31 of the Best Fantasy Romance Books to Read Right Now

Recently updated on August 7th, 2024 at 03:52 pm

Looking for fantasy romance books? Check out these swoon-worthy romantasy books.

This post contains affiliate links. That said, I won’t ever recommend a book I haven’t read and loved myself.

Picture this. You’re searching for fantasy romance books. But the romance is an underdeveloped side plot. Or the fantasy element is poorly written.

You can’t beat a good romantasy. From enemies to lovers and slow burn to friends to lovers. Mystical lands, adventure and a romance with sizzling chemistry.

I’ve compiled the best fantasy romance books. Whether you’re after fantasy romance books for adults or ya fantasy romance books, I’ve got you covered.

Read on for the best fantasy romance books

The best fantasy romance books

Best Fantasy romance books for adults

1. Crescent City by Sarah J Maas

Crescent City is the perfect balance between romance and fantasy adventure. It balances several intriguing mysteries with a spicy enemies to lovers romance.

We follow Bryce, she is half-fae, half-human. And she is tasked with investigating a series of crimes with Hunt Athalar – a fallen angel. But they discover some dark powers at work.

The romance is excellent. A Super sassy main character and a grumpy male love interest. Both characters grow and learn from each other.

2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Let’s be honest, you can’t write a post on fantasy romance books without including A Court of Thorns and Roses. This romantasy features a slow burn, steamy romance. The first book feels more ya but it definitely becomes more adult in the second book.

We follow Feyre. She is poor and lives with her father and two sisters. She has to hunt to care for the family.

One day she sees a deer and can’t resist killing it to sell. But it was actually a faerie she murdered. And the owner comes to kidnap her to live at the castle as punishment.

3. The Serpent and The Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Fan of Fourth Wing or A Court of Thorns and Roses? You’ll love this spicy romantasy. It has vampires, trials and romance.

We follow Oraya, the adopted daughter of the Nightborn vampire king. She carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.

The enemies to lovers romance is compelling and the slow burn has excellent payoff. The morally grey love interest is well developed.

 4. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

This is a compelling high-fantasy fantasy with gothic vibes. The chemistry in the romance is excellent. And the magic system based on tarot cards is unique.

In Blunder all magic comes at a price. We follow Elspeth. She touches a magical providence card and is possessed by the Nightmare.

When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. 

5. Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Bride gets mixed reviews. This is much more romance heavy and the fantasy isn’t as developed. Searching for high fantasy with romance? Then this probably isn’t for you. But fans of spicy romance will enjoy this.

Bride is about an alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf.

We follow Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest. She’s an outcast living anonymously with Huumnas. But she’s called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres.

6. The Guild Hunter Series – Angel’s Blood by Nalini Singh

Fan of Sarah J Maas? Then you’ll love the spicy fantasy romance. It features angels, vampires and an incredible enemies to lovers romance.

We follow Elena. She’s a vampire hunter and she knows she’s the best. But the Archangel Raphael hires her for a job. And it’s clear failure is not an option – even if the task is impossible. 

This has a well-developed plot. But romance is definitely the focus of the book. Ideal if you’re after fantasy romance books for adults.

7. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

From Blood and Ash divides readers. This contains an intriguing plot but the focus is definitely on the spicy romance.

We follow Poppy. She was chosen from birth to usher in a new era as the Maiden. And her life has never been her own.

The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched or looked upon or spoken to. And never to experience pleasure. But she would rather be fighting back evil than preparing to be found worthy by the gods.  The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders. So when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard, enters her life. Destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. 

8. The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole

Searching for a dark, adult romance? The Book of Azrael features a villainous main character, a forbidden romance and enemies to lovers.

A thousand years ago, Dianna gave up her life in the deserts of Eoria to save her dying sister. She called upon anyone who would listen, not expecting a monster far worse than any nightmare to answer. Now she does what Kaden asks, even if that means securing an ancient relic from the very creatures that hunt her

Highly recommend if you’re after spicy fantasy romance books.

9. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

I couldn’t write a post on romantasy books without mentioning Fourth Wing. While this contains much more than just romance, the enemies to lovers romance is central to the plot.

We follow Violet Sorrengail. She was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant and live a quiet life among books. But the commanding general – her mother – orders Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become elite dragon riders.

But Violet is smaller than everyone else. And with fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. 

 10. Scarred by Emily Mcintyre

A dark fantasy romance and a retelling of the Lion King. This is perfect if you’re after a dark romance. The series features standalone retellings of various fairytales.

Prince Tristan Faasa was never destined for the throne. That was always his brother, Michael. The same brother responsible for both Tristan’s tormented childhood and the scar that mars his face. When their father dies, Michael is set to assume the throne, and Tristan is set to steal it. The leader of a secret rebellion, Tristan will stop at nothing to end his brother’s reign. 

11. Gild by Raven Kennedy 

An adult retelling of the King Midas Myth. This is perfect if you’re after spicy fantasy romance books as it has a lot of sexual scenes. It is also divisive with readers either loving or hating this book. Please make sure you check the trigger warnings before reading.

Set in a world where ones with power rule. Gold floors, gold walls, gold furniture, gold clothes. In Highbell, in the castle built into the frozen mountains, everything is made of gold. We follow Auren, rescued from the slums by King Midas.

12. The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

This is ideal if you’re searching for fantasy romance books with a contemporary vibe or cozy fantasy feel. It reads as a mix between Howl’s Moving Castle and You’ve got Mail.

Hart is a marshal, tasked with patrolling the magical wilds of Tanria. Mercy never has a moment to herself. She’s been single-handedly keeping Birdsall & Son Undertakers afloat. After yet another exasperating run-in with Mercy, Hart finds himself penning a letter addressed to “A Friend”. Much to his surprise, an anonymous letter comes back in return.

13. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

A new adult romantasy with a sassy assasin princess. This is perfect for fans of Throne of Glass.

A warrior princess trained in isolation, Lara is driven by two certainties. The first is that King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom is her enemy. And the second is that she’ll be the one to bring him to his knees.

The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom enriches itself and deprives its rivals, including Lara’s homeland. So when she’s sent as a bride under the guise of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture its impenetrable defenses

14. Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer Armentrout

jennifer Armentrout writes an incredible romantasy. And Fall of Ruin and Wrath is no exception. It balances romance and fantasy perfectly.

We follow Calista. She knows her talents are of great value to the power-hungry of the world, so she lives hidden as a courtesan of the Baron of Archwood. In exchange for his protection, she grants him information.

When her intuition leads her to save a traveling prince in dire trouble, the voice inside her blazes with warning―and promise. Today he’ll bring her joy. One day he’ll be her doom.

15. These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan

Are you a fan of A Court of Thorns and Roses? Then you’ll love this action-packed romantasy. An action-packed fantasy with fae and an enemies to lovers romance.

Brie hates the Fae and refuses to have anything to do with them, even if that means starving on the street. But when her sister is sold to the sadistic king of the Unseelie court to pay a debt, she’ll do whatever it takes to get her back—including making a deal with the king himself to steal three magical relics from the Seelie court.

Fantasy romance books for young adults

Searching for fantasy romance books for young adults? These ya fantasy books are ideal for not only teens, but adults of all ages.

16. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Kicking off the ya fantasy romance section with The Cruel Prince. This is one of the most popular fantasy enemies to lovers books. Perfect for fans of a morally grey, brooding fae.

We follow Jude. As a child, she gets kidnapped with her two sisters and is taken to live with the fae.  She grows up wanting to be like the wicked fae she lives with.

This is a fairly short and easy to read series. The first two books are packed with plot twists. And the slow burn, angsty romance makes this series stand out.

17. A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

An enchanting retelling with a curse, magical kingdom and a cute enemies to lovers romance.

A Curse So Dark And Lonely is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Prince Rhen is the Heir of Emberfall.

Emberfall is cursed into an everlasting winter. Prince Rhen needs to make a girl fall in love with him to break the curse.

This book stands out for the amazing heroine. Harper has Cerebral Palsy. But despite her disability, she is definitely not a character in need of sympathy.

18. The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni

This is a compelling read that perfectly balances romance with thrilling fantasy plot.

Set in a ruthless death prison called Zalindov, we follow Kiva. As prison healer, she is charged with keeping the seriously ill Rebel Queen alive long enough to go through Trial by Ordeal.

The Prison Healer is such an underrated romantasy. The romance is slow burn with excellent chemistry. And the morally grey heroine is strong-willed. a great pick for fans of fantasy romance books.

19. Bone Crier’s Moon by Kathryn Purdie

Bone Crier’s Moon is ideal if you’re after fantasy books focused on romance. While this has enchanting fantasy worldbuilding, it is more romance focused.

We follow Ailesse and Sabine. Ailesse is a bone crier. And Bone Crier’s have a sacred duty – they alone ferry the spirits of the dead. But the Gods demand a promise of dedication. The sacrifice of the Bone Crier’s one true love. 

Ailesse has been preparing for her rite of passage since birth – to kill the boy she’s destined to live.  Bastien’s father was slain by a Bone Crier and he’s been seeking revenge. But now his vengeance must wait, as Ailesse’s ritual has begun and their fates are entwined—in life and in death.

20. Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn

A beautiful Sapphic romance with an intriguing mystery and gothic worldbuilding. This enemies-to-lovers romance hooks you in with enchanting worldbuilding.

Bitterthorn is set in Blumwald, a town overshadowed by an ancient curse. In a sinister castle in the depths of the wild wood lives a witch. Once a generation, she claims a companion. Never to be seen again.

We follow Mina, daughter of the Duke. Grieving and lonely, she has lost all hope for any future. So when the Witch demands her next companion, Mina volunteers.

21. Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

Are you a fan of Cinderella is Dead? Then you’ll love Girl, Serpent, Thorn. This is a Sapphic Sleeping beauty retelling with Persian-inspired worldbuilding.

Soraya is a cursed princess, poisonous to the touch. She is only safe hidden away and apart from her family.

As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon holding the knowledge she craves.  The answer to her freedom.

22. Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Are you a fan of The Hunger games? Then you’ll love Powerless. This fantasy romance follows a sassy street thief competing in trials.

We follow Paedyn. She lives in the Kingdom of Ilya. Only the exceptional, powered Elites belong in the Kingdom. These powers were gifted to them by the Plague. Those born Ordinary are banished to preserve an Elite society.

When Paeydn unsuspectingly saves one of Ilyas princes, she finds herself thrown into the Purging Trials. The brutal competition exists to showcase the Elites’ powers—the very thing Paedyn lacks.

23. Shatter me by Tahereh Mafi

This is a long ya fantasy romance series but it’s worth reading. This angsty romance is set in a post-apocalyptic world. It combines a fast-paced plot with excellent twists.

Shatter me opens with the main character locked up for murder. She is unable to touch anyone. And she falls in love with the first person she is able to touch.

The writing style divides readers. But if you’re a fa of ya fantasy romance books then you’ll love this series.

24. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

The Sunbearer Trials is perfect for fans of angsty, ‘ will they, won’t they’ romance. Plus it combines slow-burn romance with mythology and trials.

Set in a world where the Mexican Gods and Goddesses are real. And they had children – the semidioses. 

As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished to that Sol can keep travelling along the sky and keep the Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses aged between thirteen and eighteen are chosen as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials. 

26. The Selection by Keira Cass

The Selection is a popular dystopian ya fantasy series ideal for anyone new to fantasy. It is romance-focused but balances this with a dystopian plot and rebellion. Think The Bachelor meets the Hunger Games.

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her.

27. Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

A high-fantasy enemies to lovers romance. This is not a slow-burn romance and they aren’t enemies for long. But this is still an incredible ya fantasy romance.

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty’s resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought.

28. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

A classic fantasy romance series that got many book lovers into reading. And launched an obsession for many fans.

We follow Bella. She falls unconditionally and irrevocabaly in love with Edward. The problem is Edward is a vampire.

This gets criticism and divides fans. But you can’t deny the popularity of this ya fantasy romance series.

 29. Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin

A compelling enemies to lovers romance between a witch and a witch hunter. This would be perfect to read in Fall.

We follow Louise, a witch living in Cesarine where witches are hunted and burned. Reid, a witch hunter, has always lived by the same principle – thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

But Lou pulls a stunt and forces them into an impossible scenario – holy matrimony.

30. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

The Lunar Chronicles is another fantasy romance series perfect for beginners to fantasy. Easy to read with compelling romance, you can breeze through this series.

Cinder accident when she was younger. And she now has a cyborg hand and ankle. But the world she lives in shuns androids. 

She meets and falls in love with the Prince. But she can’t tell him that she’s an android. 

31. Malice  by Heather Walter

Do you enjoy retellings? Are you a fan of morally grey characters? Then you’ll love Malice. A Sapphic retelling of sleeping Beauty. It features fae, magic and balls.

The book is set in a Kingdom called Briar. Once upon a time, a wicked fairy cursed a line of princesses to die. Only true love’s kiss can break the curse.

We follow Alyce, the dark grace. Left abandoned in Briar, the dark magic that runs in her veins abhors residents in Briar.

This post was all about the best fantasy romance books

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