Host Reader Profile
Lindsey “The Realm Weaver”
Hello, hello!
My name is Lindsey, I am in my 30s, and when I am not obsessing over love stories written in fantastical realms I am remembering that I’m a full time working mom of two littles, and a doggo! I’m also lucky to have an amazing husband who puts up with supports my love for romance and fantasy books. Whether it’s a morally grey hero with pointy ears or a fierce, complex heroine, I’m all in.
These days, I consume most of my books on audio (because chasing two kids leaves little time for paperbacks!), but at night, you’ll find me snuggled up on the couch with my dog, a book, and maybe my husband—if there’s room! That is, if I have the energy after bedtime😴.
Favorite Sub-Genres
Romantasy- especially High Fae/Sorcery & Swords
Paranormal Witches Romance
Paranormal Shifter Romance
SteamPunk Sci-Fi Romance
Favorite Tropes
Spicy Slow Burn
Enemies-to-Lovers
Forced Proximity
Fated Mates
Forbidden Love/Class Conflict
Trope Turn Offs
Insta-love
Bully
Slow Burn with No Spice
All Time Favorite Romance Reads
It’s never not going to be Sarah J Maas. Whether it’s the full fantasy immersion of Throne of Glass, the spellbinding love stories of ACOTAR (especially Cassian and Nesta’s in A Court of Silver Flames) or the complex urban fantasy that is Crescent City (yes I made it through all 3 of them so far-I mean come on the little otters are worth the world building). I have been immersed in the Maasverse ever since I read the first Throne of Glass book back in 2012 and then read the first book again in 2013 to catch me up to read Crown of Midnight, and then again in 2014 when Heir of Fire came out because well you see where this is going… I think I have read or listened to most of the books in that series at least twice with maybe a max of seven times for Throne of Glass.
I am also a fan of Blade & Rose by Miranda Honfleur. It is a true Sorcery & Swords fantasy romance. I mean the FMC is an Elementalist at the Tower of Magic and the MMC a paladin. Like literal sorcery and swords…
Now my absolute favorite fantasy romance with no spice, it might even be classified as a fantasy with romance, is Mara V. Snyder’s Chronicles of Ixia Series. The first three books Poison Study, Magic Study, and Fire Study follow Yelena and Valek and their budding romance. She even beautifully weaves in three books that are from a different characters POV before returning to finish out Yelena and Valek’s story. Now I usually do not like when series shift fully away from one character to cover another’s arc but she wrote this so well I love it. These are my comfort re-reads for sure!
Favorite Romance Book Quotes
One of my favorite romantic quotes is from you guessed it, ACOTAR. It is “Cassian leaned to whisper in her ear, “The first time I saw that look on your face, you were still human. Still human, and I nearly went to my knees before you.” - Sarah J. Mass, ACOSF. Ugh, I love this, enough said.
I love Elise Kova’s books and I love this quote even more, “He tasted of sweet liquor and every delicious dark dream she’d ever had.” -Elise Kova, Fire Falling.
This one is long but bare with me because this love story is worth the wait. This is from Maria V. Snyder’s Chronicles of Ixia series.
““Yelena, you’ve driven me crazy. You’ve caused me considerable trouble and I’ve contemplated ending your life twice since I’ve known you.” Valek’s warm breath in my ear sent a shiver down my spine.
“But you’ve slipped under my skin, invaded my blood and seized my heart.”
“That sounds more like a poison than a person,” was all I could say. His confession had both shocked and thrilled me.
“Exactly,” Valek replied. “You have poisoned me.” He rolled me over to face him. Before I could make another sound, he kissed me.” -Maria V Snyder, Poison Study. Talk about a beautifully woven quote that reflects the theme of the book.
What to Expect From Lindsey’s TBR Recommendations
If this surprises you then you probably should jump back up to the top. My TBR recommendations will include lots of fantasy with epic adventures and complex world building with slow burn or enemies to lovers tropes intertwined. Its got fierce FMCs and 500 year old Shadow Daddies *wink wink*. Strong character arcs, loveable side characters, and found family. I love undertones of class conflict or political intrigue woven into the love story.
But thats not all; I’ve also got contemporary paranormal picks with witty witches, wanton warlocks, vexing vampires and sexy shifters. I’m building up a repertoire of some light hearted sports romance, cozy meet-cutes, and dipping my toe into the dark side. So if I find some reads that fit my vibe and I can’t live without I will recommend them here as well.
Other Notes About Lindsey’s Reading Preferences
I am also a mood reader, like my sister. Sometimes I want complex world building and slow burn but occasionally I want a short smutty read. Very often my picks will include some sort of magical element but if they don’t, nine times out of ten it’s got spicy banter with even spicier smut. I love a good underdog love story or revelation of secret forces working against the main characters. Also give me unique class systems and power dynamics and I am here for it. I am also easily influenced to try any type of romance genre at least once so there may be some odd balls in there.
Thanks for turning the page on my story! May your TBR be endless, your heroes morally grey, and your love stories always magical.