Books like 'The Gardener and the Water-horse'
Readers who enjoyed The Gardener and the Water-horse by Mallory Dunlin also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy paranormal shapeshifters non-human-hero virgin hero friends to lovers magic m-f shy-hero
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The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty
The final chapter in the Daevabad Trilogy, in which a con-woman and an idealistic djinn prince join forces to save a magical kingdom from a devastating civil war. Daevabad has fallen. After a brutal conquest stripped the city of its magic, Nahid leader Banu Manizheh and her resurrected commander, Dara, must try to repair their fraying alliance and stabilize a fractious, warring people... -
![A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross]()
A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross
In the stunning conclusion to the Elements of Cadence duology, A Fire Endless finds the delicate balance between the human and faerie realm threatened by Bane, the spirit of the North Wind, whose defeat can only come through fire, song, and heart-rending sacrifice. East and West. Humans and Spirits. Breccans and Tamerlaines... -
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![The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley]()
The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
Aerin could not remember a time when she had not known the story; she had grown up knowing it. It was the story of her mother, the witchwoman who enspelled the king into marrying her, to get an heir that would rule Damar; and it was told that she turned her face to the wall and died of despair when she found she had borne a daughter instead of a son. Aerin was that daughter... -
![By the Horns by Ruby Dixon]()
By the Horns by Ruby Dixon
In a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, a woman with a deadly magic secret needs the help of the minotaur she’s trying to forget in the sizzling sequel to Ruby Dixon's New York Times bestseller Bull Moon Rising. Gwenna has always considered herself a normal person... -
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![By the Moonbeam and the Mist by Mariah Montoya]()
By the Moonbeam and the Mist by Mariah Montoya
Her memories are gone, but her powers are only growing…. Rayna Drey’s second year at the Esholian Institute should be spent advancing her Wild Whispering magic that the Good Council bestowed upon her last year. Unfortunately, she can’t quite focus on her new classes or enjoy all the parties with her friends... -
![The King of Faerie by A.J. Lancaster]()
The King of Faerie by A.J. Lancaster
The fae are real, and Hetta Valstar is trying her best to marry one. If Hetta and Wyn ever manage to marry, it will be the first union between Faerie and Mortal since the Iron Law was revoked. The mortal Queen has given them her blessing—sort of. Now, Wyn needs permission from the fae High King... -
![A Vow of Blood and Tears by Cate Corvin]()
A Vow of Blood and Tears by Cate Corvin
Bane. Never did I dream that a woman would cry on our wedding night. Ten years have passed since humans and vampires allied to defeat the wolves. Now, to seal the covenant between our people and keep my throne, I must take a mortal bride. But I’ve gone further than any vampire has gone before—become a fiend, a monster even among my own kind. No woman can lay eyes on me now without horror and fear... -
![The Well of Shades by Juliet Marillier]()
The Well of Shades by Juliet Marillier
Juliet Marillier continues the epic fantasy begun with The Dark Mirror, which Interzone called: "A fascinating evocation of life in Pictish England and an emotional roller coaster of a story. ". King Bridei is a man with a mission. His wish to unite his kingdom seems almost within his grasp but there are forces working to undo his dream...Categorized as:
magic slow burn tortured heroine strong heroine high fantasy sweet-hero historical fantasy -
![Holiday Bride by T.S. Joyce]()
Holiday Bride by T.S. Joyce
**Can be read as a standalone holiday story, or with T. S. Joyce's bestselling Wolf Brides series**. Maya hasn’t been back to Colorado Springs in years. She’s home visiting for the holidays, but so much has changed. The boy she grew up with is nearly unrecognizable and his animal magnetism is stirring feelings in her that she can’t explain... -
![The Reckoning by Vanessa Nelson]()
The Reckoning by Vanessa Nelson
Missing girls. A plea for help she can’t ignore. An ancient enemy with plans of his own. Nine-year-old girls are missing from across the lands. Yvonne has promised to find them, and she always keeps her promises. Even when she doesn’t know where to start looking. There’s more trouble around. Mercenaries are disappearing... -
![Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn]()
Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn
Gillengaria seethes with unrest. In the south, hostility toward magic and its users has risen to a dangerous level, though King Baryn has ordered that such mystics are to be tolerated. It is whispered that he issued the decree because his new wife used her magic powers to ensnare him… The King knows there are those in the noble Twelve Houses who could use this growing dissent to overthrow him...Categorized as:
strong heroine shapeshifters magic slow burn m-f sweet-hero forced proximity independent heroine -
![Arrow of Fortune by Jacquelyn Benson]()
Arrow of Fortune by Jacquelyn Benson
A well-behaved lady historian ought to avoid haunted Indian forests… not plunge into them seeking an invincible weapon of the gods. Ellie Mallory didn’t exactly volunteer to prevent the most dangerous artifact of the Ramayana from falling into the wrong hands—but if one has been coerced into an adventure, the least one can do is bring along a few friends... -
![Her Orc Warrior by Zoe Ashwood]()
Her Orc Warrior by Zoe Ashwood
I escaped a life of crime to save my daughter…. But my plan for making it to a safer town has gone awry. The driver of the wagon we snuck on isn’t human at all, and now we’re stuck in a traveling caravan of massive orc merchants. And the driver who first noticed me? He claims I’m his fated mate. The one person destined to be everything to him. He says we’re safe... -
![외과의사 엘리제 2 by Mini, 유인]()
외과의사 엘리제 2 by Mini, 유인
“내 사람을 살리는 일이다. ‘자신의 사람’을 구하는 건데 고작 이런 일 하나 못 하겠는가? ”. 드디어 테레사 병원의 견습으로 자리를 잡은 엘리제. 이쪽 세계의 병원 시스템에 익숙해지고 주변에도 조금씩 인정을 받아가던 때, 황가의 문장을 소지한 남성이 총격당한 긴급 환자를 데리고 병원을 찾는다. 한시가 급한 순간. 엘리제는 환자를 위해 결단을 내리고……. “반드시 살려낼 테니 한 번만 저를 믿어주세요. ”. “정말 할 수 있나? 무책임한 만용은 용서치 않아. ”. “믿어주십시오. 최선을 다하겠습니다. ”. “…좋다. 반드시 살려내라. ”. 엘리제는 과연 수술을 성공시키고, 환자를 무사히 살릴 수 있을 것인가. Episodes 16-29.Categorized as:
strong heroine magic m-f fantasy historical paranormal length-medium glimpses-kisses -
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![The Searching by Vanessa Nelson]()
The Searching by Vanessa Nelson
Oath-sworn to help those in need, Yvonne has been framed for murder. Tracking down those responsible for the destruction of the Stone Walls was a difficult enough task, but someone has made it much harder. The King is dead, and Yvonne is accused of his murder...Categorized as:
shapeshifters magic high fantasy strong heroine non-human-hero fantasy suspense paranormal -
![The Rising by Vanessa Nelson]()
The Rising by Vanessa Nelson
Can Yvonne stand against the darkness and win? Yvonne is looking forward to spending time with her adoptive children, and catching her breath after recent adventures. But nothing goes to plan. Her journey home is interrupted by an unexpected attack, and when she does get back to the house, her son is missing...Categorized as:
high fantasy shapeshifters magic strong heroine non-human-hero fantasy suspense paranormal -
![Blood Solace by Vela Roth]()
Blood Solace by Vela Roth
He'll die without her blood. But countless people will die if he claims her. Can she save him without starting a war between immortals and humans? Lio is out of time. He must reunite with his mortal beloved Cassia before his Craving for her blood ends his eternal life. But they're trapped on opposite sides of the border between immortal and human lands... -
![Coven of Consequence by S.L. Prater]()
Coven of Consequence by S.L. Prater
There’s something terribly wrong with the Castleway Circus. When mortals happen inside its big billowy tents, they don’t always come out again, and the clown specters who haunt it won’t leave me alone. My partner, Quiet, insists we go and investigate. I’d rather have my hands nailed to a moving train—better chance of surviving that as a vampire than whatever haunts the circus... -
![The Harvest Bride by Kati Wilde]()
The Harvest Bride by Kati Wilde
After losing everything to a curse that struck the kingdom of Galoth, Sarya just wants the world to leave her alone. Yet when a demon begins hunting the people in the forest near her village, staying hidden isn’t an option. Neither is avoiding the warrior who helped saved all of Galoth. Bannin the Blowhard has never said a serious word in his life. . -
![Dragon on Top by G.A. Aiken]()
Dragon on Top by G.A. Aiken
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsTry a little dragon tenderness. I am Glheanna the Decimator. I am a warrior. A soldier. I know no fear. No pain. No mercy. I do, however, know acute embarrassment! How could I not after getting dumped by a bastard dragon in front of my own troops? So I tuck tail and return to my cave, drowning my sorrows in ale—as is my family’s way... -
![Jonah's Ghost by K. Alex Walker]()
Jonah's Ghost by K. Alex Walker
Taryn Hopkins and her husband, Oliver, recently bought and moved into their 1st home, an old Victorian in small-town Pennsylvania. But when her airline pilot husband is away, Taryn is visited by a dark-haired male apparition who appears in unlit hallways and eventually, her dreams. Jonah’s so real, she can touch him. He calls her by the name “Odette” and strokes her like his long-lost love... -
![Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier]()
Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier
Award-winning author Juliet Marillier’s “lavishly detailed”* Blackthorn & Grim series continues as a mysterious creature holds an enchanted and imperiled ancient Ireland in thrall. Disillusioned healer Blackthorn and her companion, Grim, have settled in Dalriada to wait out the seven years of Blackthorn’s bond to her fey mentor, hoping to avoid any dire challenges...Categorized as:
magic shapeshifters high fantasy friends to lovers forced proximity slow burn abduction vengeance -
![Plum Duff by Victoria Goddard]()
Plum Duff by Victoria Goddard
Magic is out of fashion. Except, obviously, at Winterturn. Winterturn in Ragnor Bella is a holiday for family, feasting, and a few religious festivities. Jemis Greenwing and Mr. Dart are both quite ready for a quiet week or two after their adventures going to and coming home from Orio City. Jemis in particular is looking forward to the first Winterturn spent with his father since he was a child... -
![This Haunted Heart by S.L. Prater]()
This Haunted Heart by S.L. Prater
Her heart will never belong to anyone else. Finley. Twenty years ago, Rynn abandoned me to an abyss without her. Her betrayal haunts me more than any ghost at my manor ever could. Years of grief and suffering have even changed my face. But now I’ve found her. She’s hiding in a den of iniquity, working as a courtesan under a false name...Categorized as:
magic vengeance abduction m-f forced proximity second chances independent heroine strong heroine -
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![Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett]()
Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett
A woman who runs a cat rescue in 1920s Montréal turns to a grouchy but charming magician to help save her shelter in this heartwarming cozy fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of the Emily Wilde series. “Absolutely magnificent! Full of cats and magic, this is the kind of book you want to instantly reread... -
![Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks]()
Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks
From the brilliant imagination of Kerrelyn Sparks comes a bold new fantasy romance series in which passion and magic collide. Behold the Embraced…. Gwennore has a talent. An Elf able to track down the cause of an illness and heal it, she’s a valuable asset to her people...Categorized as:
shapeshifters magic non-human-hero m-f fantasy paranormal from hate to love historical -
![To Kiss In the Shadows by Lynn Kurland]()
To Kiss In the Shadows by Lynn Kurland
Lianna of Grasleigh spends all her days weaving tapestries of dragons and shadows, avoiding the intrigues of court, and trying desperately with needle and thread to recapture the beauty she has lost. She dreams of a fearless knight to rescue her from the king's stern wardship. . -
![The Shadow Queen by Bertrice Small]()
The Shadow Queen by Bertrice Small
Mourn me but briefly. Then find your destiny, Lara, my love, my life. Now let me go. With those words, the spirit of Magnus Hauk, Dominus of Terah, leaves his body--and thus the fate of a nation rests upon the faerie woman Lara's shoulders. While Lara's son Prince Taj is well loved by the people of Terah, he is too young to rule, and Lara must obey Magnus's dying command and govern in his stead... -
![Dragon's Dusk by Sam Burns, W.M. Fawkes]()
Dragon's Dusk by Sam Burns, W.M. Fawkes
I have been a runt, a disappointment, and a monster. Now, I am simply a man. This wouldn’t be so strange, if yesterday, I weren’t a dragon. Locked away and isolated after a vicious attack left a princess blind, my greatest joy has been my bonded rider, Kostya. My Kostya is a prince with the weight of a kingdom on his shoulders... -
![The Magic Collector by Chesney Infalt]()
The Magic Collector by Chesney Infalt
On the day of her wedding to the Crown Prince, Aveline is cursed for helping the wrong person. Not entirely a ghost, she is in between, having no control over what form she takes at any given moment. To break it, Aveline is forced to turn to the man she helped: the ostracised Magic Collector. Sebastian, known to everyone else as The Magic Collector, is shrouded in mystery... -
![Resistance by Amy Rae Durreson]()
Resistance by Amy Rae Durreson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHow do you rebuild a broken nation? Iskandir doesn’t know, but as resistance leader turned peacetime governor, he’s trying his best, even though he believes his best will never be good enough. But things are about to get a lot worse in Tiallat. First, the rats begin to die. Next, humans begin to sicken too... -
![The Twilight Lord by Bertrice Small]()
The Twilight Lord by Bertrice Small
Lara, Domina of Terah, has mysteriously disappeared while visiting the New Outlands. The Dominus is frantic to find his beloved wife, but when no trace of her can be discovered, Magnus Hauk turns to two strong allies - Prince Kaliq of the Shadows and his mother-in-law, Ilona, the most powerful of the faerie queens... -
![The River Prince by Sheena Jolie, S.J. Himes]()
The River Prince by Sheena Jolie, S.J. Himes
From bestselling author SJ Himes writing as Sheena Jolie comes the long-awaited new book in the Realms of Love Series! The countries of Eistrea and Hellebore were once one land, torn asunder by a brutal war...Categorized as:
magic high fantasy hurt-comfort friends to lovers age difference sweet-hero shy-hero multicultural -
![The Dragon's Appraiser: Part Two by Viola Rivard]()
The Dragon's Appraiser: Part Two by Viola Rivard
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhen Madja manages to convince Sevrrn to take her into town, hilarity ensues. But so does the realization that Sevrrn will never fully understand her or her needs. Can an ancient dragon god ever possibly love her? And if he can’t, can she live with that? Does she even have a choice? ***. http://www. amazon. com/dp/B00USMPBCC.Categorized as:
magic virgin hero non-human-hero fantasy historical paranormal virgin heroine length-novella -
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![Her Orc Blacksmith by Etta Wild]()
Her Orc Blacksmith by Etta Wild
A widow with a broken heart. A warrior seeking redemption. And a love forged in fire. After the war that tore her world apart, Soraya Ashford is left to pick up the pieces. As a war-weary widow struggling to provide for her young son, she turns to the last person she ever expected—Vorgath Steelbane, a scarred and stoic orc who has traded his sword for a blacksmith’s hammer...Categorized as:
m-f slow burn competent heroine independent heroine strong heroine sweet-hero non-human-hero magic -
![A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland]()
A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland
Once a young woman uncovers a dark secret about her neighbor and his mysterious new wife, she’ll have to fight to keep herself—and the woman she loves—safe in this stunning queer reimagining of the classic folktale The Selkie Wife. When a sharp cry wakes Jean in the middle of the night during a terrible tempest, she’s convinced it must have been a dream... -
![The Hades Trials: The Complete Collection by Eliza Raine]()
The Hades Trials: The Complete Collection by Eliza Raine
I've been kidnapped by Zeus. Plucked from the streets of Manhattan and frightened half to death by a freaking Olympian god. And now I'm trapped in the Underworld, being forced to compete in a series of deadly trials for the position of Queen of the Underworld. Which would mean marrying Hades, the utterly terrifying Lord of the Dead... -
![A Wild Thing Grows by Marina Vivancos]()
A Wild Thing Grows by Marina Vivancos
Jarek has been an outcast all his life. Unwanted by his village, he’s starved for touch and love—until a strange, naked man named Aviv comes crashing through the snow and into his life. Suddenly, Jarek’s winter is filled with warmth…but he knows it won’t survive the season... -
![Dance with the Dragon Duke by S.L. Prater]()
Dance with the Dragon Duke by S.L. Prater
For a desperate duchess, an Unseelie duke could be the perfect fake fiancé. A fae woman named Tomorrow is set to inherit a wealthy duchy. The one she must marry a man of gentle breeding. To make it to the altar, she’ll have to survive her family first. The next in line will stop at nothing to keep her from collecting...Categorized as:
shapeshifters magic age difference high fantasy sweet heroine tortured heroine insta-love m-f -
![The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two by Catherynne M. Valente, Ana Juan]()
The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two by Catherynne M. Valente, Ana Juan
September misses Fairyland and her friends Ell, the Wyverary, and the boy Saturday. She longs to leave the routines of home, and embark on a new adventure. Little does she know that this time, she will be spirited away to the moon, reunited with her friends, and find herself faced with saving Fairyland from a moon-Yeti with great and mysterious powers...Categorized as:
magic m-f competent heroine shy-hero sweet-hero non-human-hero contemporary paranormal -
![The Audient and The Phantom Night by Sadie Hewitt]()
The Audient and The Phantom Night by Sadie Hewitt
Inspired by the worlds of The Legend of the Flying Dutchman and Beauty and the Beast, this action-packed fantasy filled with searing romance, outlawed magic, and seafaring danger. Fenna Terrigan never expected to leave her seaside village. She was too quiet, too gentle, and far too kind to take on life outside of the bookshop she works at... -
![루시아 2 (Lucia (Novel) #2) by Skye, 하늘가리기]()
루시아 2 (Lucia (Novel) #2) by Skye, 하늘가리기
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLucia grew up not knowing she was a princess. But when her mother died, she entered the palace and had the chance to see her entire future in a dream. In her dream, when she reached 19 years old, she was auctioned off to the bidder who offered the highest dowry. Her life became miserable from then on... -
![Autumn's Rescue by Leann Ryans]()
Autumn's Rescue by Leann Ryans
Autumn only wanted a quiet life. That was ruined when her village was attacked and she was kidnapped before being traded to strangers. Just when she thinks she has a chance to find happiness, she's kidnapped once again. The men she was taken from are looking for her, but will they find her in time to keep her kidnapper from claiming her himself? This is book 4 in the Alpha Barbarians series... -
![Sword-Breaker by Jennifer Roberson]()
Sword-Breaker by Jennifer Roberson
Accused of murdering a man the Southern tribes believe to be their messiah, but who is actually the slayer of Del's family, Tiger and Del flee across the deadly Punja desert, hunted by religious zealots and sword-dancer assassins. But evading death by assassins' blades is only one of the challenges they face... -
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![Five Gifts for the Blacksmith's Wife by Lyonne Riley]()
Five Gifts for the Blacksmith's Wife by Lyonne Riley
When her village faces a winter of starvation, Sita draws the shortest straw. Now she’s to be given to the orcs across the river in exchange for food and supplies so her family can survive. Given the chance to choose her own husband from among the eligible orc bachelors, she selects Gurrek, the reluctant blacksmith, who clearly doesn’t want her. He’s the safest option... -
![When a Princess Proposes by Kerrelyn Sparks]()
When a Princess Proposes by Kerrelyn Sparks
Aerthlan’s five Embraced queens have reigned for twenty years, in peace secured by the power of their magic. But now a new and insidious threat has appeared, to test a new generation. DESIRE AND DECEPTION. All Princess Eviana needs is an escape. Possessed of an unfortunate and unusual Embraced gift, which she’s been banned from using, she required no training... -
![Psychic Princess by Tencent Animation & Comics]()
Psychic Princess by Tencent Animation & Comics
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsQian Yunxi, the oldest daughter of the prime minister was born with a special ability. Because of this she was deemed 'abnormal' and was raised at Mt. Lin Yun. Upon turning 16, she took her younger sister's place to marry into the royal family of Ye. Rumors say Ye Youming is strange, cold and cruel. Just how will Qian Yunxi's fate play out? -
![The Girl in the Mountains by K. Alex Walker]()
The Girl in the Mountains by K. Alex Walker
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe only thing newspaper journalist, Benjamin Strickland, has ever cared about is his career. It doesn't matter how many failed relationships or broken hearts he leaves in his wake---it's all worth it to get the next latest scoop. So, for Ben, his latest story about the mysterious girl on the island of Oyster Key is just another step closer to winning the coveted Pulitzer... -
![My Sister Took My Fiance and Now I'm Being Courted by a Beastly Prince (Manga) Vol. 2 (妹に婚約者を取られたら、獣な王子に求婚されました～またたびとして溺愛されてます～ (Comic) #2) by Kiduki Hoshikawa, Yū Sakurai]()
My Sister Took My Fiance and Now I'm Being Courted by a Beastly Prince (Manga) Vol. 2 (妹に婚約者を取られたら、獣な王子に求婚されました～またたびとして溺愛されてます～ (Comic) #2) by Kiduki Hoshikawa, Yū Sakurai
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFAMILY PRIDE AT RISKCordelia and Leonhart work together to reveal Katricia's scheming. With one scandal avoided, Leonhart works to help Cordelia avoid another. The prince talks with Cordelia's father about how Priscilla's continued interference with Cordelia's engagements has left both sisters with a stained reputation... -
![루시아 8 (Lucia (Novel) #8) by Skye, 하늘가리기]()
루시아 8 (Lucia (Novel) #8) by Skye, 하늘가리기
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings
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