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.
Epic Fantasy Romance: If You Loved ACOTAR, Try These
Epic fantasy romance books are the stories that consume you completely. If A Court of Thorns and Roses pulled you into sweeping worlds, slow-burn love stories, and emotionally earned romance, this guide is for you. From devastating romantasy to magic-heavy quests and unforgettable love stories, these are the epic fantasy romances to try next.
Firebird by Juliette Cross Review (The Fire That Binds #1)
Dragon shifters, fated mates, and a brutal empire collide in Firebird by Juliette Cross. This spoiler-free review breaks down the romance, spice level, and dark themes behind this 4-star romantasy read.
Review: We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark
We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark is a spicy Roman-inspired vampire romantasy featuring brutal arena trials, slow-burn romance, protective touch her and die MMC and high-stakes political intrigue. In this spoiler-free review, I share my thoughts on the characters, worldbuilding, romance, and why this five-star read kept me up way too late reading.
Must-Read Romance Books Coming out in January and February
Looking for your next romance read? These new romance books coming out in January and February include slow burns, fake dating, romantasy, sports romance, and emotionally rich love stories perfect for starting the year strong.
Steamy and Addictive 5-Star Reads of 2025
Not every great read becomes a five-star read. These are the books that kept me up too late, made me forget the real world, and lingered long after I turned the final page. From dark, immersive romantasy to slow-burn romances that earned every emotional beat, these stories didn’t just entertain me — they stayed with me.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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