What do you think?
Rate this book
Ravens and Romantics
"A strong, confessional voice powers these free verse poems...A powerful collection...Confident, confessional, and confrontational poems, cast in gothic darkness." –Kirkus Reviews
Ravens and Romantics is a collection of contrasts, a poetic exploration of shadow and light, heartbreak and hope, solitude and connection. It blends timeless, vintage echoes of love and darkness with the raw, contemporary realities of modern life, creating a space where timelessness and the present coexist.
In Ravens, the poems explore the darker corners of the human experience, where loss, sorrow, and pain take flight. In Romantics, the poems celebrate love, beauty, and strength, reminding us that light shines brightest against the dark.
Together, these poems reflect the complexity of being human, the coexistence of darkness and tenderness, and the promise of light even in our most haunting moments.
“Shades of Romance” – Seventh Place, Single Poem Category, Annual Writer’s Digest Poetry Awards- 2026
Ravens and Romantics is a collection of contrasts, a poetic exploration of shadow and light, heartbreak and hope, solitude and connection. It blends timeless, vintage echoes of love and darkness with the raw, contemporary realities of modern life, creating a space where timelessness and the present coexist.
In Ravens, the poems explore the darker corners of the human experience, where loss, sorrow, and pain take flight. In Romantics, the poems celebrate love, beauty, and strength, reminding us that light shines brightest against the dark.
Together, these poems reflect the complexity of being human, the coexistence of darkness and tenderness, and the promise of light even in our most haunting moments.
“Shades of Romance” – Seventh Place, Single Poem Category, Annual Writer’s Digest Poetry Awards- 2026
- GenresPoetry
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Mercedes Paradiso
3 books38 followersMercedes Paradiso is an author and award-winning poet with an attorney background. As the author of the poetry collections Ravens and Romantics and Thunder and Daisy, as well as the novel Estella and the Dream Traveler, Mercedes crafts narratives that intricately explore the dynamic interplay of shadow and light. Her work is marked by a lyrical exploration of magic, introspection, and the complexities of the human experience. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family, she continues to invite readers into enchanting, thought-provoking worlds.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 29, 2026
Alright… this one isn’t just a poetry collection you casually flip through and forget. This is the kind of book that sits with you, stares you down, and dares you to feel everything you’ve been politely avoiding.
I’ll be honest—I’m mostly a fiction girl. Give me plot, characters, chaos, and I’m happy. But I picked up Ravens and Romantics because something in me needed it. Not wanted—needed. And wow… I was not prepared for how deeply it would dig under my skin.
This collection feels like standing right in the middle of a storm where light and darkness aren’t enemies—they’re dance partners. One moment you’re wrapped in softness, the next you’re hit with something so sharp it almost feels personal. Like the poems know you. Like they’ve been quietly watching your life choices.
Some pieces didn’t just resonate—they hit. They bruised. They cracked something open. They made me defensive, emotional, exposed… and weirdly grateful for it. Because sometimes words cut deeper than anything else, don’t they? Not loudly—but persistently. Invisible scars that never fully disappear, just pulse under the surface.
There were moments I had to stop reading, not because I was bored—but because I was too seen.
“How Dare She Believe in Herself” felt like a confrontation. Not gentle, not comforting—more like a push: stop shrinking, stop hesitating, stop waiting for permission.
And then “Forest for the Vast and Bold”… those lines?
“i made it a daily practice to visit your gravestone, the one you left inside me…”
I mean… excuse me??? Who gave you the right to articulate something that precise? That kind of emotional burial we carry around like it’s normal?
And just when you think you’ve processed it, the poem shifts—into anger, into clarity, into refusal. That moment of saying no more to something that once defined you? Yeah. That hit hard.
“Get Out of My Headspace” brought back that very specific haunting—the kind where old love doesn’t knock, it just… walks back in like it owns the place. And you’re left there negotiating with ghosts.
But then—“Karma Curse”? Oh I LOVED this one. Petty? A little. Smart? Absolutely. It had this sharp, almost playful justice to it that made me smile in that “I shouldn’t enjoy this but I do” kind of way.
“He Gives Lessons” completely shifted the tone again. That realization—
“when the space you left began to feel more like a new beginning…”
That one didn’t just resonate—it felt earned. Like growth finally catching up with pain.
And “You Don’t Know Me”? That one felt personal in a different way. Not about love—but about identity, choices, direction. That moment in life where you change paths and suddenly people think they still understand you… when they absolutely don’t. There’s something incredibly freeing in that.
Throughout the collection, ravens kept appearing—not just as imagery, but as something deeper. Memory. Transformation. The quiet witnesses of everything we try to forget. They felt like symbols of shedding skin, of endings that aren’t really endings. Of becoming something else entirely.
And honestly? That’s what this whole book feels like.
A shedding.
A breaking.
A rebuilding.
It explores the mess of being human—the light, the darkness, the contradictions. The version of you that was hurt, the version that caused hurt, and the version trying to make sense of both. There’s something deeply vulnerable here, but also something powerful. Like learning to sit with your own story instead of running from it.
I saw pieces of my younger self in these poems. The mistakes, the heartbreaks, the patterns I didn’t even realize I was repeating at the time. And somehow… instead of making me feel stuck in them, it reminded me how far I’ve come.
That’s rare.
That’s meaningful.
Some poems feel like whispers. Others feel like confrontations. And a few? They feel like they’re turning into songs in your head—“Raven Heart,” “Last Stop,” “Gothic Fantasy”—the kind you keep replaying because you’re not done feeling them yet.
And I want to end this the only way that feels right—with these lines that honestly stayed with me:
“only then can I find that door to the worlds inside my mind where I can truly be free.”
That’s what this book does. It doesn’t just tell you a story—it hands you a key. Whether you’re ready to open that door or not… that’s on you.
Thank you so much to Mercedes Paradiso for creating something this raw, this confronting, and this strangely comforting at the same time. This collection doesn’t just explore memory, pain, love, and loss—it transforms them. It teaches you that ravens aren’t just symbols of darkness… they’re symbols of change, rebirth, and power.
And honestly? I felt every single bit of that.
blog
instagram
facebook
twitter
I’ll be honest—I’m mostly a fiction girl. Give me plot, characters, chaos, and I’m happy. But I picked up Ravens and Romantics because something in me needed it. Not wanted—needed. And wow… I was not prepared for how deeply it would dig under my skin.
This collection feels like standing right in the middle of a storm where light and darkness aren’t enemies—they’re dance partners. One moment you’re wrapped in softness, the next you’re hit with something so sharp it almost feels personal. Like the poems know you. Like they’ve been quietly watching your life choices.
Some pieces didn’t just resonate—they hit. They bruised. They cracked something open. They made me defensive, emotional, exposed… and weirdly grateful for it. Because sometimes words cut deeper than anything else, don’t they? Not loudly—but persistently. Invisible scars that never fully disappear, just pulse under the surface.
There were moments I had to stop reading, not because I was bored—but because I was too seen.
“How Dare She Believe in Herself” felt like a confrontation. Not gentle, not comforting—more like a push: stop shrinking, stop hesitating, stop waiting for permission.
And then “Forest for the Vast and Bold”… those lines?
“i made it a daily practice to visit your gravestone, the one you left inside me…”
I mean… excuse me??? Who gave you the right to articulate something that precise? That kind of emotional burial we carry around like it’s normal?
And just when you think you’ve processed it, the poem shifts—into anger, into clarity, into refusal. That moment of saying no more to something that once defined you? Yeah. That hit hard.
“Get Out of My Headspace” brought back that very specific haunting—the kind where old love doesn’t knock, it just… walks back in like it owns the place. And you’re left there negotiating with ghosts.
But then—“Karma Curse”? Oh I LOVED this one. Petty? A little. Smart? Absolutely. It had this sharp, almost playful justice to it that made me smile in that “I shouldn’t enjoy this but I do” kind of way.
“He Gives Lessons” completely shifted the tone again. That realization—
“when the space you left began to feel more like a new beginning…”
That one didn’t just resonate—it felt earned. Like growth finally catching up with pain.
And “You Don’t Know Me”? That one felt personal in a different way. Not about love—but about identity, choices, direction. That moment in life where you change paths and suddenly people think they still understand you… when they absolutely don’t. There’s something incredibly freeing in that.
Throughout the collection, ravens kept appearing—not just as imagery, but as something deeper. Memory. Transformation. The quiet witnesses of everything we try to forget. They felt like symbols of shedding skin, of endings that aren’t really endings. Of becoming something else entirely.
And honestly? That’s what this whole book feels like.
A shedding.
A breaking.
A rebuilding.
It explores the mess of being human—the light, the darkness, the contradictions. The version of you that was hurt, the version that caused hurt, and the version trying to make sense of both. There’s something deeply vulnerable here, but also something powerful. Like learning to sit with your own story instead of running from it.
I saw pieces of my younger self in these poems. The mistakes, the heartbreaks, the patterns I didn’t even realize I was repeating at the time. And somehow… instead of making me feel stuck in them, it reminded me how far I’ve come.
That’s rare.
That’s meaningful.
Some poems feel like whispers. Others feel like confrontations. And a few? They feel like they’re turning into songs in your head—“Raven Heart,” “Last Stop,” “Gothic Fantasy”—the kind you keep replaying because you’re not done feeling them yet.
And I want to end this the only way that feels right—with these lines that honestly stayed with me:
“only then can I find that door to the worlds inside my mind where I can truly be free.”
That’s what this book does. It doesn’t just tell you a story—it hands you a key. Whether you’re ready to open that door or not… that’s on you.
Thank you so much to Mercedes Paradiso for creating something this raw, this confronting, and this strangely comforting at the same time. This collection doesn’t just explore memory, pain, love, and loss—it transforms them. It teaches you that ravens aren’t just symbols of darkness… they’re symbols of change, rebirth, and power.
And honestly? I felt every single bit of that.
blog
May 3, 2026
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Ravens and Romantics is the first book of poetry I have read by this author and I am so looking forward to reading more from her.
This book is a collection of poems that explores not just love and loss but self-healing, memory, confronting the past, transformation, acceptance and so much more.
The poems are very resonating and at times thought provoking and I loved the symbolism of Ravens throughout the book representing changes, darkness, stepping into your power and rebirth as well as adding a dark tone.
Fans of all things gothic and deep will devour this collection as did I.
Some of my favourite poems from this collection are:
~ Seasons Change
~ Storm Chaser
~ Raven Heart
~ Shades of Romance
~ The Learned Raven
~ Tis the Season
~ Lady Justice
~ Era of the Witch
~ The Doors in-between
This is definitely a book I will buying a physical copy of to cherish and pick up whenever I need to.
Ravens and Romantics is the first book of poetry I have read by this author and I am so looking forward to reading more from her.
This book is a collection of poems that explores not just love and loss but self-healing, memory, confronting the past, transformation, acceptance and so much more.
The poems are very resonating and at times thought provoking and I loved the symbolism of Ravens throughout the book representing changes, darkness, stepping into your power and rebirth as well as adding a dark tone.
Fans of all things gothic and deep will devour this collection as did I.
Some of my favourite poems from this collection are:
~ Seasons Change
~ Storm Chaser
~ Raven Heart
~ Shades of Romance
~ The Learned Raven
~ Tis the Season
~ Lady Justice
~ Era of the Witch
~ The Doors in-between
This is definitely a book I will buying a physical copy of to cherish and pick up whenever I need to.
June 10, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ravens and Romantics is a perfect balance between shadow and light. The "raven" aspect explores pain and sorrow, while the "romantic" side is hopeful, allowing the reader to feel love and beauty.
This is my first read from this author, and I can't wait to dive into more of her work. Her poems make old wounds feel fresh again. In the first half, we are introduced to the dark side of humanity—an imperfect soul who has gone through immense pain, but is now breaking out of their cage and escaping.
The romantic section, however, is completely different. It is beautiful, not necessarily joyous, but filled with strength. Light always outshines the dark, and that is exactly what happens in this book, as the sadness from the first half begins to heal.
If you are interested in raw and beautiful poetry, i would highly recommend it.
˚˖𓍢ִ໋❀𝒫𝓇ℯ-𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹
got a poem ARC. :)
Ravens and Romantics is a perfect balance between shadow and light. The "raven" aspect explores pain and sorrow, while the "romantic" side is hopeful, allowing the reader to feel love and beauty.
This is my first read from this author, and I can't wait to dive into more of her work. Her poems make old wounds feel fresh again. In the first half, we are introduced to the dark side of humanity—an imperfect soul who has gone through immense pain, but is now breaking out of their cage and escaping.
i made it a daily practice to visit your gravestone, the one you left inside me
The romantic section, however, is completely different. It is beautiful, not necessarily joyous, but filled with strength. Light always outshines the dark, and that is exactly what happens in this book, as the sadness from the first half begins to heal.
you won't truly know peace
without dancing in the storm.
If you are interested in raw and beautiful poetry, i would highly recommend it.
˚˖𓍢ִ໋❀𝒫𝓇ℯ-𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹
got a poem ARC. :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ravens and Romantics is a conjunction of contrast, a mesmerizing rythmic balance of shadows that haunts and light that serades the soul, amplifying each other's depth and resonance. The poems take the readers on a journey where they find themselves exploring the emotional complexities of the heart as well as the strengths that we all posses.
A beautiful poetry collection that encourages you to see light and darkness are yin-yang and both of them reside in us. To move ahead in life, neither can we not unsee the darkness of the challenging phase nor can we unallow ourselves to enjoy the happiness and joy.
Ravens and Romantics was one of my most anticipated release of year 2026 and I was not disappointef at all. Mercedes Paradiso is an absolutely talented wordsmith with a power of enriching the readers mindset. Her words of expressions are deeply inspiring and compelling. Highlighting the healing journey and cultivating a positive recognition of one's actions and emotionally vulnerabilities, each of her poem brings you a profoundly resonating feeling.
If you are a poetry enthusiast then this collection will surely make a place in your favourite lists. I would highly recommend it.
A beautiful poetry collection that encourages you to see light and darkness are yin-yang and both of them reside in us. To move ahead in life, neither can we not unsee the darkness of the challenging phase nor can we unallow ourselves to enjoy the happiness and joy.
Ravens and Romantics was one of my most anticipated release of year 2026 and I was not disappointef at all. Mercedes Paradiso is an absolutely talented wordsmith with a power of enriching the readers mindset. Her words of expressions are deeply inspiring and compelling. Highlighting the healing journey and cultivating a positive recognition of one's actions and emotionally vulnerabilities, each of her poem brings you a profoundly resonating feeling.
If you are a poetry enthusiast then this collection will surely make a place in your favourite lists. I would highly recommend it.
April 1, 2026
Mercedes Paradiso brought us another beautiful collection of poetry. I find her poems to be very relatable and able to really hit the reader where it needs to. I think in every collection there is something for everyone. This collection really resonated with me and it will many other readers as well. I will be reading more of her poems as well as her stories as they become available.
Thank you so much to the author for a copy of this collection via NetGalley!
Thank you so much to the author for a copy of this collection via NetGalley!
June 16, 2026
What does it say about me that I felt a deeper connection and had more of a reaction to the ravens section over the romantics section? 😅
This collection is stunning, deep, and emotional. It's been a long time since I've read a poetry collection, and I truly think I needed that. I felt seen but also felt like I was getting to know someone else.
I love that not all the main hitting points of loss and love were solely romantic, some of it hit on self-love and and a bit on the world/life in general. There was a clear goal with this collection that exceeded my expectations and was so beautiful.
A few favorites I wanted to note:
-"how dare she believe in herself" - in my opinion, this one had duality in it. While it can easily be taken for the outside world judging the narrator (how silly of her to think she has magic), I also feel like this could be self-doubt/failure to believe in oneself being portrayed as well. This was the first one that really struck and resonated with me.
-"forest for the vast and bold" -
i made it a daily practice to visit your gravestone,
the one you left inside me.
Immediate goosebumps with this one. This short piece encompasses both grief and moving on so beautifully.
i finally stopped waiting for the dead.
-"wicked winds" - I don't even know what to say about this one except *slow clap.*
i won't let my attention be your commodity.
no lying algorithm can control me.
-"he gives lessons" - This so perfectly encapsulates being love-blind and putting someone on a pedestal, but I love how Mercedes turns that on its head at the end and takes her power back.
i realized
i was the one to put lightning in your hands and
wings at your heels.
i was the god.
-"growing gratitude" - Onto the romatics portion of the poetry collection. This one was just so stunningly written, which fit in with the message of self love and peace with one's own path.
-"era of the witch" - taking the term witch, which was once used to condemn women, and turning it into a beautiful poem of women supporting women and self-love was so perfect.
do you feel small?
that doesn't belong here.
Honorable mentions:
birdwatcher
bigger than you
gambler's daughter
This collection is stunning, deep, and emotional. It's been a long time since I've read a poetry collection, and I truly think I needed that. I felt seen but also felt like I was getting to know someone else.
I love that not all the main hitting points of loss and love were solely romantic, some of it hit on self-love and and a bit on the world/life in general. There was a clear goal with this collection that exceeded my expectations and was so beautiful.
A few favorites I wanted to note:
-"how dare she believe in herself" - in my opinion, this one had duality in it. While it can easily be taken for the outside world judging the narrator (how silly of her to think she has magic), I also feel like this could be self-doubt/failure to believe in oneself being portrayed as well. This was the first one that really struck and resonated with me.
-"forest for the vast and bold" -
i made it a daily practice to visit your gravestone,
the one you left inside me.
Immediate goosebumps with this one. This short piece encompasses both grief and moving on so beautifully.
i finally stopped waiting for the dead.
-"wicked winds" - I don't even know what to say about this one except *slow clap.*
i won't let my attention be your commodity.
no lying algorithm can control me.
-"he gives lessons" - This so perfectly encapsulates being love-blind and putting someone on a pedestal, but I love how Mercedes turns that on its head at the end and takes her power back.
i realized
i was the one to put lightning in your hands and
wings at your heels.
i was the god.
-"growing gratitude" - Onto the romatics portion of the poetry collection. This one was just so stunningly written, which fit in with the message of self love and peace with one's own path.
-"era of the witch" - taking the term witch, which was once used to condemn women, and turning it into a beautiful poem of women supporting women and self-love was so perfect.
do you feel small?
that doesn't belong here.
Honorable mentions:
birdwatcher
bigger than you
gambler's daughter
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 4 stars ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
this poetry collection was so beautiful! thank you to the author for offering an exclusive first look at ravens and romantics, it is greatly appreciated! this poetry collection is made up of two parts, "ravens" which explores the darker human emotions and experiences, and "romantics" which focuses on the lighter and more hopeful ones. the contrast isn't drastic between them, but instead it shows that shadow and light can coexist.
i loved the fact that this collection also featured illustrations, like the author's first collection, "thunder and daisy". the illustrations represent the poems within the collection well, and add to the flow between them. the writing is so expressive, and it's truly fascinating to me how the author has a way with words like that.
i would say that since the poetry collection incorporates so many human emotions, it can probably resonate with any reader. the poetry is heartfelt, emotional, thoughtful, and reflective. i would recommend this to anyone looking to experience modern poetry, it's definitely worth the read.
some of my favorite poems from the collection are: -blue giants, -growing gratitude, -fleeting feels, -era of the witch, and of course -shades of romance.
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to Mercedes Paradiso for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
this poetry collection was so beautiful! thank you to the author for offering an exclusive first look at ravens and romantics, it is greatly appreciated! this poetry collection is made up of two parts, "ravens" which explores the darker human emotions and experiences, and "romantics" which focuses on the lighter and more hopeful ones. the contrast isn't drastic between them, but instead it shows that shadow and light can coexist.
i loved the fact that this collection also featured illustrations, like the author's first collection, "thunder and daisy". the illustrations represent the poems within the collection well, and add to the flow between them. the writing is so expressive, and it's truly fascinating to me how the author has a way with words like that.
i would say that since the poetry collection incorporates so many human emotions, it can probably resonate with any reader. the poetry is heartfelt, emotional, thoughtful, and reflective. i would recommend this to anyone looking to experience modern poetry, it's definitely worth the read.
some of my favorite poems from the collection are: -blue giants, -growing gratitude, -fleeting feels, -era of the witch, and of course -shades of romance.
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to Mercedes Paradiso for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
May 24, 2026
This was wonderful! I got this free in a giveaway, so I didn’t know what to expect, but I ended up loving it. The imagery throughout the poems was beautiful and vivid, and the themes felt deeply emotional. I read the entire collection in one night because each poem carried so much feeling behind it. This is definitely a poetry collection that will stay with me for a while!
April 4, 2026
Intoxicating!!
The words resonate with passion and insight! It touches deeply and the words evoke so much!! I really enjoyed reading each poem and recommend reading it!!
The words resonate with passion and insight! It touches deeply and the words evoke so much!! I really enjoyed reading each poem and recommend reading it!!
April 7, 2026
I was initially drawn to Mercedes Paradiso’s poetry collection Ravens and Romantics because of the stunning cover and title, but I quickly found myself really liking the poems that make up this work as well. I think Paradiso did such an incredible job using imagery and symbolism to paint a picture of the pain and heartache she has experienced in her life, not just through the juxtaposition between the two parts (ravens and romantics), but also through the ravens themselves, the sand and sea, and different elements of nature.
As someone who has experienced different types and levels of heartache, I felt like she was explaining things I once wished I had the words for. As a reader, I will always appreciate any work that can make me feel less alone in my thoughts, feelings, and experiences (both past and present). In addition to the beautiful illustrations included throughout the book, I really love how intentional each line break and stanza feels. This might just be my personal preference, but I think these literary devices can seem awkward at times depending on how an author chooses to use them. In Paradiso’s case, I think it gives the collection a more natural flow, which helped my overall reading experience.
Overall, I think this is a really lovely collection, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of Amanda Lovelace!
Thank you to NetGalley and Mercedes Paradiso for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! 🖤🌊🐦⬛
As someone who has experienced different types and levels of heartache, I felt like she was explaining things I once wished I had the words for. As a reader, I will always appreciate any work that can make me feel less alone in my thoughts, feelings, and experiences (both past and present). In addition to the beautiful illustrations included throughout the book, I really love how intentional each line break and stanza feels. This might just be my personal preference, but I think these literary devices can seem awkward at times depending on how an author chooses to use them. In Paradiso’s case, I think it gives the collection a more natural flow, which helped my overall reading experience.
Overall, I think this is a really lovely collection, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of Amanda Lovelace!
Thank you to NetGalley and Mercedes Paradiso for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! 🖤🌊🐦⬛
April 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ravens and Romantics was such a beautiful surprise. I don’t read a lot of poetry collections, and I’ve never really written a review for one before, but I really enjoyed this one. The contrast between darkness and light, heartbreak and hope, was woven together so thoughtfully, and each section had its own distinct emotional pull.
The poems felt atmospheric and reflective, sometimes haunting, sometimes tender, but always very human. I loved how the collection balanced heavier themes with softer, hopeful moments—it really captured how those things coexist. There’s a vintage, romantic feel to the writing that made it feel timeless while still relatable.
This felt like a collection to savor rather than rush through, and several poems lingered with me after I finished. A lovely, introspective read for anyone who enjoys poetry that explores both the shadows and the light.
Ravens and Romantics was such a beautiful surprise. I don’t read a lot of poetry collections, and I’ve never really written a review for one before, but I really enjoyed this one. The contrast between darkness and light, heartbreak and hope, was woven together so thoughtfully, and each section had its own distinct emotional pull.
The poems felt atmospheric and reflective, sometimes haunting, sometimes tender, but always very human. I loved how the collection balanced heavier themes with softer, hopeful moments—it really captured how those things coexist. There’s a vintage, romantic feel to the writing that made it feel timeless while still relatable.
This felt like a collection to savor rather than rush through, and several poems lingered with me after I finished. A lovely, introspective read for anyone who enjoys poetry that explores both the shadows and the light.
April 21, 2026
Ravens and Romantics was the perfect breather between my longer ARCs, something I didn’t realise I needed until I picked it up. I ended up enjoying it so much more than expected (the title and cover had me instantly hooked in)
There’s a beautiful push and pull between the juxtaposition of light and dark throughout the collection. Some poems feel soft and hopeful, others sharp and haunting and that contrast really stayed with me. So many pieces resonated on a personal level, making it feel like a quiet, emotional journey rather than just a quick read.
A lovely, introspective collection that lingers with you in small, meaningful ways.
Thank you so much for the e-arc NetGallery and Paradiso for writing and sharing these.
There’s a beautiful push and pull between the juxtaposition of light and dark throughout the collection. Some poems feel soft and hopeful, others sharp and haunting and that contrast really stayed with me. So many pieces resonated on a personal level, making it feel like a quiet, emotional journey rather than just a quick read.
A lovely, introspective collection that lingers with you in small, meaningful ways.
Thank you so much for the e-arc NetGallery and Paradiso for writing and sharing these.
May 17, 2026
#goodreadsgiveaway
The thing about poetry is that it should reach deep inside you, pulling out everything you cannot put into words, and set you free. Mercedes Paradiso did not disappoint. Ravens and Romantics is beautiful, lyrical, heartbreaking, and fun.
The thing about poetry is that it should reach deep inside you, pulling out everything you cannot put into words, and set you free. Mercedes Paradiso did not disappoint. Ravens and Romantics is beautiful, lyrical, heartbreaking, and fun.
June 9, 2026
This collection of poetry really sat with me. I always love picking up some poetry and this one really had me feeling every emotion. This collection was one I needed. From start to finish each line I felt deep in my core and I cannot express enough how much I loved this.
The artwork throughout this collection was absolutely astonishing and I stared at each one for a handful of moments before continuing to the next page.
Thank you to netgalley and author for giving me the chance to read this wonderful poetry collection.
The artwork throughout this collection was absolutely astonishing and I stared at each one for a handful of moments before continuing to the next page.
Thank you to netgalley and author for giving me the chance to read this wonderful poetry collection.
April 13, 2026
Ravens and Romantics did not live up to my expectations. I liked the concept of dark/loss/pain versus light/love/hope. I think there are a lot of readers who would connect with these themes. But I felt like the structure of the poems were not developed. I feel like I connected more with Paradiso’s Thunder and Daisy.
Thank you to Mercedes Paradiso for a gifted copy of the ebook.
Thank you to Mercedes Paradiso for a gifted copy of the ebook.
April 15, 2026
It was full of emotions in some i found myself and get emotional in some of them.
ı requested this book from netgalley and ı loved every second of this book.
ı requested this book from netgalley and ı loved every second of this book.
June 16, 2026
I recieved a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Ravens and Romantics is a collection of poems that explore shadow and light, heartbreak and hope, and solitude and connection.
This poetry book is split into two parts. The first half is all about heartbreak, grief, and darkness, while the second half of the book is all about love, hope, joy, and light.
While I can understand and relate to some of the poems in the first half of the book, I'm at a place in my life where I can connect and relate more to the second half of the book, and I think that's beautiful. It's like walking through all the dark and lonely parts of your life and arriving at the end to realize that it wasn't as bad as you thought, and that life is much better now. ❤️✨️
🐦⬛🌹
There's just something about some of these poems that forces you to feel and connect with the words, that sits you down in the quiet and makes you think and reflect on your own life experiences.
Some of the poems in this collection I've had to re-read multiple times because it just hit so close to home, and I relate to it on such a level, that it almost feels like something I would write in my own journal.
"I made it a daily practice to visit your gravestone, the one you left inside of me. Today, I lined my eyes with forest green and dressed in black to visit your memory." — forest for the vast and bold
Some of these lines have me cursing and staring at the wall, because here is another human being who seems to understand. The poems are beautifully written, and if you've ever suffered heartbreak, struggles, and a dysfunctional family and cant seem to hold onto friendships, but still have hope and you're healing—these are for you.
Ravens and Romantics is a collection of poems that explore shadow and light, heartbreak and hope, and solitude and connection.
This poetry book is split into two parts. The first half is all about heartbreak, grief, and darkness, while the second half of the book is all about love, hope, joy, and light.
While I can understand and relate to some of the poems in the first half of the book, I'm at a place in my life where I can connect and relate more to the second half of the book, and I think that's beautiful. It's like walking through all the dark and lonely parts of your life and arriving at the end to realize that it wasn't as bad as you thought, and that life is much better now. ❤️✨️
🐦⬛🌹
There's just something about some of these poems that forces you to feel and connect with the words, that sits you down in the quiet and makes you think and reflect on your own life experiences.
Some of the poems in this collection I've had to re-read multiple times because it just hit so close to home, and I relate to it on such a level, that it almost feels like something I would write in my own journal.
"I made it a daily practice to visit your gravestone, the one you left inside of me. Today, I lined my eyes with forest green and dressed in black to visit your memory." — forest for the vast and bold
Some of these lines have me cursing and staring at the wall, because here is another human being who seems to understand. The poems are beautifully written, and if you've ever suffered heartbreak, struggles, and a dysfunctional family and cant seem to hold onto friendships, but still have hope and you're healing—these are for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ravens and Romantics by Mercedes Paradiso is a moving contemporary poetry collection that thoughtfully explores the emotional contrasts that shape our lives. Throughout Ravens and Romantics, the poet reflects on love, grief, vulnerability, healing, and the quiet strength that emerges from difficult moments.
The collection combines poetry with artwork in a mixed-media format, creating an engaging reading experience where the visuals complement the tone and emotion of the poems. Together, they form a cohesive flow that deepens the themes and allows each piece to resonate more fully.
Paradiso’s writing captures the idea that light and darkness coexist within all of us. Rather than presenting them as opposites, the poems suggest that both are essential to growth and self-understanding. The collection gently reminds readers that acknowledging pain and hardship does not diminish joy; instead, it can deepen our appreciation of it.
Overall, this is a heartfelt and reflective poetry collection that speaks to a wide range of human emotions. Readers who enjoy modern, introspective poetry will likely find much to connect with here.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The collection combines poetry with artwork in a mixed-media format, creating an engaging reading experience where the visuals complement the tone and emotion of the poems. Together, they form a cohesive flow that deepens the themes and allows each piece to resonate more fully.
Paradiso’s writing captures the idea that light and darkness coexist within all of us. Rather than presenting them as opposites, the poems suggest that both are essential to growth and self-understanding. The collection gently reminds readers that acknowledging pain and hardship does not diminish joy; instead, it can deepen our appreciation of it.
Overall, this is a heartfelt and reflective poetry collection that speaks to a wide range of human emotions. Readers who enjoy modern, introspective poetry will likely find much to connect with here.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ravens and Romantics
Written By: Mercedes Paradiso
Releases on March 31, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Mercedes Paradiso for providing me with an Advanced Copy to review!
All opinions in this review are my own.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* My rating breakdown is included at the end of this review.
I like to read poetry to connect with the words and feel the depth of the emotions the invoke. This book didn't do that for me.
Mercedes uses a lot of metaphors for her feelings and chooses to follow a creative path with her words. It may not have allowed me to connect with her words but it did spark inspiration and help flamed my own creativity!
The illustrations were gorgeous and the pieces definitely seemed like they may be hiding a little bit of deeper meaning. If this wasn't an Advanced Copy, I would be making notes and analyzing some of these pieces.
My Book Rating System
⭐️ means it was a DNF.
⭐️⭐️ means I should have chosen to DNF.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was okay. I will not read this again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was good. I will probably read this again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was amazing. I am obsessed!
Written By: Mercedes Paradiso
Releases on March 31, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Mercedes Paradiso for providing me with an Advanced Copy to review!
All opinions in this review are my own.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
* My rating breakdown is included at the end of this review.
I like to read poetry to connect with the words and feel the depth of the emotions the invoke. This book didn't do that for me.
Mercedes uses a lot of metaphors for her feelings and chooses to follow a creative path with her words. It may not have allowed me to connect with her words but it did spark inspiration and help flamed my own creativity!
The illustrations were gorgeous and the pieces definitely seemed like they may be hiding a little bit of deeper meaning. If this wasn't an Advanced Copy, I would be making notes and analyzing some of these pieces.
My Book Rating System
⭐️ means it was a DNF.
⭐️⭐️ means I should have chosen to DNF.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was okay. I will not read this again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was good. I will probably read this again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ means it was amazing. I am obsessed!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There’s something quietly captivating about Ravens and Romantics. It’s a collection that understands how messy, tender, and contradictory being human can be. The “Ravens” poems delve into heartbreak, grief, and the heaviness we carry, written with a clarity that feels almost confessional.
Then the tone shifts, opening into the warmth of “Romantics”—poems full of love, softness, and the small, luminous moments that pull us back toward hope. The contrast is gentle rather than stark, showing how darkness and light weave through our lives at the same time.
What I loved most is the sense of timelessness threaded through contemporary emotion. These poems feel rooted in something old and enduring, yet they speak directly to the world we’re living in now. A thoughtful, evocative collection that holds both shadow and light with equal grace.
My thanks to Mercedes Paradiso, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Then the tone shifts, opening into the warmth of “Romantics”—poems full of love, softness, and the small, luminous moments that pull us back toward hope. The contrast is gentle rather than stark, showing how darkness and light weave through our lives at the same time.
What I loved most is the sense of timelessness threaded through contemporary emotion. These poems feel rooted in something old and enduring, yet they speak directly to the world we’re living in now. A thoughtful, evocative collection that holds both shadow and light with equal grace.
My thanks to Mercedes Paradiso, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
May 2, 2026
It's extremely difficult to grade a work of poetry and it's very important to remember this is subjective to me.
I got this book from NetGalley (thank you) and I enjoyed it very much.
Filled with sorrow and love these poems and verses will take you on a journey with the author. In both romantic and self discovery themes, the raw feelings were clear and powerful throughout the book.
Her pen was strong, sharp and precise to move her feelings and thoughts.
That being said, I wasn't as moved as I thought I'd be. Maybe we didn't fully connect, or we're in different stages of our lives, but they weren't as emotive to me as I would've liked.
So I enjoyed it, but I can't say that I connected emotionally. I will certainly read more of her, though. There were a few moments were the line hit me right in head and in thought that I wished the whole book were like that. Maybe next one will be more for me.
I got this book from NetGalley (thank you) and I enjoyed it very much.
Filled with sorrow and love these poems and verses will take you on a journey with the author. In both romantic and self discovery themes, the raw feelings were clear and powerful throughout the book.
Her pen was strong, sharp and precise to move her feelings and thoughts.
That being said, I wasn't as moved as I thought I'd be. Maybe we didn't fully connect, or we're in different stages of our lives, but they weren't as emotive to me as I would've liked.
So I enjoyed it, but I can't say that I connected emotionally. I will certainly read more of her, though. There were a few moments were the line hit me right in head and in thought that I wished the whole book were like that. Maybe next one will be more for me.
April 25, 2026
“Who does she think she is/ writing about herself”
Once again Mercedes Paradiso has blessed poetry enthusiasts with another collection. Ravens and Romantics is a journey of betrayal and revenge, recovery and love. Every poem is accompanied by an illustration to deliver the words of the poem they follow.
Reading the digital arc version I was given only left me wishing for the physical copy to come out so I can fill it with highlights and tabs. Her words are both beautifully written and relatable. Paradiso uses poetry to tell the story relationships found and lost. Ravens and Romantics is poetry in a perfect range of emotion poetry can take. Using the power of word, Mercedes Paradiso explores the duality of people. I definitely recommend Ravens and Romantics as well as Mercedes Paradiso’s other works.
Once again Mercedes Paradiso has blessed poetry enthusiasts with another collection. Ravens and Romantics is a journey of betrayal and revenge, recovery and love. Every poem is accompanied by an illustration to deliver the words of the poem they follow.
Reading the digital arc version I was given only left me wishing for the physical copy to come out so I can fill it with highlights and tabs. Her words are both beautifully written and relatable. Paradiso uses poetry to tell the story relationships found and lost. Ravens and Romantics is poetry in a perfect range of emotion poetry can take. Using the power of word, Mercedes Paradiso explores the duality of people. I definitely recommend Ravens and Romantics as well as Mercedes Paradiso’s other works.
May 6, 2026
This beautiful little poetry collection is all about the grey, the in-betweens of things. Light and dark, joy and sadness, love and loneliness, searching for not only the places they contrast, but where the compliment and compromise each other.
Many of the poems are more like vague, conceptual short stories, or disjointed thoughts - a message with a pulse, mixing clear mini-narratives with vaguer collections of feelings and metaphor. I resonated with quite a few poems within the book, enjoying the recurring threads that tied so many of them together in new ways. The style wasn't always exactly to my taste, but I enjoyed reading it; a great companion for a cup of tea and a lot of feelings.
"Who does she think she is, writing about herself, everything she's kept inside her like she's supposed to?"
Many of the poems are more like vague, conceptual short stories, or disjointed thoughts - a message with a pulse, mixing clear mini-narratives with vaguer collections of feelings and metaphor. I resonated with quite a few poems within the book, enjoying the recurring threads that tied so many of them together in new ways. The style wasn't always exactly to my taste, but I enjoyed reading it; a great companion for a cup of tea and a lot of feelings.
"Who does she think she is, writing about herself, everything she's kept inside her like she's supposed to?"
May 1, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Mercedes for accepting my request to review “Ravens and Romantics”.
A wonderful collection of poetry, each poem is filled with emotions and through provoking moments with simple beautiful illustration and symbolism to express the pain, heartbreak and healing she experiences throughout life.
If you are someone would loves symbolism in your reading like I do than you will appreciate each poem in its entirety.
Through out the book the poet reflects on love, loss, grief, expressing her vulnerability, her journey of self discovery, finding strength and the healing process.
I really enjoyed Mercedes poetry and will definitely looking into more of her work.
Read
June 16, 2026Thank you to Mercedes Paradiso and NetGalley for an e-arc copy!
I find it hard to really rate poetry because it can be such a personal reading experience. Couldn't fully connect to the poems being told in this collection, but in the end still enjoyed the collection as a whole. Though I couldn't personally relate to most of the themes, the writing was nice, a good bit of the poems flowed, and having a picture at the end of some poems that was in correlation to written words was pretty cool. To me, this felt fresh and modern and it was a good time to be had.
I would recommend this poetry collection in the end because though couldn't relate with the majority of the works; still found a few poems that I really liked and wouldn't mind reading again.
I find it hard to really rate poetry because it can be such a personal reading experience. Couldn't fully connect to the poems being told in this collection, but in the end still enjoyed the collection as a whole. Though I couldn't personally relate to most of the themes, the writing was nice, a good bit of the poems flowed, and having a picture at the end of some poems that was in correlation to written words was pretty cool. To me, this felt fresh and modern and it was a good time to be had.
I would recommend this poetry collection in the end because though couldn't relate with the majority of the works; still found a few poems that I really liked and wouldn't mind reading again.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Ravens and Romantics," by Mercedes Paradiso is a beautiful blending of the darkness we experience in life, juxtaposed with the light. This contemporary poetry collection is deeply emotional, full of love, and raw moments, and shows readers the tenderness of trusting in that inner magic to navigate grief and loss to survive.
I'd recommend this collection to readers looking for a modern poetry experience that encompasses a huge range of human emotions and experiences.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'd recommend this collection to readers looking for a modern poetry experience that encompasses a huge range of human emotions and experiences.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you netgalley and publisher for the arc! this was a great read! i read it in a couple settings. the poetry was beautifully written. i liked the themes they explored. i also liked the art included. i haven’t read a lot of poem books, but i want to read more. i recommend this one when it comes out! worth the read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ravens and Romantics offers beautiful imagery and moody romantic vibes, with some truly striking lines. However, I couldn’t fully connect... the poems often felt disjointed, with ideas shifting abruptly and leaving emotional threads unresolved. I admired individual moments more than the collection as a whole. Solid, but it didn’t quite click for me.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐑𝐂
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐑𝐂
June 18, 2026
Poetry is very personal and while I didn't connect to many of the poems in the first half, I can see how they would connect for others. The second half was more to my liking, I highlighted quite a few to come back to. This is the second book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more in the future.
*Provided an advance copy from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
*Provided an advance copy from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love this form of poetry, and resonated with the collection as a whole. Beautifully done. Some of my favorites included: -shades of romance, -blue giants, -era of the witch, and -bohemian.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews