My dark romantasy, Humans Don’t Have Horns coming out August 20 – preorder now
I have recommended books in the past that I absolutely love, but at some point I DNF’d the series, so they are not here. And ok, it’s actually eight, but I’m only mentioning one series by Sarah J. Maas, because otherwise it would get repetitive.
An Ember in the Ashes — Sabaa Tahir
In One Sentence: In a ruthless empire inspired by ancient Rome, a determined slave and a conflicted soldier’s destinies intertwine, igniting a rebellion that could change their world.
Spice Level: 🌶️ (YA)
Tropes:
Forbidden Love • Enemies to Lovers • Dark Academia • Unlikely Hero
My Breakdown
I’ve read the entire series, and I still can’t forgive Tahir for the ending she gave some of the secondary characters. Nevertheless, from the moment I started reading An Ember in the Ashes, I couldn’t put it down. It was brutal and mesmerizing at the same time. The stakes were high, and the pace was relentless.
For more read my original review
Crescent City — Sarah J. Maas
I choose this series of Maas out of all three because if you still haven’t read one of the three, this one is the most likely one you’ve missed.
In One Sentence: An urban fantasy, wrapped in a murder mystery and a romance that will destroy you in the best way possible
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Slow Burn • Hidden Powers • Opposites Attract • Forced Proximity • Redemption Arc
My Breakdown
Maas blends modern technology with ancient magic, demons, and political intrigue. The result is a fresh, immersive setting that’s unlike anything else in fantasy. The mystery is gripping, with twists that keep you guessing, but the heart of the story lies in the relationships.
Bryce Quinlan is everything. She’s the ultimate party-loving, trash-talking half-breed who hides her loyalty, grief, and sharp mind beneath a carefully crafted facade. Her complexity makes her feel so real. And Hunt Athalar he’s the ultimate book boyfriend (okay, maybe second to Rhysand), brimming with vulnerability and depth beneath his brooding exterior.
For more read my original review.
The Bridge Kingdom — Danielle L. Jensen
In One Sentence: A mission of destruction turns into forbidden love as a warrior princess questions everything after meeting the king she was sent to destroy.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers • Arranged Marriage • Secret Identity
My Breakdown
I was completely hooked from start to finish. Jensen’s ability to weave tension—both romantic and political—is, at times, almost too much. I was so caught up in watching the inevitable disaster unfold that I actually skipped the spice scene just to see what happened next. Well, that was a first!!
I also really loved the rest of the series and the other romances in it.
For more read my original review.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night — Carissa Broadbent
In One Sentence
Survival, sacrifice, and forbidden love set in a brutal vampire world.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers • Survival Games • Forbidden Love • Strong Heroine
My Breakdown
Broadbent crafts a brutal world where every victory feels earned and every loss cuts deep. The romance is a slow burn, crackling with tension as Oraya and Raihn grapple with their growing feelings amid the chaos. The ending of the book—it took me two days to overcome how it shocked me. The only reason I forgive Carissa is because the sequel—The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King—was that good 😊
For more read my original review.
The Cruel Prince — Holly Black
In One Sentence: A human girl raised among the fae refuses to be sidelined, and instead fights her way into the center of their brutal, glittering world.
Spice Level: 🐣 (YA)
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers • Mortal in a Magic World • Political Intrigue • Morally Gray Heroine • Found Power
My Breakdown
Jude is my favorite heroine of all time (at the moment 😊). She is so perfectly fucked up. She’s terrified, and it makes her angry as hell. One of the novel’s strengths lies in its exploration of power dynamics and the desire for acceptance. She never gives up her desire to be seen and feared in a world that wants her hide. Her humanity is her weakness, but also her weapon.
This isn’t a cozy fae world. The fae here are terrifying and seductive. Holly Black’s writing is absolutely beautiful. It is lush and sharp. The magic feels real, the beauty tinged with horror. It’s YA, but very dark. So I’m not sure I’d recommend my teenager to read it.
For more read my original review
Tell me: Which of these romantasy series wrecked you the hardest? Which one did I miss
Want another DNF-proof romantasy?
If you’ve made it this far, please consider pre‑ordering my dark romantasy, Humans Don’t Have Horns, coming out August 20. It’s a stand alone, and the first in the Crown of Blood and Magic trilogy.
