Fat women in fantasy. Where the heck are they? Diversity is the current buzzword of the writing community, and more than ever, we are seeing such variety in our heroes and heroines, especially within fantasy fiction. However, one population seems to be lacking representation: plus-sized characters. Body positivity is important, especially for plus-sized individuals. In … Continue reading Wren Murphy: Body Positivity and Plus-Size Representation in Fantasy
Upcoming Releases for January 1, 2022 Through June 30, 2022
With 2022 on its way, it's time to look ahead to the gorgeous stories that will be coming our way. This is far from the final tally of stories, of course. We just wanted to give you a sneak peek on what we know is coming during the Black Friday weekend. Be sure to come … Continue reading Upcoming Releases for January 1, 2022 Through June 30, 2022
Upcoming Romantic Fantasy/Fantasy Romance Releases July 2021 Through December 2021
Well 2021 has been off to quite a start. Hard to believe we're more than halfway through, isn't it? Could your TBR list use some more books? Well of course it could! Why else are any of us here? LOL As great as the first half of the year has been for releases, I think … Continue reading Upcoming Romantic Fantasy/Fantasy Romance Releases July 2021 Through December 2021
Blizzard of Book Boyfriends’ Featured Author: Bernadette Rowley and the Queenmakers Saga
Bernadette Rowley's Queenmakers Saga is high fantasy romance set in the world of Thorius. Sword and sorcery with a hearty dose of romance feature heavily in these stories with different couples through their challenges, quests, and development. If you like sets, you can get a boxset with the first four books here. Have a look … Continue reading Blizzard of Book Boyfriends’ Featured Author: Bernadette Rowley and the Queenmakers Saga
24 Fantasy & Romance Books with Spice, Part I
Shake off that late-winter chill with some heat! Our list of 24 Fantasy & Romance Books with Spice has you covered for steamy reads in romantic fantasy, fantasy romance, and reverse harem fantasy.
Upcoming Romantic Fantasy/Fantasy Romance Releases January 2021 through June 2021
What better way to dig into this new year than with a great big pile of books? My TBR list just keeps getting longer and longer, but I also keep finding amazing new stories! And, let me tell you, the authors in the fantasy romance and romantic fantasy genres have lots of exciting new tales … Continue reading Upcoming Romantic Fantasy/Fantasy Romance Releases January 2021 through June 2021
Series Shoutout: The Keepers
Come now, we're here again at Thursday. And that means it is time for another completed series. This week's series shoutout is Meg Anne's The Keepers. Have a look at this epic series! (And remember that Blizzard of Book Boyfriends gives points for reading and reviewing all the books in a completed series!) Here's the … Continue reading Series Shoutout: The Keepers
20 Romantic Fantasy Books with Warrior Heroines, Part I
Looking for some romantic fantasy books with warrior heroines who can handle themselves? Romantic Fantasy Shelf has a new stack for your TBR!
Series Shoutout: The Fair Isle Trilogy
Is it that time again? Why yes! I believe it is. Time to celebrate another completed series! Today we're having a look Tessonja Odette's The Fair Isle Trilogy. Have a look at this gorgeous series right here! (And remember that Blizzard of Book Boyfriends gives points for reading and reviewing all the books in a … Continue reading Series Shoutout: The Fair Isle Trilogy
20 Enemies-To-Lovers Fantasy Books, Part I
Need some sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance in your fantasy? Romantic Fantasy Shelf has got you covered!
20 Romantic Fantasy Books With Love Triangles
Romantic Fantasy Shelf breaks down the top 20 romantic #fantasybooks with love triangles, including #yafantasy and trade, with picks by #sarahjmaas, #cassandraclare, #victoriaaveyard, #leighbardugo, #nkjemisin and more!
11 Must-Read Fantasy Reverse Harem Books
Have you heard of reverse harem fantasy? If not, you've missed some great books! But don't worry, Romantic Fantasy Shelf has you covered with the 11 Must-Read Reverse Harem Fantasy Books to get you started on this hot subgenre niche. @CatharineGlen has some awesome picks from Alex Lidell, Auryn Hadley, Kristen Banet, Tate James, Raven Kennedy, and more!
Upcoming Romantic Fantasy/Fantasy Romance Titles in 2020
2020 may be more than halfway over (thank goodness!), but that doesn't mean that the rest of the year isn't chock full of great new releases that are sure to satsify your craving for fantasy romance or romantic fantasy. Come on, let's take a peek at the goodies coming up. (Titles are listed in order … Continue reading Upcoming Romantic Fantasy/Fantasy Romance Titles in 2020
Here’s Your List of Romantic Reads From the 2020 Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO)!
If you're a member of our Facebook group, chances are you're familiar with self-published books. Many of the book recommendations made there are novels written by independent ("indie") authors, who don't go through a traditional publishing house like Penguin or Hachette, but oversee their books' preparation and publishing on their own. Self-published books can have … Continue reading Here’s Your List of Romantic Reads From the 2020 Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO)!
RFS 2020 Fanart Competition
Good afternoon, lovely Shelfies! We are going to be adding some more fun and art to our activities on the Romantic Fantasy Shelf by hosting a fanart competition! And don't worry if you think you lack the artistic skills. We've got some prizes that will take that into account, so this isn't going to be … Continue reading RFS 2020 Fanart Competition
Looking for New Romantic Fantasies for Your eReaders?
I am tagged in this picture, and I don't mind. Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the chances that you have a new device in need of some stories is fairly good. Or maybe you just like to browse the latest fantasy romances or romantic fantasies regardless of the season. To that end, we have … Continue reading Looking for New Romantic Fantasies for Your eReaders?
2019 RFS Book Raffle- Read on to Learn How to Win!
Time: 10/15 - 12/13 at 11:59 PM EST. Books: any of the 12 books listed in this grid below attached Goal: read as many as you can; each book and bingo gets you extra points and extra chances to win What Can You Win: The winners will be selected at random using the points/tickets to … Continue reading 2019 RFS Book Raffle- Read on to Learn How to Win!
45 Swoon-worthy Fantasy Romance Novels
Want to fall in love with a fantasy romance? We at Romantic Fantasy Shelf got you covered! Here are 45 swoon-worthy fantasy romance novels to get lost in...
58 Romantic Fantasy Books To Tie Your Heart In Knots
Looking for your next romantic fantasy read? We here at the Shelf have got you covered! Read on!
N. J. Adel: Fantasy and Egypt
Reverse harem fantasy authors have often been inspired by the wealth of folklore and mythology across many cultures, both current and ancient. Who wouldn’t love to have a harem of immortal gods who are conjuring magic all day to please their ladies? However, when it comes to ancient Egypt, things get a little tricky. The … Continue reading N. J. Adel: Fantasy and Egypt
Catharine Glen: 5 Books To Read To Jump Into Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance
You love a good romance. We all do, that’s why we’re here! When two characters fall in love and overcome adversity: nothing better! Sometimes there’s another love interest, and the infamous triangle emerges: who will she choose? But now you’re looking for something more. Something new and different. Enter reverse harem (RH) or #WhyChoose, a … Continue reading Catharine Glen: 5 Books To Read To Jump Into Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance
AJ Lancaster: Book Review of Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Sometimes a book draws you in so completely that you only remember you meant to go to bed hours ago after you emerge, blinking, from the very last page. I mean, look at that opening sentence: Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley.Uprooted, p1 How … Continue reading AJ Lancaster: Book Review of Uprooted by Naomi Novik
15 Books to Read If You Love Women Mages
Here's a list of books if you like strong women who wield magic. These books were selected by our administrators and community members. We hope you find your next favorite read! 1. Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn Gillengaria seethes with unrest. In the south, hostility toward magic and its users has risen to a … Continue reading 15 Books to Read If You Love Women Mages
Rose Amberly: Fairy tales, Fantasy and legends hold up a mirror to real life
If like me you’ve balked at how un-feminist our classic fairy tales can be, then you understand how reluctant I was, last Christmas, when my niece asked me to read her Cinderella. For a start, three of the women in the story come in for very harsh descriptions, they’re either, ugly, stupid, or evil. As … Continue reading Rose Amberly: Fairy tales, Fantasy and legends hold up a mirror to real life
13 Books to Read If You Love Gaslamp
Here's a list of books if you like Gaslamp. These books were selected by our administrators and community members. We hope you find your next favorite read! 1. Nefertiti's Heart by A.W. Exley Cara Devon has always been impulsive, but tangling with a serial killer might cure that. Permanently. "I love everything about the story. … Continue reading 13 Books to Read If You Love Gaslamp
A.W. Exley and Rabia Gale: What’s Gaslamp?
Today we’d like to introduce you to an old genre that is getting some new recognition — gaslamp. While gaslamp has been with us for over a hundred years now, it has only recently been given its own category on Amazon and a BISAC code. What is gaslamp? GASLAMP (also known as gaslight fantasy or … Continue reading A.W. Exley and Rabia Gale: What’s Gaslamp?
Helena Rookwood: 5 Books To Read If You’re Excited About Disney’s Live-Action Version of Aladdin
Craving magic lamps and desert sands after watching the Aladdin remake? Helena Rookwood has you covered with a list of books to sate your inner djinni!
Jaycee Jarvis: In Defense of Beta Heroes
Jaycee Jarvis defines the role of the beta hero in romantic fantasy and fantasy romance, and makes some book recommendations!
J.M. Butler: Review of A Thief and a Gentlewoman (RFS Book Club Winner – March 2019)
J.M. Butler gives her review of one of RFS's March 2019 Book Club winners, A Thief and a Gentlewoman by Clare Sager.
ROZ P. GARRETT: BOOK REVIEW OF KUSHIEL’S DART BY JACQUELINE CAREY
Roz P. Garrett delves deeply into the worldbuilding, plot, and romance of Jacqueline Carey's masterpiece romantic fantasy, Kushiel's Dart.
Ryan Muree: You were the CHOSEN ONE!
Ryan Muree discusses the Chosen One trope in fantasy.
What to Read if You Love Beauty and the Beast
Do you love Beauty and the Beast? Nicolette Andrews lists the books you need on your TBR, like, yesterday. 🙂
J.M. Butler: Review of Heart of the Fae by Emma Hamm (RFS Book Club Winner – February 2019)
J.M. Butler gives her review of one of RFS's February 2019 Book Club winners, Heart of the Fae by Emma Hamm.
Gemma Oleander: My First Boyfriend Was a Book Boyfriend, or: Why I Write Young Adult Romantic Fantasy
Gemma Oleander discusses the pleasures and lessons of young adult romantic fantasy and its roguish book boyfriends. 😉
J.M. Butler: Review of No Man Can Tame by Miranda Honfleur (RFS Book Club Winner – February 2019)
J.M. Butler gives her review of one of RFS's February 2019 Book Club winners, No Man Can Tame by Miranda Honfleur.
Janeen Ippolito: Write a Good Loser: Love Triangles Beyond the Indecisive Protagonist
Janeen Ippolito explains why love triangles, despite getting a bad rap, can add to a good story.
Ryan Muree: The Dirty on “Clean” vs “Dirty” Stories
Ryan Muree discusses the divide between stories that contain sexual relations and stories that don't, and whether there's a need for new classifications and terminology.
R. A. Steffan: Reverse Harem and the Rise of Polyamorous Fantasy Romance
R.A. Steffan discusses the origins of reverse harem, its evolution, and the rise of polyamorous fantasy romance.
Catharine Glen: The Path To Reverse Harem Romance
Catharine Glen reveals the Eastern origins of the reverse harem genre, explains the difference with the Western style, and details the pleasures to be found in RH fantasy.
J.M. Butler: Why Does Romance Belong in Epic Fantasy?
J.M. Butler details the opposition to romance in epic fantasy, and explores reasons why romance belongs in the genre.
Ryan Muree: Validating Strong Women in Fantasy
Ryan Muree discusses depictions of strong women in fantasy and the need for inclusion and raising voices.
Nicolette Andrews: Book Review of Blade & Rose by Miranda Honfleur
Nicolette Andrews reviews romantic fantasy novel Blade & Rose by Miranda Honfleur.
Nicolette Andrews: Falling in Love with Fantasy Romance
Nicolette Andrews defines fantasy romance and discusses its significance.
Helen Allan: Three Things I Learned Writing Scarab: Falling Through Time (Writer Edition!)
Helen Allan recounts the lessons she gleaned from writing the Scarab series.
Miranda Honfleur: The Place of Romantic Fantasy
Miranda Honfleur discusses what's meant by the term "romantic fantasy," and its implications for readers and authors.
Helen Allan: Three Things I Learned Writing Scarab: Falling Through Time
Helen Allan retells her adventure traveling in Egypt, which underpinned her romantic fantasy novel, Scarab.
Claire Luana: On Romance Tropes
Claire Luana discusses romance tropes and makes recommendations.
Romantic Fantasy Shelf Launch Events!
Ready to kick off 2019 with tons of fantasy romance, romantic fantasy, and reverse harem fantasy books? Win your 2019 TBR pile of ebooks, paperbacks, audiobooks, signed books, as well as bookmarks, interviews, and more! It's easy to enter: During the month of January, read and review any romantic fantasy, fantasy romance, or reverse harem … Continue reading Romantic Fantasy Shelf Launch Events!
“Female Author Syndrome” and the Shaming of Women Who Read & Write Romantic Fantasy
Miranda Honfleur discusses the sexism leveled by hate groups and individuals in the book community against the predominantly female readers and authors of romantic fantasy.
22 Fae Fantasy Books with Romance, Part I
Are you under the spell of hot fae and want more? We've scoured the realm of faerie (*wink*) to put together our list of 22 Fae Fantasy Books with Romance in the genres of romantic fantasy, fantasy romance, and reverse harem fantasy.