## How Romance Stories Can Help You Unlock First Your Orgasm

If you're a fan of romance, you're probably familiar with the idea of writer's block—that frustrating state where creativity stalls and the words just won't come. What you might not realize is that difficulty reaching orgasm can be surprisingly similar. It's like a "pleasure block"—you know what you want to experience, but somehow the connection between mind and body just isn't happening, leaving you stuck and unsatisfied. 

The truth is, if you don't know how to make yourself cum, you’re not alone. About [10-15% of women have never experienced orgasm](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001953.htm#:~:text=About%2010%25%20to%2015%25%20of,for%20an%20orgasm%20to%20happen.), and orgasmic challenges are the [second most frequently reported sexual issue](https://www.nature.com/articles/ijir20148#ref-CR4) among women.

But don’t despair! With a little practice and intentionality, and a little help from your favorite spicy audiobook, learning how to make yourself cum is totally within reach. 

### Setting the Scene

Like any good story, it’s important to set the scene before diving in. And when it comes to masturbation, it’s all about creating a physical environment that feels relaxing and inviting. 

Maybe that means you clear any clutter from your room before you get started. You could draw yourself a bubble bath with some sultry essential oils. Or you could put on a playlist that feels super sexy. It could be as simple as lighting a candle. 

You can also try matching the setting of your spicy audiobook to your physical environment. If you’re listening to fairy smut like Wings of Winter (link), maybe put on an ACOTAR inspired spotify playlist. If you’re more in the mood for something modern, you could put on a pair of pj’s or underwear you think your favorite character would love. It might feel a little silly at first, but masturbation doesn’t have to be so serious. Getting playful with it can even be a creative way to take pressure off yourself and relax even more. 

Whatever you do to set the scene, remember your the author of your pleasure story so make it feel good for you. 

### Press Play 

Once you're comfy and cozy, it’s time to activate your mental arousal. Think about how you feel when reading a particularly spicy scene or listening to an audiobook on [Dipsea](https://www.dipseastories.com/discover/). That warming sensation, quickened breath, heightened sensitivity—your body is already beginning its arousal journey.

You’ll want to tap into that magic sexiness before beginning self touch. So queue up your favorite spicy scene to listen to while you masturbate. 
Instead of setting those feelings aside when you finish a chapter, consider them the perfect starting point for self-pleasure. Here's how to transition from fictional fantasy to physical experience:
1. __Create a dedicated pleasure ritual__. Perhaps it begins with reading or listening to your current romance story in a comfortable, private space.
2. __Pay attention to which scenes spark physical response__. What dynamics, words, or scenarios particularly affect you? This awareness is valuable information about your unique turn-ons.
3. __Allow yourself to pause the story when you're feeling aroused__. This is your cue to begin transitioning to physical self-care.
4. __Set the scene to match the mood of your story__. If you were reading about a luxurious seduction, perhaps draw a bubble bath. If it was a rushed, passionate encounter, maybe the urgency carries into your self-pleasure approach.

The key is using the mental arousal from your romance stories as the on-ramp to physical exploration.

### Extending the Story: Breathing Life into Fantasy

As you transition from reading to self-touch, maintain the mental arousal with conscious breathing. [Deep breathing](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/stress/why-deep-breathing-makes-you-feel-so-chill) not only relaxes your body but also intensifies sensation by increasing blood flow to your genitals.

[Try this](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/breathing-deeply-series/?h=2): Close your eyes and take five deep counts on the inhale, five on the exhale. As your breathing rhythm establishes, recall the scene that aroused you—the words, the dynamics, the sensations described.

Sexologists [confirm that this combination](https://www.self.com/story/better-orgasms-breathing) of deep breathing and erotic visualization helps maintain the arousal state needed for orgasm. While staying present with physical sensation is important, keeping that mental fantasy active is often what pushes you over the edge.

### Becoming the Protagonist: Embodied Pleasure

With your mind engaged and your breath flowing, begin exploring your body as if you're the protagonist in your own romance scene. How would the author describe your touch? What sensations would they highlight?

If you've experienced partnered intimacy, you know how anticipation builds pleasure. The same applies in solo exploration. Rather than rushing toward genital touch, explore your entire body first:
- Trace your fingertips along your neck and shoulders
- Circle your breasts gently, paying attention to nipple sensitivity
- Follow the curves of your waist down to your hips
- Tease the sensitive skin of your inner thighs

This gradual approach mimics the pacing of a well-written romance scene, where tension builds deliciously before the main event. While doing this, keep elements of your chosen story in mind—you're essentially creating a mental soundtrack for your physical exploration.

### The Main Event: Where Story Meets Sensation

Your body contains multifaceted pleasure centers, each contributing uniquely to your experience. While the clitoris ([with its 8,000 nerve endings](https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/the-clitoris-has-8-000-nerve-endings-and-nine-other-things-we-learned-from-a-new-artwork-1.2947694#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%208%2C000,erectile%20tissue%2C%20muscle%20and%20nerves.)) often receives the most attention, approaching it too directly can be overwhelming if you're still learning your preferences.

Begin by exploring your entire bodily landscape while maintaining the mental arousal from your romance content. This includes your outer and inner labia, the hood protecting your clitoris, and the sensitive skin where thigh meets pelvis. Notice how your body responds to different touches while keeping the mental fantasy active.

Using lube can enhance these sensations, creating the smooth, gliding touch often described in romance scenes. You might discover that certain positions—perhaps tilting your pelvis or gently rocking—intensify feelings in particular areas.

If you notice building warmth and pleasure when touching a specific spot, you might increase the rhythm or pressure while simultaneously intensifying the fantasy in your mind. The combination of physical stimulation and mental arousal creates a powerful pathway to orgasm.

### Plot Twists: Internal Exploration

While most women find that [external stimulation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28678639/) is essential for climax, adding internal exploration can create a more layered experience—just like a romance plot with unexpected twists.

If you're curious about internal sensation, begin gently with clean hands or an appropriate toy, perhaps exploring the textured anterior wall (commonly called the g-spot). You might enjoy alternating between internal and external touch while keeping your mind engaged with your chosen fantasy.

Some women experience different types of orgasms—clitoral, g-spot, or a combination that creates full-body sensations. There's no hierarchy, only what resonates most deeply with you and your particular story.

### Helpful Props: Sex Toys as Supporting Characters

Just as romance novels often include memorable supporting characters, your pleasure journey might benefit from some assistance. For beginners exploring with romance content as inspiration, a small external vibrator with adjustable settings can help you discover your sensitivity preferences.

Audio erotica has a particular advantage here—you can listen hands-free while exploring, letting the story guide your experience. The narration serves as both arousal and instruction, especially if you choose stories specifically designed for self-pleasure guidance.

### Recognizing Your Climax: The Resolution Chapter

For those who haven't yet experienced orgasm, the building sensations may feel unfamiliar yet unmistakable. As you maintain mental arousal from your romance content while physically exploring, you'll likely notice:
- Increased sensitivity in your clitoris and surrounding areas
- A spreading warmth radiating outward
- Deeper, more rapid breathing
- A natural tensing of muscles that intensifies sensation

As you approach climax, you might feel a building pressure similar to a release urge. This feeling generally indicates you're getting closer to the resolution of your personal pleasure story.

When orgasm arrives, you'll experience rhythmic muscular contractions, waves of pleasure radiating through your body, possible involuntary movements, and a satisfying release. Afterward, you'll likely notice a pleasant sensitivity that gradually subsides—much like the satisfied afterglow described in the closing chapters of a good romance.

### Epilogue: Your Continuing Romance

The journey to pleasure through romance content deserves patience. The techniques we've shared help bridge the gap between mental and physical arousal, but remember that each woman's experience unfolds differently. Don't measure your journey against others' timelines.

You deserve to feel pleasure and enjoy your intimate life, whether shared with a partner or experienced in solitude. If your first attempts don't lead to the climax you're hoping for, remember that many great romances involve a slow burn before the satisfying conclusion.

To support you in beginning this journey, we invite you to explore our collection of audio stories specifically designed to arouse and guide you toward pleasure. Our narrators create immersive worlds that engage your mind while gentle guidance helps you explore your body—creating the perfect conditions for discovery at your own pace.

---

*Your favorite romance stories aren't just entertainment—they're the beginning of your personal pleasure narrative. Turn the page and see where it leads.*

## How Romance Stories Can Help You Unlock First Your Orgasm

If you're a fan of romance, you're probably familiar with the idea of writer's block—that frustrating state where creativity stalls and the words just won't come. What you might not realize is that difficulty reaching orgasm can be surprisingly similar. It's like a "pleasure block"—you know what you want to experience, but somehow the connection between mind and body just isn't happening, leaving you stuck and unsatisfied. 

The truth is, if you don't know how to make yourself cum, you’re not alone. About [10-15% of women have never experienced orgasm](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001953.htm#:~:text=About%2010%25%20to%2015%25%20of,for%20an%20orgasm%20to%20happen.), and orgasmic challenges are the [second most frequently reported sexual issue](https://www.nature.com/articles/ijir20148#ref-CR4) among women.

But don’t despair! With a little practice and intentionality, and a little help from your favorite spicy audiobook, learning how to make yourself cum is totally within reach. 

### Setting the Scene

Like any good story, it’s important to set the scene before diving in. And when it comes to masturbation, it’s all about creating a physical environment that feels relaxing and inviting. 

Maybe that means you clear any clutter from your room before you get started. You could draw yourself a bubble bath with some sultry essential oils. Or you could put on a playlist that feels super sexy. It could be as simple as lighting a candle. 

You can also try matching the setting of your spicy audiobook to your physical environment. If you’re listening to fairy smut like Wings of Winter (link), maybe put on an ACOTAR inspired spotify playlist. If you’re more in the mood for something modern, you could put on a pair of pj’s or underwear you think your favorite character would love. It might feel a little silly at first, but masturbation doesn’t have to be so serious. Getting playful with it can even be a creative way to take pressure off yourself and relax even more. 

Whatever you do to set the scene, remember your the author of your pleasure story so make it feel good for you. 

### Press Play 

Once you're comfy and cozy, it’s time to activate your mental arousal. Think about how you feel when reading a particularly spicy scene or listening to an audiobook on [Dipsea](https://www.dipseastories.com/discover/). That warming sensation, quickened breath, heightened sensitivity—your body is already beginning its arousal journey.

You’ll want to tap into that magic sexiness before beginning self touch. So queue up your favorite spicy scene to listen to while you masturbate. 
Instead of setting those feelings aside when you finish a chapter, consider them the perfect starting point for self-pleasure. Here's how to transition from fictional fantasy to physical experience:
1. __Create a dedicated pleasure ritual__. Perhaps it begins with reading or listening to your current romance story in a comfortable, private space.
2. __Pay attention to which scenes spark physical response__. What dynamics, words, or scenarios particularly affect you? This awareness is valuable information about your unique turn-ons.
3. __Allow yourself to pause the story when you're feeling aroused__. This is your cue to begin transitioning to physical self-care.
4. __Set the scene to match the mood of your story__. If you were reading about a luxurious seduction, perhaps draw a bubble bath. If it was a rushed, passionate encounter, maybe the urgency carries into your self-pleasure approach.

The key is using the mental arousal from your romance stories as the on-ramp to physical exploration.

### Extending the Story: Breathing Life into Fantasy

As you transition from reading to self-touch, maintain the mental arousal with conscious breathing. [Deep breathing](https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/stress/why-deep-breathing-makes-you-feel-so-chill) not only relaxes your body but also intensifies sensation by increasing blood flow to your genitals.

[Try this](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/breathing-deeply-series/?h=2): Close your eyes and take five deep counts on the inhale, five on the exhale. As your breathing rhythm establishes, recall the scene that aroused you—the words, the dynamics, the sensations described.

Sexologists [confirm that this combination](https://www.self.com/story/better-orgasms-breathing) of deep breathing and erotic visualization helps maintain the arousal state needed for orgasm. While staying present with physical sensation is important, keeping that mental fantasy active is often what pushes you over the edge.

### Becoming the Protagonist: Embodied Pleasure

With your mind engaged and your breath flowing, begin exploring your body as if you're the protagonist in your own romance scene. How would the author describe your touch? What sensations would they highlight?

If you've experienced partnered intimacy, you know how anticipation builds pleasure. The same applies in solo exploration. Rather than rushing toward genital touch, explore your entire body first:
- Trace your fingertips along your neck and shoulders
- Circle your breasts gently, paying attention to nipple sensitivity
- Follow the curves of your waist down to your hips
- Tease the sensitive skin of your inner thighs

This gradual approach mimics the pacing of a well-written romance scene, where tension builds deliciously before the main event. While doing this, keep elements of your chosen story in mind—you're essentially creating a mental soundtrack for your physical exploration.

### The Main Event: Where Story Meets Sensation

Your body contains multifaceted pleasure centers, each contributing uniquely to your experience. While the clitoris ([with its 8,000 nerve endings](https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/the-clitoris-has-8-000-nerve-endings-and-nine-other-things-we-learned-from-a-new-artwork-1.2947694#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%208%2C000,erectile%20tissue%2C%20muscle%20and%20nerves.)) often receives the most attention, approaching it too directly can be overwhelming if you're still learning your preferences.

Begin by exploring your entire bodily landscape while maintaining the mental arousal from your romance content. This includes your outer and inner labia, the hood protecting your clitoris, and the sensitive skin where thigh meets pelvis. Notice how your body responds to different touches while keeping the mental fantasy active.

Using lube can enhance these sensations, creating the smooth, gliding touch often described in romance scenes. You might discover that certain positions—perhaps tilting your pelvis or gently rocking—intensify feelings in particular areas.

If you notice building warmth and pleasure when touching a specific spot, you might increase the rhythm or pressure while simultaneously intensifying the fantasy in your mind. The combination of physical stimulation and mental arousal creates a powerful pathway to orgasm.

### Plot Twists: Internal Exploration

While most women find that [external stimulation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28678639/) is essential for climax, adding internal exploration can create a more layered experience—just like a romance plot with unexpected twists.

If you're curious about internal sensation, begin gently with clean hands or an appropriate toy, perhaps exploring the textured anterior wall (commonly called the g-spot). You might enjoy alternating between internal and external touch while keeping your mind engaged with your chosen fantasy.

Some women experience different types of orgasms—clitoral, g-spot, or a combination that creates full-body sensations. There's no hierarchy, only what resonates most deeply with you and your particular story.

### Helpful Props: Sex Toys as Supporting Characters

Just as romance novels often include memorable supporting characters, your pleasure journey might benefit from some assistance. For beginners exploring with romance content as inspiration, a small external vibrator with adjustable settings can help you discover your sensitivity preferences.

Audio erotica has a particular advantage here—you can listen hands-free while exploring, letting the story guide your experience. The narration serves as both arousal and instruction, especially if you choose stories specifically designed for self-pleasure guidance.

### Recognizing Your Climax: The Resolution Chapter

For those who haven't yet experienced orgasm, the building sensations may feel unfamiliar yet unmistakable. As you maintain mental arousal from your romance content while physically exploring, you'll likely notice:
- Increased sensitivity in your clitoris and surrounding areas
- A spreading warmth radiating outward
- Deeper, more rapid breathing
- A natural tensing of muscles that intensifies sensation

As you approach climax, you might feel a building pressure similar to a release urge. This feeling generally indicates you're getting closer to the resolution of your personal pleasure story.

When orgasm arrives, you'll experience rhythmic muscular contractions, waves of pleasure radiating through your body, possible involuntary movements, and a satisfying release. Afterward, you'll likely notice a pleasant sensitivity that gradually subsides—much like the satisfied afterglow described in the closing chapters of a good romance.

### Epilogue: Your Continuing Romance

The journey to pleasure through romance content deserves patience. The techniques we've shared help bridge the gap between mental and physical arousal, but remember that each woman's experience unfolds differently. Don't measure your journey against others' timelines.

You deserve to feel pleasure and enjoy your intimate life, whether shared with a partner or experienced in solitude. If your first attempts don't lead to the climax you're hoping for, remember that many great romances involve a slow burn before the satisfying conclusion.

To support you in beginning this journey, we invite you to explore our collection of audio stories specifically designed to arouse and guide you toward pleasure. Our narrators create immersive worlds that engage your mind while gentle guidance helps you explore your body—creating the perfect conditions for discovery at your own pace.

---

*Your favorite romance stories aren't just entertainment—they're the beginning of your personal pleasure narrative. Turn the page and see where it leads.*

Trouble orgasming? Don’t despair! With a little practice and help from your favorite spicy audiobook, learning how to make yourself cum is totally within reach.

How to make yourself cum: Spicy Romance Stories Can Help

How-Often-Masterbate

Ready to take your next solo sesh to a whole new level? That's what Dipsea is for.

Dipsea is an app for Sexy Stories, Sleep Scenes, and Wellness Sessions designed to turn you on and then tuck you in.

## Dipsea Named App of the Day: Re-imagining Romance on the Apple App Store

We're so excited to announce that Dipsea has been featured as [App of the Day](https://apps.apple.com/us/story/id1491969793) on the Apple App Store!

![app of the day image](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4isiynsfGnJ2XserDE74gQ/f8ed81c1f0a2d300a40827383568d2be/app_of_the_day-half_size.png)

At [Dipsea](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dipsea-spicy-romantic-fiction/id1434242889), we've always been passionate about reimagining romance through audio. Our team works with professional writers and top-tier narrators to make sure every chapter is crafted with care, creativity, and attention to the female gaze.

This recognition comes at a time when stories created by and for the female gaze is gaining more visibility in mainstream culture. We’re so thrilled to be a part of that wave and that Apple has recognized our work! 

---

### The Dipsea difference 
If you're new to Dipsea ([welcome](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=app-of-the-day-blog)!), you might be wondering what sets us apart. Think of us as HBO for your ears—we're not just your average romance audiobook. We create the juiciest scenes from your favorite spicy stories, but better.
- Our library features:
- 1,000+ spicy audiobooks and romance novels
- Content that puts the female gaze front and center
- New releases every week
- Diverse storylines from slow-burn romance to supernatural encounters
- Characters with irresistible accents (hello, Lachlan the Highlander!)

We also are obsessed with creating a best-in-class in app experience for all of our users and are constantly integrating listener feedback, launching new features, and updating the Dipsea app. 

### Empowering Content Created for You
We believe in creating a romantic universe that never sacrifices safety. We take care of our characters and depict sex, love, and intimacy in empowering ways. In a world often built by and for men, our stories offer a fresh perspective that centers female pleasure and agency.

Whether you're looking for a slow burn or something more spicy, our audiobooks celebrate desire in all its forms while maintaining respect for every character involved.

### Fan Favorites to Explore
Not sure where to start? Our listeners can't get enough of these popular stories:
- "Hometown" - The most popular audiobook on Dipsea, [Hometown](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/hometown-series/) has it all – forbidden love, friends to lovers, and all your favorite microtropes 
- "The Highlander" - Featuring Lachlan's irresistible Scottish accent that stormed onto the scene with over 200K streams
- “The Local” – A Dipsea favorite, [The Local](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/the-local-series/) tells the story of an American ex-pat falling hard for a charming Irish pub owner
- “[Goddess of the Hunt](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/goddess-of-the-hunt-series/)” - Greek mythology with a twist, this audiobook reimagines the relationship of Artemis and Callisto with a queer twist 
- “Dangerous Games” – A newer story on the scene, [Dangerous Games](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/dangerous-games-series/) brings back one of our most beloved voice actors in his most intense role yet…
- "[The Ticket](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/the-ticket-series/)" - Our top sapphic audiobook with 130K streams and counting. A mysterious brit sweeps you away to an exciting destination in every chapter 
- "[Lecture Me](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/lecture-me-series/)" - One of our most popular romance audiobooks ever, it re-invents classic character dynamics in a modern way 

---

__Thank You__

A heartfelt thank you to Apple for this recognition, and an even bigger thank you to our incredible community of listeners. As a women-led team of writers, producers, and engineers who are obsessed with making the very best audio romance, your support means everything to us.


## Dipsea Named App of the Day: Re-imagining Romance on the Apple App Store

We're so excited to announce that Dipsea has been featured as [App of the Day](https://apps.apple.com/us/story/id1491969793) on the Apple App Store!

![app of the day image](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4isiynsfGnJ2XserDE74gQ/f8ed81c1f0a2d300a40827383568d2be/app_of_the_day-half_size.png)

At [Dipsea](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dipsea-spicy-romantic-fiction/id1434242889), we've always been passionate about reimagining romance through audio. Our team works with professional writers and top-tier narrators to make sure every chapter is crafted with care, creativity, and attention to the female gaze.

This recognition comes at a time when stories created by and for the female gaze is gaining more visibility in mainstream culture. We’re so thrilled to be a part of that wave and that Apple has recognized our work! 

---

### The Dipsea difference 
If you're new to Dipsea ([welcome](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=app-of-the-day-blog)!), you might be wondering what sets us apart. Think of us as HBO for your ears—we're not just your average romance audiobook. We create the juiciest scenes from your favorite spicy stories, but better.
- Our library features:
- 1,000+ spicy audiobooks and romance novels
- Content that puts the female gaze front and center
- New releases every week
- Diverse storylines from slow-burn romance to supernatural encounters
- Characters with irresistible accents (hello, Lachlan the Highlander!)

We also are obsessed with creating a best-in-class in app experience for all of our users and are constantly integrating listener feedback, launching new features, and updating the Dipsea app. 

### Empowering Content Created for You
We believe in creating a romantic universe that never sacrifices safety. We take care of our characters and depict sex, love, and intimacy in empowering ways. In a world often built by and for men, our stories offer a fresh perspective that centers female pleasure and agency.

Whether you're looking for a slow burn or something more spicy, our audiobooks celebrate desire in all its forms while maintaining respect for every character involved.

### Fan Favorites to Explore
Not sure where to start? Our listeners can't get enough of these popular stories:
- "Hometown" - The most popular audiobook on Dipsea, [Hometown](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/hometown-series/) has it all – forbidden love, friends to lovers, and all your favorite microtropes 
- "The Highlander" - Featuring Lachlan's irresistible Scottish accent that stormed onto the scene with over 200K streams
- “The Local” – A Dipsea favorite, [The Local](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/the-local-series/) tells the story of an American ex-pat falling hard for a charming Irish pub owner
- “[Goddess of the Hunt](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/goddess-of-the-hunt-series/)” - Greek mythology with a twist, this audiobook reimagines the relationship of Artemis and Callisto with a queer twist 
- “Dangerous Games” – A newer story on the scene, [Dangerous Games](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/dangerous-games-series/) brings back one of our most beloved voice actors in his most intense role yet…
- "[The Ticket](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/the-ticket-series/)" - Our top sapphic audiobook with 130K streams and counting. A mysterious brit sweeps you away to an exciting destination in every chapter 
- "[Lecture Me](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/lecture-me-series/)" - One of our most popular romance audiobooks ever, it re-invents classic character dynamics in a modern way 

---



__Thank You__

A heartfelt thank you to Apple for this recognition, and an even bigger thank you to our incredible community of listeners. As a women-led team of writers, producers, and engineers who are obsessed with making the very best audio romance, your support means everything to us.


We're so excited to announce that Dipsea has been featured as App of the Day on the Apple App Store!

Dipsea Named Apple App of the Day

Dipsea app of the day 

## Dangerous by Design: The Complex Heroines Driving Dark Romance

Dark romance has long moved past the days of passive FMCs waiting to be saved—or corrupted. Today's most compelling female leads are complex characters who navigate dangerous waters with agency, intelligence, and their own moral complexity. These women aren't just enduring their dark heroes; they're matching them beat for beat in a dangerous dance of power, desire, and self-discovery.

### Nora Sutherlin from The Siren
![the-siren-dark-romance-heroines ](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/52FTSFV0hv7kUv07Vn9cye/6e8c515b4bf2541b357b7a97defb2a2f/71xNY9EyQdL._SL1500_.jpg)
Tiffany Reisz's Nora demolishes the stereotype of the innocent heroine. As an erotica author and professional dominatrix, she wields both sexual and intellectual power with confidence. What makes her fascinating isn't just her provocative lifestyle, but her unapologetic ownership of her desires and choices. She shows that embracing one's darkness can be an act of empowerment rather than corruption.

### Poppy from Priest
![Priest-content](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5eatOcLgQc8Yqj4SW3aTnq/7cb25af0b9132de763d174c219ba54f9/Priest-content.jpeg)
Sierra Simone gives us a heroine who actively pursues her desires, even when they conflict with societal and religious norms. What makes Poppy compelling isn't just her attraction to the forbidden, but her refusal to be shamed by it. Her journey demonstrates that female desire, even at its most taboo, doesn't need justification or redemption. She owns her sexuality while maintaining her agency, proving that submission can be a form of power.

### Lily Bloom from It Ends with Us
![it-ends-with-us-dark-romance-heroines](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4Rfq8FEE8X9AcGeXgFNt8o/5dd8b8408c670695eadeffb7453a2502/91CqNElQaKL._AC_UF1000_1000_QL80_.jpg)
Colleen Hoover crafts a heroine whose strength lies in her ability to make difficult choices. Lily's journey isn't about being saved by love—it's about saving herself. Her character demonstrates that true strength often means walking away from toxic situations, even when desire and history pull us to stay. She challenges the genre's tendency to romanticize problematic relationships by showing that self-respect can be more powerful than passion.

### Vanessa from The Hunt
![dipsea-glow-wordmark](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4tzj6bITUPO7yKBzSgbS4g/3fcd305cf94fe68b1ad79648116cc233/Glow_-_Wordmark.png)
Dipsea's newest dark romance heroine subverts expectations through her calculated risk-taking and strategic surrender. Initially drawn into a dangerous supernatural world while searching for her missing sister, Vanessa demonstrates that vulnerability can be a choice—and sometimes a weapon. What makes her compelling isn't her ability to withstand danger, but how she deliberately navigates it, using her apparent powerlessness as a tool to gain deeper access to a world that holds the answers she seeks.

### Why They Matter
These characters resonate because they reflect a more nuanced understanding of power dynamics in relationships. They show that strength comes in many forms—sometimes in resistance, sometimes in calculated submission, and often in knowing the difference.

The most fascinating dark romance heroines aren't those who simply endure darkness—they're the ones who learn to navigate it, understand it, and sometimes even command it. Whether they're pursuing justice like Vanessa, reclaiming their agency like Lily, or challenging social norms like Nora and Poppy, these women prove that the most compelling stories happen when heroines are as complex and morally ambiguous as their dark heroes.

Their stories remind us that in the best dark romance, the heroine's journey isn't about being conquered or corrupted—it's about making conscious choices in morally complex situations while maintaining their essential sense of self. These women show us that true power often lies not in avoiding the darkness, but in learning to wield it on our own terms.


## Dangerous by Design: The Complex Heroines Driving Dark Romance

Dark romance has long moved past the days of passive FMCs waiting to be saved—or corrupted. Today's most compelling female leads are complex characters who navigate dangerous waters with agency, intelligence, and their own moral complexity. These women aren't just enduring their dark heroes; they're matching them beat for beat in a dangerous dance of power, desire, and self-discovery.

### Nora Sutherlin from The Siren
![the-siren-dark-romance-heroines ](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/52FTSFV0hv7kUv07Vn9cye/6e8c515b4bf2541b357b7a97defb2a2f/71xNY9EyQdL._SL1500_.jpg)
Tiffany Reisz's Nora demolishes the stereotype of the innocent heroine. As an erotica author and professional dominatrix, she wields both sexual and intellectual power with confidence. What makes her fascinating isn't just her provocative lifestyle, but her unapologetic ownership of her desires and choices. She shows that embracing one's darkness can be an act of empowerment rather than corruption.

### Poppy from Priest
![Priest-content](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5eatOcLgQc8Yqj4SW3aTnq/7cb25af0b9132de763d174c219ba54f9/Priest-content.jpeg)
Sierra Simone gives us a heroine who actively pursues her desires, even when they conflict with societal and religious norms. What makes Poppy compelling isn't just her attraction to the forbidden, but her refusal to be shamed by it. Her journey demonstrates that female desire, even at its most taboo, doesn't need justification or redemption. She owns her sexuality while maintaining her agency, proving that submission can be a form of power.

### Lily Bloom from It Ends with Us
![it-ends-with-us-dark-romance-heroines](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4Rfq8FEE8X9AcGeXgFNt8o/5dd8b8408c670695eadeffb7453a2502/91CqNElQaKL._AC_UF1000_1000_QL80_.jpg)
Colleen Hoover crafts a heroine whose strength lies in her ability to make difficult choices. Lily's journey isn't about being saved by love—it's about saving herself. Her character demonstrates that true strength often means walking away from toxic situations, even when desire and history pull us to stay. She challenges the genre's tendency to romanticize problematic relationships by showing that self-respect can be more powerful than passion.

### Vanessa from The Hunt
![dipsea-glow-wordmark](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4tzj6bITUPO7yKBzSgbS4g/3fcd305cf94fe68b1ad79648116cc233/Glow_-_Wordmark.png)
Dipsea's newest dark romance heroine subverts expectations through her calculated risk-taking and strategic surrender. Initially drawn into a dangerous supernatural world while searching for her missing sister, Vanessa demonstrates that vulnerability can be a choice—and sometimes a weapon. What makes her compelling isn't her ability to withstand danger, but how she deliberately navigates it, using her apparent powerlessness as a tool to gain deeper access to a world that holds the answers she seeks.

### Why They Matter
These characters resonate because they reflect a more nuanced understanding of power dynamics in relationships. They show that strength comes in many forms—sometimes in resistance, sometimes in calculated submission, and often in knowing the difference.

The most fascinating dark romance heroines aren't those who simply endure darkness—they're the ones who learn to navigate it, understand it, and sometimes even command it. Whether they're pursuing justice like Vanessa, reclaiming their agency like Lily, or challenging social norms like Nora and Poppy, these women prove that the most compelling stories happen when heroines are as complex and morally ambiguous as their dark heroes.

Their stories remind us that in the best dark romance, the heroine's journey isn't about being conquered or corrupted—it's about making conscious choices in morally complex situations while maintaining their essential sense of self. These women show us that true power often lies not in avoiding the darkness, but in learning to wield it on our own terms.


Dark romance FMCs are no longer passive—they’re complex, powerful, and meet their heroes as equals in a thrilling dance of power, desire, and self-discovery.

The Complex Heroines Driving Dark Romance

dark-romance-heroines

## Beyond the Bad Boy: Complex Heroes Who Challenge Dark Romance Tropes

The dark romance genre has evolved far beyond simple tales of dangerous men and the women who love them. Today's most compelling male leads challenge traditional power dynamics, exploring complex themes of consent, agency, and transformation. These characters invite us to examine what makes a "hero" in an increasingly nuanced landscape of desire and power.

### Julian Esguerra from Twist Me
![Twist Me-images](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1XiCodpqbLnGLIUdM5j1AX/d3b9839a309fd94887468cdd0a342359/Twist_Me-images.jpeg)
Anna Zaires's Julian subverts expectations by forcing readers to confront uncomfortable questions about power, consent, and redemption. What makes him fascinating isn't just his darkness, but how his relationship challenges readers to examine their own boundaries and beliefs about love and control. His character arc demonstrates how dark romance can explore complex power dynamics while still acknowledging the problematic nature of such relationships.

### Tyler Bell from Priest
![Priest-content](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5eatOcLgQc8Yqj4SW3aTnq/7cb25af0b9132de763d174c219ba54f9/Priest-content.jpeg)
Sierra Simone's Father Bell represents more than just forbidden desire—he embodies the tension between institutional power and personal truth. His journey questions the intersection of faith, sexuality, and autonomy. What makes Tyler compelling is how he navigates his crisis of faith while respecting his partner's agency, showing that even in power-imbalanced relationships, mutual respect and consent remain paramount.

### Michael Phan from The Heart Principle
![The Heart Principle-content](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6se97gOag67UnsalVYwNXk/b6ee870efcfc87abaa02e992e2ba110a/The_Heart_Principle-content.jpeg)
Helen Hoang crafts a different kind of dark hero in Michael—one whose complexity stems from trauma rather than malice. His story challenges the genre's tendency to glamorize controlling behavior by exploring how past wounds shape present relationships. Michael demonstrates that vulnerability and emotional intelligence can be just as captivating as traditional displays of power.

### Nolan from The Hunt 
![dipsea-glow-wordmark](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4tzj6bITUPO7yKBzSgbS4g/3fcd305cf94fe68b1ad79648116cc233/Glow_-_Wordmark.png)
Dipsea's newest dark romance hero upends supernatural tropes through his struggle with instinct versus choice. As a being of immense power, Nolan's most compelling trait isn't his ability to dominate, but his commitment to consent despite his primal urges. His journey explores how desire and restraint can coexist, and how true power often lies in the choice not to use it.

### What Makes These Heroes Complex
Modern dark romance heroes are evolving beyond simple dominance to explore:
- Conscious Power Exchange: Understanding the difference between consensual power dynamics and true abuse
- Emotional Intelligence: Showing that psychological depth is as important as physical strength
- Respect for Agency: Maintaining their darkness while honoring their partner's autonomy
- Growth Without Redemption: Evolving without losing their essential nature
- Self-Awareness: Acknowledging their own problematic aspects rather than being "reformed" by love

### Why They Matter
These characters resonate because they reflect evolving discussions about power, consent, and desire in modern relationships. They demonstrate that dark romance can explore taboo themes while still engaging thoughtfully with contemporary values and concerns.

The most compelling dark romance heroes aren't those who simply dominate—they're the ones who make us question our assumptions about power, consent, and the nature of desire itself. Whether they're wrestling with faith like Tyler, confronting trauma like Michael, or battling their own nature like Nolan, these characters show us that the most interesting struggles often happen in the gray areas between right and wrong, power and vulnerability, darkness and light.


## Beyond the Bad Boy: Complex Heroes Who Challenge Dark Romance Tropes

The dark romance genre has evolved far beyond simple tales of dangerous men and the women who love them. Today's most compelling male leads challenge traditional power dynamics, exploring complex themes of consent, agency, and transformation. These characters invite us to examine what makes a "hero" in an increasingly nuanced landscape of desire and power.

### Julian Esguerra from Twist Me
![Twist Me-images](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1XiCodpqbLnGLIUdM5j1AX/d3b9839a309fd94887468cdd0a342359/Twist_Me-images.jpeg)
Anna Zaires's Julian subverts expectations by forcing readers to confront uncomfortable questions about power, consent, and redemption. What makes him fascinating isn't just his darkness, but how his relationship challenges readers to examine their own boundaries and beliefs about love and control. His character arc demonstrates how dark romance can explore complex power dynamics while still acknowledging the problematic nature of such relationships.

### Tyler Bell from Priest
![Priest-content](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5eatOcLgQc8Yqj4SW3aTnq/7cb25af0b9132de763d174c219ba54f9/Priest-content.jpeg)
Sierra Simone's Father Bell represents more than just forbidden desire—he embodies the tension between institutional power and personal truth. His journey questions the intersection of faith, sexuality, and autonomy. What makes Tyler compelling is how he navigates his crisis of faith while respecting his partner's agency, showing that even in power-imbalanced relationships, mutual respect and consent remain paramount.

### Michael Phan from The Heart Principle
![The Heart Principle-content](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6se97gOag67UnsalVYwNXk/b6ee870efcfc87abaa02e992e2ba110a/The_Heart_Principle-content.jpeg)
Helen Hoang crafts a different kind of dark hero in Michael—one whose complexity stems from trauma rather than malice. His story challenges the genre's tendency to glamorize controlling behavior by exploring how past wounds shape present relationships. Michael demonstrates that vulnerability and emotional intelligence can be just as captivating as traditional displays of power.

### Nolan from The Hunt 
![dipsea-glow-wordmark](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4tzj6bITUPO7yKBzSgbS4g/3fcd305cf94fe68b1ad79648116cc233/Glow_-_Wordmark.png)
Dipsea's newest dark romance hero upends supernatural tropes through his struggle with instinct versus choice. As a being of immense power, Nolan's most compelling trait isn't his ability to dominate, but his commitment to consent despite his primal urges. His journey explores how desire and restraint can coexist, and how true power often lies in the choice not to use it.


### What Makes These Heroes Complex
Modern dark romance heroes are evolving beyond simple dominance to explore:
- Conscious Power Exchange: Understanding the difference between consensual power dynamics and true abuse
- Emotional Intelligence: Showing that psychological depth is as important as physical strength
- Respect for Agency: Maintaining their darkness while honoring their partner's autonomy
- Growth Without Redemption: Evolving without losing their essential nature
- Self-Awareness: Acknowledging their own problematic aspects rather than being "reformed" by love

### Why They Matter
These characters resonate because they reflect evolving discussions about power, consent, and desire in modern relationships. They demonstrate that dark romance can explore taboo themes while still engaging thoughtfully with contemporary values and concerns.

The most compelling dark romance heroes aren't those who simply dominate—they're the ones who make us question our assumptions about power, consent, and the nature of desire itself. Whether they're wrestling with faith like Tyler, confronting trauma like Michael, or battling their own nature like Nolan, these characters show us that the most interesting struggles often happen in the gray areas between right and wrong, power and vulnerability, darkness and light.


Today's most compelling male leads challenge traditional dark romance tropes, exploring complex themes of consent, agency, and transformation.

defying-dark-romance-tropes

Beyond the Bad Boy: Heroes Who Challenge Dark Romance Tropes

## 2024: A year of spicy audiobooks

In 2024, you turned to Dipsea for everything from [slow-burn romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/slow-burn-tag/) to irresistible Scottish accents (hello, [Lachlan](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/lachlan-category/)). Whether you were one of the night owls who made 10 PM our peak listening hour, or part of the crowd swooning over [British accents](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/british-accent-tag/), you helped make this year's spiciest stories some of the most popular in the library. Let's unwrap the chapters that had 200,000+ listeners hitting replay, the audiobooks that kept you up "just one more chapter," and the characters who lived in your head rent free. 

### By the Numbers
5 million streams. 1,100 chapters. 235 hours of audio – that’s nearly 10 full days of non-stop listening. (Though we recommend taking breaks... staying hydrated is important.)

### Peak Hours
It turns out 10 PM to midnight is the sweet spot for Dipsea listeners. Whether you're winding down solo or heating things up with a partner, the twilight hours proved to be prime time for everybodies me time. 

## The Crowd Pleasers

### Top overall audiobook: Hometown
![Year in review blog 2024-1](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5W46RJ0kDZkDYDM9foCRlq/ed03f3e21894db07c8d8981d5c52e1c4/Year_in_review_blog_2024-1.png)
Our reigning champion "[Hometown](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/hometown-series/)" proved that some flames never die out, racking up over 500K streams. With 29 chapters spanning nearly 6 hours, it's our longest-audiobook and shows no signs of cooling down. New to the neighborhood? Start with chapter 1 for Jack and Gia’s electric reunion, or skip straight to fan-favorite [Chapter 6: On the Countertop](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/hometown-6-on-the-countertop/) for that infamous shower scene (IYKYK) 

### The rookie MVP: The Highlander
![Year in review blog 2024-2](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/HIztJuDsxSdVjFUC91R8f/111bff42f984ac7a7940b19fb01c1d2f/Year_in_review_blog_2024-2.png)
2024 welcomed our first [Scottish accent](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/scottish-accent-tag/) to the mix, and clearly, you were ready for it. "The Highlander" stormed onto the scene with over 200K streams across just 10 chapters. Ready to head to The Highlands? Check out Lachlan + You: Looking for Trouble or [Lachlan + You: Midnight Snack](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/lachlan-you-midnight-snack/)

### The Sapphic Star: The Ticket
![Year in review blog 2024-3](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2D6lJmTns6meK5ja4hQ6eJ/419dbdafd6f01417f54eef30a8227fed/Year_in_review_blog_2024-3.png)
If you need proof that 2024 was a banner year for sapphics, you need to look no further than the meteoric rise of Chappell Roan. But it wasn’t just a big queer year on spotify, Dipsea was rolling out spicy new sapphic audiobooks at a record rate. The top new sapphic audiobook was Dipsea’s collaboration with romance author extraordinaire [Meryl Wilsner, The Detour](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/meryl-wilsner-brings-sapphic-summer-spice-to-dipsea/). But the top overall, comes from across the pond…this year [The Ticket](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/the-ticket-series/) earned 130k streams. 

### Favorite Slow Burn: Wings of Winter
![Year in review blog 2024-4](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2HHAxGAZeCkNbVX33OlpRV/8584ebbf7a750b483eb1d29bc57c57fa/Year_in_review_blog_2024-4.png)
This enemies-to-lovers tale about a human and their mysterious fae companion had you embracing the slow burn. Whether you started with [Chapter 1: Feast of Fae](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/wings-of-winter-series/) to watch the tension build, or jumped straight to the spicy reunion scene in Rowan + You: In the Tent, this supernatural slow burn proved that crossing realms (and crossing boundaries) is even hotter when you take your time.

### Honorable Mention: Lecture Me
Almost 400K streams don't lie – apparently, everyone loves a sexy professor. "[Lecture Me](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/lecture-me-series/)" has been teaching us all about anticipation since 2019, making it our longest-running series to crack the top 10. With 26 chapters and over 5 hours of content, it's practically a master class in tension. New student? Start with Lecture Me 1: Extra Credit to see how it all began, or skip to James + You: Your Turn if you're ready for some... extra attention.

## Top Tracks 
While our audiobooks kept you coming back for more, these standalones proved that sometimes one chapter is all you need:

- __Most Streamed Overall:__ "[Boyfriend Begs for You](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/boyfriend-begs-for-you/)" (50K listens) - Who doesn’t love a little begging?
![Year in review blog 2024-6](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5sLlMkrgq477eoTmI4Rnic/7eacd52b433d8c0f15592acbcff47fc1/Year_in_review_blog_2024-6.png)
- __Top "+ You" Experience:__ "[Ronan + You: Birthday Girl](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/ronan-you-birthday-girl/)" (23K listens) - Because sometimes it feels good to be treated like a princess..
![Year in review blog 2024-7](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/43Wy31suUqjER6Ox1KHhU2/be3f7a043e1dde77573e49db3ec3eb35/Year_in_review_blog_2024-7.png)
- __Top Sapphic Scene:__ "[Charlotte + Willa Overheard: The Ball](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/charlotte-willa-overheard-the-ball/)" (29K listens) - Historical romance is so hot right now
![Year in review blog 2024-8](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/J3FwNJDGIgidFOexkypS6/adf90ea59a2137eb8a8c56e114bdfe17/Year_in_review_blog_2024-8.png)

### Global Heat Map
From coast to coast and across the pond, Dipsea's heat map got interesting this year. Our top three cities showed they each have their own taste in spicy stories:

- __New York City__ topped our city charts, with "[Hometown 2: Gone Camping](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/hometown-2-gone-camping/)" as their most-streamed chapter. Looks like New Yorkers love escaping their concrete jungle for some outdoor adventure (especially when there's a British accent involved).
- __London__ came in second, showing particular love for hometown favorite "[Leather & Lace: Joining In.](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/leather-and-lace-1-joining-in/)" No surprise our British listeners gravitated to one of our spiciest London-based series.
- __Chicago__ rounded out our top three, with "[Lecture Me 2: No Talking in Class](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/lecture-me-2-no-talking-in-class/)" as their most-played chapter. The Windy City apparently has a thing for strict professors...

Speaking of accents, British voices dominated in 2024, with listeners marking almost 100K British-accented chapters as favorites. The most beloved? "Leather & Lace 1: Joining In" – proving that posh accents never go out of style.

And while cities brought the heat, California and Texas led the charge as our most active states. Guess everything really is bigger in Texas – including listening stats.

As we enter 2025, keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for rising stars like "[Dangerous Games](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/dangerous-games-series/)" and "[Off the Coast.](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/off-the-coast-series/)" If this year taught us anything, it's that Dipsea listeners know what they want – and they're not afraid to press play.

## 2024: A year of spicy audiobooks

In 2024, you turned to Dipsea for everything from [slow-burn romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/slow-burn-tag/) to irresistible Scottish accents (hello, [Lachlan](https://www.dipseastories.com/characters/lachlan-category/)). Whether you were one of the night owls who made 10 PM our peak listening hour, or part of the crowd swooning over [British accents](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/british-accent-tag/), you helped make this year's spiciest stories some of the most popular in the library. Let's unwrap the chapters that had 200,000+ listeners hitting replay, the audiobooks that kept you up "just one more chapter," and the characters who lived in your head rent free. 

### By the Numbers
5 million streams. 1,100 chapters. 235 hours of audio – that’s nearly 10 full days of non-stop listening. (Though we recommend taking breaks... staying hydrated is important.)

### Peak Hours
It turns out 10 PM to midnight is the sweet spot for Dipsea listeners. Whether you're winding down solo or heating things up with a partner, the twilight hours proved to be prime time for everybodies me time. 

## The Crowd Pleasers

### Top overall audiobook: Hometown
![Year in review blog 2024-1](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5W46RJ0kDZkDYDM9foCRlq/ed03f3e21894db07c8d8981d5c52e1c4/Year_in_review_blog_2024-1.png)
Our reigning champion "[Hometown](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/hometown-series/)" proved that some flames never die out, racking up over 500K streams. With 29 chapters spanning nearly 6 hours, it's our longest-audiobook and shows no signs of cooling down. New to the neighborhood? Start with chapter 1 for Jack and Gia’s electric reunion, or skip straight to fan-favorite [Chapter 6: On the Countertop](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/hometown-6-on-the-countertop/) for that infamous shower scene (IYKYK) 

### The rookie MVP: The Highlander
![Year in review blog 2024-2](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/HIztJuDsxSdVjFUC91R8f/111bff42f984ac7a7940b19fb01c1d2f/Year_in_review_blog_2024-2.png)
2024 welcomed our first [Scottish accent](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/scottish-accent-tag/) to the mix, and clearly, you were ready for it. "The Highlander" stormed onto the scene with over 200K streams across just 10 chapters. Ready to head to The Highlands? Check out Lachlan + You: Looking for Trouble or [Lachlan + You: Midnight Snack](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/lachlan-you-midnight-snack/)

### The Sapphic Star: The Ticket
![Year in review blog 2024-3](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2D6lJmTns6meK5ja4hQ6eJ/419dbdafd6f01417f54eef30a8227fed/Year_in_review_blog_2024-3.png)
If you need proof that 2024 was a banner year for sapphics, you need to look no further than the meteoric rise of Chappell Roan. But it wasn’t just a big queer year on spotify, Dipsea was rolling out spicy new sapphic audiobooks at a record rate. The top new sapphic audiobook was Dipsea’s collaboration with romance author extraordinaire [Meryl Wilsner, The Detour](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/meryl-wilsner-brings-sapphic-summer-spice-to-dipsea/). But the top overall, comes from across the pond…this year [The Ticket](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/the-ticket-series/) earned 130k streams. 

### Favorite Slow Burn: Wings of Winter
![Year in review blog 2024-4](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2HHAxGAZeCkNbVX33OlpRV/8584ebbf7a750b483eb1d29bc57c57fa/Year_in_review_blog_2024-4.png)
This enemies-to-lovers tale about a human and their mysterious fae companion had you embracing the slow burn. Whether you started with [Chapter 1: Feast of Fae](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/wings-of-winter-series/) to watch the tension build, or jumped straight to the spicy reunion scene in Rowan + You: In the Tent, this supernatural slow burn proved that crossing realms (and crossing boundaries) is even hotter when you take your time.

### Honorable Mention: Lecture Me
Almost 400K streams don't lie – apparently, everyone loves a sexy professor. "[Lecture Me](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/lecture-me-series/)" has been teaching us all about anticipation since 2019, making it our longest-running series to crack the top 10. With 26 chapters and over 5 hours of content, it's practically a master class in tension. New student? Start with Lecture Me 1: Extra Credit to see how it all began, or skip to James + You: Your Turn if you're ready for some... extra attention.

## Top Tracks 
While our audiobooks kept you coming back for more, these standalones proved that sometimes one chapter is all you need:

- __Most Streamed Overall:__ "[Boyfriend Begs for You](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/boyfriend-begs-for-you/)" (50K listens) - Who doesn’t love a little begging?
![Year in review blog 2024-6](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5sLlMkrgq477eoTmI4Rnic/7eacd52b433d8c0f15592acbcff47fc1/Year_in_review_blog_2024-6.png)
- __Top "+ You" Experience:__ "[Ronan + You: Birthday Girl](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/ronan-you-birthday-girl/)" (23K listens) - Because sometimes it feels good to be treated like a princess..
![Year in review blog 2024-7](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/43Wy31suUqjER6Ox1KHhU2/be3f7a043e1dde77573e49db3ec3eb35/Year_in_review_blog_2024-7.png)
- __Top Sapphic Scene:__ "[Charlotte + Willa Overheard: The Ball](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/charlotte-willa-overheard-the-ball/)" (29K listens) - Historical romance is so hot right now
![Year in review blog 2024-8](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/J3FwNJDGIgidFOexkypS6/adf90ea59a2137eb8a8c56e114bdfe17/Year_in_review_blog_2024-8.png)

### Global Heat Map
From coast to coast and across the pond, Dipsea's heat map got interesting this year. Our top three cities showed they each have their own taste in spicy stories:

- __New York City__ topped our city charts, with "[Hometown 2: Gone Camping](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/hometown-2-gone-camping/)" as their most-streamed chapter. Looks like New Yorkers love escaping their concrete jungle for some outdoor adventure (especially when there's a British accent involved).
- __London__ came in second, showing particular love for hometown favorite "[Leather & Lace: Joining In.](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/leather-and-lace-1-joining-in/)" No surprise our British listeners gravitated to one of our spiciest London-based series.
- __Chicago__ rounded out our top three, with "[Lecture Me 2: No Talking in Class](https://www.dipseastories.com/chapters/lecture-me-2-no-talking-in-class/)" as their most-played chapter. The Windy City apparently has a thing for strict professors...

Speaking of accents, British voices dominated in 2024, with listeners marking almost 100K British-accented chapters as favorites. The most beloved? "Leather & Lace 1: Joining In" – proving that posh accents never go out of style.

And while cities brought the heat, California and Texas led the charge as our most active states. Guess everything really is bigger in Texas – including listening stats.

As we enter 2025, keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for rising stars like "[Dangerous Games](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/dangerous-games-series/)" and "[Off the Coast.](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/off-the-coast-series/)" If this year taught us anything, it's that Dipsea listeners know what they want – and they're not afraid to press play.

Dipsea Wrapped 2024: 5M streams, steamy accents, and slow burns that kept you listening. Discover this year’s top audiobooks, chapters, and crowd favorites!

Dipsea Wrapped: A year of spicy romance audio

Year in review blog 2024-cover

Hannah Grace’s “Icebreaker” fell directly into my hands two years ago, and while it was far from my first hockey romance (keep reading), it definitely had all the same hallmarks that keep me coming back for a [good sports romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/sports-romance-books/) every time. The tension, the game-day support, the will-they-won’t-they of it all!

It was tough not to fall in love with Nate Hawkins and Anastasia Allen, especially when the former is an adorable hockey player and the latter is a gorgeous figure skater. The emotional communication between casual hook-ups to ice rink rivals to (*finally*) committed significant others is not to be overlooked. On-page therapy sessions in a romance novel? Amidst scene after scene of down and dirty? Yes, please.

If it’s more of that you’re after, I’m your girl. Between my ongoing addiction to the book lover’s side of TikTok (BookTok) and my endless Kindle library, my awareness of all things rom-com is unmatched. Here are some of my favorite romance books with love stories that are every bit as heart-wrenchingly sweet as Nate and Stassie.

## 1. “[Daydream](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198647119-daydream)” by Hannah Grace
![Daydream-by-Hannah-Grace](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2ArgaaIkSGhRKTJ7tYATTA/63d119838227ce443469eb2d93f33870/Daydream-by-Hannah-Grace.jpg)

If you were expecting me to kick off this list with [“Wildfire”](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/101145836-wildfire) (book two in the [Maple Hills series](https://www.goodreads.com/series/348768-maple-hills)), consider this my curveball—or whatever the hockey equivalent of a curveball might be. I don’t exactly read hockey romance for the sports commentary...

No, no. The first one I have to suggest is “Daydream”, because y’all, I was DYING for Henry’s book the moment I finished “Icebreaker,” and I know for a fact I was not alone. Sweet, darling, thoughtful, feminist Henry deserves his main character moment. I was utterly convinced he HAD to be next, but "Wildfire" came first, leaving all of us waiting for Henry's book out in the cold. 

Junior year of college finds Henry in a tricky class with an even trickier professor. Determined not to let procrastination get the better of him—especially now that he’s captain of the hockey team—Henry joins forces with Halle, the classmate whose book club he accidentally crashes. 

While I’m writing this, I’m eagerly awaiting the August 2024 release date, but I cannot wait for the sparks to fly between Henry and Halle. I plan to devour this book in one sitting when it comes out. Nobody talk to me...

## 2. “[The Year We Fell Down](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46019039-the-year-we-fell-down)” by Sarina Bowen
![The-Year-We-Fell-Down-by-Sarina-Bowen](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4R3KHDYCpaBfr6MPmBlm9b/88cc5700a40ce75bbd0d886c87e0a80f/The-Year-We-Fell-Down-by-Sarina-Bowen.jpg)

OH. MY. GOD. Whatever else you’re reading right now, put it down and pick up this book. It's heartbreaking, funny, sweet, sexy, and beautiful. If I hadn’t already adored Sarina Bowen for her True North series, I would be well and truly addicted thanks to the Ivy Years books.

Corey Callahan was eager to start college as a champion hockey player, but when an accident during a game puts her in a wheelchair, her whole life changes. Enter Adam Hartley, a fellow hockey player who's also recovering from an injury and conveniently resides in the handicapped-accessible dormitory of Harkness College.

Every book in this series absolutely shreds me to pieces, so make sure you have a full box of tissues handy, but please, oh, please just read it.

## 3. “[The Deal](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45484397-the-deal)” by Elle Kennedy
![The-Deal-by-Elle-Kennedy](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/36lMvr7BnLH0MvOTWrjAxO/e49938f8b25d3e122ec84be07104f649/The-Deal-by-Elle-Kennedy.jpg)

As if anyone has walked by an “As Seen on BookTok” table at any bookstore in the past two years and hasn’t encountered this book already. Oh, well. You’re going to reencounter it.

Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series kicks off with “The Deal,” a deliciously dirty opener that boils down to one crucial idea: “I’ll help you keep your grades up so you can stay on the hockey team if you help me flirt with a guy I like.” Gosh, I wonder where that could lead?

## 4. “[The Cheat Sheet](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58100280-the-cheat-sheet)” by Sarah Adams
![The-Cheat-Sheet-by-Sarah-Adams](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/39UTATJ3fhAgv5z4jgtHVM/dad36fc24eeb9f6e8212a27be0e35ed4/The-Cheat-Sheet-by-Sarah-Adams.jpg)

I am not a football person. Sorry, not sorry: It’s just not my sport. The bit of my brain that knows that, though, seems to conveniently forget such a thing in the face of a book about a heartsick lady madly in love with her pro football player best friend.

Bree Camden is the dearest of buds with Nathan Donelson, but she’s been pining after him for too long to keep her mouth shut when a reporter starts asking questions (there might have been a little tequila involved). Forced to date publicly until after the Super Bowl, it becomes tougher and tougher for the pair not to cross the line between besties and bedmates.

So, maybe football’s not so bad…

## 5. “[Collide](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197306586-collide)” by Bal Khabra
![Collide-by-Bal-Khabra](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/hIlqrRESySoa3Xchuv8Vo/9d0ebd8df28dbd12c316bd9a16260028/Collide-by-Bal-Khabra.jpg)

The first book of Khabra’s Off the Ice series, “Collide” introduces brainy, ambitious Summer and friendly, flirtatious Aiden when they are forced to work together on a student research project. Designed to launch Summer’s grad school plans and make up for a big mistake that threatens Aiden’s hockey season, this project shoves some pretty conflicting personalities into the same space. Can you say “[forced proximity](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/forced-proximity-trope/)”? Hockey romance is not without its tropes, after all.

## 6. “[Team Players](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/team-players-series/)” on Dipsea
![Team-Players-on-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2IZYMhQzaVwwXUuSoQcjgW/e346f50b851d692ced89dbeff0eff0b1/Team-Players-on-Dipsea.jpg)

Phew, there's something about a soccer player, isn’t there? A soccer player with a British accent adds a little extra dose of heat, and if that wasn’t enough, an Irish accent gets added to that mix pretty quickly in this audiobook.

Darius and Noelle both feel inexplicably drawn to Darius’s teammate Bryce, and when the couple invite Bryce to train with them, it doesn’t take long for all three of them to warm up to each other. Training leads to locker rooms, locker rooms lead to post-match celebrations and so much more in this steamy listen. 

## 7. “[The Fake Out](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/184591636-the-fake-out)” by Stephanie Archer
![The-Fake-Out-by-Stephanie-Archer-small](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1ZD515y3syBpJC7Ph8XJvQ/9b724154df8201f77c5639232ed3c012/The-Fake-Out-by-Stephanie-Archer.jpg)

The only thing cuter (and sexier) than a good college sports romance? A professional sports romance. Archer’s Vancouver Storm series starts with “Behind the Net,” but “The Fake Out” is book two, and it’s my personal favorite. 

Hazel is ready to move on from her atrocious ex-boyfriend (we’ve all been there), and what better way to get back at him than to fake date Rory? Not only did Hazel tutor him back in high school, Rory is also her ex’s biggest rival on the rink. Win-win, right?

Beneath all that flirty arrogance, though, is a genuinely sweet guy who doesn’t appear to be faking any of it. *Swoon*.

## 8. “[The Bromance Book Club](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44019067-the-bromance-book-club)” by Lyssa Kay Adams
![The-Bromance-Book-Club-by-Lyssa-Kay-Adams.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5vjbGShlnv3ZmiuqrVwM5c/06d4d7e1c08f282bd20917fb0310727d/The-Bromance-Book-Club-by-Lyssa-Kay-Adams.jpg)

I may be pushing the bounds of “sports romance” here, but bear with me. The protagonist is a baseball player, and the journey of emotional development is VERY “Icebreaker”-adjacent.

If you read no other contemporary romance series, read this one. The Bromance Book Club is a group of guys who get together weekly and read romance books. Yes, really! 

Taking their cues from bookish hints that inspire their own romantic gestures, Nashville’s tough guys aim to improve their relationships one bodice ripper at a time. The first book focuses on Gavin who is intent on saving his flailing marriage, but each book [in this series](https://www.goodreads.com/series/267075-bromance-book-club) is well worth the read.

## 9. “[The Enforcer](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208292290-the-enforcer)” by Avery Keelan
![The-Enforcer-by-Avery-Keelan](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4tXN7pfacnamBPqX0tuAMI/58af04a4e0f722fe7a932cbf5ecde963/The-Enforcer-by-Avery-Keelan.jpg)

Okay, okay. One more hockey book before we move on to other sports. This one is too hot not to mention, and I can never resist a good [second chance romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/second-chance-romance/)...

Violet and Nash dated freshman year, but when they reunite as seniors, things are very different. Nash is eager for a professional hockey career in the NHL while Violet is working toward becoming a sports trainer. When her senior internship assigns her to be his personal trainer for a whole semester, though, the old spark returns with a vengeance. Too bad about the team’s anti-fraternization policy, huh?

## 10. “[Book Lovers](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58690308-book-lovers)” by Emily Henry
![Book-Lovers-by-Emily-Henry](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/25sJq4oC87lJo70OZwJhL3/40946a04423f4b7fcadbd134e4264a8b/Book-Lovers-by-Emily-Henry.jpg)

Want to diverge from the world of sports romance but keep a few “Icebreaker” vibes? A little forced proximity between two consummate nerds with devoted career ambitions, perhaps? I’ve got you covered.

I love every last one of Emily Henry’s books—and “People We Meet on Vacation” is being adapted into a movie soon, so read up, bookworms! That said, it's no surprise that “Book Lovers” hooked me. Nora is a high-powered New York literary agent, Charlie is an ultra-serious editor, and they do NOT meet on the best of terms. So what are they doing constantly running into each other in Sunshine Falls, North Carolina?

Small-town cuteness meets [enemies-to-lovers](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/enemies-to-lovers-fantasy-books/)? (Okay, more like begrudging coworkers to lovers.) Be still my heart. And your TBR...

__Looking for even more steamy sports romance? Check out [Dipsea’s collection of audiobooks](https://www.dipseastories.com/), and pay special attention to [the “Athletic” tag](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/athletic-tag/).__

Hannah Grace’s “Icebreaker” fell directly into my hands two years ago, and while it was far from my first hockey romance (keep reading), it definitely had all the same hallmarks that keep me coming back for a [good sports romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/sports-romance-books/) every time. The tension, the game-day support, the will-they-won’t-they of it all!

It was tough not to fall in love with Nate Hawkins and Anastasia Allen, especially when the former is an adorable hockey player and the latter is a gorgeous figure skater. The emotional communication between casual hook-ups to ice rink rivals to (*finally*) committed significant others is not to be overlooked. On-page therapy sessions in a romance novel? Amidst scene after scene of down and dirty? Yes, please.

If it’s more of that you’re after, I’m your girl. Between my ongoing addiction to the book lover’s side of TikTok (BookTok) and my endless Kindle library, my awareness of all things rom-com is unmatched. Here are some of my favorite romance books with love stories that are every bit as heart-wrenchingly sweet as Nate and Stassie.

## 1. “[Daydream](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198647119-daydream)” by Hannah Grace
![Daydream-by-Hannah-Grace](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2ArgaaIkSGhRKTJ7tYATTA/63d119838227ce443469eb2d93f33870/Daydream-by-Hannah-Grace.jpg)

If you were expecting me to kick off this list with [“Wildfire”](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/101145836-wildfire) (book two in the [Maple Hills series](https://www.goodreads.com/series/348768-maple-hills)), consider this my curveball—or whatever the hockey equivalent of a curveball might be. I don’t exactly read hockey romance for the sports commentary...

No, no. The first one I have to suggest is “Daydream”, because y’all, I was DYING for Henry’s book the moment I finished “Icebreaker,” and I know for a fact I was not alone. Sweet, darling, thoughtful, feminist Henry deserves his main character moment. I was utterly convinced he HAD to be next, but "Wildfire" came first, leaving all of us waiting for Henry's book out in the cold. 

Junior year of college finds Henry in a tricky class with an even trickier professor. Determined not to let procrastination get the better of him—especially now that he’s captain of the hockey team—Henry joins forces with Halle, the classmate whose book club he accidentally crashes. 

While I’m writing this, I’m eagerly awaiting the August 2024 release date, but I cannot wait for the sparks to fly between Henry and Halle. I plan to devour this book in one sitting when it comes out. Nobody talk to me...

## 2. “[The Year We Fell Down](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46019039-the-year-we-fell-down)” by Sarina Bowen
![The-Year-We-Fell-Down-by-Sarina-Bowen](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4R3KHDYCpaBfr6MPmBlm9b/88cc5700a40ce75bbd0d886c87e0a80f/The-Year-We-Fell-Down-by-Sarina-Bowen.jpg)

OH. MY. GOD. Whatever else you’re reading right now, put it down and pick up this book. It's heartbreaking, funny, sweet, sexy, and beautiful. If I hadn’t already adored Sarina Bowen for her True North series, I would be well and truly addicted thanks to the Ivy Years books.

Corey Callahan was eager to start college as a champion hockey player, but when an accident during a game puts her in a wheelchair, her whole life changes. Enter Adam Hartley, a fellow hockey player who's also recovering from an injury and conveniently resides in the handicapped-accessible dormitory of Harkness College.

Every book in this series absolutely shreds me to pieces, so make sure you have a full box of tissues handy, but please, oh, please just read it.

## 3. “[The Deal](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45484397-the-deal)” by Elle Kennedy
![The-Deal-by-Elle-Kennedy](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/36lMvr7BnLH0MvOTWrjAxO/e49938f8b25d3e122ec84be07104f649/The-Deal-by-Elle-Kennedy.jpg)

As if anyone has walked by an “As Seen on BookTok” table at any bookstore in the past two years and hasn’t encountered this book already. Oh, well. You’re going to reencounter it.

Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series kicks off with “The Deal,” a deliciously dirty opener that boils down to one crucial idea: “I’ll help you keep your grades up so you can stay on the hockey team if you help me flirt with a guy I like.” Gosh, I wonder where that could lead?

## 4. “[The Cheat Sheet](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58100280-the-cheat-sheet)” by Sarah Adams
![The-Cheat-Sheet-by-Sarah-Adams](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/39UTATJ3fhAgv5z4jgtHVM/dad36fc24eeb9f6e8212a27be0e35ed4/The-Cheat-Sheet-by-Sarah-Adams.jpg)

I am not a football person. Sorry, not sorry: It’s just not my sport. The bit of my brain that knows that, though, seems to conveniently forget such a thing in the face of a book about a heartsick lady madly in love with her pro football player best friend.

Bree Camden is the dearest of buds with Nathan Donelson, but she’s been pining after him for too long to keep her mouth shut when a reporter starts asking questions (there might have been a little tequila involved). Forced to date publicly until after the Super Bowl, it becomes tougher and tougher for the pair not to cross the line between besties and bedmates.

So, maybe football’s not so bad…

## 5. “[Collide](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197306586-collide)” by Bal Khabra
![Collide-by-Bal-Khabra](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/hIlqrRESySoa3Xchuv8Vo/9d0ebd8df28dbd12c316bd9a16260028/Collide-by-Bal-Khabra.jpg)

The first book of Khabra’s Off the Ice series, “Collide” introduces brainy, ambitious Summer and friendly, flirtatious Aiden when they are forced to work together on a student research project. Designed to launch Summer’s grad school plans and make up for a big mistake that threatens Aiden’s hockey season, this project shoves some pretty conflicting personalities into the same space. Can you say “[forced proximity](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/forced-proximity-trope/)”? Hockey romance is not without its tropes, after all.

## 6. “[Team Players](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/team-players-series/)” on Dipsea
![Team-Players-on-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2IZYMhQzaVwwXUuSoQcjgW/e346f50b851d692ced89dbeff0eff0b1/Team-Players-on-Dipsea.jpg)

Phew, there's something about a soccer player, isn’t there? A soccer player with a British accent adds a little extra dose of heat, and if that wasn’t enough, an Irish accent gets added to that mix pretty quickly in this audiobook.

Darius and Noelle both feel inexplicably drawn to Darius’s teammate Bryce, and when the couple invite Bryce to train with them, it doesn’t take long for all three of them to warm up to each other. Training leads to locker rooms, locker rooms lead to post-match celebrations and so much more in this steamy listen. 

## 7. “[The Fake Out](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/184591636-the-fake-out)” by Stephanie Archer
![The-Fake-Out-by-Stephanie-Archer-small](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/1ZD515y3syBpJC7Ph8XJvQ/9b724154df8201f77c5639232ed3c012/The-Fake-Out-by-Stephanie-Archer.jpg)

The only thing cuter (and sexier) than a good college sports romance? A professional sports romance. Archer’s Vancouver Storm series starts with “Behind the Net,” but “The Fake Out” is book two, and it’s my personal favorite. 

Hazel is ready to move on from her atrocious ex-boyfriend (we’ve all been there), and what better way to get back at him than to fake date Rory? Not only did Hazel tutor him back in high school, Rory is also her ex’s biggest rival on the rink. Win-win, right?

Beneath all that flirty arrogance, though, is a genuinely sweet guy who doesn’t appear to be faking any of it. *Swoon*.

## 8. “[The Bromance Book Club](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44019067-the-bromance-book-club)” by Lyssa Kay Adams
![The-Bromance-Book-Club-by-Lyssa-Kay-Adams.jpg](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5vjbGShlnv3ZmiuqrVwM5c/06d4d7e1c08f282bd20917fb0310727d/The-Bromance-Book-Club-by-Lyssa-Kay-Adams.jpg)

I may be pushing the bounds of “sports romance” here, but bear with me. The protagonist is a baseball player, and the journey of emotional development is VERY “Icebreaker”-adjacent.

If you read no other contemporary romance series, read this one. The Bromance Book Club is a group of guys who get together weekly and read romance books. Yes, really! 

Taking their cues from bookish hints that inspire their own romantic gestures, Nashville’s tough guys aim to improve their relationships one bodice ripper at a time. The first book focuses on Gavin who is intent on saving his flailing marriage, but each book [in this series](https://www.goodreads.com/series/267075-bromance-book-club) is well worth the read.

## 9. “[The Enforcer](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208292290-the-enforcer)” by Avery Keelan
![The-Enforcer-by-Avery-Keelan](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4tXN7pfacnamBPqX0tuAMI/58af04a4e0f722fe7a932cbf5ecde963/The-Enforcer-by-Avery-Keelan.jpg)

Okay, okay. One more hockey book before we move on to other sports. This one is too hot not to mention, and I can never resist a good [second chance romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/second-chance-romance/)...

Violet and Nash dated freshman year, but when they reunite as seniors, things are very different. Nash is eager for a professional hockey career in the NHL while Violet is working toward becoming a sports trainer. When her senior internship assigns her to be his personal trainer for a whole semester, though, the old spark returns with a vengeance. Too bad about the team’s anti-fraternization policy, huh?

## 10. “[Book Lovers](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58690308-book-lovers)” by Emily Henry
![Book-Lovers-by-Emily-Henry](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/25sJq4oC87lJo70OZwJhL3/40946a04423f4b7fcadbd134e4264a8b/Book-Lovers-by-Emily-Henry.jpg)

Want to diverge from the world of sports romance but keep a few “Icebreaker” vibes? A little forced proximity between two consummate nerds with devoted career ambitions, perhaps? I’ve got you covered.

I love every last one of Emily Henry’s books—and “People We Meet on Vacation” is being adapted into a movie soon, so read up, bookworms! That said, it's no surprise that “Book Lovers” hooked me. Nora is a high-powered New York literary agent, Charlie is an ultra-serious editor, and they do NOT meet on the best of terms. So what are they doing constantly running into each other in Sunshine Falls, North Carolina?

Small-town cuteness meets [enemies-to-lovers](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/enemies-to-lovers-fantasy-books/)? (Okay, more like begrudging coworkers to lovers.) Be still my heart. And your TBR...

__Looking for even more steamy sports romance? Check out [Dipsea’s collection of audiobooks](https://www.dipseastories.com/), and pay special attention to [the “Athletic” tag](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/athletic-tag/).__

Still feeling steamed up from finishing "Icebreaker"? We've got 10 titles you need to read next. Keep the heat on with these books that have “Icebreaker” vibes.

What to read next if you love “Icebreaker”

couple-using-ice-skates

share-image-dusk

Get the story behind the spicy story, and meet the team building the next-gen of romance.

Dipsea | Blog

## The Hunt

Early 2025, Dipsea presents The Hunt, a spicy dark romance audiobook that blends forbidden attraction with ancient powers and dangerous secrets. For listeners who crave their romance with a supernatural edge and a dash of danger, this dark fantasy romance delivers an unforgettable journey into a hidden world of rituals, power, and passion.

### Where Mystery Meets Dark Romance

One year after her twin sister's mysterious disappearance, Vanessa breaks into a restricted wilderness preserve seeking answers. Instead, she stumbles upon an ancient ritual and catches the attention of Nolan—a powerful, dangerous guardian of supernatural secrets. What begins as a deadly encounter evolves into an intense attraction neither of them can resist, even as evil forces threaten to tear them apart.

### Dive Into Darkness
[Dark romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/what-is-dark-romance/) delves into the shadowier side of love, where danger and desire intertwine. It's a subgenre that explores complex relationships between morally gray characters, often pushing boundaries and featuring high-stakes emotional intensity. These stories aren't just about finding love—they're about the transformative power of passion in its most primal form.
*The Hunt* showcases beloved [dark romance tropes](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/dark-romance-tropes/), including:
- Enemies-to-lovers dynamics
- Forbidden attraction
- Complex power plays
- High-stakes passion
- CW: Contains mature themes and content

### Coming Early 2025
The Hunt launches exclusively on Dipsea, February 28. If you love Tiffany Reisz's [The Siren](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/42a56621-563b-4034-9470-0bbda3d55cfa), Sierra Simone's [Priest](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/5b2d3e7a-5cdb-4aa5-a7a1-7c4c5c246e24), or Anna Zaires's [Twist Me series](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/ebdd8d9a-9ee5-418c-af3b-67c12e99a9c9), this dark supernatural romance is your next must-listen. Perfect for anyone who craves their audiobooks with an extra dose of danger and forbidden desire.

[Try Dipsea for 30 days](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&promo=blog&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=the-hunt-coming-soon) to be among the first to experience this intoxicating blend of supernatural mystery and dark romance. Follow Dipsea's social channels for exclusive previews, behind-the-scenes content, character spotlights, and release updates.

## The Hunt

Early 2025, Dipsea presents The Hunt, a spicy dark romance audiobook that blends forbidden attraction with ancient powers and dangerous secrets. For listeners who crave their romance with a supernatural edge and a dash of danger, this dark fantasy romance delivers an unforgettable journey into a hidden world of rituals, power, and passion.

### Where Mystery Meets Dark Romance

One year after her twin sister's mysterious disappearance, Vanessa breaks into a restricted wilderness preserve seeking answers. Instead, she stumbles upon an ancient ritual and catches the attention of Nolan—a powerful, dangerous guardian of supernatural secrets. What begins as a deadly encounter evolves into an intense attraction neither of them can resist, even as evil forces threaten to tear them apart.

### Dive Into Darkness
[Dark romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/what-is-dark-romance/) delves into the shadowier side of love, where danger and desire intertwine. It's a subgenre that explores complex relationships between morally gray characters, often pushing boundaries and featuring high-stakes emotional intensity. These stories aren't just about finding love—they're about the transformative power of passion in its most primal form.
*The Hunt* showcases beloved [dark romance tropes](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/dark-romance-tropes/), including:
- Enemies-to-lovers dynamics
- Forbidden attraction
- Complex power plays
- High-stakes passion
- CW: Contains mature themes and content


### Coming Early 2025
The Hunt launches exclusively on Dipsea, February 28. If you love Tiffany Reisz's [The Siren](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/42a56621-563b-4034-9470-0bbda3d55cfa), Sierra Simone's [Priest](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/5b2d3e7a-5cdb-4aa5-a7a1-7c4c5c246e24), or Anna Zaires's [Twist Me series](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/ebdd8d9a-9ee5-418c-af3b-67c12e99a9c9), this dark supernatural romance is your next must-listen. Perfect for anyone who craves their audiobooks with an extra dose of danger and forbidden desire.

[Try Dipsea for 30 days](https://www.dipseastories.com/subscribe/?f=2&promo=blog&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=the-hunt-coming-soon) to be among the first to experience this intoxicating blend of supernatural mystery and dark romance. Follow Dipsea's social channels for exclusive previews, behind-the-scenes content, character spotlights, and release updates.

Dipsea’s “The Hunt” is a dark supernatural romance where forbidden attraction meets ancient powers. Perfect for fans of Tiffany Reisz and Sierra Simone.

The Hunt: A Dark Supernatural Romance Coming to Dipsea

The Hunt A Dark Supernatural Romance Coming Soon

No list of book recommendations would be complete without a juicy series, and there are far too many great series to not give them the spotlight with a “must read” round-up of their own.

Spicy romance books are best served in heaps, after all, and the spiciest tales seem to be tucked away in books two or three. Spoiler alert: I’ve read my fair share, and the further most series go, the steamier they get.

These are the best books for you if you’re looking for a long, smutty, multi-book journey you can get lost in.

## 1. [“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50659467-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses)
![A-Court-of-Thorns-and-Roses](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2ncJE7Lhc1uNEA9FQVFfC5/e869d795b771ca8351bf6c16b7c66a5f/A-Court-of-Thorns-and-Roses.jpg)

If you’ve come anywhere near TikTok in the last few years, I’d be amazed if you hadn’t heard of this series, even if [BookTok](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/spicy-booktok/) isn’t necessarily in your algorithm. What began as a “Beauty and the Beast” retelling evolved into an internet sensation with nearly 3 million Goodreads reviews and 38 million copies sold. 

So, what’s this megapopular [romantasy](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romantasy-books/) series about?

Feyre supports her father and sisters on a meager living by hunting in the woods near her home, where she encounters a beast that has crept over the wall from the Fae lands. When she kills the creature for its pelt and its powerful lord seeks justice for its death, Feyre bargains with her life and agrees to join him in the forbidden Fae nation on the other side of the wall. 

Thrown into a world of terrifying magic, she goes on a journey that tests her courage and challenges her to do the one thing she swore never to do with a Fae: trust.

This is a [4-book enemies-to-lovers series (plus one novella)](https://www.goodreads.com/series/104014-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses) that gets better and better as you go. Far and away, my favorite book in this series is “A Court of Mist and Fury,” but there are heart-stopping moments throughout the entire story that will have you begging for more. 

And if you become obsessed with the author, SJM has two other popular spicy book series: [Throne of Glass](https://www.goodreads.com/series/51288-throne-of-glass) and [Crescent City](https://www.goodreads.com/series/233335-crescent-city).

## 2. [“From Blood and Ash” by Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52831200-from-blood-and-ash)
![From-Blood-and-Ash](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/3sSYcgiBA35IHdEAxiNSGd/48557fde57350a3cd0e2e8d9d3aeea70/From-Blood-and-Ash.jpg)

Good gracious, where to begin...I love a good bodyguard trope, I love a slow burn, and oh, boy, do I love a new take on vampire lore.

Poppy has been forced into life as the veiled, hidden away Maiden for as long as she can remember, never to be touched or known by anyone. She’s supposed to remain pure for the Ascension that will usher in a new era for the kingdom if the gods find her worthy. While such a life has never satisfied her, Poppy is resigned to her fate, but when Hawke, a new royal guard, is assigned to protect her, everything changes.

Five books in with a sixth book on the way, the Blood and Ash series also boasts a spin-off series: Flesh and Fire (four books so far!), which exists in the same world. You’ll have *plenty* of fantasy romance to read!

## 3. [“Twisted Love” by Ana Huang](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55817097-twisted-love)
![Twisted-Love-by-Ana-Huang](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2fY0QLOHOXW71rAk4cdQja/553a35f07e00ea99dd74af09ad2c2abf/Twisted-Love-by-Ana-Huang.jpg)

Listen, contemporary romance is a wide and wonderful spectrum, and if you’re looking to dip your toes into the darker end of the pool, this is a good series to start with.

Opposites attract between morally gray millionaire Alex Volkov and college student Ava Chen in the first book of the Twisted series. (Major grumpy/sunshine vibes.) When Alex is asked to look after his best friend’s sister, Ava, secrets unfold that threaten the connection brewing between them.

If “Twisted Love” turns out to be up your alley, definitely add Ana Huang’s “King of Wrath” to your list, too!

## 4. [“Neon Gods” by Katee Robert](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54659771-neon-gods)
![Neon-Gods](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5XvjUa3pJemaGEwTDNpv9a/8de26ea9c341e28b5848198ef5305361/Neon-Gods.jpg)

Want to turn up the [dark romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/what-is-dark-romance/) dial just a tad? Olympus takes on a whole new vibe in this steamy romance series that brings Hades and Persephone into a twisted and delectable world of dominance and submission.

A surprise engagement to Zeus has socialite Persephone bolting for safety and striking a bargain with Hades, the man who rules the undercity with trades and secrets. But what starts as a desperate agreement quickly grows into much more.

Each book in the Dark Olympus series follows a different couple, though there are references to other characters throughout. “Electric Idol” features Eros and Psyche, and “Wicked Beauty” explores Achilles, Patroclus, *and* Helen...there are no rules in this series.

## 5. [“Beautiful Bastard” by Christina Lauren](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16102004-beautiful-bastard)
![Beautiful-Bastard-by-Christina-Lauren](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/hEnIj5mFMmJ2qBDSWI19u/6ba6358ce7a9a7a0fe649f40be372be8/Beautiful-Bastard-by-Christina-Lauren.jpg)

I really had not thought I was a contemporary romance girly, and workplace romances were definitely not my thing...and then I read this series. HOLY. SMOKES.

Book one introduces main characters Chloe and Bennett, who cannot stand each other but are forced to work together, and if that doesn’t already sound like a recipe for * ahem * tension, I don’t know what does. A few unexpected steamy encounters (the office elevator, guys? *Really*?) lead to some big feelings that neither one of them bargained for. 

My favorite of this spicy book series is “Beautiful Secret,” but I beg of you, do NOT skip to book four just to get to Niall and Ruby faster! They’re achingly adorable, but the rest of the books are every bit as sexy and delicious.

## 6. [“Forbidden Fruit” on Dipsea](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/forbidden-fruit-series/)
![Forbidden-Fruit](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6sHvw58Sn5quED9g38Qkmw/f98e30338533406710145e6170386992/Forbidden-Fruit.jpg)

If it’s a Hades and Persephone retelling you’re after (always), I beg you to listen to “Forbidden Fruit.” This exploration of our favorite King of the Underworld and Goddess of Spring is every bit as stunningly sexy as the Dark Olympus series while hitting every emotional note you’d expect from one of the oldest and most emotionally riveting tales there is. Plus the narrators in this full-cast audiobook will have you blushing—Hades sounds like Tom Hiddleston (* swoon *) and Persephone sounds like golden honey.

## 7. [“Gods & Men” on Dipsea](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/gods-and-men-series/)
![Gods-&-Men-on-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2M6bwsdHmzNYHlJjpiFO9D/9e1e402a0c806e3b48a0ae4827e3e783/Gods-_-Men-on-Dipsea.jpg)

When you’re done with “Forbidden Fruit” but don’t want to leave the land of the gods just yet, please please *please* give “Gods & Men,” another full-cast audiobook, a listen.

Sun god Apollo and Spartan prince Hyacinthus are unlikely friends after a chance encounter on the battlefield. When they start spending more time together, a bond forms that neither one anticipated.

Wait, there’s also [“Goddess of the Hunt”](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/goddess-of-the-hunt-series/) with Artemis! Ugh, there’s a bottomless well of beautiful spice... 

## 8. [“Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61767292-icebreaker)
![Icebreaker-by-Hannah-Grace](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6IV7RE9UZKtUugKZLwv0W9/1a7fabeaff5439d2bbc73671a4e73c4b/Icebreaker-by-Hannah-Grace.jpg)

(Psst—if you’ve already read this romance novel and want to stock your Kindle with more like it, check out [our list of books like “Icebreaker.”](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/books-like-icebreaker/))

My best friend convinced me to read “Icebreaker” a while ago, and while I’d already known how much I love a good hockey romance, the Maple Hills series brought a little something extra to my TBR.

Nate Hawkins spends his days as captain of his university’s hockey team wrangling some big personalities, but none knock him on his butt quite like Anastasia (“Stassie”) Allen. When a sudden issue at the ice rink forces the team to use the figure skating rink instead, Nate finds himself in Stassie’s crosshairs. No one messes with her figure skating practice and escapes unscathed.

The tension between these two practically glistens off the page, but you’ll just have to read it to fully appreciate the emotional journey of this [sports romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/sports-romance-books/). * Swoon! *

“Wildfire” is book two, and book three of the spicy book series is “Daydream,” featuring a delightful fan-favorite character. I can’t wait.

__Looking for more steamy stories full of spicy scenes? [Dipsea’s collection of audiobooks](https://www.dipseastories.com/) is a haven for romance readers in need of a good love story — or many.____

No list of book recommendations would be complete without a juicy series, and there are far too many great series to not give them the spotlight with a “must read” round-up of their own.

Spicy romance books are best served in heaps, after all, and the spiciest tales seem to be tucked away in books two or three. Spoiler alert: I’ve read my fair share, and the further most series go, the steamier they get.

These are the best books for you if you’re looking for a long, smutty, multi-book journey you can get lost in.

## 1. [“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50659467-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses)
![A-Court-of-Thorns-and-Roses](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2ncJE7Lhc1uNEA9FQVFfC5/e869d795b771ca8351bf6c16b7c66a5f/A-Court-of-Thorns-and-Roses.jpg)

If you’ve come anywhere near TikTok in the last few years, I’d be amazed if you hadn’t heard of this series, even if [BookTok](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/spicy-booktok/) isn’t necessarily in your algorithm. What began as a “Beauty and the Beast” retelling evolved into an internet sensation with nearly 3 million Goodreads reviews and 38 million copies sold. 

So, what’s this megapopular [romantasy](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romantasy-books/) series about?

Feyre supports her father and sisters on a meager living by hunting in the woods near her home, where she encounters a beast that has crept over the wall from the Fae lands. When she kills the creature for its pelt and its powerful lord seeks justice for its death, Feyre bargains with her life and agrees to join him in the forbidden Fae nation on the other side of the wall. 

Thrown into a world of terrifying magic, she goes on a journey that tests her courage and challenges her to do the one thing she swore never to do with a Fae: trust.

This is a [4-book enemies-to-lovers series (plus one novella)](https://www.goodreads.com/series/104014-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses) that gets better and better as you go. Far and away, my favorite book in this series is “A Court of Mist and Fury,” but there are heart-stopping moments throughout the entire story that will have you begging for more. 

And if you become obsessed with the author, SJM has two other popular spicy book series: [Throne of Glass](https://www.goodreads.com/series/51288-throne-of-glass) and [Crescent City](https://www.goodreads.com/series/233335-crescent-city).

## 2. [“From Blood and Ash” by Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52831200-from-blood-and-ash)
![From-Blood-and-Ash](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/3sSYcgiBA35IHdEAxiNSGd/48557fde57350a3cd0e2e8d9d3aeea70/From-Blood-and-Ash.jpg)

Good gracious, where to begin...I love a good bodyguard trope, I love a slow burn, and oh, boy, do I love a new take on vampire lore.

Poppy has been forced into life as the veiled, hidden away Maiden for as long as she can remember, never to be touched or known by anyone. She’s supposed to remain pure for the Ascension that will usher in a new era for the kingdom if the gods find her worthy. While such a life has never satisfied her, Poppy is resigned to her fate, but when Hawke, a new royal guard, is assigned to protect her, everything changes.

Five books in with a sixth book on the way, the Blood and Ash series also boasts a spin-off series: Flesh and Fire (four books so far!), which exists in the same world. You’ll have *plenty* of fantasy romance to read!

## 3. [“Twisted Love” by Ana Huang](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55817097-twisted-love)
![Twisted-Love-by-Ana-Huang](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2fY0QLOHOXW71rAk4cdQja/553a35f07e00ea99dd74af09ad2c2abf/Twisted-Love-by-Ana-Huang.jpg)

Listen, contemporary romance is a wide and wonderful spectrum, and if you’re looking to dip your toes into the darker end of the pool, this is a good series to start with.

Opposites attract between morally gray millionaire Alex Volkov and college student Ava Chen in the first book of the Twisted series. (Major grumpy/sunshine vibes.) When Alex is asked to look after his best friend’s sister, Ava, secrets unfold that threaten the connection brewing between them.

If “Twisted Love” turns out to be up your alley, definitely add Ana Huang’s “King of Wrath” to your list, too!

## 4. [“Neon Gods” by Katee Robert](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54659771-neon-gods)
![Neon-Gods](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5XvjUa3pJemaGEwTDNpv9a/8de26ea9c341e28b5848198ef5305361/Neon-Gods.jpg)

Want to turn up the [dark romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/what-is-dark-romance/) dial just a tad? Olympus takes on a whole new vibe in this steamy romance series that brings Hades and Persephone into a twisted and delectable world of dominance and submission.

A surprise engagement to Zeus has socialite Persephone bolting for safety and striking a bargain with Hades, the man who rules the undercity with trades and secrets. But what starts as a desperate agreement quickly grows into much more.

Each book in the Dark Olympus series follows a different couple, though there are references to other characters throughout. “Electric Idol” features Eros and Psyche, and “Wicked Beauty” explores Achilles, Patroclus, *and* Helen...there are no rules in this series.

## 5. [“Beautiful Bastard” by Christina Lauren](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16102004-beautiful-bastard)
![Beautiful-Bastard-by-Christina-Lauren](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/hEnIj5mFMmJ2qBDSWI19u/6ba6358ce7a9a7a0fe649f40be372be8/Beautiful-Bastard-by-Christina-Lauren.jpg)

I really had not thought I was a contemporary romance girly, and workplace romances were definitely not my thing...and then I read this series. HOLY. SMOKES.

Book one introduces main characters Chloe and Bennett, who cannot stand each other but are forced to work together, and if that doesn’t already sound like a recipe for * ahem * tension, I don’t know what does. A few unexpected steamy encounters (the office elevator, guys? *Really*?) lead to some big feelings that neither one of them bargained for. 

My favorite of this spicy book series is “Beautiful Secret,” but I beg of you, do NOT skip to book four just to get to Niall and Ruby faster! They’re achingly adorable, but the rest of the books are every bit as sexy and delicious.

## 6. [“Forbidden Fruit” on Dipsea](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/forbidden-fruit-series/)
![Forbidden-Fruit](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6sHvw58Sn5quED9g38Qkmw/f98e30338533406710145e6170386992/Forbidden-Fruit.jpg)

If it’s a Hades and Persephone retelling you’re after (always), I beg you to listen to “Forbidden Fruit.” This exploration of our favorite King of the Underworld and Goddess of Spring is every bit as stunningly sexy as the Dark Olympus series while hitting every emotional note you’d expect from one of the oldest and most emotionally riveting tales there is. Plus the narrators in this full-cast audiobook will have you blushing—Hades sounds like Tom Hiddleston (* swoon *) and Persephone sounds like golden honey.

## 7. [“Gods & Men” on Dipsea](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/gods-and-men-series/)
![Gods-&-Men-on-Dipsea](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2M6bwsdHmzNYHlJjpiFO9D/9e1e402a0c806e3b48a0ae4827e3e783/Gods-_-Men-on-Dipsea.jpg)

When you’re done with “Forbidden Fruit” but don’t want to leave the land of the gods just yet, please please *please* give “Gods & Men,” another full-cast audiobook, a listen.

Sun god Apollo and Spartan prince Hyacinthus are unlikely friends after a chance encounter on the battlefield. When they start spending more time together, a bond forms that neither one anticipated.

Wait, there’s also [“Goddess of the Hunt”](https://www.dipseastories.com/audiobooks/goddess-of-the-hunt-series/) with Artemis! Ugh, there’s a bottomless well of beautiful spice... 

## 8. [“Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61767292-icebreaker)
![Icebreaker-by-Hannah-Grace](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6IV7RE9UZKtUugKZLwv0W9/1a7fabeaff5439d2bbc73671a4e73c4b/Icebreaker-by-Hannah-Grace.jpg)

(Psst—if you’ve already read this romance novel and want to stock your Kindle with more like it, check out [our list of books like “Icebreaker.”](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/books-like-icebreaker/))

My best friend convinced me to read “Icebreaker” a while ago, and while I’d already known how much I love a good hockey romance, the Maple Hills series brought a little something extra to my TBR.

Nate Hawkins spends his days as captain of his university’s hockey team wrangling some big personalities, but none knock him on his butt quite like Anastasia (“Stassie”) Allen. When a sudden issue at the ice rink forces the team to use the figure skating rink instead, Nate finds himself in Stassie’s crosshairs. No one messes with her figure skating practice and escapes unscathed.

The tension between these two practically glistens off the page, but you’ll just have to read it to fully appreciate the emotional journey of this [sports romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/sports-romance-books/). * Swoon! *

__“Wildfire” is book two, and book three of the spicy book series is “Daydream,” featuring a delightful fan-favorite character. I can’t wait.
Looking for more steamy stories full of spicy scenes? [Dipsea’s collection of audiobooks](https://www.dipseastories.com/) is a haven for romance readers in need of a good love story — or many.__

TikTok loves these spicy book series, and we do too! From mega-popular romantasies to cute sports romances to dark romance, these series hook you.

8 spicy book series that get better with each book

shelves-filled-with-books

We’ve all been there: You just finished an incredible, emotional, exquisite five-star read and now it’s over. Welcome to the book hangover (it’s awful, I’m so sorry you’re here). 

Finishing the “[A Court of Thorns and Roses](https://www.goodreads.com/series/104014-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses)” (ACOTAR) series leaves many readers desperate for more. What is it that makes this fantasy romance series so good we can’t put it down? Is it the world building? The badass characters? The forbidden romance trope and spicy scenes? Or maybe it’s the [touch her and die](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/touch-her-and-die-trope/) energy that’s threaded throughout each novel. 

But now that you’ve finished “[A Court of Silver Flames](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53138095-a-court-of-silver-flames)” and you’re caught up with the series (well, for now), what comes next? 

The way I see it, you have two options once you finish the ACOTAR series. One, you start right back at the beginning and just read them on a loop forever. Or, you can check out one of these fantasy romance books and find your new favorite obsession.

Here are the best books like A Court of Thorns and Roses:

## 1. “[Throne of Glass](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76703559-throne-of-glass?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15)” by Sarah J. Maas
![Throne-of-Glass-by-Sarah-J.-Maas](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6HWIoO0C6TBL478Hykr0eY/c0130d9fb697f8e59ef6d8ff7bf543a7/Throne-of-Glass-by-Sarah-J.-Maas.jpg)

The most logical thing to do once you’ve finished ACOTAR is to start working your way through the rest of the Sarah J. Mass Universe. 

Start with the Throne of Glass series, an 8-book series that follows Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin who is competing for a shot at freedom. Honestly, I thought I loved Feyre the most until Celaena came into my life. You’ll fall in love with this character.

You’ll find a lot of info out there about the reading order of Throne of Glass—when I tell you there’s DRAMA in [the BookTok world](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/spicy-booktok/) for what order is best! 

People have opinions on when to read “Assassin’s Blade,” which is a prequel. And some people swear by reading “Empire of Storms” and “Tower of Dawn” at the same time, since they take place simultaneously. There are guides for starting and stopping points in these two books that will have you tabbing your books with 100+ sticky notes.

For the most emotional storytelling (and ease, TBH), simply read the books in the order they were released. [It’s what SJM herself recommends](https://www.tiktok.com/@mybookishadventure/video/7325579736351034655?lang=en), after all:

1. Throne of Glass
2. Crown of Midnight
3. Assassin’s Blade
4. Heir of Fire
5. Queen of Shadows
6. Empire of Storms
7. Tower of Dawn
8. Kingdom of Ash

## 2. “[House of Earth and Blood](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44778083-house-of-earth-and-blood)” by Sarah J. Maas
![House-of-Earth-and-Blood-by-Sarah-J.-Maas](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6acXfUGSTRDm4UXZ2i8XlM/65af9dffcaf583dccf1b324eb94bc36e/House-of-Earth-and-Blood-by-Sarah-J.-Maas.jpg)

After you’ve finished ACOTAR and Throne of Glass, you can start “House of Earth and Blood,” the first in the ongoing urban fantasy Crescent City series that follows half-human, half-fae Bryce and a fallen angel, Hunt.

Going from the lands of flowing rivers and riding on horseback in ACOTAR to a large city with smartphones and nail salons can feel a bit jarring, but you’ll find the same adventure, romance, and world building you’ve come to love from SJM. These books are dense and definitely more complicated than ACOTAR, but if you stick with it, the payoff is so, so worth it.

## 3. “[Fourth Wing](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431922-fourth-wing?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_3)” by Rebecca Yarros
![Fourth-Wing](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6uaNfA3SoTYdayDozQs6cf/12cef574313eba6620c2cf6dece921fa/Fourth-Wing.jpg)

It’s nearly impossible to [scroll BookTok](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/booktok) without seeing someone recommend “Fourth Wing”—and for good reason! 

Violet was planning for a quiet first year at Basgiath War College—well, as quiet as war college can be—as she trained to be a scribe. But her mother (the commanding general of the army) orders her into the Riders Quadrant. Now instead of spending her days surrounded by books, she’s fighting for her life trying to bond a dragon, train to be a dragon rider, and dodge the attempts on her life by fellow cadets.

Xaden has no reason to trust or like Violet—in fact, she should be Public Enemy Number One. But when he develops a vested interest in her survival, he starts to train her to make her strong enough to survive the Riders Quadrant and the war that rages outside their country’s protected wards.

“Fourth Wing” is the first book in the Empyrean Series and the sequel, “Iron Flame," is out now. The next book, “Onyx Storm,” drops in January 2025, so now is the perfect time to dive into this [enemies-to-lovers fantasy series](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/enemies-to-lovers-fantasy-books/)!

## 4. “[Quicksilver](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212127083-quicksilver)” by Callie Hart
![Quicksilver-by-Callie-Hart](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5dHgXw65QUVVobnG2kSPK9/d2749d37fc2604c01729e93b58874d08/Quicksilver-by-Callie-Hart.jpg)

Saeris lives in the barren, desert wasteland of Zilvaren known as the Third and over the years she’s gotten good at picking pockets and sneakily thieving from the reserve of the Undying Queen.

When Saeris accidentally binds herself to Kingfisher, the dangerous (and dangerously hot) fae warrior, she finds herself in a land that’s far more threatening than the one she left behind.

When I say this [fantasy romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romantasy-books/) is a must-read, I mean it! As an added bonus, it’s on Kindle Unlimited, so if you already pay for that, this book is basically free (girl math!).

## 5. “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black
![The-Cruel-Prince](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4H0F9mgxjATSkuFUQEpV5L/34d8b0d5c998e2ed3fd9742de7ef9675/The-Cruel-Prince.jpg)

Jude was just a kid when her parents were killed and she and her sisters were captured and brought to live under the ruling of the High Court of Faeries. Despite nearly a decade in this world, the faes still haven’t accepted her due to her human status. 

Faerie prince Cardan hates humans, Jude included. If Jude wants to secure a place in the High Court, she has to go up against Cardan to prove herself. 

Just keep in mind that unlike ACOTAR, this young adult series doesn’t have open-door spice.

## 6. “[From Blood and Ash](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52831200-from-blood-and-ash?ref=nav_sb_ss_2_3)” by Jennifer L. Armentrout
![From-Blood-and-Ash](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/3sSYcgiBA35IHdEAxiNSGd/48557fde57350a3cd0e2e8d9d3aeea70/From-Blood-and-Ash.jpg)

As the Maiden, Poppy is forced to live in solitude and she is not happy about it. She’d rather be on the front lines, fighting back against the forces that took her family, but instead she’s bound by duty to ensure she’s found worthy by the gods.

When she’s assigned a new bodyguard, Hawke, things take an interesting turn (listen, life as the Maiden is really boring!). With every hour spent together, Poppy becomes more and more agitated, fighting against the guardrails of her duty and questioning the stories she’s been told. 

## 7. “[Wings of Winter](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/wings-of-winter-series/)” by Dipsea
![Wings-of-Winter-by-Dipsea-small](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2LxXAy5azxnAxxZjuFVdRp/4b9e83e87037dca84edce1fc60a0137a/Wings-of-Winter-by-Dipsea.jpg)

“Wings of Winter” features Rowan, a fae prince, and you (that’s right, you’re the main character in this story—a true fairytale!). The story picks up the night before The Gleaning, a Hunger Games-esque tournament between mortals and immortals alike (it’s giving Feyre Under the Mountain). Since you’re a human up against magical creatures, Rowan feels a protective pull to you (and he’s beyond irritated about it).

If you’re intimidated by the deadly tournament, you don’t let it show. You’re a human but you can hold your ground! But as The Gleaning rages on, Rowan’s protective presence is like a constant shadow.

This captivating high fantasy audiobook is told across 13 chapters, and will have you on the edge of your seat. Once you’re done, get a [behind-the-scenes look](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/the-making-of-wings-of-winter/) at how Wings of Winter came to life! 

## 8. “[The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53921926-the-bridge-kingdom)” by Danielle L. Jensen
![The-Bridge-Kingdom-by-Danielle-L.-Jensen](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5Zibzdtpz5aUEI8Bxd2Dk7/86d0da8f4cee83bd5585f33f8978dbe4/The-Bridge-Kingdom-by-Danielle-L.-Jensen.jpg)

When Lara is given the chance to wed King Aren, the monarch of an enemy kingdom, she jumps at the chance. She’s trained her whole life to take him down, and now she has the opportunity of the century to hatch a plan from the inside.

But once she’s behind enemy lines, Lara begins to question everything she thought she knew about the war and this rival kingdom. She swore to hate—and kill—the king, but every day spent together has her wondering if everything she thought she knew is wrong.

The first four books in this addicting series are out now with two more planned for the future.

## 9. “[Six of Crows](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23437156-six-of-crows?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_8)” by Leigh Bardugo
![Six-of-Crows-by-Leigh-Bardugo](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6tRTuRvWJDzGFg4vU2kuEg/07baf900cae2e0e9a033fcc945603543/Six-of-Crows-by-Leigh-Bardugo.jpg)

Kaz may be a criminal prodigy but even he can’t pull off this next heist alone. He assembles a ragtag team of fellow teenage criminals to help him and the six of them band together (despite their differences) to take on the deadly task in front of them. 

Told through multiple points of view, this story has characters that are so deep and complex. Combine that with the jam-packed plot and you’ve got a perfect read!

When you finish, be sure to pick right back up with “Crooked Kingdom,” the second in the fantasy book duology. This series is set in the same universe as Bardugo’s [Shadow and Bone](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194157-shadow-and-bone) series, but you can absolutely read it as a standalone.

## 10. “[The Serpent and the Wings of Night](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60714999-the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_7)” by Carissa Broadbent
![The-Serpent-and-the-Wings-of-Night](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2J5cIksmSGToqpJNIE4qLo/eaa55c4fc5ca8f14d8ddadc7bbd0d30f/The-Serpent-and-the-Wings-of-Night.jpg)

As a human raised by a vampire king, Oraya is used to being the odd woman out. Still, she’s determined to make a name and place for herself in this world, so she enters the Kejari, a deadly tournament. 

Oraya has plenty of enemies in this tournament, but her best shot at survival is to form alliances (keep your friends close and your enemies closer). To increase her chances of survival, she strikes a deal with Raihn, one of the most dangerous and powerful vampires in the game. But while Oraya has sworn her alliance to Raihn, learning to trust him is another thing entirely. 

This fantasy novel is the first in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, and is the perfect antidote for your ACOTAR hangover.

## 11. “[Powerless](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75513900-powerless?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_24)” by Lauren Roberts
![Powerless-by-Lauren-Roberts](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/3tprmmvNuhZGsW9HJYa276/e9d1462da657ce0a5e0691e930227dd5/Powerless-by-Lauren-Roberts.jpg)

Paedyn is Ordinary and in the kingdom of Ilya, that’s not just an insult—it’s illegal. Determined to stay out of the spotlight, she poses as a Psychic in the kingdom of Elites to try and blend in. 

When she unknowingly saves the life of one of the kingdom’s princes, she’s “rewarded” by being thrown into the Purging Trials, a competition designed to showcase the talents of the Elites. With everything on the line, can Paedyn fool everyone and survive?

__Find more [fantasy romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/fantasy-tag/) favorites on Dipsea, the app for original spicy audiobooks and more!__

We’ve all been there: You just finished an incredible, emotional, exquisite five-star read and now it’s over. Welcome to the book hangover (it’s awful, I’m so sorry you’re here). 

Finishing the “[A Court of Thorns and Roses](https://www.goodreads.com/series/104014-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses)” (ACOTAR) series leaves many readers desperate for more. What is it that makes this fantasy romance series so good we can’t put it down? Is it the world building? The badass characters? The forbidden romance trope and spicy scenes? Or maybe it’s the [touch her and die](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/touch-her-and-die-trope/) energy that’s threaded throughout each novel. 

But now that you’ve finished “[A Court of Silver Flames](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53138095-a-court-of-silver-flames)” and you’re caught up with the series (well, for now), what comes next? 

The way I see it, you have two options once you finish the ACOTAR series. One, you start right back at the beginning and just read them on a loop forever. Or, you can check out one of these fantasy romance books and find your new favorite obsession.

Here are the best books like A Court of Thorns and Roses:

## 1. “[Throne of Glass](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76703559-throne-of-glass?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15)” by Sarah J. Maas
![Throne-of-Glass-by-Sarah-J.-Maas](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6HWIoO0C6TBL478Hykr0eY/c0130d9fb697f8e59ef6d8ff7bf543a7/Throne-of-Glass-by-Sarah-J.-Maas.jpg)

The most logical thing to do once you’ve finished ACOTAR is to start working your way through the rest of the Sarah J. Mass Universe. 

Start with the Throne of Glass series, an 8-book series that follows Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin who is competing for a shot at freedom. Honestly, I thought I loved Feyre the most until Celaena came into my life. You’ll fall in love with this character.

You’ll find a lot of info out there about the reading order of Throne of Glass—when I tell you there’s DRAMA in [the BookTok world](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/spicy-booktok/) for what order is best! 

People have opinions on when to read “Assassin’s Blade,” which is a prequel. And some people swear by reading “Empire of Storms” and “Tower of Dawn” at the same time, since they take place simultaneously. There are guides for starting and stopping points in these two books that will have you tabbing your books with 100+ sticky notes.

For the most emotional storytelling (and ease, TBH), simply read the books in the order they were released. [It’s what SJM herself recommends](https://www.tiktok.com/@mybookishadventure/video/7325579736351034655?lang=en), after all:

1. Throne of Glass
2. Crown of Midnight
3. Assassin’s Blade
4. Heir of Fire
5. Queen of Shadows
6. Empire of Storms
7. Tower of Dawn
8. Kingdom of Ash

## 2. “[House of Earth and Blood](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44778083-house-of-earth-and-blood)” by Sarah J. Maas
![House-of-Earth-and-Blood-by-Sarah-J.-Maas](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6acXfUGSTRDm4UXZ2i8XlM/65af9dffcaf583dccf1b324eb94bc36e/House-of-Earth-and-Blood-by-Sarah-J.-Maas.jpg)

After you’ve finished ACOTAR and Throne of Glass, you can start “House of Earth and Blood,” the first in the ongoing urban fantasy Crescent City series that follows half-human, half-fae Bryce and a fallen angel, Hunt.

Going from the lands of flowing rivers and riding on horseback in ACOTAR to a large city with smartphones and nail salons can feel a bit jarring, but you’ll find the same adventure, romance, and world building you’ve come to love from SJM. These books are dense and definitely more complicated than ACOTAR, but if you stick with it, the payoff is so, so worth it.

## 3. “[Fourth Wing](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431922-fourth-wing?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_3)” by Rebecca Yarros
![Fourth-Wing](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6uaNfA3SoTYdayDozQs6cf/12cef574313eba6620c2cf6dece921fa/Fourth-Wing.jpg)

It’s nearly impossible to [scroll BookTok](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/booktok) without seeing someone recommend “Fourth Wing”—and for good reason! 

Violet was planning for a quiet first year at Basgiath War College—well, as quiet as war college can be—as she trained to be a scribe. But her mother (the commanding general of the army) orders her into the Riders Quadrant. Now instead of spending her days surrounded by books, she’s fighting for her life trying to bond a dragon, train to be a dragon rider, and dodge the attempts on her life by fellow cadets.

Xaden has no reason to trust or like Violet—in fact, she should be Public Enemy Number One. But when he develops a vested interest in her survival, he starts to train her to make her strong enough to survive the Riders Quadrant and the war that rages outside their country’s protected wards.

“Fourth Wing” is the first book in the Empyrean Series and the sequel, “Iron Flame," is out now. The next book, “Onyx Storm,” drops in January 2025, so now is the perfect time to dive into this [enemies-to-lovers fantasy series](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/enemies-to-lovers-fantasy-books/)!

## 4. “[Quicksilver](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212127083-quicksilver)” by Callie Hart
![Quicksilver-by-Callie-Hart](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5dHgXw65QUVVobnG2kSPK9/d2749d37fc2604c01729e93b58874d08/Quicksilver-by-Callie-Hart.jpg)

Saeris lives in the barren, desert wasteland of Zilvaren known as the Third and over the years she’s gotten good at picking pockets and sneakily thieving from the reserve of the Undying Queen.

When Saeris accidentally binds herself to Kingfisher, the dangerous (and dangerously hot) fae warrior, she finds herself in a land that’s far more threatening than the one she left behind.

When I say this [fantasy romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/romantasy-books/) is a must-read, I mean it! As an added bonus, it’s on Kindle Unlimited, so if you already pay for that, this book is basically free (girl math!).

## 5. “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black
![The-Cruel-Prince](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/4H0F9mgxjATSkuFUQEpV5L/34d8b0d5c998e2ed3fd9742de7ef9675/The-Cruel-Prince.jpg)

Jude was just a kid when her parents were killed and she and her sisters were captured and brought to live under the ruling of the High Court of Faeries. Despite nearly a decade in this world, the faes still haven’t accepted her due to her human status. 

Faerie prince Cardan hates humans, Jude included. If Jude wants to secure a place in the High Court, she has to go up against Cardan to prove herself. 

Just keep in mind that unlike ACOTAR, this young adult series doesn’t have open-door spice.

## 6. “[From Blood and Ash](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52831200-from-blood-and-ash?ref=nav_sb_ss_2_3)” by Jennifer L. Armentrout
![From-Blood-and-Ash](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/3sSYcgiBA35IHdEAxiNSGd/48557fde57350a3cd0e2e8d9d3aeea70/From-Blood-and-Ash.jpg)

As the Maiden, Poppy is forced to live in solitude and she is not happy about it. She’d rather be on the front lines, fighting back against the forces that took her family, but instead she’s bound by duty to ensure she’s found worthy by the gods.

When she’s assigned a new bodyguard, Hawke, things take an interesting turn (listen, life as the Maiden is really boring!). With every hour spent together, Poppy becomes more and more agitated, fighting against the guardrails of her duty and questioning the stories she’s been told. 

## 7. “[Wings of Winter](https://www.dipseastories.com/series/wings-of-winter-series/)” by Dipsea
![Wings-of-Winter-by-Dipsea-small](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2LxXAy5azxnAxxZjuFVdRp/4b9e83e87037dca84edce1fc60a0137a/Wings-of-Winter-by-Dipsea.jpg)

“Wings of Winter” features Rowan, a fae prince, and you (that’s right, you’re the main character in this story—a true fairytale!). The story picks up the night before The Gleaning, a Hunger Games-esque tournament between mortals and immortals alike (it’s giving Feyre Under the Mountain). Since you’re a human up against magical creatures, Rowan feels a protective pull to you (and he’s beyond irritated about it).

If you’re intimidated by the deadly tournament, you don’t let it show. You’re a human but you can hold your ground! But as The Gleaning rages on, Rowan’s protective presence is like a constant shadow.

This captivating high fantasy audiobook is told across 13 chapters, and will have you on the edge of your seat. Once you’re done, get a [behind-the-scenes look](https://www.dipseastories.com/blog/the-making-of-wings-of-winter/) at how Wings of Winter came to life! 

## 8. “[The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53921926-the-bridge-kingdom)” by Danielle L. Jensen
![The-Bridge-Kingdom-by-Danielle-L.-Jensen](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/5Zibzdtpz5aUEI8Bxd2Dk7/86d0da8f4cee83bd5585f33f8978dbe4/The-Bridge-Kingdom-by-Danielle-L.-Jensen.jpg)

When Lara is given the chance to wed King Aren, the monarch of an enemy kingdom, she jumps at the chance. She’s trained her whole life to take him down, and now she has the opportunity of the century to hatch a plan from the inside.

But once she’s behind enemy lines, Lara begins to question everything she thought she knew about the war and this rival kingdom. She swore to hate—and kill—the king, but every day spent together has her wondering if everything she thought she knew is wrong.

The first four books in this addicting series are out now with two more planned for the future.

## 9. “[Six of Crows](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23437156-six-of-crows?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_8)” by Leigh Bardugo
![Six-of-Crows-by-Leigh-Bardugo](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/6tRTuRvWJDzGFg4vU2kuEg/07baf900cae2e0e9a033fcc945603543/Six-of-Crows-by-Leigh-Bardugo.jpg)

Kaz may be a criminal prodigy but even he can’t pull off this next heist alone. He assembles a ragtag team of fellow teenage criminals to help him and the six of them band together (despite their differences) to take on the deadly task in front of them. 

Told through multiple points of view, this story has characters that are so deep and complex. Combine that with the jam-packed plot and you’ve got a perfect read!

When you finish, be sure to pick right back up with “Crooked Kingdom,” the second in the fantasy book duology. This series is set in the same universe as Bardugo’s [Shadow and Bone](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194157-shadow-and-bone) series, but you can absolutely read it as a standalone.

## 10. “[The Serpent and the Wings of Night](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60714999-the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_7)” by Carissa Broadbent
![The-Serpent-and-the-Wings-of-Night](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/2J5cIksmSGToqpJNIE4qLo/eaa55c4fc5ca8f14d8ddadc7bbd0d30f/The-Serpent-and-the-Wings-of-Night.jpg)

As a human raised by a vampire king, Oraya is used to being the odd woman out. Still, she’s determined to make a name and place for herself in this world, so she enters the Kejari, a deadly tournament. 

Oraya has plenty of enemies in this tournament, but her best shot at survival is to form alliances (keep your friends close and your enemies closer). To increase her chances of survival, she strikes a deal with Raihn, one of the most dangerous and powerful vampires in the game. But while Oraya has sworn her alliance to Raihn, learning to trust him is another thing entirely. 

This fantasy novel is the first in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, and is the perfect antidote for your ACOTAR hangover.

## 11. “[Powerless](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75513900-powerless?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_24)” by Lauren Roberts
![Powerless-by-Lauren-Roberts](//images.ctfassets.net/03of3q5qzesq/3tprmmvNuhZGsW9HJYa276/e9d1462da657ce0a5e0691e930227dd5/Powerless-by-Lauren-Roberts.jpg)

Paedyn is Ordinary and in the kingdom of Ilya, that’s not just an insult—it’s illegal. Determined to stay out of the spotlight, she poses as a Psychic in the kingdom of Elites to try and blend in. 

When she unknowingly saves the life of one of the kingdom’s princes, she’s “rewarded” by being thrown into the Purging Trials, a competition designed to showcase the talents of the Elites. With everything on the line, can Paedyn fool everyone and survive?

__Find more [fantasy romance](https://www.dipseastories.com/tags/fantasy-tag/) favorites on Dipsea, the app for original spicy audiobooks and more!__

We can cure your post-ACOTAR sadness! These books give “A Court of Thorns and Roses” vibes and will keep the fantasy romance energy going.

11 books that will cure your “A Court of Thorns and Roses” hangover

beautiful-garden

Your all-access pass to the creative inspiration behind your favorite Dipsea stories, books, and characters. From first drafts to final chapters, tropes and archetypes, get the story behind the spicy story, and meet the team building the next-gen of romance.

The Dipsea Blog

What to read next if you love “Icebreaker”

Most Popular

The Latest