Turn the Page: Romance Book Reviews & Spice Ratings

Your Go-To Blog for Romance Book Reviews, Tropes, and Spicy Reads

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At Mom Needs a Chapter, I know how precious those reading moments are—whether it's five quiet minutes or a whole naptime window. Here you’ll find book reviews, curated book lists, themed cocktails to pair with your latest read, book club guides, and so much more. It’s your go-to space for romance recs, cozy content, and a little literary joy in the middle of real life. Scroll through and discover your next favorite chapter.

Book Review Frances Ramsey Book Review Frances Ramsey

Once Upon a Song by Nadine Bells — A Haunting, Wintry Escape

Once Upon a Song by Nadine Bells is a haunting, wintry escape that pulls you in from the very first page. Set inside the glamorous yet unsettling Hôtel de Neige, this atmospheric story blends fairytale beauty with Gothic mystery, following a singer searching for belonging in a place that may never let her leave. With light romance, chilling secrets, and a setting that feels alive, this is a 5-star read for anyone who loves moody, immersive stories where the vibes matter just as much as the plot.

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Book Review, Contemporary Romance Frances Ramsey Book Review, Contemporary Romance Frances Ramsey

Book Review: Confessions of a Christmasholic by Joss Wood

After too many dark, heavy reads, I needed something light and Confessions of a Christmasholic delivered. With a Christmas-hating heroine, a Christmas-obsessed single dad, forced proximity, and small-town holiday chaos, this festive romcom was exactly the brain break I was craving. It’s funny, low-angst, lightly spicy, and perfect for readers who want cozy vibes, snappy banter, and zero emotional devastation.

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25 Dragon Fantasy Romance Books with Spice

Love dragons, magic, and sizzling romance? This list of 25 dragon fantasy romance books features enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, and spice levels from sweet to scorching—perfect for fans of Fourth Wing looking for their next fiery read. From deadly academies to royal courts and hidden fae kingdoms, these stories blend high-stakes adventure with irresistible romance. Whether you crave slow-burn tension or steamy passion, your next dragon-filled obsession is waiting.

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The Silversmith by LJ Claren — A Morally Grey Slow Burn Romantasy

The Silversmith is a haunting, heart-wrecking romantasy that had me hooked from the first page. Aryella’s journey from fragile, grief-stricken survivor to fierce, powerful young woman is breathtaking. With a brooding, morally grey protector at her side and the fate of Nyrida resting on her shoulders, the slow-burn tension, aching romance, and emotional stakes will keep you turning pages long into the night. This is a story of heartbreak, yearning, and the power of choice in the face of destiny.

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Hollow — A Dark, Lush, Addictive Romantasy You’ll Devour

Hollow by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti is the kind of dark, addictive romantasy that keeps you up at night. This lush, atmospheric fantasy romance delivers everything readers search for: cursed forests, dangerous fae, a fierce heroine, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension with massive payoff. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, the chemistry crackles, and the plot twists hit hard enough to ruin your sleep schedule. If you’re looking for a haunting, high-stakes 5-star romantasy with high spice and unforgettable characters, Hollow deserves a spot at the very top of your TBR.

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The Most Anticipated Love Stories of 2026

If you’re already buzzing for the next year of romance releases, 2026 is about to deliver in a big way. From long-awaited sequels and long-lost author comebacks to the rise of cozy fantasy romance, dark academia love stories, and cross-genre mashups we didn’t even know we needed, the lineup is stacked. Whether you crave big-hearted contemporaries, twisty romantasy epics, or forbidden-slow-burn chaos, the most anticipated romance releases of 2026 promise a TBR-breaking year of love stories worth preordering early and screaming about often.

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ARC Review: Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward

If you love slow-burn romantasy with forced proximity, only-one-bed tension, chosen-mates energy, hidden magic, and a broody mercenary who only softens for one girl, J.R. Ward’s The Crown of War and Shadow is absolutely going on your TBR. A dark fantasy romance full of curses, demons, and high-stakes adventure—perfect for fans of the hottest romantasy trends.

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Bookish Resources, Cozy Reading Frances Ramsey Bookish Resources, Cozy Reading Frances Ramsey

Cozy Hot Drinks & Winter Treats for Your Snow-Day Reading Escape

Looking for the perfect cozy treats to pair with your winter reading? This week, we’re leaning into comfort with a full snow-day reading menu—warm drink recipes, buttery bakes, and book pairings to match. From spiced ciders to white hot chocolate and cranberry scones, these simple treats turn any cold afternoon into a stay-inside, get-comfy reading escape. Grab your blanket and your current read—it’s time to make winter cozy.

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Indie Author Spotlight: Alex Gordon (A. Gordon)

If you’ve ever wondered whether a birthday gift could actually change your life, indie author Alex Gordon (A. Gordon) is living proof that it can. One psychic reading, one unexpected prediction, and suddenly she was staring down a destiny she hadn’t planned for—but absolutely owned. Now she writes the kind of stories you stay up too late reading: romantasy filled with danger, desire, questionable choices, and the kind of magical tension that makes your coffee go cold. What started as a nudge from the universe has turned into a full-blown author career powered by grit, humor, and just a little chaos. And honestly? We’re all better for it.

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ARC Review: Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter

If you love high-stakes fantasy, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, and stories with powerful friendships at their heart, Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter is a must-read. Astrid, the last Nachstern witch and heir to Arterea, faces a deadly duel against Prince Zryan, while Skylar, a traveling performer with her own demons, finds herself caught in the political and magical chaos. Between magic, dragons, rebellion, and a fragile, growing bond between two women, this debut romantasy will keep you turning pages late into the night.

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December 2025 Romance Releases

December is serving up the ultimate romance TBR! From cozy Christmas love stories and steamy small-town reunions to royal drama and divine romantasy, this month’s new releases are wrapping up 2025 with all the swoons. Grab your blanket, your cocoa, and your favorite reading nook—these upcoming romance books are the perfect way to end the year in style.

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Book Review: Blackthorn by J.T. Geissinger

If you’re searching for your next dark fantasy romance with all the tension of an enemies-to-lovers story and enough heat to fog the windows, Blackthorn by J.T. Geissinger delivers in spades. With its gothic atmosphere, forbidden love, and shocking twists, this book blends paranormal fantasy and dark romance into an experience that’s as unsettling as it is addictive.

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Best Gifts for Book Lovers (That Aren’t Just Another Mug)

Looking for the perfect gift for the book lover in your life? Skip the basic mug and check out this curated list of thoughtful, bookish finds that readers will actually use and adore. From cozy reading accessories to literary-inspired treasures (and even a few author-approved goodies), these ideas are guaranteed to make any bookworm’s heart skip a chapter.

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Book Review, YA, Romantasy Frances Ramsey Book Review, YA, Romantasy Frances Ramsey

Book Review: Stolen Midnights by Katherine Quinn

If you love historical romance with a touch of magic and a forbidden love that makes your heart ache in the best way, Stolen Midnights by Katherine Quinn deserves a spot on your TBR. Told in dual POV between a high-society heroine and a streetwise thief, this lush romantasy blurs the line between YA and New Adult. With its swoony open-door romance, a world ruled by fate, and a hardcover edition that’s pure shelf candy. Stolen Midnights is a story that will steal more than just your midnight hours.

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Bookish Resources, E-Books Frances Ramsey Bookish Resources, E-Books Frances Ramsey

How to Get Access to ARC Books the Easy Way

Ever wonder how readers snag free advance copies of upcoming books? Getting ARCs (advance reader copies) isn’t as mysterious as it seems! Whether you’re new to reviewing or building your Bookstagram or BookTok presence, this guide covers everything—from where to find free ARCs and eBooks to how to write thoughtful reviews and build publisher relationships (without losing your sanity).

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Indie Author Spotlight: Morgan Kielisch

Indie author Morgan Kielisch turned a Nyquil-fueled fever dream into a sweeping romantasy world—and readers can’t get enough. In this Indie Author Spotlight, we chat about her debut The Awakening of Gods, the journey behind the Astrellian Heirs series, and what’s next for this Wisconsin-based storyteller who’s redefining indie fantasy romance one book at a time.

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Eleutheria: Review and Book Club Guide

From the very first page, Eleutheria by Ruth Cantu had me hooked. This indie romantasy delivers everything I love—an independent heroine, a broody prince, witty banter, and a world brimming with magic and danger. If you’re craving a slow-burn fantasy romance with heart, humor, and high stakes, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

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Book Lists Frances Ramsey Book Lists Frances Ramsey

November 2025 Romance Book Releases to Add to Your TBR (Swiftie Edition)

November is bringing all the feels—new romance releases, cozy nights, and Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl on repeat. From small-town love stories to sweeping romantasy finales, this month’s lineup has something for every kind of reader. I’m sharing the must-read titles you’ll want on your TBR (plus one indie gem I gave five stars!).

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About the Author

I’m a mom of two spirited girls and one oversized Saint Bernard. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. By day, I work in health care as a Health Literacy expert; by night, I’m off wandering swoony fictional worlds, chasing plot twists and happily-ever-afters. I’ve been in love with the romance genre for as long as I can remember—I've read thousands of love stories and even had my own meet-cute with my library director husband… in a bookstore, of course.

-Frances

Mom Needs A Chapter