Is every reverse harem heroine an idiot or are they all just designed generically so that they can mesh with any number of MMCs? This is a DNF week and a cry for help. Are they any good reverse harem stories? Even with an urban fantasy setting and a mix of vampires, werewolves, and ghosts, there's nothing redeemable in this book. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43239166-gypsy-blood Similar Books The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212688557-the-charlie-meth...
Aug 20, 2025•11 min
A lobster-scorpion-spider pie? Only if it comes with a side of monster romance, and Grace Draven absolutely delivers. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24473763-radiance?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=WMyh7Drrxv&rank=2 https://patreon.com/notanotherheroine
Aug 18, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 130
This is the prequel for the Mages of the Wheel series, which are all standalone but interconnected stories set in a Middle-East-inspired world. While most of these books have a slow start due to the detailed world-building and complex background plot, the romantic payoff is worth the investment. Wind & Wildfire (Mages of the Wheel #0) by J. D. Evans https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57776839-wind-wildfire Similar Authors Grace Draven https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2759153.Grace_Drav...
Aug 13, 2025•7 min
What are you doing with your life if you haven't watched this movie yet? Romantasy readers note that shadow daddies, sly humor, and every k-drama trope in the book are scattered throughout this flick. It's not just for kids, check out the lyrics for "Your Idol" if you need a quick preview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=cWppAbqm9I8&t=12 https://www.netflix.com/title/81498621?source=35&fromWatch=true Similar Books and Authors Any recs, readers? This is in a league above. ...
Aug 11, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 129
Billionaire daddy boyfriend? A heroine with a spine? Dual first person POV? Yup. It's a Katie pick. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217206738-king-of-wrath Similar Books The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58438593-the-soulmate-equation The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39083635-the-sweetest-oblivion Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198716261-not-in-love Subscribe on Youtube! ht...
Aug 06, 2025•9 min
We time-traveled to the 2010s to find this book on a long-forgotten Kindle. Who knew Sherry Thomas, historical romance goddess, also wrote YA romantasy? While this book is filled with tropes and cliches, it's well written and a great rec for a younger reader - or as a palate cleanser after a round of monster smut. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17332556-the-burning-sky?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=4nUqCGU5eb&rank=1 Similar Books and Authors Only a Monster by Vanessa Len ht...
Aug 04, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 128
The Scattered Bones has a unique plot set up: past and current timelines running concurrently through alternating chapters with vastly different trajectories. Spoilers galore in this review, so please don't listen if this is on your TBR. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/162728103-the-scattered-bones Similar Books Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15839984-cruel-beauty The Songbird and the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/...
Jul 30, 2025•9 min
Welcome to the roast fest. We tried to have some organization with our commentary, but we were so riled up over this book that we just kept spiraling. Good news: if you liked The Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, or A Fate Inked in Blood, then you'll probably enjoy Rose in Chains too. You just may not like this episode. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221179254-rose-in-chains https://patreon.com/notanotherheroine
Jul 28, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 127
Throne of Glass needs no introduction. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76703559-throne-of-glass Similar Books Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/61431922-fourth-wing The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle Jensen https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211081101-the-bridge-kingdom The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas https://www.goodreads.com/series/...
Jul 23, 2025•9 min
We're trying out a new episode format. This week, we'll cover the synopsis, and next week, we'll analyze specific points, characterizations, and world-building. That established, do NOT listen to this episode if you even remotely enjoyed Rose in Chains. Rose in Chains is a retooling of a Dramione fanfiction, called The Auction. We've done our best to review it on its own merits (there aren't any). Trigger warnings for the noncon themes in this book a la Handmaiden's Tale, and please note that we...
Jul 21, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 126
If you like a down-trodden heroine, friends-to-lovers, and lots of science tid-bits, this might be the cupcake for you. Similar Books Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60657589-emily-wilde-s-encyclopaedia-of-faeries Ali Hazelwood https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/21098177.Ali_Hazelwood Subscribe on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@notanotherheroine Join us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/notanotherheroine...
Jul 16, 2025•9 min
If Connor Harkness tells you to go to your room, you go. We're a little all over the place in our close-out episode for this book. Blame the flashbacks and our general giddiness over Maya and Connor's relationship. Would this same story work if the genders were flipped on the age difference? Check out the k-drama "Encounter" for a TV version and let us know what you think on our IG or channel! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228691356-problematic-summer-romance?from_search=true&from_srp=...
Jul 14, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 125
The only thing we trust to break a reading slump? Dramione. This week's pick is slightly outside of Katie's norms. The story takes place during 8th year and is told from Draco's perspective with some found family tropes and cute muggle references sprinkled throughout. Also, novella-sized so don't be afraid to commit to this one (unlike some of the others listed below). https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59080725-innocent-monsters?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=kFQ4u6g7Tb&rank=1 ...
Jul 09, 2025•11 min
Is every age gap romance problematic? We're here to dive deeper into Ali Hazelwood's most recent book. Maya is not your typical romcom heroine; she's got anger issues, teenage trauma, and isn't afraid to call people out. She's not for everyone, but her romance with Connor feels organic, and the well-paced flashbacks make this book fly by. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228691356-problematic-summer-romance?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=mt0owJHxff&rank=1 Similar (age gap) Boo...
Jul 07, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 124
Ready for a c-drama readers? The Double (on Netflix) has every romantasy trope come to life. Our heroine plots the ultimate revenge against her ex-husband and in-laws while bantering and plotting with the mysterious Duke Su. It's Crown Duel meets Poison Study, just freaking watch it! https://www.netflix.com/title/81900131 https://patreon.com/notanotherheroine
Jul 02, 2025•10 min
This story ends...predictably, but it's not a terrible ride, especially if you're new to the genre. If you do like your stories heavier on fantasy elements, we recommend you check out Naomi Novik's "Uprooted." If you find yourself itching for more hot wax scenes, check out anything by Carissa Broadbent. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205335957-the-knight-and-the-moth Similar mentioned in this episode: The Songbird and the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent https://www.goodreads.com/book/sh...
Jun 30, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 123
Are you even surprised anymore when you see an Ali Hazelwood episode? Of course Katie read "Problematic Summer Romance," but there's a lot to unpack in this one so we'll cover it in a full episode later this summer. For now, we hope this preview inspires you to read it and share your thoughts on the age-gap debate. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228691356-problematic-summer-romance Similar and Related Books Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198716261-not-in-lo...
Jun 25, 2025•10 min
Great world-building, engaging side characters, and a predictable, video-game style plot. There's nothing too off the mark in Rachel Gillig's most recent book. If you enjoyed One Dark Window, this one is a safe bet. We have a few complaints, namely the romance - it's about as lackluster as her previous attempts - but her writing style is solid (rare for a first-person POV). https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205335957-the-knight-and-the-moth Other books mentioned in this episode: The Winner's C...
Jun 23, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 122
There's a reason this book is recommended everywhere. If you like historical fantasy, prickly heroines, and a very clean slow-burn, then Emily Wilde just might be your girl. https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/413390-emily-wilde-s-encyclopaedia-of-faeries Similar Books: Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60717747-half-a-soul Prince of Hearts by Margaret Foxe https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18515966-prince-of-hearts Doctor D'Arco, Sorcerer of London by Kathr...
Jun 18, 2025•10 min
What have we been doing for the last couple weeks? Well, Readers, it's been some attempted mathematical analysis of Ali Hazelwood's spice levels, some introspection on book ratings, and a renewed obsession with all things Dramione. So just about the same as usual on our shelves. Check back in on Wednesday for a long overdue pick of the week (something about academia and faeries), and next Monday for part one of The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig. patreon.com/notanotherheroine...
Jun 16, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 121
It's time we took a reading break. Our regular episodes will resume on June 16th with "Ravishing the Heiress" by Sherry Thomas. In the meantime, check out some of our genre-divergent picks below: Vita Nostra by Marina Dyachenko, Sergey Dyachenko, Julia Meitov Hersey (Translator) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38633526-vita-nostra The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45186556-the-other-bennet-sister Like what we do and want to help support the pod? Joi...
May 28, 2025•9 min
The best books, The worst books, And the books that have yet to come. For a few more details on our upcoming schedule (we're taking a break until June 16th), you can check out our somewhat more coherent reading update, posting this Wednesday, May 28th. patreon.com/notanotherheroine @notanotherheroine
May 26, 2025•15 min•Season 3Ep. 120
If you like a little more romance in your romantasy, this book might appeal to you despite the page count, awkward turns of phrase, and overplayed-out genre tropes. Katie made it to 90 percent, enjoyed the journey, and was sucked in by a particular scene in which the MMC turns invisible so he can secretly dance with the heroine. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203579027-the-courting-of-bristol-keats Similar Books: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26032825-t...
May 21, 2025•15 min
Consensus: Jennifer Ehle is the better Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy's fencing scene? Delicious. Tune in next week for our mid-season review (and if you want to see the bonnets again, check it out on our Youtube channel). We'll discuss our favorite books this year, some hard misses, and preview a few things to come later this season. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112130/ patreon.com/notanotherheroine
May 19, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 119
After two failed attempts with "Byrony and Roses" and "Nettle and Bone," a T. Kingfisher book finally snagged Jordan with "Swordheart." This book pokes fun at the genre but has some creepy moments with sticky, flying, invisible manta rays. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42747739-swordheart Similar Books: Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50702014-paladin-s-grace The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58510253-...
May 14, 2025•10 min
Welcome to the Bennets and Bonnets episode featuring The Rob, a heated debate about Mr. Collins, and many teacups of twisky. Don't miss the episode trailer on YouTube, the bonnets are truly magnificent. patreon.com/notanotherheroine
May 12, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 118
Is it Dramione fanfic or hockey romance? Fake dating or marriage of convenience? It's Katie's pick this week, readers. You know what you're in for. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45484397-the-deal Similar Books: Easy by Tamara Weber https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16056408-easy The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123255391-the-graham-effect Icebreaker by Hannah Grace https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61767292-icebreaker Want more of Jordan, Katie, and...
May 07, 2025•8 min
We've discovered our pod attention span fails us on these longer series, but we do manage to wrap up The Folk of Air trilogy. The romantic tension continues to be a little lacking but we get a tidy ending with some hints at past and future series offshoots. Check back in next Monday for our Bennets and Bonnnets episode! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26032912-the-queen-of-nothing Other books mentioned in this episode: Valiant by Holly Black https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/266607.Valiant...
May 05, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 117
Ripped bodices, tea parties, ball gowns....we're back into historical romance this week with "His At Night" by Sherry Thomas. This is less Bridgerton and more Downtown Abbey with a side of intrigue and murder. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6903194-his-at-night Similar Books: Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/114162.Secrets_of_a_Summer_Night Yours Until Dawn by Teresa Medeiros https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40720861-yours-until-dawn What I Di...
Apr 30, 2025•15 min
Hot take: ACOTAR is the adult (not necessarily better) version of this book - a little more angst and introspection vs the constant action and plot progression we've seen throughout The Folk of Air trilogy. Inhale this book on a hot day with a drink in hand, and you might catch a glimpse of faerie wings out of the corner of your eye. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26032912-the-queen-of-nothing Other books mentioned in this episode: Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier https://www.good...
Apr 28, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 116
