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If you want to set foot into a fantasy world with a unique magic system, mystical creature and a dash of love, then you’ll love these fantasy romance books.
For some of the best fantasy romance novel recommendations, read on and if you have any favorites, let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear about them!
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Jude was seven-years-old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were whisked away by the murderer to live in Faerie. Ten years pass and all Jude wants is to fit in despite her own mortality.
Swept into a deadly game of politics, Jude must stay on top of her game when things take a turn for the worst. With lives on the line and cunning faeries, Jude will have to stay one step ahead to come out victorious.
Prince Cardan is the youngest son of the High King: Cunning, charming, cruel and wicked, Cardan has a real mean streak when it comes to Jude. But the tides are changing. All it takes is one slipup to shift the balance.
The Cruel Prince is perfect for everyone out there who loves their fantasy romance novels centered around cutthroat fae, scheming royals and a slow burn romance (of epic proportions).
A Fate of Wrath and Flame by K.A. Tucker
After a botched mission, gifted thief Romeria’s night takes a turn for the worse when a mysterious woman tricks her into providing her services. Tasked with a dangerous quest to save Sofie’s husband, Romy is spirited away to an unsettling realm of warring kingdoms, unstable monarchies, and fantastical creatures.
The mission would be simple if not for the identity she has assumed as the treacherous Ybarisan Princess. Imprisoned for murdering the king and queen on her wedding day, Romy must figure a way out of her precarious predicament. All while looking for the sought-after stone hidden within Islet’s sacred garden.
Exciting, beautiful and unpredictable, A Fate of Wrath and Flame is an enchanting tale overflowing with political intrigue, magical twists, unforeseen betrayals and a blossoming romance. And as one of the best enemies-to-lovers fantasy romances released in 2021, you won’t be able to put this page-turner down once you feast your eyes on K.A. Tucker’s intricate world-building and magnificent prose. Prepare to be spellbound.
Malum Discordiae by Ashlyn Drewek
Forever jaded by the deaths of their loved ones, the Corbin necromancers and the Hewitt weather witches remain locked in a bitter, centuries-long blood feud with no end in sight. Nothing and no one could ever hope to unite the two families.
That is until now.
When Cassius Corbin returns home six years after his mother’s murder, his plans include finding the long-lost magical folio stolen from his family and attending Tennebrose University: Not getting cozy with the enemy.
Ever since the night Graeme Hewitt unwittingly got in bed with the enemy, the moody, blue-eyed boy has taken up residence in his mind rent-free, to his complete and utter disgust. Unable to stay away, Graeme finds himself in an impossible situation that can only spell trouble for the star-crossed lovers.
Hauntingly beautiful, intensely eerie, and highly readable, Malum Discordiae is an unputdownable enemies-to-lovers, dark academia, fantasy MM romance overflowing with dark magic, forbidden love, and intense passion. Between Drewek’s intricate world-building and multi-dimensional characters, this must-read is undoubtedly one of the best MM fantasy romance books of 2022.
To Bleed a Crystal Bloom by Sarah A. Parker
As the sole survivor of a bloody massacre, 20-year-old Orlaith is haunted by the memories of that night.
If not for the enigmatic High Master Rhordyn who took her in as his ward, Orlaith would have fallen victim to her nightmares long ago. But after 19 years, her feelings have blossomed into something all-consuming, yet all the more unrequited. And when it comes to Rhordyn, nothing is ever easy.
Shrouded in shadows and secrets, Orlaith must step out of her comfort zone if she ever hopes to begin playing the game if she ever hopes to step out of the dark.
Mysterious, addictive, and enticing, To Bleed a Crystal Bloom is a seductive dark Rapunzel retelling that will keep you entranced from the very first page. If you’re looking for a beautiful fantasy romance overflowing with angst, magic, and intrigue.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Feyre is on the hunt when she comes into contact with a competing predator. With little thought, she kills the wolf which ends with her being dragged to a magical kingdom where she is to be put on trial for her crime. Her captor, however, piques her attention as he never travels without his jeweled mask in place. The question is, what is he hiding?
For a fun and exciting Beauty and the Beast retelling, you should check out A Court of Thorns and Roses. You will never guess how much the plot will twist once you get to the sequel in this epic romantic fantasy series. It’s the best.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Cinder is a gifted mechanic who is belittled and overlooked by her step-mother and one of her step-sisters. The other step-sister looks up to Cinder. As a cyborg, Cinder does not have the same rights as humans.
During a chance encounter, Cinder becomes irreversibly changed when her life becomes intertwined with Prince Kai’s. Thrust into center-stage, Cinder must navigate new and rocky terrain.
With the fate of the world on their shoulders, Cinder and Kai will have to race against the clock before time runs out.
If you like your fantasy romance novels with a dash of sci-fi, Cinder is the perfect option for you.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer Armentrout
As a maiden, Poppy’s life has never been her own. At a young age, Poppy was taught that her duty was to the kingdom. That one day, the gods would lay judgment on the future ruler and decide whether she’s worthy of ascending.
But when a dashing guard enters her life, Poppy begins to question everything. And when a fallen kingdom forsaken by the gods emerges from the shadows, Poppy quickly finds herself on the brink of losing it all.
From Blood and Ash is an unputdownable tale centered around a nineteen-year-old girl at risk of losing her heart to the villain of her story. For an exciting slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance between two star-crossed souls, this fantasy romance book will make the perfect addition to your TBR list.
City of Thorns by C.N. Crawford
Grad student Rowan Morgenstern never expected to wake up in a dank dungeon on the night of her twenty-second birthday, but fate has other plans. And when her path crosses with the enigmatic Lord of Chaos, Rowan’s life takes an unexpected turn. Mistaken for her succubus doppelgänger Mortana, it is not till he tastes her blood that he learns that she is mortal.
Tied together for their mutual thirst for vengeance, the two strike a deal: While posing as the sexy succubus, Rowan will have the chance to hunt for her mother’s killer. And she will do anything to get her revenge.
Mysterious, thrilling, and sexy, City of Thorns is an enthralling slow-burn romance between a tantalizing demon lord and a mortal who needs more than a couple courses in the art of seduction. It is undoubtedly one of the best fantasy romances of 2021, so be sure to add it to your bookshelf right away.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Laia’s life is turned upside down when her brother is arrested and likely tortured by masked soldiers commonly referred to as the Masks.
To save her brother, Laia seeks help from the resistance, but they demand something in return. As payment for their aid, Laia must enter Blackcliff Military Academy as a slave in order to spy on the Commandant who is in charge.
While there, she meets the son of the Commandant, Elias, who wants nothing more than to escape his tyrannical mother and his rigid life as a Mask.
An Ember in the Ashes is perfect for anyone who loves slow-burn romances, badass heroines and dystopian worlds. As one of the best fantasy romance books out there, I recommend cracking this open for an action-packed weekend of mayhem and fun.
Mortal Skin by Lily Mayne
For seven-year-old Ash, wishing up a friend with a mouth full of sharp teeth and an uncanny ability to blossom a rosebud in seconds seemed perfectly normal – a normal that would persist for the next seven years until the day the visits stopped.
By twenty-one, Ash has long since forgotten his mythical childhood visitors, chalking them up as figments of an overactive imagination. So no one is more surprised than Ash to return home only to be kidnapped and swept off to the Unseelie Court.
With orders to shed his mortal skin and embrace a fae side he never knew existed, Ash’s entire world is turned upside down. What makes matters more confusing is Ash’s shadow, the Unseelie Queen’s youngest son Prince Lonan – a shadow who captures his attention and refuses to let go.
With hauntingly beautiful prose and highly addictive characters, Mortal Skin is a MM fantasy romance that deserves a spotlight and its very own spot on your bookshelf. As one of the best fantasy enemies to lovers romance books of 2022, you do not want to miss out on this unputdownable must-read.
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
Sky In The Deep is about two Viking clans, the Aska and the Riki, who have been enemies since the dawn of times. They have these yearly fights usually before and after the thaw and it wasn’t until their most recent fight that Eelyn, an Aska warrior, sees her brother.
A brother who she believed was dead all this time. Fighting. One the wrong side of the battlefield.
She goes after him (probably thinks she’s going a little insane), but in the process ends up a prisoner of the Riki. It is there where most of the story will take place and where you’ll grow to love all the characters.
It isn’t until close to the end that the Hejra become a major problem for both the Aska and the Riki. And a new age begins.
If you prefer your fantasy romance novels with a strong female heroine, some enemies to lovers schmoozing and VIKINGS… well, this is definitely the book for you.
Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
Former street thief and a current member of Queen Lia of Venda’s Rahtan, an elite squad of her most trusted soldiers, Kazi must locate General Illarium, who is responsible for the deaths of Lia’s father and brother. Rumors of the general’s whereabouts leads her to Hell’s Mouth, a city unofficially under the control of the Ballenger family.
When Jace, the new Patrei of the Ballenger family, finds himself abducted and shackled to Kazi by labour traders, they must trust each other in order to escape and survive the elements. Jace eventually brings Kazi back as a prisoner which is fine by Kazi since it gives her time to complete her mission. But with others scheming behind the curtains, Kazi and the Ballengers will never see what’s coming.
I recommend reading Dance of Thieves if you like your fantasy romance novels centered around kickass characters who can handle their own in a fight… and, of course, the enemies to lovers trope. You can never go wrong with that one.
Gild by Raven Kennedy
When Auren is plucked out of the slums and given safety and security within King Midas’s golden court, she knows it is all a smoke screen – a gilded cage.
For nearly a decade, she has lived behind those gold-crusted bars in complete acceptance, knowing nothing could harm her from the outside world. However, that trust is put to the test when war makes its way to those golden gates and leads to a deal that changes everything.
From bestselling author Raven Kennedy comes Gild, a highly addictive romantic fantasy overflowing with romance, magic, and intrigue.
Burn For Me by Ilona Andrews
When Nevada Baylor is faced with apprehending Houston’s deadliest Prime pyrokinetic, she knows it is a suicide mission. But with her business on the line, she will do whatever it takes to capture Adam Pierce… even if that means partnering up with the legendary Butcher of Merida, Connor “Mad” Rogan.
If you are on the market for an exciting slow-burn urban fantasy romance, you need Ilona Andrews’ bestselling series on your list. Burn For Me is an inferno of action, mayhem, chaos, and mystery. Trust me when I say it is only bound to get hotter, especially with Rogan fanning those flames.
Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
Siren Callypso (Callie) Lillis is a present-day bounty hunter. Back when she was a teenager, she called upon The Bargainer to clean up a mess and with no one to rely on but herself, she continued calling him back for more and more favors. But every visit came at a price. Then one day he ignored Callie’s call and she wouldn’t see him for years to come.
Seven years pass before he collects those favors. Callie must help The Bargainer save the Otherworld from an invisible enemy that only Callie has the power to stop. The question is, will she discover it before it discovers her?
If you’re a sucker for slow-burn fantasy romance books where the villain gets the girl, Rhapsodic should be added to your TBR list.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Alina and Mal become as thick as thieves during their time together in an orphanage. Together they are chosen to serve in the First Army, a squad whose main mission is to team up with the Grisha to eradicate the Fold; a place devoid of light and life except for the Volcra. Volcra were once human, but became something else entirely after staying in the Fold for too long. Now, they are flesh-eating creatures with leathery wings. Razor-sharp teeth and long, dirty claws.
When Mal and Alina’s unit returns from the Fold, they are attacked and greatly outnumbered. When Mal is ambushed by a Volcra, Alina acts on autopilot and becomes a human shield as the Volcra shoots towards them. What happens next calls her very nature into question.
I highly recommend Shadow and Bone to anyone who loves their fantasy romance books with some devilish and conniving villains, amazing world-building and kickass characters.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Kell is a magician, one of the rare few who travel between the parallel London: Red, Grey, White and Black. Raised in Red London, Kell serves as an ambassador for the Maresh Empire and frequently travels in and out of the Londons to pass along messages and smuggle artifacts.
When a trip to White London goes awry, Kell finds himself in possession of a dangerous stone from Black London, a world that was closed off after a deadly magical apocalypse swept across the city and ravaged the lands. And when the stone falls into the hands of Delilah Bard, Kell’s life will become forever intertwined with the thief from Grey London.
Filled with evil, power-hungry rulers, forbidden magical artifacts and thrilling adventures, A Darker Shade of Magic is a spellbinding read that boasts a unique magical system and an incredibly slow slow-burn fantasy romance that complements the plot.
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
In place of the gallows, Yelena is offered the chance to become the Commander’s new food taster. Naturally, Yelena accepts. However, the head of the Commander’s security Valek is not one to leave things to chance. To ensure Yelena doesn’t try running away, he feeds her Butterfly’s Dust, a fatal poison that requires a daily antidote to stave off an agonizing death.
Thrust into a dangerous world of politics, assassination attempts and deadly poisons, Yelena will need all her wits to survive this political warzone.
Loaded with espionage, deception and magic, Poison Study is one of those unputdownable slow-burn fantasy romance books that will keep you thinking long after you’ve finished it.
Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
The shadowhunters are back in Cassandra Clare’s exciting, new spinoff Chain of Gold.
James and Lucie Herondale have only known peace in the Shadowhunter community. Their idyllic view is shattered with the arrival of the Blackthorn and Carstairs families along with a plague that only promises the inevitable; death.
The story focuses on James Herondale and Grace Blackthorn, so take a seat and get comfy because you’re going to have 544 pages of beautiful words to devour and fall in love with (and later hate when you realize you have to wait a year for the sequel).
If you’re into fantasy romance novels with creatures from all walks of life, literally, then you’ll love Chain of Gold. Also, get ready for some unrequited love. It will drive you bonkers I tell you. Bonkers!
The Black Witch by Laurie Forest
Swept away from her sheltered life in the countryside town of Halfix with her uncle, Elloren Gardner is swiftly thrust into a shiny, new world of pretty veiled threats, treacherous political landmines, lofty expectations and preconceived beliefs that prove more debilitating than bullets. As the granddaughter of the Black Witch, Elloren’s lack of magic is a great source of disappointment in her aunt’s eyes.
Only when she begins attending Verpax University does she begin to question everything: her beliefs, the laws of the land, the history of her people and her burgeoning feelings for the enigmatic son of the commander and the mysterious Kelt who hates her on sight. Nothing is what it seems and the world, crumbling beneath the Gardnerian’s rule, is on the precipice of change.
If you like enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance books that are light on the romance and heavy on everything else, I would suggest The Black Witch, especially if you enjoy flawed characters with wonderful character arcs.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Prince Rhen is cursed by an enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth birthday. To break the curse, he must fall in love. Rhen thought that would be easy enough until he turned into a vicious monster that feeds on death and destruction. Until he murders his entire family and hundreds of his subjects.
Harper has never had the easiest upbringing. From an absentee father who left his family to deal with his mistakes, a mother who only has weeks left to live and a brother who underestimates her because of her cerebral palsy. When she sees what appears to be a kidnapping in action, Harper steps in and whacks the would-be kidnapper in the head…and ends up in Emberfall.
From there, she is thrust into this alternate world that is so much different than Washington, D.C. While there, she pulls off multiple escape attempts and gives Rhen and his commander Grey a run for their money. However, Harper may have just become their biggest ally in their fight against an invading army and a political uprising.
If you’re into Beauty and the Beast fairy tale retellings featuring a kickass heroine and an enemies to lovers trope, A Curse So Dark and Lonely is right up your alley. You’ll fall in love with this fantasy romance novel for sure!
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Growing up in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries has taught Elisabeth three things: (1) all sorcerers are evil, (2) the magical grimoires must be kept secure at all times and (3) that she wants to become a warden one day. That all changes when one of the most dangerous grimoires escapes one night and Elisabeth tries to intervene.
Suspicions arise when Elisabeth comes forth with the information and ends with her incriminated and in shackles. Sent off to the capital to answer for her “crimes,” Elisabeth must rely on the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn and his demonic servant as her world implodes.
Fantasy romance books about sorcerers and demons are awesome which is why you should definitely give Sorcery of Thorns a chance.
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
The Wrath and the Dawn tells the story of eighteen-year-old caliph, Khalid, who takes a new bride each night only to have a silk cord wrapped around their neck each morning and a commoner, Shahrzad, who is intent on ending after her best friend falls victim to Khalid.
For an enemies to lovers romance mixed with a pinch of magic and a deadly vendetta, give The Wrath and the Dawn a chance. This fantasy romance novel will not let you down.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Louise le Blanc escapes to the city of Cesarine where she blends in as a common thief, hiding the fact that she’s a witch. If the wrong person finds out, she may find herself burned at the stake as witches are feared and hunted by the masses.
As a Chasseur (huntsman) for the Church, Reid Diggory is bound to one duty: kill all witches. However, he finds himself in a precarious predicament when Lou pulls a sly stunt that ultimately ends with the two becoming husband and wife.
Obsessed with magic, witches, and cutthroat villains? Love reading a good ol’ forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance between a hero with questionable morals and a quick-witted heroine who can hold her own plus a fake engagement? If all of that has you nodding your head in excitement, then Serpent & Dove is one of the best slow-burn fantasy romance books for you.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
When criminal prodigy Kaz Brekkar is offered the once-in-a-lifetime chance at an impossible heist to earn an insane amount of money, he jumps at the chance.
But to successfully carry out this deadly mission, Kaz needs to recruit the best crew the Barrels can provide: the dangerous assassin known as the Wraith, the gambling sharpshooter, the brains of the operation, the Grisha who can kill with a single look and a hunter trained to kill Grisha.
Breaking into the world’s most impenetrable fortress to rescue an important prisoner should be a walk in the park…
Captivating and action-packed, Six of Crows is a riveting, heart-pounding read perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Sarah J. Maas. The slow-burn romances that bloom along the way complement the story beautifully. By the time you finish this masterpiece, you’ll be dying to see the upcoming Netflix series based on Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse.
The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon
A curse was unleashed on the people of Saylok the day Bayr was born. From that moment forth, no female child would be born. As the years progressed, desperation grew until the first girl child was born, Alba.
Believed to be a sign of salvation, the people of Saylok were optimistic until the curse continued. As the strongest person in the kingdom, Bayr is charged with protecting Alba and he quickly learns that he would do anything for her.
We all know Amy Harmon kills it in the fantasy romance novel category, so you should give The First Girl Child a go!
When Wishes Bleed by Casey L. Bond
Sable, the daughter of Fate, is a witch and a pariah among the witches in her sector. During an equinox celebration, a man asks her to read his fortune with a wishbone. One snap is all it takes for Sable to realize his life is in peril when blood escapes from the wishbone.
The next day, Sable receives a royal invitation to join a competition that ends with one of the contestant’s engaged to the prince. With nothing holding her back, Sable accepts and decides it’s up to her to keep the prince safe. The question is, will she succeed?
Check out When Wishes Bleed if you like your fantasy romance novels witchy and forbidden. Bonus points if you love all things royal because we have a prince on our hands.
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Alessandra has a clear set of goals which are as follows: (1) Woo the Shadow King, (2) Marry him and (3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself. The third part of the plan goes awry when she saves him from numerous assassination attempts . . . after all, how else will she become queen if there is no king to make her his queen?
Dance with the shadows in Tricia Levenseller’s latest novel The Shadows Between Us. If you like your fantasy romance novels dark with a slow burn romance, then you should definitely read this page-turner.
Radiance by Grace Draven
Radiance revolves around a human princess, Ildiko, and an alien prince, Brishen, who are to unite their kingdoms through marriage. The two races find each other physically repulsive, so you can say this was a match made in the fiery pits of Tartarus. While they may not find each other physically attractive, they share a kinship that goes beyond physical appearances.
Read Radiance if you love slow-burn, friends-to-lover fantasy romances between aliens and humans who bicker like an old married couple. Between their shaky union and the precarious political landscape amongst their kingdoms, Kai and Ildiko will have to forgo their honeymoon and do some damage control before the warring kingdoms rip them apart.
Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews
Forced to take over her family’s private investigation business and become the reluctant head of House Baylor, Catalina Baylor is more than a little stressed by the onslaught of responsibility and danger that comes with the job. When a dangerous gig pops up, Catalina is more determined than ever to help her young client despite multiple people warning her away from the case.
One of those people happens to be her teenage crush Alessandro Sagredo, the charismatic Italian Prime with an unclear hidden agenda. Despite his mysterious motives, Catalina must form a tenuous alliance with the deadly Prime if she hopes to survive the risky investigation.
Sapphire Flames is an unputdownable urban fantasy romance overflowing with magic, nonstop action, off-the-charts tension, and mystery. If you have yet to read Burn For Me, I recommend starting there for a more enhanced reading experience.
Savage Lands by Stacey Marie Brown
An unrequited love. An arranged marriage. And an unforeseen betrayal.
Brexley Kovacs has nothing to lose. Not after learning of her future nuptials with the abusive son of the prime minister.
As a last hurrah, Brex finagles her best friend Caden into an adventure that would end with her imprisoned in the infamous Halalház – the House of Death.
In the place feared by seasoned soldiers and civilians alike, Brex must fight to survive the Hell that will become her life.
If you love slow-burn fantasy romance books with heroines that can take down battle-seasoned warriors with the flick of her wrist (well, maybe not the flick of her wrist), check out Savage Lands.
Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
Re-enter the world of the Shadowhunters with childhood friends Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn.
With demonic activity on the rise, Emma and Julian must figure out what’s behind the sacrificial killings, necromancy and highly active ley lines before it’s too late.
However, Emma and Julian have one big problem. As parabatai, they share a special bond, but parabatai are forbidden from falling in love…
Read Lady Midnight if you like your fantasy romance novels with a dose of forbidden love and friends to lovers.