The Bookish & Darkly Box

The Bookish & Darkly Box Bundle combines both The Bookish Box (YA/NA romantasy) and The Darkly Box (adult romance) into one monthly subscription. Receive 2 exclusive edition books with author signatures for $63/month. As of January 2025, subscriptions are book-only (no additional items). Perfect for readers who enjoy both romantasy and spicy romance.

The Bookish & Darkly Box Bundle launched to serve readers who enjoy both young adult romantasy and adult romance, combining the two separate subscription tiers into one discounted package. In January 2025, the bundle transitioned to book-only format at $63/month (reduced from previous pricing with merchandise).

2025 Subscription Changes

What Changed in January 2025:

• Removed bookish goodies and merchandise from bundle
• Transitioned to book-only subscriptions
• Reduced pricing to $63/month for 2 books
• Implemented waitlist system for new subscribers
• Monthly renewals occur on the 20th of each month

All Bookish Box Options:

• The Bookish Box: $38/month - New Adult/YA romantasy only
• The Darkly Box: $38/month - Adult romance only (often sold out)
• The Bookish & Darkly Box (this option): $63/month - Both books bundled

Pricing Plans

Plan	Price	Features	Savings
Bundle	$63/month	2 exclusive edition books	Save $13/month vs individual

Comparison:

• Individual subscriptions: $38 + $38 = $76/month
• Bundle: $63/month
• Savings: $13/month or $156/year (17% discount)

Additional shipping charges may apply for international orders. All new subscriptions require joining the waitlist.

What’s Included

Book 1: The Bookish Box (YA/NA Romantasy)

• 1 New Adult or Young Adult romantasy release
• Exclusive cover/edition not in retail stores
• Author signature included

Book 2: The Darkly Box (Adult Romance)

• 1 Adult romance across all subgenres
• Heavy spice/steamy content
• Exclusive cover/edition not in retail stores
• Author signature included

Total: 2 books, 2 exclusive covers, 2 author signatures monthly

How It Works

The Bookish & Darkly Box Bundle delivers two exclusive signed romance books monthly through a subscription model:

1. Join the Waitlist: Visit The Bookish Box website and sign up for the bundle waitlist. Due to high demand, new subscriptions are not immediately available - you’ll receive notification when a spot opens. This waitlist system helps manage inventory and prevent overselling.

2. Subscribe When Spot Opens: Once notified, complete your subscription signup selecting the $63/month bundle option. Billing occurs monthly on the 20th of each month. Your first charge processes when you join, then renews automatically each month thereafter.

3. Monthly Book Selection: The Bookish Box team selects two upcoming releases each month - one YA/NA romantasy title for The Bookish Box and one adult romance for The Darkly Box. You don’t choose which books - the team curates based on anticipated popularity, exclusive cover opportunities, and author partnerships.

4. Exclusive Covers Arranged: For each selected title, The Bookish Box negotiates exclusive cover designs not available in retail stores. These special editions often feature unique artwork, alternative color schemes, or enhanced design elements that differentiate them from standard retail versions.

5. Author Signatures Secured: Authors sign bookplates or tip-in sheets that are inserted into each book, creating signed editions. Some months feature author-signed covers directly. The subscription guarantees signed copies of both books monthly.

6. Books Ship Monthly: Around the same time each month (typically 3-4 weeks after billing on the 20th), your bundle ships containing both books. Shipping timelines vary, and delays have been reported frequently in reviews. Expect 1-2 weeks domestic shipping, longer for international.

7. Receive Your Bundle: Unbox both exclusive signed editions. Each book includes special cover art and author signature. The bundle packaging protects books during shipping but is minimal - no additional merchandise or goodies included (removed in January 2025 pricing change).

8. Manage Subscription: To skip, pause, or cancel, contact customer service through their website. Note that reviews frequently cite difficult cancellation processes and slow customer service response. Cancel well before your next billing date (20th of month) to avoid charges.

Frequency: Monthly billing on the 20th, with shipments typically arriving 3-4 weeks later. Renewal is automatic unless canceled.

Value Breakdown

At $63/month for 2 books:

• Per Book Cost: $31.50 (vs $38 individual)
• Retail Value: $40-60 for 2 hardcovers
• Exclusive Editions: Premium covers and signatures add value
• Savings: $156/year vs individual subscriptions

Who It’s For

Best For:

• Enjoy BOTH YA/NA romantasy AND adult romance
• Read 2+ books per month consistently
• Want exclusive signed editions in both genres
• Value the $13/month savings
• Are patient with potential delays
• Collect special edition books

Not Ideal For:

• Strongly prefer one genre over the other
• Want flexibility to skip genres some months
• Expect timely delivery of orders
• Value responsive customer service
• Cannot afford to risk $63 on potentially delayed orders
• Want additional merchandise beyond books

Bundle vs Individual Comparison

Factor	Bundle ($63)	Individual ($38 each)
Monthly Cost	$63	$76 total
Books Received	2 (both genres)	1 or 2 (your choice)
Flexibility	Must receive both	Skip genres as desired
Savings	$156/year	None
Delay Risk	2x exposure	1x per subscription
Cancellation	All or nothing	Cancel one, keep one

Operational Challenges

The bundle inherits operational issues from both individual subscriptions:

Shipping Delays

• Orders commonly delayed 3-4 months
• 2 books = double exposure to delay risk
• No proactive communication about delays
• Refunds difficult to obtain

Quality Control Issues

• Printing errors, misspellings on covers
• Binding problems, chapters out of order
• Books arriving damaged
• Issues can affect either or both books

Customer Service Limitations

• Slow or no responses to order inquiries
• No phone support available
• Difficulty obtaining refunds for defective orders

Cancellation Difficulties

• Cancellation requests sometimes ignored
• Charges continuing after cancellation
• Must cancel entire bundle (can’t keep one genre)

Flexibility Considerations

Bundle Limitations:

• Cannot skip one genre while keeping the other
• Cannot opt out of specific months for one book
• Must want both books every month to maximize value
• Canceling means losing both subscriptions

If You Want Flexibility: Individual subscriptions ($38 each) offer more control:

• Subscribe to both and skip either genre as desired
• Cancel one while keeping the other
• Costs $13/month more but adds flexibility

Genre Coverage

The Bookish Box (included)

• New Adult romantasy
• Young Adult romantasy
• Fantasy romance for younger readers

The Darkly Box (included)

• All adult romance subgenres
• Contemporary, paranormal, historical, sci-fi romance
• Heavy spice content
• Dark romance, reverse harem

Perfect for readers who:

• Love both YA and adult romance
• Want exposure to both age categories
• Read across the romance spectrum

Final Assessment

The Bookish & Darkly Box Bundle delivers 2 exclusive signed books monthly at $63, saving $13/month vs individual subscriptions. For readers who consistently enjoy both YA/NA romantasy and adult spicy romance, the bundle offers solid value.

However, the bundle amplifies both benefits and risks:

• Benefits: 2 exclusive books, 2 signatures, $156/year savings
• Risks: 2x exposure to shipping delays, quality issues, and operational problems

Operational challenges including shipping delays, quality control failures, and difficult cancellations remain significant concerns across all Bookish Box variants. The bundle makes sense only if:

1. You want both genres every month
2. You’re comfortable with higher upfront cost ($63)
3. You can tolerate potential delays on both books
4. The $156 annual savings outweighs flexibility loss

Readers who prefer one genre or value flexibility may find individual subscriptions more suitable, despite the higher total cost. Those seeking reliable service with exclusive romance editions might explore established alternatives like FairyLoot Adult, OwlCrate Adult, or Book of the Month.