29 Best Fantasy Romance Books
Fantasy romance books have always held a special place in the hearts of avid readers. They transport us to magical realms, where mystical creatures and powerful sorcery coexist with passionate love stories that tug at our heartstrings.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the enchanting genre of fantasy romance, highlighting some of the best books that seamlessly blend magic, adventure, and romance.
Let’s go.
Best Fantasy Romance Books
“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
This entrancing novel weaves a tale of Feyre, a mortal huntress who finds herself entangled in the intrigues and passions of the faerie realm. Captured and brought to a magical land, she navigates a world that’s both enchanting and dangerous, and finds herself torn between her captor and the shadowy forces at play.
“Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon
“Outlander” blends historical fiction with fantasy in a spellbinding love story. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse from 1945, is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743 Scotland. Thrust into an unknown world of adventure, she finds herself torn between her husband from the future and Jamie Fraser, a gallant Scottish warrior.
“Daughter of Smoke & Bone” by Laini Taylor
In this imaginative tale, Karou, a young art student in Prague, is drawn into an ancient battle between angels and demons. As she delves into the mysteries of her own past, she discovers a heartbreaking love that transcends the boundaries of the human and the supernatural.
“Cruel Beauty” by Rosamund Hodge
This novel is a creative retelling of “Beauty and the Beast,” where Nyx, betrothed to a monstrous demon, plans to save her kingdom by destroying him. However, her hatred for her husband becomes complicated as she uncovers the secrets of his cursed house and finds herself falling for him.
“An Enchantment of Ravens” by Margaret Rogerson
Isobel, a talented portrait artist, paints immortal faeries. But when she paints human sorrow in the eyes of Rook, the autumn prince, she is whisked away to the faerie courts. Amidst politics and intrigue, their initial animosity blossoms into a forbidden romance that could have perilous consequences.
“Radiance” by Grace Draven
This novel explores the unlikely love story between Ildiko, a human noblewoman, and Brishen, a Kai prince from a race of nocturnal warriors. United in a politically motivated marriage, they find beauty and strength in their differences, challenging the notions of beauty and love.
“Uprooted” by Naomi Novik
Agnieszka loves her peaceful village, but its tranquility is overshadowed by the corrupt Wood. Bound to a cold wizard known as the Dragon, she discovers an unexpected talent for magic and becomes embroiled in a battle against the malevolent force of the Wood, finding love in the most unexpected places.
“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
Set in a mysterious traveling circus that operates only at night, this story follows Celia and Marco, two young magicians pitted against each other in a magical competition. As they compete, their rivalry turns into a deep love, threatening the lives of everyone involved with the circus.
“Kushiel’s Dart” by Jacqueline Carey
In this richly detailed fantasy, Phèdre nó Delaunay is a courtesan and spy in a world where political intrigue and darker forces are at play. Trained in the art of pleasure and pain, her path crosses with warriors, nobles, and a destiny that could determine the fate of her nation. The novel is celebrated for its complex characters and intricate plot.
“Spinning Silver” by Naomi Novik
This novel is a creative retelling of “Rumpelstiltskin,” where Miryem, a young woman, turns her father’s failing business into a prosperous one by boasting she can turn silver into gold. This attracts the attention of a dangerous fae king, leading to a tale of courage, determination, and unexpected love.
“The Bear and the Nightingale” by Katherine Arden
Set in medieval Russia, this story follows Vasya, a young girl with extraordinary gifts in a village where winter spirits and folklore are very real. As her world collides with the new ways of the church and the ancient magic of the land, Vasya must protect her people from both human and supernatural threats, discovering love and her true self along the way.
“Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin
In a world where witches are hunted by the Church, Lou, a witch, and Reid, a witch hunter, find themselves forced into an unlikely marriage. As they navigate their new life together, they unravel dark secrets and find themselves falling dangerously in love, challenging their beliefs and allegiances.
“Rhapsodic” by Laura Thalassa
This fantasy-romance novel follows Callie, who once bargained with the Bargainer to escape her troubles. Years later, the Bargainer returns to claim her debts, drawing Callie into a world of magic, darkness, and a love that transcends time and memory. Their journey reveals deep secrets and a connection that cannot be denied.
“The Shape of Water” by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus
In this enchanting tale, Elisa, a mute cleaning lady in a high-security government laboratory, discovers a classified experiment – a mysterious, aquatic creature. What starts as a curious fascination evolves into a deep and unlikely romance that defies the norms of society and nature.
“Hush, Hush” by Becca Fitzpatrick
Nora Grey’s life changes when she meets Patch, a mysterious new boy at school with a dark secret – he’s a fallen angel. As Nora gets drawn into the world of fallen angels and their adversaries, she finds herself falling for Patch, navigating a path filled with danger and forbidden romance.
“The Wrath & the Dawn” by Renée Ahdieh
Inspired by “The Arabian Nights,” this story revolves around Shahrzad, who volunteers to marry Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan, known for taking a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. Determined to end this cycle of violence, Shahrzad finds herself falling in love with the troubled ruler, uncovering secrets that will change everything.
“The Winter King” by C.L. Wilson
This novel tells a gripping tale of Wynter, the formidable Winter King who seeks revenge against the Summerlea Kingdom. In his quest, he takes the Summerlea princess, Khamsin, as his bride, sparking a tumultuous relationship. Amidst a backdrop of war and magic, their initial enmity blossoms into a powerful and passionate love.
“Warbreaker” by Brandon Sanderson
“Warbreaker” is a vivid and imaginative story where gods walk among humans and magic is fueled by breath and color. It follows two sisters, Vivenna and Siri, as they navigate a world of political intrigue and divine entities. The novel is renowned for its unique magic system and complex character dynamics.
“Graceling” by Kristin Cashore
Katsa, born with the rare Graceling gift for killing, is used as a tool by her uncle, the king. Her life takes a turn when she meets Prince Po and learns of a secret that could destroy all the kingdoms. Katsa’s journey of self-discovery is intertwined with romance and adventure.
“Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo
Set in the Russian-inspired fantasy world of Ravka, Alina Starkov discovers she possesses an extraordinary power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. As she trains with the magical elite, the Grisha, she uncovers dark secrets and finds herself torn between her past and future, duty and love.
“The Bird and the Sword” by Amy Harmon
In a land where words can hold power and shape reality, Lark, a girl cursed into silence, and Tiras, the king who needs her voice, embark on a journey filled with magic, danger, and romance. Their destinies intertwine as they fight to save their kingdom and discover the power of love and words.
“Lord of the Fading Lands” by C.L. Wilson
Ellysetta Baristani, a woodcarver’s daughter, finds her fate bound to Rain Tairen Soul, the Fey King who is seeking a mate to save his people and the fading lands. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of ancient magic, prophecies, and a looming war, creating a sweeping romantic fantasy.
“The Queen of Blood” by Sarah Beth Durst
In a world where spirits of nature and humans coexist, Daleina, a young woman with a unique gift for controlling these spirits, aspires to become the Queen’s heir. The story weaves together elements of adventure, magic, and a subtle romance, as Daleina navigates the challenges of her world.
“The Falconer” by Elizabeth May
Set in a steampunk version of Scotland, Aileana Kameron is a noblewoman by day and a hunter of faeries by night. The story blends fantasy, steampunk, and romance as Aileana seeks revenge for her mother’s murder and finds herself torn between her feelings for a human inventor and a mysterious fae warrior.
“Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas
Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin, is freed from slavery with a proposition to compete as the king’s champion. The series is a blend of fantasy, mystery, and romance, as Celaena uncovers the kingdom’s darkest secrets and finds her heart torn between two men.
“Firelight” by Sophie Jordan
A tale of forbidden love between Jacinda, a draki (descendant of dragons) who can transform into human form, and Will, a draki hunter. Their romance defies the laws of their worlds, leading to dangerous consequences and a struggle between love and survival.
“Wintersong” by S. Jae-Jones
Inspired by the legend of the Goblin King, Liesl, a young woman with a passion for music, enters a perilous world to save her sister. In the process, she confronts her feelings for the enigmatic and seductive Goblin King, weaving a tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of music.
“Angelfall” by Susan Ee
In a post-apocalyptic world where angels of the apocalypse have decimated the modern world, Penryn, a 17-year-old girl, teams up with the enemy, an angel named Raffe, to rescue her sister. Their uneasy alliance blossoms into a complicated romance amidst a backdrop of celestial warfare.
“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black
Jude, a mortal girl living in the treacherous High Court of Faerie, desires to belong there, despite her mortality. As she becomes entangled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she finds herself drawn to the wicked prince, Cardan. This darkly enchanting tale explores themes of power, ambition, and forbidden love.
