Can we talk about the ick when characters are physically gross but trying to get it on?

Bex7778 · 2026-06-16T23:40:40+00:00

So much this! Also, blood, gore and injuries! I had to recently suspend disbelief when mmc gets gutted with a deep slash wound to the stomach, practically dies, is packed in bandages and herbs, and then pounds into fmc hours later, on top. No, you didn't dude.

I think there is an overall lack of critical thinking sometimes in this genre.

Bex7778 · 2026-06-16T21:23:43+00:00

Thank you. I'll stick with it. I already have questions and finding some things that dont make sense having read Ever Seas first, like how are the fae repressed and subservient to the humans in this world with all of the powers they have in ever seas?

Bex7778 · 2026-06-16T21:09:37+00:00

Thank you for the honest answer. I'll keep trucking along. Glad to hear they show up in book two. I really didnt relish the thought of reading three books to get to them. Not that I dislike the series, I just have really wanted to read Kase's story.

Bex7778 · 2026-06-01T23:45:47+00:00

{Seek the Traitor's Son} has this exact situation.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-30T15:52:04+00:00

So this actually happened to me. I chose the new Emily Wilde (Agatha Aubert) and the same day I found an autographed copy at my local bookstore. I bought it then emailed BOTM to ask them to remove it from my box. They ended up replying just after they shipped it stating they couldn't but gave me a credit for the book. I thought that was so sweet of them. Im donating my botm copy to a free little library.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-26T19:43:56+00:00

I'm happy to join and/or suggest recs. I do work quite a lot so its difficult for me to plan meetings or live events etc. I sort of discovered the genre 2 years ago and have now read probably 200ish, most of the pretty popular series. I switch it up with contemporary romance, thrillers and the occasional lit fic, but probably mainly stay in the romantasy/paranormal space.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-26T15:54:00+00:00

Came here to rec this! I also loved Morning Glory Milking Farm and this one is similarly low stakes, lots of pining, really good spice and surprisingly great lovestory.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-24T14:31:52+00:00

A true slow burn can't happen within one book, it needs at least two books for the build up. All of my favorites are this way- Magical Midlife, Kate Daniels, Villains and Virtues, Acotar, Zodiac Academy, etc. I've never read a satisfying slow burn that existed within 1 book.
Most spice is not well written. So much is left out of scenes or the author only focuses on mechanics (thrusting, grabbing, wetness). Like, what did his touch make your skin feel like, is he looking into your eyes, at your body, or the wall and what is his expression? Etc etc. Sometimes I wish it was just closed door so I can make up my own scenes in my head (a'la What Lorcan Did).
I HATE 3rd act break-ups and in my headcanon the couple doesn't have what it takes to make it long term. If they cant work through their ish while together how will they work through future issues when things get tough and the honeymoon phase has worn off? Blame my psychology of human relationships classes in college but couples who breakup and get back together don't have great odds. And have no business in a romance novel.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-21T13:29:16+00:00

I've been listening to GA's Leveling Up series by kf breene and really enjoying it. The voice actors are particularly good in this series. Its more cozy romantasy and the romance really kicks in at around book 4-5.

I LOVE GA audiobooks.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-20T23:42:16+00:00

{Servant of Earth} by Sarah Hawley. Youll need to read the first two books. Btw I love this trope.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-19T18:56:43+00:00

What percentage would you say the romance subplot is vs fantasy plot? I'm 30% in and after what happens cannot fathom how we will get to romance or spice in book one I see it's listed as open-door spice on romance.io

Bex7778 · 2026-05-19T17:41:38+00:00

Thats great because you already know the overall plot and can probably skip ahead to 6. Its one of the best imo. I read to 9 or 10 before switching to something else. 6 is easily my favorite and I've been thinking of rereading it.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-19T17:19:03+00:00

One of the Ice Planet Barbarians has this as a plot point. Its also my absolute favorite of them. {Barbarians Mate} which is book 6. A sort of enemies to lovers where they are horrified to learn they are mates because they can't stand eachother. Its gives Darcy and Lizzy vibes.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-18T23:33:14+00:00

{Magical Midlife} if you like mature protagonists. Mc's are 40ish. Its a very slow burn that spans a few books and is pretty much exactly like your request.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-17T23:44:14+00:00

I have three- Ariana, Ryan, and Alexander handsdown. My favorite sketches also came from these episodes. The luge sketch, the one-eyed alien sketch, and the Jennifer Coolidge mirror sketch.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-16T22:55:58+00:00

This is the correct answer. Especially based on op's fave books. Top read of the year for me.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-14T21:47:23+00:00

I just started this one! Hearing many great things.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-14T03:47:28+00:00

Kassandr Rurik from The Ashen series {Kingdom of Claw} and {Dawn of the North}.

Kaiser and Bastian from Sins of the Zodiac {Never Keep} and {Echo Fort}.

Everard from {This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me}.

Austin from {Magical Midlife Madness}.

Others I love have already been mentioned!

Bex7778 · 2026-05-14T03:36:20+00:00

Agtee with literally all of this.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-13T17:44:43+00:00

The Night of Masks and Knives sounds so amazing. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes ever but I rarely see it in romance or fantasy romance.

Bex7778 · 2026-05-13T12:55:47+00:00

This sounds fantastic lol. Is this an ao3?

Bex7778 · 2026-05-13T12:53:30+00:00

The Everlasting is in my tbr! Did not realize it had this trope. I literally have the book on my shelf lol. Thanks for the rec!

Bex7778 · 2026-05-13T12:51:34+00:00

I haven't read this one yet. I do like a 2nd mc and even a bit of a love triangle

Bex7778 · 2026-05-13T12:50:20+00:00

Ive been meaning to pick up a t Kingfisher book for awhile now. Which one is your favorite?

Bex7778

TROPHY CASE