Books like 'The Empress'
Readers who enjoyed The Empress by Kristin Cast also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy paranormal funny new adult magic forced proximity m-f fake relationship marriage of convenience
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Summoned to the Wilds by A.K. Caggiano
She's promised to be loyal, dutiful, and obedient, but to whom? Lady Ammalie Avington, Baroness of Faebarrow, has discovered the truth, and it should not come as a surprise: the blood mage who threatened, spellbound, and abducted her intends to bring ruin to the realm--the very one she is sworn to serve. It's just a terribly inconvenient fact to learn because, well...he's rather cute...Categorized as:
magic forced proximity hurt-comfort caretaking new adult m-f praise-kink height-difference -
Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett
When mysterious faeries from other realms appear at her university, curmudgeonly professor Emily Wilde must uncover their secrets before it’s too late in this heartwarming, enchanting second installment of the Emily Wilde series. Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore—she just wrote the world’s first comprehensive of encylopaedia of faeries...Categorized as:
magic m-f first-person-pov political-intrigue neurodivergent caretaking fae grumpy sunshine -
Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano
His dark destiny awaits, and nothing will stand in his way. Except her. Dark lord.Demon spawn. Prophesied realm destroyer. With a demon for a father, Damien Maleficus Bloodthorne’s destiny could be nothing but nefarious, and with the completion of his most vicious spell, Damien is on the cusp of fulfilling the evil inevitability all of his dark machinations have led to.And then, her. Bubbly... -
Paladin's Faith by T. Kingfisher
Marguerite Florian is a spy with two problems. A former employer wants her dead, and one of her new bodyguards is a far too good-looking paladin with a martyr complex.Shane is a paladin with three problems. His god is dead, his client is much too attractive for his peace of mind, and a powerful organization is trying to have them both killed...Categorized as:
magic height-difference bodyguard-hero forced proximity m-f political-intrigue bondage fantasy -
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A Rake of His Own by A.J. Lancaster
Marius Valstar doesn’t know which is worse: the dead body in his greenhouse or the naked fae prince on his desk.The only rakes of interest to Marius are garden tools. Not fae princes. Certainly not the arrogant, selfish fae prince he has the misfortune to have a history with...Categorized as:
bad boys magic forced proximity alpha male multicultural political-intrigue bodyguard-hero fantasy -
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love, in this heartwarming and enchanting fantasy.Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries... -
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
This isn't the kind of fairytale where the princess marries a prince.It's the one where she kills him.Marra never wanted to be a hero.As the shy, convent-raised, third-born daughter, she escaped the traditional fate of princesses, to be married away for the sake of an uncaring throne...Categorized as:
magic m-f bodyguard-hero forced proximity height-difference shy heroine fantasy witches -
How I Stole the Princess's White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy: Miracle 5 by A.J. Sherwood
Part 5! Blurb and tags to come... -
Clockwork Boys by T. Kingfisher
A paladin, an assassin, a forger, and a scholar ride out of town. It’s not the start of a joke, but rather an espionage mission with deadly serious stakes. T...Categorized as:
magic multicultural m-f forced proximity height-difference bodyguard-hero fantasy steampunk -
A Man's Skin by Hubert, Zanzim
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsIn Renaissance Italy, Bianca, a young lady from a good family, is of marriage age. Her parents find her a fiancé to their liking: Giovanni, a rich merchant, young and pleasant. The wedding looks set to go smoothly even though Bianca can’t hide her disappointment at having to marry a man she knows nothing about... -
Sent to a Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me: Volume 1 by Jaclyn Osborn
Evan just wants a quiet life where he escapes into books, drinks a ridiculous amount of coffee, and devours every muffin in sight. But then he's transported to another world with magic, sword-wielding knights with big... hearts, and men who find him too adorable to resist.Complicated? Well, that's the understatement of the century.And for Evan, the adventure is only beginning... -
On the Care and Keeping of Orcs by Kass O'Shire
Stealing some horses from a magical fortress should be easy after raising twins and enduring two weeks with the orc that broke her heart.Catrin's half-orc children are going through a difficult... growing phase. But since their orcish father left while she was pregnant, she doesn't know how to help...Categorized as:
magic m-f height-difference multicultural caretaking forced proximity fetish fantasy -
The Secret Service of Tea and Treason by India Holton
Two rival spies must brave pirates, witches, and fake matrimony to save the Queen.Known as Agent A, Alice is the top operative within the Agency of Undercover Note Takers, a secret government intelligence group that is fortunately better at espionage than at naming itself. From managing deceptive witches to bored aristocratic ladies, nothing is beyond Alice’s capabilities... -
A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty by Stacia Stark
Risk everything for your kingdom… Or be destroyed by it. In a world darkened by deceit, the truth is a light that won’t be dimmed. Even when it illuminates Lorian’s betrayals more starkly than I could ever want to see. They call him the Bloodthirsty Prince. His reign of terror has left a trail of blood across this continent... -
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I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc by Jennifer Cody
Berklak:Being a half-orc is fun most of the time. Most people think I’m all orc, and that usually slicks things up so I can glide in and out of town without much fuss. Most of the time things go really smoothly for me... -
The House Witch and The Enchanting of the Hearth by Delemhach, Emilie Nikota
A heartwarming blend of cosy fantasy and romance in this tale of a wayward house witch and the magical adventures in and out of the royal kitchen . . .--When Finlay Ashowan joins the kitchen of the King and Queen of Daxaria, he’s an enigma. Which suits Fin just fine... -
How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu, and Profit: The Complete Works by A.J. Sherwood
You have found a sentient dragon skull. Accepting this quest entails half a dragon’s hoard. Would you like to assemble the dragon? (YES) (no) My boooOOOOOOoooones Must we take the dragon skull on said quest? Sadly, yes.Add Piemu and Pirate sidequests? (YES) (NO) Tan...Categorized as:
magic multicultural political-intrigue bodyguard-hero alpha male bad boys fantasy queer -
Sent To A Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me: Volume 2 by Jaclyn Osborn
Life in another world isn't so bad.Evan has found true love, a group of knights who all like pestering him, a cat-boy best friend who loves cake, and even a job. Okay, so maybe there's still the demons in the dark forest to worry about... and the ultra-powerful demon lord. There also may be bandits sweeping through the surrounding lands, headed straight for the kingdom.But that's okay...Categorized as:
insta-love magic height-difference first-person-pov hurt-comfort new adult caretaking multicultural -
Tryggred by the Orc by Finley Fenn
He’s supposed to run… but he wants to be caught. In a world of orcs and men, Eben of Clan Ka-esh is shy, awkward, and desperately lonely. No one notices the sickroom’s quietest scholar, not even when he’s saving lives, or offering up decadent pleasures in Orc Mountain’s darkest depths.Until Tryggr, of Clan Skai. A tall, shameless, laughing orc warrior, who can have anyone he wants..Categorized as:
praise-kink height-difference forced proximity hurt-comfort other-man-woman alpha male fantasy m-m -
Destroy by Sandra R. Neeley
Destroy Whispers From the Bayou Book 2 Destroy is beautiful, strong, charismatic and charming. He is also selfish, shallow, petty and jealous — or is he? One misunderstanding centuries ago resulted in his being labeled as not good enough, untrustworthy, self-serving... -
I’m a Villainous Daughter, so I’m going to keep the Last Boss (Manga) Vol. 3 (I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss (Manga) #3) by Anko Yuzu, Sarasa Nagase
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThird volume of an exciting romantic story.Avoid the BAD END! That's the goal of the villainess in this plot-twisting story!! She has been reborn into the world of an otome game as the villainess, Irene... -
A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette
Two rival writers.One prestigious publishing contract.A bargain of hearts and seduction. They say never bargain with the fae. They also say don’t get drunk on fae wine. Yet romance author Edwina Danforth has managed a blunder with both on her first visit to the infamous faelands. Now she's trapped in a magic-fueled bet she barely remembers with a man she’d be happier to forget...Categorized as:
magic forced proximity m-f height-difference first-person-pov neurodivergent caretaking fae -
This Is All I Ask by Lynn Kurland
Set near the Scottish border at a rugged castle on the edge of the sea, this is the story of a courageous lord who lost everything he held dear. Of a strong young woman willing to sacrifice everything for happiness. Two lost souls who find in each other a reason to live again, to laugh again, and to love for the first time.. -
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... -
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The Midsummer Bride by Kati Wilde
A Barbarian Who Must LieWhen a prideful queen comes to his prison cell with an unbelievable proposal of marriage, Warrick of the Dead Lands is quick to accept … but not merely to secure his freedom. Because he recognizes the powerful jewels the queen wears — jewels pilfered from the temple of a goddess, who unleashed her wrath upon a kingdom... -
CAVE MAN MAKE BABY by Frankie Love
I never intended on time travelling to the Stone Age during my Special Ops mission – but it’s not the first thing in my life to get effed up.To say I didn’t have a happy childhood is an understatement – that’s why I joined the military first chance I got.And to be honest – living alone on the beach isn’t the worst way to live out my days... -
The Leviathan's Debt by Merri Bright
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThere’s a price for everything.Forty years ago, Wren was attacked by King Talon the day after their wedding. She fled and was lost at sea…and then found by an ancient being, who saved her with his blood.The price for her life? Someday, the monster will return to claim it.Now, she’s become the mysterious Ankelsang, the Angel of Blood who protects the vulnerable... -
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... -
A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon
On the brink of losing her position as a maid and with no prospects to go on, the offer of a place at Rooksgrave Manor—a house of ill and unusual repute—sounds like a perfect fit for a young woman with Esther’s inclinations. Even better, the invitation comes by the hand of the handsome Dr. Underwood, a delicate gentleman with a ferocious alter ego who knows exactly what he wants from Esther...Categorized as:
magic bondage fetish poor heroine praise-kink first-person-pov height-difference caretaking -
Pieces of Silver: A Starian Tale Novella by Iris Foxglove
The coronation of King Adrien de Guillory is fast approaching, but there’s one problem: The crown of Staria is missing. Captain Ferrin Leonhart only has a few clues to go by; A young thief caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, rumors of a man in a green cloak, a city guard captain who knows too much… and Silver, the royal tailor and former thief... -
The Guards' Haven by Merri Bright
They're guarding her body. She's guarding her heart.After thirty years of cruel captivity in Verdan, Haven convinces the new, magic-wielding queen of neighboring Rimholt to allow her to open a school for poor children. It’s everything she’d hoped.Except the school is an abandoned brothel.The students are tiny criminal masterminds...Categorized as:
magic insta-love forced proximity shy heroine tortured heroine alpha male bodyguard-hero medieval -
Under the Oak Tree: Volume 1 (The Comic) by Suji Kim, namu
Most fairytales end with a wedding and a happily-ever-after—but this is no fairytale. The first volume of the official webcomic based on the hit webnovel by Suji Kim.When stuttering Lady Maximilian is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight caught in one of her father’s schemes, her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their relationship before it can begin...Categorized as:
forced proximity magic alpha male m-f height-difference caretaking political-intrigue shy heroine -
폐하, 또 죽이진 말아주세요 1 by Hyeyong, Eclair
“꿀과 설탕을 듬뿍 바른 아첨으로아버지를 대신해 벨루아를 지킬 거야.”열여덟, 폭군의 손에 나와 내 가족의 목숨이 단두대 위에서 잘려 나갔다. 그 후 눈을 떠보니 열두 살의 생일파티 날. 나와 가족을 구하기 위해 나는 폭군의 눈에 들기로 결심했다. 그리고……. “전하의 것은 아끼신다고 하셨죠? 그럼 제 모든 것을 가져주시고 아껴주세요.” 제가 정말 잘해 드릴게요...Categorized as:
magic m-f forced proximity political-intrigue new adult tortured heroine time travel fantasy -
High Energy by Dara Joy
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsFrom the bestselling author of "Tonight or Never" comes the tale of a reporter and the physicist she's sent to interview--and it's turn into the sizzling story of true love and passion. Physics. Zanita Masterson knew nothing about the subject, and cared little to learn--until a reporting job led her to one Tyberius Augustus Evans... -
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何为贤妻 To Be a Virtuous Wife by Yue Xia Die Ying, 月下蝶影
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA time traveling romance - from the author's description:"As a virtuous wife, does it include tolerating his cousin, enduring his concubines, bearing his mother?If you will not let me live freely, why would I let you live in satisfaction?Did fate let women time-travel so she could learn the three morals and four virtues?Rather than act like a coward and live, it would be better to live in... -
Wicked Memories by Nina Bangs
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsReturn to the Castle of Dark Dreams, where USA Today bestselling author Nina Bangs lures readers into a world of pleasure, adventure, and revenge… Thorn Mackenzie was a young Viking when he met Sparkle Stardust long ago. She used him and then abandoned him. Over a thousand years later, he has finally found a way to repay her... -
The Brush of Black Wings by Grace Draven
During a foray into the woods of Neith, Martise stumbles upon a ruined temple and reawakens not only a power she thought lost, but also something far more malevolent. An ancient darkness, imprisoned in an eternal cage, sees a chance at freedom in a woman once held in bondage... -
The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
A young widow restores a dilapidated mansion with the assistance of a charming, eccentric genius, only to find the house is full of dangerous secrets in this effervescent Gilded Age debut novelIt's 1875, and Alva Webster has perfected her stiff upper lip after three years of being pilloried in the presses of two continents over fleeing her abusive husband...Categorized as:
tortured heroine caretaking insta-love m-f neurodivergent height-difference humor victorian -
One Night Of Scandal by Teresa Medeiros
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsProper decorum has never come easily to Carlotta Anne Fairleigh --- not even tonight, when the lovely, impetuous miss is finally making her debut. As she waits to make her entrance, she can't help wondering about the darkened house next door, the supposedly abandoned home of Hayden St. Clair, the man society has dubbed the "Murderous Marquess...Categorized as:
marriage of convenience m-f regency historical paranormal fantasy single-father tortured hero -
Too Many Beds: A Trope-Subversive Gay Romance Anthology by Adelaide Blaike, Amy Campbell
Where love knows no limits...and certainly not the confines of a single bed!In this limited-run gay romance anthology, ten talented authors take the beloved "only one bed" trope and turn it on its head. From jail cells to academy dorms, empty motels to crowded retail stores, the tales in Too Many Beds prove love can thrive in the most unexpected of places...Categorized as:
magic forced proximity insta-love first-person-pov height-difference alpha male queer m-m -
악녀의 남주님 3 by Haron Lee, R.su
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratings어느 날, 눈 떠보니 소설 『달의 마음을 녹이는』의 악녀, 유니페 마그놀리아가 되어버렸다. 남주 이시드 루크렌체를 사랑했던 소설 속 유니페는 여주 라엘을 괴롭히다 그녀의 전 남자친구인 카시안에게 죽임을 당할 운명이다.그나마 다행인 건, 원작 시작 한참 전인 마법사 아카데미 입학식 날의 유니페에 빙의했다는 것. 원작과 같은 불행한 결말을 맞고 싶지 않기에, 유니페는 이시드와 라엘을 피해 무사히 아카데미 졸업에 성공한다.하지만 원작 시작 1년 전, 유니페는 그토록 피해 다녔던 이시드와 아주 진하게 엮여버리고 만다. 단순한 해프닝이라고 생각한 유니페와는 달리 하룻밤 관계는 하지 않는다 단호하게 말하는 이시드... -
Enchanting the Ogre's Heart by Lyonne Riley
Norgren the ogre wants nothing more than a mate of his own, and he’s found the perfect one: a beautiful, curvy woman named Tally, who works as an apothecary in the nearby human town. He expects her to be thrilled about the charming, cozy home he’s built for her, but Tally flees in fear instead—shattering Norgren’s heart...Categorized as:
height-difference forced proximity hurt-comfort insta-love alpha male monsters war pregnancy -
Again, My Lord by Katharine Ashe
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe eagerly awaited next installment of the Twist Series that began with 2015 RITA® Award Finalist My Lady, My Lord. The one that got away... Six years ago, Tacitus Everard, the Marquess of Dare, made the worst mistake of his life: courting vibrant, sparklingly beautiful Lady Calista Chance -- until she broke his heart. Is the only one she wants... -
악녀의 남주님 2 by Haron Lee, R.su
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratings어느 날, 눈 떠보니 소설 『달의 마음을 녹이는』의 악녀, 유니페 마그놀리아가 되어버렸다. 남주 이시드 루크렌체를 사랑했던 소설 속 유니페는 여주 라엘을 괴롭히다 그녀의 전 남자친구인 카시안에게 죽임을 당할 운명이다.그나마 다행인 건, 원작 시작 한참 전인 마법사 아카데미 입학식 날의 유니페에 빙의했다는 것. 원작과 같은 불행한 결말을 맞고 싶지 않기에, 유니페는 이시드와 라엘을 피해 무사히 아카데미 졸업에 성공한다.하지만 원작 시작 1년 전, 유니페는 그토록 피해 다녔던 이시드와 아주 진하게 엮여버리고 만다. 단순한 해프닝이라고 생각한 유니페와는 달리 하룻밤 관계는 하지 않는다 단호하게 말하는 이시드... -
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The Reluctant Queen by M.A. Lakewood, Kayleigh Allery
Welcome to Selwas, where love and magic reign . . . along with a king just trying to do his job.King Ehmet is exhausted. One year into his rule, he’s juggling a scheming great-uncle vying for his crown and an overbearing mother pressuring him to marry... -
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Wed By Proxy by Alice Coldbreath
Thrice wedded, but never bedded, Mathilde Martindale has long lived in the shadow of her indomitable mother, and meekly done as she was told. Until one day she decides to become mistress of her own destiny and leave the royal court to find her own path. Married by proxy, Lord Martindale has never even met his bride of three years... -
Dangerous by Amanda Quick
From a magnificent ballroom ablaze with lights to an imposing country house steeped in shadows comes a breathtaking tale of an impetuous miss--and a passion that leads to peril... At five and twenty, Prudence Merryweather knew very well the risks a woman took by visiting a gentleman in the dead of night...Categorized as:
alpha male m-f marriage of convenience neurodivergent bad boys fake relationship insta-love regency -
The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess Vol. 1 by Akiharu Touka
Rated: 3.86 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsKonoha Satou has a dark history, written throughout middle school—a fantasy adventure of love and magic about the Count’s daughter Konoha Magnolia and the knights who love her! But when it looks like that dark history is going to be uncovered by her mother, Konoha panics and dies in a traffic accident! Opening her eyes, she finds that she’s been reincarnated into the world of her own dark... -
왜 이러세요, 공작님! 1 by Bandalbanji, Eddie
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 21 ratings귀여운 그림체와 절묘한 개그 포인트로 독자들의 마음을 사로잡은 웹툰 『왜 이러세요, 공작님!』이 단행본으로 출간되었다. 웹툰 『왜 이러세요, 공작님!』은 반달반지 작가의 동명 웹소설을 원작으로 하고 있으며, 로안과 에르인의 달콤살벌한 분위기가 잘 드러났다는 호평이 연이은 작품이다.이야기는 주인공인 에르인이 전쟁의 포로로 잡혀 적장의 손에 죽기 직전, 갑자기 발휘된 마법으로 인해 운명이 180도 달라지면서 시작된다. 에르인을 죽이려던 적장이자 제국의 냉혈한 공작인 '로안'과 귀여운 종달새라고 에르인을 부르며 끊임없이 사랑을 표하는 '세이'. 아무리 마법에 걸렸다지만 같은 사람이라고는 상상조차 할 수 없는 모습에 정말이지, 절로 ‘왜 이러세요, 공작님!’ 이라는 말이 나올 뿐.Chapters 1-13...Categorized as:
magic other-man-woman fantasy historical from hate to love humor regency time travel
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