It may not be Valentine's Day, but that doesn't mean that love isn't in the air. From Contemporary Romance to Romantasy (Romantic Fantasy), there are just so many books to choose from and SO. LITTLE. TIME. Especially for our mood readers out there. (We feel your pain)
Booktok is one helpful source for recommendations, but it can be frustrating when all you want to read is a good ole' romance without hiding the pages from your family.
Fret not as we are here to help you narrow down to 3 must-read romance books that will sweep you off your feet and make you giggle like a teenage girl. Oh, did we mention that these romance books have little to no spice at all? Just because there's no spice doesn't mean it's bland after all.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Cover of The Cruel Prince
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a captivating young adult fantasy novel that blends court intrigue, romance, and danger. The story centers around Jude, a mortal girl living in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. She and her sisters are taken to the Faerie realm after their parents are murdered, and despite being human, Jude craves power and belonging in this ruthless world.
The story revolves around her struggles to navigate the cutthroat politics of the faerie court, where mortals are often despised and manipulated. Jude encounters Prince Cardan, a cruel and arrogant faerie who becomes both her nemesis and unexpected love interest. Their intense and complicated dynamic—full of tension, betrayal, and romance—drives much of the plot.
With richly developed characters, a fast-paced plot, and dark, intricate world-building,
The Cruel Prince is perfect for readers who enjoy romance woven into a dangerous, magical realm full of intrigue, backstabbing, and of course, enemies to lovers. This book offers a deep dive into complex relationships and
moral gray areas, making it an excellent pick for fans of romantasy.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross is a unique and captivating romantasy set in a world where magic and war collide. The story follows two rival journalists, Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt, who are competing for the same coveted position at their newspaper. As they write about the war between gods that is tearing their world apart, their rivalry becomes the focal point of their relationship. Unknown to both of them, they are also exchanging anonymous letters through a magical typewriter, confiding their deepest thoughts and emotions to each other.
Their connection grows gradually, full of tension and emotional depth, but without explicit content, making this a great choice for readers looking for romance books without spice.
With lyrical writing, compelling world-building, and a focus on emotional intimacy,
Divine Rivals delivers a touching love story amid a backdrop of
war and divine influence. It's perfect for readers who enjoy enemies to lovers books but prefer a more subtle and tender approach to romance.
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
Cover of We Hunt the Flame
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal is a thrilling young adult fantasy inspired by ancient Arabian culture, filled with adventure, magic, and a slow-burn romance. The story is set in the mythical land of Arawiya, which is slowly being consumed by darkness. It follows two main characters: Zafira, a skilled hunter who disguises herself as a man to provide for her people, and Nasir, a prince and assassin known for his ruthlessness.
Zafira is on a mission to find an ancient artifact that could restore magic to Arawiya, while Nasir has been sent to kill her and retrieve the artifact for his father, the king. As their paths cross, they must navigate their conflicting goals, gradually moving from enemies to reluctant allies. Their complex relationship—fraught with tension, mistrust, and eventual attraction—drives much of the book's emotional core.
We Hunt the Flame is filled with rich world-building, vivid descriptions, and diverse characters. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic, coupled with a focus on self-discovery and sacrifice, makes it a perfect read for fans of romantasy. If you're looking for a book with enemies to lovers elements and a captivating, spice-free romance, this novel is an excellent choice.
Comments
Post a Comment