Turn the Page: Romance Book Reviews & Spice Ratings
Your Go-To Blog for Romance Book Reviews, Tropes, and Spicy Reads
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.
Indie Author Spotlight: Ruth Cantu and Eleutheria
Meet indie author Ruth Cantu, the creative mind behind the upcoming fantasy romance Eleutheria. In this exclusive spotlight, Ruth shares her journey from childhood reader to debut novelist, the inspiration behind her romantasy worlds, and the writing process that brings her magical characters to life. Get to know the author before her debut hits shelves this November!
Book Review: A Curse of Shadows and Ice
Looking for your next unputdownable romantasy read? ✨ A Curse of Shadows and Ice by Catharina Maura delivers everything we love: a cursed, broody emperor, a strong heroine with forbidden magic, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that burns slow and spicy. This Beauty and the Beast retelling had me hooked from the very first page — and I’m calling it now, it’s a must-read for fantasy romance fans.
October 2025 Romance Book Releases You’ll Want on Your Fall Reads List
October 2025 is overflowing with fall reads that romance fans won’t want to miss. Whether you’re craving a cozy love story to match your fall aesthetic, a paranormal romance filled with magic, or a dark, edge-of-your-seat read, this month’s lineup has it all. With new releases from fan-favorite authors like Ali Hazelwood, Ana Huang, and Becka Mack—plus fresh voices bringing bold new twists—these October romance books are perfect for curling up with a PSL and a warm blanket.
Why Romance Readers Need a Book Journal (And How to Start One)
Track your swoon-worthy reads, favorite quotes, and unforgettable romance moments with a reading journal made just for book lovers. Tips, templates, and my latest journals included—everything you need to make your reading journey unforgettable!
Review: A Kiss of Hammer and Flame by Amy De La Force
If you’re searching for the best romantasy books of 2025, A Kiss of Hammer and Flame deserves a spot on your TBR. With its strong heroine, addictive slow-burn romance, and richly woven fantasy setting, this debut is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Jules Ackwood Indie Romance Spotlight + Book Giveaway
Meet indie romance author Jules Ackwood, whose debut Drawn to You is a heartfelt story of fate, healing, and unexpected love. In this feature, she shares her journey from reader to writer—and we’re also giving one lucky reader the chance to win a copy!
September 2025 Romance Book Releases: Dark Romance & Rom-Coms and More
Looking for your next swoon-worthy read? September 2025 is packed with romance books you won’t want to miss! From steamy enemies-to-lovers stories to dark romance books full of suspense and intrigue, these new releases are perfect for anyone hunting for good books to read. Many titles are also available in limited deluxe editions with decorative spines, sprayed edges, and foil accents—making them as beautiful on your bookshelf as they are page-turning. Whether you love small-town charm, supernatural twists, or high-stakes romance, these releases prove there’s something for every reader this month.
Love in a Time of War: WWII & Epic Wartime Romances That Will Steal Your Heart
From the battlefields of WWII to the heart of magical rebellions, wartime romances capture love at its most intense. This list blends sweeping historical fiction with unforgettable fantasy revolutions — stories where the stakes are high, the danger is real, and love is worth fighting for.
Summer in the City – A Rom-Com That Feels Like a Warm Slice of NYC Sunshine
Looking for your next feel-good summer romance read? Summer in the City by Alex Aster delivers a sharp, swoony enemies-to-lovers story set against a cinematic New York City backdrop. With witty dialogue, slow-burn tension, and a heroine battling writer’s block in a luxury apartment next to her billionaire nemesis-turned-fake-boyfriend, this one had me smiling from start to finish. Bonus: I’ve got the perfect cocktail pairing to sip while you read.
Best Fantasy Romance BookTok List
If you love swoony love stories set in magical worlds, you’ve probably heard the buzz about fantasy romance books on BookTok. From fae courts to dark fantasy realms, the romantasy genre is exploding with unforgettable characters, steamy enemies-to-lovers, and epic adventures. In this post, I’m sharing the best fantasy romance book recommendations trending right now—perfect for your next reading obsession. Whether you’re new to romantasy or a die-hard fan, get ready to dive into worlds you won’t want to leave!
Romance Novels I’d Let My Teen Read—And the Ones I’d Hide (For Now)
My tween just picked up her first romance book—one she found herself. I panicked... then melted. Because I remember being that age, falling hard for fictional love stories. So I put together this guide: age-based romance recs (12+, 14+, 16+), honest spice-level ratings, printable lists, and discussion questions to help you navigate these stories with your kid. Romance can be a powerful way to talk about love, identity, and boundaries—let’s read with them, not around them.
Back to School Romance Reads: 20+ BookTok-Faves
From dorm room drama to magical academy crushes, these school-set romance books bring the heat, the heart, and the hall passes. Whether you're in the mood for high school angst, college roommates-to-lovers, or forbidden student-teacher tension, this curated list is your back-to-school reading fix—with summaries, spice ratings, and author recs to guide you. Pack your book bag and get ready to fall in love (again).
Book Review: Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn
If you love your summer romances chaotic, charming, and laugh-out-loud funny, Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn needs to be in your beach bag. With a fake husband, an unforgettable summer camp retreat, and some of the most hilarious “therapy sessions” I’ve ever read, this rom-com delivers big laughs, steamy moments, and all the emotional heart Meghan Quinn is known for. I read it late into the night on my iPad—and again poolside with the paperback. Spoiler alert: it’s just as good the second time.
The Starlight Heir: A Must-Read Romantasy
I’ll admit it—I judged this book by its stunning cover. The dreamy, illustrated design had me expecting a sweet YA fantasy. Instead, I was swept into a slow-burn, star-powered romantasy with sharp edges, sizzling tension, and celestial stakes. If you're looking for your next obsession-worthy fantasy romance, The Starlight Heir absolutely delivers.
Early Prime Day Book Deals You Don’t Want to Miss!
Ready to build your ultimate summer TBR? Amazon’s early Prime Day book deals are here, and I’ve rounded up the best titles to snag before the main event. From slow-burn small-town romances and laugh-out-loud rom-coms to lush fantasy worlds and powerful true stories, there’s something for every kind of reader. Don’t wait—these deals are the perfect excuse to treat yourself (or a fellow book lover) and save big!
Shake Up Your TBR with the Romance Reading Challenge
Ready for a romance reading challenge? This month, I’m daring you to try a new genre or subgenre and step outside your reading comfort zone. From my first spicy historical (thanks, Lisa Kleypas!) to discovering fantasy romance through Twilight and From Blood and Ash, I’m sharing how taking a chance led me to my favorite reads—and how it can do the same for you!
Creating a Mood Board for Your Dream Reading Corner
Create your dream reading nook with these cozy book nook ideas, aesthetic inspiration, and budget-friendly decor tips. From gothic and cottagecore styles to modern minimalist and boho chic reading corners, discover how to design a personalized book space perfect for every book lover—even if you’re short on time, space, or budget.
Dive into Shield of Sparrows: A Must-Read Slow Burn Romantasy
Can a story be soft and sharp at the same time? Because Shield of Sparrows cuts deep—and then heals you with hope. Devney Perry’s first foray into fantasy romance is everything I didn’t know I needed: a fierce, flawed heroine, a brooding protector with secrets, and a world laced with political tension and aching vulnerability. If you love slow-burn angst, subtle magic, and enemies-to-lovers dynamics that actually sizzle, keep reading. Whether you’re picking this up for your next book club or just looking for your next binge-worthy read, Shield of Sparrows is about to claim a piece of your heart.
The Best Summer Romance Books to Pack for Your Vacation
Looking for the perfect book to match your summer getaway? Whether you're jetting off to the Mediterranean, road-tripping across the U.S., or lounging lakeside at a cozy cabin, this guide pairs dreamy destinations with equally swoony summer romance books. I may not be traveling far this year, but you can bet I’m living vicariously through every page—sun, spice, and all.
Honest Review of Jilted by Vi Keeland: Flirty Banter
After being left at the altar, the last thing Sydney wants is another wedding—or worse, a ridiculously hot coworker shadowing her every move at Bride magazine. Vi Keeland’s Jilted delivers a slow-burn, second-chance-at-love setup with all the rom-com trimmings, but for me, the spark fizzled before the fire really started. If you’re in the mood for something light, low-angst, and easy to breeze through in a weekend, this one might be worth a look—but don’t expect fireworks.
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