35 Spellbinding Fantasy Romance Books Every Fantasy Lover Must Read

Fans of fantasy romance books and those curious about this category will want to check out this book list!

If you love books about magic, fairies, mythical creatures, and fantastical elements, discover my favorite fantasy romance books and the most popular titles in this genre so you won’t have to search anywhere else to find your next fantasy read.

If you’re looking for even more fantasy romance books, don’t miss these book lists as well:

• Top 10 Romantasy Books of All Time
• Best Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books
• Best Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books
• Best Dark Fantasy Romance Books

*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Best Fantasy Romance Books

If you’re looking for a wonderful fantasy romance book to read then these next books are for you.

These are my favorite books in this category and those that I consider the best fantasy romance books worth reading.

From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Poppy’s life has never been her own. As the Maiden, the future of the kingdom rests on her shoulders, and she is to remain untouched, in solitary, until the day of her Ascension.

But when Hawke takes up the post as her Royal Guard, she begins to question her duty and the desire that he has awoken.

As tensions among the Desenters rise and strikes on the kingdom increase, Poppy is at risk of failing the gods, denying her destiny and possibly losing her life or her heart.

I wholeheartedly agree that this book was worthy of the title Best Romance Book according to the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards!

It has everything going for it – great writing, a story that completely sucks you in, characters you fall for and an amazing slow burn romance.

Poppy is such a strong heroine and I found her life path as the Maiden to be fascinating but I especially loved her connection with Hawke.

After finishing this book, I had to immediately start the next book in the series which is equally as good if not better.

This is a fantasy romance book and entire series not to be missed! Check out my ultimate guide to the entire From Blood and Ash series!

Check out my book review of From Blood and Ash.

A Promise of Fire
by Amanda Bouchet

Cat Fisa has been living in disguise as a soothsayer in a traveling circus until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south, recognizes her magic and takes her.

Griffin knows Cat is the Kingmaker, the woman who divines the truth through lies. He wants to use her powers for his newly conquered realm-until he realizes he wants her for much more than her magic.

I absolutely devoured this book and didn’t want to put it down. The back-and-forth banter between Cat and Griffin was off the charts as she fought her feelings for him, but he was the most patient alpha male. I loved it.

Her growing friendship with Griffin’s team who sought to protect her at every turn also made this a fantastic read.

I also loved the Greek gods aspect of the story making it a unique fantasy romance book.

You can easily read this as a standalone or continue with the entire series. Check out my book review of A Promise of Fire.

The Bird and the Sword
by Amy Harmon

The day my mother left me, she told me to swallow my words, to push them down deep, and I haven’t spoken a word since.

I’m no longer just a prisoner to my mother’s curse but I’m still invisible to those around me.

The Gifted are hunted in our lands and so I keep my words close. But there is one who hears my words and demands my devotion, my duty and perhaps my love.

This book was one of the first to make me fall in love with fantasy romance!

Harmon is such a talented writer and she pens an unforgettable world and beautiful prose in this fantasy romance filled with healers, seers, spinners, and changers.

It’s also a perfect slow burn love story within a majestic, medieval world. I wanted to be a fly on the castle wall as Lark and Tiras grew to be more than captive and captor. I was enthralled and couldn’t stop reading.

The best part is that this is a standalone fantasy romance book so you’re not left on a cliffhanger. It’s a must-read! Check out my book review of The Bird and the Sword.

Radiance
by Grace Draven

Brishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has been the heir to spare in his Kai kingdom, which is why his only worth is to wed a human to secure a political alliance between kingdoms.

Ildiko is the niece to the Gauri king and has resigned herself to her fate of marrying the young Kai prince.

Both Brishen and Ildiko see the other just as ugly in appearance as they expected on their wedding day and yet through a new-found friendship, they come to find each other more beautiful than either could imagine.

I was blown away by the premise of this fantasy romance book that hooked me from the first meeting between Brishen and Ildiko.

These two unique characters, from different kingdoms that look beyond appearance and find true love within, are what really make this story stand apart from all others.

Though there is not a lot of “magic” to the story, I found this book to be a wonderful, marriage of convenience story that was the perfect slow burn romance.

Check out my book review of Radiance.

Dragon Bound
by Thea Harrison

Half-human and half-Wyr, Pia Giovanni realizes that her days are numbered once she’s blackmailed into stealing from a dragon – the most powerful of the Elder Races.

She’s always kept a low profile to protect her true identity but when Dragos spares her for her crime, her life as she knows it changes forever. As does her heart for the dragon who claims her for his own.

I loved this fantasy romance that is a standalone story but also launches a series to give the supporting characters their own stories.

Pia is a fierce heroine who doesn’t cower from the famed Dragos who is one HOT alpha. The moments when you see him adapt and learn to compromise were my most favorite of the story.

Their connection had all the sparks and then some! I definitely recommend this if you’re a fan of fantasy romance books and dragons!

Check out my book review of Dragon Bound.

Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon

Claire Randall is a former combat nurse just back from the war who travels to Scotland with her husband on a second honeymoon.

There she walks through a standing stone circle sending her back in time to 1743 and a Scotland torn by war.

Although she’s desperate to return to her husband and her own time, it’s a young Highland warrior that forces her to choose between two different men and two different times.

I consider Outlander to be one of the best romance books of all-time because it’s a sweeping, fantastical story about Claire falling back in time and falling in love with another man.

I loved the magical elements of the stone circle and time travel, but this time travel romance book has so much more.

It’s rich in history, suspense and adventure, but it is the hard-fought, slow burn romance between Jamie and Claire that makes this book outstanding.

Once you read this fantasy romance book, trust me when you say that you’ll want to read the entire Outlander series. Plus, you can also check out the TV series on Starz which is phenomenal!

Beyond the Highland Mist
by Karen Marie Moning

Hawk, Laird of Dalkeith, is fierce warrior but no woman has ever stirred his heart until the day Adrienne de Simone tumbled out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland.

Adrienne can’t believe that she’s stuck captive in the sixteenth century and now married to a rogue laird.

She’s determined to keep Hawke at a distant but the man wants Adrienne and he’s up to the challenge at making the outspoken and irresistible woman his to keep.

This is another fantasy romance book with a time travel element set in Scotland.

I fully admit to having a thing for romance books featuring Scotsman, but I loved the idea of a modern, man-hating woman being thrown back into medieval times and into an instant marriage.

I loved how the fairies are playing these two people behind the scenes and yet the joke is on them when the sparks actually fly between Hawk and Adrienne.

Fans of historical romance and fantasy romance books will love this pick.

The Revelation of Light and Dark
by Sawyer Bennett

From a young age, she always knew she was different. Hallucinations and visions plagued her young mind but were then locked away until she learned her whole existence has been a lie.

Now she’s faced with a new world beyond comprehension with only the gorgeously handsome Carrick Byrne to teach me about my unique gifts. She doesn’t trust him, but there’s no one else to help her.

I started reading this fantasy romance book because I’m a fan of Sawyer Bennett’s books and it did not disappoint.

Bennett slowly unlocks a magical world that has been hidden to humans for millennia in this first book of the series.

Instead of a historical world setting, this fantasy is set in a contemporary world with humans, fae, daemon, and magic, and one mysterious alpha male.

Since this is the first in a five-book series, it lays a great foundation to the world that actually exists, a mystery to be solved and trouble to come.

Sparks are definitely there between Carrick and Finley but you’ll have to continue with the rest of the series to get to the heart of their romance.

Fans of urban fantasy romance or contemporary fantasy romance books will enjoy this read. Check out my book review of The Revelation of Light and Dark.

The Awakening
by Nora Roberts

Breen Kelly has always just tried to keep her head above water – working a job she hates to pay the bills and her mountain of debt. But when she discovers a secret investment account in her name, it changes everything.

Now she’s off to Ireland to find her father, but there she discovers a gateway to a world of magic and awakens to a past long forgotten and a duty she’s destined to fulfill.

Nora Roberts is famous for her fantasy romance books for a reason. She’s such a talented writer who creates intriguing new worlds and characters who bring these worlds, their powers and their conflicts to life.

If you love fantasy romance books that sink deep into world-building then this is a perfect read for you.

At over 430 pages, Roberts uses this first novel in the series to really build a back story for Breen and to expose the reader to a new, magical world that exists beyond the human realm.

I adored the diverse cast of characters in this novel and the beautiful setting in Ireland. Check out my book review of The Awakening.

Charmed
by Nora Roberts

Anastasia Donovan has a special gift of healing, just like her cousins, though she keeps it hidden, especially from her new neighbor, Boone Sawyer.

Boone may be a single dad but that doesn’t keep him from looking at his new neighbor who looks like the fairy princesses he writes about.

But when an accident puts a life at stake, Anastasia must use her powers even though it could cost her Boone’s growing love, or even her life.  

This is another contemporary fantasy romance book from Roberts but this one focuses on a family of cousins who are witches.

Boone is one of those single dad characters you can’t help but love along with his sweet daughter.

I especially enjoyed the close-knit family of the Donovan cousins but this can easily be read as a standalone.

This fantasy romance book is less about a fantastical world and the battle between good and evil and more about a woman’s magical power to heal and her fear that it will prevent another from believing her, loving her and accepting her.

A wonderful, sweet fantasy romance worth reading.

Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history.

Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, the end of your life is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would take out Violet to better their own chances of success.

The rest would end her just for being her mother’s daughter―like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the battle outside grows more dangerous, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the ledger of those lost continues to rise.

Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Fourth Wing reaffirmed my love of fantasy romance it’s just that good. I know I’m not the only one who loved this enemies to lovers fantasy romance because it has been at the top of the bestseller lists for most of 2023.

It’s the perfect blend of fascinating world-building full of dragons, intrigue, and the idea of how history can easily be rewritten by a few. I’m just so surprised that this is Yarro’s first time writing fantasy!

Don’t miss it and the entire Fourth Wing series if you love epic fantasy romance book series. You won’t be disappointed.

Check out my book review of Fourth Wing.

Divine Rivals
by Rebecca Ross

After centuries of sleep, the gods are battling again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow just wants to hold her family together.

Her mother is suffering from addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

To combat her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath her wardrobe door, where they vanish—into the hands of Roman Kitt, her cold and handsome rival at the paper.

When he anonymously writes Iris back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind, and love.

Divine Rivals is a fantasy romance that just took my breath away. I loved how Ross utilized the academic rivals to lovers trope where two rivals at the paper compete for a position and yet slowly fall for one another.

I felt like I was transported back to the 1940s in this novel which had a great blend of mystery, mythology, and young love! It made me a Rebecca Ross fan for life. Read it and the entire two-book Divine Rivals series.

Check out my book review of Divine Rivals.

Neon Gods
by Katee Robert

Society darling Persephone Dimitriou plans to flee the ultra-modern city of Olympus and start over, but her plans are ripped away when her mother ambushes her with an engagement to Zeus.

With no options left, Persephone flees to the forbidden undercity and makes a devil’s bargain with a man she once believed a myth.

Hades has spent his life in the shadows, planning his revenge against Zeus.

When Persephone drops into his lap and offers an opportunity to grab his revenge, he takes it.

Only the more days and nights he spends with Persephone, the more he’s willing to go to war with Olympus itself to keep her his.

Fantasy romance readers have this obsession with Hades and Persephone retellings (and so do I!) and Katee Robert kicks off the fantastic Neon Gods series with this must-read fantasy.

I loved Persephone’s strength and boldness which made her the perfect match to Hades. I love Greek mythology and this book totally ticked all the boxes while also giving Olympus a slightly contemporary feel.

Trust me when I say you’re going to want to read this fantasy romance and then move on to book two, Electric Idol which was equally fantastic!

The Dark King
by Gina Maxwell

For Bryn Meara, a free trip to the exclusive and ultra-luxe Nightfall hotel and casino in Vegas should’ve been the perfect way to escape the debris of her crumbling career.

But waking up from a martini-and-lust-fueled night to find herself married to Caiden Verran, the reclusive billionaire who owns the hotel and most of the city, isn’t the jackpot one would think.

It seems her dark, hot new husband is actual royalty—the fae king of the Night Court—and there’s an entire world beneath the veil of Vegas.

Whether light or shadow, the fae are a far cry from fairy tales, and now they’ve made Bryn a pawn in their dark games for power.

She should run. But every night of passion pulls Bryn deeper into his strange and sinister world, until she’s no longer certain she wants to leave…even if she could.

I honestly picked up The Dark King once I heard it described as Neon Gods meets Fifty Shades of Grey because I loved the mix of erotic and fantasy. 

I think it’s a great first book in a new series you shouldn’t pass up if you like your fantasy romance books with a contemporary feel, especially those with alpha males who love a taste of BDSM.

A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah Maas

When Feyre takes the life of a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it.

To keep her family safe, she travels to a magical land with her captor who is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries.

With time on his estate, Feyre’s feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion, but now it’s up to her to stop a curse that threatens both Tamlin and his world.

Sarah J. Maas’ books have established her as one of the queens of fantasy romance and this is just one of her popular fantasy romance book series to check out.

I always love a good, enemies to lovers romance story and it didn’t disappoint. I especially loved the last few chapters when Feyre’s strength really shines through.

Plus, this book series is being adapted into the A Court of Thorns and Roses TV series on Hulu with Maas as one of the writers of the script.

Be sure to read it then check out the entire A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Broken Bonds
by J. Bree

After the loss of my mother and her Bonded, I was relieved to find my own Bonds. I was sure everything would be okay if I had them. It wasn’t.

The fate of our people is in my hands and I know we’re better off if I’m alone. After five years on the run, I’m caught and dragged back to face the men I ran away from.

I thought I was doing the right thing. Now, I’m not so sure. North, Nox, Gryphon, Atlas, and Gabe may never forgive me but one thing is for sure. I won’t ever forgive myself.

This fantasy romance is widely popular on Goodreads with fans who love reverse harem books and the Zodiac Academy series.

Even if that’s not your thing, I recommend giving it a try because there really is no steaminess in this book, just a really good setup to Oli and the history of why she left her Bonds and why they are less than happy with her.

I love this idea that you are bonded to not one but several people and cannot wait to see what happens next. It definitely ends on a cliffhanger but you’ll be eager to grab book two in the six-book series.

Don’t worry though because this is one of my favorite fantasy romance books available on Kindle Unlimited.

Pestilence
by Laura Thalassa

They came to earth, the four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world.

When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, she’s determined to be the one to end him. Too bad no one told her Pestilence lives forever.

Now the horseman has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her and hers towards him.

And now, Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she’ll have to sacrifice her heart in the process.

I don’t think anyone expects to get kidnapped by one of the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse, let alone fall in love with him, but that’s exactly what happens to Sara.

While I loved the unique fantasy romance, I really enjoyed their conversations and how they explored their completely different takes on the world and humankind.

If you like fantasy books that give a nod to the apocalypse and utilize a bit of forced proximity then you’ll love this book.

Popular Fantasy Romance Books

If you’re looking to read even more fantasy romance books, then you may want to check out these books which are some of the most popular in the category.

The First Girl Child
by Amy Harmon

Bayr of Saylok is the bastard son of a powerful chieftain who is haunted by his mother’s curse that from that day forward there will be no daughters in Saylok.

When the first girl child is born in nearly two decades, Bayr seeks to protect her with his inhuman strength.

What Bayr and Alba don’t know is that they each threaten the king. With their connection growing deeper, they soon realize the only way to defend their land is to break the curse and defeat the king.

I won’t lie, if Amy Harmon is writing it then I want to read it!

This fantasy romance book also has a curse that needs to be broken, as in The Bird and the Sword, but I’m anxious to see how the protection angle plays out in Bayr and Alba’s relationship.

The Winter King
by C.L. Wilson

After three years of battle, Wynter Atrialan is eager to take his vengeance on Summerlea’s king by marrying one of his daughters.

Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, is forced to marry Wintercraig’s king as a punishment from her father, but she sees it as her first opportunity for freedom and for love.

This sounds like a great arranged marriage love story with a bit of an enemies to lovers twist!

I always enjoy a romance where the alpha male is totally taken by surprise by his feelings for a woman that he thought he would hate or despise.

This will be my first fantasy romance book by Wilson and I look forward to diving in.

The Bridge Kingdom
by Danielle L. Jensen

Lara is a warrior princess who’s driven to bring her kingdom’s enemy – King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom – to his knees. 

The Bridge Kingdom enriches itself at the expense of other kingdoms since it controls the only route through the world but Lara intends to change this with her upcoming nuptials to the King.

But as she gains a deeper understanding of the war to possess the bridge, Lara begins to question her task as well as her original feelings toward Aren.  

Now Lara must choose which kingdom she’ll save, and which kingdom she’ll destroy.

I have a weakness for romance books with strong heroines and Lara looks to be just that. I want to see what this warrior princess can do!

This sounds like another marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers fantasy romance worth reading.

Bound to the Battle God
by Ruby Dixon

Faith never dreamed that she’d find herself falling into a portal, catapulting her into a strange new world when she went to investigate the strange sounds from the apartment next door.

Now she’s stuck with Aron, Lord of Storms, Butcher God of Battle, with the task of guiding him through the land of Aos. 

Only she of course knows nothing about this world or how to guide the arrogant god through his exile.

Bonded together they have one goal in mind, to get home, but even the bickering and the enemies they face are nothing compared to the danger to their hearts.

While the cover to this fantasy romance could use an update, I cannot wait to read this fantasy romance book because it sounds so unique.

A sassy heroine and an arrogant God? I can only imagine the great banter between these two so sign me up!

Ruby Dixon may be best known for her popular alien romance, Ice Planet Barbarians, but this is a fantasy not to miss.

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Rhapsodic
by Laura Thalassa

Callypso Lillis is a siren who’s been collecting IOUs for favors rendered for years. The night the fae king appears in her room, she knows the time has come for repayment.

For the Bargainer, he’s appeared to Callypso to call in her debts to help save his people who are mysteriously disappearing. So what if in claiming his due they may possibly rekindle an old romance too.

Only an evil has been awoken and the Bargainer’s foe has a taste for exotic creatures, and Callie just happens to be one.

I’m always looking for something new and different and I’m intrigued by the storyline to this dark fantasy romance book.

Who is this siren? Why has she needed so many favors in the first place, and what is her history with the fae king?

I have so many questions that need answers so it’s on my to read list! Read it and then continue with the entire The Bargainer series.

A Heart of Blood and Ashes
by Milla Vane

The tenuous alliance between the barbarian riders of Parsathe and the walled kingdoms of the south is shook when the barbarian king and queen are slain.

Maddek vows to avenge his parents by making the king’s daughter, who lured his parents to their demise, pay.

Yet the woman Maddek captures is not what he expected. Yvenne may be small and weak but she proposes a marriage with Maddek to unite their goals which is to bring vengeance against her father.

I cannot wait to read this book! I’m so curious to see the dynamic between Maddek and Yvenne, especially since she’s a heroine that takes him completely by surprise.

This fantasy romance book is at the top of my list!

Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books

Many popular fantasy romance books fit in the young adult category with the main characters being teenagers.

If you’re a fan of young adult books, you’ll want to check out some of these popular young adult fantasy romance books.

The Selection
by Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape a rigid caste system, 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, and competing for a crown she doesn’t want.

Then America meets Prince Maxon—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

With over a million ratings on Goodreads there’s no question that this book is one of the most popular young adult fantasy romance books.

If you mash up The Bachelor with The Hunger Games-like dystopia and a bunch of teens then you’ve got The Selection and an intriguing love triangle story.

For a fantasy romance set in a futuristic world divided by a caste system, this is a must-read before binge-reading the entire The Selection series!

Related: The Selection Movie: The Ultimate Guide

Throne of Glass
by Sarah J. Maas

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince.

Prince Dorian offers her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king’s council.

If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life.

Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her… but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants meets their end quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the culprit is before she becomes a victim?

As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

I love books with strong heroines and I know that I’m not the only one because even though this book debuted in 2012, readers still can’t get enough of it.

If you love strong heroines (hello, she’s a trained assassin!) and the thrill of Celaena competing in contests to earn her place as the King’s Champion and hopefully her freedom, then definitely add this to your TBR list and join the masses who love this fantasy romance.

Related: Throne of Glass Series Order: The Complete Guide

The Serpent and the Wings of Night
by Carissa Broadbent

The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world not meant for her kind.

Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.

But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival.

Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an enemy to her father’s crown… and her greatest competition.

Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him.

But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. Battle for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home.

And Raihn may understand her more than anyone – but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more dangerous than love.

This is another young adult fantasy romance book that features an unassuming, underrated heroine, and a competition that pits her against those trained to end her!

Mix in some vampires and it will delight paranormal romance fans as well.

Related: Best Vampire Romance Books

City of Bones
by Cassandra Clare

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray witnesses a crime committed by three teenagers outside a club in New York City and then to watch the body disappear, she doesn’t know what to think or what to do.

What she has done is meet the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons.

While she’d like to put the encounter behind her, she’s thrust into needing the help of Jace, a Shadowhunter who’s also a jerk, after her mother mysteriously disappears and after Clary is attacked by a demon.

This fantasy romance book looks like it might be a bit darker than any of my previous reads but I’m intrigued by the Shadowhunters.

I also want to see what the chemistry is like between Clary and Jace who sounds like he will be a great reluctant hero to fall for.

The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black

Despite being stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie when she was seven years old, Jude wants to be one of them.

But as a human, she is despised by many of the fae, including Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, Jude becomes mixed in royal intrigues and deceptions, ultimately needing to forge an alliance with the Prince to save herself, her family and possibly the kingdom.

This is quite a popular book and series for fans of young adult fantasy romance. While I liked Jude and her strength of character, you have to be a fan of bully romance to like this book.

If you’re a fan of drama, suspense, and intrigue that is light on romance, then check out this fantasy romance book and then the entire The Cruel Prince series.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely
by Brigid Kemmerer

Prince Rhen, the heir of Emberfall, has been turned into a beast and cursed by an enchantress to repeat his eighteenth year until a girl falls in love with him.

All hope of breaking the curse is lost until he meets Harper.

Harper knows what it’s like to struggle having cerebral palsy, but she doesn’t let that stop her.

When she tries to save a stranger on the streets of Washington, DC, she’s pulled into a magical world with a prince, monsters, a curse and the people’s of Emberfall’s lives at stake.

I’m all for checking out this Beauty and the Beast retelling. I love how it has a diverse heroine which we need more of in romance!

This is also book one of a three-book series so here’s hoping it’s a good one so I’ll want to continue with rest of the books!

The Affiliate
by K.A. Linde

On the day of her Presenting, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm’s lifelong plans come to fruition when she’s chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland—an Affiliate to the Queen.

But when Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Cyrene is drawn into a world of political intrigue and magic where she’s drawn to the one man she can never have – King Edric.

This fantasy romance book also seems high on suspense and intrigue with a bit of forbidden attraction thrown in.

This is book one of a five-book series so there is more to love after this one.

Graceling
by Kristin Cashore

Katsa has been able to end a man with her bare hands since she was eight because she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill.

Because of this skill, Katsa is forced to do her uncle, the king’s bidding as his thug.

As she comes to learn the truth about her Grace, she unlocks a terrible secret while also falling in love with the prince.

How do authors come up with these ideas? I’m so curious to see how Katsa manages her Grace along with the way she’s forced to use it.

I’m not sure how the romance will come into play but that will make it all the sweeter.

Serpent & Dove
by Shelby Mahurin

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal.

There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

As a huntsman of the Church, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. But when Lou pulls a wicked stunt, the two are forced into an impossible situation—marriage.

Lou, unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, must make a choice. And love makes fools of us all.

Fans of witch romance books will surely love this popular young adult fantasy romance. A 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards nominee, Shelby Mahurin’s debut novel is a dazzling mix of magic, witchcraft, and forbidden love.

This marriage of convenience story is book one of the Serpent & Dove trilogy which has continued to be popular among fantasy romance readers.

Fantasy Romance Books Made into Movies

I not only love a good romance book but I love a good romance movie. But when a romance book is made into a movie- even better!

I absolutely loved the movie version of these fantasy romance books and can’t wait to check out the books themselves.

If you too are a fan of books to movies, check out these fantasy romance books that have been made into movies and then discover the best fantasy romance movies of all time.

The Time Traveler’s Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger

Clare meets her future husband when she is six and Henry is thirty-six and yet the two marry when she is twenty-three and Henry is thirty-one.

Henry is one of the first people diagnosed with Chrono-Displacement Disorder which causes his genetic clock to reset and misplace him in time.

Clare and Henry attempt a normal life and marriage, all the while battling the effects of time travel that they cannot control.

I loved this movie so I can only imagine that I’ll love the book more. The idea of managing a love that is constantly disrupted by time travel is so incredibly unique.

Not only can you see this book come to life on the big screen, but HBO adapted the book for a TV series in 2022.

The Princess Bride
by William Goldman

This is the fantastical tale of the true love found between Buttercup and Westley. What was once lost may be found again despite beasties, captures, death and lies if one believes in miracles. 

This fantasy romance book is a classic full of adventure and true love as they say.

This movie is such a classic as well but I’ve always wanted to read the book!

Stardust
by Neil Gaiman

In the tiny town of Wall, Tristran Thorn would do anything to win the heart of the beautiful Victoria Forester. For the coveted prize of her hand, Tristran vows to retrieve a fallen star and deliver it to his beloved.

It is an oath that sends him over the ancient wall and into a world of faerie that is dangerous and strange beyond imagining.

I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t realize, when I say this movie, that it was adapted from a book. This is the type of romance movie I love, but I’ve heard equally amazing things about the book.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fantasy Romance Books

What is Fantasy Romance?

Fantasy romance books are those with a storyline that includes magic, fairies or other magical creatures or some sort of supernatural phenomena like time travel all taking place in a magical, fictional world.  

As part of the romance book genre, fantasy romance books not only include this supernatural, magical element, but they are also stories that include a love story with a happy ending.

Authors in this category who do it best craft stories full of the most creative worlds, enchanting characters and captivating storylines with a romance that will sweep you off your feet.

There’s nothing better!

Of course, this description of fantasy romance books still leaves room for a lot of variety in this category of books.

In it you’ll find adult and young adult fantasy romance books, contemporary fantasy romance books, urban fantasy romance books as well as historical fantasy romance books.

And whether you’re more into fairies, witches, warlocks, gods or simply magic, you can find books with each of these components as well.

What are the Key Elements of Fantasy Romance?

While there is a wide variety in fantasy romance books, I’ve found that there are many, similar elements to stories in this romance book category.

Fantastical World Building

It wouldn’t be a fantasy romance book unless there was a magical setting for the story to take place in, right?

Fantasy romance books should be your pick if you’re looking to escape into a book setting that is unlike any other.

I am in awe at some of the magical worlds that fantasy authors conjure up and create for their characters to live in.

For this reason, there is quite a lot of time in fantasy romance books devoted to describing the setting of the book and the world where the characters are interacting in, including the people or creatures that inhabit it, the mores or rules that govern it and the overall look and feel of the location.

Story Plots Involving Good Versus Evil

More often than not, fantasy romance books will have a plotline or sub-plotline of good versus evil.

Magic is often portrayed as both good and evil so many fantasy romance characters find themselves in a struggle or ongoing battle against dark magic or dark creatures.

These dark elements can be quite violent in some dark fantasy romance books or include bullying elements so choose your fantasy books wisely based on what you do or don’t like to read.

Stories with Suspense

Because fantasy romance books depict stories of good versus evil, many often include an element of suspense to their storyline.

If you’re not a fan of romantic suspense then you might not like this element to fantasy romance books but some books are more suspenseful than others.

Fantasy Romance Book Series

With so much focus on world building, suspense and the battle between good and evil, fantasy romance books are often written in multiple book series.

With too many details and descriptions of plotlines to fit into just one book, authors instead create amazing fantasy romance book series, giving you an opportunity to sink into their magical worlds and really come to know their characters and their struggles.

For some readers, you might not want to invest so much time into a three or five book series, but when you find a fantasy romance book that ticks all the right boxes for you, you’ll be so excited it’s part of a series giving you more to devour and enjoy!

Slow Burn Romance

I myself am partial to the fantasy romance books that are high on romance as well as their fantastical elements.

I don’t pick up a book in this category just for the action and adventure, but for the sweeping love story between characters that conquers all.

Another common theme that I’ve found in fantasy romance books is that the romantic storyline between main characters is often a slow burn romance.

This may especially be the case for fantasy romance book series, but even in standalone books, there is often a slow to develop relationship between characters.

I love slow burn romances where even the love connection between characters surprises them, because the tension and growing attraction can be so intense!

So, if you’re a fan of slow burn romances, a fantasy romance book would be a great choice for you.

How is Fantasy Romance Different From Paranormal Romance?

I feel the need to also distinguish the difference between fantasy romance books and paranormal romance books.

These aren’t formal definitions to distinguish the two categories but more how I view their differences.

As previously mentioned, fantasy romance books include elements that focus solely around magic, fae and magical creatures and fantastical worlds.

Paranormal romance books focus less on magic and instead include other paranormal creatures such as vampires, ghosts, shapeshifters, witches, psychics, werewolves or zombies.

Both categories however include a central love story that results in a happy ending.

Looking For More?

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More Fantasy Romance Book Lists:

• Top 10 Romantasy Books of All Time
• The Best Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books
• Best Dark Fantasy Romance Books You Can’t Resist
• Best Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books
• Best Fantasy Reverse Harem Books

Related Book Lists:

• The Best Paranormal Romance Books: The Ultimate Guide to this Genre
• Best Fantasy Romance Movies of All Time
• Witch Romance Books that are Wickedly Good
• The Best Vampire Romance Books to Sink Your Teeth Into
• Werewolf Romance Books that will have you Howling for More
• Alien Romance Books to Take You to Another World

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