An appreciation of why-choose romance, predictable plots, questionable men, and the beauty of books that don't require you to use every functioning brain cell.
I think my first author spotlight I want to give to the British author Hannah Haze.
For the past two years, I have been coming across multiple of her series (and enjoying them). She is an author that I would consider having a fast turnaround when it comes to writing. Right now, I am reading her Firestone Academy series, and I am on book three as of writing this appreciation post.
And I was thinking, who is this author that I keep running into? Or is it reading into?
(Not funny? Sorry!)
But seriously, who is Hannah Haze, and why do I keep finding myself reading her books?
Now, before anyone gets too excited, this is not going to be one of those author appreciation posts where I tell you that every book this woman has written deserves five stars, that she has completely changed my life, or that her writing belongs in some literary museum.
Because, well, no.
That is not how I feel about her books.
However, I do think there is something to be said about an author who can repeatedly get me to pick up another one of her series, even when I know exactly what kind of experience I am about to have.
Sometimes, that is more than enough.
And I think Hannah Haze deserves a little appreciation for that.
So, Who Is Hannah Haze?
Hannah Haze is a British romance author whose work includes paranormal romance, omegaverse, romantasy, and one of my personal favorite romance arrangements: why choose.
For anyone unfamiliar with the term, why-choose romance is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of the main character having to pick one romantic partner, she can have multiple.
Because apparently one complicated man is not enough.
And you know what? Sometimes it isn't.
Now, why-choose romance is not necessarily for everybody. Some readers prefer a traditional relationship, one love interest, and a straightforward happily ever after.
I, however, am perfectly comfortable watching one woman attempt to navigate multiple romantic relationships, especially when those relationships come with a generous helping of drama, jealousy, questionable decisions, and men who desperately need therapy.
Throw in a little dark romance, and you have my attention.
That is one of the reasons Hannah Haze's books appeal to me.
She writes within a particular corner of romance that I already enjoy. I know the general experience I am signing up for, and more often than not, she delivers it.
But what really made me want to write this spotlight was not necessarily the romance itself.
It was realizing that I had been reading her work for quite some time without ever stopping to learn much about the woman behind the stories.
Which, considering how many authors are fighting for a reader's attention, is actually pretty interesting.
My First Introduction to Hannah Haze
According to my Goodreads account, I started reading Hannah Haze's Arrow Hart Academy series on February 1, 2025.
And by February 10, I had finished it.
Nine days.
Now, I am not going to sit here and pretend that finishing a series in nine days automatically means it is one of the greatest literary accomplishments of our time.
It doesn't.
However, it does tell me that something about those books kept me interested enough to continue reading.
Because there are plenty of books that I have started, put down, and simply never felt the need to return to.
Arrow Hart Academy was not one of them.
I made my way through the series, enjoyed myself, and eventually moved on to other books.
Then, at some point, Hannah Haze found her way back onto my reading list through Firestone Academy.
And that is when I started thinking about how often I come across her work.
I have read two of her series now, and while I would not consider myself a die-hard fan, I clearly enjoy something about the stories she creates.
Otherwise, why would I keep reading them?
That is really the question behind this entire spotlight.
Not whether Hannah Haze is the greatest author I have ever read, but why her particular style of storytelling keeps bringing me back.
And I think I finally have an answer.
My Love for Dark Romance Was an Accident
Before we get any further, I think we need to discuss how I ended up enjoying this particular genre in the first place.
Because I genuinely never thought I would be a dark romance reader.
I did not wake up one morning and decide that I wanted to spend my free time reading about morally questionable men, emotionally exhausting relationships, and romantic situations that would have me calling the police in real life.
No.
I accidentally stumbled into it.
And I blame Rina Kent.
More specifically, I blame her Royal Elite series.
I went into that series not fully understanding what I was getting myself into, and by the time I realized what was happening, it was already too late.
I was invested.
Those books kept breaking me down just to put me back together again.
And apparently, I enjoyed the experience enough to continue exploring dark romance.
Now, that does not mean I want every romance novel I read to emotionally destroy me.
Absolutely not.
There is a time and place for that.
Sometimes I want a story that makes me question every character's motivation. I want complicated relationships, uncomfortable revelations, and enough emotional tension to make me close the book and stare at the wall for a few minutes.
I want to wonder how everything connects.
I want to feel like I am putting together a puzzle where half the pieces are missing and the author is standing in the corner laughing at me.
But other times?
I just want to giggle like a schoolgirl.
And that brings us right back to Hannah Haze.
Not Every Book Needs to Be a Five-Star Masterpiece
I think readers sometimes put too much pressure on books to be extraordinary.
Every story has to be groundbreaking. Every character needs an elaborate backstory. Every plot twist needs to leave us speechless, and every ending needs to make us question our entire existence.
And listen, I love those books.
I really do.
But I also think there is room for books that are simply entertaining.
Books that do not demand too much from you.
Books that you can read after a long day without needing to remember fifteen different family bloodlines, three political systems, a magical hierarchy, and the significance of a conversation that happened 400 pages ago.
Sometimes I want the literary equivalent of turning my brain off.
And I do not mean that as an insult.
Hannah Haze's books, at least the ones I have read, are not particularly complex.
They are not stories where I find myself spending hours analyzing hidden meanings or trying to figure out how one tiny detail connects to something that happened several chapters earlier.
Her plots can be predictable. Her characters and romantic dynamics can feel familiar. And sometimes, the story moves so quickly that I wonder whether certain moments could have benefited from a little more development.
But I still enjoy reading them.
Because enjoyment and literary complexity are not the same thing.
A book can be predictable and entertaining.
A book can have flaws and still make you smile.
And a book can be completely forgettable six months later while still being exactly what you needed when you read it.
I think that last point is particularly important.
Because I already know that if you ask me about some of Hannah Haze's books two series from now, there is a very good chance I will not remember much of what happened.
And that is okay.
I enjoyed myself while I was reading.
Sometimes, that is the entire point.
The Fast Fashion of Books
Now, here is where my appreciation comes with a little criticism.
Because while I enjoy Hannah Haze's books, I also consider them something like the fast fashion of literature.
And before anybody gets offended, allow me to explain.
When I say fast fashion, I am talking about stories that are relatively quick to consume, follow familiar patterns, and give readers something entertaining without necessarily offering a particularly lasting experience.
You know what you are getting.
You recognize the formula.
You can probably predict certain developments before they happen.
And once you finish, you move on to the next thing.
That is how I personally experience her books.
I find them repetitive, predictable, and sometimes rushed.
There are moments when I wish the plot had more substance or the characters had more room to develop beyond their immediate romantic conflicts.
And there are times when the story feels so straightforward that you could skip two pages and miss absolutely nothing.
I mean that.
Absolutely nothing.
Now, compare that experience with something like Harry Potter, where the world is layered with details, mysteries, and information that can become important much later.
In a story like that, missing a few pages might mean overlooking something that eventually changes how you understand an entire character or storyline.
You have to pay attention.
You have to remember things.
Sometimes you even have to go back because you realize that something you dismissed earlier was actually important.
Hannah Haze's books do not generally require that level of attention from me.
And sometimes, I appreciate that.
However, I do think there is a difference between a story being intentionally easy to read and a story feeling underdeveloped.
A predictable plot does not automatically make a book bad, but predictability can become a weakness when the characters, relationships, and conflicts also begin to feel interchangeable.
That is where I think her writing could be stronger.
I would love to see more depth in certain situations, more development before major emotional moments, and more opportunities for her characters to surprise me.
Because being easy to read does not mean a story cannot have substance.
Still, I cannot ignore the fact that I continue picking up her books.
Which tells me that even with those criticisms, she is doing something that works for me.
Sometimes I Want Spice, Not a Dissertation
I have different authors for different moods.
Some authors I read when I want to think, ponder, and become completely entranced by the world they have created.
I want to analyze every decision.
I want to question the characters.
I want to finish the book and immediately start discussing everything that happened because there is simply too much to unpack.
Then I have authors I read when I want to relax, enjoy the romance, and giggle at fictional men doing entirely too much.
Hannah Haze falls into that second category.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
One thing I appreciate about her books is that sometimes the spice takes priority over the plot.
Now, depending on the reader, that might sound like a criticism.
For me?
Not necessarily.
Sometimes I am perfectly happy reading a romance where the relationships, chemistry, and intimate moments receive more attention than the larger storyline.
Do I always want that?
No.
Would I enjoy it if every single book I read followed that formula?
Also no.
But when I am specifically in the mood for that kind of story, I appreciate knowing which authors can give it to me.
That is something Hannah Haze does.
She occupies a particular space on my reading list.
Not every author needs to make me cry.
Not every book needs to emotionally devastate me.
Sometimes I would prefer to spend my evening reading about a fictional woman surrounded by questionable men while I sit comfortably in my own home, judging everybody's decisions.
It is called balance.
Let's Talk About Firestone Academy... Well, Not Too Much
As I mentioned earlier, I am currently reading Firestone Academy, and I am on the third book as I write this.
And trust me, there is plenty to discuss.
Plenty.
However, I am not going to turn this author spotlight into a full review of the series.
That would defeat the purpose of what I am trying to do here.
I plan to review the books individually because I think each deserves its own conversation, especially when it comes to the characters, relationships, plot developments, and my overall thoughts on how the story unfolds.
And I would rather give those opinions the space they deserve than squeeze everything into a few paragraphs.
For now, I will say that reading Firestone Academy has reminded me of why I enjoy Hannah Haze's work, but also why I have certain criticisms of it.
Both things can be true.
I can enjoy a series while recognizing that it is not particularly complex.
I can appreciate the romantic dynamics while wishing other elements received more attention.
And I can continue reading even when I have a pretty good idea of where the story might be heading.
That does not make me an inconsistent reader.
It makes me someone who understands that different books serve different purposes.
And sometimes the purpose is simply to entertain me.
So, if you are interested in my more detailed thoughts about Firestone Academy, those will be coming in the individual book reviews.
Because I have some things to say.
And I would hate to spoil all the fun here.
Does Writing Faster Mean Writing Better?
Something else that caught my attention about Hannah Haze is how frequently she seems to release books.
From a reader's perspective, she appears to have a relatively fast turnaround.
And I can appreciate that dedication.
However, I do not necessarily believe that writing faster makes someone a better author.
Nor do I believe that taking longer makes someone more talented.
I am not a die-hard Hannah Haze fan waiting impatiently for every new release, so her publishing schedule is not something I feel particularly invested in.
She writes at a pace that works for her.
And who am I to judge that?
I would not judge Rebecca Yarros for the time she takes to release a book.
I would not judge Victoria Aveyard.
And I certainly would not judge Hannah Haze.
Writing is an art.
And every artist approaches their work differently.
Some authors need years to develop a story. Others work more quickly. Some create elaborate fictional worlds that require extensive planning, while others focus on delivering familiar experiences to readers who enjoy a particular genre.
I do not think every author needs to follow the same creative process.
Now, as a reader, I can absolutely critique the finished product.
If a story feels rushed, I am going to say it feels rushed.
If the characters need more development, I am going to say that too.
But I do not think that gives me the right to dictate how long an author should spend creating their work.
I am simply someone who appreciates the art.
And I think there is something admirable about an author who continues showing up, creating stories, and building a body of work.
Even if every story is not necessarily for me.
Would I Recommend Hannah Haze to a New Romantasy Reader?
This is where things might get a little controversial.
Because despite enjoying her books, I would not necessarily recommend Hannah Haze as someone's introduction to romantasy.
And that is not because I think her books are bad.
It is because I think your introduction to a genre matters.
When someone is discovering romantasy for the first time, I want them to experience a story that completely consumes them.
I want them to find a series that digs its claws into them and refuses to let go.
A story that makes them pay attention to every word.
A world that feels so immersive that they forget they are sitting in their bedroom reading a book.
I want them to understand why people become obsessed with fictional universes, spend hours discussing theories, and develop emotional attachments to characters who do not exist.
I want them to finish a book and immediately need the next one.
Not simply because the romance is entertaining, but because the entire story has captured their imagination.
For me, that is the kind of experience I would want someone to have when discovering romantasy.
Hannah Haze is an author I would be more inclined to recommend to someone who already understands what they enjoy.
Someone who knows they like why-choose romance.
Someone who enjoys darker romantic themes.
Someone who does not necessarily need complicated world-building or an unpredictable plot to have a good time.
Someone who can appreciate a book for what it is instead of expecting it to be something else.
Because if you go into her books expecting an incredibly layered fantasy epic, you might find yourself disappointed.
But if you go in wanting romance, spice, drama, and a relatively easy reading experience?
You might have a wonderful time.
Just understand what you are signing up for.
Why Hannah Haze Deserves My First Author Spotlight
So, after everything I have said, you might be wondering why I chose Hannah Haze for my very first author spotlight.
Especially when I have openly admitted that I do not consider her books five-star masterpieces.
Well, I think that is exactly why.
I do not want these spotlights to become a collection of authors I worship.
I want them to be about authors who have earned a place in my reading life for different reasons.
Some might be extraordinary world-builders.
Some might write characters that stay with me for years.
Some might create stories that completely change how I think about a particular genre.
And others might simply know how to entertain me.
Hannah Haze falls into that last category.
She has not influenced me as an author, and I am not going to pretend that she has.
But I can appreciate her dedication to her craft.
I can appreciate that she has created multiple series that have found their way onto my reading list.
And I can appreciate the fact that, despite my criticisms, I have continued enjoying her work.
That is worth recognizing.
Because not every author who makes an impression on you does so by writing the greatest book you have ever read.
Sometimes they make an impression by consistently giving you a reason to turn the page.
My Final Thoughts: A Little Appreciation for Hannah Haze
I think one of the most important things I have learned as a reader is that I do not have to justify enjoying a book.
I can recognize its flaws.
I can criticize its writing.
I can wish the plot had more depth or that the characters were better developed.
And I can still say I had a good time.
Those opinions do not cancel each other out.
Hannah Haze's books are not the kind of stories I expect to remember in vivid detail years from now.
I am not expecting to spend hours developing theories about her fictional worlds or discovering hidden meanings every time I reread a chapter.
But I am also not expecting every author to give me that experience.
Sometimes I want an elaborate fantasy world.
Sometimes I want an emotionally devastating romance.
And sometimes I want a fictional woman with multiple love interests, a generous amount of spice, and a plot that allows me to turn my brain off for a few hours.
Hannah Haze gives me that.
So, while I might not be handing out five-star ratings like candy, I can still give her something that I think matters just as much.
My appreciation.
For the stories, the entertainment, and the dedication to continuing her work.
And perhaps most importantly, for reminding me that reading does not always have to feel like solving a mystery.
Sometimes it can simply be fun.
So, thank you, Hannah Haze.
I might not remember everything that happened in your books two series from now, but I certainly enjoyed myself while reading them.
And considering I have now read two of your series, I have a feeling this will not be the last time your name appears on my bookshelf.
Or my Goodreads account.
Because apparently, I keep running into you.
Sorry.
Reading into you.
I had to bring that joke back one more time.
Until the next chapter,
Alona Shardae
Rocket Thoughts: Not every book needs to leave a permanent mark on your soul. Sometimes a good time is enough.
