Finished my first ten bingo books of the year! I wanted to share the covers in all their glory so it’s a little slideshow instead of a tier list or bingo card. I can never see the covers well on those.
Many of the books aren’t well known so I included some basic info and spice level in the list below. Most also fit in diverse reading challenge 🌈 : https://www.reddit.com/r/fantasyromance/s/XV0DEl4Gcn and I’ve added the squares for that as well. Sorry in advance if I missed any categories I’m relying on my faulty memory and making this months after I read some of these.
Feel free to share your reccs for squares I haven’t done yet or ask questions about the books I read. Despite my personal ratings they are all worthy of being read and could be someone’s favorite!
Reviews:
Top Books List
{Bride by Ali Hazelwood} 3 stars, M/F, Paranormal, RomCom, Romance Forward
I always have a difficult time with first person single POV and this book is no exception (sorry). Misery made me miserable. Overall the book was fine but felt like an introduction to Paranormal Romance.
Character With a Disability (Diverse Bingo: BIPOC MC)
{The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko} 5 stars, M/F, YA, Fantasy, Fantasy Forward
I loved this book so much! It’s a powerful lower stakes (but not entirely cozy) fantasy story that draws inspiration from real life events. The main character was written so well and the romance is inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle. I highly recommend it!
Flying Magical Creature (Diverse Bingo: Story About Belonging, Queer MC)
{Floriography by Ruthanne Reid} 4.5 stars, F/F, Paranormal, Cozy (romance.io spice level 1), Equal Fantasy/Romance
The first paranormal I’ve read set in a conservative rural town. Our main characters struggle with acceptance both for their queerness and for their paranormal characteristics. The message was quite beautiful.
500+ pages (Diverse Bingo: Queer MC, Disabled or Chronically Ill MC, Queer Norm Setting)
{Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms by Sarah Wallace and S.O. Callahan} 3 stars, M/M, Historical Fantasy, Romance Forward
The romance was so cute in this one. The longing, the tension, etc. However, the book struggled with worldbuilding and I had difficulty believing the changes from vanilla historical. Roger is Demisexual and it’s excellent representation!!
Queer Main Character (Diverse Bingo: Queer Norm Setting)
{Shipwrecked by Juniper Butterworth} 4 stars, F/F, Fantasy, Cozy, Romance Forward (romance.io spice level 3)
I love goblins! So obviously I had to read this one about lesbian goblin pirates (and the others by the author). Spicy side of cozy and >!there’s a threesome with a squid person as well.!< It was just so much fun to read!
Comedic Fantasy (Diverse Bingo: Queer Romance, Story About Belonging, Non-Romantic Relationship Arc: Family)
{This Princess Kills Monsters by Ry Herman} 2 stars, M/F, Fantasy, Satire,
Fantasy Forward
Another struggle with the first person POV (Sorry). The humor didn’t land well for me and the romance was lukewarm.
Revenge (Diverse Bingo: Queer Romance, BIPOC MC, MC From a Different Culture: Nigeria)
{Sweet Retribution by Viano Oniomoh}4.5 stars, F/NB, Paranormal, Romance Forward (romance.io spice level 3/4)
My recommendation for romance forward readers is Sweet Retribution by Viano Oniomoh. I’ve read this prequel novella as well as the first book in the series (Sweet Vengeance) and it is such a treat to get to see Urban Fantasy in a non American setting. These books also have some heavy plots about sexual assault and abuse but the FMCs summon demons to kill their abusers and it’s quite cathartic. I really enjoyed the sex scenes in both books and I felt they suited both couples in their dynamics.
Older Main Character (Diverse Bingo: Queer Romance, Literary Award 2026: Self Published Fantasy Blog Off 11 Finalist, contest still underway)
{Carrion Saints by Hiyodori} 5 stars, F/F, Horror, Fantasy, Fantasy Forward (romance.io spice level 1)
If I had to pick a recommendation for fantasy forward readers it would be Carrion Saints by Hiyodori. The author manages to build such a unique and memorable post apocalyptic fantasy world. Her characters are also to die for: complex with an exquisite enemies to lovers dynamic. I loved the episodic plot (the book is split into six stories) and each story takes us deeper into the world and explores the characters relationships with each other and the remaining humans.
Underrated (Diverse Bingo: Queer Romance, Disabled or Chronically Ill MC)
{Yours Celestially by Al Hess} 5 stars, M/M and M/M, Sci Fi, Equal Fantasy/Romance (romance.io spice level 1)
I would die for Metatron! More asexual rep! The digital afterlife concept was well done and I liked both romances. The book handled heavy topics like addiction well.
AMA Author (Diverse Bingo: Queer Norm Setting (?))
{Captured by the Fae Beast by Mallory Dunlin} 3.5 stars, M/F, Paranormal, Romance Forward
Loved the fated mates system and worldbuilding here but struggled a bit with the POV again. Dain (the MMC) was a delight!