Every year, cutting down my favorite books of the year into a single list is a Sisyphean task. This year is no exception. 2025 brought truly incredible romances of all different kinds, and it is such a joy to celebrate the ones that truly stuck with me as the year comes to a close.
A gentle reminder that this site is run by one person, and while I read a great deal, I can’t read every book written in a year. So, if your favorite isn’t on here, don’t hate me, I’m doing my best. Without further ado, here are The Nora Theory’s Best Romances of 2025.
Fantasy Romance
The Everlasting Possession Duet by Maggie Sunseri
The Everlasting Possession Duet by Maggie Sunseri is a fantasy vampire stalker romance, set in an elaborate magical world with witches, shifters, humans, and of course, vampires. This book perfectly blends spice, romance, and fantasy into a sweeping tale that is impossible to put down.
Kylo and Evie’s chemistry is electric. He worships her, and it makes for spice that is sheer perfection. There is dominance, bondage, and shadow play, and all of the kink feels so very right for these two.
The world-building used to craft Ravenia is exceptional. There’s an evil witchy cult, gorgeous descriptions of Evie’s magic, and two different kinds of vampires. Goddesses and mortal universities coexist in the same story, and yet it feels completely natural.
One of my favorite things is reading an author and experiencing them getting better with every book, and that is very much the case with this duet. As much as I adored Eternal Obsessions, this book is somehow even better. Political intrigue and rebellion are melded seamlessly with fantasy, character development, and kink in a way that makes for a truly magical read.
Spice: 4
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros is the third book in The Empyrean, a stunning romantasy series about dragon riders at a war college. This series is the hottest thing in the romantasy world for a reason. It’s a series that’s filled with action, with a sweeping world of dragons, political intrigue, and awesome magic. This much-anticipated third installment had much to live up to, but Onyx Storm rose to the challenge, just like its heroine.
As inspiring as Violet’s character is through this book, Xaden’s is heartbreaking in equal measure. He spends much of this book fighting fiercely for control of himself but still manages to maintain the core of why we love him. He’s protective, sexy, and extremely powerful. Watching him pushed to the brink will keep his fans on the edge of their seats, holding back tears.
There are tons of twists and turns in the plot of Onyx Storm. This book will keep you on your toes. I audibly declared “holy shit” at least thrice over the course of reading this story. I was entirely engrossed in this world, at the neglect of all else.
A warning to all potential readers: Onyx Storm ends on a truly insane cliffhanger. It’s an intense ending that had me in tears that turned to full sobs. It just might wreck you but in the best way.
Onyx Storm is the third book out of a proposed five in the series. It will likely be a while before we find out what happens next with our favorite dragon riders. It will be an excruciating wait, but every minute will be worth it.
Spice: 3
Enchantra by Kaylie Smith
Enchantra by Kaylie Smith is a spicy fantasy romance featuring a deadly game filled with temptation. It’s the second book in the Wicked Games series. The first book, Phantasma, followed Ophelia Grimm, and now it’s her younger sister Genevieve’s turn to have her story told.
This book has a different tone from its predecessor. Genevieve’s situation is just as dangerous as her sister’s before her, but seems less dismal somehow. It’s almost like the characters’ sparkling personalities infused themselves into the book’s style.
Smith’s writing is so crafty and clever, filled with intrigue, secrets, and an air of mystery. There’s a stunning plot twist at the end and a conclusion that ties it all together beautifully. This is a damn near perfect romantasy.
After reading this book, I’m really hoping that this author is planning to continue this series with Rowington’s siblings, who are all supporting characters in this story. They were all so intriguing and I would love to have more of them and more of this incredible world.
Spice: 3
A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L. Jensen
A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L. Jensen is the second and final book in The Saga of the Unfated series. This Norse myth-inspired fantasy is a stunning tale of love and betrayal, of magic and war.
While the complexity and depth of these characters were well established in the first book, it was even further developed in A Curse Carved in Bone. Freya is a true warrior, and Bjorn has earned his place in the Valhalla of book boyfriends. He is so deeply devoted to his love, even when Freya can’t see or understand it.
A Curse Carved in Bone has such beautiful writing. It really paints a picture of not only Freya and Bjorn’s surroundings but also their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It’s detailed and descriptive with a great deal of high octane action — battles and schemes, vicious magical creatures, and journeys both physical and emotional. The world-building is a perfect continuation of the previous book, and it remains a completely gorgeous magical system.
I wouldn’t necessarily call A Curse Carved in Bone fast-paced, but it is absolutely a page turner. I found myself so invested in these characters and this world. I simply could not put it down, and highly recommend it to every reader.
Spice: 2
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry is a viral enemies-to-lovers romantasy set in a world plagued with monsters created by vicious and vengeful gods. It’s the ultimate slow burn, with lots of high-stakes danger and suspenseful secrets.
This story had very strong character development at play. Odessa slowly sheds the skin of the dismissed princess and comes into her own, and her love interest morphs from a complete enigma to, well, something else entirely.
Before you pick up Shield of Sparrows, mentally prepare yourself for an agonizingly slow burn. It makes perfect sense with the plot and characters, but I was cheering when that first kiss finally happened. It’s a long wait, but the payoff is worth it, without a doubt.
The suspense in this plot is palpable. You can feel that there is some major, significant thing Odessa, and therefore the reader, is missing. There are lots of hints and red herrings that kept me absolutely agonizing over every little thing trying to figure out what fuckery was afoot in this world, and I loved every second of it. There are several significant plot twists throughout the story, and it ends on a cliffhanger that I never expected.
I kicked my husband out of the house to go walk the dogs so I could finish Shield of Sparrows in peace because I was so ravenous to find out what happened at the end. I am ready for book two, which arrives in April 2026.
Spice: 2.5
The Last One Standing by J.D. Linton
The Last One Standing by J.D. Linton is the fourth and final book in the Rogue x Ara series, a stunning romantasy epic with powerful fae, dragons, family drama, and brutal battles.
Rogue and Ara are among the all-star couples in the romantasy space for me, right up there with Nesta and Cassian. Through torture and tragedy, their love transcends circumstance in a way that is truly beautiful.
The Last One Standing, and the Rogue x Ara series as a whole, will always have a special place in my heart. It has broken my heart and put it back together again with each and every book, in the best way possible. This series has such phenomenal magic in a world you can get lost in, and I can’t recommend it enough to all the romantasy readers out there.
Spice: 2.5
Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair
Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair drew me in with its gorgeous cover and captivating title. It’s a frenemies-to-lovers fantasy romance with mafia overtones which makes for a super unique and fascinating combination. This modern fantasy world is based around a Christianity-inspired system of oppression and it sets up a complex feminist story filled with empowerment and heartbreak.
This book feels unique and familiar all at once. I love it when authors can take tropes and systems we all know well and make them feel entirely new. The world building is clear and creative, and despite the complexity, it’s never confusing.
Terror at the Gates is one of my favorite books of the year so far. It was thoughtful, moving, with an important story to tell. It also made me feel like I was melting into a river of lava, and while that sounds dramatic, I promise it’s a metaphor that fits this incredible tale.
Spice: 3
We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark
After Stacia Stark’s This Vicious Dream absolutely enchanted me, I couldn’t wait to see what marvels she came up with next. Because I’ve been blessed by the book gods, I didn’t have to wait long. I received an advanced reader copy of We Who Will Die and threw myself completely into this new world.
We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark combines gladiators and vampires in a thrilling Roman Empire-inspired fantasy romance.
The Roman Empire-inspired aspects in this story are something I’ve never encountered before in a fantasy, and my little history nerd brain loved it so much. This story provided such a unique combination of plot elements, all tied together in this imperial setting.
That said, We Who Will Die features an impressive cast of characters that fit into an elaborate story and expansive world. These characters beautifully demonstrate grief, anger, and love. Despite the fact none of them are human in the way we are, they perfectly demonstrate the highs and lows of humanity.
There are gladiators. And vampires. Did I even have to say more? We Who Will Die is a truly excellent fantasy, with an incredible idea that was executed beautifully, and I loved every page.
Spice: 2
Once Upon a Demon’s Heart by K.M. Moronova
Once Upon a Demon’s Heart by K.M. Moronova is a stunning enemies-to-lovers romantasy with demigods and demons reckoning with a brutal war and the dangerous consequences of prejudice. It’s the first book in the ongoing Cruel Fates Duet.
This book is a true enemies-to-lovers story. There is deep and painful hatred between these characters. They are both brutal warriors who have seen some serious shit that weighs heavily on their souls and impacts every interaction they have.
Amidst all this spicy fantasy excellence, there are deeper themes at play in this story. There’s a focus on how these warring sides are much more alike than they realize, although they are dedicated to demonizing each other. Beyond that, there is a clear lesson in these pages about the dangerous cost of prejudice.
Once Upon a Demon’s Heart had me falling hard for this world and these characters. I absolutely loved this story, and I can’t wait for the conclusion of the duet, Once Written in Gilded Blood, coming July 21st, 2026.
Spice: 3
Graves We Have Dug by L.B. Black
Graves We Have Dug by L.B. Black is the second book in The Princess of Bones series, completing the duology. It’s a Latine, rivals-to-lovers, dark romantasy that tells the story of two competing séanceros hell bent on revenge as they navigate a rich world of politics and propaganda, death magic, and obsession.
It is such a joy to read Isa, a female protagonist who is competent and confident. She’s the best, and she knows it, and it made me want to be like her. Felix is just as wonderful, eccentric and academic, and so deeply obsessed with his rival.
Every aspect of this book, from the characters to the magical system, is totally unique. It feels like something entirely new, but with the familiar beloved tropes found in every great romantasy.
Graves We Have Dug is a story of rebellion and revenge, infused with intrigue and subterfuge. Its realistic view of revolution is complicated and painful, and that makes it feel so true. The magic is remarkable, and it left an impression that will not fade for a long time. This book is truly memorable, and I loved every moment of this series.
Spice: 2.5
Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport
Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport combines a classic enemies-to-lovers romance with a stunning fantasy landscape to equal a truly exceptional book that will enthrall readers from the first page to the last.
In a story of scheming and seduction, Kadeesha and Malachi must play dangerous political games to protect their kingdoms and achieve their lofty goals.
Our Vicious Oaths features an all-Black cast of characters, and a found family element that will never stop being my favorite. These characters are detailed and dimensional, and despite the fantasy elements, they feel so real.
The way this plot is structured is genius. It jumps right into the action, but without sacrificing clarity or character development. It had me on the edge of my seat already by chapter three, with lots of high stakes drama and characters that readers will immediately be invested in.
Our Vicious Oaths is a complete, standalone story that ends with a happily ever after. It is gorgeous, captivating, and obsession-worthy. I will be talking about this book for a long time, and I highly recommend it to any romantasy reader.
Spice: 4
Contemporary Romance
Holy Hearts by Amanda Richardson
Holy Hearts by Amanda Richardson is the final book in the Ravaged Castle series, a collection of kinky contemporary romances following billionaire brothers in interconnected standalones. Ravaged Castle books were among my favorites last year, and this last book was hotly anticipated here at The Nora Theory. It promised oh so many of my favorite things: kink, polyamory, and a dirty priest.
None of these characters are perfect, but they are all quite emotionally intelligent and empathetic in their own way. Liam is still my favorite Ravage brother, but hot damn Malakai is a close second. This book captures the complex dynamics of a polyamorous relationship, especially one with a previously established couple.
All three main characters get pieces of the story told from their perspectives, and it gives the reader an intimate look into each of them. The characters are what make this story so emotionally intricate and engaging. It’s very character-driven, but the story and writing are so easy to get lost in.
I am so sad to see the Ravage brothers, and all their incredible partners, go, but wow was it a fun ride with this series. At the very end of the book, the author teases at what could be a continuation of the series with the second generation and if that materializes, I’ll be the first one to preorder.
Spice: 4
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood is a contemporary college romance in which two very driven, very successful college athletes explore their kinky desires. It is a remarkably intelligent exploration of sexual dynamics, while also being sweet and lots of fun.
There was a great deal of online discourse about Deep End and its spice level. People complained it was too kinky, or not kinky enough, or misleading in some way (the cover doesn’t make it seem kinky!) (everyone said this was so spicy but it’s way too tame. boring). After reading this book, I did not connect to any of these complaints, only with the valiant authors and reviewers swooping in to defend it.
There is such a heartwarming ending to this book, after a story that engages heart, mind, and body. I was truly blown away by how much I love it. I have less than zero interest in college athletics, so I almost didn’t pick up Deep End, thinking I wouldn’t be interested. I have never been so happy to be so incorrect.
Deep End would be an easy book to tear through in an afternoon, but instead, I chose to savor it like a fine wine. The dynamics in this story are captivating, and the characters are not at all difficult to fall in love with. I can see how this book sparked so much conversation, and while I disagree with much of it, there is no denying that Deep End is worth the discourse.
Spice: 3.5
The Nanny is Off Limits by Q.B. Tyler
It has been far too long since I’ve had a good dose of Q.B. Tyler‘s particular talent for taboo, age-gap romance. I was so excited when I found out that she had another book on the way. The Nanny is Off Limits is an age-gap, single dad, forbidden romance that’s as sweet as it is spicy, like a really good jalapeño margarita.
The Nanny is Off Limits is absolutely a character-driven story, with a plot that largely surrounds the characters, their emotions, and their relationships.
Every character in this book is so wonderfully lovable. The kids are well-developed characters in their own right, and Rowan, despite his difficulties, is such a good dad. Elianna is a classic oldest sister, so empathetic and caring. There is no villain in this story, just a bunch of people for readers to root for and fall for.
The story is very fast-moving, another one that I read in only a few hours. Honestly, this book might have been a personal record for me. It only took me a little under five hours to finish, although it’s not super lengthy.
I can’t think of anything better to do in an afternoon than read this sweet and smutty story. Q.B. Tyler has such skill for building passionate love, emotion, and physicality between her characters and I can’t wait to read whatever she comes up with next.
Spice: 3.75
The Prodigal Son by Sara Cate
The Prodigal Son by Sara Cate is the much-anticipated finale to The Good Brothers series. This series has been an emotional rollercoaster, with steamy moments balanced with spiritual exploration and trauma. I’ve loved every book in the series leading up to this one, and Sara Cate has been teasing Isaac’s story since the very beginning. When the pre-order hit the Kindle, I was ready. Or at least, I thought I was.
Be warned, this book has heavy themes. It is fraught with grief and trauma, which is true of the whole series, but this is by far the most emotionally painful of the lot. The Prodigal Son tugged on the heart strings from the very beginning. Issac and Jensen have been so broken down by hate, shame, and a cruel world where bigotry is accepted as faith. It’s heartbreaking, but so important to read and take in.
For every moment of pain and struggle in this book, there is a smoking hot spice scene to even things out. The spice in this book is something truly special. Readers can feel the love Isaac and Jensen have for each other in every interaction.
Despite all the spicy fun, I cried full body sobs reading this book. I have not ever needed a set of characters to get their happily ever so badly. I knew we would get there eventually, because this is a romance novel, but they just so deeply deserved it. This book had the power to utterly wreck me, and it did, but it was so worth it in the end. I don’t know if I have ever read a more deeply moving and powerful romance novel.
Spice: 4
Rebound by Sadie Kincaid
Rebound by Sadie Kincaid is the third book in the Manhattan Ruthless series, a set of interconnected standalones following the billionaire brothers of the James family. So far, these books have been phenomenally spicy explorations of complicated relationships, and Rebound promised more of the same signature heat and messy dynamics.
Amber and Elijah have such amazing chemistry and Amber especially is so fun to get to know. She starts out as an ice queen, but throughout the course of the events of the book, she thaws into something deeply relatable. She is a complex portrayal of femininity in a way that is wonderful to read.
Rebound has an unusual framework for a romance novel — given that the book begins with the main characters getting a divorce. I’ve never read anything quite like it, with these two working through the complex feelings of the end of a relationship while essentially starting a new one between them.
There is a lot of emotional drama that feels so intense in this book, with a great deal of painful moments for these characters. Despite this, it was still so much fun to read. Rebound has a certain playful feel, even when dealing with heavy themes, and the happily ever after is just perfect for Elijah and Amber.
Spice: 3
Mountain Daddy by S.J. Tilly
Several of my favorite authors were hyping up the release of Mountain Daddy by S.J. Tilly, so naturally it went straight to the top of my TBR. Mountain Daddy is an age-gap contemporary romance, set in the gorgeous mountains of rural Colorado. It is technically the second book in the series, but it can be read entirely on its own.
Despite the forbidden, slightly taboo nature of this relationship, these two are so fucking cute together. Their chemistry is exceptional, and you can’t help but root for them from their very first interaction. Luther and Kendra are so well-matched, sometimes more than they even realize.
Mountain Daddy is utterly engrossing. With short chapters and quippy banter, not to mention how invested I was in this couple, I found it impossible to put down. I was actively irritated when I had to put this book down to eat dinner.
This story is, at times, laugh-out-loud funny, with bright humor and an almost Shakespearean sort of comedy. When combined with the sex appeal, from start to finish, this book was a gem.
Spice: 3.75
Pucking Strong by Emily Rath
Pucking Strong by Emily Rath is an MM hockey romance that melted my cold, dead heart. It’s the fourth book in the Jacksonville Rays series, featuring a marriage of convenience and two totally opposite men who find themselves thrown together in a crazy situation.
I was immediately entranced by the story. The romance is a slow burn, but the plot jumps right in and keeps moving, successfully keeping the reader hooked. Short chapters make this story fly, but even so, I was able to savor every page, even while on the edge of my seat.
If you are a long-time lover of the Jacksonville Rays books, be warned that this is a much slower burn than previous books, excruciatingly so. As she warned readers in the author’s note, Emily Rath really made us earn the spice.
I knew Pucking Strong was a five-star read by chapter three. This book made me so happy that my husband kept asking what I was smiling about. Reading this book is like pure sexy sunshine, and I highly recommend it to even the most sports-averse romance readers.
Spice: 3
Bitter Burn by Sierra Simone
Bitter Burn by Sierra Simone is the third book in the Lyonesse trilogy, an MMF contemporary retelling of Tristan and Isolde. To say I was excited for this book is a grievous understatement. I preordered a signed physical copy, and also preordered the ebook in case the fancy copy didn’t come in time to read right on release day. I was so ready.
These characters are adept at causing each other pain. Despite the fact that Bitter Burn is the third book in the series, there are still new sides of these characters to be discovered. Mark, Tristan, and Isolde are so fascinating, so complex, and so dimensional.
The prose is beautiful. It’s gorgeously well-written, and if our society can get past its current puritanical bullshit about sex and queerness, this series will be a classic someday, mark my words.
Look, if super religious people are right about sin and all that, then I am certainly going to hell because, for me, this spice is holy. I don’t know how Sierra Simone does it, but it’s magic — the connection between the characters, the intense, gorgeously written dominance and submission, and dirty talk that reads like poetry. I can’t get enough. I could die.
At the end of Bitter Burn, there are several exciting twists, but a particularly fun one had me shooting up in bed in the middle of the night as I devoured the final chapters, squealing with joy, accidentally waking my very confused husband. This was, without question, one of my favorite books of the year. I will undoubtedly re-read this trilogy time and time again.
Spice: 5
Dark Romance
Kiss the Villain by Rina Kent
Kiss the Villain is the much-anticipated continuation of Rina Kent’s Legacy of Gods series. It is a dark MM romance featuring characters that fans of the series will recognize from previous books. While the two male main characters were a controversial choice for some readers, for this reader it was without a doubt my favorite installment so far.
There is an almost ominous tone to the writing that matches the characters so well, with genuinely surprising plot twists that will keep the pages turning.
Like all of Rina Kent’s characters, these two are extraordinarily fucked up, with monumental amounts of trauma and unhealthy coping mechanisms to match. These two are sick, twisted, and fucking adorable.
The spice meter hereis at ghost pepper levels. This book does not shy away from the taboo, and every scene feels just oh-so naughty. There are twisted power dynamics that constantly play with the idea of who is in control, and what control really means. It is so much fun to read.
Despite the 512-page length, I read this book in approximately 24 hours. I simply could not put it down. It’s dysfunctional, with deeply flawed characters and intense spice. I loved every page.
Spice: 5
Irresistible Devil by Jenny Nordbak
Irresistible Devil by Jenny Nordbak is an installment of the Black Rose Auction anthology, a collection of books all written by different authors, featuring the same high end, high stakes auction. I’ve reviewed some of the other books in the collection, and loved most of them.
This story is a mafia romance retelling of the Rumplestiltskin fairytale. The author references the Once Upon a Time version of the Rumple character in the dedication, and given the chokehold that show had on me in my early twenties, I was immediately intrigued.
Juliet and Reaper are two characters that are so fundamentally different. A privileged mafia princess and a sex worker with power he amassed all on his own couldn’t be from more separate worlds, but they complement each other so well. I feel like I really got to know them, even in such a fast-moving book, and I can’t get enough of them together.
This, in some ways, is such a classic romance. The choice between a morally grey man who respects her fire and puts her pleasure first and a completely selfish asshole who’s terrible in bed and wants her to give up her career, but is what her family wants is such a fundamentally familiar tale. This book gives it all sorts of dramatic and kinky bells and whistles, which I love.
I’ve loved so many of these Black Rose Auction books, and this one is just phenomenal. 10/10 recommend, especially for my romance lovers that appreciate a good kinky mafia moment.
Sweet Obsession by Katee Robert
Sweet Obsession by Katee Robert is the eighth book in the Dark Olympus series, a series of *very* interconnected standalones, each following a different romantic relationship in a modern retelling of Greek myth, set in a fictional version of Olympus. Sweet Obsession is about Poseidon and Icarus, and I’ve been feverishly anticipating its release since I first started seeing teasers on the author’s social media as they were writing it in 2023.
Sweet Obsession is a forbidden romance in more than one way. Icarus is considered an enemy to Olympus, and as his captor, the power dynamics are all screwy for Poseidon, but as Icarus says, that just makes it hotter.
Each book in the Dark Olympus series seems to get heavier in terms of plot, and Sweet Obsession fits the pattern. There is a lot going on, and Olympian politics are an increasingly elaborate web. There is a great deal of nefarious plotting and intrigue, and Poseidon and Icarus are well and truly backed into a corner for much of this book, right along with the rest of Olympus.
I have been sold on this series since the beginning, but with every new book, I get more ravenous for the next. All I have to say now is: what in the name of all the fucking gods is Hermes up to?! I can’t believe I have to wait until 2026 to find out. I’ve been dying to know for actual years.
Spice: 4
Play with the Phatom by Amanda Richardson
Play with the Phantom by Amanda Richardson is the second book in the Midnight Series, a series of interconnected standalones that play with the dark romance genre. I loved Dance with the Devil, the first book in the series, so when I received an advanced reader copy of this book, I dropped everything to read.
This book is morally questionable in all the right ways, and not for the faint of heart. It’s an age-gap, stalker romance with elements of dubious consent and lots of kinky spice. Play with the Phantom is a dark romance in its themes, but like its predecessor, it doesn’t quite fit the typical violent mold of the genre, which makes for an intriguing journey.
There’s something so compelling about stalker romances. Having a dangerous stalker is a nightmare for women in reality, but so many of us love reading books that turn that around into something unspeakably sexy. It’s a way of reclaiming something traumatic and making it something that brings joy instead. I don’t necessarily fully understand it, but I enjoy the hell out of it nonetheless.
Play with the Phantom is chaotic, messy, and filled with interpersonal drama in a way that had me grinning from ear to ear and kicking my feet. I was only 30 percent into this book when I added it to my favorites list for the year, and by the end, it had fully cemented its spot. If you’re a dark romance reader, you will love this book.
Spice: 4
Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver
After reading the Ruinous Love trilogy, I was ecstatic to learn that Brynne Weaver had a new book coming out. Tourist Season is the first book in the Seasons of Carnage trilogy, and it’s an enemies-to-lovers dark romantic comedy once again exploring two serial killers falling in love and all the wild and sexy antics that come along with it.
Harper and Nolan are undeniably over-the-top characters, in keeping with Brynne Weaver’s unique style. They’re gleefully violent and wildly quirky. She has a pet raven that she’s trained to talk, and he keeps a scrapbook of all his murder victims. It’s so wonderfully weird.
This book is written by Brynne Weaver, which means it’s gory and gruesome but also hilarious. It’s infused with a strong, albeit twisted and unconventional, sense of justice. There’s an unhinged list of trigger warnings at the beginning that sets the whole tone.
In the end, there are some questions left open-ended, setting up the rest of the series. This is not a standalone; Harper and Nolan’s story continues in the second book. At the time of writing, the release date and title have yet to be announced, but I’ll be leaping on that pre-order the moment it becomes available because this book is an absolute gem.
Spice: 4
Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe
Thanks to author H.M. Wolfe’s effective social media marketing, I discovered her book, Daggermouth, before its release in December. It sounded so fascinating and so creative, so I was excited to dive into the pages of this dark, dystopian, enemies-to-lovers romance.
This book is a study in truly morally grey characters, with layers of complexities to uncover. The book is written from many points of view, with multiple love interests and a secondary love story.
Daggermouth is at times a tense and riveting story filled with action, but it also explores essential themes: income inequality, classism, authoritarianism, and corruption. New Found Haven is a fundamentally terrifying place, and it’s easy to see how a society, with the aid of advanced technology, could fall into this hellscape. It is both terrifying and enthralling to read.
With a moving, powerful spirit of rebellion and some tear-jerking moments, Daggermouth provokes both deep feeling and inspiration. It is a profound and intense story, with both complexity and exciting action. The ending is heart-wrenching and incredible, with shocking plot twists and a cliffhanger that might leave you screaming.
Spice: 3
Why Choose
Devil’s Backbone by Tate James
Tate James is the mastermind behind some of my favorite why choose romances of all time, so when I heard she had a new series coming I knew I would be picking it up right away. The Devil’s Backbone series is a why choose, secret society, enemies-to-lovers romance with four devious love interests and a feisty heroine who fights them every step of the way.
The characters in Devil’s Backbone are classic Tate James characters. The boys are arrogant, sexy-as-hell, and complete assholes in the beginning. Ashley is smart, takes no shit, and matches their energy perfectly.
This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It’s a page turner that I tore through like an amazing dessert. There’s a clear and accessible plot and worldbuilding, with plenty of drama to keep any reader engaged.
Devil’s Backbone strikes the perfect balance between wild playfulness and emotional sincerity. This series is the perfect read for long-time fans of Tate James and readers new to her world of colorful why choose romances alike.
Spice: 3.5
Twisted Play by Poppy Jacobson
There are few things in life that bring me as much joy as a scandalous, spicy, polyamorous hockey romance. Twisted Play by Poppy Jacobson is all of those things. This dark why choose is the first book in the Cruel Games duet, and it is truly an everything bagel in romance novel form (complimentary).
The characters in Twisted Play form a kind of motley crew. This (eventual) polycule consists of a billionaire’s son, a hockey coach with bratva ties, a pretty regular dude, and Eva. By the end of this book, I was absolutely enamored with all four of them. They’re messy and a little insane, but I just loved them all the more for it.
All the drama and spice in this story is written in a way that makes it easy to read, and this is definitely a page turner. Unhinged obsession abounds, and while there is definitely a solid and fascinating plot, the spice is what really shines.
Twisted Play ends with an outrageously brutal cliffhanger, and fair warning, the next book won’t be published until April 2026. That said, I had so much fun with these four, and I can’t wait to read the next book, Vicious Wins, when it comes out next year.
Spice: 4.5
Sapphic
House of Rayne by Harley LaRoux
House of Rayne by Harley LaRoux was one of the books I was most excited to read in 2025. I adore Harley LaRoux’s writing. Their duet, Losers, is one of my favorite romance duets of all time. When House of Rayne appeared on my porch as if by magic after I won a Goodreads giveaway, I dove straight into this gothic sapphic romance.
I’ve been seeing the phrase “there’s no hate quite like Christian love” and its variations flying around a lot lately, and this book really captures that idea in some of its characters and themes. Persecution through religion is a huge piece of this book, and it really explores the enormous danger of religious fanaticism through an eldritch monster.
House of Rayne has a wickedly enticing plot. It’s a combination of a classic sort of gothic romance and supernatural horror that makes it perfect for a fall read. High-stakes, tense moments of action are peppered with perfect frequency throughout this story, as are the spicy scenes that break up the fear and horror with pleasure and joy.
Not only is House of Rayne a gorgeous and entertaining read, but in a time when real-life LGBTQ+ rights in the United States are under attack from Christian Nationalist extremists, its themes regarding the perversion of religion feel incredibly powerful and important.
House of Rayne is sexy, scary, and so sweet all in one magnificent read. The book will be released on September 30th, just in time for Halloween, and I highly recommend picking up a copy wherever you buy your books.
Spice: 3.5
Paranormal
Mate by Ali Hazelwood
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