21 of the Best ya Fantasy Romance Books to Read Right Now

Looking for ya fantasy romance books to read? These page-turning books will transport you to another world

I don’t know about you but I’m obsessed with ya fantasy romance book at the moment. There are soooo many incredible fantasy books out there. But sadly I don’t have an unlimited budget and can’t afford every single one.  And I started thinking – what are the best ya fantasy romance books. So I’ve compiled the best ones that I’ve read. Let’s have a look at the best ya fantasy romance books to read.

I’ve included a description, readers ratings and a summary of my personal thoughts (positives and negatives) for each book on this list. If you’d like a quick comparison I’ve also included a comparison chart at the bottom of this post. It includes readers rating, tropes, content warnings and a price estimate.

This post isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list of every single ya fantasy romance book I’ve read. It’s a guide to the absolute best ones to read. This post does contain affiliate links. That said, I won’t ever recommend a book I haven’t read and loved myself. You can rest assured every book has passed my scrutiny.

This post is all about the best ya fantasy romance books

What are some good ya fantasy romance books?

ya fantasy romance series

1. Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

If you love a magical heist, the found family trope and a twisty plot

There is so much to love about Six of Crows – magic found family and super sassy banter. But it also features an excellent enemies to lovers romance between Nina and Matthias.

It six teenagers living in Ketterdam. Kaz Brekker, a criminal prodigy, is one of the teens. He is offered a deadly heist for a huge payout.

But it’s an impossible heist. And Kaz will need all the help he can get to pull it off. So he assembles five other teens to help him.

Six of Crows is like a fantasy version of Oceans Eleven. If you’re a fan of the friendship group in A Court of Mist and Fury you should read this. There was plenty of banter between the friendship group.

Nina and Matthias are both fully developed characters with flaws and plenty of growth. After reading their backstory it’s almost impossible not to root for them. Nina is incredibly feisty and sassy while Matthias is really grumpy.

There is also an angsty, slow-burn romance between Kaz and Inej. There is a definite ‘will they, won’t they’ vibe And Kaz is a dark, brooding figure.

Magic is incorporated throughout and it’s developed very well. I really enjoyed reading about the unique magic system.

The cast is also really diverse which I really appreciated. If you’re after young adult fantasy romance books then you should read this duology. You can get this conveniently on Amazon- you can buy it here.

Good reads rating: 4.47

Amazon

Good Reads

 2. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

If you’re looking for a retelling with a sci-fi twist

The main character Cinder is an android. She had an accident when she was younger. And she now has a cyborg hand and ankle. But the world she lives in shuns androids.

There is also a deadly plague that is affecting the world (sound familiar…heh).

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

The pace was perfect and I couldn’t put this one down. It opens straight away. And you gradually learn more about the world.

This is one of the most unique retellings I’ve ever read. If you’re a fan of retellings like A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Cruel Prince or a Curse so Dark and Lonely – then you need to read this one. It’s one of the best retellings I’ve read.

There were so many intriguing elements at the start that I kept reading to see what would happen. The world-building was really unique. I’m not normally a sci-fi fan. But the sci-fi and dystopian elements work so perfectly. A great choice if you’re looking for Young Adult fantasy romance books.

Good reads rating: 4.13

Amazon

Good Reads

3. Shatter me by Tahereh Mafi

For fans of super powers, dystopian fiction and angsty romance

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 in Shatter me is unlike anything else I’ve ever read. It’s very prose heavy. And consequently, it seems to be a book people either love or hate. I love it.

It’s set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world. But it’s definitely more of a romance. And an ansgty one at that. There was a definite ‘will they, won’t they vibe. Similar to Kaz and Inej for me.

Juliette is an excellent main character. She has been dealt an awful hand in life. And yet she still perseveres and looks for the best in everyone.

The plot behind the series is excellent. And it particularly picks up towards the end. Trust me when I say – you will instantly want to read the next book.

Good reads rating: 3.92

Buy Shatter Me on Amazon

Read the Good Reads

4. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

If you’re looking for a coming of age tale with fae

The Iron King is an incredible Young Adult Fantasy romance with fae, enemies to lovers romance and a strong female lead.

The Iron King follows 16-year-old Meghan Chase. Her father disappeared mysteriously when she was six years old. And ever since, something has been off.

But things start to change drastically. And Meghan will have to learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she truly cares about.

The Iron King is a book that will divide readers. Some will really not like it. But personally, I really enjoyed it. The setting is beautifully described. And Meghan is a great heroine. She’s not perfect but a very realistic 16-year-old.

This book takes many characters from classic literature and myths (such as a Midsommer Night’s Dreame) and retells them in a YA context. It talks about how technology affects the fae. And I thought this was a really interesting take on faerie. The enemies to lovers romance was also excellent. It’s not as slow-burn compared to others on this list. But it’s still a compelling romance.

But if you love YA Fantasy books with fae then you should definitely read this one. Plus if you enjoy books with fae, then I have a whole blog post full of recommendations. You can check my article on books with fae here.

Good reads rating: 3.88

Good Reads

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5. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

If you are into friendship, magic and unforgettable characters

The Raven Boys follows Blue. Each year in the churchyard, Blue watches her psychic mother see those who are going to die that year. Blue never actually sees them herself. Until this year. When she speaks directly to a boy.

He is called Gansey and is a student at Aglionby school. The students there are known locally as Raven Boys.

So many people recommended this book to me. And I’m glad it lived up to the hype! It has a lot of paranormal elements woven into the plot. And that makes it a really autumnal read.

It also has dark academia vibes. It’s set in a local private school. Gansey is also obsessed with researching Welsh mythology. And it even references Latin.

The series features a perfect cursed romance. And the romance touches on a lot of interclass issues. Blue Sargaent has many preconceptions about the rich students who attend Aglionby school.

The characters are what make this book. On the surface, it seems like a quirky loner meeting rich boys. But it’s so much more than that! The characters are all fully developed with fleshed-out (and tragic) backstories. The relationships between them are some of the best I’ve read in YA Fiction.

Good reads rating: 4.04

Good Reads summary

Amazon

6. These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

If you are looking for autumnal reads with witches (set in Salem)

 I was sold on this book as soon as I heard Sapphic witches! It’s a YA Fantasy book about witches featuring a f/f romance and set in Urban Salem. 

These Witches Don’t Burn follows Hannah. She is a witch living in Salem. A dark blood ritual interrupts her end of school bonfire. And she investigates with her ex-girlfriend Veronica. She also meets Morgan. But trying to date in the middle of a supernatural crisis is not easy and will test Hannah’s limits.

This is one of my favourite duologies! I love all the magical, fantastical elements and I really enjoyed the modern setting in Salem. The representation is absolutely fantastic. And the pacing of the plot really kept me hooked.

Good reads rating: 3.76

Buy These Witches Don’t Burn here

Read the Good Reads Summary

7. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

If you’re looking for a wlw fantasy book

I’ve seen Girls of Paper and Fire everywhere online! Firstly, the cover is absolutely stunning and I’m a little bit in love.

It follows Lei. She is a member of the Paper Caste. And the people of Ikhara persecute her.  She sees the royal guards take her mother. Afterwards, Lei suffers with trauma. They return and try to take Lei.

She has to learn skills fitting of a King’s Consort. But she falls in love. An excellent fantasy book. The plot is quite dark but it also features a f/f romance. An easy read that’s perfect if you’re after Young Adult Fantasy romance books.

Good reads rating: 3.82

Buy Girls of Paper and Fire here

Read the Good Reads Description here

ya fantasy romance standalone books

8. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

If you love fantasy books with cottagecore vibes

An Enchantment of Ravens follows Isobel who creates stunning portraits for the dangerous fair folk. One day she creates a portrait of the Autumn Prince. But she makes a deadly mistake. And paints humanity in his eyes.

I loved the imagery in this. And the focus on art and crafts in the book. I instantly really loved Isobel. She’s down to earth, practical and incredibly kind. The world is also incredibly beautifully described with whimsical forest imagery.

If you love the romance in The Cruel Prince – I think you’ll enjoy this one. It has an enemies-to-lovers romance. And I also love how ruthless the fae are.

Good reads rating: 3.65

Amazon

Good Reads

9. The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska

If you’re looking for a curse, witches and a doomed romance

The Dark Tide is a really underrated book. It features a wlw romance, witches and a curse on a town.

It follows Lina. She lives on a small island where the dark tide could cause it to sink. So, every year the Witch Queen lures a boy back to her palace and sacrifices her on the full moon. And so keeps the island city from sinking.

Lina is convinced her brother is going to be taken. She asks Thomas Lin to help. Thomas is the only person to survive the sacrifice. But they draw the Queen’s attention. And instead, Thomas is taken.

Lina offers herself instead of Thomas. But the queen is nothing like Eva expected. And they must choose between saving the island or themselves.

This is such an angsty slow burn romance. Lina and Eva had an amazing grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The setup made this story so tragically romantic. It’s also beautifully written with atmospheric worldbuilding that gave it a dark tone.

Good reads rating: 3.51

Good Reads

Amazon

10. Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

If you’re looking for a Sapphic cinderella retelling with a dystopian twist

A Cinderella retelling with a sapphic romance.  This is another twist on the classic story that features BIPOC characters and a wlw romance.

The premise is that teen girls are now required to appear at an annual ball where men select wives. But Sophia wants to marry her childhood best friend Erin. And isn’t a fan of the whole parade in front of suitors thing.

She decides to flee and decided to take down the king once and for all.

The premise in this book is so unique. And I loved the dystopian twist on the classic Cinderella story. The romance is also adorable. It is a bit insta-lovey but it’s developed so well that I was really engaged.

The plot really kept me hooked. And I really enjoyed the concept of women overthrowing a dystopian patriarchy. There is also much cottagey and woodland imagery. And I think this is something Kalynn Bayron writes exceptionally well. And it made me want to live in the forest.

If you’re looking for LGBTQ+ books or fantasy romance books – then I highly recommend Cinderella is Dead.

Good reads rating: 3.74

Good reads Summary

Buy Cinderella is Dead

11. Bright and Pale by Jessica Rubinowski

If you’re looking for a fantasy book with winter vibes

Bright and Pale is really underrated. It’s a fantasy book that features a thieves guild, a mission and a beautiful winter setting.

It follows 17-year-old Valeria. As a child, she lived near this magical mountain. One day, it unleashed a big freeze that trapped her family. Valeria is one of few survivors.

So she flees and joins the thieves guild. And she does odd jobs to get by with her best friend Alik. Until he is brutally murdered.

Or so she thinks. A year later, he turns up alive. And she is forced to lead a group on a dangerous quest back to the mountain in exchange for Alik.

The world-building was truly enchanting. It’s heavily inspired by Russian folklore. But the winter setting added another layer to it. The two gods concept was intriguing but also quite creepy.

Valeria felt like a typical YA Heroine. And she had many similarities with Feyre – a troubled past and is just trying to survive. Alik was instantly very likeable. The long lost childhood friend romance worked very well. A great choice if you’re searching for books similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses. You also pick this up conveniently on Amazon –check it out here.

Good reads rating: 3.49

Good Reads

Amazon

12. Lore by Alexandra Bracken

For Fans of Percy Jackon or Greek Mythology

Greek Mythology meets The Hunger Games.  Lore is a standalone urban fantasy book with greek mythology woven into the plot.

Every seven years Greek Gods are hunted by descendants of ancient bloodlines. If the hunters succeed they seize their immortality. It follows Lore Perseus who has turned her back on this world.  But as the next hunt dawns, two participants seek out her help.

The plot of Lore is quite complex but it’s executed perfectly.  Bracken did a great job of building the concept. I was intrigued and hooked from the first chapter.

It has a really great revenge storyline. So if you liked the revenge elements in Six of Crows then this is a great book to read.

Good reads rating: 3.84

Buy on Amazon

Good Reads

13. This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

If  you’re looking for cottagecore sapphics, family secrets and magic

This Poison Heart follows Briseis. She has a magic gift where she can magic tiny seeds grow into rich blooms with a single touch.

Her aunt dies and wills her a dilapidated estate in rural New York. And it’s there she must uncover her family’s heritage and secrets.

Again, mythology was woven seamlessly into the plot of this book. It opens in an urban setting before the characters move to a small town. And the cottagecore imagery is beautiful. I love the plant references.

It opens with several mysteries and they keep you intrigued until the end of the book.

Good reads rating: 4.20

Buy This Poison Heart on Amazon

Good reads

14. Malice by Heather Walter

If you’re looking for a dystopian re-telling with an anti-villain protagonist

Malice is one of the best books I’ve read this year. I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. And if you’re a fan of re-tellings, dystopian books or books with fae then you need to read this book!

Malice is a Maleficent retelling. 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.

The book follows Alyce – the dark grace. She was left abandoned in Briar from a dark kingdom. The dark magic that runs in her veins abhors residents in Briar.

Except for Princess Aurora who accepts her. And she encourages Alyce to accept herself.

This book is almost a cross between Wicked and The Hunger Games. But with fae. The world building is darkly magical. And the residents of Briar reminded me of the residents of the Capitol. It critiques greed and consumerism quite a lot throughout the book. Alyce’s character was also really well developed. And she gets a lot of growth throughout the novel.

Good reads rating: 4.06

Buy Malice on Amazon

Good Reads

ya fantasy romance books with strong female leads

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

If you like retellings, the found family trope and enemies to lovers romance

This series has one of the best enemies to lovers romances. If you love the friendship group in Six of Crows then you should read this series. The found family trope is executed particularly well in this series.

A Court of Thorns and Roses is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. It follows Feyre. She is really 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.

It is a bit slow. Sarah J Maas does dump a lot of information about the fantasy world on you. But stay with it – I promise you it gets so much better. The second book is definitely the best in the series where many of my favourite characters are introduced. And conveniently you can buy it on Book Depository with free shipping worldwide – get a Court of Thorns and Roses here.

Good reads rating: 4.18

Good Reads

Book Depository

 16. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

If you’re looking for a fantasy book with a strong female lead and lots of twists

The Folk of Air series (The Cruel Prince, Wicked King and Queen of Nothing) has a captivating enemies to lovers romance. Many book lovers list this as their favourite bookish romance. It’s a slow burn romance with a dark, brooding male fae.

The Cruel Prince follows Jude who is a human. As a child, she gets kidnapped with her two sisters and is taken to live with the fae in the woods.  She grows up wanting to be like the wicked fae she lives with.

This series is incredible and there is so much to love. Jude is an incredibly strong female lead and an absolute badass. The court intrigue is executed perfectly.

If you like ACOTAR ( A Court of Thorns and roses) you’ll probably love A Cruel Prince. The Cruel Prince has many similarities to A Court of Thorns and Roses such as fae, a strong female lead and an enemies to lovers romance.

Good reads rating: 4.09

Good Reads

Amazon

17. A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

If you’re looking for a YA Fantasy enemies to lovers books with disability representation

If you’re looking for books with bad-ass, disabled characters then you should read a curse so Dark and Lonely. It includes an adorable enemies-to-lovers romance with a badass main character and a cursed prince.

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

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

Harper has cerebral palsy. And she struggles to look after her dying mother. She tries to save a stranger and is pulled into the world of Emberfall.

A Curse so Dark and Lonely is an excellent retelling. It puts a modern spin on the original fairytale. Despite Harper’s disability – she’s not a character in need of sympathy. She’s the perfect fantasy heroine – strong and with a good head on her shoulders. But also flawed enough to feel realistic.

This is the perfect slow burn romance. It takes Harper time to trust Prince Rhen. Rhen has enough inner conflicts to make him a fully developed character. And not just a love interest for Harper.

Good reads rating: 4.06

Good Reads

Buy A Curse So Dark and Lonely on Amazon

 18. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

If you’re a fan of Crescent City

If you’re a fan of Crescent City you definitely need to read a Dark and Hollow Star.  This is one of my top books in 2021! A Dark and Hollow Star is an urban fantasy, with fae, queer main characters and a wlw romance.

A series of gruesome murders threatens to expose the faerie world to humans.  Four queer teens – Nausicaä, Arlo, Vehan, and Aurelian – each hold a piece of the truth. And they must track down the mysterious killer.

There are not one but two romances in this book. And the characters are what make them so perfect. I personally love Arlo and Nausicaä. Nausicaä is a grumpy, chaotic and sarcastic lesbian. Arlo and Nausicaä have a perfect grumpy/sunshine slow-burn vibe.

The other pairing is Vehan and Aurelian. Vehan is the perfect cinnamon roll character ( a character who is super sweet but faces more hardship than they deserve). He is Prince of Seelie court and just wants to protect others. Aurelian is his incredibly grumpy and stoic protector

I listened to the audiobook version which you can find on audible. It features a full cast of narrators which made it really engrossing. The voices of Vehan and Nausicaä are so spot on! And you can listen to it on Audible with a free trial. Or you can buy a physical copy on Amazon – you can buy it here.

Good reads rating: 3.83

Buy A Dark and Hollow Star on Amazon

Good Reads

19. We set the dark on fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

If you’re looking for Latinx representation

This book features one of the best wlw enemies to lovers romances that I’ve read!

We Set The Dark On Fire follows  Daniela Vargas. She lives in a dystopian world where each man is entitled to 2 wives. A Primera and a Segunda. The Primera is intelligent, calm and analytical. The Segunda is the mother figure.

Outside the wall, the people go hungry. Dani started life outside of the wall. And she must use her wits to survive illegally in the capital. She is also married to one of the most powerful men in the kingdom.

The premise was intriguing. And the main character was instantly likeable. She also grows a lot through the book. But the romance is what makes this so perfect. Two badass women who are married to a Straight man but fall in love with each other.

The world-building is also excellent. And the book has such dark academia vibes. It opens in a prep school for girls. But it discusses so many important issues such as immigration politics and forced marriage.

 We set the Dark on Fire features an intriguing dystopian premise and a likeable, strong-minded main character. This YA  LGBTQ+ Dystopian book explores immigration politics, toxic masculinity and feminism.

Good reads rating: 3.76

Read the Good Reads Summary

Buy We Set the Dark On Fire on Amazon

20. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

If you want to feel super emotional…

An Ember in the Ashes features an incredible slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance with an amazingly strong heroine.

An Ember in the Ashes opens with Laia. She has found an illegal sketchbook belonging to her brother.  The empire comes and takes away her brother. So she must locate the resistance and go on a perilous mission to save him.

Laia is insanely likeable. She is strong, loving and compassionate. If you love a book with a strong female lead then you should definitely read this one. She’s undeniably strong but in a different way to most ya heroines.

The opening makes you really emotionally invested. Laia goes to extraordinary lengths and becomes a slave in order to save her brother.

The book opens with a punch and it’s fast-paced throughout. The dystopian elements are so well developed. Ancient Rome inspires stark, brutal world-building. The enemies are truly evil. The plot is really compelling. The book opens with a punch and it’s fast-paced throughout. There is so much at stake that it leaves you on the edge of your seat.

The relationships are characters are so complex but also very well developed. This book will make you feel so many emotions. It made me so angry!

Good reads rating: 4.25

Good Reads

Amazon

 21. Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

If you’re looking for a long series with fae, assassins and enemies-to-lovers romance.

Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien who is imprisoned in a horrific prison called Endovier. She is an assassin. And one day she is summoned by the Prince to fight in a competition. The winner will become the king’s personal assassin.

I love Celaena. Some reviews describe her as arrogant. But I find her confidence refreshing. It’s really nice to read a female lead who knows how incredible she is.

The other characters in the series are also amazing. I particularly love Nehemia as she’s so intelligent.

It opens with a punch and hooks you in instantly. The concept of an assassin competition is excellent. Reading about the different rounds kept me hooked.

But there is also a long term plot that develops slowly throughout the course of the series. If you haven’t read this series – I highly recommend it. There are 16 books in the series – so plenty to get stuck into it. And you can pick them up from Amazon – check it out here.

Good reads rating: 4.18

Amazon

Good Read

Those were my picks for ya fantasy romance Books

There are so many incredible ya fantasy romance books. And this guide really is just the tip of the iceberg.

Whether you were looking for fae books with morally grey love interests or books with sapphic witches – I hope you found a new book to pick up.

What are your favourite ya fantasy romance books?

This post was all about ya fantasy romance books

Other posts you might like

The best books with fae

Some books like Six of Crows

20 books similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses

The best books like The Cruel Prince

This best books with elves

The best books with witches

The best fantasy audiobooks

Insanely thrilling ya fantasy standalones

The best fantasy books for beginners

Must-read ya fantasy retellings

Get the printable reading journal here

Comparison table and where to buy the books: