Today we welcome Juliette Cross to the Fantasy Hive to talk about her favourite fantasy romances ahead of the release of her own dark fantasy romance, BLOODSINGER:

Sunday Times bestselling author Juliette Cross returns with a scorching dark romantasy in her The Fire That Binds trilogy. In an alternate Ancient Rome, a powerful witch can control men with one taste of their blood – and her fate will collide with a fierce, rebellious dragon.

A spellbinding gift . . .
A plea answered by the gods . . .
An unforgiving world where dragons rule Rome.

Lela Bihari’s village was invaded on her wedding night, her betrothed murdered right in front of her. While her sisters were either dragged away or escaped, Lela was sold to Valerius, a consul of Rome.

When she tried to kill Valerius her first night as his slave, her bloodsinger gift manifested . . . and she was punished for it. Now she’s paraded in front of the other senators for their amusement.

But the dragon Trajan Tiberius, newly elected tribune to the senate, is different. He has no love for the brutality around him. When he frees Lela from enslavement and hides her, Lela is set on a path of vengeance, and using her gift puts her in more danger than ever before.

Now trapped inside the walls of Rome while deathriders circle the skies, how can she possibly trust a Roman dragon? Especially when it is clear Trajan has ulterior schemes of his own? As her powers grow stronger, danger draws closer, and Lela realizes it isn’t just her life at stake, but also her heart.

Discover the second deliciously dark tale of forbidden romance in the Fire That Binds trilogy, following Firebird. Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing.

Bloodsinger is an adult romantasy novel that contains dark themes, including slavery in Ancient Rome and self-injury, which may be uncomfortable for some readers.

Bloodsinger is due for release on 9th April from Tor Bramble – you can order your copy on Bookshop.org

My Favourite Fantasy Romances

by Juliette Cross

From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to stories of fantasy. I can remember reading The Hobbit and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a girl, completely captivated and entranced. Once I discovered fantasy romance as an adult, I found my permanent home in the literary world—for reading and writing.

Here are some of my faves that are at the top of my reread list.

Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier

Set in ancient Ireland where the magical fae folk still interfere and influence the lives of mortals, our heroine finds herself abducted by a band of brigands for her healing skills. The leader of this motley crew? Bran—dark and broody and delicious—with tattoos on his skin and scars on his heart. Yes, please. This well-crafted tale feeds my craving for old worlds, magical fae, and the ultimate bad boy hero with a golden heart.

Angel’s Blood by Nalini Singh

Nalini is one of my idols. She knows how to tell a hell of a story that grips you from page one. I mean, who doesn’t want to meet an immortal archangel who is as gorgeous as he is deadly and who becomes instantly obsessed with you? I also have a strong affinity for warrior heroines who will kill to defend those she loves. This one also has the kind of dark elements I relish reading—murder and mystery and a psycho killer. What more could one ask for?

Captive of the Horde King by Zoey Draven

Funny story. I became obsessed with the Horde King series, loosely based on Khal Drogo and the Dothraki from GOT, before I ever met Zoey. Categorized as sci-fi, it reads like beguiling fantasy with dark hero kings and the women they meet—and often abduct—then fall in love with. When I read the series, I decided Zoey needed to be my friend, so I made that happen. It’s true! Now she’s one of my best friends. That aside, this is still one of my go-to comfort reads when I want a possessive, protective hero who has to grovel to get the girl. 

For my new release Bloodsinger, I can easily admit it combines traits from stories that speak to my heart and soul the most, like the ones listed above. Set in Ancient Rome where the patricians are dragon shifters, my heroine Lela uses old magic bestowed on her by a goddess to navigate the dangers and escape the city. And of course, she partners with a hero who has secrets of his own and a possessive/protective a mile long.

Not only did I want Bloodsinger to possess the sort of obsessive heroes and heroines I adore, but I also wanted to tell a story about a woman awakening from a dark, emotional slumber who ascends into the woman she was born to be. A woman who rises above her oppression alongside the hero who loves her, and seeks savage revenge against her oppressors. 

There’s just something very cathartic about viciously killing the villain that I find so satisfying. Please don’t think I’ve spoiled the ending, because in this setting, there are many villains. You’ll have to take a chance and read to find out who gets what’s coming to them.

A word of caution, Bloodsinger delves into dark places. Please read the content warnings. I hope you’ll take the chance and join Lela on her journey toward retribution—and lasting love. 

Bloodsinger is due for release on 9th April from Tor Bramble – you can order your copy on Bookshop.org

JULIETTE is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author of fantasy and paranormal romance. She’s a mood reader as well as a mood writer if that wasn’t obvious by her eclectic book list. As a native of Louisiana, she is inspired by the moss-laden trees and slow-moving bayou of her home as well as the Gothic setting of nearby New Orleans. She loves lazy nights with her husband, old-fashioneds, and family gatherings.