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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2025 Fantasy Romance Book Releases: Top Romantasy Picks
If you're already building your 2025 TBR, one genre you cannot skip is romantasy — the perfect blend of fantasy worldbuilding and heart-stopping romance. From dragon riders and cursed royals to enemies-turned-lovers and magic-fueled love stories, the upcoming romantasy releases are already setting BookTok and Goodreads on fire.
60 Spellbinding Romantasy Book Series like ACOTAR
If A Court of Thorns and Roses left you spiraling into a romantasy obsession, you’re not alone—and you're in the right place. This ultimate list of 60 romantasy series is packed with fae intrigue, enemies-to-lovers tension, morally gray heartthrobs, and world-shattering magic. Whether you're hunting for the next Fourth Wing or craving underrated fantasy romance gems, prepare to seriously bulk up your TBR.
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