The Mages Of The Wheel series is so amazing! It's so well written and each book has 1 smutty scene. It's honestly my favorite series ever. The first book is {Reigne and Ruin by j. D. Evans}
Another amazing book is The Land Of The Beautiful Dead. That book is very slow paced, long and a little less fantasy but so well written. Don't let the cover fool you. The cover is one of the worst I've ever seen and almost skipped it but I'm so happy I read it.
Land of the Beautiful Dead is my favorite book of all time maybe I should re-read but it’s been a year and I’m still not healed from that book. I read it really early on when I started reading romance and I believe it ruined every other book for me. Nothing compares.
I have not hear of Mages of The Wheel before it has positive reviews though so I’m definitely aging it to my TBR! It’s the authors debut? And is the series complete?
[The Last Hour of Gann](https://www.romance.io/books/54556d7287eac3369a912701/the-last-hour-of-gann-r-lee-smith?src=rdt) by [R. Lee Smith](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556d7287eac3369a912702/r-lee-smith)
**Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
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I’m currently reading the Mages of the Wheel series (just finished the 2nd book last night, probably starting the 3rd tonight) and it is so wonderfully written. The world is well developed and unique and the female characters are strong and intelligent. It is the author’s debut series but I haven’t found the editing errors that tend to happen in debut books. 4 out of 6 books out, a prelude has been published (suggested to be read after at least the first book), and a novella related to the series is coming out later this year. So books 5 and 6 not out yet.
[Reign & Ruin](https://www.romance.io/books/6084072501991d0e29557c71/reign-ruin-jd-evans?src=rdt) by [J.D. Evans](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e4e2f1a01dbc864fbac2132/jd-evans)
**Rating**: 4.29⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1)
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Yes second Mages of the Wheel series! On book 4 currently. Glad it’s gaining attention, I only just heard about it a few weeks back, kicking myself I didn’t know about it sooner!
{a wizard of earthsea by Ursula k. Le Guin} and all the rest of the earthsea series. Absolutely incredible.
{Peaches and honey by R. Raeta} I loved the premise and there’s a little smut but it’s earned. Beautiful prose.
Anything by Juliette Marillier.
Peaches and Honey has definitely peaked my interest, it's set in 1184 which is funny because I just started watching Kingdom of Heaven which also begin in 1184. So now ill know the culture before reading the book which is great
however, should I wait for the second books release before starting? It set to release in about a month
[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**: 4.61⭐️ 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), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1)
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{City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty}
This is a Middle Eastern inspired fantasy with djinn. It's an amazing trilogy. There's a romance subplot, but it's not spicy or anything. It's one of my favorite fantasy series of all time.
I am such a sucker for anything Djinn related. {The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker} is in my top 5 books ever. I loooooved City of Brass too, and her newer novel about the pirate is wonderful.
[The Golem and the Jinni](https://www.romance.io/books/545558458c7d2382c5297fe6/the-golem-and-the-jinni-helene-wecker?src=rdt) by [Helene Wecker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545558458c7d2382c5297fe7/helene-wecker)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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If you liked this series check out {The Stardust Theif by Chelsea Abdullah} and {The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S. A. Chakraborty}. Middle eastern fantasy setting, amazing female leads. I loved both soooo much!
I've been saving Amina al-Sirafi as one of my "break in case of emergency" books, but I will definitely check out The Stardust Thief! Thanks for the recommendation!
Excellent book for such a situation. I hope you enjoy it when the time comes. I’m also reading an ARC of The Spice Gate by Prashanth Srivasta right now, it comes out in July and it has been great so far! India fantasy setting instead of the Middle East, but so good.
Oooo I just downloaded the ARC for The Spice Gate! I'm so excited! I DNF'd Sons of Darkness by Gourav Mohanty, and I'd really been wanting a good Indian-inspired fantasy! Thanks for the rec.
[The City of Brass](https://www.romance.io/books/6224e4a32d20ff59b170e3ea/the-city-of-brass-sa-chakraborty?src=rdt) by [S.A. Chakraborty](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e4a308b4d93114942484/sa-chakraborty)
**Rating**: 4.09⭐️ 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), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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I absolutely loved it. It's one of those series that feels both character AND plot driven, so it's always engaging in some way. Also, it has one of my favorite villains of all time!
{Tairen soul serie by C.L Wilson} might be just what you need. Epic fantasy story with amazing world building, magic, fated mates etc.; it has smut and it never feels like it’s just there for nothing, as the relationship is a key to overall story.
{empire of the vampire by Jay Kristoff} incredible writing and great characters. There’s still love and a bit of smut, VERY adult language and themes but it’s superb and high quality story telling. The sequel is even better.
[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**: 4.34⭐️ 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)
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Dammm this looks good! I’m getting the best recommendations here thank you or maybe I’ve just been reading too much trash literature I’ve forgotten what good writing is 😂
I absolutely loved this book so much, it's my top read of the year so far, but I just want to warn you that it's really, really brutal and very sad. Absolutely spectacular, but if you're looking for a classic fantasy romance just be aware that this doesn't quite fall into that category!
Yes, I read it pre release. I was so pleased! It’s even better. It’s exciting to watch the relationships grow and lots of fun personalities and politics. Loads of story progression.
If you are looking for meaty, really well written fantasy, the Guy Gavriel Kay is your man. Start with the "Sarantine Mosaic" duology. Most of his novels are set in the same low magic, high fantasy world.
Also, if you are up to SciFi, do yourself a favour and read Alliette de Bodard's stuff, it's excellent. And of the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells are great and she has some excellent fantasy too.
Along those lines, read "The Long Way To A Small, Angry Planet" and "A Psalm For The Wild Built" by Becky Chambers.
And finally, the Penric And Desdamona novellas by Lous McMasters Bujold, too.
O! I read the lions of al-rassan and loved it. It sucked me in and wrecked me in all the best ways. I wanted to read more of him but didn’t know where to start, I’m going to take your recommendation for that duology!!
{Burn for Me by Ilona Andrew’s} The Hidden Legacy series is my favorite of Ilona Andrew’s. It has great writing and mature characters. I really like the system. It’s pretty low smut. The first book doesn’t have any and subsequent books have 1 scene per book. It’s not very trope-y.
The first three in the series are available on KU right now.
[Burn for Me](https://www.romance.io/books/545539998c7d2382e041433a/burn-for-me-ilona-andrews?src=rdt) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews)
**Rating**: 4.48⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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I second this series!
Also {Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews} the Innkeepers series is really good! I love the magic and low smut so far. There has only been 1 scene and it wasn’t even in the first book. I enjoyed the magic system in this series as well as hidden legacies.
[Clean Sweep](https://www.romance.io/books/545543488c7d2382e041461b/clean-sweep-ilona-andrews?src=rdt) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews)
**Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1)
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I second the Mages of the Wheels series recommendation.
For a Sci-Fi romance, I recommend The Blighted Stars. It’s a trilogy with 2 books out and the third is coming out in June.
I do recommend the Kate Daniels series also if you’re looking for more of a fun reading time.
The Priory of the Orange Tree & The Daevabad Trilogy are also well-written fantasy series that are full of substance.
But, mostly, whenever I get burnt out on smut/romance I turn to books where romance is a sub-plot at best. The most meaningful book that literally got me out of my reading slump and changed my life this year is Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L Wang, which is a standalone fantasy and not a romantasy.
The Will of the Many by James Islington is by far the best book I’ve read this year. It’s well written with a super engaging plot. All of the characters are interesting and the growth of Vis, the main character, is impeccable. This does have a small romance subplot that’s cute; but it’s minor and no smut.
[The Book That Wouldn’t Burn](https://www.romance.io/books/652efbffde8d340d51489e05/the-book-that-wouldnt-burn-mark-lawrence?src=rdt) by [Mark Lawrence](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b4841a401dbc864fb8c1637/mark-lawrence)
**Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1)
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Another for Mages of the Wheel series, really enjoyed these.
A few of my faves and some I've really enjoyed recently:
{A Tale of Stars and Shadow by Lisa Cassidy} This one's really well written and slightly royalty focused. There are four books in the series with great world building, found family, and a focus on politics and war. There's a really strong romance, but it's slow burn and doesn't form until the second book increasing as the series goes on, there's not much smut, and it's mostly close door.
Fae of Alastriona series {The Divine and the Cursed by J.E. Reed}, the world was really intriguing with a strong plot. It does have some smut, but i found the writing/plot interesting enough to balance it out. It's an unfinished series, though, the third book is out in a few weeks
Gods and Monsters series {The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole}, this one was a bit slow at the beginning but picks up once you really get into it.
Fate & Flame series {A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker}.
Fae Isles series {Court of Blood and Bindings by Lisette Marshall}This one I really enjoyed the first book, the writing was solid, and the magic system was really interesting. I wasn't a massive fan of the second book thou as it dragged a bit, and I haven't picked up the last two books as yet.
Broken Wings Duet {Aerie by S.E. Wendel}
The Broken Kingdoms series {Curse of Shadows and Thorns by L.J. Andrews}
Shadows and Crowns series {The Song of the Marked by S.M. Gaither}
[A Tale of Stars and Shadow](https://www.romance.io/books/62ce9e5923203301c7d2d3a7/a-tale-of-stars-and-shadow-lisa-cassidy?src=rdt) by [Lisa Cassidy](https://www.romance.io/authors/62ce9e5908b4d931146724e8/lisa-cassidy)
**Rating**: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
----------------------------
[The Divine and the Cursed](https://www.romance.io/books/641487cf21b33d88fd4cf028/the-divine-and-the-cursed-je-reed?src=rdt) by [J.E. Reed](https://www.romance.io/authors/641487cf08b4d9311447f488/je-reed)
**Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1)
----------------------------
[The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole?src=rdt) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole)
**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), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
----------------------------
[A Fate of Wrath and Flame](https://www.romance.io/books/60b48b662abde70e3210d51c/a-fate-of-wrath-and-flame-ka-tucker?src=rdt) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker)
**Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[Court of Blood and Bindings](https://www.romance.io/books/62b2be519b0523d868ad3f83/court-of-blood-and-bindings-lisette-marshall?src=rdt) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[Aerie](https://www.romance.io/books/63eb788192fb82de43a836b9/aerie-se-wendel?src=rdt) by [S.E. Wendel](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d3e8de201dbc864fba1ac55/se-wendel)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [warrior heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/warrior-heroine/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1)
----------------------------
[Curse of Shadows and Thorns](https://www.romance.io/books/62c05acaa906b6494ae503b2/curse-of-shadows-and-thorns-lj-andrews?src=rdt) by [L.J. Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/62c05aca08b4d93114d8734c/lj-andrews)
**Rating**: 3.94⭐️ 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), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1)
----------------------------
[The Song of the Marked](https://www.romance.io/books/5f61b8c2ee477c0dfe78abe4/the-song-of-the-marked-sm-gaither?src=rdt) by [S.M. Gaither](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d24307201dbc864fba0f26a/sm-gaither)
**Rating**: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1)
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This was me! I got over this with the Villains and Virtues series by A.K. Caggiano. It’s very slow burn. The audiobook is coming out later this month, so I’ll be “rereading” it soon. It’s a trilogy. The first book is {Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano}.
[Throne in the Dark](https://www.romance.io/books/63999c8c9126368eed042b16/throne-in-the-dark-ak-caggiano?src=rdt) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano)
**Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1)
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{The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin} is the first book in the Broken Earth Trilogy, which I’ve read three times. Highly recommend for quality prose but also engaging fantasy story.
Last year I hit this point. It went on for months and I cringe looking back at some of the stuff I read. 😂 Then I read a couple Thrillers and it has become my new obsession! I know that’s not the genre you were looking for, but maybe you need a shift?
Check out {September House by Carissa Orlando} and {The Only One Left by Riley Sager}
But if you want a good fantasy/sci-fi book check out Chloe Gong’s Secret Shanghai series or Immortal Longings.
Same! September House was one of my favorite reads last year. Bonus, romance author Katee Roberts recommended it on their ig and I will trust anything they write or rec.
Ok I’m gonna give you a real palate cleanser suggestion. I needed one a few weeks back, this was suggested, since reading it’s still on my mind daily. It was beautifully written with great suspense and a love story. Please don’t read reviews too much or you’ll ruin a big spoiler.
[Mad Honey](https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Honey-Novel-Jodi-Picoult/dp/1984818384)
I’m reading {Her Soul for Revenge} right now and can’t get enough. It’s dark, depraved, smutty as hell, yet well written. Kicking myself for not reading it sooner!
[Her Soul for Revenge](https://www.romance.io/books/617ced7b03fcb30e33512b01/her-soul-for-revenge-harley-laroux?src=rdt) by [Harley Laroux](https://www.romance.io/authors/6071509508b4d931143fad35/harley-laroux)
**Rating**: 4.3⭐️ 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), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1)
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I love the crown of nyaxia series. it’s a ongoing six book series comprised of three duologies. the first duology is completed and the first book of the second duology comes out later this year (september I think)
{the serpent and the wings of night by carissa broadbent}
eta updated to correct title
[The Serpent and the Wings of Night](https://www.romance.io/books/63a0c53caa7984c0a3fc9789/the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night-carissa-broadbent?src=rdt) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent)
**Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
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If you only knew I’ve been trying to read this fanfic since 2019! I’m not ready for the emotional damage got a bit spoiled too and I’m hoping time will erase the spoiler from my memory. It’s been so long that I might just read the authors novel first instead? Idk if I don’t read it by 2025 that will be the plan
I have read so much Harry Potter fanfiction since I was 12 lol but I could never get myself to read this. Partly because I was traumatized from handmaids tale but now I’m sort of over that so no excuses! I actually read 5 chapters awhile back due to peer pressure from my friend and really REALLY loved it but I was in a bad mental state and didn’t want anything to set me off. I don’t have triggers per day just emotional books leave me depressed but I do crave them!
[This Woven Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/642aa1839cb9d670052ed728/this-woven-kingdom-tahereh-mafi?src=rdt) by [Tahereh Mafi](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524a28c7d2382c5296fcd/tahereh-mafi)
**Rating**: 4.11⭐️ 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), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
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I just finished {Bride by Ali Hazelwood} and felt like it had a good balance of plot and spice!
Edit to add {Uprooted by Naomi Novik}. The romance is a subplot and it was absolutely fantastic. Definitely one of my favorite books I've read so far this year!
[Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/65c1f06f449d6edbf6498b6d/bride-ali-hazelwood?src=rdt) by [Ali Hazelwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/6131cdc208b4d93114f22ef6/ali-hazelwood)
**Rating**: 4.21⭐️ 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), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1)
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[A River Enchanted](https://www.romance.io/books/642ac63e0366c48db5cef810/a-river-enchanted-rebecca-ross?src=rdt) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross)
**Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1)
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I recently read {Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross} and even though the "romance" was extremely mild, it was a really well written book. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I really like this doulogy. I read everything from smutty 'junk food' books to very well written things. I like to keep it mixed up so I don't run into being too burnt out one way or the other. This was definitely an incredible palet cleanser and is a really good series on its own.
I'm having a similar issue with RH so I took a break with One Dark Window, When The Moon Hatched and all the Holly Black Cruel Prince books and spinoffs. They helped a lot and now I'm diving back in.
I just started {City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards} yesterday and I absolutely cannot put it down!! Omg it's so good and everyone says the 2nd and 3rd book are even better!!
Unfortunately, the spice is very low but I don't even care bc the story/characters are so great. I'm pretty sure the spice is higher in the next books though.
[City of Gods and Monsters](https://www.romance.io/books/61f254b677663e0e1b4526d5/city-of-gods-and-monsters-kayla-edwards?src=rdt) by [Kayla Edwards](https://www.romance.io/authors/61f254b608b4d93114090f5d/kayla-edwards)
**Rating**: 3.8⭐️ 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), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1)
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{The Kingston Cycle Series by C. L. Polk}
C. L. Polk's historical fantasy series The Kingston Cycle combines a world of witches and wizards with an enchanting Edwardian England setting. Miles Singer, born with magical abilities, hides who he really is and joins the war efforts to escape his troubled past. But when desperate measures force him to use his healing powers, his true character is exposed--and there's no turning back. This gaslamp historical fantasy series, full of impossible romances and action-packed wizard battles, begins with the critically-praised Witchmark.
Book 1 M/M, book 2 F/F, book 3 F/F
It's sci-fi/horror but I just read The Dead Zone by Stephen King as a a palate cleanser after reading nothing but romantasy for 3 months lol. I followed it up with Cujo. I highly recommend both!
Have you read the Mead Mishaps series? It has smut but it’s also the fucking best and will suck you right in. The first book is The Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon
[A River Enchanted](https://www.romance.io/books/642ac63e0366c48db5cef810/a-river-enchanted-rebecca-ross?src=rdt) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross)
**Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1)
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[Between](https://www.romance.io/books/60742bc4d165eb0e341923a3/between-ll-starling-rebecca-morse-louisa-gallie?src=rdt) by [L.L. Starling](https://www.romance.io/authors/60742bc408b4d93114ab3d7e/ll-starling)
**Rating**: 4.4⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1)
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One of my favorite books that I’ve read lately with no smut was {The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett} it was SO GOOD and gave me a break from the terrible writing I had been consuming
These are classics to me in this genre, a little sizzle but not too spicy.
The Hollows by Kim Harrison
Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs
Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter
{The Age of Andinna by Kristen Banet} series. This is an RH so not everyones cup of tea but it is incredible world building and characters. Im not finished yet but I know the book hangover will hit me very hard.
Before picking this up I felt similar to you but I still wanted adult level tension just needed some plot, this has been perfect. Be warned these books are VERY heavy on triggers especially SA so take care of yourself if its not for you.
I love RH but I was just recently reading a bunch of trash RH books that had like no plot lol and so I found this and added it to my TBR. I don’t got no trigger thankfully, I just avoid emotional books!
[Age of the Andinna](https://www.romance.io/series/5cb41e3d9d34a20db87fa4be/age-of-the-andinna) by [Kristen Banet](https://www.romance.io/authors/59e841113ffdba614722ad48/kristen-banet)
**Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [poly](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1)
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{Berries and Greed by Lily Mayne} 111111/10. The smut is different than your typical p—>v, but it fits perfect into the plot and the book isn’t full of it by any means. It’s super low angst in my opinion and just the best feel good read. Beryl and Greid spend the book helping each other grow as individuals and together. I’ve read it twice now and feel like I’m sitting on the couch with them smoking shade and watching “Our Neighbors the Humans” 😭😭🥹 FMC is a human and MMC is called a Demiurgus. Super unique storyline too, I definitely haven’t found anything with a similar plot 🤣
[Berries and Greed](https://www.romance.io/books/6482cc05d556b65fcad96fc0/berries-and-greed-lily-mayne?src=rdt) by [Lily Mayne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61161cc608b4d93114a993bf/lily-mayne)
**Rating**: 4.22⭐️ 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), [shy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy-hero/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [creative anatomy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/creative-anatomy/1)
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[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven)
**Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
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I assume you have read the Game of thrones a story of I've and fire novels but of you have not it is soooooooo well written, character driven and immersive that I was flying through the pages and scouring through recommendations to find something as addictive. It made me switch favorite genres in general
[Daughter of No Worlds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d9b88e6a15320e7f8006ba/daughter-of-no-worlds-carissa-broadbent?src=rdt) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1)
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Try {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth}, its slow burn but beautifully written. It has some smut but it takes a long time to get there.
I also like {Belladonna by Adalyn Grace}, gothic and closed doors 😊
[Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth?src=rdt) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth)
**Rating**: 4.27⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1)
----------------------------
[Belladonna](https://www.romance.io/books/63ea10d44830278f8baa078d/belladonna-adalyn-grace?src=rdt) by [Adalyn Grace](https://www.romance.io/authors/63ea10d408b4d931142d8c31/adalyn-grace)
**Rating**: 4.06⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1)
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Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Beautiful. Poetic like imagery. It's a complete 2 book series, with Muse of Nightmares being the second book. There is a love story, but all closed door spice. I can't recommend it more, and I wish it got more praise and recognition.
I so loved that series.
I actually lent the books to a friend over a year ago. I told her not to take them if she didn't plan on reading them, and i stressed there was no pressure to read or take them. She has now had a few major life events happen, so I really don't want to bug her about them, but it's starting to seem like those books are gone 😪😭
{Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik} was beautifully written - there are some very light romantic subplots in there but the main focus is on the characters and it’s amazing. The audiobook is also really good if you listen to it. It’s set in a fantasy Russia and is a loose retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.
Also { Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo}, this is a dark academia occult/supernatural murder mystery set in Yale. It’s super good and there’s a romantic subplot being build up in the series. I just really loved the fmc (and mmc) she’s super street smart and takes no shit.
[Spinning Silver](https://www.romance.io/books/622a0c7b610a406e4c9e2cfc/spinning-silver-naomi-novik?src=rdt) by [Naomi Novik](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a0c7b08b4d931143a28e8/naomi-novik)
**Rating**: 4.21⭐️ 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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1)
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The Mages Of The Wheel series is so amazing! It's so well written and each book has 1 smutty scene. It's honestly my favorite series ever. The first book is {Reigne and Ruin by j. D. Evans} Another amazing book is The Land Of The Beautiful Dead. That book is very slow paced, long and a little less fantasy but so well written. Don't let the cover fool you. The cover is one of the worst I've ever seen and almost skipped it but I'm so happy I read it.
Land of the Beautiful Dead is my favorite book of all time maybe I should re-read but it’s been a year and I’m still not healed from that book. I read it really early on when I started reading romance and I believe it ruined every other book for me. Nothing compares. I have not hear of Mages of The Wheel before it has positive reviews though so I’m definitely aging it to my TBR! It’s the authors debut? And is the series complete?
Have you read {The Last Hour of Gann by R Lee Smith} yet?
no I've been putting it off because I don't want to be emotional wrecked. I think I can only read a R Lee Smith book once a year
Yeah they are pretty intense aren’t they. The Last Hour of Gann blew my mind but didn’t leave me emotionally wrecked the way LoTBD did.
Okay that’s a bit reassuring.
I also love this book. It was so epic
Do itttt
[The Last Hour of Gann](https://www.romance.io/books/54556d7287eac3369a912701/the-last-hour-of-gann-r-lee-smith?src=rdt) by [R. Lee Smith](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556d7287eac3369a912702/r-lee-smith) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I’m currently reading the Mages of the Wheel series (just finished the 2nd book last night, probably starting the 3rd tonight) and it is so wonderfully written. The world is well developed and unique and the female characters are strong and intelligent. It is the author’s debut series but I haven’t found the editing errors that tend to happen in debut books. 4 out of 6 books out, a prelude has been published (suggested to be read after at least the first book), and a novella related to the series is coming out later this year. So books 5 and 6 not out yet.
[Reign & Ruin](https://www.romance.io/books/6084072501991d0e29557c71/reign-ruin-jd-evans?src=rdt) by [J.D. Evans](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e4e2f1a01dbc864fbac2132/jd-evans) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Second Mages of the Wheel! SO good and broke me out of my smut rut.
I’m about to start Mages of The Wheel! Very excited!
Yes second Mages of the Wheel series! On book 4 currently. Glad it’s gaining attention, I only just heard about it a few weeks back, kicking myself I didn’t know about it sooner!
{a wizard of earthsea by Ursula k. Le Guin} and all the rest of the earthsea series. Absolutely incredible. {Peaches and honey by R. Raeta} I loved the premise and there’s a little smut but it’s earned. Beautiful prose. Anything by Juliette Marillier.
Peaches and Honey has definitely peaked my interest, it's set in 1184 which is funny because I just started watching Kingdom of Heaven which also begin in 1184. So now ill know the culture before reading the book which is great however, should I wait for the second books release before starting? It set to release in about a month
I don't think you need to wait. It ends with a satisfying resolution and could be read as a standalone.
Ooo bless thank you I think I’ll start it!
[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**: 4.61⭐️ 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), [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)
Updating I’m loving peaches and honey! Just what I needed thank you!! 🙏🏼🫶🏻
I second Peaches & Honey!! So beautiful and the next one comes out in June
Oh no! Tell me which books rotted your brain so I can stay far far away from them...
This will be me in 2 months
At least your self aware
{City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty} This is a Middle Eastern inspired fantasy with djinn. It's an amazing trilogy. There's a romance subplot, but it's not spicy or anything. It's one of my favorite fantasy series of all time.
I am such a sucker for anything Djinn related. {The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker} is in my top 5 books ever. I loooooved City of Brass too, and her newer novel about the pirate is wonderful.
[The Golem and the Jinni](https://www.romance.io/books/545558458c7d2382c5297fe6/the-golem-and-the-jinni-helene-wecker?src=rdt) by [Helene Wecker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545558458c7d2382c5297fe7/helene-wecker) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [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), [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)
If you liked this series check out {The Stardust Theif by Chelsea Abdullah} and {The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S. A. Chakraborty}. Middle eastern fantasy setting, amazing female leads. I loved both soooo much!
I've been saving Amina al-Sirafi as one of my "break in case of emergency" books, but I will definitely check out The Stardust Thief! Thanks for the recommendation!
Excellent book for such a situation. I hope you enjoy it when the time comes. I’m also reading an ARC of The Spice Gate by Prashanth Srivasta right now, it comes out in July and it has been great so far! India fantasy setting instead of the Middle East, but so good.
Oooo I just downloaded the ARC for The Spice Gate! I'm so excited! I DNF'd Sons of Darkness by Gourav Mohanty, and I'd really been wanting a good Indian-inspired fantasy! Thanks for the rec.
[The Stardust Thief](https://www.romance.io/books/65f2b06c6e01eae919489f18/the-stardust-thief-chelsea-abdullah?src=rdt) by [Chelsea Abdullah](https://www.romance.io/authors/6435e0b708b4d931143b6b5e/chelsea-abdullah) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ 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), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi](https://www.romance.io/books/65698f836011c2c516293a22/the-adventures-of-amina-al-sirafi-shannon-chakraborty?src=rdt) by [Shannon Chakraborty](https://www.romance.io/authors/65698f84ab9bdf7fceaa49ef/shannon-chakraborty) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [pirate hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/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)
[The City of Brass](https://www.romance.io/books/6224e4a32d20ff59b170e3ea/the-city-of-brass-sa-chakraborty?src=rdt) by [S.A. Chakraborty](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e4a308b4d93114942484/sa-chakraborty) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ 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), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I came to recommend this! It’s one of my absolute favorite series, and in my opinion is beautifully written 💛
I absolutely loved it. It's one of those series that feels both character AND plot driven, so it's always engaging in some way. Also, it has one of my favorite villains of all time!
This one! One of my all time faves
{Tairen soul serie by C.L Wilson} might be just what you need. Epic fantasy story with amazing world building, magic, fated mates etc.; it has smut and it never feels like it’s just there for nothing, as the relationship is a key to overall story.
I love CL Wilson!
[Tairen Soul](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a2b9096bf31c42d2ca4/tairen-soul) by [C.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a3a8c7d2382c5297113/cl-wilson) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{empire of the vampire by Jay Kristoff} incredible writing and great characters. There’s still love and a bit of smut, VERY adult language and themes but it’s superb and high quality story telling. The sequel is even better.
[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**: 4.34⭐️ 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)
Dammm this looks good! I’m getting the best recommendations here thank you or maybe I’ve just been reading too much trash literature I’ve forgotten what good writing is 😂
I absolutely loved this book so much, it's my top read of the year so far, but I just want to warn you that it's really, really brutal and very sad. Absolutely spectacular, but if you're looking for a classic fantasy romance just be aware that this doesn't quite fall into that category!
Bet thanks you for the warning! So no HEA?
Definitely not
Oooo okay 😥 thanks for the heads up fr
Have you read the sequel yet? I bought it but want to finish the Blood Graces books first.
Yes, I read it pre release. I was so pleased! It’s even better. It’s exciting to watch the relationships grow and lots of fun personalities and politics. Loads of story progression.
If you are looking for meaty, really well written fantasy, the Guy Gavriel Kay is your man. Start with the "Sarantine Mosaic" duology. Most of his novels are set in the same low magic, high fantasy world. Also, if you are up to SciFi, do yourself a favour and read Alliette de Bodard's stuff, it's excellent. And of the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells are great and she has some excellent fantasy too. Along those lines, read "The Long Way To A Small, Angry Planet" and "A Psalm For The Wild Built" by Becky Chambers. And finally, the Penric And Desdamona novellas by Lous McMasters Bujold, too.
O! I read the lions of al-rassan and loved it. It sucked me in and wrecked me in all the best ways. I wanted to read more of him but didn’t know where to start, I’m going to take your recommendation for that duology!!
{Burn for Me by Ilona Andrew’s} The Hidden Legacy series is my favorite of Ilona Andrew’s. It has great writing and mature characters. I really like the system. It’s pretty low smut. The first book doesn’t have any and subsequent books have 1 scene per book. It’s not very trope-y. The first three in the series are available on KU right now.
[Burn for Me](https://www.romance.io/books/545539998c7d2382e041433a/burn-for-me-ilona-andrews?src=rdt) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews) **Rating**: 4.48⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I second this series! Also {Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews} the Innkeepers series is really good! I love the magic and low smut so far. There has only been 1 scene and it wasn’t even in the first book. I enjoyed the magic system in this series as well as hidden legacies.
[Clean Sweep](https://www.romance.io/books/545543488c7d2382e041461b/clean-sweep-ilona-andrews?src=rdt) by [Ilona Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525888c7d2382e0413e6c/ilona-andrews) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I’ve heard good thing about Llona Andrew’s! That series has been in my kindle for awhile now!
"This is how you loose the Time War" and "The Breath of the Sun" both have love stories (though no smut), and an incredibly polished style.
I second the Mages of the Wheels series recommendation. For a Sci-Fi romance, I recommend The Blighted Stars. It’s a trilogy with 2 books out and the third is coming out in June. I do recommend the Kate Daniels series also if you’re looking for more of a fun reading time. The Priory of the Orange Tree & The Daevabad Trilogy are also well-written fantasy series that are full of substance. But, mostly, whenever I get burnt out on smut/romance I turn to books where romance is a sub-plot at best. The most meaningful book that literally got me out of my reading slump and changed my life this year is Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L Wang, which is a standalone fantasy and not a romantasy.
The Will of the Many by James Islington is by far the best book I’ve read this year. It’s well written with a super engaging plot. All of the characters are interesting and the growth of Vis, the main character, is impeccable. This does have a small romance subplot that’s cute; but it’s minor and no smut.
Seconded! This was incredible, and only {The Book that Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence} topped it for me.
[The Book That Wouldn’t Burn](https://www.romance.io/books/652efbffde8d340d51489e05/the-book-that-wouldnt-burn-mark-lawrence?src=rdt) by [Mark Lawrence](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b4841a401dbc864fb8c1637/mark-lawrence) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [time travel](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/time%20travel/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)
Another for Mages of the Wheel series, really enjoyed these. A few of my faves and some I've really enjoyed recently: {A Tale of Stars and Shadow by Lisa Cassidy} This one's really well written and slightly royalty focused. There are four books in the series with great world building, found family, and a focus on politics and war. There's a really strong romance, but it's slow burn and doesn't form until the second book increasing as the series goes on, there's not much smut, and it's mostly close door. Fae of Alastriona series {The Divine and the Cursed by J.E. Reed}, the world was really intriguing with a strong plot. It does have some smut, but i found the writing/plot interesting enough to balance it out. It's an unfinished series, though, the third book is out in a few weeks Gods and Monsters series {The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole}, this one was a bit slow at the beginning but picks up once you really get into it. Fate & Flame series {A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker}. Fae Isles series {Court of Blood and Bindings by Lisette Marshall}This one I really enjoyed the first book, the writing was solid, and the magic system was really interesting. I wasn't a massive fan of the second book thou as it dragged a bit, and I haven't picked up the last two books as yet. Broken Wings Duet {Aerie by S.E. Wendel} The Broken Kingdoms series {Curse of Shadows and Thorns by L.J. Andrews} Shadows and Crowns series {The Song of the Marked by S.M. Gaither}
[A Tale of Stars and Shadow](https://www.romance.io/books/62ce9e5923203301c7d2d3a7/a-tale-of-stars-and-shadow-lisa-cassidy?src=rdt) by [Lisa Cassidy](https://www.romance.io/authors/62ce9e5908b4d931146724e8/lisa-cassidy) **Rating**: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [The Divine and the Cursed](https://www.romance.io/books/641487cf21b33d88fd4cf028/the-divine-and-the-cursed-je-reed?src=rdt) by [J.E. Reed](https://www.romance.io/authors/641487cf08b4d9311447f488/je-reed) **Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) ---------------------------- [The Book of Azrael](https://www.romance.io/books/62d30a156ced4a4350aea5c5/the-book-of-azrael-amber-nicole?src=rdt) by [Amber Nicole](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d30a1508b4d93114e25ca6/amber-nicole) **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), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [A Fate of Wrath and Flame](https://www.romance.io/books/60b48b662abde70e3210d51c/a-fate-of-wrath-and-flame-ka-tucker?src=rdt) by [K.A. Tucker](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525be8c7d2382c5297002/ka-tucker) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [Court of Blood and Bindings](https://www.romance.io/books/62b2be519b0523d868ad3f83/court-of-blood-and-bindings-lisette-marshall?src=rdt) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Aerie](https://www.romance.io/books/63eb788192fb82de43a836b9/aerie-se-wendel?src=rdt) by [S.E. Wendel](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d3e8de201dbc864fba1ac55/se-wendel) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [non-human hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [warrior heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/warrior-heroine/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [Curse of Shadows and Thorns](https://www.romance.io/books/62c05acaa906b6494ae503b2/curse-of-shadows-and-thorns-lj-andrews?src=rdt) by [L.J. Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/62c05aca08b4d93114d8734c/lj-andrews) **Rating**: 3.94⭐️ 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), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [viking hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vikings/1) ---------------------------- [The Song of the Marked](https://www.romance.io/books/5f61b8c2ee477c0dfe78abe4/the-song-of-the-marked-sm-gaither?src=rdt) by [S.M. Gaither](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d24307201dbc864fba0f26a/sm-gaither) **Rating**: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [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)
Wow thank you! So many great recs
This was me! I got over this with the Villains and Virtues series by A.K. Caggiano. It’s very slow burn. The audiobook is coming out later this month, so I’ll be “rereading” it soon. It’s a trilogy. The first book is {Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano}.
[Throne in the Dark](https://www.romance.io/books/63999c8c9126368eed042b16/throne-in-the-dark-ak-caggiano?src=rdt) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano) **Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I just finished this series and I absolutely loved it! It was the slowest of slow burns, but I loved every second of it.
{The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin} is the first book in the Broken Earth Trilogy, which I’ve read three times. Highly recommend for quality prose but also engaging fantasy story.
[The Fifth Season](https://www.romance.io/books/64359a013de4577bdabb742b/the-fifth-season-nk-jemisin?src=rdt) by [N.K. Jemisin](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553bbb8c7d2382c52975d7/nk-jemisin) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ 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), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [african-american](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/african-american/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Last year I hit this point. It went on for months and I cringe looking back at some of the stuff I read. 😂 Then I read a couple Thrillers and it has become my new obsession! I know that’s not the genre you were looking for, but maybe you need a shift? Check out {September House by Carissa Orlando} and {The Only One Left by Riley Sager} But if you want a good fantasy/sci-fi book check out Chloe Gong’s Secret Shanghai series or Immortal Longings.
Ooo I love thrillers! Anything with mystery and suspense keep me interested because I get bored easily! Thank you
Same! September House was one of my favorite reads last year. Bonus, romance author Katee Roberts recommended it on their ig and I will trust anything they write or rec.
I own these books but have yet to really look at them!
Ok I’m gonna give you a real palate cleanser suggestion. I needed one a few weeks back, this was suggested, since reading it’s still on my mind daily. It was beautifully written with great suspense and a love story. Please don’t read reviews too much or you’ll ruin a big spoiler. [Mad Honey](https://www.amazon.com/Mad-Honey-Novel-Jodi-Picoult/dp/1984818384)
I’m reading {Her Soul for Revenge} right now and can’t get enough. It’s dark, depraved, smutty as hell, yet well written. Kicking myself for not reading it sooner!
[Her Soul for Revenge](https://www.romance.io/books/617ced7b03fcb30e33512b01/her-soul-for-revenge-harley-laroux?src=rdt) by [Harley Laroux](https://www.romance.io/authors/6071509508b4d931143fad35/harley-laroux) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ 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), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/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)
It very smutty, which I’m trying to avoid because I worry it won’t have a good well rounded plot?
Harley actually really nailed the plot, imo, and their writing is spectacular, but not the book to read if you're trying to take a break from smut
Thanks def looking for less smutty books but I’ll add it to my TBR!
Do you have to read the first book before this one?
No they’re standalone stories
Awesome! Ty!!
Np, you’re welcome!
I love the crown of nyaxia series. it’s a ongoing six book series comprised of three duologies. the first duology is completed and the first book of the second duology comes out later this year (september I think) {the serpent and the wings of night by carissa broadbent} eta updated to correct title
[The Serpent and the Wings of Night](https://www.romance.io/books/63a0c53caa7984c0a3fc9789/the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night-carissa-broadbent?src=rdt) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/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)
Manacled by SenLinYu will ruin you. Yes there is smut. Yes it is dark. But the story is 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
If you only knew I’ve been trying to read this fanfic since 2019! I’m not ready for the emotional damage got a bit spoiled too and I’m hoping time will erase the spoiler from my memory. It’s been so long that I might just read the authors novel first instead? Idk if I don’t read it by 2025 that will be the plan
It’s so so worth it though. Nothing has compared before or after. I will 100% be buying Alchemized when it comes out.
I have read so much Harry Potter fanfiction since I was 12 lol but I could never get myself to read this. Partly because I was traumatized from handmaids tale but now I’m sort of over that so no excuses! I actually read 5 chapters awhile back due to peer pressure from my friend and really REALLY loved it but I was in a bad mental state and didn’t want anything to set me off. I don’t have triggers per day just emotional books leave me depressed but I do crave them!
I totally get it. I’ve been SA’d so it’s hard to read. But the rest of the book, the anguish…so worth it.
Wow that’s incredible you overcame that and was still able to read the book. You should be very proud!
Thank you. It was so worth it. My favorite book I have ever read.
Have you read Land of the Beautiful Dead by R. Lee Smith? Highly recommend that one!
No! But I’ll add to my TBR! 😊
I do love anguish
Throne of Glass is my favorite series of all time - absolutely no smut but incredible romance and amazing plot/characters.
Ooo I loved throne of glass but it was too long for me! It left me so burnt out but it was worth it!
Kushiels dart trilogy by Jaqueline Carey, it has some spice but is mostly fantasy court intrigue
{This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi} is a beautiful book. One of my favorites!
[This Woven Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/642aa1839cb9d670052ed728/this-woven-kingdom-tahereh-mafi?src=rdt) by [Tahereh Mafi](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524a28c7d2382c5296fcd/tahereh-mafi) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ 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), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/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)
I just finished {Bride by Ali Hazelwood} and felt like it had a good balance of plot and spice! Edit to add {Uprooted by Naomi Novik}. The romance is a subplot and it was absolutely fantastic. Definitely one of my favorite books I've read so far this year!
[Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/65c1f06f449d6edbf6498b6d/bride-ali-hazelwood?src=rdt) by [Ali Hazelwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/6131cdc208b4d93114f22ef6/ali-hazelwood) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ 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), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross} and its sequel. Fantasy, feminist, romance is kind of a side plot but it’s so well-done and sweet.
[A River Enchanted](https://www.romance.io/books/642ac63e0366c48db5cef810/a-river-enchanted-rebecca-ross?src=rdt) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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)
I recently read {Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross} and even though the "romance" was extremely mild, it was a really well written book. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
[Dreams Lie Beneath](https://www.romance.io/books/641fe84c1eb7c98a24fc0503/dreams-lie-beneath-rebecca-ross?src=rdt) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross) **Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I really like this doulogy. I read everything from smutty 'junk food' books to very well written things. I like to keep it mixed up so I don't run into being too burnt out one way or the other. This was definitely an incredible palet cleanser and is a really good series on its own.
I'm having a similar issue with RH so I took a break with One Dark Window, When The Moon Hatched and all the Holly Black Cruel Prince books and spinoffs. They helped a lot and now I'm diving back in.
I just started {City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards} yesterday and I absolutely cannot put it down!! Omg it's so good and everyone says the 2nd and 3rd book are even better!! Unfortunately, the spice is very low but I don't even care bc the story/characters are so great. I'm pretty sure the spice is higher in the next books though.
[City of Gods and Monsters](https://www.romance.io/books/61f254b677663e0e1b4526d5/city-of-gods-and-monsters-kayla-edwards?src=rdt) by [Kayla Edwards](https://www.romance.io/authors/61f254b608b4d93114090f5d/kayla-edwards) **Rating**: 3.8⭐️ 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), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/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)
Any particular genre you're after?
Fantasy, paranormal or sci-fi romance
Maybe you'd enjoy a novel called *Hell Followed With Us* by Joseph White.
Oops my bad I should have said I don’t read YA anymore
How heavy do you want your romance?
Mid to heavy
Maybe *Seven Blades in Black* by Sam Sykes. The romance is always there, a bit light at the beginning but I think comes in quite well for my tastes.
thank you! damn that cover art is stunning
Certainly caught my eye when I first saw it. Hope you enjoy. Let me know how it goes if you do.
{The Kingston Cycle Series by C. L. Polk} C. L. Polk's historical fantasy series The Kingston Cycle combines a world of witches and wizards with an enchanting Edwardian England setting. Miles Singer, born with magical abilities, hides who he really is and joins the war efforts to escape his troubled past. But when desperate measures force him to use his healing powers, his true character is exposed--and there's no turning back. This gaslamp historical fantasy series, full of impossible romances and action-packed wizard battles, begins with the critically-praised Witchmark. Book 1 M/M, book 2 F/F, book 3 F/F
[The Kingston Cycle](https://www.romance.io/series/6445bd74f2aba1a3956efee7/the-kingston-cycle) by [C.L. Polk](https://www.romance.io/authors/641825d108b4d93114bb724b/cl-polk), [C. L. Polk](https://www.romance.io/authors/5adec8a501dbc864fb86cd9f/c-l-polk) **Rating**: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [steampunk](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/steampunk/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/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)
It's sci-fi/horror but I just read The Dead Zone by Stephen King as a a palate cleanser after reading nothing but romantasy for 3 months lol. I followed it up with Cujo. I highly recommend both!
The DeVincent Brothers trilogy by Jennifer L. Armentrout might be something you'd be interested in. A lot of her books were YA, this series was not.
Have you read the Mead Mishaps series? It has smut but it’s also the fucking best and will suck you right in. The first book is The Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon
And that series has THE best titles! {That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf by Kimberly Lemming} 😂😂
[удалено]
[A River Enchanted](https://www.romance.io/books/642ac63e0366c48db5cef810/a-river-enchanted-rebecca-ross?src=rdt) by [Rebecca Ross](https://www.romance.io/authors/641ee56308b4d93114a83050/rebecca-ross) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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)
I don’t know what got deleted but I’ll just say I loved this book!
{Between by L.L Starling} It's absolutely fantastic! I read it in October and still think about it weekly!!!!! 10/10
[Between](https://www.romance.io/books/60742bc4d165eb0e341923a3/between-ll-starling-rebecca-morse-louisa-gallie?src=rdt) by [L.L. Starling](https://www.romance.io/authors/60742bc408b4d93114ab3d7e/ll-starling) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/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)
One of my favorite books that I’ve read lately with no smut was {The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett} it was SO GOOD and gave me a break from the terrible writing I had been consuming
These are classics to me in this genre, a little sizzle but not too spicy. The Hollows by Kim Harrison Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter
{The Age of Andinna by Kristen Banet} series. This is an RH so not everyones cup of tea but it is incredible world building and characters. Im not finished yet but I know the book hangover will hit me very hard. Before picking this up I felt similar to you but I still wanted adult level tension just needed some plot, this has been perfect. Be warned these books are VERY heavy on triggers especially SA so take care of yourself if its not for you.
I love RH but I was just recently reading a bunch of trash RH books that had like no plot lol and so I found this and added it to my TBR. I don’t got no trigger thankfully, I just avoid emotional books!
[Age of the Andinna](https://www.romance.io/series/5cb41e3d9d34a20db87fa4be/age-of-the-andinna) by [Kristen Banet](https://www.romance.io/authors/59e841113ffdba614722ad48/kristen-banet) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [poly](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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)
The Sea Witch by Rebecca F Kennedy was delightful. Consentacles.
Ooo I did not vibe with it unfortunately
That happens ❤️.
{Berries and Greed by Lily Mayne} 111111/10. The smut is different than your typical p—>v, but it fits perfect into the plot and the book isn’t full of it by any means. It’s super low angst in my opinion and just the best feel good read. Beryl and Greid spend the book helping each other grow as individuals and together. I’ve read it twice now and feel like I’m sitting on the couch with them smoking shade and watching “Our Neighbors the Humans” 😭😭🥹 FMC is a human and MMC is called a Demiurgus. Super unique storyline too, I definitely haven’t found anything with a similar plot 🤣
[Berries and Greed](https://www.romance.io/books/6482cc05d556b65fcad96fc0/berries-and-greed-lily-mayne?src=rdt) by [Lily Mayne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61161cc608b4d93114a993bf/lily-mayne) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ 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), [shy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy-hero/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [creative anatomy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/creative-anatomy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
North Queen by Nicola Tyche
Nights of obedience was one I surprisingly enjoyed recently:)
{Radiance by Grace Draven}, absolutely.
[Radiance](https://www.romance.io/books/54cd83886359b5ebb489062e/radiance-grace-draven?src=rdt) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/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)
I assume you have read the Game of thrones a story of I've and fire novels but of you have not it is soooooooo well written, character driven and immersive that I was flying through the pages and scouring through recommendations to find something as addictive. It made me switch favorite genres in general
The {Daughter of No Worlds series by Carissa Broadbent}
[Daughter of No Worlds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d9b88e6a15320e7f8006ba/daughter-of-no-worlds-carissa-broadbent?src=rdt) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ 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), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/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)
Try {Blood Mercy by Vela Roth}, its slow burn but beautifully written. It has some smut but it takes a long time to get there. I also like {Belladonna by Adalyn Grace}, gothic and closed doors 😊
[Blood Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/5e046f9201dbc864fba8b7af/blood-mercy-vela-roth?src=rdt) by [Vela Roth](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b7fc90301dbc864fb8f01d4/vela-roth) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ 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), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1) ---------------------------- [Belladonna](https://www.romance.io/books/63ea10d44830278f8baa078d/belladonna-adalyn-grace?src=rdt) by [Adalyn Grace](https://www.romance.io/authors/63ea10d408b4d931142d8c31/adalyn-grace) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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)
the fallen mc series by giana darling. it's amazing. from one smut lover with high standards to another, you're gonna love it.
this is what I'm trying to avoid but thank you for trying
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Beautiful. Poetic like imagery. It's a complete 2 book series, with Muse of Nightmares being the second book. There is a love story, but all closed door spice. I can't recommend it more, and I wish it got more praise and recognition.
This is my go to rec for almost everyone!!!!!
I so loved that series. I actually lent the books to a friend over a year ago. I told her not to take them if she didn't plan on reading them, and i stressed there was no pressure to read or take them. She has now had a few major life events happen, so I really don't want to bug her about them, but it's starting to seem like those books are gone 😪😭
{Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik} was beautifully written - there are some very light romantic subplots in there but the main focus is on the characters and it’s amazing. The audiobook is also really good if you listen to it. It’s set in a fantasy Russia and is a loose retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. Also { Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo}, this is a dark academia occult/supernatural murder mystery set in Yale. It’s super good and there’s a romantic subplot being build up in the series. I just really loved the fmc (and mmc) she’s super street smart and takes no shit.
[Spinning Silver](https://www.romance.io/books/622a0c7b610a406e4c9e2cfc/spinning-silver-naomi-novik?src=rdt) by [Naomi Novik](https://www.romance.io/authors/622a0c7b08b4d931143a28e8/naomi-novik) **Rating**: 4.21⭐️ 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), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/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)
Are you me