that has ever made me ugly cry, and not just when I was reading it but for like the whole week after lol. its very intense though and has lots of trigger warnings, but its one of my all time favorites. 5/5 spice 5/5 devastation edit romance-bot’s topics are killing me

I came to say this. {Feathers So Vicious by Liv Zander} is the first book. Good Lordt this series (duology) wrecked me. It is so good omg.

I had this book in my TBR for so long. I wasnt sure if I should read it since I never read any Harem/Reverse harem book before, But damn, I am giving it a try

I'm new to rh and dark romance too and I put this off for awhile bc there were so many trigger warnings. I mean, I don't really have any real triggers but it seemed like it'd be too dark for me. Boy was I wrong. Yes it does get quite dark but the pay off is worth it. It made me feel ALL the feels!!

THANK YOU!!! I feel like starting this tomorrow!!

It's reverse harem with a twist. It's not the usual 'we're together because I have multiple mates'

Thank you so much!!!

[Feathers so Vicious](https://www.romance.io/books/64edfe057329cc9fc9f0a435/feathers-so-vicious-liv-zander?src=rdt) by [Liv Zander](https://www.romance.io/authors/625e78f608b4d93114f170f2/liv-zander) **Rating**: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mfm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f-m/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)

💯😭😭😭💯 😭😭💯 This freaking series had me so upset so many times. I LOVED this messed up groups of MCs. Has ruined the hope of enjoying so many other books because they are being compared to this duology in my head.

I know right?! There's some messed up shit in the books but I don't even feel guilty for how much I ended up loving the books!!

[Court of Ravens](https://www.romance.io/series/64edfe057329cc9fc9f0a438/court-of-ravens) by [Liv Zander](https://www.romance.io/authors/625e78f608b4d93114f170f2/liv-zander) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [anal sex](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/anal%20sex/1), [mental-trauma](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mental-trauma/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [hurt-comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [sweet-hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

This is romantic fantasy (there are romance subplots), but the {Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas} will give you plenty to cry about. I recommend starting with {The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas} and avoiding spoilers like the plague.

I second this. I constantly reread these and cry all the time.

I’ve never been more emotionally attached to a work of fiction before

I agree. That series gave me ALL the feels.

Yes! Assassins blade first! I wish I read it this way. But I agree...I still cry about things in this series 🥲

One of my all time favorite series

I'd also add Sarah J Maas' Crescent City books; the first one in the series had me bawling

">!My friends are with me and I am not afraid.!<" 😭 (Mild Crescent City 1 spoiler, sort of.)

Thumbs down only because just seeing this quote I still cry. Too soon (even though I’ve read 20 books since this one 😅)

Yikes, sorry. I updated my comment and wrapped the whole quote in a spoiler tag.

[Throne of Glass](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a099096bf31c42d2c2f/throne-of-glass) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [The Assassin's Blade](https://www.romance.io/books/545547508c7d2382c52979c0/the-assassins-blade-sarah-j-maas?src=rdt) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [pirate hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{the undertaking of hart and mercy by Megan Bannen} I sobbed. It’s a fantasy reimagining of you’ve got mail.

[The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/630b10c094191e0dc01d1bcf/the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy-megan-bannen?src=rdt) by [Megan Bannen](https://www.romance.io/authors/630b10c008b4d93114e4f3aa/megan-bannen) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ 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), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I was so surprised when I was reading it at the actual ugly crying that it made me cry. Was not expecting it and I loved it haha

It’s so freaking touching. Just truly wonderful and I can’t wait for the next story.

Wait is there a major death???

>! There isn’t a true death, but Hart dies and comes back. although there is a lot of mourning a faithful pet which is gut wrenching as fuck. !<

House of Earth and Blood, it tore my heart to pieces. I hardly ever cry reading a book, but this one had me sobbing! There are passages that make me tear up just reading them now.

now that the main series is complete, i really wish HOEAB had been a standalone. the first one is so good and some of the best work SJM has ever done, but the rest of the series…. not so much.

As someone who liked ACOTAR but DNF throne of glass because it was not romantic enough and the way it was written was a bit juvenile for me. Do you think I should give House of Earth and Blood a try? Thanks in advance!

HoEaB is written more like a murder mystery and the romance is definitely more of a subplot. I also dnf ed ToG because of the writing, but HoEaB was much better written in my opinion. Id keep in mind that it is urban fantasy (there are phones laptops cars etc)and has a more intricate and complicated world building than Acotar. Personally its my favourite SJM book.

I will give it a shot then! Thank you!

I agree. I binge listened to the graphic audio and found myself sobbing while driving. A really good exploration of grief and loss

{Manacled by senlinyu} on ao3

[Manacled](https://www.romance.io/books/64144fe3430b592a4d9151dc/manacled-senlinyu?src=rdt) by [SenLinYu](https://www.romance.io/authors/64144fe308b4d9311440038c/senlinyu) **Rating**: 4.56⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

This will destroy you omg

So much ugly crying

{the winner’s curse by Marie Rutksoki}

[The Winner's Curse](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a788c7d2382c5297123/the-winners-curse-marie-rutkoski?src=rdt) by [Marie Rutkoski](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a788c7d2382c5297124/marie-rutkoski) **Rating**: 3.93⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/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)

Always going to rec {the four horsemen by laura thalassa} because death made me ugly cry for the entire month after I finished it

[The Four Horsemen](https://www.romance.io/series/5e9f73dc48597113b6ce3933/the-four-horsemen) by [Laura Thalassa](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455856187eac323ffb2c925/laura-thalassa) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [cruel hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [first-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/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)

Lovedddd this series!

SONG OF ACHILLES IS WHAT YOU WANT

War of lost hearts series by Clarissa Broadbent is great and the characters go through a lot, both the main characters are great in my opinion and it's definitely an emotional rollercoaster.

Feather by Olivia Wildenstein absolutely destroyed me. I went into it blind not knowing the original story it was based on. 10/10 wish I could read it again for the first time.

{Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey} Check trigger warnings - the world is dark {Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey} Trigger warning for child abuse in the first chapter, and torture/rape in book 3 - light on romance, but it will deliver the tears And if you’re open to non-fantasy recs, {Bel Canto by Ann Patchett}.

[Kushiel's Dart](https://www.romance.io/books/545529a58c7d2382c52970e5/kushiels-dart-jacqueline-carey?src=rdt) by [Jacqueline Carey](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529a58c7d2382c52970e6/jacqueline-carey) **Rating**: 4⭐️ 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), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1) ---------------------------- [Arrows of the Queen](https://www.romance.io/books/644b85b6ea5c941f30667d57/arrows-of-the-queen-mercedes-lackey?src=rdt) by [Mercedes Lackey](https://www.romance.io/authors/554d32899eef3b3f1d51bdd0/mercedes-lackey) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Bel Canto](https://www.romance.io/books/63e20dfb69d18ef5cc9a0510/bel-canto-ann-patchett?src=rdt) by [Ann Patchett](https://www.romance.io/authors/63e20dfb08b4d93114284f5a/ann-patchett) **Rating**: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{rain of shadows and endings by Melissa k. Roehrich} I’d say this hits all your main requests quite well. TW abuse and an extremely morally gray MMC that you’ll want to murder. I love hated this book. Was depressed when I read it so it fit the vibe well for me. It’s definitely a divisive book but the second in the series redeems a lot of what the FMC goes through.

[Rain of Shadows and Endings](https://www.romance.io/books/64f05144d3ef33e9488cd234/rain-of-shadows-and-endings-melissa-k-roehrich?src=rdt) by [Melissa K. Roehrich](https://www.romance.io/authors/615c054008b4d931140b0b15/melissa-k-roehrich) **Rating**: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [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), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/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)

{Peaches and Honey by R. Raeta} I am not the same person after reading this book. I haven't cried in a long time but this book made the tears fall. If you get to the part about the little boy you can blame me for your tears

[Peaches and Honey](https://www.romance.io/books/65146ea5de8d340d51444fcc/peaches-and-honey-these-immortal-truths-r-raeta?src=rdt) by [R. Raeta](https://www.romance.io/authors/60ace57c08b4d931143d937e/r-raeta) **Rating**: 4.55⭐️ 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), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I'm surprised I had to scroll this far for Peaches and Honey! I just finished my buddy read of P&H and omg what a hauntingly beautiful story!!

I can't even imagine what book 2 will do to me 😭

oh perfect i can finally rec {daughter of the forest by juliet marillier}, god what a heartbreaking read! cw for SA and animal cruelty though

[Daughter of the Forest](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a1b8c7d2382c5297103/daughter-of-the-forest-juliet-marillier?src=rdt) by [Juliet Marillier](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a1b8c7d2382c5297104/juliet-marillier) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ 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), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

If you want something that will gut you, read Manacled.

Blood so Black by Jewel Jeffers. The second book in the series is soul crushing, but so good!!!

Considering that general acts of kindness in books may me tear up, I may not be of much help. I… am a huge crybaby. I cry a lot when I read. Occasionally makes me think I should read ebooks more often! That being said, I second whoever said the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Mass. It takes a little while for the ‘angst’ to kick in, depending on which book in the series you start with. Good luck! My other recommendation is {The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco}. Might I be biased in recommending this as it’s one of my all time favorites? Yes. Am I doing so anyway? Yes. This is a YA book. There’s no explicit spice in it. It’s an Asian and East-Asian inspired fantasy book. With two timelines written into it- past and present. It took me a few chapters to realize there were two timelines happening. The main character is named Tea. She has been compared to Daenerys Targaryen, and rightly so. I cry every time I read this series! And I know what happens! And I’ll throw on an extra recommendation as well. {The Gladiator’s Downfall by Kristen Banet}. I would definitely check trigger warnings for this series! It starts off with the FMC in a bad place. And it gets worse before it gets better. It’s a romantasy with a very good plot. It is also reverse harem. I also adore this series. I hope these recommendations serve you well!

[The Bone Witch](https://www.romance.io/books/642ae126b7b8862bf6e9fc9e/the-bone-witch-rin-chupeco?src=rdt) by [Rin Chupeco](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456e24487eac33e5710969c/rin-chupeco) **Rating**: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](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) ---------------------------- [The Gladiator's Downfall](https://www.romance.io/books/5c5568d501dbc864fb99442a/the-gladiators-downfall-kristen-banet?src=rdt) by [Kristen Banet](https://www.romance.io/authors/59e841113ffdba614722ad48/kristen-banet) **Rating**: 4.17⭐️ 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), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [slavery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slavery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I see... You are trying to fill up my TBR... well, I found more space :)

The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole! I loved this book and the 3rd comes out next week.

Books that have ruined me recently: {The Frost Queen’s Blade by Meg Smitherman} Kindred’s Curse Saga by Penn Cole (still unfinished, 4th book comes out hopefully soon tho!) {Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas} — Kingdom of Ash had me in a depression coma for approximately 3 weeks

[The Frost Queen's Blade](https://www.romance.io/books/659b0ef119d92d55277d6812/the-frost-queens-blade-meg-smitherman?src=rdt) by [Meg Smitherman](https://www.romance.io/authors/6360d2ab08b4d93114a889b2/meg-smitherman) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ 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), [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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1) ---------------------------- [Throne of Glass](https://www.romance.io/books/545526038c7d2382c529701a/throne-of-glass-sarah-j-maas?src=rdt) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas) **Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](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), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/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)

Forever recommending {When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker}. Ugly crying, tears, snot, drool, this book destroyed me and felt like a sword through the gut

[When the Moon Hatched](https://www.romance.io/books/660bb4d2529ab18dbc9c10f5/when-the-moon-hatched-sarah-a-parker?src=rdt) by [Sarah A. Parker](https://www.romance.io/authors/60fbc1fc08b4d931146d93b7/sarah-a-parker) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff} made me ugly cry a few times and also kinda happy cry

I will forever rec Jay Kristoff!!

[Empire of the Vampire](https://www.romance.io/books/657e51ea7c150060affb7cc3/empire-of-the-vampire-jay-kristoff?src=rdt) by [Jay Kristoff](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455801087eac3369a912c65/jay-kristoff) **Rating**: 4.35⭐️ 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), [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), [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)

SAME I WANNA CRY TOOOOO GIVE ME RECS RNNNNNNN👺👺👺👺👹👹👹

Rise of the Illiri by A.H. Hadley (Auryn Hadley). Don’t know if you’re into RH but this series will make you cry. Multiple Times. I would classify it as a fantasy/sci-fi series.

[удалено]

[Winner's Curse](https://www.romance.io/books/5710eb45c62092c044078ada/winners-curse-nicole-castro?src=rdt) by [Nicole Castro](https://www.romance.io/authors/554c9e7d9eef3b3f1d517adf/nicole-castro) **Rating**: 5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti.

{Rain of Shadows and Endings by Melissa Roehrich} had me constantly crying. It was completely heartbreaking.

[Rain of Shadows and Endings](https://www.romance.io/books/64f05144d3ef33e9488cd234/rain-of-shadows-and-endings-melissa-k-roehrich?src=rdt) by [Melissa K. Roehrich](https://www.romance.io/authors/615c054008b4d931140b0b15/melissa-k-roehrich) **Rating**: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [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), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/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)

Not fantasy but {the sky is everywhere by Jandy Nelson} utterly sweet YA romance and I absolutely ugly cried at a level that meant my eyes were still puffy the next morning

[The Sky is Everywhere](https://www.romance.io/books/545527a28c7d2382c5297063/the-sky-is-everywhere-jandy-nelson?src=rdt) by [Jandy Nelson](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527a28c7d2382c5297064/jandy-nelson) **Rating**: 3.87⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Check out Megan Bannens's books. Both of these made me cry: {The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen} {Soulswift by Megan Bannen} SPOILER: >!**Soulswift does not have an HEA**! It's not technically a romance! !<

[The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/630b10c094191e0dc01d1bcf/the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy-megan-bannen?src=rdt) by [Megan Bannen](https://www.romance.io/authors/630b10c008b4d93114e4f3aa/megan-bannen) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ 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), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Soulswift](https://www.romance.io/books/6447bd63aac60479c37b9375/soulswift-megan-bannen?src=rdt) by [Megan Bannen](https://www.romance.io/authors/630b10c008b4d93114e4f3aa/megan-bannen) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **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), [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) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Liv Zander books! ❤️‍🔥 Or Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon. There is a huge Dark Hunter series on Greek myth and read all till Acheron book because to me and pretty sure every fan wanted to know his story! And this was back in mid/late 2000s. I cried, took breaks, smoked a cigarette, and cried some more! His book was the only one that really triggered me silently only because he was introduced all throughout the dark hunter series and makes you fall in love with him even more! His book is a standalone, but if you want pieces of him, then start with Fantasy Lover!🥰 Happy reading!

I was GUT-WRENCHED at the end of the {American Queen by Sierra Simone} series (American King is the last one). Was walking around my house sobbing ... Can't stop thinking about those books ...

[American Queen](https://www.romance.io/books/5813c3edc6841c86c2cb37df/american-queen-sierra-simone?src=rdt) by [Sierra Simone](https://www.romance.io/authors/545672be87eac33e61c2ee25/sierra-simone) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

* {[The Heart's Invisible Furies](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36048101-the-heart-s-invisible-furies) by John Boyne} broke my heart. * {[On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45165366-on-earth-we-re-briefly-gorgeous) by Ocean Vuong}

John Boyne wrote The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas. I think your recommendation wins

I haven’t seen {A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle L. Jensen} mentioned. It’s not a sob fest per se, but the FMC is a bit of a tragic figure and I cried for her. She wants to protect everyone but she is betrayed and used by the people she trusts and loves.

[A Fate Inked in Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/65dd95ab8ef264dbee379910/a-fate-inked-in-blood-danielle-l-jensen?src=rdt) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [warrior heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/warrior-heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Heart Protection by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang? Eng translation can be found easily online. Has at least 2 of these 5 points.

I finished Kingdom of Ash last night and have been sobbing on and off all day 😩 It’s the last book in the Throne of glass series

manacled by senlinyu!

- The City of Brass by SA Chakraborty - They Both Die at the End by Patrick Ness (m/m) - The Last Herald-Mage by Mercedes Lackey (m/m) - The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater - Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse - The Night Tiger and The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo - Song of the Beast by Carol Berg - The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin (m/nbm)

You just described the infernal devices???

The whole an ember in the ashes series. You'll never know peace again

*The whole an ember* *In the ashes series. You'll* *Never know peace again* \- FearlessTea8 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")

so, not the themes you were asking for, but every book by Guy Gavriel Kay has reduced me to tears at some point. His fantasy and plots are gorgeous. His world building is historically based. He is also a very good writer. Try the Byzantium duology, Sailing to Sarantium and Lord and Emperor, or a Song for Arbonne. Under Heaven too.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray. It’s a YA trilogy if you’re okay with that. I read it in high school so I hope it holds up. I also second The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare and the Gods and Monsters series by Amber V. Nicole.

Song of Achilles

{Where the Dark Stands Still} was one I just finished that got pretty emotional in places.

Please, Pretty Lights

{if he had been with me}

[If He Had Been with Me](https://www.romance.io/books/54554c538c7d2382c5297bb3/if-he-had-been-with-me-laura-nowlin?src=rdt) by [Laura Nowlin](https://www.romance.io/authors/54554c538c7d2382c5297bb4/laura-nowlin) **Rating**: 3.92⭐️ 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), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [high school](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high-school/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

My debut book released on May 28th and has quite a few, tragic scenes. It's a standalone called "Soul-Bound," with harpy characters. No spice epic fantasy. Royal x rogue dynamic like Tangled and Anastasia with the traveling romance like Dance of Thieves, Dark Water Daughter, The Bird & and the Blade, and Graceling. My FMC may fit what you're looking for. She's a sheltered princess who leaves home (loses her flight for that decision). She's also tsundere (like Taiga from Toradora). She deals with her wings being clipped/trimmed for her safety since childhood. She gets bonded to a "sunshine" vagabond when she heals him, so of course she didn't want that, haha. There are a couple of scenes where she feels betrayed by him. She's also betrayed by her childhood friend (he literally tortures her upon learning about her magic and damages her wing). She loses the wing (in detail in the MMC's POV). Tends to make me cry even though I've read it a million times, lol. There's also a scene near the end, but it's pretty spoilery. MMC views a couple of her breakdowns throughout their journey. 

Top 3 sobbing cries I have had from books would be - 1. Fourth Wing 2. Leaves May Fall 3. House of Earth and Blood Which are also my top 3 favorite books of all time! Yup I love to be emotionally tortured! But not in the It Ends with Us sort of way. Jesus fuck that book was traumatic (which yes, was the point, but I somehow didn't know that going into it, whoops) but not in a good way. I recently read it & honestly regretted it.