1. The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

My rating: 5/5

This book has become my favorite book of all time. Misaki has become one of my favorite female main characters of all time. Mamoru is my son. Takeru is...Takeru. Never have I cried so hard over a book. Never have I felt so strong and empowered.

2. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

My rating: 5/5

Y'all...this book healed something in me. It has all the elements of a classic fantasy novel, but with its incredible prose, lovable characters, jaw dropping villain, and beautiful worldbuilding, it is TRULY a cut above the rest.

3. The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste

My rating: 5/5

Never did I think I would enjoy an urban fantasy the way I did with this. From a brilliant main character to a magic system that actually made sense, the world created was both immersive and diverse. I laughed, I gasped, and I loved.

4. A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

My rating: 4/5

Other romantasies take note: this one is coming for your necks, just like the [spoiler!] heroine did for her husband. The female rage, passionate romance, 10/10 plot, and jaw dropping twist had me on EDGE. Oh, and did I mention vikings?

5. Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

My Rating: 4/5

WE LOVE IT WHEN THE ENEMIES TO LOVERS ARE ACTUAL ENEMIES TO LOVERS! This book nailed it when it came to the plot, characters, gray area, and magic system- though I do wish we'd gotten to see a bit more of the magic. The twist at the end >>

1. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

My rating: 5/5

Y'all...this book healed something in me. It has all the elements of a classic fantasy novel, but with its incredible prose, lovable characters, jaw dropping villain, and beautiful worldbuilding, it is TRULY a cut above the rest.

2. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

My rating: 4/5

Where has this book been all my life? Morally grey lesbians set off to burn down a patriarchal empire. Their romance is off the charts, the side characters aren't two dimensional, and the plot kept me hooked! No notes! None! Not at all!

3. Faebound by Saara El-Arifi

My rating: 4/5

This book fought really hard for that second spot. African mythology? Enemies to lovers? A unique magic system, and two badass sisters narrating it all? I was OBSESSED.

The ONLY THING keeping this at a four is the lack of setting/character description

4. This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings

My rating: 3.5/5

What I loved: black vampires, historical romance, female rage, enemies to lovers, gorgeous dialogue!

My issues with this book were two main things: the mystery felt lacking, and it definitely could've gone through another round of editing

5. The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett

My rating: 3/5

What I loved: This book has a unique magic system, nerdy heroine, political intrigue, and realistic romance!

My main issue with this book is the plot: it's debilitatingly slow moving, and for a standalone, I wish it was a bit faster.

Daydreaming about the book all day vs Having to write the book