It’s been a long time since an epic high fantasy sank its claws into me like this, and I’m already itching for the next installment. If you loved The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen or crave the high-stakes vibes of Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm, Smoke and Scare might just be your next obsession.
What a story. I originally picked this book up because the cover, title, and synopsis intrigued me. It wasn’t until I was already a good ~20% in that I realized it was actually book two of a trilogy. So, naturally, I paused, went back, and read book one first…
Isabel Ibañez delivers something truly special with Graceless Heart—a richly imagined historical fantasy that balances political tension, slow-burn romance, and quiet emotional devastation, all without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard. I genuinely could not put it down.
Tempests and Tea Leaves is a delightful blend of magical charm, sharp banter, and slow-burn romance—think Bridgerton (season 2!) meets fae fantasy, with a dash of Pride and Prejudice. Rachel Morgan has truly crafted a world where magic is everything, but it’s also about navigating society’s expectations, personal growth, and, of course, falling in love when you least expect it.
Douglas Brunt’s The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel is not only packed with fascinating information about Diesel himself, but it also offers a sharp look at the quarter century leading up to World War I. Weaving together the lives of key figures, Brunt shows how their ambitions collided with the era’s political and economic turmoil.
Bottom line: If you love fantasy romance with badass heroines, cinnamon roll MMCs who can still wreck people, and a story that keeps you glued to the pages, read this ASAP. And if anyone knows how long I have to wait for book two, please tell me so I can emotionally prepare.
Tananarive Due’s The Reformatory is a harrowing, skillfully crafted novel that I’m still thinking about long after the final page—both as a horror story and as a searing indictment of the brutal realities of the Jim Crow South. It is an unflinching blend of historical fiction, horror, and social commentary, exposing the evils of systemic racism through the eyes of twelve-year-old Robbie Stephens Jr., a boy whose only crime is defending his sister.
Oath of Betrayal, book 1 of Olena Nikitin’s new The Cursed Bonds duology, is a stunning entry into high fantasy, brimming with epic world-building, a unique magic system, and Nikitin’s signature fascinating blend of Slavic mythology.
Vilest Things by Chloe Gong is a brilliantly layered sequel that surpasses the first book in its complexity and depth. The political intrigue, high stakes, constant plot twists, and the intoxicatingly dysfunctional romance subplot make it such a good read. Gong’s ability to mix humor, tragedy, and romance within such a dark, twisty framework is impressive. A must-read for fans of retellings, star-crossed lovers, morally gray characters, and fantasy worlds where the price of power is steep.
Cleo White’s Second Edition is a beautiful love story with a delightful blend of charm, sensuality, and emotional depth. The idyllic setting, excellent character development, symbolism, and a love story that feels both real and enchanting make it a must-read for fans of true love, hope, second chance romances, and well-done age gaps.
Crimson Stained Catalyst by Rebecca Ethington is an incredible start to The Last Fae King series. The story pulls you into a world of fae and power-wielding humans (unlike any you’ve experienced before), magic, and multidimensional characters that you’ll quickly get hooked on. This book is a MUST-READ.
In Worthy of Fate by A.N. Caudle, Kya faces a perilous trial for the unwanted chance at great power, while Ryker, her fated mate, grapples with dark forces threatening his nation. With addictive tension and immersive world-building, this fantasy romance promises an unforgettable experience. A gem of a debut!
