Books Like...

'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.

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.

Wooing the Witch Queen is the first book in the Queens of Villainy series by Stephanie Burgis. The story follows Felix, a man hiding from danger, who is mistaken for a dark wizard and hired as a librarian by the witch queen, Saskia. Their relationship unfolds against a backdrop of magic, trauma, and intrigue as Saskia navigates threats to her kingdom and her burgeoning feelings for Felix. The plot is rich with whimsy and humor, alongside deeper themes of trauma, acceptance, and the complexities of their world.

Burgis's writing style blends charm and emotional depth, creating lovable characters who are both relatable and compelling. While the world-building is intricate and the character dynamics refreshing, some readers noted a few rushed plot points and a tendency towards one-dimensional dialogue. Despite this, the book is engaging, with a mix of romance and fantasy that appeals to fans of cozy fantasy and romantasy alike. The book ends with enough suspense to pique interest for the next in the series, Enchanting the Fae Queen.

The Maleficent Faerie is a captivating retelling of the Sleeping Beauty tale with a unique twist that keeps readers engaged until the very end. The book features a dynamic and spunky heroine named Aura who defies traditional fairy tale norms by taking charge of her own destiny. The relationship between Aura and Malec, the complex and vulnerable villain, is beautifully portrayed with a perfect blend of magic, anticipation, and emotional depth. The author, Rebecca F. Kenney, skillfully weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and self-discovery, creating a world that is both familiar and refreshingly new.

The plot of The Maleficent Faerie is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers entertained and emotionally invested in the characters' journey. The writing style is confident, engaging, and humorous, with vivid descriptions and strong worldbuilding that make the story come alive. The book explores themes of love, self-discovery, and overcoming obstacles, all while delivering a satisfying and cathartic ending that leaves readers wanting more.

Boundless by Miranda Sapphire tells the story of an arranged marriage between a strong, boisterous princess of a draconic race and a delicate, anxious elf prince with health issues. Their relationship is dynamic, showcasing a role reversal in traditional gender roles, with the female lead being much larger and more physically imposing, while the male lead struggles with his stammer and chronic illness. The plot unfolds as they navigate their new life together, facing external conflicts from their families and society.

The writing style balances humor and tenderness. Readers note a mix of sweet moments between the characters and a fair amount of graphic content, emphasizing their intimate connection. While the worldbuilding may not be very deep, the chemistry between the main characters and the exploration of themes like acceptance and love shine through. Many find the characters endearing, with captivating interactions that keep the story engaging.

'Maneater' by Emily Antoinette is a novella from the 'Monsters of Moonvale' series that tells the love story between Elle, a succubus stripper, and Shane, a shy virgin witch. The plot revolves around their unexpected meeting at a coven event and the development of their relationship from lust to genuine affection. The writing style is described as cozy, funny, spicy, and inclusive, with a focus on healthy communication, consent, and the exploration of different kinks in a monster romance setting.

'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.

'Empath's Lure' in the 'Treaties of Moial' series by author Jen Lynning is a fantasy romance novel that follows the slow burn relationship between the main characters, Lisca and Khiran, set in an intriguing fantasy world filled with court intrigue, political machinations, and complex characters. The story revolves around negotiations to sign a treaty, focusing on the development of the relationship between Lisca, an empath, and Khiran, a half-blood incubus, as they navigate misunderstandings, miscommunications, and political challenges while slowly falling in love. The writing style is described as engaging, with well-rounded characters and a slow build that keeps readers rooting for the main characters and invested in their romance.

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.

'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.