30 Sizzling Spicy Fantasy Books That’ll Leave You Breathless!

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Let’s be real: sometimes you just want to lose yourself in a world where magic mingles with steamy romance. You crave stories that don’t just skim the surface but plunge you into intense connections and heart-pounding journeys.

You’ve probably felt that flutter of excitement when a character’s chemistry ignites the pages, leaving you breathless. But then there’s that nagging thought—why can’t every spicy fantasy book deliver that same fire?

You’re not alone in this craving. It’s easy to feel frustrated when you want that perfect mix of adventure and passion but keep coming up short.

I love spicy romantasy, but let’s be honest—I’ve often struggled to find reliable recommendations. How many times have you picked up a book, heart racing in anticipation of the spice, only to be left disappointed by lukewarm encounters? It’s infuriating!

You want depth, complexity, and characters that linger long after you’ve closed the book.

Well, get ready to turn up the heat! In this list of 25 spicy fantasy books, you’ll discover tales that promise to keep you invested in the characters’ journeys while delivering all the romance you’ve been yearning for.

So grab your favorite blanket and settle in; let’s dive into a world where every page drips with excitement and allure. Let’s begin!

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What Makes a Fantasy Book “Spicy”?

The term “spicy” is all about the heat in the romance, but it’s not just about explicit scenes. It’s the slow burn of romantic tension, the deep character chemistry, the build-up that leaves you hanging on every word. Think of the simmering attraction between two characters that you know is going to explode at some point. The intensity can vary. Some books have full-blown fiery passion with explicit scenes that leave little to the imagination, while others rely more on a palpable, emotional tension that builds over time. Both can make you blush, but they do so in very different ways.

So how do I categorize this heat? Here’s a simple scale to keep in mind:

• Mild: Subtle romantic tension. There’s chemistry, but the story doesn’t get too explicit. Think sweet, slow-burn romances.
• Medium: You’re looking at a deeper connection, with some physical encounters, but nothing too graphic.
• Hot: You’ve got steamy, intense romance with detailed scenes, but it’s balanced with the plot.
• Fiery: All bets are off. These books dive into explicit territory and turn the heat all the way up.

With this framework in mind, let’s dive into the list of 25 spicy fantasy books that are sure to captivate, thrill, and maybe even make you blush.

Best spicy fantasy books

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

Let’s be honest, you can’t write a post on spicy fantasy 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.

Imagine a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but with a twist. Feyre, a mortal, gets tangled in the world of faeries, where danger and desire go hand in hand.

The romance in this series burns bright but the plot never takes a backseat. The stakes are as high as the heat level, making this a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Spice level: Medium to Hot

2. 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.

Poppy is a maiden, forbidden to touch or be touched, but when Hawke enters the picture, everything changes.

The tension between them is electric, and when they finally give in, the scenes are scorching. But what makes From Blood and Ash stand out is how the romance plays into the larger narrative of duty, sacrifice, and rebellion. It’s more than just lust; it’s love born from impossible circumstances.

Spice level: Hot

3. Crescent City by Sarah J Maas

Crescent City is blends romance and fantasy adventure with mystery. 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.

Bryce and Hunt’s connection simmers with chemistry, and while the spice is there, it’s slower to build than in some of Maas’s other works.

Spice level: Medium to Hot

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

The Serpent and The Wings of Night is a compelling blend of vampires, trials and romance. The heat level is high, but the plot doesn’t suffer for it.

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.

Broadbent weaves a complex narrative where the characters’ relationships are as central as the fantasy elements. If you’re looking for a book where love and danger walk hand in hand, this one’s for you.

Spice level: Hot

5. Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Bride gets mixed reviews. This is much more romance heavy and the fantasy isn’t as developed. Bride blends humor, heart, and just the right amount of heat.

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.

Spice level: Medium

6. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing brings together romance and action. Violet and Xaden’s relationship starts with tension and distrust, but as they face battles and challenges together, a slow burn of romantic tension builds.

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.

While the spice is there, Fourth Wing focuses more on character development and the bond forged through shared experiences.

Spice level: Mild

 7. 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. 

Spice level: Hot

8. 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. Forbidden love and political intrigue take center stage in The Bridge Kingdom.

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 spice level is moderate, but the tension is palpable, creating a slow-burn romance that’s as strategic as the plot itself.

Spice level: Medium

9. These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan

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.

These Hollow Vows delivers a fantasy romance that’s perfect for fans of slow-burn tension. The spice is there, but it’s more about the build-up of romantic tension as the protagonist navigates a world of political alliances and magical secrets.

Spice level: Medium

10. 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.

Spice level: Fiery

 11. 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. The spice comes later in the series, with the first book feeling more ya.

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.

Spice level: Mild to Medium

12. Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

This series includes one of the best hate to love romances. Alongside an awesome female main character and trials. Throne of Glass series starts slow on the romance front but builds up to some seriously steamy scenes in the later books.

We follow Celaena Sardothien, an assassin. She is imprisoned in a horrific prison called Endovier. And one day the prince summons her to fight in a competition. The winner will become the king’s assassin.

The spice level gradually increases throughout the series, culminating in some intense, emotionally charged moments that will leave readers breathless.

Spice level: Mild to Hot

13. The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

Darkfever is an urban fantasy featuring fae and vampires. It also has a morally grey dark-haired male love interest and a sassy human protagonist.  The series features a slow-burn romance that takes a few books to develop. 

We follow Mackayla. She lives a relatively normal life until her sister is brutally murdered. She journeys to Ireland in search of answers. 

MacKayla, the protagonist, evolves throughout the series, and her relationship with the mysterious Jericho Barrons is one of the most intense slow-burn romances you’ll find. When the sparks finally fly, they burn hot, but the tension leading up to those moments is just as captivating.

Spice level: Fiery

14. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

For readers looking for something lighter, The Ex Hex delivers a whimsical, witchy romance with a fun, playful tone.

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend.

The romance is sweet with a bit of spice, but it never overshadows the humor and charm of the story. It’s a perfect blend of magic, mischief, and second-chance love, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.

Spice level: Mild to Medium

15. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalo

A mystery with an enemies to lovers romance. Emilia and Wrath’s relationship is slow-burning, with plenty of romantic tension and just the right amount of spice.

We follow Emilia. Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are witches living secretly among humans. One night, Emilia finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief.

Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost—even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Spice level: Medium

16. A Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

This has the slowest of slow burn romances. It takes multiple books to develop and it has spice payoff.

We follow Diem Bellator. She lives in a world colonized by the gods and ruled by the Descended, their cruel offspring. She yearns to escape the insular life of her poor village.

Her mother’s sudden disappearance—and the discovery of a dangerous secret about her past—offer Diem an unexpected opportunity to enter the dark world of Descended royalty and unlock the web of mysteries her mother left behind.

Spice level: Hot

17. When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

When the Moon Hatched is an incredible urban fantasy with dragons. This high fantasy features an angsty romance, fae and an awesome main character.

We follow Raeve, a valued Elding Blade of a rebellion group. Her job is to kill, complete orders and never get caught. But, the crown employs a renowned bounty hunter to capture a member of the Ath. And Raeve’s world is turned upside down.

The romance builds slowly, with moments of tension that eventually give way to passionate encounters.

Spice level: Medium

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

A spicy enemies to lovers romance. This compelling series also features an intriguing mystery and an awesome main character.

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 compelling urban fantasy is ideal for Sarah J Maas fans. Particularly, if you enjoyed Crescent City but want more spice.

Spice level: hot

19. The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole

The Book of Azrael features a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with smut

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.

The characters in this book are incredible. The main characters are excellent with hilarious banter. And I loved the morally grey heroine. But the side characters are also well-developed.

Spice level: hot

20. Fortuna Sworn by K. J. Sutton

If you’re a fan of dark fantasy books and fae, this one’s for you.

Fortuna Sworn is the last of her kind.

Her brother disappeared two years ago, leaving her with no family or species to speak of. She hides among humans, spending her days working at a bar and her nights searching for him. The bleak pattern goes on and on… until she catches the eye of a powerful faerie.

Sutton doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of romance, and Fortuna’s relationships are full of tension and heat. The chemistry between characters feels raw and real, adding another layer to an already intense storyline.

Spice level: hot

21. Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa

This paranormal romance stands out with its unique story about a siren and a fae king. The push-pull dynamic between the two leads is addictively intense.

Thalassa expertly balances sizzling chemistry with dark fantasy themes. What makes Rhapsodic particularly compelling is how the relationship develops over time, growing deeper and more complex with each passing page.

The spice here is significant, but it’s the emotional depth that makes the romance feel authentic.

Spice level: hot

22. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Claire

A modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, A Touch of Darkness is dripping with sensuality.

St. Claire leans into the dark, seductive aspects of their relationship, and the chemistry between the leads is undeniable.

Hades and Persephone’s romance is filled with power struggles, desire, and moments that will make your heart race. This book is a must-read for fans of steamy mythology retellings.

Spice level: hot

23. The Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

 The Zodiac Academy series is fiery in every sense of the word. This fantasy series is not for the faint of heart. With multiple love interests, intense scenes, and plenty of magic, it’s a wild ride from start to finish.

We follow twins at an academy. As twins born in the month of Gemini, they’re the rarest elementals known.

The relationships here are passionate, chaotic, and filled with drama, making The Zodiac Academy a must-read for fans of high-stakes romance and intricate fantasy worlds.

Spice level: fiery

24. What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods

This dark fantasy romance explores themes of love, sacrifice, and survival.

For nearly 400 years, the Veil has protected from the Fae of Alfheimr. All of that changes the day the Veil shatters, unleashing the fae once again. 

The world-building is rich, and the romance is intense, though the spice is more moderate. The emotional weight of the story adds depth to the characters’ relationships, making the romantic moments feel earned and impactful.

Spice level: medium

25. Furyborn by Claire Legrand

With a dual timeline featuring powerful women on opposing sides of a war, Furyborn delivers a complex, character-driven fantasy.

The stunningly original, must-read fantasy follows two fiercely independent young women, centuries apart, who hold the power to save their world…or doom it.

The romance is threaded throughout the plot, adding emotional depth, but it never overshadows the action. The spice level is moderate, with moments of intense connection that enhance the story’s stakes.

Spice level: medium

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