Fans of romantic fantasy books and those curious about this category will want to check out this list of books!
Discover my favorite romantic fantasy books and the most popular titles in this genre that are worth reading.
You are reading: Best fantasy romance books for adults
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Do you love romantic fantasy books? Well, I have a book list for you!
I’ve rounded up my favorite romantic fantasy books as well as the most popular ones in this fascinating category of romance novels so you won’t have to look anywhere else to find your next fantasy read.
what is fantasy romance?
But before we get to the list of the best romantic fantasy books worth reading, let’s take a look at what romantic fantasy really is.
Fantasy romance books are those with a plot that includes magic, fairies or other magical creatures, or some type of supernatural phenomenon, such as time travel, all of which take place in a magical, fictional world .
As part of the genre of romance books, fantasy romance books not only include this magical and supernatural element, but are also stories that include a love story with a happy ending.
Authors in this category who do best create stories filled with the most creative worlds, charming characters, and captivating stories with jaw-dropping romance.
There is nothing better!
Of course, this description of romantic fantasy books still leaves room for a lot of variety in this category of books.
In it you will find adult and young adult fantasy romance books, contemporary fantasy romance books, urban fantasy romance books, and historical fantasy romance books.
and if you like fairies, witches, warlocks, gods or simply magic, you can also find books with each of these components.
romantic fantasy elements
While there is a wide variety of fantasy romance books out there, I have found that there are many story-like elements in this category of romance books.
construction of a fantastic world
It wouldn’t be a romantic fantasy book unless there was a magical setting for the story to unfold, would it?
Fantasy romance books should be your choice if you’re looking to escape to a book setting unlike any other.
I am in awe of some of the magical worlds that fantasy authors conjure up and create for their characters to live in.
For this reason, there is a fair amount of time in romantic fantasy books devoted to describing the setting of the book and the world in which the characters interact, including the people or creatures that inhabit it, the customs or rules that govern it, and the general appearance of the location.
story plots involving good versus evil
Most of the time, romantic fantasy books will have a good versus evil plot or subplot.
Magic is often portrayed as both good and evil, which is why many romantic fantasy characters find themselves in an ongoing fight or battle against dark magic or dark creatures.
These dark elements can be quite violent in some romantic fantasy books or include intimidating elements, so choose your fantasy books wisely based on what you like to read or not.
suspense stories
Because romantic fantasy books depict stories of good versus evil, many often include an element of suspense in their plot.
If you’re not a fan of romantic suspense, you may not like this element of romantic fantasy 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, romantic fantasy books are often written in multiple book series.
With too much detail and plot descriptions to fit into a single book, the authors create incredible romantic fantasy book series, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in their magical worlds and really get to know their characters and their struggles.
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For some readers, you may not want to spend so much time on a three or five book series, but when you find a romantic fantasy book that ticks all the boxes for you, you’ll be so excited to have it be part of a series! series that gives you more to devour and enjoy!
simmer romance
I myself am a fan of fantasy romance books that are rich in romance as well as their fantasy elements.
I don’t choose 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 I’ve found in romantic fantasy books is that the romantic history between the main characters is often a slow romance.
This can be especially the case with fantasy romance series, but even in stand-alone books, a slow relationship between characters often develops.
I love slow romances where even the love connection between the characters surprises them, because the tension and growing attraction can be so intense!
then if you’re a fan of slow romance, a fantasy romance book would be a great choice for you.
fantasy romance versus paranormal romance
I feel the need to also distinguish the difference between fantasy romance books and paranormal romance books.
These are not formal definitions to distinguish the two categories, but rather how I view their differences.
As mentioned above, romantic fantasy books include elements that focus solely on magic, fairies and magical creatures, and fantasy worlds.
paranormal romance books focus less on magic and instead include other paranormal creatures such as vampires, ghosts, shapeshifters, psychics, werewolves or zombies.
However, both categories include a central love story that has a happy ending.
I’ve kept this list of books only on romantic fantasy books so as not to confuse the categories, however one or two books may have shapeshifter elements or the like, so it’s not an exact science!
If you’re looking for even more romantic fantasy books, check out these book lists:
- fantasy book lovers best enemies
- witch romance books that are wicked good
- werewolf romance books that will have you howling for more
the best fantasy romance books
if you’re looking for a wonderful romantic fantasy book to read, these next few books are for you.
These are my favorite books in this category and what I consider to be the best romantic fantasy books worth reading.
from blood and ash by jennifer l. trout
poppy’s life has never been hers. As a maiden, the future of the kingdom rests on her shoulders, and she will remain untouched, alone, until the day of her ascension.
But when Hawke takes over as his royal guard, he begins to question his duty and the desire he has awakened.
As tensions rise between detractors and attacks on the kingdom mount, Poppy risks failing the gods, denying her destiny, and possibly losing her life or heart.
I totally agree that this book deserved the title of best romance book according to the 2020 goodreads choice awards!
It has everything going for it: excellent writing, a story that completely draws you in, characters you fall in love with, and an amazing simmering romance.
Poppy is such a strong hero and I found her life path as the handmaiden fascinating, but I especially loved her connection to Hawke.
After finishing this book, I had to immediately start the next book in the series, which is just as good, if not better.
This is a romantic fantasy book and complete series not to be missed!
amazon | good reads | my review
a promise of fire by amanda bouchet
Cat Fisa has been living disguised as a fortune teller in a traveling circus until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the south bereft of magic, recognizes her magic and takes her away.
griffin knows that cat is the kingmaker, the woman who sees the truth through lies. he wants to use her powers for his newly conquered kingdom, 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 the cat and the griffin was off the charts as he fought her feelings for him, but he was the more patient alpha. I loved it.
her growing friendship with the griffin team, who sought to protect her at all times, also made this a fantastic read. I also loved the aspect of the Greek gods in the story, which makes it a unique fantasy romance book.
you can easily read it on its own or continue with the entire series.
amazon | good reads | my review
amy harmon’s bird and sword
The day my mother left me, she told me to swallow my words, sink them deep, and I haven’t said a word since. I am no longer just a prisoner of my mother’s curse, but I am still invisible to those around me.
The gifted are hunted on our lands and so I keep my words close. but there are those who listen to my words and demand 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 writes an unforgettable world and beautiful prose in this fantasy romance full of healers, seers, spinners and changers.
It’s also a perfect slow-burn love story set in a majestic medieval world. he wanted to be a fly on the castle wall while the lark and the larks grew to be more than captives and captors. I was enthralled and couldn’t stop reading.
The best part is that it is a stand-alone fantasy romance book so you won’t be left in suspense. is a must read!
amazon | good reads | my review
glow by grace draven
See Also: H.G. Wells – Book Series In Order
brishen khaskem, prince of the kai, has been heir to spare in his kai kingdom, which is why his only value is marrying a human to secure a political alliance between kingdoms.
Ildiko is the niece of King Gauri and has resigned herself to her fate of marrying the young prince Kai. both brishen and ildiko see each other as ugly as they expected on their wedding day, and yet through a new friendship, they come to find each other more beautiful than anyone could imagine.
I was impressed with the premise of this fantasy romance book that had me hooked from the first meeting between brishen and ildiko.
These two unique characters, from different realms who look beyond appearances and find true love within, are what really make this story stand apart from all others.
Although there isn’t much “magic” to the story, I found this book to be a wonderful arranged marriage story that was the perfect simmering romance.
related: best marriage of convenience romance books
amazon | good reads | my review
dragon bound by thea harrison
half human and half wyr, pia giovanni realizes her days are numbered after she is blackmailed into stealing from a dragon, the most powerful of the ancient races.
She has always kept a low profile to protect her true identity, but when Dragos forgives her for her crime, her life as she knows it changes forever. just like hers her heart for the dragon that claims her as his own.
I loved this fantasy romance that is a stand-alone story but also launches into a series to give the supporting characters their own stories.
Pia was a fierce heroine who doesn’t flinch from the famous dragos and is a hot alpha. the moments where you see him adapt and learn to compromise were my favorites ever.
their connection had all the sparks and then some! I definitely recommend it if you’re a fan of fantasy romance books.
amazon | good reads | my review
outlander by diana gabaldon
Claire Randall is a former combat nurse who has just returned from the war and is traveling to Scotland with her husband for a second honeymoon. There, she walks through a circle of standing stones that transports her back in time to 1743 and war-torn Scotland.
Although she is desperate to return to her husband and her own time, he is a young highland warrior who 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 fantasy story about Claire going back in time and falling in love with another man.
I loved the magical elements of the stone circle and time travel, but there’s so much more to this book.
It’s rich in history, suspense, and adventure, but it’s the slow, hard-fought romance between Jamie and Claire that makes this book stand out.
Once you’ve read this romantic fantasy book, believe me when you say you’ll want to read the entire series. plus you can also watch the tv series on starz which is awesome!
related: best romance novels, best time travel books
amazon | good reads
beyond the mist of the highlandsby karen marie moning
hawk, laird of dalkeith, is a fierce warrior, but no woman has touched his heart until the day adrienne de simone left present-day seattle for medieval scotland.
Adrienne can’t believe she was held captive in the 16th century and is now married to a rogue laird. She’s determined to keep Hawke at arm’s length, but the man wants Adrienne and is up for the challenge of making the outspoken, irresistible woman his own.
This is another romantic fantasy book with a time travel element set in Scotland.
I admit I like romance books starring a Scotsman, but I loved the idea of a man-hating modern woman who goes back to medieval times and gets married instantly.
I loved how the fairies play these two people behind the scenes, and yet make fun of them when sparks fly between hawk and adrienne.
Fans of historical romance and fantasy romance books will love this selection.
related: romance books starring hot Scottish girls
amazon | good reads
sawyer bennett’s revelation of light and darkness
From a very young age, he always knew he was different. hallucinations and visions plagued his young mind, but were then locked away until he knew his entire existence had been a lie.
now facing 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 these romantic fantasy books because I’m a fan of Sawyer Bennett’s books and I wasn’t disappointed.
bennett slowly unlocks a magical world that has been hidden from humans for millennia in this first book in the series.
Instead of a historical world setting, this fantasy takes place in a contemporary world with humans, fairies, demons and magic and a mysterious alpha male.
Since this is the first in a series of five books, it lays a great foundation for the world that really exists, a mystery to solve, and a problem to come.
There are definitely sparks 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 romantic fantasy or contemporary romantic fantasy books will enjoy this read.
amazon | good reads | my review
the awakening of nora roberts
breen kelly has always 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, everything changes.
Now she goes to Ireland to find her father, but there she discovers a gateway to a world of magic and awakens to a long-forgotten past and a duty she is destined to fulfill.
nora roberts is famous for her romantic fantasy books for a reason. she is such a talented writer that she creates new worlds and intriguing characters that bring these worlds, their powers and their conflicts to life.
if you love fantasy and romance books that delve 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 backstory for Breen and expose the reader to a magical new world that exists beyond the human realm.
I loved the diversity of characters in this novel and the beautiful setting of Ireland.
amazon | good reads | my review
loved by nora roberts
anastasia donovan has a special gift of healing, just like her cousins, although she keeps it hidden, especially from her new neighbor, boone sawyer.
Boone may be a single dad, but that doesn’t stop him from looking at his new neighbor, who looks just like the magical princesses he writes about.
But when an accident puts a life on the line, Anastasia must use her powers even though it might cost her Boone’s growing love, or even her life.
this is another contemporary romantic fantasy book by roberts, but this one focuses on a family of cousins who are witches.
boone is one of those single parent characters you can’t help but love along with his sweet daughter. I especially enjoyed the tight-knit family of the Donovan cousins, but this can easily be read on its own.
This fantasy romance book is less about a fantasy world and the battle between good and evil and more about a woman’s magical power to heal and her fear that it will stop others from believing in her, loving her and accept it.
a wonderfully sweet fantasy novel worth reading.
amazon | good reads
popular romantic fantasy books
If you want to read even more romantic fantasy books, you can check out these books, which are some of the most popular in the category.
These are some that are on my reading list!
a court of thorns and roses by sarah maas
When feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to exact its revenge. To keep his family safe, she travels to a magical land with his captor, who is not an animal but a tamlin, one of the deadly and immortal fairies.
With time on her own, Feyre’s feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility to burning passion, but now it’s up to her to stop a curse that threatens both Tamlin and her world.
maas seems to be the queen of fantasy and this is just one of her popular romantic fantasy book series to watch.
I always love a good romantic foe-to-lover story, so this one is definitely on my must-read list.
also this book series is being adapted for a tv series on hulu with maas as one of the script writers.
amazon | good reads
amy harmon’s first girl
bayr of saylok is the bastard son of a powerful chieftain who is haunted by his mother’s curse that from that day on there will be no daughters in saylok.
When the first baby girl in nearly two decades is born, Bayr seeks to protect her with his inhuman strength.
what bayr and alba don’t know is that they both threaten the king. With their connection deepening, they soon realize that 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, I want to read it!
This fantasy romance book also has a curse that needs to be broken, like in the bird and the sword, but I’m looking forward to seeing how the protection angle plays out in bayr and alba’s relationship.
amazon | good reads
the winter king of l.l. wilson
After three years of war, Wynter Atrialan is eager to get revenge on the King of Summerlea by marrying one of his daughters.
khamsin coruscate, princess of summerlea and stormcaller, is forced to marry the king of wintercraig as punishment from her father, but sees it as her first chance at freedom and love.
This sounds like a great marriage of convenience love story with a twist of enemies to lovers!
See Also: The 12 Investing Books that Made Michael Burry
I always enjoy a romance where the alpha male is totally blindsided by his feelings for a woman he thought he would hate or despise.
This will be my first Wilson romantic fantasy book and I look forward to diving into it.
related: best marriage of convenience romance books
amazon | good reads
the kingdom of the bridge by danielle l. jensen
Lara is a warrior princess who is motivated to bring her kingdom’s enemy, King Are of the Bridge Kingdom, to his knees. The kingdom of the bridge is enriched at the expense of other kingdoms, since she controls the only route through the world, but Lara intends to change this with her upcoming marriage to the king.
But as she gains a deeper understanding of the war to possess the bridge, Lara begins to question her assignment, as well as her original feelings towards Aren. Now Lara must choose which kingdom he will save and which kingdom he will destroy.
I have a soft spot for romance books with strong heroines and lara seems to be just that. I want to see what this warrior princess can do!
This sounds like another marriage of convenience, lovers’ enemies, fantasy romance worth reading.
related: best marriage of convenience romance books, best enemies for fantasy book lovers
amazon | good reads
bound to the god of battle by ruby dixon
faith never dreamed she’d find herself falling through 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, tasked with guiding him through the Land of Aos. only she, of course, knows nothing about this world or how to guide the arrogant god through exile from him .
United, they have one goal in mind: to return home, but even the quarrels and enemies they face are nothing compared to the danger to their hearts.
While the cover on this one could use an update, I can’t wait to read this romantic fantasy 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!
amazon | good reads
fix this:
rhapsodic by laura thalassa
callypso lillis is a mermaid who has been collecting money for favors for years. The night the fairy king appears in her room, she knows that it is time for her to pay.
for the negotiator, he appeared to calypso to claim his debts to help save his people who are mysteriously disappearing. So what if claiming what’s rightfully yours may also rekindle an old romance?
only one evil has been awakened and the dealer’s enemy has a taste for exotic creatures, and it turns out callie is one of them.
I’m always looking for something new and different and am intrigued by the story of this romantic fantasy book.
who is this mermaid? Why has she needed so many favors in the first place and what is her history with the fairy king? I have so many questions that need answers, so she’s on my reading list!
amazon | good reads
a heart of blood and ashes from mile vane
The tenuous alliance between the barbarian horsemen of Parsathe and the southern walled kingdoms is shaken when the barbarian king and queen are slain.
maddek vows to avenge his parents by making the king’s daughter pay, who lured his parents to their deaths.
however, the woman maddek captures is not what he expected. yvenne may be small and weak, but she proposes to maddek to unite her goals, which is revenge on her father.
I can’t wait to read this book! i’m so curious to see the dynamic between maddek and yvenne, especially since she’s a hero who takes him completely by surprise.
This fantasy romance book is at the top of my list!
amazon | good reads
Romance fantasy books for young adults
many popular romantic fantasy books fit into the young adult category and the main characters are teenagers.
If you’re a fan of young adult books, you’ll want to check out some of these popular romantic fantasy books.
city of bones by cassandra clare
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray witnesses a murder committed by three teenagers outside a New York City club and then sees the body disappear, she doesn’t know what to think or do.
What he has done is meet Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the land of demons. Although she would like to put the encounter behind her, she needs the help of Jace, a Shadowhunter who is also an idiot, after his mother mysteriously disappears and Clary is attacked by a demon.
This fantasy romance book seems to be a bit darker than any of my previous reading, but I’m intrigued by Shadowhunters.
I also want to see what the chemistry is like between Clary and Jace, who looks like he’s going to be a big reluctant hero to fall in love with.
amazon | good reads
holly black’s cruel prince
Even though she was stolen from her to live in the treacherous high court of faeries when she was seven years old, Jude wants to be one of them. But as a human, she is despised by many of the goblins, including Prince Cardan, the youngest and most evil son of the high king.
To win a place at court, Jude gets mixed up in royal intrigue and deception, ultimately needing to forge an alliance with the prince to save herself, her family, and possibly the kingdom.
This is a fairly popular book and series among fans of young adult fantasy romance. Although I liked Jude and his 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 with little romance, check out this romantic fantasy book.
Related: Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books, Enemies to Lovers Romance Books
amazon | good reads
such a dark and lonely curse of brigid kemmerer
Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall, has been turned into a beast and cursed by a sorceress 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 fight cerebral palsy, but she doesn’t let that stop her. When she tries to save a stranger on the streets of Washington, DC, she finds herself thrust into a magical world with a prince, monsters, a curse, and the lives of the people of Emberfall at stake.
I’m willing to see this new version of beauty and the beast. I love how it has a diverse heroine that we need more of in romance!
This is also book one of a three book series, so I hope it’s good, so I’ll want to continue with the rest of the books!
amazon | good reads
the affiliate by k.a. border
On the day of her unveiling, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm’s lifelong plans come to fruition when she is chosen for one of the most prestigious positions in her homeland: an Affiliate to the Queen.
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But when Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she discovers that nothing is what it seems. Ella Cyrene is drawn into a world of political intrigue and magic where she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have: King Edric.
This fantasy romance book also seems suspenseful and intriguing with a bit of forbidden attraction.
This is book one in a series of five books, so there’s more to love after this one.
amazon | good reads
thank you by kristin castore
katsa has been able to take down a man with her bare hands since she was eight years old because she is graceful, one of the few people in her land born with extreme skill. Due to this ability, her katsa is forced to do the orders of her uncle, her king as her goon.
As she discovers the truth about his grace, she uncovers a terrible secret and at the same time falls in love with the prince.
How do authors come up with these ideas? i am so curious to see how katsa handles grace from her along with how she is forced to use it.
I’m not sure how the romance will come into play, but that will make it even sweeter.
amazon | good reads
Romantic fantasy books turned into movies
Not only do I love a good romance book, I also love a good romance movie. but when a romance book becomes a movie, even better!
I loved the movie version of these romantic fantasy books and can’t wait to see the books.
If you’re a fan of the books and movies too, check out these romantic fantasy books that have been turned into movies.
the time traveler’s wifeby audrey niffenegger
clare meets her future husband when she is six and henry is thirty-six, yet the two marry when she is twenty-three and henry is thirty-one.
henry is one of the first people to be diagnosed with a chrono shift disorder that causes his genetic clock to reset and throw him back in time. Clare and Henry try to lead a normal life and marriage, while battling the effects of time travel beyond their control.
I loved this movie, so I can only imagine I’ll love the book more. the idea of managing a love that is constantly interrupted by time travel is incredibly unique.
Not only can you see this book come to life on the big screen, but HBO has adapted the book for a television series in 2022.
amazon | good reads
william goldman’s princess bride
This is the fantastic story of true love between Buttercup and Westley. what was once lost can be found again despite beasts, 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 also a classic, but I always wanted to read the book!
amazon | good reads
neil gaiman stardust
In the small town of Wall, Tristran Thorn would do anything to win the heart of the beautiful Victoria Forester. For the coveted prize from his hand, Tristran swears to retrieve a fallen star and deliver it to his beloved.
It’s an oath that sends him over the ancient wall and into a fairy world that’s dangerous and strange beyond imagination.
I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t realize, when I say this movie, that it was an adaptation of a book. this is the kind of romantic movie I love, but I’ve heard equally amazing things about the book.
amazon | good reads
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See Also: Andrew Clements – Book Series In Order
lists of related books:
- fantasy book lovers best enemies
- witch romance books that are wicked good
- 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