Welcome to Tuesday TBR, your weekly dose of bookish recommendations perfectly paired with a cuppa and your favourite biscuits. Whether you're after swoon-worthy romantasy, whimsical adventures, or heart-pounding fantasy romance, we've curated five delightful reads to add to your ever-growing to-be-read pile.
This week, we're exploring enchanting worlds filled with fae bargains, fearless heroines, morally grey villains, and the kind of slow-burn romance that keeps you turning pages well past midnight. Grab your tea, settle in, and let's discover your next favourite read.
Once Upon a Broken Heart Series by Stephanie Garber
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Fae Fantasy
Evangeline Fox believes in fairy tales and happily ever afters; until the love of her life becomes engaged to another. Desperate to stop the wedding, she strikes a dangerous bargain with the Prince of Hearts, a fae prince with a reputation for heartbreak and cruelty. But deals with the fae always come with a price, and Evangeline soon finds herself entangled in a web of lies, curses, and a romance she never saw coming.
Set in the same enchanting universe as the beloved Caraval series, this romantasy trilogy weaves together dark fairy tale elements with breathless romance. Garber crafts a world dripping with magic, mystery, and the kind of morally complex love interest that has readers utterly captivated.
Why You Should Read It
Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance and fae fantasy
Features one of BookTok's most beloved morally grey love interests
Atmospheric world-building with dark fairy tale vibes throughout
A determined heroine who refuses to give up on her happily ever after
Addictive plot twists that keep you guessing until the very end
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Fantasy Adventure, Fairy Tale Retelling, Cosy Fantasy
Tress is a simple girl living on a simple island, content to collect cups and spend time with the boy she loves. When Charlie is kidnapped by the mysterious Sorceress of the Midnight Sea, Tress does something she never imagined; she leaves her island to save him. What follows is a whimsical adventure across magical seas made of spores rather than water, where the dangers are as bizarre as they are deadly.
Narrated by the witty and unreliable Hoid, this standalone novel showcases Sanderson's remarkable range. It's a love letter to fairy tales and adventure stories, told with charm, humour, and the kind of inventive magic system that Sanderson fans adore. Think The Princess Bride meets high fantasy with a protagonist whose greatest weapon is her cleverness.
Why You Should Read It
An accessible entry point into Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe
Charming fairy tale retelling with a resourceful, clever heroine
Witty narration that balances humour with heartfelt moments
A unique magic system featuring twelve different magical spores
Perfect cosy fantasy read - adventurous yet wonderfully wholesome
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Genre: Romantic Comedy Fantasy, Cosy Fantasy, Workplace Romance
Evie Sage desperately needs a job to support her family, so when she accidentally saves the life of the infamous Villain terrorising the kingdom, she does what any sensible person would do; she asks him for employment. Now she's the assistant to the most feared man in the realm, organising his evil schedules, managing his minions, and absolutely not developing feelings for her dangerously attractive boss.
This BookTok sensation began life as a viral series and has captured readers' hearts with its delightful blend of humour, romance, and subverted fantasy tropes. It's office romance meets fantasy adventure, complete with a grumpy boss, a sunshine heroine, and enough workplace chaos to make any HR department weep.
Why You Should Read It
Hilarious take on the grumpy-sunshine and boss-employee romance tropes
Light-hearted cosy fantasy perfect for readers wanting low-stakes fun
A charming ensemble cast including a snarky frog and chaotic minions
Delightful slow-burn romance with witty banter throughout
Fresh, modern voice that appeals to romantasy and romcom fans alike
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Epic Fantasy
In a world where magic and danger intertwine, a fierce heroine must navigate treacherous political alliances and protect those she loves. Shield of Sparrows introduces readers to an immersive fantasy realm filled with complex characters, intricate world-building, and the kind of sweeping romance that epic fantasy fans crave.
Devney Perry, known for her contemporary romance novels, ventures into fantasy territory with this captivating series opener. Expect strong heroines, morally grey heroes, and a slow-burn romance set against a backdrop of magic and political intrigue. It's the perfect choice for readers looking for adult fantasy romance with depth and emotional resonance.
Why You Should Read It
Sweeping fantasy romance with richly developed world-building
Strong, capable heroine navigating a dangerous magical world
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros seeking new series
Satisfying slow-burn romance with plenty of tension and chemistry
An exciting new adult romantasy series to get invested in from the start
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Western Fantasy, Romantasy
Magic meets the frontier in this thrilling fantasy romance that blends western grit with supernatural intrigue. Metal Slinger introduces readers to a world where gunslingers wield more than just pistols; they command elemental magic that can turn the tide of any showdown. When our heroine finds herself caught between dangerous factions, she must master her abilities whilst navigating a complicated attraction to someone who might be friend or foe.
This fresh take on fantasy romance offers something different for readers seeking adventures beyond the typical medieval settings. With its unique western-inspired world, compelling magic system, and sizzling romantic tension, Metal Slinger is perfect for readers ready to explore new corners of the romantasy genre.
Why You Should Read It
Unique western fantasy setting that stands out in the romantasy genre
Compelling magic system centred around elemental metal manipulation
Strong heroine who can hold her own in a dangerous world
Exciting blend of action, adventure, and slow-burn romance
Perfect for readers wanting fresh, original fantasy romance
Time to Start Reading
There you have it; five fantastic fantasy reads to fuel your TBR this week. Whether you're drawn to the dark fairy tale magic of Once Upon a Broken Heart, the whimsical adventure of Tress of the Emerald Sea, or the hilarious workplace chaos of Assistant to the Villain, there's something here for every fantasy reader.
Want more bookish goodness? Sign up to our newsletter for upcoming releases and reading insights, and join us next Tuesday for another cosy round of Tea & Biscuit Reads. Happy reading!
Books Featured in This Article
Once Upon a Broken Heart
by Stephanie Garber
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART marks the launch of a new series from Stephanie Garber about love, curses, and the lengths that people will go to for happily ever afterFor as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings . . . until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game — and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy.Also by Stephanie Garber:The Caraval Series- Caraval- Legendary- Finale
Tress of the Emerald Sea
by Brandon Sanderson
#1 New York Times Bestselling author Brandon Sanderson brings us deeper into the Cosmere Universe with a standalone adventure that will appeal to fans of The Princess Bride.The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?******Praise for Brandon Sanderson"Epic in every sense." -The Guardian on The Way of Kings"Brandon Sanderson's reputation is finally as big as his novels." -The New York Times on Words of Radiance"If you're a fan of fantasy and haven't read the Mistborn trilogy yet, you have no excuses." -Forbes on Mistborn"One of the best authors in the genre." -Library Journal (starred review) on The Alloy of Law"Mystery, magic, romance, political wrangling, religious conflict, fights for equality, sharp writing and wonderful, robust characters...Sanderson is a writer to watch." -Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Elantris
Assistant to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
From the creator of a viral TikTok series about the sunshine assistant to the evil villain and their unexpected romance comes the most hotly-anticipated romantic fantasy book of the the year!ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, level-headed assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem, terror, and other Dark Things in General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn's most infamous Villain results in a job offer-naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don't find evil so attractive, Evie.But just when she's getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat...and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain-and his entire nefarious empire-out. Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work... and ensure he makes them pay. After all, a good job is hard to find... Readers cannot wait to read Assistant to the Villain: 'Giggling. Kicking my feet. I can't wait to read this!''I have never been so hyped for a book before''Catch me in line to get one of the first copies wherever it's sold''OMG finally!! I can't wait to have it in my hands!'
Shield of Sparrows
by Devney Perry
"The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel. I've spent my life kneeling--to their will and to my father's. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king. I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood. But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father's throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life. Now I'm crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him--bound to a future I didn't choose and a husband I barely know. Everyone wants me to be something I'm not--a queen, a spy, a sacrifice. But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there's power in being underestimated? And what if--for the first time--I reached for it?"--Provided by publisher.
Metal Slinger
by Rachel Schneider
Brynn has spent the better part of her life waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta, the very same people who exiled the Alaha to live a life over the sea. A rite of passage for all young guards, she's not sure what to expect from it, but breaking a century- long peace treaty certainly isn't on her map. Neither is the encounter with an enemy soldier. Returning home to Alaha, she's confronted with the aftermath of the day's events. The future is uncertain as the threat of hunger looms over the people. With rumors of a growing rebellion, Brynn and her closest friends promise to stick together. When an unexpected visitor arrives, Brynn's loyalty will be tested as she learns of a world of magic and treachery. Once her enemy, always her enemy, right? But the dark, knowing eyes of a stranger make her question everything... ...including her heart.