Feel free to skip the story and go to the next heading (Your Quest: Prize, Rules, and Forms) if you want to get straight to the rules, quest, and eligible stories.

This story is most enjoyable if you have already completed the Fae Path with Tristan Stormrider or at least read the story.

There’s an odd sound up ahead. Like steel striking stone, except not quite. Then something similar to string being pulled out so fast it hums.

You adopt a more cautious course, knowing that this late at night, you are unlikely to encounter anything or anyone not dangerous. You press back some branches and slip closer, reaching a clearing.

There’s a handsomely dressed man crouched near a grassy mound, sword in hand. Dark silver mushrooms and strange shape stones adorn the mound. Moonlight frames the entirety of the clearing. No indication of what caused the sound though. He appears to be studying some point near the southern edge.

The leaves rustle from the wind, blowing against the back of your head. His attention snaps in your direction, sharp.

“Well now you’ve scared it off.” As he stands, he glares at you. He’s tall but slender, wearing surprisingly fine clothing for being this far in a dark forest. The burgundy and gold stand out almost as much as his long white hair. Unlike others you have seen, his hair holds no trace of silver. It seems almost as if it might be nearly translucent, though it is quite thick.

“Scared what off?” You don’t enter the clearing. As far as you can see, there’s nothing here.

“Do you have a reason for being out so late?” he asks. “Or do you just like to wander?”    

“I do as I choose.” You shrug. He doesn’t look like he belongs out here at all, but he acts with such confidence that it seems that’s more true. His features are at once human and yet not. He could be many things. Especially as he has no discernible scent. Something not possible unless he’s intentionally masked it. And as it’s rude to inquire what race someone is without following certain formalities, you can’t be sure what he is yet. Dangerous, most likely. Probably best not to give too much information.

He scoffs, shaking his head. “You might as well ask. It’s what you’re thinking.”

“Fine. What are you?”

“I decline to answer,” he says a little too sweetly.

You frown, not sure what to make of this. Is he toying with you? “Why would you tell me to ask if you didn’t intend to answer?”

He smirks. “Because saying no is fun.” He spears the sword into the soft earth, sending up a strong scent of leaves and damp soil. “And one should take all the fun one can find.”

What kind of person stabs their sword in the ground like that? Someone who doesn’t rely on their sword or need to worry about its sharpness.

“What are you doing out here?” you ask.

“Having my isolation disturbed.” He chuckles at your expression. “All right. I’ll tell you. But only if you do something for me.”

“I’m not getting myself killed or injured or indebting myself to you,” you respond.

“No. Nothing like that. It’s obvious you’re a reader. So you fetch me five stories with the right subject matter, and I’ll tell you why I’m here.”

On the one hand, you want to say no. Why is this even a compelling bargain? But you can’t deny you’re curious. “What subject matter?”

“Monster romances.”

You press your lips in a tight line. It’s hard to tell from his voice or expression whether he is teasing you or serious. “Really?”

He chuckles. “Maybe I enjoy them. Or maybe I use them as inspiration for deception. You have no way of knowing, and I have no intention of answering.”

“Fine. Any particular type?”

“So long as one protagonist is monstrous and terrifying, I’m flexible.” He smiles without showing his teeth. “Now hurry along. I’m not staying out here that much longer, and if I get bored while you’re gone, I make no guarantees that I’ll remain.”

It might not be that big a deal if you just ignored him and kept on your way. Nothing says you have to fulfill every offer. And yet you can’t help but be massively curious. What is he doing out here?

Your Quest: Prize, Rules, and Forms

Prize

This prize pack is a selection of ebooks whose titles we aren’t going to announce just yet because they may be too closely related to the theme of this quest. But the combined value is over $25. 

This is open to anyone who completes the form.

Rules

To complete the Quest, you can use stories from either of the official lists. And yes, you can take stories from both.

You can only use a story for one element on the list in this quest. It is all right if you repeat a story from any other quest though.

This quest can be completed looking only at the trope cards, covers, and titles, though you may need to look through both paths.

Be kind to your fellow readers and other authors.

The Forms

You are on your way to find five stories.

You will need to find five monster romances or stories featuring monstrous love interests. Monstrous includes any of the traditional monsters, non-human beings, orcs, demons, tengus, vampires, and the like. Grim reaper also counts in something like this. (It is all right if the love interest is secretly a sweetheart so long as they look scary.)

This one you will either fill out a Google Form or email us your discoveries.

Each answer is worth one token. So you can receive 10 tokens by completing this. Each token is an entry into the giveaway.

Bonus Tokens

In addition to the regular tokens, you can get bonus tokens by completing the following acts.

One extra token for every story you share in an individual social media post. (Yes, you can post on multiple platforms.)

Use #monstrousdelightsquestbonus (and if you want to absolutely bless me, save off the links and paste them in the forms or an email to make sure we definitely see them. Screenshots also work.).

(We have graphics of all the stories here so you don’t have to make something separate. Just look look under the author’s last name to find the stories.) 

Submitting Your Form

Once you’ve gathered up your collection of stories, you’ll need to turn them in so we can verify.

You can turn in your stories in two ways.

1. Complete this form and directly post your answers (if you do this, you don’t need to turn in anything else. The form will allow you to return to it and edit your answers).
2. Email your five choices to faeornofae@farofeb.com. Make sure to include any of the bonus activities you have done as well. Use the title Monstrous Delights Quest or some similar identifier.

Make sure to submit your completed form or list by July 3 at 11:59 PM EST.

If you have any problems, please feel free to email faeornofae@farofeb.com.

The Conclusion to the Monstrous Delights Quest

You return with the books in tow. There are so many choices out there, all rich with tension and complex characters. You really can’t imagine any good explanation for what this strange white-haired person is doing out here. But the curiosity and the need to know burns all the deeper.

It’s almost enough to make you worry that you weren’t fast enough. Time is moving faster.

You reach the clearing and halt. He’s standing there near the embankment, arms folded across his chest. He turns toward you, eyebrow slightly raised. “You have the books?”

“I do.” The more you study that clearing and the mound, the more unsettled you feel. And just as strong is a desire to know what this man is doing out here and why.

He holds out his hand expectantly. “Well?”

Just a few feet in. That’s all it would take.

No.

“You can come get them.” You place the books on a rock near the clearing’s edge.

He chuckles and then spreads his arms. “What do you think happens if you step into the clearing?”

“I haven’t made it this far in life without learning to trust my instincts, and my instincts say that, while it’s probably quite interesting, stepping into that clearing is likely to be dangerous. So I’ll pass. You can pick up your books and tell me what’s going on here.”

“It doesn’t count as delivering the books if you don’t step into the clearing. If you want your answers, you’ll have to come inside,” he says in a teasing tone.

A lightning bolt strikes the ground near both of you, close enough it makes your hair feel like it’s standing on end.

“You need new tricks, Julian,” a familiar voice says from somewhere up in the trees.

Tristan?

“Hello, hello, striking one.” Tristan’s voice comes from up in the branches, closer now. The leaves are so thick that you cannot glimpse him. “This does not count as our second meeting.”

“Doesn’t it?” You peer up in the general direction of his voice. Has he been following you?

“No. I am just passing through,” Tristan responds. “So many more stories to gather. My longship will carry many.”

“So you decided to throw a bolt of lightning at random?” you ask, not sure if that’s annoying or funny or a little of both.

“He was aiming for me. His aim is just poor.” Julian brushes dust off his sleeves, though he sounds more amused than annoyed. And almost as if this has happened before.

“Yes, so poor.” Tristan clicks his tongue.

“I take it you know this incorrigible little kit,” Julian continues.

You raise an eyebrow at this. Are you the incorrigible little kit?

“A little bit,” Tristan chuckles. “Enough to know your usual traps won’t work.”

“I don’t set traps.”

“That’s right. You hunt.”

“Investigate.”

“You were investigating me?” You step back. “Why?”

He shrugs. “You haven’t stepped into the clearing. I’m not saying a word on it further.”

“So obvious,” Tristan chides from above.

“I take it you two know one another,” you say.

“Shipmates, you might say,” Julian says. “Some time ago.” He sets his arms akimbo. “I did not even realize you were in this place, Tristan.”

“Nor I you.” The branch above creaks, and some leaves drift down. Tristan sounds amused. “Be careful with the striking one. Great potential that one. So many more adventures to be had.”

“And yet your ship is still not ready. Nor are you ready to even start sharing your secrets.” Julian tuts. “And from the sounds of it, you lost your human form.”

“Only for a little bit. The last storm proved challenging. A little rest will set that right.”

“Of course it will,” Julian says. “But this is why you should stay away from the wind whippets.”  

So he isn’t in his human form? Well, that’s interesting. You move on to the side, amused but ready to go on your way.

“Now, just a minute,” Julian says smoothly. “You weren’t thinking of leaving already?”

“Actually I am. It’s been a long few days, and I have some treasure rooms to visit soon. So I’ll be taking my leave. Odd meeting you.” You bow your head in his direction. Then you point up into the branches where Tristan is. “Good hearing but not seeing you.”

“The night is far from over,” Julian says. “You should stay.”

“No,” you say with a smile. Then you tilt your head. “You’re right. It is fun to say no.”

He crinkles his nose. “Not as much to hear it though.” He sighs as Tristan laughs. “Well, I won’t keep you. At least not now. Until we meet again, incorrigible little kit.” He bows at the waist and then vanishes, leaving his sword still in the ground near the strange mound.

Tristan laughs from up in the trees. “Good to see and hear you again, striking one. Take care as you go. You are certainly worthy.”

“You take care as well. I hope you find your human form soon. It’s a very handsome one.”

A loud peal of laughter follows. “So it is. Just as yours is lovely.”

You smile to yourself as you pick up your path once more. Home is close, as is your bed. Even though you’re tired, you are pleased. You really did find a lot of stories. And in your heart, you know you’ll likely encounter many of these people again. For better or worse, it’s certain to be interesting. And soon you’ll be carried off to sleep. Who knows of what you’ll dream

Have you explored all the Bonus Quests yet? They’re all up currently! The only thing next will be the treasure rooms, but those won’t go live until after July 5. Make sure you get your entries all done by July 3!

The post Monstrous Delights Quest first appeared on FaRo Society.

Craving some fantasy romance with dragons? I’ve got you covered below are ten swoon worthy fantasy romance novels and shorts that feature dragons. Whether you’re looking for dragon shifters, dragon tamers, fairy tales with a twist, and everything in-between, I feel confident you’ll find something you’ll love in this list.

1. Rayne came to Cairncliff to kill a dragon. Not to kiss one. Love tropes like I came to kill you but fell for you instead?

You’re going to want to dive into this secret dragon shifter romance.

What readers are saying:

“Meredith Hart keeps getting better and better. This time she’s taking us into a world of dragons, elves, and dwarves with a beautifully fleshed-out world that is so vivid, you sink right into it, and intriguing characters so complex they could be actual people. Rayne and Doshir (oh my, what a honey) are magnetic individually but sizzle together. This book has it all—fabulous pacing, steam, and a story that kept me turning the pages.” — Amazon reviewer

2. An enemy princess. A cursed prince. A kiss of flame.

Looking for a standalone about enemies to forbidden lovers. Then I think you’ll adore this book!

What readers are saying:

“These two were so much fun getting to know. While each had a trial and mysteries to face on their own, when they came together, it was fantastic!! I didn’t want to stop reading! The tension between Dorin and Brielle was on point, as was the humor from the other characters; some we already know and love, while we’re introduced to new characters as well! One of which will be getting their own story, starting a new series, and I’m here for it! We also get a cameo from the OGs of this world that we met in Dragon’s Rising, and I was giddy getting to see them again!” — Amazon Reviewer

3. To save their courts, they must pretend to be happily mated.

If you’ve been craving arranged marriage, with enemies to lovers and an unconventional princess, then you’ll adore Master of Storms.

What readers are saying:

“Brielle, A princess of Wylfen. Not your typical princess, no, not at all. She likes nothing better than to dress in shirt, pants and boots so she can dig for ancient artifacts to study. Then there is Dorin, prince and heir to the throne of Balaur. Both countries are mortal enemies. Brielle finds herself saving Dorin from her fathers assassins.. From there the chemistry between the two starts building and I enjoyed the interaction between the two of them. With heart hammering danger you can expect the unexpected and some surprising twists to delight any reader. There is a wild Dragon, A terrible curse, a magic rune stone, secrets revealed, the kings assassins, and of course forbidden love.” — Amazon Reviewer

4. When a fierce huntress adept with a longbow meets a fire-breathing dragon, enough sparks fly to start an inferno.

Fans of fierce heroines, steam, and action and adventure will want to escape into this book.

What readers are saying:

“The romance is sweet and gradual despite their mutual, if inexplicable (he’s in dragon form for most of the book) attraction (don’t worry, it’s not THAT kind of story: the attraction is mostly emotional and spiritual). When she figures out he can shift forms…well it makes a lot more sense from there for her.:) It really was a wonderfully fun read with great characters” — Amazon Reviewer

5. What happens when you stumble upon your childhood crush, only to discover that he’s been turned into a vampire?

Have you always wanted a dragon companion? Well, you’ll love this series where the protagonist must protect a baby dragon.

What readers are saying:

“I absolutely loved reading from Sidney’s perspective! Her personality and humor really made this story so enjoyable. From her relationship to her friends and family to her being genuinely open to communicating with Jordan about things even when she was in denial of her own feelings. And sigh Jordan you moody emo boy you! The way Elsie described him had me giggling and kicking my feet up. He definitely reminds me that my vampire loving phase is never over. He only had 2 or 3chapters from his perspective but I ate em up. And huck!! The cutest kid dragon son ever!! Loved everything about him and how chaotic he was sometimes! Def didn’t think I would feel so attached to a baby dragon!” — Amazon reviewer

6. Aileana is the king’s pet. She has lived her entire life in a tower, waiting for the day she will be forced to marry his son.

Love retellings, then you’re going to love this enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, fake marriage Rapunzel retelling.

What readers are saying:

“I couldn’t put it down and needed to know what was going to happen, especially with that delicious slow burn. Think enemies-to-lovers, clever use of creatures (Fortune Elf!), fake marriage—all the good stuff rolled into one amazing read. Aileana and Xander have such complex, difficult back stories that they’re hesitant to think too much about, let alone share with each other. I really loved and connected with the characters in this story.” — Amazon reviewer.

7. Legend states that when a ruler worthy of the name unites the Five Kingdoms, the dragons will return. Fyia’s conquered the kingdoms, and now she wants her dragons.

Ready to run away to a land of dragons, forbidden magic and dangerous politics? If so you’re going to devour this book.

What readers are saying:

“This book was a splendid mix of epic fantasy and romance. There was fighting, questing, magic, political intrigue, tearing down the patriarchy, a full cast of delightful characters, and some saucy adventures, too.” — Amazon Reviewer

8. Captive in a dragon lord’s lair. No memory. Stripped bare.

In the mood for fated mates & dark romance? Then you’ll want to snag this delicious dark tale.

What readers are saying:

“I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable…This story is about magic, dragons, lands ravaged by war between a King and Queen who are determined to win the territory of the other no matter the damage they inflict on their people. I’mya and Nyro’s story is action packed, full of suspense and danger, deceit and smoking hot chemistry. This book is a highly erotic fantasy not intended for younger readers.” — Amazon Reviewer

9. A dark fantasy reimagining of the classic ballet, featuring a princess turned murderous assassin!

Want a quick, dark fairytale retelling? Then this story is ideal for you!

What readers are saying:

“It was short and perfect for a fast read! I enjoyed it very much!!!I was definitely gutted with this one! its dark. its different and definitely not the Disney version! If you enjoy dark retellings with gore and gut wrenching scenes this one is for you!” — Amazon reviewer

10. How could a fake engagement between royals go wrong? When one of them is secretly a were-dragon.

Are you a fan of brooding male heroes, smart-mouthed heroines, and their banter? If so, you’ll adore this book.

What readers are saying:

“Who needs sleep when there is a book that HAS to be finished? Not me! The world that Nicolette Andrews created in Dragon’s Deception is beautiful and dangerous. Liane is courageous princess, even through her pain and weaknesses, determined to uncover a drug ring that is killing her people. Erich is fighting to find a way to break his curse and rid himself of his dragon. There is mystery, corruption, magic and a prophecy as well as a fake dating and one bed trope! This was a fantastic read…” — Goodreads reviewer

The post 10 Must Read Fantasy Romance Novels With Dragons first appeared on FaRo Society.

Whatever it is, new authors are frequently joining the ranks of Fantasy Romance, helping the genre to grow and expand in the best way they know how–by writing incredible stories. So today we’ve got ten debut gems to add to your TBR shelf ?

If you love reading about elves, princesses, goblin kings, and other fantastical characters, then you’ll definitely want to check out these authors. Their books are sure to sweep you away into worlds of wonder and, of course, romance.

1. Shadow of Eternal Flames by Priscilla Rose

When the queen forces a political engagement upon her, nineteen-year-old Primrose devises a plan to save herself from a man she could never love. Magically cursing her fiancé appears to only curse Primrose instead…

After Primrose’s nightmares become a reality, she awakes to a handsome and mysterious demon lurking in her bedroom.

Teaming up with her demon protector, Primrose sets out to break the curse she’s plagued upon her people. As she faces monsters, however, she realizes facing her newly found feelings will be an even greater challenge…
Will she bloom like a rose or will she burn in the eternal flames?

Priscilla Rose’s debut novel is a sweet and spicy standalone fantasy romance that is intended for readers 18+

Priscilla Rose is looking forward to showing the world her fantastical romance stories full of hope, heat, and happily ever after. Support her here:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

2. The Secret Goddess by M. J. Faraldo

Destiny brought them together. An ancient struggle between gods may tear them apart.

When Kyra discovers her whole life is a lie, she is thrown into the middle of a war between secret societies of ancient Egyptian gods. Will she be strong enough to fight the god of chaos and deal with her magnetic attraction to a man she barely knows?

Gabriel is no ordinary man. He’s a link to the gods, and Kyra’s energy sets his on fire. Will he be able to fulfill his duty as her protector while keeping his distance?

Can the two of them navigate secrets, vengeful gods, and impending destruction without losing themselves in the process?

Intended for adult audiences 18+. This series is set in contemporary times with Egyptian mythology reinvented, a steamy slow burn romance and mysteries to be solved. This is the first book of the series.

M. J. Faraldo writes elaborate fantasy worlds, as well as contemporary romances. Check out what she’s up to:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

3. How To Train Your Goblin King by Erin Vere

Floss is most definitely NOT marrying the Goblin King, even if it saves her a trip through the labyrinth.

Floss, an aspiring law student, has enough troubles to ruffle anyone’s bustle. Her school of choice won’t let her in because of her gender, her equal rights league is hopelessly ineffective, and there aren’t enough calming tonics in the world to stave off her panic attacks.

Now her niece is missing, the roguish Goblin King keeps proposing, and sinister forces threaten Floss’s city. She’ll have to brave a dangerous labyrinth and question everything she believes in to save not only her family, but an entire kingdom down below.

If only the Goblin King wasn’t quite so distracting, she might actually be able to do it.

If you like sensible heroines, ridiculously handsome heroes, fantasy creatures, and dreadful puns, you’ll love this romantic gaslamp romp by Erin Vere.

Grab How to Train Your Goblin King, the first standalone in a series of hilarious fairy tale retellings.

Erin Vere likes to write about brave heroines in pretty dresses facing ridiculous situations and finding love and fulfilment. Follow her for more:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

4. Heart’s Ease by Mimi B. Rose

Her mysterious past holds the key to protecting his clan.

Between helping teens at an After-School Art Club and trying to publish her granny’s fairy tales, Chantelle’s life still feels somehow unfulfilled.

When his father and older brother died, Charles was forced into the role of Alpha. Three years later, he still hasn’t dealt with the loss. Now a rival pack is stirring up trouble in his grandmother’s hometown, and he must investigate.

But that is only where the mystery begins. There’s something else going on and it starts with the mysterious and beautiful Chantelle. The secrets of her past and her untrained magical abilities hold the key to the rival pack’s attacks. And when they discover that sorcery is behind the violence against women and children in the territory, they have to trust each other and forge a connection.

But is their bond strong enough to protect the pack and fulfil a Fated Mates prophecy, or will they lead the pack, and their love, to ruin?

Mimi B. Rose started writing Happily Ever Afters to create inspiring stories where truth and justice and fairness rule. To find out more, follow her here:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

5. Night in his Eyes by Alisyn Fae

A war of Fae Houses. A Prince waking from darkness. A woman drenched in his blood.

Prince Renaud, my mother’s killer, is waking. The Court has not felt the full weight of an Old One in centuries, and it’s my fault.

I am Aerinne Capulette, Lady of House Faronne, and I will have my vengeance against House Montague and Renaud. But despite the ground war I’ve led since I was a child, we remain locked in bloody stalemate.

If the Prince takes the field against us, he will rip from my mind the secret that will shred any hope for peace, or victory.

He will kill me if he discovers the truth. . .

. . .sweet, foolish child. Your death is not what I desire. I have not waited, watched, and planned for centuries to let something as petty as a halfling girl’s vengeance keep me from claiming what is mine.

To protect you, and to ensure my reign, I will bend you to my will. I will slake this obsession with your blood and tears, and I will yield you to no one.

Let your House protest. Let my Court look aghast. They are nothing.

And you—you are my anchor.

We may be enemies, but your hatred only seduces my darkness.

Night in His Eyes is an adult high heat, slow burn Fae fantasy romance, first in the Fae Prince of Everenne series. This not a standalone and ends in a cliffhanger.

For readers who crave enemies-to-lovers, obsessed dark heroes, murderous heroines and a battle of dark wills and enjoy authors such as Sylvia Mercedes, Sarah J. Maas, Kathryn Ann Kingsley, and Laura Thalassa.

Alisyn Fae writes high-heat adult fantasy romance for readers who like their romance slightly dark, grown as *uck, with slap-in-the-face tension and adventure. Stalk her here:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

6. Between Wrath and Mercy by Jess Wisecup

A mother will do anything to save her child, no matter the cost.

After her daughter is kidnapped, Emmeline Highclere—a thirty-four-year-old mother living in isolation with memories and grief her only companion—must do everything in her limited power and divine abilities to get the girl back.

Emmeline believes her daughter, Elora, is the Beloved—the conduit with goddess-granted divine abilities prophesied to bring peace to the Three Kingdoms. Because the last person thought to be the Beloved was brutally murdered by the enemy kingdom of Folterra, Emmeline has dedicated the last sixteen years to hiding her daughter and keeping her safe. When Elora is kidnapped by a Folterran prince, Emmeline must leave her place of hiding, resolving to do anything to rescue her daughter. But to have any chance against those who took the girl, Emmeline must call upon one of the most powerful conduits in the Three Kingdoms, the Crown Prince of Vesta—the man who broke her heart—and hope he helps her despite their estrangement.

With the weight of his father’s impending death hanging over his head, Crown Prince Rainier has begun to make moves to prove his dedication to assume the role of king. When he is visiting the estate that was once a second home to him, the woman who has long haunted his dreams and consumed his thoughts appears before him, asking for his help to find the child she had with another man. Now, he must decide: does he drop what he is doing to help Emmeline, or does he maintain his unwavering duty to the Crown?

Now, Emmeline and Rainier must work together to find the Beloved—to save the girl from the Folterrans and fulfill the prophecy of peace—while they both battle feelings of remorse, grief, and heartbreak, trying to ignore the heated desire and simmering attraction between them that never left.

Please Note: This book contains explicit content and darker elements, including mature language, violence, and sexual content. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age. This is book one in a series.

Emotional and realistic characters alongside spicy realistic romance are Jess Wisecup’s favorite things to write about. Find out more about the next book in this series:
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7. The Painted Woman by Victoria Parra

Sigrid is no stranger to standing up against injustice, but that is a far cry from revolt. An oppressive human king continues to make life for elves difficult, enacting strong penalties for elven brothels and shutting down elven temples. In a split-second decision, she gives refuge to the handsome half-elf Baldr, the son of a high-ranking figure in a secret rebellion brewing beneath Copper City’s surface. Suddenly, Sigrid finds herself in the midst of a revolution in the making and discovers she desperately wants a change in not just her life, but the lives of all elves under human rule. As unrest and violence flood the streets, Sigrid must assert herself as someone worth listening to in a world that doesn’t take women like her seriously.

Agreeing to join Baldr on a journey to gain allies, Sigrid finds herself in a world she is not sure she can fit into. As her heart begins to pound at his mere presence, can Sigrid make love blossom in a time of war?

Fans of Sarah J Maas and Jacqueline Carey as well as games like Dragon Age: Inquisition will enjoy this slow-burn adult fantasy romance about colonialism, rediscovering your culture, and the power of revolutionary love. Trigger warnings: Racism, colonialism, violence.

Victoria Parra began writing stories about fantasy creatures, faraway lands, and romantic adventures as a teenager. Now she brings themes of injustice, colonization, and liberation to stories of romance and adventure.
Instagram | Facebook

8. Of Darkness and Fire by Amber Palmer

Over 100 years ago, Aethion was thrown in the middle of what would forever be known as The Great War. Kingdoms were torn apart, countless innocent lives lost because of the greed and lust for power of one man – Lachlan Roarke. His band of misfits called themselves The Horde. Which was fitting, seeing as they tended to overrun and eradicate everything in their path.

He’s the reason I lost my mother. The reason I can’t sleep at night without constant nightmares plaguing my mind. Every time I close my eyes, all I can see is her. Everything I am today is because of her and the night I was forced to stand by and watch as she was murdered.

Now, as the time draws near when I must fulfill my destiny as queen of Helia, we find ourselves on the brink of war once again. The Horde is back, although with someone unknown at their helm as leader.

The time for revenge is now, and I know it’ll be the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted. It’s my duty to save my kingdom. Not only do I owe it to my people, whom I love and swore to protect, but also to make good on the promise I made myself the night I saw the light fade from my mother’s eyes.

I will destroy all those who seek to destroy me. I only hope it won’t be the last thing I do.

Author Note: This book contains explicit content and darker elements, including mature language, violence, and sexual content. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age.

In her free time, Amber Palmer enjoys reading smutty books and watching early 2000’s movies, but she’s also working on book 2. Find out more here:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

9. Consort’s Glory by Abigail Kelly

“It is SO charming and SO cute. The world gives me Lore Olympus mashed up with Kate Daniels, but the romance between them is just pure and cute and sexy and *chef’s kiss*.” ~Ruby Dixon, author of Ice Planet Barbarians

Margot Goode, healer extraordinaire, knows that being noticed is the fastest way to getting herself murdered — or worse. But even with a secret like hers, she can’t stay cloistered forever. On her own in San Francisco, she’s on the hunt for the one person who can stop her magic from turning against her in a catastrophic meltdown.

Margot doesn’t expect things will be easy, but even she is surprised when someone plants a bomb in her Healing House, nearly killing her and wiping out her anonymity in one fell swoop. Attacking a healer is an egregious breach of the laws that keep the races from war. Attacking Margot Goode, granddaughter of the terrifying Goode Matriarch and leader of the most influential coven in the country, is not just blasphemous — it demands retribution.

Theodore Solbourne, newest sovereign ruler of the largest Elvish territory in the West, has waited his entire life for the woman he will one day claim as his consort. With the power to keep her finally in his grasp, he’s planned their meeting down to every last detail… only to have all the carefully crafted steps in their courtship blown away when she’s nearly killed before he can even say hello.

With her life and his kingdom on the line, there’s no time for subtlety. Earning the trust of the woman he’s been mad about his entire life just became much harder: the speculation of war is sweeping through the city, a goddess’s acolytes call for justice, and a traitor’s shadow looms over his household. But nothing, not even Margot’s single-minded determination to keep him out, will stop him from winning her heart.

Abigail Kelly is a writer of alternate histories, love stories, and women with drive. She’s also the host of the Kingdom of Thirst podcast, a show all about romance novels and why they matter. Check her out:
Website | Instagram | Kingdom of Thirst podcast

10. A Kingdom of Sun and Shadow by Danielle Hill

Two Sisters. One Prophecy. Many Secrets

Amara was like any other princess from a once magical kingdom. Like most, she had secrets, her biggest one of all; She’s actually her twin sister Avery.

After Avery is taken from her ordinary life and brought to the mysterious kingdom of Soluna, she is introduced to the heir to the throne, and her twin sister, Amara.

Not everyone believes Amara is the rightful heir so she ventures off on the quest of her life to prove them wrong, leaving Avery behind to impersonate a sister and life she knows nothing about.

Follow both Avery and Amara as they discover more about themselves than they ever thought possible, including unbelievable powers.

Book one in the Twingenuity series.

Possible trigger warnings: Abuse, alcohol, anxiety, profanity, sexuality, violence.

Danielle Hill writes drama-filled, swoon-worthy, and magical contemporary fantasy novels. She has already begun work on the sequel to A Kingdom of Sun and Shadow and can’t wait to share it with the world. Support her here:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

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Published by Zoey Ellis

Zoey Ellis writes dark and steamy fantasy romances about tortured, possessive, anti-heroes and their sassy heroines. She’s a Londoner, cat mama, and proud romance and epic fantasy addict who is always in search of the next soul-crushingly magnificent read. View more posts

The post 10 Debut Fantasy Romance Authors To Love On in 2022 first appeared on FaRo Society.

In our second year, FaRoFeb (Fantasy Romance February) is charging forward with our aim to raise the profile of Fantasy Romance (affectionately termed FaRo) by connecting lovers of the genre and creating a vibrant, active community.

Over the course of the month-long event, authors and readers connected over all things Fantasy Romance. With many different supportive voices in one place, it was truly a unique experience. Featuring panel discussions, interviews, giveaways, and more, the event offered the opportunity to share ideas, champion the things we love most, and enthuse about the future of the genre with both authors and readers alike. Whether a lifelong fan of the genre or someone who only heard about it for the first time, there was something for everyone.

Who attended?

Seventy authors took part in the event, while posts across the FaRoFeb social channels generated nearly 45 thousand reactions and responses from the Fantasy Romance community.

Some of the top authors in the genre contributed to the event in exciting ways;

• New York Times Bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout spotlighted near the beginning of the month and donated a very cool swag pack of her chart-topping series Blood and Ash for one of the giveaways.
• In her interview with Becca from Becca & the Books, bestselling author Raven Kennedy revealed her writing process for her The Plated Prisoner series and other books she is enjoying in Fantasy Romance.
• USA Today Bestselling author Elizabeth Hunter took over the FaRoFeb Facebook group and shared news about her brand new series, Vista de Lirio.
• Bestselling author Laura Thalassa told us why she loves Fantasy Romance and gave us insight into what she’s working on next.
• USA Today Bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen updated us on the third book in her Bridge Kingdom series and donated a Bridge Kingdom gift set to one of the giveaways.

Coming To You Live!

One of the strongest aspects of the event was the various “lives” that took place throughout the month, both online and in person. Authors joined discussion panels to share opinions about writing and publishing, while book influencers led reading sprints with fellow readers.

Some of the highlights:

• In the Innovation and Trends in Fantasy Romance panel, hosted by The Book Belle, the discussion ranged from the trend leaning toward steamy books in the genre, the influence of TikTok, and the reluctance of UK publishers to embrace Fantasy Romance despite the popularity of the genre. This panel featured authors Elizabeth Hunter, CN Crawford, Jennifer Estep, Lucy Richardson, and HR Moore.
• BookTubers, The Book Refuge, Becca and the Books, Peace Love Books XO, and A Frolic Through Fiction rummaged through our TBR Lists of High and Low Fantasy with other readers and got their reading on in Reading Sprints.
• An enthusiastic audience of readers attended an in-person event at The Ripped Bodice Bookstore to join Laura Thalassa, Elizabeth Briggs, Kimberly Lemming, and Elizabeth Hunter. They discussed: Diverse Characters, Fantastical Worlds, and Sizzling Chemistry: What Makes Fantasy Romance so Alluring.

In The Spotlight

Another benefit of the event was the opportunity to discover new authors. Throughout the month, daily spotlights published on the FaRoFeb social channels featured authors showcasing their catalogs and telling us more about themselves. Additionally, one-on-one interviews gave everyone a chance to get to know some authors on a more personal level. Whether debut authors or seasoned veterans, readers had many chances to discover new-to-them authors.

Founder of FaRoFeb, HR Moore said, “The part I enjoyed most was seeing our following grow, and hearing from readers who said they didn’t know FaRo was a thing until they discovered the event, or that they discovered loads of new authors because of FaRoFeb.”

Groups of authors even collaborated on micro stories–a challenge where they each contributed to an ongoing story determined by what the previous author wrote. Olivia Atwater, Katheryn Ann Kingsley, Emma Hamm, and Amanda Bouchet all contributed alongside 24 fellow authors, resulting in four unique, engaging Fantasy Romances that are impossible to find anywhere else!

Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without the opportunity to win special gifts and swag! The event’s giveaways had over two thousand hopeful entries and readers had the chance to get their hands on signed books, swag packs, and gift cards. Authors donated over 50 books and related prizes from across the wide spectrum of Fantasy Romance. Four lucky winners won the enormous haul, including donations from L. Penelope, Miranda Honfleur, Bec McMaster, K. F. Breene, Elizabeth Briggs, and Jeffe Kennedy.

The Team That Made It Happen

FaRoFeb 2022 could never have happened without a solid, dedicated team working behind the scenes. As a creative group of author volunteers, their passion and enthusiasm for Fantasy Romance kept excitement high and the event running smoothly.

HR Moore said, “I love that we’ve had more authors join our Discord community and that we have such a great team, which means we can continue to share awesome FaRo books all year round.”

Click below to check out the team’s own FaRoFeb spotlights, where you can get to know them and see what they’re working on.

HR Moore
Vela Roth
Colleen Cowley
Lisette Marshall
S. L. Prater
Trish Heinrich
Elsie Winters
M. J. Faraldo

Is it Really Over?

FaRoFeb 2022 was a resounding success thanks to the dedication and participation of the volunteer team, the support of our partners, the participating authors, and of course, the Fantasy Romance community. If you missed out on the event, you can still check out the links to all the activities and events on our website.

With Fantasy Romance becoming more popular than ever, FaRoFeb is continuing to advocate for the genre. With daily and weekly efforts, as well as special projects and events throughout the year, we’re certainly not done! Be sure to join our Facebook community to chat with readers and authors, and follow us on Instagram for discount info and author interviews. Join our newsletter for new releases, and to be kept in the loop for all things deliciously FaRo!

Published by Zoey Ellis

Zoey Ellis writes dark and steamy fantasy romances about tortured, possessive, anti-heroes and their sassy heroines. She’s a Londoner, cat mama, and proud romance and epic fantasy addict who is always in search of the next soul-crushingly magnificent read. View more posts

The post FaRoFeb 2022 Round-Up: A Celebration for Fantasy Romance Lovers Everywhere first appeared on FaRo Society.

I’ve been reading fantasy for a long time. I started as a kid, then a teen in the eighties. These days there’s plenty of great romantic fantasy and fantasy romance around but back then, a lot of the books were written by men and while there might have been some nods to relationships, there was never much focus on romance. If I wanted romance, I read romances. But I always felt it was a bit unfair that the two couldn’t be better combined!

Sarah McLean, on her great Fated Mates podcast, talks about the books that blooded her as a romance reader, meaning the books that sucked her into the genre, so I thought that, in  a month where we are celebrating all the great things about fantasy romance,  I’d talk about a few of the older fantasy authors and series where I started to get at least a bit of a fantasy romance fix along with great fantasy stories. I’ll preface this by saying that these are older books and they’ll have some problematic things in them viewed from today so if you decide to go check them out, read a few reviews first!

The Pern series by Anne McCaffrey

The first series fantasy series I remember reading where I registered the romances was Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series. Dragonflight has a great heroine who has to navigate a society in trouble and find her own power.  While there’s some stuff that’s definitely old skool viewed from today, I loved it back then and still dip back into the series now and then to read some of my faves.

There are quite a few romances throughout the books (Anne McCaffrey actual wrote some romances in the seventies) and series and the society changes and develops. There’s even the odd bit of on page sex which was something that wasn’t common, at least not in what I was reading, though it’s pretty tame by today’s standards. And then, of course, there are telepathic dragons. Who else is a sucker for a dragon?

The Valdemar books by Mercedes Lackey

The next fantasy series that stuck with me were Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar books. There are a lot of these, and I don’t think I’ve read them all but I really loved them. The books share a world but the sub-series and trilogies move around in time and place within that world. There are more magical animals (I’m sensing a theme) but also, lots of relationships and romances, including queer relationships.

Dragon Prince by Melanie Rawn

Pern and Valdemar are both great worlds but the first book that springs to mind where the plot really centers around a relationship is Dragon Prince by Melanie Rawn. The hero is a royal who has to get married (hello, marriage of convenience) and doesn’t want to marry the obvious candidate being presented, chooses someone else and enlists them in some political scheming along the way while they fall in love. If you like things on the angsty side, there’s quite a bit of drama in these books.

Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey

The last book I want to talk about is Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey. This was probably the first fantasy I read where sex was squarely centred in the plot. The heroine, Phedre, is a natural submissive, and bisexual, and trains as a courtesan/spy. This is a big complicated world with lots of drama and lots of spice and goes to some dark places. But the romance that threads through is gorgeous and it’s a great world if you don’t mind the kink and it definitely played a big role in fantasy books getting spicier.

So let’s raise a glass to some of the books and authors who kicked this thing off. I have to say I’m looking forward to reading romantic fantasies for many more years and seeing where new authors take us!

About M.J. Scott

M.J. Scott is a RITA® Award nominated author of fantasy and urban fantasy. She is an unrepentant bookworm. Luckily she grew up in a family that fed her a properly varied diet of books and these days is surrounded by people who are understanding of her story addiction.

When not wrestling one of her own stories to the ground, she can generally be found reading someone else’s. Her other distractions include yarn, cat butlering, dark chocolate and fabric. Visit her at www.mjscott.net.

The post Books That Blooded Me first appeared on FaRo Society.

Fantasy Romance is a growing genre… but it has been around for a while! In today’s guest blog, Cheryl A. Hunter tells us about some of her favourite older stories with fantasy romance elements.

The Odyssey

Some of my favorite fantasy romance stories are the classical hero stories of Greek Mythology. The heroes embark on amazing adventures with extraordinary challenges, characters with magical abilities, remarkable settings, and romance. The universal themes of bravery, love, and heartbreak resonate as much with a modern audience as they did with the ancient audience.

Think about The Odyssey. Odysseus left Troy and began a ten year journey to return home to Penelope, his one true love. He faced a cyclops, a witch, his men were turned into swine, he navigated his boat and crew past the sirens, and he ventured into the underworld. He was helped and hindered by the gods along the way, but his goal was to return to Penelope.

She faced her own challenges while Odysseus was away. She was beset with suiters who wanted Odysseus’ throne. She had to be cunning to hold off these men because she loved her husband and was faithful to him. She devised a challenge and said she would marry the suitor who could string Odysseus’ bow and then shoot an arrow through a line of twelve hoops. Of course, none could string the bow.

Odysseus, in disguise, met the challenge and then killed the men who took advantage of Penelope and wanted to wed her only for personal gain. With a little help from Athena, the couple was able to have their happy ever after.

Arthurian legends

Greek and Roman hero stories influenced the Medieval romantic court stories of the 12^th century. Chivalrous romance developed with stories of legendary kings and knights who performed heroic and extraordinary deeds.

In the Arthurian Legends, Lancelot was one of King Arthur’s most trusted knights. He swore to protect the queen, but the two fell in love. Lancelot defended Guinevere and fought for his country, but he had to reconcile his love for Guinevere with his loyalty to the king.

The Lord of the Rings

Saving others is a heroic act that threads through many fantasy stories. J.R.R. Tolkien has been considered the father of modern fantasy with his epic tale The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien’s stories feature fantastic realms, magical characters, elves, dwarves, and all manner of creatures. There is war, death, magic, and romance. This heroic tale was never categorized as romance, but at the end, Tolkien paired off many of the main characters: Aragorn and Arwen, Faramir and Éowyn, Sam and Rosie, and Éomer and Lothíriel.

Perhaps Tolkien’s motivation was to reinforce the idea that love conquers all. The story proves to the reader that even after challenges, death, and horrible events, it is still possible to have a happy ever after. Fantasy romance authors today, like the authors who came before them, seek to take the reader to a place where there may be challenges and heartache, but there is also hope and the promise of love.

About Cheryl A. Hunter

Cheryl A. Hunter is an author and artist. Her books span multiple genres including contemporary fiction, paranormal fantasy, and nonfiction. Cheryl is also an artist who works in glass, ink and watercolor, and photography. When she is not writing, taking pictures, or creating glass art, she loves to travel. Her interest in Ancient Greek and Roman cultures has taken her to many archaeological sites and museums in several countries.

The post Favourite Classical FaRo Stories first appeared on FaRo Society.

One of the challenges – and rewards – of Fantasy Romance is resolving the demands of the two contributing genres. Fantasy arguably demands larger-than-life deeds, even heroic ones. We want our female leads to be more than trophies. Whether scholar, warrior, bard, sorceress, or ruler, these women are living lives of epic scope. They have courage, skill, intelligence, and determination. They’re nobody’s fragile flower. In fact their thorns are what allow them to survive.

However, a truth of romance is that—in a genre written primarily by and for women—there can be somewhat arcane standards of likability for the female leads. Expectations for women (and a hefty dose of programmed misogyny) require female leads who are loving, kind, and generous, who are the flowers of femininity, the rose in bloom.

Fortunately, kickass women are capable of being both at once: the rose and the thorns.

Personally, I love a thorny heroine. My favorite sort of female lead is one who has a thick skin, a well-armored heart, and a noble, generous nature that leads her to defend the weak and triumph over wrong. My favorite part is when her lover finds their way past those walls and into her trust.

Some of my favorite thorny heroines, old and new, including my own!

• Lady Veronica (Nic) Elal Phel, from my Bonds of Magic series, beginning with Dark Wizard. She tries to be reconciled to a life as a powerless familiar, but her pride and determination take her into making bold choices.
  
• Anhuset from Grace Draven’s Wraith Kings series. The prickly warrior woman first appears in Radiance, but The Ippos King tells her full story, and it’s amazing.
  
• In Intisar Khanani’s Goose Girl retelling, Thorn, the princess loses her name and chooses to be called Thoreena, which means the rose and thorns together. She’s an unassuming person by nature, but never budges on her integrity.
  
• Sorcha in Juliet Marillier’s Daughter of the Forest is barely thirteen when the story begins. She must labor in silence to undo a curse through great trials—and never gives up despite horrible torments and pressure. She is grace under pressure embodied.
  
• The warrior woman Kerowyn from Mercedes Lackey’s By the Sword is quintessentially thorny, with a big chip on her shoulder. She also has a tender heart and perfect pitch, so she never complains when someone sings off key. She was my first real warrior woman, and still my favorite.
  
• In Jennifer Estep’s new Gargoyle Queen series, beginning with Capture the Crown, Gemma is regarded as a pretty princess with an empty head—but she has thorns beneath the glitzy image, working as a spy to save her kingdom.
  
• The book Deerskin was my introduction to Robin McKinley’s work, and Princess Lissla Lissar is still one of my favorite characters. She’s traumatized to the point of amnesia, but she finds herself again and fights back heroically.
  
• My first and always favorite thorny heroine is Lessa from Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern books. Dragonflight tells her tale and I will forever hold a place in my heart for the fiery woman who always followed her own path and never took shit from anyone.
  
• I’ll finish out this list with my own favorite thorny heroine, Ursula from my Twelve Kingdoms trilogy. The Talon of the Hawk is her story, though she appears in all three, and there’s a lot of Lessa, Kerowyn, and Lissar in her. She’s my first, and perhaps best homage, to the thorny heroine

About Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy is an award-winning author whose works include novels, non-fiction, poetry, and short fiction.  She has been a Ucross Foundation Fellow, received the Wyoming Arts Council Fellowship for Poetry, and was awarded a Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Award. Jeffe lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with two Maine coon cats, plentiful free-range lizards and a very handsome Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Visit her at www.jeffekennedy.com.

The post A Rose Without Thorns first appeared on FaRo Society.

When someone asks about my favorite books, I always give the same answer: enemies to lovers until I die. Obviously. Duh. Always.

But why? That’s harder to answer. Because the answer is, really: SO MANY REASONS. I mean, how much time do you have?

It’s the hatred that gives way to banter that gets me swooning; the chemistry that has me turning page after page. It’s the mounting tension, the delicious yearning, the absolute head-in-the-sand stubbornness. It’s the first kiss. That first moment the couple finally, finally drops their guard and lets the other in. It’s all these reasons, and so many more, enemies-to-lovers is the most addictive trope out there.

And, lucky for you, I’ve rounded up 8 of the best enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance reads out there! Read on, friends.

Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau 

Exiled beast charmer Leena Edenfrell is in deep trouble. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts on the black market—an offense punishable by death—and now there’s a price on her head. With the realm’s most talented murderer-for-hire nipping at her heels, Leena makes him an offer he can’t refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life.

If only it were that simple. Unbeknownst to Leena, the undying ones are bound by magic to complete their contracts, and Noc cannot risk his brotherhood of assassins…not even to save the woman he can no longer live without.

A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Kingdoms will rise and fall for her… but not if she can help it.

Catalia “Cat” Fisa lives disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She is perfectly content avoiding the danger and destiny the Gods-and her homicidal mother-have saddled her with. That is, until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south, fixes her with his steely gaze and upsets her illusion of safety forever.

Griffin knows Cat is the Kingmaker, the woman who divines the truth through lies. He wants her as a powerful weapon for his newly conquered realm-until he realizes he wants her for much more than her magic. Cat fights him at every turn, but Griffin’s fairness, loyalty, and smoldering advances make him increasingly hard to resist and leave her wondering if life really does have to be short, and lived alone.

A Deal With the Elf King by Elise Kova

Three-thousand years ago, humans were hunted by powerful races with wild magic until the treaty was formed. Now, for centuries, the elves have taken a young woman from Luella’s village to be their Human Queen.

To be chosen is seen as a mark of death by the townsfolk. A mark nineteen-year-old Luella is grateful to have escaped as a girl. Instead, she’s dedicated her life to studying herbology and becoming the town’s only healer.

That is, until the Elf King unexpectedly arrives… for her.

Everything Luella had thought she’d known about her life, and herself, was a lie. Taken to a land filled with wild magic, Luella is forced to be the new queen to a cold yet blisteringly handsome Elf King. Once there, she learns about a dying world that only she can save.

The magical land of Midscape pulls on one corner of her heart, her home and people tug on another… but what will truly break her is a passion she never wanted.

Claimed by the Lion by January Bell

Wishing on a falling star is supposed to be a silly family tradition. It’s definitely not supposed to send me and my sisters to another dimension.

When I wake, my sisters are gone, and in their place? A prehistoric-sized lion… who shifts into a man.

He insists I’m his fated mate. Yeah, right. I’m desperate to find my sisters and get back to Earth. But when his touch triggers magic in me, he’s sure it’s proof we’re destined.

Whatever the power is, it attracts a creature out for my blood… and my sisters’. According to Ras, only mating will unlock my full powers and keep me safe.

All I know for sure? It’s getting a helluva lot harder to resist the attraction between us.

Queen of Empire by H.R. Moore

Anita has never been ordinary, she’s been special her entire life; not only can she see the energy of others, a rare skill, but she’s won every Body challenge she’s ever entered. So when the powerful, good looking Descendants, Marcus and Alexander, mysteriously arrive in Empire, her difference attracts and keeps their attention.

Once in Empire, the sudden death of ruling Body Descendant, Christiana, sets in motion a number of events; a quest for the treacherous Austin to find the girl Christiana had been looking for; a challenge where Anita stands out more vibrantly than ever before; a perilous dip in the world’s energy; and a dangerous belief among the people that they will never truly be free.

Powerful factions soon form within the ruling elite and when a trusted friend and mentor reaches out to ask for Anita’s help, she has to make a choice; help her friend and betray the one she loves, or do nothing and watch the people starve.

Radiance by Grace Draven

The Prince of no value: Brishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has lived content as the nonessential spare heir to a throne secured many times over. A trade and political alliance between the human kingdom of Gaur and the Kai kingdom of Bast-Haradis requires that he marry a Gauri woman to seal the treaty. Always a dutiful son, Brishen agrees to the marriage and discovers his bride is as ugly as he expected and more beautiful than he could have imagined.

The noblewoman of no importance: Ildiko, niece of the Gauri king, has always known her only worth to the royal family lay in a strategic marriage. Resigned to her fate, she is horrified to learn that her intended groom isn’t just a foreign aristocrat but the younger prince of a people neither familiar nor human. Bound to her new husband, Ildiko will leave behind all she’s known to embrace a man shrouded in darkness but with a soul forged by light.

Two people brought together by the trappings of duty and politics will discover they are destined for each other, even as the powers of a hostile kingdom scheme to tear them apart.

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

A warrior princess trained in isolation, Lara is driven by two certainties. The first is that King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom is her enemy. And the second is that she’ll be the one to bring him to his knees.

The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom enriches itself and deprives its rivals, including Lara’s homeland. So when she’s sent as a bride under the guise of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture its impenetrable defenses. And the defenses of its king.

Yet as she infiltrates her new home and gains a deeper understanding of the war to possess the bridge, Lara begins to question whether she’s the hero or the villain. And as her feelings for Aren transform from frosty hostility to fierce passion, Lara must choose which kingdom she’ll save… and which kingdom she’ll destroy.

STORYSINGER by Lindsay Landgraf Hess (a.k.a. yours truly)

SURPRIIIIIIIIIISE!! I wrote this book. So yes, I’m a little biased in saying it’s one of my favorites. I hope you love it.

Ruby Roberts has it all: A record-breaking storysinging career. Legions of adoring fans spanning the three worlds who love her magic-infused spoken word storysongs. A personal-boundaries-challenged cat to lap water from her bathtub and keep her warm at night. But beneath her glittery public persona, Ruby’s newest collection of storysongs is far more raw than the upbeat material she’s known for, more daringly honest about her history of depression and anxiety—and the future of her career lies in its success.

Jack Taylor used to have it all. After his cheating ex-fiancé took him for all he was worth, the fallout burned his elite private security business to ashes. So when Ruby’s manager hires him as the superstar’s new head of security, he jumps at the paycheck. Ruby is Jack’s ticket to financial stability—in more ways than one. He strikes a secret deal with a major press outlet, quietly selling insider info on Ruby’s forthcoming new storysongs.

When the press’ attention hits too close to home, Jack is forced to move into Ruby’s penthouse for ‘round-the-clock protection. Soon the smoldering chemistry between them is too hot to deny. As their relationship heats up, scorching the line between professional and personal, Ruby must decide how much of her heart she’ll risk for this relative stranger when her career’s on the line, and Jack must decide between a massive payout and a future with the woman he’s falling for. All the while, the press is hot on their tail, and Ruby has no idea Jack’s the one who’s been selling them her secrets.

There you have it. Eight delicious, un-put-downable, keep-you-reading-long-into-the-night, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romances. Which is your favorite? Which others deserve to be added to the list? Let me know in the comments!

About Lindsay Landgraf Hess

Lindsay writes strategic marketing content, and books with magic and kissing. She’s the mother of two mostly feral babies, two cats, one dog, and an almost entirely house-broken husband. When she’s not writing or keeping her toddlers from playing in the toilet like it’s their own personal splash pad, she prefers to spend her time devouring as many tacos as she can get my hands on. Learn more about her and her books at www.lindsaylhess.com.

The post 8 Favourite Books with Enemies to Lovers first appeared on FaRo Society.

I have always been fascinated by Celtic history and mythology and if there is one thing I love, it’s fantasy romance novels that have Celtic ties. From the faeries, to the Irish bean sidhe, to the Scottish kelpie, so much of Celtic legend and lore lends itself to being perfect for fantasy romance. Here are six Celtic and Celtic inspired fantasy romances from my shelf:

Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier

Low Fantasy (Historical)

Heat: Smoldering

Beloved child, dutiful daughter, Liadan embarks on a journey that opens her eyes to the wonders of the world around her…and shows her just how hard-won was the peace that she has known all her life.

Liadan will need all of her courage to help save her family, for there are forces far darker than anyone could have guessed and ancient powers conspiring to destroy this family’s peace–and their world. And she will need the strength to stand up to those she loves best, for in the finding of her own true love, Liadan’s course may doom them all…or be their salvation.

The Rose Gate by Hannah Sandvig

Portal Fantasy

Heat: Sweet/Clean

All Isobel wants is a quiet place to read, but apparently that’s too much to ask. She only needs to make it through one last summer with her broken family before she can leave for university and get on with her life.

Caught out in the forest after dark, Isobel is pursued by a disturbingly intelligent pack of wolves. When the grizzly bear who rescues her turns out to be a cursed fae prince, she realizes her life isn’t the only thing in danger. She could lose her heart.

Trapped by the wolves at the prince’s home in Faerie, Isobel tries to unravel the mystery behind the surly prince’s scars. Because time is running out for the castle’s inhabitants, and if Isobel can’t find a way to break the spell and save the prince from the Unseelie Queen, she may lose everything she’s come to love.

Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier

Low Fantasy (Historical)

Heat: Smoldering

Whistling Tor is a place of secrets, a mysterious, wooded hill housing the crumbling fortress belonging to Anluan—a chieftain whose name is spoken throughout the region in tones of revulsion and bitterness. A curse lies over Anluan’s family and his people, and the woods themselves hold a perilous force whose every whisper threatens doom.

Then the young scribe Caitrin appears in Anluan’s garden, admiring the rare plant known as heart’s blood. Retained to sort through entangled family documents, Caitrin brings about unexpected changes in the household, casting a hopeful light against the despairing shadows.

But even as Caitrin brings solace to Anluan, and the promise of something more between them, he remains in thrall to the darkness surrounding Whistling Tor. To free Anluan’s burdened soul, Caitrin must unravel the web of sorcery woven by his ancestors before it claims his life—and their love…

The Hunter: Tales of Pern Coen by Hannah E. Carey

Epic Low Magic (Other World)

Heat: Sweet/Clean

Forced to flee her uncle’s palace in the dead of night in order to save her own life, Duchess Rhiannon of Solis finds herself pulled into an ongoing war. She seeks safety on the shores of the island of Pern Coen, though she knows little of the strange land and its even stranger Spirits. A stroke of fate leaves her at the mercy of a band of rebels led by a notorious outlaw, a man the people of the island call the Hunter.

Conor has lost his family and his home. Forced to live in exile, he dreams of the day that the people of Pern Coen win back their freedom. He has no love for the Empire of Kelnore, but when he finds an injured Kelnorian noblewoman, he can’t bring himself to abandon her. Against his better judgment, Conor offers Rhiannon his protection, but the more time he spends with her, the more he finds his feelings toward her shifting. He’s already had his heart shattered once, does he dare take that risk again with a woman who should be his sworn enemy?

Awakening the Celtic Gods by Kristin Gleeson

Low Fantasy Urban

Heat: Smoldering

Soairse knows playing traditional music once a week in a local Dublin pub won’t get her a career, but it’s all she’s got, especially after she’s fired from her barista job. But then her father dies and her life is set into a spin, especially when an unknown grandmother comes calling..

Music is Smithy’s one joy that is left to him that has a residue of the magic he lost long ago. Creating things in his forge, tucked away in rural Cork, increasingly reminds him of what he’s lost and why he must resist the requests of the Tuatha De Danann. They want him to join their efforts to battle their biggest nemesis, who is threatening the destruction of Eire, the land they hold so dear.

But events and gods conspire to bring Saoirse and Smithy to the path that was meant to be. It’s time for the gods to awake and answer the call to defend the land.

The Faceless Woman by Emma Hamm

Epic Swords and Sorcery

Heat: Smoldering

A town will only suffer the presence of a witch for as long as she is useful. Aisling watches the flames lick her thighs and prays for a quick death. But when an Unseelie prince appears through the smoke, she does what any self respecting witch would do.

She curses him.

Bran should never have traveled to the human realm, and is shocked when a witch binds them together. His life is hers and he refuses to die. He saves her from the fires, casts a hex on the townsfolk for good measure, then whisks her away to safety. His only stipulation? She has to remove the binding curse.

Unfortunately for them both, she can’t. Witch and Unseelie must travel across the Otherworld to break the ties that bind them. Secrets and lies stand between them, but both will stop at nothing to save themselves.

Hannah began telling stories from a young age and hasn’t stopped since. She read her first romance novel as a young teen, quickly falling in love with the genre. Most of her stories are a blend of romance and fantasy, inspired by her love of mythology. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading romance novels and spending time with her husband, horses, and dog on her small hobby farm. Learn more about her and her books at hannahcarey.com.

The post 6 FaRo Books If You Love Celtic Fantasy first appeared on FaRo Society.

Regency England is synonymous with Jane Austen’s classic, beloved novels. Today, a new generation of authors are adding magic to this romantic historical period. Tiffany Dawn Kohnen gives us five reasons to be excited about regency fantasy romance.

If Jane Austen was still alive, she would probably faint at the thought of mixing magic with romance. It’s scandalous. We don’t live in those days. Here are some reasons why the happy marriage between Regency historical romance and low fantasy is perfect. Imagine if you will, a Mr. Darcy as a fae! (There are no such books as far as I know with him being one, and I would love to know if there is…) Without further ado, on to the reasons!

1. The slow burn romance—with magic!

I love a romance where the two love interests don’t confess their love until the very end. To see them waver back and forth about their love… Their heads are rife with doubt… and then they finally—during a black moment—admit to themselves they love the other. On the final two pages of the book, they confess!

In an amazing love story, Olivia Atwarer’s Half A Soul had the heroine not realize she is falling in love until a black moment occurs. Whenever her thoughts of love came to her mind, she denies it, thinking the only usefulness she had for the man is being a fun puzzle to be solved. She also denied the truth because she believed the hero would never love her. I loved the slow pacing of their romantic journey because it tugged at my heart in such a heady way.

2. Fae pairs so charmingly together with Regency-era Folks

When you have ladies and gents not forthcoming about their feelings, and they have to dance around one another—sometimes literally! This sort of behavior reminds me of the fae. Faeries cannot lie, and they have to dance around the truth. They twist it in a way that is still true. It makes for a fun read! 

For example, the Stariel series by AJ Lancaster is not precisely set in the Regency era but in the same Gaslamp Fantasy Romance genre. The fae and humans do what they can to maintain secrecy. However, the heroine, Hetta, has a habit of speaking her mind, it’s funny to read because she struggles with that and her fae lover doesn’t. When Hetta successfully said something fae-like, she thought to herself, “…feeling very fae…”

Fae and High Society sure love to talk in circles in London, or in the case of Stariel series, Meridon.

3. Describing magic in a historical voice is so delicious to read

There’s modern voice, and there’s historical voice. There’s a fear of reading and writing extremely pompous and unnecessary purple prose; but—somehow—that’s not an issue in these books. Writing historical voice to describe romance and magic gives that whimsy feel that I love so much about Regency Fantasy Romance.

I highly enjoyed the author’s voice, Melissa McShane, in her Extraordinaries series. I was enraptured by each standalone love story book in the same world for a multitude of reasons. I could not stop reading and even broke my Kindle’s daily reading streak tracker because of this series (75 consecutive days!). Part of that is because I loved the word choices she chose, her worldbuilding, the characters she brought to life with her words… it was magical. I can’t wait for the next installment of the series, Beguiling Birthright!

4. The plots of Regency get even more dramatic and fun when you involve magic

There are some amazing Regency historical love stories that have many subplots, including heat levels of their romance. Throw in some magic, and it takes these subplots to a whole new level. 

Sure, we’ve got a sister who wants love in her future marriage, a brother willing to sue to get his inheritance, another sister doing her familial duty and find a man with good status, another brother wants revenge for what happened to his father. Sounds like a charming Regency family saga, right? But what if you made them all dragons?

There’s the premise of a story I found that looked amazing to read, and it is next in my reading pile, Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton. It was published two decades ago, and that goes to show that Regency Fantasy Romance is a timeless subgenre. I can’t wait to read it!

Then there’s the heat levels of romance to change things up and complicate matters. Regency ladies are supposed to maintain their virtue until marriage. But some throw that out the window for story reasons.

I don’t often read or write spicy scenes, but I enjoyed the slow-burn tension that is built up between the two characters in Unmasking Miss Appleby by Emily Larkin. The buildup of the characters in the story with a magical twist is quite something else! If you like it steamy, you must read her Baleful Godmother series by the same author!

5. The Regency era’s problems were simpler

How does the heroine solve her family’s finances? Marry a titled rich gentleman, of course. How do you avenge a murder and get away with it? There’s not exactly a CSI unit in those days. Throw in some magic into those stories, and it makes the problems a little more fantastical and charming reads. Regency Fantasy Romance is an excellent escapist wish fulfillment with problems that doesn’t remind us of our own. Their world is both familiar and different enough from ours to allow for that. How do you throw in magic into a rags-to-riches billionaire story? Perhaps a magician duke will save the lady’s family from financial ruin if she will marry him… because she has magic he wants.

That’s why I love to write Regency and Gaslamp Fantasy Romance stories. They are so much fun to plot, write, edit, and read them. My first fiction series, Lenses of Magic, lets me explore this beautiful genre. In A Lady’s Lens by Tiffany Dawn Kohnen, we have Holly whose magic is out of control and learns to control it with her apprentice master, Brandon. However, a villain to have her is trying to keep Holly from Brandon because he wants her powers… Mmm. It is so much fun to write the series!

About Tiffany Dawn Kohnen

Tiffany Dawn Kohnen is a Gaslamp Fantasy Romance indie author with dabblings in other genres. She is surrounded by attention-seeking cats and magic-loving young girls while she writes. Get her books through her website: KohnenBooks.com and be sure to follow her on social media.

The post 5 Reasons to Love Regency Fantasy first appeared on FaRo Society.