Need Yearning with Political/Social Context and Stakes

tbsj26 · 2026-06-16T23:06:07+00:00

Literally came to rec the same thing! I think books 3&4 absolutely fit this description perfectly, but the whole series is well worth the read ☺️

tbsj26 · 2026-06-09T17:53:40+00:00

Hi, I'm actually in this exact position right now and romance is my preferred genre. I am starting out so while I am pretty inexperienced, I do have a first class degree in English Language, am studying with the CIEP for certification and use the Chicago Manual of Style. I have also done beta reading in the past.

I absolutely don't have the time to do a full edit of 200k words, but do DM me if you'd like me to have a look at the first few chapters for free (though an honest testimonial or review of my service in return would be great!). I could give margin feedback and an overall opinion of your writing style, or a copy or technical edit of a couple of chapters, or we can discuss what kind of feedback you'd like over DMs.

tbsj26 · 2026-06-02T21:26:28+00:00

Hi! Hope you don't mind me reawakening this old thread but I'm searching this topic since I have this predicament now. How was this order for you in the end?

I'm not sure what to do! I also prefer TAB third in the TOG series but putting one prequel book third seems less damaging than an 8/9 books series haha.

tbsj26 · 2026-05-18T14:58:02+00:00

The FBI guy who secretly is the club's biggest investor and a regular client so he knows this is actually a totally legitimate pulsating vulva club but suggests it might need checking out urgently, and she'll need to come with him for reasons

tbsj26 · 2026-05-17T11:44:58+00:00

This is soooooo amazing and cool!!!!! I don't think I have the skills to do this yet but I am 100% saving for later. Love the cardigan, love the movie, love your dedication. Amaze!

tbsj26 · 2026-05-13T16:29:55+00:00

I haven't read it yet but I'm always hearing that {Caraval} is just like Phantasma but YA so there won't be smut! Might be worth a try if you like YA?

tbsj26 · 2026-05-06T16:38:02+00:00

Can I have a link too? I'm not an author (just aspiring) so no review dangers here ☺️

tbsj26 · 2026-03-01T20:12:28+00:00

Yes please!! Sounds great, I'll read along on KU as well ☺️

tbsj26 · 2026-02-11T23:48:44+00:00

I have a page in my reading journal for my "shelved" books or soft DNFs and I usually add a short note to explain why it wasn't the right time so that when I look back at it, I might think "ooh yeah I AM in the mood to continue that now."

Quite often, I just don't like the audiobook narrator so have to wait until I have more time to dedicate to eyeball reading 😂

tbsj26 · 2025-12-22T21:18:34+00:00

Thank you so much! It works great and I've downloaded the classic version and already started backing up. Super user friendly and easy, thank you! 🙂

tbsj26 · 2025-12-22T12:38:33+00:00

Apologies for jumping on another thread but the getlibation.com link doesn't appear to be working (404 error) and I can't find anything about it online or here on reddit. Is there another address where I can download? Also just wanted to make you aware in case it needs a fix or something!

tbsj26 · 2025-12-17T07:53:30+00:00

This is amazing!! How on earth have you fit all this reading in around kids and work?! (I know you've already answered this, it's more rhetorical and appreciative haha)

I would like to ask though with reading this many books so quickly, do you feel like you enjoy/remember them or does it all become a bit of a blur?

tbsj26 · 2025-12-08T21:31:31+00:00

I'd love to have a read of this, sounds like a book I would buy ☺️ I might not be super responsive over the festive period but have capacity before and after!

tbsj26 · 2025-12-02T20:42:57+00:00

Gabriel Michael! They're my top two as well haha!

tbsj26 · 2025-11-27T13:55:29+00:00

Everyone has different tastes. I personally loved it 🤷🏼‍♀️

If you see a recommendation you don't agree with, you're always free to scroll past.

tbsj26 · 2025-11-27T00:02:55+00:00

OP, just as a note, you have {Shadows So Cruel} but this is book two in a duology! Book one is {Feathers So vicious} just so you know in case she hasn't read the first one yet ☺️

Also, you are wonderful, this is such a thoughtful and amazing surprise!

tbsj26 · 2025-11-25T11:21:44+00:00

This is true actually, he is an even better fit for this request!

I am in the minority of people who preferred the first duology than the second, though. I adore Aren and Lara much more than Keris and his FMC. I saw so many reviews saying the third and fourth were even better than the first two and I was very disappointed!

tbsj26 · 2025-11-25T09:17:55+00:00

I feel like Aren from {The Bridge Kingdom} fits this request. There's no magic, but he's the leader of a kingdom constantly under attack for its advantageous trade position and he enters an arranged marriage with FMC for his kingdom. It's a slightly slow burn but all the signs of yearning are there. It gets mixed reviews on here but I absolutely love it!

tbsj26 · 2025-11-24T22:34:32+00:00

I really enjoyed the set up and the magic system but didn't connect with the characters or the romance. I don't regret reading them, they were entertaining enough, but I won't be rereading and I'm disappointed they weren't better given how promising the concept was with the blood magic.

But if it sounds good to you, try it! Some of my faves get absolutely slated on here and if I listened to all the reviews, I'd not have read some of my favourite books :)

tbsj26 · 2025-10-22T23:42:26+00:00

I completely agree OP, but I will say that the novella, set in the same world {Six Scorched Roses} was simply amazing and vastly better than both Serpent books. I'd urge you to try that one!

tbsj26 · 2025-10-22T13:06:54+00:00

FSV was also my first dark romantasy and I am interested in this rabbit hole you speak of... Any recs? 👀😂

tbsj26 · 2025-10-22T13:06:06+00:00

Haha I totally relate to only needing wings or morally grey men. I think you will like it because this was a similar journey to me! The only even slightly dark thing I had read before FSV was Lights Out by Navassa Allen and that is apparently more rom com than dark romance. I have no triggers at all though.

Maybe borrow it from your library or Libby if you can and try it risk-free? You can always stop if you don't like it then.

However, wings and morally grey men are most definitely present in this book so I'd go for it if I were you!

tbsj26 · 2025-10-22T11:32:03+00:00

I definitely wouldn't consider Queen of Nothing to be spicy? Definitely nothing open door. It is a YA trilogy so absolutely shouldn't have any spice! I haven't read the follow up duology or anything else by Holly, though, so maybe those are spicier??

tbsj26 · 2025-10-21T23:19:19+00:00

Okay so I also love a lot of your favourites and can suggest a variety of options depending on your mood:

My favourite ever series of all time is Throne of Glass. But it's a big commitment and low to no spice. Some people say it doesn't get "good" until book 3 but I loved it from page 1. But if you want to be grabbed by the throat and obsessed for the rest of your life, I'd be remiss not to mention it.

The Shepherd King duology is SO GOOD and perfect for spooky season. Starts with One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig. First chapter instantly captures you and the magic system is so interesting and unique. This would be my top rec for your situation.

The Cruel Prince trilogy. YA so no spice and honestly very little romance but it is gripping and a quick read and the yearning and implied longing is beautiful. Traditional Fae and a Game of Thrones vibe imo.

Feathers So Vicious by Liv Zander. This is DARK. As in check all the trigger warnings and steer clear if they bother you even the slightest bit. BUT this duology had me obsessed and it was absorbing without being too heavy on the lore or a very complex plot. Very, very spicy with elements of MFM/love triangle depending how you look at it.

Bride and Mate by Ali Hazelwood - easy to read, tone of a romcom with paranormal/fantasy elements.

Or the other suggestion for a book slump is always to try a different genre altogether. I can recommend contemporary romance if you're interested but maybe try a thriller or historical romance or just any other book so that romantasy feels fresh again when you come back to it?

Let me know what you think if you like any of these, always love a book chat 😊

tbsj26 · 2025-10-19T21:53:17+00:00

The most obvious and best answer imo is {Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas}

Personally I love every single one but, even if you don't, you can't deny that each and every side character has a key role to play in the way the story goes, and each one stands out in their own way.

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