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.
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.
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).
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.
Best Holiday Romance Novels of 2025 to Cozy Up With This Season
It might not be Christmas yet, but it’s never too early to start building your holiday romance book TBR! From cozy small-town Christmas romances to spicy festive reads that’ll warm you up faster than hot cocoa, these are the best holiday romance novels of 2025 you’ll want on your shelf.
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.
Why I DNF’d Warrior Princess Assassin (Brigid Kemmerer) — A Thoughtful Look
I went into Warrior Princess Assassin expecting a sweeping romantasy filled with danger and desire—and while it delivered on world-building and tension, the romantic direction just wasn’t for me. Here’s why I DNF’d it, and who I think will love this steamy fantasy debut.
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!).
Book Review: The Awakening of Gods by Morgan Kielisch
Looking for your next epic fantasy read? Morgan Kielisch’s The Reckoning of Gods picks up right where The Awakening of Gods left off, plunging us deeper into a world of war, betrayal, and impossible choices. With Elana navigating dangerous politics, Aislinn fighting for survival behind enemy lines, and secrets hidden in ancient archives, this sequel delivers even higher stakes and heart-stopping twists. Perfect for fans of romantasy, political intrigue, and sibling bonds tested by war—this is one book you’ll want on your TBR.
Cozy Fall Book Aesthetic: The Ultimate Autumn Reading Guide
There’s just something about fall that makes reading feel like pure magic. The air is crisp, the leaves crunch underfoot, and suddenly every story feels cozier with a mug of something warm in hand. Whether you’re drawn to witchy romances, small-town love stories, or mysteries made for chilly nights, autumn is the perfect backdrop to sink into a book. In this guide, you’ll find fall book recommendations, cozy aesthetic tips, and even a few seasonal drinks to pair with your reading—because the only thing better than a good book is reading it wrapped in full autumn vibes.
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.
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