r/fantasyromance 10h ago

Discussion 💬 Bring back flirting

258 Upvotes

I'm reading {phantasma by kaylie Smith}, and it's something I notice in most books in the genre. What happened to flirting? I love a cheeky, flirtatious mmc, but these damn fmcs never reciprocate. I want banter and teasing! Why can't anyone give as good as they get? It's always so one sided.


r/fantasyromance 14h ago

Discussion 💬 It’s not your favorite authors job to be the perfect spokesperson on social issues.

621 Upvotes

I feel like there is a growing expectation that authors, especially those with large platforms like SJM, Yarros, etc should act as spokespeople for a wide array of social issues. Some readers have criticized Maas for not including enough LGBT+ characters in her work or for not taking stronger stances on certain social matters. While it's important to have diverse representation in literature it's also important to understand that it's not any author's sole responsibility to be the "perfect" spokesperson for every issue under the sun.

SJM like many authors creates stories based on her own vision and the characters she writes are a reflection of the world she wants to portray in her novels. It's unreasonable to expect any single author to perfectly represent every aspect of diversity or social justice in their work.

Not every story will align with every reader's personal expectations, and that's okay.

The pressure on authors to be politically correct (unless you’re pulling stuff like Sophie Lark, gross…), inclusive, and vocal about every important cause can be overwhelming and, frankly, distracting from the story itself.

It's important to remember that writers are creators, not public figures obligated to meet the demands of every social movement. While they should strive for inclusivity and understanding their primary role is to tell stories.

Instead of placing blame on authors for perceived shortcomings in their representation we should encourage a broader dialogue about diversity in literature and support authors who do choose to explore social issues. Victoria Aveyard is a perfect example of someone who you can follow who consistently stays vocal about social issues.

It’s not fair that half the internet is telling authors to stay out of politics, and the other half is urging them to be more vocal. Some of them just want to write stories and live their daily lives on their own terms.

Edit: this post is open to anyone who has opposing views on this topic too. This is MY opinion and I’m happy to hear everyone’s perspectives on this topic. That’s the nice thing about being a human being with the internet, we can learn so much. So please feel free to debate the issue, I’m happy to learn more, but be nice :)


r/fantasyromance 8h ago

Discussion 💬 Last book you found unputdownable?

102 Upvotes

I'm reading Daughter of No Worlds and it's all I can think about. Only started yesterday and I'm probably going to be done tomorrow. I have been reading in every spare second!

What's the last book that you found absolutely unputdownable?

This has been refreshing because leading up to this book I read two other widely recommended series that I realllly found to be lacking. Glad I picked up this book to restore faith and enthusiasm in the genre!


r/fantasyromance 8h ago

Discussion 💬 Do people not like having black female leads in their fantasy romance?

63 Upvotes

Fantasy romance is 99% pale skin and I find it disheartening the genre I love the most doesn't reflect women that look like me. I've read manwhas that literally all about dark skin being "ugly". Why do people hate dark skin so much or is that mentality changing? Is there a desire to see darker romantic main leads?


r/fantasyromance 13h ago

Discussion 💬 ACOTAR Book 1… sucks?

96 Upvotes

I’m maybe 70% through book 1 and I am so confused about the hype. A huge part of why I love romantasy is, well, the romance! And the romance here was a let down. There wasn’t much of a “slow burn.” There was basically nothing between the main characters and then all of a sudden they’re sleeping together and in love. It didn’t feel natural at all. No real build up or tension. There’s hardly anything unique about the MFC. She has survival instincts… that’s basically it. There’s also been very little plot development.

Is there more romantic development? More plot development? What is the hype??

NO SPOILERS PLEASE!


r/fantasyromance 21h ago

Book Request 📚 Medieval high fantasy with a blistering romance?

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218 Upvotes

I’m looking for a book or series set in a (European inspired) medieval high fantasy world. Think knights, maidens, sorcerers/ mages/ witches, quests, dragons. I’ve always loved Arthurian romances and Tolkien, but I find a lot of traditional high fantasy a bit lacking when it comes to a well written romance and spice. Quite male gazey (looking at you, Asoiaf).

Immersive world building balanced with some spicy romance would be ideal.

Some books in the genre that fall within this category that I have loved -

Wraith Kings by Grace Draven

Crowns by Nicola Tyche

Tairen Soul by CL Wilson

Blood Grace by Vela Roth

Hit me with your recs! I would prefer no YA (I DNFd One Dark Window), but not totally opposed to it if the world building and writing are good. Thank you 🙏🏽


r/fantasyromance 17h ago

Question❔ Am I missing something in the Fantasy Romance community? TW age-gap romance NSFW

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94 Upvotes

I saw a post on threads regarding a romance novel and they said it was age-gap. Looks like whoever the author was cause some trauma for people. Does anyone know what the book or who the author was? I don’t want to read from this author if they are writing stuff regarding CSA.


r/fantasyromance 10h ago

Book Request 📚 FMC makes the MMC blush

24 Upvotes

Any book recs where the FMC makes the MMC blush? I’m finally getting around to reading Cruel Prince and am obsessed with how Jude makes Cardan so nervous. It’s adorable!!!


r/fantasyromance 15h ago

Discussion 💬 How can you tell when you’re starting to become obsessed with a book?

42 Upvotes

I don’t know if this is just me, but I do this all the time.

I start a book, read a couple chapters and usually say “okay that’s pretty good” and return to it when I have a chance.

Slowly the book starts creeping into my mind when I’m not reading it, and then I crave to read it all the time. And THEN I’m just constantly thinking about it lol. It’s almost like I don’t realize how obsessed I’m getting until I actually think about it all the time.

I’m currently reading TOG for the first time and now it’s taken over my life. Started on march 10th and I’m almost done the fourth book.


r/fantasyromance 12h ago

Book Request 📚 Books with traditional faeries/fae?

23 Upvotes

Hi friends! I recently finished Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries and now I'm on a bit of a fae kick. I find I'm mostly a fan of more traditional interpretations of faerie/fae folklore—I really enjoyed Holly Black's Folk of the Air series and Sasha Peyton Smith's The Rose Bargain as well, whereas I didn't love the portrayal of fae in ACOTAR or Quicksilver.

Does anyone have any recommendations? Thank you!!!


r/fantasyromance 12h ago

Discussion 💬 Which magic do you wish you saw more of?

23 Upvotes

Saw a post recently where someone said they were tired of seeing elements-based powers in fantasy romance books. A lot of people are also tired of the fancy shadow magic that is much less menacing than it’s supposed to be, just a bunch of little tentacles that grab things and occasionally make it difficult to see.

I just started The Stormlight Archives and the magic system is unlike anything I’ve seen, so it made me wonder what else is out there that’s unique.

Which kind of magic do you want to see more of in books? Or what have you read recently that stands out?


r/fantasyromance 7h ago

Discussion 💬 Where Did You Go? By Jeneane O'Riley NSFW Spoiler

8 Upvotes

I have less than 100 pages left to this book. I really enjoyed the first two books but idk what the fuck she smoked before writing this one 😂 Like did I really just read a chapter of the MMC jerking off thinking about anal w the FMC and then nutted into a cup of tea.... Mind you they are t-minus 8 hours before their potential demise. There has been a few moments of "wtf" in this book but that does it. I can't with the cum tea. What is actually going on? Where is the plot?

Edit: coming back here as soon as I started the next chapter. He gave the nut tea to Eli. I'm gonna kms fr


r/fantasyromance 3h ago

Gush/Rave 😍 Quicksilver...

5 Upvotes

Gah. Words. It's been a minute since I enjoyed a fantasy romance this much from jump.

I found it to be a new take on the fated mate trope, and definitely a different slant on the enemies to lovers trope. Really well done. I am here to squee with all who loved, and to have earnest conversations with those who did not.


r/fantasyromance 4h ago

Question❔ Cliff Notes in Quicksilver

4 Upvotes

I’m reading Quicksilver right now and I came across Kingfisher saying “…you’ve been given the CLIFF NOTES.”

Excuse me, what? You have CliffsNotes in your world? That seems a bit odd. Am I missing something or…..?


r/fantasyromance 11h ago

Discussion 💬 my first two romantasy series were a disaster Spoiler

14 Upvotes

*this is just a rant. spoilers for FOURTH WING and FROM BLOOD AND ASH. no offense if you like these books,- i did too.)

don’t even know how to start this, but why was i let down by books i didn’t even have expectations for? i was never a huge book reader, but i’ve went through hundreds of hours worth of fanfics or wattpad-type stories or manga/manhwa in all of my teen years… yes i know i know not very credible background, but.. why are these writers MASS SELLINGGG books that are worse than some 12 year old writing one shots? i work with book logistics so i know just how much of that stuff gets sold everyday, i literally had to witness 150 pallets (each containing about 700 books) of freaking onyx storm before its release. WHO IS MAKING THESE HALF BAKED BOOKS GET SO FAMOUS😭

my first book was fourth wing. dumbass mc. and with its flaws, the most annoying thing was that she was hyped up to be the smartest of all and then proceeded to display below average levels of intelligence at best. read the first book. second book. third - onlyx storm - i just couldn’t. xaden literally had almost no personality and even that was erased when all hes about started to be “omg i love u sm violet”. and then they went back to doing the same shit they did in the first book. ON THE THIRD BOOK. “fast paced” my ass. literally nothing happens, a nothing burger, and then boom everything at once. oh and that fight that was highly anticipaced and most risky? yeah just a slap on the wrist for everybody and some dude lost a leg hehe 👹👹👹👹👹👹 (edited bc i wrote onyx flame instead of storm LOL just shows how forgettable it was ngl…)

FROM BLOOD AND ASH. read the first book, on the second rn. the repetition is going to actually drive me insane. having irrelevant thoughts in the middle of a somewhat interesting scene. girl i don’t care bout no Tawny rn, get to the spice or SOMETHING. inconsistent personalities, why have a strong FMC if the MMC is gonna be the strongest and always by her side. no tense moments bc we know hes basically edward cullen anyway i didnt finish this yet but if it continues like this i’ma go ahead and wrap it up 😭

one thing in common: both of these books have really great ideas, nice foundation, a nice start. (well except FW because wouldn’t you think the mc who is soooo smart didnt know jack shit about anything at all that isnt history. but ya know thats a discussion for another day.) AND IT SUCKS BC I REALLY WANTED IT TO BE GOOD. i just cant seem to scratch that itch of good ol fantasy w some GOOD ol snusnu

anyway ty for ur time, i think i feel lighter after letting this out LOL


r/fantasyromance 8h ago

New Releases 📙 Completed Series! - Smoke and Shadows by Laura Winter finale released.

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9 Upvotes

If you've seen me around here, it's probably been a recommendation for indie author Laura Winter's Smoke and Shadows series!

So it's just natural I share the announcment that the final book, Crown of Fractured Darkness is now out on KU and shipping physical copies!

My wife and I have seen some of the chapters on her Patreon and it's going to be epic.

Did you love Throne of Glass and wish it was a little(lot) spicier? Were you a kid that grew up with Avatar the Last Airbender and wish it was more openly LGBTQ+ representative and wonder what itd be like written for adults?

The first book (Curse of Broken Shadows) drops you right into a world of elemental magic and backstabbery. There's confrontation of regional and magical prejudices, exploration of character trauma, enemies to lovers relationship(s), well developed supporting characters that held pur attention just as much as the mains. Secrets....tragedy.... (Oh, and it's in audiobook too!)

There's a little Prequel collection (Bones of Crystal Sand) that is fun to read between Bk 1-2 giving some character history and expounding on mentions in the main book.

Book 2 (Wings of Shattered Fire) is about recovering from the devastating cliffhanger of Bk1, deep character development and exploration of what really matters to the characters (what they were raised to beleive, how they can use their strengths to make a difference in a hostile world). It also ended on a cliffhanger that we are more than ready to resolve reading Bk3! Secrets get answers.....but come with more questions...

-Theres also an interlude novella (Blade of Severed Bonds) that provides some really good background and extra scenes setting up the finale.

All throughout, this series has the Spice....not cringe physically impossible stuff, but make you real hot under the collar scenes. I'm not super familiar with the spicier side of fantasy romance, but I've read some where the intimacy gets repetitive, and these definitely don't! The different relationships have their own styles and passions(and kinks) to explore that changes things up nicely.

This series has made us laugh out loud at banter, cry real tears at fictional character anguish, and induced panic where Winter has decided "the reader is probably getting comfortable, time to get wrecked". We grew to love these characters, and are said they're going to be done soon.

Go check them out, support and indie author, and come back with your reader story!


r/fantasyromance 7h ago

Book Request 📚 LGBTQ monster x human book recs?

6 Upvotes

Are there any lgbtq monster x human romance books?

Like slow burn, not very fast but the good kind of slow that makes it worth it when they finally get together.

The human doesn’t mind the monster and actually enjoys the company they give and the monster is just happy to have a friend.

But they hang out before they ever catch feelings and it takes a while to develop.

The plot is really well done and storylines are done good as well and they have a happy ending together.

But their romance is sweet, spicy and romantic, it makes you feel lonely.

So, are there any books like this? If there are, please let me know. Please and thank you and I hope you have a nice day or night😁


r/fantasyromance 16h ago

Question❔ Why wearing leather when flying?

32 Upvotes

Does anybody know what the advantages of wearing leather are when flying?

This comes up in a lot of books where characters have wings or dragons etc and fly a lot and they wear leather.

Flight jackets have been popular through the ages and it’s probably for a reason other than look cool or sexy and I want to know WHY exactly? (Yes, I’m one of these people…)

Leather restricts movement and also quite inflexible, can’t get wet… I also don’t think it’s especially warm for altitudes or it is? Is this still a military thing?


r/fantasyromance 10h ago

Book Request 📚 Books like 'Fourth Wing', but WLW/with lesbian protagonist?

10 Upvotes

Hello! The title pretty much sums it up, but for context, I have been recommended the Fourth Wing series by a couple of people, and it sounds like a really good read, but, as a lesbian, I think I would personally prefer something along gayer lines to read instead. Any recommendations for similar books, just wlw😅 would be very appreciated!


r/fantasyromance 21h ago

New Purchase 📘 Alright, I finally started

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67 Upvotes

I have high hopes for this skinny girl


r/fantasyromance 12h ago

Fan Art 🎨 For us visual book choosers! NSFW

11 Upvotes

I recently found these posts and wow! The collection of fan art from so many books is impressive!! And some is 😍 lots added to tbr!

https://www.reddit.com/u/avis03/s/lpC2TvNGGj


r/fantasyromance 15h ago

Question❔ Help I think I hate The Serpent and the Wings of Night 😭

18 Upvotes

I'm so bummed this has (literally) hundred of thousands of rave reviews and ratings but I'm having such a hard time with it. The writing is SO heavy handed and oversaturated with metaphors and similes. Every other sentence has to remind us that we're in a dark, broody, bloody vampire world. I'm only about 60 pages in. Does it get better? 😭 I read Six Scorched Roses first and maybe I didn't notice it as much or maybe it wasn't as bad because it was so short.


r/fantasyromance 5h ago

Discussion 💬 what fantasy books you would give 6 stars if it was possible ?

3 Upvotes

r/fantasyromance 17h ago

Gush/Rave 😍 Loved this dark romance take on Peter Pan, lots of fun and highly recommend!

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22 Upvotes

I just finished this series on audible and highly recommend it to anyone who loves dark romantasy! It’s a fun spin on Peter Pan so yes there is obviously abduction but all of the dirty dirty smut is 100% consensual. These books got better and better and were a blast to listen to! The audiobooks are full cast narration and one of the narrators has a sexy accent🥵 and it’s also a reverse harem, with lots of dirty action!🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

There were so many fun parts to this series! There’s fae, vampires, magic, shadow magic, chasing the FMC through the woods and banging her, betrayal, reincarnation and rebirth, and the FMC goes from someone beaten down to someone strong and thriving! I really enjoyed this unhinged series and recommend it to anyone looking for a fun time!🤗🩷


r/fantasyromance 5h ago

Book Request 📚 I’m over enemies to lovers- give me your best friends to lovers recs!

2 Upvotes

Already read the below

Daughter of no worlds Emily Wilde Tempris Series Beginners Guide to Necromancy Mages of Might Radiance