Indie romantasy author Samantha Hartwood makes her debut with Masquerade of Mirrors, a dark academia fantasy romance set inside a deadly school of illusion magic. Out now, this slow-burn romantasy features morally grey characters, dangerous magical trials, deception, and a romance built on lies. In this exclusive author feature, Mom Needs a Chapter introduces Hartwood, explores her writing journey, and shares early reading impressions of a debut that is already opening strong. If you love fantasy romance with illusion magic, forced proximity, high emotional stakes, and simmering tension, Masquerade of Mirrors deserves a spot on your TBR.

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.

From sentient cities and eldritch magic to morally gray protectors and heroines who kick fate in the teeth, A.L. Richards writes stories that refuse to play it safe. In this Indie Author Spotlight, we dive into her latest release, Noctis Rising, her love of emotionally grounded romance, and the hard-won writing wisdom that shaped a world where destiny is a choice and love might be the most dangerous magic of all.

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.

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.