Introduction: Books like A Court of Thorn and Roses
This post is all about Books like a Court of Thorn and Roses that I absolutely loved and cannot recommend more!
A Court of Thorn and Roses has slowly become a cultural phenomenon that has transcended the book community.Ā
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Translated into more than 37 languages, with more than 15 million copies sold worldwide and an upcoming Tv show, it has captivated romance readers around the world.
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As a result, readers are eager to find more books like a Court of Thorn and Roses and to meet maybe another book boyfriend like Rhysand ( or better ? )Ā
Table of Contents
Spicy Books like Acotar
Over the top jealous and possessive hero ( he is a demon ) with mystery and 5 star spicy scenes
Sinner. Villain. Wicked.
These are names the Prince of Envy welcomes when he ventures beyond his demon kingdom in the Seven Circles. Each word reminds him what he isnāt: a saint. And when a cryptic note arrives, signaling the beginning of a deadly game, he knows heāll be called much worse before it ends. Riddles, hexed objects, anonymous players,Ā nothingĀ will stand in his way. With a powerful artifact and his own future at stake, Envy is determined to win, though none of his meticulous plans prepare him for Waverly Green, or forĀ her, the frustrating artist who ignites his sināand passionālike no otherā¦
Why you should read it
Throne of the Fallen is the highly anticipated spin-off of Kingdom of the Wicked.
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This book features one of the Princes of the Underworld, Envy, a very well-known and beloved character from the original series, who played an important role in Emilia’s and Wrath’s history and development.
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Throne of the Fallen is an adult fantasy romance, and you can read this book without having read the main series.I’m so glad Kerry Maniscalco went the route of adult fantasy romance because this book truly delivers in the spice department.
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As always with this author, you can expect a blend of romance and a mystery plot, which we’ve seen in Kingdom of the Wicked and her YA series Stalking Jack the Ripper.
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If you loved the steamy elements in the latest ACOTAR book (A Court of Silver Flames), then look no further and grab this book! š
Fated mates, class differences and "who did this to you"
Born with an intuition that never fails, Calista knows her talents are of great value to the power-hungry of the world, so she lives hidden as a courtesan of the Baron of Archwood.Ā When her intuition leads her to save a traveling prince in dire trouble, the voice inside her blazes with warningāand promise.
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Today heāll bring her joy. One day he’ll be her doom.
Calista must choose: follow her intuition to safety or follow her heart to her downfall.
Why you should read it
Like I always say, you can’t go wrong with picking up a JLA (Jennifer L. Armentrout) book. Nowadays, she is focused on writing adult fantasy romances (she used to write delightful YA paranormal romances) with plenty of spicy scenes and swoon-worthy male love interests.
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Fall of Ruin and Wrath is no exception. With her characteristic badass heroines, JLA now brings a captivating enemies-to-lovers story with excellent worldbuilding and a mysterious hero.
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And let me tell you, the spice… Jennifer indeed knows how to build up tension and is one of my favorites when it comes to steamy and spicy scenes!!
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If you loved From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses, Fall of Ruin and Wrath is definitely a must-read.
A Court of Myst and Fury vibes, fated mates and exquisite worldbuilding
Dante Regio, prince of Luce, had owned my heart since he gave me my first kiss. If gathering a slew of iron relics could help me overthrow the current monarch and crown his brother to rule at my side, then treasure hunting I’d go.
If only the oracle had warned me what winged demon I was releasing into the world.
And that I’d become this demon’s obsession.
Why you should read it
House of Beating Wings is a slow-burn fantasy romance with spice, featuring a morally grey character similar to Rhysand.
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It bears many similarities to the second book in the Acotar series, A Court of Mist and Fury, including elements of a Hades and Persephone retelling and a morally grey love interest.
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Fallon, the female lead, must collect six statues in the form of a crow to fulfil a prophecy. If the prophecy is realized, she will become Queen and be able to marry her childhood sweetheart, Prince Dante Regio.
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Don’t be deceived by the blurb, as there is much more to this book than meets the eye. If you loved “A Court of Mist and Fury,” you will enjoy this book for sure!! (Besides, it’s available for free on KU!)
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Possessive and morally grey Fae Prince with Rhysand vibes and Norse mythology
A defiant human woman. A dark fae Prince. Two enemies bound to a marriage that could destroy their world.
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Reyna doesnāt know why the Prince has kidnapped her. But when he announces her as his betrothed, she knows that she must escape before she is eternally bound to the monster behind the mask.
Only, when he takes the mask off, he isnāt what she expects. Heās lethal, beautiful and exudes sin. And he needs her.
Drawn into a deadly world shrouded in secrets, and desperate to keep her own hidden, Reyna must find a way out. If she doesnāt, she risks more than just death. She risks giving everything to her intoxicating captor.
Why you should read it
A Court of Ravens and Ruins is perfect if you’re craving a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension, just like in A Court of Thorn and Roses.
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The spice level in the first book is low, but it increases in the following books. Our heroine, Reyna, is abducted by the cruel Prince from the Shadow Court and forced to marry him. Reyna will need to face the most feared Prince of all courts and try to escape her destiny (or not :P).
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A Hades and Persephone retelling, with forced proximity and “touch her and you die” vibes. Fans of A Court of Mist and Fury will rejoice with this story featuring Faes and Norse Mythology.
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding generalāalso known as her tough-as-talons motherāhas ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
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With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her motherās daughterālike Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
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Why you should read it
Fourth Wing is a must-read book in 2023 if you love A Court of Thorns and Roses.
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It’s a spicy fantasy romance with dragons, high stakes, and a morally grey love interest, containing all the elements that Acotar fans adore.
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Violet, our heroine, is determined to prove herself to her mother, who also serves as the general of the dragon riders. She wants to show that she’s more than just a fragile girl. However, the other candidates and her Wingleader the ruthless and enigmatic Xaden Riorson, will stop at nothing to make her fail.
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Featuring an exquisite love triangle, intense spicy scenes, and gripping tension, you can’t go wrong picking Fourth Wing as your next read.
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Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night – until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation.Ā
Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.Ā
Why you should read it
Crescent City is the adult fiction debut from Sarah J. Maas, the author of A Court of Thorn and Roses. It’s an urban fantasy perfect for those who want to continue enjoying Sarah J. Maas’s familiar writing style after reading A Court of Thorn Roses.
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This modern fantasy follows Bryce, a half-fae who had been living a normal life until a terrible murder shatters her world. Struggling to cope with the pain of this tragedy, she decides to take matters into her own hands.
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With the help of a fallen angel convict, she embarks on a mission to uncover the identity of the person – or creature – responsible for these crimes (trying to avoid spoilers as much as possible).
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The world of Crescent City is teeming with demons, fallen angels, werewolves, and numerous other magical beings. You can expect exquisite worldbuilding, spicy scenes and romance.
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It’s a tale of friendship and love that will both warm and shatter your heart into pieces!
Books like Acotar ( Young Adult )
This selection of books, similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses, offers a collection of insanely good fantasy romances. With fae, princes, enemies-to-lovers, and forbidden romances, you can’t go wrong picking any of the books from this list.
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These books are low on the spice department. Click here if you want to go directly to the spicy Books like Court of Thorn and Roses in this post.
Eighteen-year-old Iris dreams that one day her writing will make a difference. A war between gods is raging, and sheās landed a prestigious job at theĀ Oath Gazette.
Her brother is missing on the frontline. Her mother is lost in a haze of addiction. And each night Iris pours her heart out in letters to her brother.
Letters that will never be answered. Or so she thinksā¦
Theyāve made their way into the hands of the last person Iris trusts: Roman Kitt. Her cold, unforgiving rival at the paper.
Why you should read it
If I had to name three fantasy romance books that define 2023, Divine Rivals is one of them (the other two are featured in this list as well: Fourth Wing and the third installment in the Once Upon a Broken Heart series).
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Divine Rivals offers the perfect love story. Set in a dystopian world with numerous references to WWI, we follow Iris and Roman in their quest to become the best columnists at the Owl Gazette.
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However, there is so much more to the story. Secret letters, gods, and an imminent war are just the tip of the iceberg in this exciting fantasy romance. If you’re looking to be consumed by an exciting romance, this is the book for you.
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Eighteen-year-old Iris dreams that one day her writing will make a difference. A war between gods is raging, and sheās landed a prestigious job at theĀ Oath Gazette.
Her brother is missing on the frontline. Her mother is lost in a haze of addiction. And each night Iris pours her heart out in letters to her brother.
Letters that will never be answered. Or so she thinksā¦
Theyāve made their way into the hands of the last person Iris trusts: Roman Kitt. Her cold, unforgiving rival at the paper.
Why you should read it
The Foxglove King is the new fantasy romance from the author of For the Wolf, and it certainly delivers.
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With excellent worldbuilding, this gothic fantasy romance is the perfect mix of political intrigue, religion, and forbidden romance.
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Our protagonist is a very powerful necromancer who has spent all her life hiding to avoid being used or killed for her powers.
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However, one day, she is inevitably discovered and begins to assist the King of Dellaire with her unique abilities.
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The Foxglove King features a love triangle, a forbidden romance with bad-boy princes falling for a common girl, and royal intrigues.
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If, like me, you’re a fan of love triangles, this is the book for you.
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Royal Fantasy Romance books you’ll absolutely love
Hades & Persephone retelling with vampires and A Court of Myst and Fury vibes
Six months have passed since CĆ©lie took her sacred vows and joined the ranks of the Chasseurs as their first huntswoman. With her fiancĆ© Jean Luc as captain, she is determined to find her foothold in her new role and help protect Belterra. But whispers from her past still haunt her, and a new evil is risingāone that CĆ©lie herself must vanquish, unless she falls prey to the darkness.Ā
Why you should read it
The Scarlet Veil is the new fantasy series spin-off from The author of Serpent & Dove, Shelby Mahurin.
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Is a Young Adult fantasy romance with a lot of elements in common with A Court of Thorn and Roses.
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The Scarlet Veil tells the story of Celie, the first female Chasseur ( hunter ) in history . Celi was an decisive character in the Serpent & Dove trilogy and The Scarlet Veil has her as the protagonist.
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Teaming up with her fiancƩ, Jean Luc, Celie embarks on an investigation into the peculiar murders plaguing Belterra.
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The Scarlet Veil is an exciting Hades & Persephone retelling, complete with a dark and morally grey antagonist who will make Celie doubt her feelings for her fiancee.
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Oh, and did I mention there are vampires? If you’re yearning for similar books like ACOTAR and craving some paranormal creatures, this book is a must-read!
Cozy magical fantasy romance with wicked characters who will ruin the world for the heroine
For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endingsā¦until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.
Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.
But after Evangelineās first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous gameāand that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than sheād pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy….
Why you should read it
What would you do to win back the love of your life?
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Evangeline Fox strikes a deal with the cunning Prince of Hearts, Jacks, in order to reclaim his supposedly cursed lover, who is on the verge of marrying another woman.
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However,Ā Jacks will not offer his assistance without requesting something in return: three kisses from Evangeline. He assures her that he will ensure his end of the bargain is fulfilled.
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I can’t recommend this book enough. If you’re searching for a 5-star series similar to A Court of Thorn and Roses, this one is a must-add to your TBR list.
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Jacks is, hands down, one of my favourite characters. He embodies the essence of a morally grey character, always scheming, and we’re left questioning whether he’s the story’s villain or hero.
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Jacks is delightfully wicked and cunning, reminiscent of Rhys from ACOTAR and the early chapters of A Court of Mist and Fury.
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This book has it allāa forbidden romance set in a vibrant fantasy world that will immerse you in a colorful and effervescent realm.
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Once Upon a Broken Heart (OUABH) is a Young Adult novel, so it doesn’t contain steamy scenesĀ (the final book in the trilogy is set to release in October 2023), but you can anticipate plenty of tension and a beautifully crafted slow-burn romance.
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Gothic paranormal romance with Regency vibes and a morally grey character
A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous estate nearby. He’s hellbent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago…and now he’s determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.
Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from prison if they will entertain his presence. But the more time the girls spend with Fate, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate’s past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide if they can trust one another as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate’s unexpected gamesāall with their destinies hanging in the balance.
Dangerous, suspenseful, and seductive, this sequel to Signa and Death’s story is as utterly romantic as it is perfectly deadly.
Why you should read it
Foxglove is the second book in the Belladonna series. With an eerie and gothic atmosphere set in the Victorian era, this book features a dark love interest and a badass heroine.
Signa Farrow possesses a unique power: she cannot die. Death touched her in a tragic accident when she was a baby but couldn’t claim her. Since then, he has been her constant companion.
When she is forced to live with her relatives at the Thorn Glove estate, Signa seems to be the only one capable of uncovering the cause of the mysterious illnesses affecting the inhabitants of the manor.
I truly love this series, and it’s a perfect read if you want a book similar to “A Court of Thorn and Roses” with gothic vibes, mystery, and romance.
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Belladonna by Adalyn Grace In Depth Book review
Features a similar love triangle like Acotar
Brie hates the Fae and refuses to have anything to do with them, even if that means starving on the street. But when her sister is sold to the sadistic king of the Unseelie court to pay a debt, she’ll do whatever it takes to get her backāincluding making a deal with the king himself to steal three magical relics from the Seelie court.
Gaining unfettered access to the Seelie court is easier said than done. Brie’s only choice is to pose as a potential bride for Prince Ronan, and she soon finds herself falling for him. Unwilling to let her heart distract her, she accepts help from a band of Unseelie misfits with their own secret agenda. As Brie spends time with their mysterious leader, Finn, she struggles to resist his seductive charm.
Caught between two dangerous courts, Brie must decide who to trust with her loyalty. And with her heart.
Why you should read it
These Hollow Vows is a complete duology with cunning faes, Unseelie and Seelie Courts, and over-the-top romance that will captivate Acotar fans.
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It’s a fun and entertaining duology, very easy to read and perfect for fans looking for a fantasy romance with a love triangle similar to the one in Acotar.
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Brie, our heroine, shares a lot of similarities with Feyre, and she will be involved in a battle of epic proportions where she will have to choose which side she is on, risking both fae courts and the entire kingdom in the process.
Best Young Adult fantasy enemies to lovers with Faes and Princes
Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.
In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.
Why you should read it
Set in a world that blends urban fantasy with high fantasy, in The Cruel Prince we follow Jude, a human, and her family in Elfhame, the Land of Faeries.
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She faces numerous challenges as she tries to adapt to this realm, filled with cunning and deceitful fae, particularly Prince Cardan, who appears determined to make her life a living hell.
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The author, Holly Black, is well-known for portraying the fae as malevolent and crafty creatures, often associated with debauchery and incapable of telling lies.
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In this book, you’ll encounter one of the most beloved couples in the fandom.
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While The Folk of the Air series doesn’t exclusively focus on romance, it undeniably plays a significant role in the books. In my opinion, Cardan is a more complex character than Rhysand, and his imperfections make him more likable, though this is, of course, open to debate.
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This series is perfect for fans of Labyrinth, traditional fantasy, and the enemies-to-lovers trope.
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Books like A Court of Mist and Fury
ACOTAR was good, but A Court of Mist and Fury was perfect.
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A Court of Mist and Fury is a slow-burn Hades and Persephone retelling with a love triangle (I guess we can call the Tamlin-Rhys-Feyre relationship a love triangle hehe). It has overall more steamy and detailed scenes, and, well, it’s epic.
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If you are looking for fantasy romances with that vibe, I’ve got you covered!
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Some titles that appear above in this list meet the criteria, and I will briefly mention them and why they’re like A Court of Mist and Fury
These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
A love triangle similar to Tamlin-Rhys-Feyre with Fae Courts politics, lots of tension among the three protagonists, jealousy, and fights for the girl. The heroine is human, both love interest are Fae
The Scarlett Veil by Shelby Mahurin
A Hades & Persephone retelling where the heroine is engaged to a guy similar to Tamlin. The main love interest kidnaps her and is the villain in the story ( a vampire )
House of Beating Wings
The second book in the series has the same vibe as A Court of Mist and Fury' It's a slow burn with steamy scenes, and it shares similar dynamics ā two love interests, one resembling Tamlin,, while the true love interest plays the role of the main villain in book 1.
Fourth Wing
Basically..A Court of Mist and Fury with dragons.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
The best love triangle ever written. Period. Shatter Me is a dystopian fantasy with a touch of Hades & Persephone retelling. Top tier morally grey character. Lots of scenes similar to the wedding scene in ACOMAF.
This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi
The new series from the author of 'Shatter Me.' It's a Hades & Persephone retelling with two love interestsāone a cinnamon roll, the other morally grey. It's the slowest slow burn. The difference from ACOMAF is that in this case, you'll find yourself rooting for both love interests; both seem like endgame
Frequently asked Questions:
If I have to pick ONE series to read after ACOTAR, it would surely be ‘Once Upon a Broken Heart.‘ Jacks, the male character, is one of my top-tier book boyfriends of all time, and the series has a magical world setting with LOTS of romance.
Without a doubt, Throne of the Fallen, the first spin-off from The Kingdom of the Wicked series. Is an adult fantasy romance with lots of spicy scenes, demons and morally grey characters
I got you š.
If you want to continue with the same writing style, go for ‘Crescent City‘ right away after finishing ‘ACOTAR.'( both Series are form the same author )
If you’ve already finished ‘Fourth Wing‘ and don’t know what to do with your life š , go check out this Book List with The Best Books to Read after ‘Fourth Wing.
For a fantasy romance like A Court of Mist and Fury with spicy scenes, you should definitely try House of Beating WingsĀ or Fourth Wing.
Other series with similar dynamics ( two love interests, morally grey characters ) are : Shatter Me, These Hollow Vows, The Scarlet Veil and This Woven Kingdom
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