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Did you see the new category in last year's Goodreads Choice Awards? Romantic fantasy has been on the rise for years, and Goodreads recognized that by having a whole category featuring Romantasy. Here are two books coming out later this month that you will want to add to your reading list.
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Behooved by M. Stevenson
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| May 2025; Bramble; 978-1250375087 audio, ebook, print (352 pages); romantic fantasy |
Duchess Bianca marries the neighboring kingdom's heir to unite their countries and avoid the threat of war. Prince Aric is cold and seems to hate her on sight. Even worse, an assassination attempt on their wedding night leaves him magically transformed into a horse. Bianca rides him away to safety, but is framed for his murder as part of a larger plot against the throne. Aric is a horse by day and a man by night, and the two of them are on the run and forced to get to know each other better. Bianca and Aric must rely on each other to unravel the curse and save the throne.
Bianca has a chronic illness that leaves her in pain and nauseous for hours to days at a time. Her parents see it as weakness, and instilled in her that she's only worthwhile if she can do what House Liliana needs. This leads her to the marriage and trying to protect Aric for the good of her people in avoiding war. Her people use magic via devices, and his use blood magic fir certain spells; the combination leads to Aric getting cursed. Of course the two are at odds, each thinking the other despises them, and the threat of death hangs over them both. The journey forces them together, talking, getting to know each other, and figuring out the magic as well as who wants them dead.
This is a fun fantasy romance, for all that there is the threat if assassination and blood magic. The two snark at each other and complement each other. Both perceive failings in themselves, but the other sees strength. The book clearly shows that strength takes different forms. You don't need a foil or sword to be a hero. Knowledge and the desire to help others is a strength. Persistence in the face of constant struggle is a strength. Kindness and loyalty are to be rewarded. These are great themes to have alongside the romance, and the ending was lots of fun to read. I really enjoyed this book.
Buy Behooved at Amazon
A Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBride
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| May 2025; Delacorte Press; 978-0593972946 audio, ebook, print (416 pages); romantic fantasy |
Tìr Teine once had strong queens, but kings under the influence of the True Religion weakened the region with their anti-magic teachings. Born to rule and blessed by fire, Aemyra lives in hiding, waiting for the current king’s death so she can bond to his dragon, claim her throne, and protect her people. When this plan is foiled, she's thrust into the spotlight after all. Prince Fiorean is a dragon rider and formidable fire wielder as well as everything Aemyra despises. The two are forced to forge an alliance as chaos erupts, which is nothing they had expected.
Aemyra, from the start, is sarcastic and has a temper to go with her ability to control fire. She is trained in blacksmithing and midwifery, and her fire control is seen as a gift from the Goddess. The True Religion is also sweeping through the land, widening the class divide and looking down on women. She is poised to claim the throne for the matriarchy, but of course, the other branch of the clan contests the claim and brands her a traitor. With essentially a civil war breaking out, the battles that ensue cover both those on the field as well as between Aemyra and the royal family. She must rely on Fiorean even as she doesn't trust him, and there are multiple other forces at work. Her hot-headed nature means she's easily manipulated, and there are some she trusts too easily.
There are times I found it hard to like the characters, but I still had to know what came next. They have conflicted emotions, and times of war mean that people die, soldiers are sacrificed, and the ones truly pulling the strings don't always reveal themselves. The kingdoms are heavily inspired by Scots Gaelic, with the matriarchy loyal to the Goddesses and their realms of magic. The True Believers are also known as Covenanters, and the utter disdain for women and willingness to inflict harm is appalling. The action sequences are well done and compelling, leading to the final showdown of the novel. It's political machinations and plotting with dragons, always a compelling mix.
Buy A Fate Forged in Fire at Amazon
Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.
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