Books Like...
The Gardener and the Water Horse by Mallory Dunlin is a beautifully crafted fantasy romance. The story revolves around a female main character who leaves an abusive marriage to find solace as a gardener at a mage tower. Here, she encounters Celyn, an immortal kelpie who takes on human and horse forms. Their relationship develops slowly, focusing on building trust and healing from past traumas. Readers are drawn to the engaging writing, emotional depth, and the unique twist on the love story. With a mix of sweet and spicy elements, this book has captivated many readers.
If you liked The Gardener and the Water-horse, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'The Changeling and the Dragon' by Mallory Dunlin is a standalone dark fantasy romance that features a trans nonbinary changeling MC who is saved by a part dragon sorcerer and owes him a life debt. The story explores the relationship between the MMC, who is a sorcerer and very insecure but sweet, and the changeling, presenting a level of depth and world-building that the author's previous works lacked. The book delves into themes of gender identity representation, non-human characteristics, and embraces non-standard personalities, all set against a backdrop of rich world-building and writing style that is poetic and immersive.
The book is praised for its beautiful and strong character development, particularly between Qavan and Sersha. Readers express their love for the characters and the way the story evokes emotions, with tension that is described as 'chef kiss' and spice that keeps the narrative engaging. The writing style is commended for its poetic nature, making it easy for readers to dive into the story and experience a range of emotions, from joy to pain, in a blend of feelings that create a sense of fullness and richness in the reading experience.
- #2
In "Captured by the Fae Beast," readers are taken on a journey through a dark fantasy world where Leah, a woman faced with an impossible decision, finds herself in Faery, entangled in a slow-burn relationship with Dain, a broken man with a reputation as the monster prince. The book explores themes of love, vengeance, insecurity, survival, unity, friendship, and the journey towards self-betterment. The author weaves a tale filled with choices, sweet romance, dark fantasy elements, and unexpected twists, all while delving into the complexities of the characters' emotions and growth arcs.
The story unfolds with Leah's growth arc as she navigates her newfound role in Faery, growing in confidence and discovering her potential while trying to find a balance with Dain, her soulmate. The book presents a mix of Beauty and the Beast retelling vibes, engaging plot twists, and well-developed characters that come alive in a world of pain, brutality, and beauty, reminiscent of Grimm fairy tales.
I worked my way up the rugged granite climbing crag, following the route James had taken so I could remove each piece of gear and clip it onto the webbing looped over my shoulder. It was an amazing ro... - #3
Readers have described 'Claimed by the Flame of Faery' as a captivating fantasy romance novel with excellent world-building and character development. The book follows the story of a half-dragon fae male lead and a human female lead, reminiscent of a Beauty and the Beast retelling. The plot unfolds with engaging secrets being revealed, a slow-burn romance, and a balance between a compelling storyline and steamy romantic scenes. The writing style is praised for its depth and nuance, creating a rich fantasy realm that is explored thoroughly throughout the book.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Monsters of Faery ) - #4
'Caught in the Basilisk's Gaze' by Mallory Dunlin is a captivating fantasy novel that delves into the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. The story follows the journey of Danica and Vaduin as they navigate their soulmate bond and overcome their troubled pasts. The author weaves a tale of growth and maturity, showcasing the characters' human flaws and their ability to learn from their mistakes. With elements of romance, humor, and fantasy, the plot keeps readers engaged with its intriguing twists and deep emotional expressions.
The book introduces a unique world filled with enchanting characters and explores the theme of finding balance in relationships. Through vivid world-building and intense character development, the author creates a spicy and realistic narrative that blends elements of fantasy with mature themes. Readers are drawn into a world where soulmates must come together to face challenges, embrace their needs, and learn to trust and accept love, both from themselves and from others.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Monsters of Faery ) - #5
In 'Halfling', the author, S.E. Wendel, weaves a tale of a fantasy romance between Sorcha and Orek, balancing cozy moments with thrilling adventures. The story follows their journey of understanding each other, falling in love, and working as a team to escape challenges. The book beautifully captures the growth of the characters individually and as a couple, emphasizing the importance of personal development and commitment in relationships. Wendel's writing style immerses readers in a world filled with detailed world-building, lore, and engaging characters, creating a perfect blend of romance, fantasy, and action.
- #6
'In the Claws of the Raven Prince' by Mallory Dunlin is a fantasy novel that delves into a rich world filled with depth and emotionality. The storyline follows the characters Ayre and Lilly, exploring their bond across battle lines, struggles, triumphs, and personal growth. Set in a unique fantasy realm, the book offers a fresh spin on traditional fantasy tropes, captivating readers with its well-thought-out characters and engaging plot. The writing style effortlessly immerses readers into a whole new world without overwhelming them with excessive world-building, making it a seamless and enjoyable read for fans of the genre.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Monsters of Faery ) - #7
'Whispers of the Deep' by Emma Hamm is a captivating tale of forbidden romance between Mira, an engineer living in the underwater city Beta, and Arges, a dangerous merman who kidnaps her to gain information about humans. The story unfolds as Mira and Arges navigate through cultural barriers and societal prejudices to understand each other, leading to a slow-building romance that defies all odds. The author skillfully weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and post-apocalyptic settings, creating a world where humans and humanoid fish people are at war, but love and understanding may be the key to peace.
The plot of 'Whispers of the Deep' is filled with adventure, drama, and romance, offering readers a well-paced and intriguing read that keeps them hooked from start to finish. Emma Hamm's writing style shines in portraying the chemistry between the main characters, despite the initial language barrier, and in crafting a world where societal strata and underwater hubs shape the survival of humankind. The book beautifully explores themes of love, empathy, and overcoming deep-seated prejudices, making it a compelling and heartwarming story.
- #8
'The Queen's Blade' by T.C. Southwell follows Queen Mina Sattu, who inherits her mother's throne and the never-ending war that plagues her country. Determined to bring peace, she faces opposition from her advisors and lords. However, when an assassin named Blade offers a solution that could potentially lead to peace, the Queen must make a difficult decision that sets off a chain of events. The story explores themes of politics, war, and the struggle for peace, with a focus on intricate character relationships and the consequences of power.
The writing style of 'The Queen's Blade' is described as engaging and immersive, with a well-developed plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. is noted for its blend of fantasy elements, political intrigue, and complex characters, creating a world that resonates with readers and sets the stage for a series filled with twists and turns.
Queen Minna-Satu stood and gazed at the gathered advisors for a moment before flicking aside the heavy, gold-patterned silver cloak that swept behind her, and sank onto the hard, curved golden bench t... - #9
Bone Island by Nicole Fiorina is a hauntingly beautiful tale about broken people learning to love each other and themselves. The book follows the epic love story of Stone and Adora, whose love knows no boundaries and is all-consuming. The writing style is described as impeccable, eloquent, and poetic, with beautiful prose that captures the readers' hearts and emotions. The plot weaves through different time periods, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and forbidden love, creating a captivating and emotional journey for the readers.
- #10
'Crowned by the Fae King' immerses readers in a captivating world where the main character encounters fierce yet tender monsters, presenting a unique blend of danger and romance. The narrative likely features a blend of fantasy elements, with a focus on fae lore and the complexities of relationships within such a mystical realm. The writing style seems to balance intense emotions with light-hearted moments, creating an engaging experience for readers who enjoy a mix of action and heartfelt connections.
The plot appears to revolve around themes of love and power dynamics, particularly highlighting the dual nature of the main male characters, who embody both ferocity and vulnerability. This duality is a hallmark of the author’s style, drawing readers into a world where they can explore the depths of character development and emotional arcs while navigating the enchanting yet perilous landscape of fae politics and romance.