I tried to start two new books last night.
Both attempts were unsuccessful; both novels, though highly recommended, seemed blah, dull and dry. I just couldn’t get into them. And I know why!
My last two reads were both sexy, action-packed fantasy romance novels set in the worlds of dragons and faeries. I think I’m broken now… any other book seems boring and ordinary!
Yes, I’ve finally entered the steamy worlds of ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. There’s literally no going back. My Libby (library) hold times are killing me – I want the next books in both series right this second!
I’m no stranger to nontraditional romance novels laced with smut – I grew up reading the Clan of the Cave Bear series (aka the Earth’s Children saga) back in the 80s and early 90s, and those were essentially “stone-age pornography.” I also enjoyed Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series (aka the True Blood books) and the very smutty Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton.
But the modern Romantasy genre seems to have taken on a life of its own, no doubt thanks to #BookTok constantly trending on TikTok. We’ve written about the #BookTok phenomenon before.
Even if you’re not following the TikTok reader community, it’s been hard to miss the hype about the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series or the Fourth Wing/Empyrean series. The recent buzz about Onyx Flame, the latest Empyrean installment by Rebecca Yarros, has even surpassed the fervor around later HP book releases back in the day.
The hallmark of these Romantasy, or spicy fantasy, books are strong yet nuanced female lead characters and, you guessed it, lots of well-written sex scenes. They’re also as action-packed as any blockbuster movie and full of romance but also drama, danger and deaths galore. In short, they’re easy to pick up and hard to put down!
When I first started reading A Court of Thorns and Roses, the first installment in the ACOTAR series, I was initially not a fan of its heroine. Feyre complained a lot and I didn’t like that. I did groove on the “Beauty & the Beast” vibes, but I spotted some red flags with her love interest. Then the action picked up and things got REALLY crazy; by the end, I was utterly hooked.
The second book in the series, A Court of Mist and Fury, was amazing from beginning to end. It had really great plot twists and action, terrific built-up sexual tension between Feyre and her fae du jour, and even spicier bedroom scenes than the first book. I demolished it and now I’m hungry to start the third in the series.
As for the Fourth Wing/Empyrean series, which I’m reading concurrently, I loved the first book and its heroine right out of the gate. Violet is super smart, lives with a chronic health condition and is a total badass even if she doesn’t know that about herself yet. Her love interest is Xaden Riorson, bad boy extraordinaire. Yum. Plus there are dragons, mean parents, tons of action, deaths galore, friendships, wars and telepathy. It’s just a terrific read.
After finishing Fourth Wing in record time, I’m now waiting for the second book, Iron Flame, on my free library app. I can’t wait to get my hands on it and start reading. I’m also desperately trying to duck spoilers online for Onyx Flame, the one that just came out, as my friends are already finishing it!
If you’re new to this addictive and fun reading genre, here’s a great list of top spicy fantasy romance novels to get you started. And if you have any book recommendations for me, I’d love to hear them!
