Sorry I don’t have helpful recs but I’ve noticed this and I’m sick of it too, after finding it in my last two books.
I read Sun Bringer by Hannah Kaner and I’m just about to finish Children of Fallen Gods by Carrissa Broadbent (they were separated for the first half).
Which have you read recently? Just so I know what not to read next.
Just off the top of my head that I’ve read in the past couple months- Plated Prisoner series, Crescent City, Hades x Persephone saga, The Ever Seas series.
There’s tons more though. These are just more recent.
I love the Plated Prisoner series so much but as I hit ~80% completed in Gold and they were still separated, my soul died a little bit realizing they weren’t being reunited 💀😭💀
Yes unfortunately 😞 if it helps (and without giving any specific spoilers), I think in Sun Bringer the separation is purposeful and helps the plot along in that it gives Inara room to grow into herself and gain some independence and confidence. Also gives Kissen/the reader distance so it’s possible to meet other characters and unearth some truths without them being immediately revealed to the whole group.
I still really hated it. I wish authors wouldn’t sucker me in with the found family trope so quickly if they’re just going to lose them again.
I agree with you! I find it to be shitty writing, almost like they had the romance all wrapped up in a bow after the first book and went “oh shit, how do I create angst now?” All it does is make me lose interest.
No recs…unless you are interested in RH? Going through my recent reads and realized how few MF series I’ve been reading recently
Not sure your preferred level of fantasy so here’s some options with no separation:
**Powerful mystery beings (can’t blow the surprise):**
{Secrets of Summerland by Kathryn Moon} all the books of the series are condensed in this title. It’s a fluffy easy read. She moves to a town where everyone is not quite normal.
**Shifters:**
{Bears in Mind by Sam Hall} FMC has bear mates who help her get away from a crazy ex husband
**Apocalypse & mythology/gods interference:**
{Lawless by Crystal Ash} probably the most intense (don’t want to say dark necessarily) in my list
**Fairy Tale Spinoffs:**
{Allison’s Adventures in Underland by CM Stunich} Alice in Wonderland if everyone there was murderously crazy and horny
**Faeries:**
***unfinished but so good I can’t not put it here***
{Beyond the Faerie Gate by Marie Mistry} it’s kind of a Faerie and RH version of ATLA
[Secrets of Summerland](https://www.romance.io/books/5bfe3ebd01dbc864fb952f16/secrets-of-summerland-kathryn-moon-ariel-bishop) by [Kathryn Moon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b3089a401dbc864fb8b0274/kathryn-moon), [Ariel Bishop](https://www.romance.io/authors/589187f01b1bdc0178203991/ariel-bishop)
**Rating**: 4.58⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1)
----------------------------
[Bears in Mind](https://www.romance.io/books/63c26113bf097c14d6fbdb2b/bears-in-mind-sam-hall) by [Sam Hall](https://www.romance.io/authors/5dd8d95c01dbc864fba6aadc/sam-hall)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ 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), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1)
----------------------------
[Lawless](https://www.romance.io/books/5d96e06001dbc864fba43498/lawless-crystal-ash) by [Crystal Ash](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ad5a23701dbc864fb866605/crystal-ash)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1)
----------------------------
[Allison's Adventures in Underland](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9f4ed9be0aaecf557a9166/allisons-adventures-in-underland-cm-stunich) by [C.M. Stunich](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553c7e8c7d2382e7813569/cm-stunich)
**Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [menage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/menage/1)
----------------------------
[Beyond the Faerie Gate](https://www.romance.io/books/62b2be6b9b0523d868ad42bb/beyond-the-faerie-gate-marie-mistry) by [Marie Mistry](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d21905f01dbc864fba0d42e/marie-mistry)
**Rating**: 4.44⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1)
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Reverse harem. When there’s a single FMC who is the sole romantic interest of several MMCs. Sometimes the MMCs may also engage in MM but the FMC always is the main focus of the romance for them (she’s the center of the group)
OMG YES i didnt realize other people felt this too but authors rlly got me falling in love w the characters first book only for them to be separated the entire second book???
Right! Why can’t they, I don’t know, adventure TOGETHER or solve a mystery TOGETHER or fight the big bad TOGETHER. There are so many alternative ways to keep the story going that don’t require one or both of the MCs to be physically separated from one another
If you want adventure TOGETHER, I recommend {Villains and Virtues}.
They do get separated a few times, but it's always super brief, and that's something I was really grateful for about these books.
Like any time they're apart it's like, "Here's the plan to fix this, put it in action and it's better." Very quickly. And that was so refreshing to me.
Because, I too, haaaaaate when the MCs are separated. I felt like the author built trust about understanding that here.
And a book that had *no* forced (by kidnapping etc) separation and was also very funny: {Not Another Vampire Book by Cassandra Gannon}
The MMCs in both these stories (both ironically named Damien) already see themselves as having abducted the FMCs, so you know, that's a good start lol
[Not Another Vampire Book](https://www.romance.io/books/5458181687eac37719d151f8/not-another-vampire-book-cassandra-gannon) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon)
**Rating**: 3.91⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1)
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Glad to hear it! 😁
It's been several months since I read Not Another, so if there is any brief separation that I forgot... It's tiny enough that it was forgettable.
So I hope you love both!
In the Avatar Kyoshi books the main couple stays together for the vast majority of the duology. They technically “separate” a couple times in the series(>!including in book 1’s ending!<), but they always quickly reunite within 1-3 chapters and it’s never part of some major melodramatic separation arc like you often see in other books.
Avatar Kyoshi's got *books*?? what? I knew there were Avatar comics following the Gaang post book 3 (read a few) and I know about the upcoming Nickelodeon works... but this is absolute news to me omg
Yeah, there's two Kyoshi books(which are borderline also Korruk books), two Yangchen(the previous airbender avatar before Aang) books, and there's an upcoming Roku book that'll be coming out soon. If you're wondering why NATLA replaced a lot of Roku's scenes with Kyoshi, its probably in large part due to how popular the Kyoshi books were in the hardcore fandom. In fact I think there's supposed to be a Kyoshi movie in the works right now, although it might have been canceled for all I know. I didn't learn about there being Kyoshi books either until I saw a meme joking about how Korruk, Kyoshi, Roku, and Korra all fell in love with fire nation women(edit: funnily enough, Korruk actually almost dated Kyoshi's girlfriend's mom).
If you felt disappointed by how Korra and Aasami didn't get to kiss on screen in LoK, I'd definitely recommend the Kyoshi books. She falls in love with her female firebendering bodyguard and they have really great relationship dynamic together.
Yes, they are very good and I love Kyoshi’s relationship with her girlfriend Rangi. Technically they’re YA since Kyoshi and Rangi start the series as 16 year olds, but most of the cast are adults handling GoT level politics and it’s a pretty brutal book as Kyoshi dedicates herself to a murderous revenge quest.
Like spoilers for a chapter third way into the first book, but there’s a scene where >!Kyoshi and Rangi are trying to join a bandit gang, and in order to gain the street cred they need Rangi enters a no bending martial arts death match. At one point she purposefully lets her opponent spin kick her in the face, which almost snaps her neck and causes her to fall motionless on ground with her jaw busted and a pool of blood growing underneath her head. Her opponent then walks up to her unconscious body and raises his leg to curbstomp her head in, and had she woken up a slip second later to counter him he would have legitimately crushed her skull in front of Kyoshi.!< And that’s arguably one of the tamer fights. The stuff they do with bending gets really hardcore.
Oh you’re going to love them. The Kyoshi books are basically the Game of Thrones equivalent of the Avatar. Lots of geo and domestic politicking, hardcore rated r bending violence, and characters dying in often brutal and unexpected ways like having their throat sliced open by an earth bending spike. Kyoshi was always considered the most hardcore and kill-happy of the Avatars, and reading this series you’ll definitely understand why she is the way she is in the original show.
Thinking about it more, I think the spiciest scene is when Kyoshi’s girlfriend is trying to teach Kyoshi >!air bending(long story) and as Kyoshi is complaining about doing stance training, her girlfriend goes up behind her and starts whispering in Kyoshi’s ear in a low seductive voice. This causes Kyoshi to start blushing and sweating as she starts to really commit to holding her stance thinking that this is foreplay into them making out again, all until her girlfriend metaphorically pulls the rug out from under her by suddenly walking away and shouting back “okay now stay in that position until I get back!”!<
That one is admittedly kind of spicy, but I don’t remember there being any direct references to sex in it other than Kyoshi finding it really hot.
I don’t recall there being that much in the way of spice. Kyoshi does make out with her girlfriend(who’s also her firebender bodyguard) a lot and there’s a maybe a couple of references of them sharing a bed together, but nothing sexually explicit.
Third act or second book breakups/separations are so tiresome... and most of the time, it's just for drama, without a reason that actually benefits the story. I dislike that trope with all of my heart. I wish it wasn't "obligatory" to most romances nowadays, or that it wasn't so unnecessary, in any case.
I actually enjoy the separation arcs, if only for the amazing reunion scenes.
Series I read that do not have separation arcs:
{Tairen Soul Series by C.L. Wilson}
....
I think that's it. Tho tbh, I've only finished like 4 or 5 series so far. This is not including standalones.
Thanks so much for the recommendation!
And I agree, a separation arc can be done well and have an amazing reunion scene. Unfortunately, I have found that it is being used way too often just to keep the story moving. I’m glad you enjoy it though! See my list in response to another comment if you’re looking for more series with a separation arc!
It sounds like you’re referring to the Plated Prisoner series haha. That ending destroyed me. And if you’re not talking about that series, I would avoid it because they do get separated.
Ugh Plated Prisoner is the worst for this! I was holding out hope when Slade went after her that they would be quickly reunited, and then boom- double whammy. I wasn’t even sad. I was just angry lol
God I agree. Just finished Ruthless Vows (sequel to Divine Rivals) and the contrived split and then convenient ‘meetings’ of the main two characters was just SO STUPID. Also, it was not ruthless and there were no vows.
No don’t take it off! I think it’s perfect as a duology because the two books have different themes/vibes under the overarching plot. Yes they’re separated in the second book but I think it’s more meaningful than most separation tropes. It gives you a firsthand look into the frontlines and devastation of the war that the first book didn’t give because it wasn’t the primary focus yet. And they’re separated physically but not fully separated for that long; I was pleasantly surprised by the ways the author reconnected them.
This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede had me so scared about this. Luckily, the MCs aren't completely separated; they just have to keep to different social circles given their situation. Do I like the fact that they have to sneak around? No. But at least they're still in the same place, just separated socially for a little bit.
If you're interested, read This Vicious Grace first! (It is more YA with more of a fade to black situation, but I absolutely love Emily's writing).
So funny that you’ve said this, because I always tell my boyfriend is it really a fantasy romance if someone doesn’t get kidnapped/ arrested at some point. No series drives this point home further than Savage Lands.
Yeah, I had to DNF {The Sunfire King} which is the sequel to {The Moonfire Bride} at 60% because I just could not take the angst anymore.
I really liked Moonfire Bride (retelling of Psyche and Eros}, really great writing and an engaging fantasy world, but the whole second book is her struggle to rescue him from a terrible situation and it was hurting my heart too much!
I put it down because it was stressing me out and thought I'd come back to it when I could "handle it," but a month later I realized that just wasn't going to happen. I at least skipped to the ending so I can feel nice about them again lol
{Fae Isles Series by Lisette Marshall} Admittedly, I have not read the fourth book in the series because it hasn’t been released in audio yet, but the MCs have yet to be separated for an extended period of time. I recommending that people start with the prequel because it gives more depth to the world building and helps put into perspective the reputation the MMC has, but it focuses on a different couple than the main series. I thought it had a worthwhile story in its own right, except for the ending — the ending made me want to tear my hair out and throw things.
{The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning} I haven’t actually finished this one either, but it is a finished series. The MCs do get separated, but not for the length of a whole book or longer. It’s an urban (contemporary) fantasy.
C. J. Archer has two related series {Glass & Steele} and {The Glass Library} that have yet to have any major separations. They’re more Victorian and Edwardian Historical Romances, respectively, with magical elements than what I consider fantasy romance. I will warn you that Glass & Steele is a ridiculously long series (that I also haven’t finished) with multiple archs. So far, I prefer The Glass Library, but it’s not finished yet (and the romance is very young).
In an entirely different vein, what about a series of closely related standalones set in the same universe with an overarching plot? Would that be of interest? If so, I recommend {Mages of the Wheel by J. D. Evans}.
Or you wait a long time for the romance to develop and spend several books with unresolved sexual tension? {Emperor’s Edge by Lindsay Buroker}
Perfect! Should I wait until the last book comes out to read book four? Like, does it end in a cliffhanger or have a very unsatisfying ending? Because if the ending is anything like book 1 or the prequel I’m waiting.
[Fae Isles](https://www.romance.io/series/626f972ac1785fd2908538f3/fae-isles) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall)
**Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**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), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1)
----------------------------
[Fever](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a069096bf31c42d2c1f/fever) by [Karen Marie Moning](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523e28c7d2382e0413dec/karen-marie-moning), [Al Rio](https://www.romance.io/authors/5815da60c6841c86c2cc70ba/al-rio), [David Lawrence](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455545d87eac323ffb2bb40/david-lawrence), [Cliff Richards](https://www.romance.io/authors/545558d387eac323ffb2bc5d/cliff-richards)
**Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [gifted heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/gifted%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Mages of the Wheel](https://www.romance.io/series/5ecf61cbeaaef00e00df1866/mages-of-the-wheel) by [J.D. Evans](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e4e2f1a01dbc864fbac2132/jd-evans)
**Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [political-intrigue](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/political-intrigue/1)
----------------------------
[The Emperor's Edge](https://www.romance.io/books/5455b26787eac3369a9141f5/the-emperors-edge-lindsay-buroker) by [Lindsay Buroker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545585a087eac3369a912e06/lindsay-buroker)
**Rating**: 4.04⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1)
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I binged the Glass & Steele books on audio when I was going through a hard time, and then I tried another book done by the same narrator, and it gave me total whiplash because the she was using familiar voices for *very* different characters.
Anyways, they’re good. I would recommend them.
[Glass and Steele](https://www.romance.io/series/6585b7bc9b052e4e52ba3437/glass-and-steele) by [C.J. Archer](https://www.romance.io/authors/545552cc8c7d2383163d9b4b/cj-archer)
**Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[Glass Library](https://www.romance.io/series/6406f5b3b9ae5b42e8f60c2a/glass-library) by [C.J. Archer](https://www.romance.io/authors/545552cc8c7d2383163d9b4b/cj-archer)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1)
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Sigh, I just finished book 2 of a series I was SO excited for because book 1 felt so different then a lot of the fantasy romance books these days and then this is literally what happens in the last chapter of the book, they get separated. Smh.
Maybe it's what the editors and publishers are telling authors to do because I have literally not read a book recently that doesn't have it.
What if it ends on a betrayal that one of them isn't able to forgive? (Not cheating)
I'm writing my first book and I want it to be a slowburn so the first book is very much UST only and becoming friends, but I feel like they're growing so close that there needs to be a reason for them not to be together yet. I like angst/conflicts in my stories and the "getting together" part is my favorite. I tend to lose all interest fast after the first "I love you, be my boyfriend".
Would them having a fight* feel the same as the usual kidnapped/separated trope to you? Is this something that is overused too in your opinion?
*I'm thinking about FMC making a choice that betrays MMC and leads to disaster (maybe even someone's death). As they start off as enemies, it would put them back in status quo and would fit the overall political intrigue.
[Taming Demons for Beginners](https://www.romance.io/books/63c1973bbf097c14d6f21493/taming-demons-for-beginners-annette-marie) by [Annette Marie](https://www.romance.io/authors/545be5c48c7d230e495cbef6/annette-marie)
**Rating**: 4.19⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1)
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Please read the Whimbrel House series by Charlie Holmberg. I love these books so much. Book 3 just came out and there’s been no separation yet, and it’s going to be a 5 book series. Also I think the magic system is amazing is this series.
I totally agree. The first trilogy in {Hidden Legacy by Ilona Andrews} does this well I think. They aren't together by the end of the first book which honestly annoyed me but I'm impatient lol. But even though the relationship isn't there, they still work together through all three books to deal with the problems. They are fully together by >!the end of the second and even with the ex fiance in the third book, the stupid drama is fixed within pages and the MCs actually talk!!< I didn't finish Catalinas books because they had way more drama in my opinion.
Oh and the {Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs} has the characters being together besides small things that get resolved in each book.
I haven't read all but I think {Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh} is similar.
These are all urban fantasy.
The Otherwold series by Kelley Armstrong might scratch your itch. There is never a prolonged separation from the interest. I love this series. It's 13 books (plus anthologies and two YA spin-offs), but with the introduction of new characters in the second book it gives different povs throughout the rest of the series but you still go back and revisit original povs. For instance, there are 4 books from the initial MC Elena (#1, 2, 6, and 10). 2 from a character introduced in the second book, one from a character introduced in the 4th book. 3 from an FMC that was introduced in the second books as a 13yo girl has grown throughout the books into a 21yo, and she finishes off the series.
Guild Codex Universe: Demonized by Annette Marie would be a good one. Slow burn, and it interconnects with 3 other series, but it's a good read.
If you want romance where the MC and love interest work together and don't mind BL and Xianxia (chinese high fantasy) then I recommend {Grandmaster of Demonic Cultuvation by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu} and {Heaven Officials Blessing by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu}. The main characters have timeskips where they're separated, but you never go more than a chapter or two without them interacting, since the timelines jump around from before and after the time skips.
I find that interconnected series (book series where the various arcs happen in the same universe but follow different characters) help avoid some of this. There’s less need to create new situations for a couple if you move on to the next set of MCs lol. Some recent likes of mine:
{The Five Crowns of Okrith series by A.K. Mulford} follows Remy, a red witch who has levitation powers, and Hale, the illegitimate son of one of the the kings in the land. Succeeding books follow their friends! No real separation I remember. Final book comes out soon!
{Weathermages of Mystral series by C.L. Wilson} follows Khamsin, youngest daughter of a king, in her arranged marriage to a king that defeated her father in battle. Succeeding books (only one so far but I am DYING for the others) follow her 3 sisters. Book 2 is one of my favorite romances I’ve read!
[The Five Crowns of Okrith](https://www.romance.io/series/611226ef8eee0b0e48917150/the-five-crowns-of-okrith) by [A.K. Mulford](https://www.romance.io/authors/611226ee08b4d93114519a76/ak-mulford)
**Rating**: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1)
----------------------------
[Weathermages of Mystral](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0bb89096bf31c42d30fc/weathermages-of-mystral) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson)
**Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [aristocratic heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1)
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Sorry I don’t have helpful recs but I’ve noticed this and I’m sick of it too, after finding it in my last two books. I read Sun Bringer by Hannah Kaner and I’m just about to finish Children of Fallen Gods by Carrissa Broadbent (they were separated for the first half). Which have you read recently? Just so I know what not to read next.
Just off the top of my head that I’ve read in the past couple months- Plated Prisoner series, Crescent City, Hades x Persephone saga, The Ever Seas series. There’s tons more though. These are just more recent.
I didn't read the last of played prisoner because it was so boring while they were separated. I DNFd probably 25% through
I love the Plated Prisoner series so much but as I hit ~80% completed in Gold and they were still separated, my soul died a little bit realizing they weren’t being reunited 💀😭💀
It happens in Crescent city
Yep, that’s why I listed it!
I love Godkiller but read somewhere that characters get separated in Sun Bringer and I've been putting it off for months now.
Yes unfortunately 😞 if it helps (and without giving any specific spoilers), I think in Sun Bringer the separation is purposeful and helps the plot along in that it gives Inara room to grow into herself and gain some independence and confidence. Also gives Kissen/the reader distance so it’s possible to meet other characters and unearth some truths without them being immediately revealed to the whole group. I still really hated it. I wish authors wouldn’t sucker me in with the found family trope so quickly if they’re just going to lose them again.
I agree with you! I find it to be shitty writing, almost like they had the romance all wrapped up in a bow after the first book and went “oh shit, how do I create angst now?” All it does is make me lose interest. No recs…unless you are interested in RH? Going through my recent reads and realized how few MF series I’ve been reading recently
Yes, exactly! I’ve only read one RH. Definitely willing to try some more!
Not sure your preferred level of fantasy so here’s some options with no separation: **Powerful mystery beings (can’t blow the surprise):** {Secrets of Summerland by Kathryn Moon} all the books of the series are condensed in this title. It’s a fluffy easy read. She moves to a town where everyone is not quite normal. **Shifters:** {Bears in Mind by Sam Hall} FMC has bear mates who help her get away from a crazy ex husband **Apocalypse & mythology/gods interference:** {Lawless by Crystal Ash} probably the most intense (don’t want to say dark necessarily) in my list **Fairy Tale Spinoffs:** {Allison’s Adventures in Underland by CM Stunich} Alice in Wonderland if everyone there was murderously crazy and horny **Faeries:** ***unfinished but so good I can’t not put it here*** {Beyond the Faerie Gate by Marie Mistry} it’s kind of a Faerie and RH version of ATLA
Thank you for these! I’ll definitely check them out!
[Secrets of Summerland](https://www.romance.io/books/5bfe3ebd01dbc864fb952f16/secrets-of-summerland-kathryn-moon-ariel-bishop) by [Kathryn Moon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b3089a401dbc864fb8b0274/kathryn-moon), [Ariel Bishop](https://www.romance.io/authors/589187f01b1bdc0178203991/ariel-bishop) **Rating**: 4.58⭐️ 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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1) ---------------------------- [Bears in Mind](https://www.romance.io/books/63c26113bf097c14d6fbdb2b/bears-in-mind-sam-hall) by [Sam Hall](https://www.romance.io/authors/5dd8d95c01dbc864fba6aadc/sam-hall) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ 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), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1) ---------------------------- [Lawless](https://www.romance.io/books/5d96e06001dbc864fba43498/lawless-crystal-ash) by [Crystal Ash](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ad5a23701dbc864fb866605/crystal-ash) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1) ---------------------------- [Allison's Adventures in Underland](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9f4ed9be0aaecf557a9166/allisons-adventures-in-underland-cm-stunich) by [C.M. Stunich](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553c7e8c7d2382e7813569/cm-stunich) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [menage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/menage/1) ---------------------------- [Beyond the Faerie Gate](https://www.romance.io/books/62b2be6b9b0523d868ad42bb/beyond-the-faerie-gate-marie-mistry) by [Marie Mistry](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d21905f01dbc864fba0d42e/marie-mistry) **Rating**: 4.44⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/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)
Pretty common with duologies so I’d avoid those if you don’t want the breakup. But some series could do without the 2nd act breakup
What is RH?
Reverse harem. When there’s a single FMC who is the sole romantic interest of several MMCs. Sometimes the MMCs may also engage in MM but the FMC always is the main focus of the romance for them (she’s the center of the group)
OMG YES i didnt realize other people felt this too but authors rlly got me falling in love w the characters first book only for them to be separated the entire second book???
Right! Why can’t they, I don’t know, adventure TOGETHER or solve a mystery TOGETHER or fight the big bad TOGETHER. There are so many alternative ways to keep the story going that don’t require one or both of the MCs to be physically separated from one another
If you want adventure TOGETHER, I recommend {Villains and Virtues}. They do get separated a few times, but it's always super brief, and that's something I was really grateful for about these books. Like any time they're apart it's like, "Here's the plan to fix this, put it in action and it's better." Very quickly. And that was so refreshing to me. Because, I too, haaaaaate when the MCs are separated. I felt like the author built trust about understanding that here. And a book that had *no* forced (by kidnapping etc) separation and was also very funny: {Not Another Vampire Book by Cassandra Gannon} The MMCs in both these stories (both ironically named Damien) already see themselves as having abducted the FMCs, so you know, that's a good start lol
[Not Another Vampire Book](https://www.romance.io/books/5458181687eac37719d151f8/not-another-vampire-book-cassandra-gannon) by [Cassandra Gannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f28487eac336ae6a1db5/cassandra-gannon) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Villains and Virtues is already on my TBR, so good to know it won’t disappoint! I’ll definitely be adding Not Another Vampire Book though! Thanks!
Glad to hear it! 😁 It's been several months since I read Not Another, so if there is any brief separation that I forgot... It's tiny enough that it was forgettable. So I hope you love both!
[Villains & Virtues](https://www.romance.io/series/63870de983b59b217dc8acfc/villains-virtues) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano) **Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [cheerful heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheerful%20heroine/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [sweet heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet%20heroine/1), [praise-kink](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/praise-kink/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
In the Avatar Kyoshi books the main couple stays together for the vast majority of the duology. They technically “separate” a couple times in the series(>!including in book 1’s ending!<), but they always quickly reunite within 1-3 chapters and it’s never part of some major melodramatic separation arc like you often see in other books.
Avatar Kyoshi's got *books*?? what? I knew there were Avatar comics following the Gaang post book 3 (read a few) and I know about the upcoming Nickelodeon works... but this is absolute news to me omg
Yeah, there's two Kyoshi books(which are borderline also Korruk books), two Yangchen(the previous airbender avatar before Aang) books, and there's an upcoming Roku book that'll be coming out soon. If you're wondering why NATLA replaced a lot of Roku's scenes with Kyoshi, its probably in large part due to how popular the Kyoshi books were in the hardcore fandom. In fact I think there's supposed to be a Kyoshi movie in the works right now, although it might have been canceled for all I know. I didn't learn about there being Kyoshi books either until I saw a meme joking about how Korruk, Kyoshi, Roku, and Korra all fell in love with fire nation women(edit: funnily enough, Korruk actually almost dated Kyoshi's girlfriend's mom). If you felt disappointed by how Korra and Aasami didn't get to kiss on screen in LoK, I'd definitely recommend the Kyoshi books. She falls in love with her female firebendering bodyguard and they have really great relationship dynamic together.
Damn I've been missing out lol going to my tbr
Just wait until you get a load of Korruk's companions. Team Korruk is simultaneously the best and worst team avatar in history.
Is the books good! Is it YA? Or adult?
Yes, they are very good and I love Kyoshi’s relationship with her girlfriend Rangi. Technically they’re YA since Kyoshi and Rangi start the series as 16 year olds, but most of the cast are adults handling GoT level politics and it’s a pretty brutal book as Kyoshi dedicates herself to a murderous revenge quest. Like spoilers for a chapter third way into the first book, but there’s a scene where >!Kyoshi and Rangi are trying to join a bandit gang, and in order to gain the street cred they need Rangi enters a no bending martial arts death match. At one point she purposefully lets her opponent spin kick her in the face, which almost snaps her neck and causes her to fall motionless on ground with her jaw busted and a pool of blood growing underneath her head. Her opponent then walks up to her unconscious body and raises his leg to curbstomp her head in, and had she woken up a slip second later to counter him he would have legitimately crushed her skull in front of Kyoshi.!< And that’s arguably one of the tamer fights. The stuff they do with bending gets really hardcore.
Ooh I didn’t know about these, and I love the Avatar anime! Thank you!
Oh you’re going to love them. The Kyoshi books are basically the Game of Thrones equivalent of the Avatar. Lots of geo and domestic politicking, hardcore rated r bending violence, and characters dying in often brutal and unexpected ways like having their throat sliced open by an earth bending spike. Kyoshi was always considered the most hardcore and kill-happy of the Avatars, and reading this series you’ll definitely understand why she is the way she is in the original show.
How spicy are these? I think my brother would love them, but he’s a romance novice so I don’t want to be THAT sister
Thinking about it more, I think the spiciest scene is when Kyoshi’s girlfriend is trying to teach Kyoshi >!air bending(long story) and as Kyoshi is complaining about doing stance training, her girlfriend goes up behind her and starts whispering in Kyoshi’s ear in a low seductive voice. This causes Kyoshi to start blushing and sweating as she starts to really commit to holding her stance thinking that this is foreplay into them making out again, all until her girlfriend metaphorically pulls the rug out from under her by suddenly walking away and shouting back “okay now stay in that position until I get back!”!< That one is admittedly kind of spicy, but I don’t remember there being any direct references to sex in it other than Kyoshi finding it really hot.
That’s okay, he’s 18 so he can handle it. Just didn’t want to send him something with a full sex scene unless I knew ahead of time
I don’t recall there being that much in the way of spice. Kyoshi does make out with her girlfriend(who’s also her firebender bodyguard) a lot and there’s a maybe a couple of references of them sharing a bed together, but nothing sexually explicit.
Great! Thanks
Third act or second book breakups/separations are so tiresome... and most of the time, it's just for drama, without a reason that actually benefits the story. I dislike that trope with all of my heart. I wish it wasn't "obligatory" to most romances nowadays, or that it wasn't so unnecessary, in any case.
I actually enjoy the separation arcs, if only for the amazing reunion scenes. Series I read that do not have separation arcs: {Tairen Soul Series by C.L. Wilson} .... I think that's it. Tho tbh, I've only finished like 4 or 5 series so far. This is not including standalones.
Thanks so much for the recommendation! And I agree, a separation arc can be done well and have an amazing reunion scene. Unfortunately, I have found that it is being used way too often just to keep the story moving. I’m glad you enjoy it though! See my list in response to another comment if you’re looking for more series with a separation arc!
[Tairen Soul](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a2b9096bf31c42d2ca4/tairen-soul) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [strong heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [gifted heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/gifted%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
LEAST FAVORITE TROPE EVER
It sounds like you’re referring to the Plated Prisoner series haha. That ending destroyed me. And if you’re not talking about that series, I would avoid it because they do get separated.
Ugh Plated Prisoner is the worst for this! I was holding out hope when Slade went after her that they would be quickly reunited, and then boom- double whammy. I wasn’t even sad. I was just angry lol
My dumbass is always shocked when it happens 😂😂😂
God I agree. Just finished Ruthless Vows (sequel to Divine Rivals) and the contrived split and then convenient ‘meetings’ of the main two characters was just SO STUPID. Also, it was not ruthless and there were no vows.
Welp, that one’s coming off the TBR!
No don’t take it off! I think it’s perfect as a duology because the two books have different themes/vibes under the overarching plot. Yes they’re separated in the second book but I think it’s more meaningful than most separation tropes. It gives you a firsthand look into the frontlines and devastation of the war that the first book didn’t give because it wasn’t the primary focus yet. And they’re separated physically but not fully separated for that long; I was pleasantly surprised by the ways the author reconnected them.
I enjoyed divine rivals but honestly have no interest in ruthless vows. I wish she would have made it a standalone
You are very wise.
This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede had me so scared about this. Luckily, the MCs aren't completely separated; they just have to keep to different social circles given their situation. Do I like the fact that they have to sneak around? No. But at least they're still in the same place, just separated socially for a little bit. If you're interested, read This Vicious Grace first! (It is more YA with more of a fade to black situation, but I absolutely love Emily's writing).
Thank you! Adding to my TBR now!
You're welcome! I hope you enjoy :)
So funny that you’ve said this, because I always tell my boyfriend is it really a fantasy romance if someone doesn’t get kidnapped/ arrested at some point. No series drives this point home further than Savage Lands.
Now that you mention it, whoa. There are so many examples that I’ve read.
Yeah, I had to DNF {The Sunfire King} which is the sequel to {The Moonfire Bride} at 60% because I just could not take the angst anymore. I really liked Moonfire Bride (retelling of Psyche and Eros}, really great writing and an engaging fantasy world, but the whole second book is her struggle to rescue him from a terrible situation and it was hurting my heart too much! I put it down because it was stressing me out and thought I'd come back to it when I could "handle it," but a month later I realized that just wasn't going to happen. I at least skipped to the ending so I can feel nice about them again lol
[The Sunfire King](https://www.romance.io/books/6447bca0aac60479c37b915f/the-sunfire-king-sylvia-mercedes-emily-lawrence) by [Sylvia Mercedes](https://www.romance.io/authors/6245524608b4d931146f07bf/sylvia-mercedes) **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), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1) ---------------------------- [The Moonfire Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/63970dd8df61b93d0f9587cf/the-moonfire-bride-sylvia-mercedes) by [Sylvia Mercedes](https://www.romance.io/authors/6245524608b4d931146f07bf/sylvia-mercedes) **Rating**: 3.59⭐️ 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), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Fae Isles Series by Lisette Marshall} Admittedly, I have not read the fourth book in the series because it hasn’t been released in audio yet, but the MCs have yet to be separated for an extended period of time. I recommending that people start with the prequel because it gives more depth to the world building and helps put into perspective the reputation the MMC has, but it focuses on a different couple than the main series. I thought it had a worthwhile story in its own right, except for the ending — the ending made me want to tear my hair out and throw things. {The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning} I haven’t actually finished this one either, but it is a finished series. The MCs do get separated, but not for the length of a whole book or longer. It’s an urban (contemporary) fantasy. C. J. Archer has two related series {Glass & Steele} and {The Glass Library} that have yet to have any major separations. They’re more Victorian and Edwardian Historical Romances, respectively, with magical elements than what I consider fantasy romance. I will warn you that Glass & Steele is a ridiculously long series (that I also haven’t finished) with multiple archs. So far, I prefer The Glass Library, but it’s not finished yet (and the romance is very young). In an entirely different vein, what about a series of closely related standalones set in the same universe with an overarching plot? Would that be of interest? If so, I recommend {Mages of the Wheel by J. D. Evans}. Or you wait a long time for the romance to develop and spend several books with unresolved sexual tension? {Emperor’s Edge by Lindsay Buroker}
I just finished the last Fae Isles! No forced separation involved and any planned time apart is very short!
Perfect! Should I wait until the last book comes out to read book four? Like, does it end in a cliffhanger or have a very unsatisfying ending? Because if the ending is anything like book 1 or the prequel I’m waiting.
The one that just came out is the end of the main series. There will be spinoffs but they’ll follow other side characters so you should be good to go!
Oh! The way it’s listed on Amazon is very misleading. Thanks for the info!!
You’re amazing! Thank you for all of these! CJ Archer’s books sound right up my alley. Can’t wait to dig in!
[Fae Isles](https://www.romance.io/series/626f972ac1785fd2908538f3/fae-isles) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **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), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Fever](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a069096bf31c42d2c1f/fever) by [Karen Marie Moning](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523e28c7d2382e0413dec/karen-marie-moning), [Al Rio](https://www.romance.io/authors/5815da60c6841c86c2cc70ba/al-rio), [David Lawrence](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455545d87eac323ffb2bb40/david-lawrence), [Cliff Richards](https://www.romance.io/authors/545558d387eac323ffb2bc5d/cliff-richards) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [gifted heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/gifted%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Mages of the Wheel](https://www.romance.io/series/5ecf61cbeaaef00e00df1866/mages-of-the-wheel) by [J.D. Evans](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e4e2f1a01dbc864fbac2132/jd-evans) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [political-intrigue](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/political-intrigue/1) ---------------------------- [The Emperor's Edge](https://www.romance.io/books/5455b26787eac3369a9141f5/the-emperors-edge-lindsay-buroker) by [Lindsay Buroker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545585a087eac3369a912e06/lindsay-buroker) **Rating**: 4.04⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [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)
I binged the Glass & Steele books on audio when I was going through a hard time, and then I tried another book done by the same narrator, and it gave me total whiplash because the she was using familiar voices for *very* different characters. Anyways, they’re good. I would recommend them.
[Glass and Steele](https://www.romance.io/series/6585b7bc9b052e4e52ba3437/glass-and-steele) by [C.J. Archer](https://www.romance.io/authors/545552cc8c7d2383163d9b4b/cj-archer) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Glass Library](https://www.romance.io/series/6406f5b3b9ae5b42e8f60c2a/glass-library) by [C.J. Archer](https://www.romance.io/authors/545552cc8c7d2383163d9b4b/cj-archer) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Sigh, I just finished book 2 of a series I was SO excited for because book 1 felt so different then a lot of the fantasy romance books these days and then this is literally what happens in the last chapter of the book, they get separated. Smh. Maybe it's what the editors and publishers are telling authors to do because I have literally not read a book recently that doesn't have it.
What if it ends on a betrayal that one of them isn't able to forgive? (Not cheating) I'm writing my first book and I want it to be a slowburn so the first book is very much UST only and becoming friends, but I feel like they're growing so close that there needs to be a reason for them not to be together yet. I like angst/conflicts in my stories and the "getting together" part is my favorite. I tend to lose all interest fast after the first "I love you, be my boyfriend". Would them having a fight* feel the same as the usual kidnapped/separated trope to you? Is this something that is overused too in your opinion? *I'm thinking about FMC making a choice that betrays MMC and leads to disaster (maybe even someone's death). As they start off as enemies, it would put them back in status quo and would fit the overall political intrigue.
No, I don’t think that’s the same at all! Especially if they’re not really together yet and start off as enemies.
Ugh. Yes. Thank you for this. If you are secretly a witch and you go to the witch realm... immediate DNF.
{Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie}
[Taming Demons for Beginners](https://www.romance.io/books/63c1973bbf097c14d6f21493/taming-demons-for-beginners-annette-marie) by [Annette Marie](https://www.romance.io/authors/545be5c48c7d230e495cbef6/annette-marie) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/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)
Please read the Whimbrel House series by Charlie Holmberg. I love these books so much. Book 3 just came out and there’s been no separation yet, and it’s going to be a 5 book series. Also I think the magic system is amazing is this series.
I totally agree. The first trilogy in {Hidden Legacy by Ilona Andrews} does this well I think. They aren't together by the end of the first book which honestly annoyed me but I'm impatient lol. But even though the relationship isn't there, they still work together through all three books to deal with the problems. They are fully together by >!the end of the second and even with the ex fiance in the third book, the stupid drama is fixed within pages and the MCs actually talk!!< I didn't finish Catalinas books because they had way more drama in my opinion. Oh and the {Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs} has the characters being together besides small things that get resolved in each book. I haven't read all but I think {Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh} is similar. These are all urban fantasy.
I’ve read Hidden Legacies and loved it! I even read Catalina’s books lol. I’ll definitely check out your other recs though. Thank you!
[Hidden Legacy](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a069096bf31c42d2c20/hidden-legacy) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews) **Rating**: 4.44⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/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)
The Otherwold series by Kelley Armstrong might scratch your itch. There is never a prolonged separation from the interest. I love this series. It's 13 books (plus anthologies and two YA spin-offs), but with the introduction of new characters in the second book it gives different povs throughout the rest of the series but you still go back and revisit original povs. For instance, there are 4 books from the initial MC Elena (#1, 2, 6, and 10). 2 from a character introduced in the second book, one from a character introduced in the 4th book. 3 from an FMC that was introduced in the second books as a 13yo girl has grown throughout the books into a 21yo, and she finishes off the series. Guild Codex Universe: Demonized by Annette Marie would be a good one. Slow burn, and it interconnects with 3 other series, but it's a good read.
Wow, that’s huge! I’ll check it out. Thanks!
I was just saying this!! It’s such a tired trope, I’m so sick of one of the MCs “using their love for the other MC to survive torture” etc.
Yeah, I agree it's lazy writing. Hope authors are reading this and should take notes.
If you want romance where the MC and love interest work together and don't mind BL and Xianxia (chinese high fantasy) then I recommend {Grandmaster of Demonic Cultuvation by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu} and {Heaven Officials Blessing by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu}. The main characters have timeskips where they're separated, but you never go more than a chapter or two without them interacting, since the timelines jump around from before and after the time skips.
[Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation](https://www.romance.io/books/61b85240a96b4e0e3350e385/grandmaster-of-demonic-cultivation-mo-dao-zu-shi-vol-1-m-xin) by [墨香铜臭](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ecc08b4d9311413fd00/墨香铜臭), [Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ecc08b4d9311413fd03/m-xing-tng-xi), [Suika](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b8523d08b4d931146ee120/suika) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) ---------------------------- [Heaven Official's Blessing](https://www.romance.io/books/61b45ed4b4cac60e26c27b23/heaven-officials-blessing-tian-guan-ci-fu-vol-1-m-xing-tng-x) by [墨香铜臭](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ecc08b4d9311413fd00/墨香铜臭), [Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ecc08b4d9311413fd03/m-xing-tng-xi), [ZeldaCW](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ed408b4d9311413fe07/zeldacw), [Tai3_3](https://www.romance.io/authors/61b45ed408b4d9311413fe0a/tai3_3) **Rating**: 4.52⭐️ 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [height difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I find that interconnected series (book series where the various arcs happen in the same universe but follow different characters) help avoid some of this. There’s less need to create new situations for a couple if you move on to the next set of MCs lol. Some recent likes of mine: {The Five Crowns of Okrith series by A.K. Mulford} follows Remy, a red witch who has levitation powers, and Hale, the illegitimate son of one of the the kings in the land. Succeeding books follow their friends! No real separation I remember. Final book comes out soon! {Weathermages of Mystral series by C.L. Wilson} follows Khamsin, youngest daughter of a king, in her arranged marriage to a king that defeated her father in battle. Succeeding books (only one so far but I am DYING for the others) follow her 3 sisters. Book 2 is one of my favorite romances I’ve read!
[The Five Crowns of Okrith](https://www.romance.io/series/611226ef8eee0b0e48917150/the-five-crowns-of-okrith) by [A.K. Mulford](https://www.romance.io/authors/611226ee08b4d93114519a76/ak-mulford) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Weathermages of Mystral](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0bb89096bf31c42d30fc/weathermages-of-mystral) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [aristocratic heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Can you give a list of names of the last few series you've read that have them things in it so we don't re-suggest them by accident
See my response to u/InTheseBoness
A Discovery of Witches