Best Fantasy Romance Books

One of the most popular fantasy romance series, A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre, a human girl who kills a wolf, only to be dragged into the faerie world by Tamlin, a High Fae lord. What begins as a tense kidnapping story soon transforms into a slow-burn romance full of passion, danger, and magic. The fae courts are richly described, and the stakes are high as Feyre navigates deadly politics and falls for her captor. While there are steamy moments, the heart of the story lies in Feyre’s growth and her complicated relationships. Perfect for fans of epic romance with a dark, magical twist.

The Princess Bride is a timeless classic, blending fantasy, adventure, and a love story for the ages. Buttercup and Westley’s romance is at the core of the tale, filled with wit, humor, and moments of pure swoon-worthiness. From the Fire Swamp to the Cliffs of Insanity, this book delivers both heartfelt romance and fantastical adventures. It’s a light-hearted and fun read, with the perfect balance of humor, heroics, and true love conquering all. If you’re in the mood for a charming and quirky romance, this one never disappoints.

In Stardust, a young man named Tristan Thorn crosses a magical wall to retrieve a fallen star for the girl he loves. However, the star turns out to be a woman named Yvaine, and what follows is an enchanting adventure filled with witches, flying ships, and plenty of surprises. As Tristan and Yvaine journey through the magical land of Faerie, their bond grows, transforming from reluctant partnership into a beautiful love story. Gaiman’s whimsical writing and vivid world-building make Stardust a captivating read for fans of fantasy and romance alike.

Set in a world where witches are hunted by the Church, Serpent & Dove follows Lou, a witch on the run, and Reid, a witch-hunting soldier, who are forced into marriage. Their enemies-to-lovers romance is central to the story, with plenty of banter, tension, and chemistry. The blend of magic, religious conflict, and forbidden love makes this a thrilling read, with high stakes and a romance that keeps you turning the pages. Fans of strong heroines and slow-burn romance will love this book’s twists and magical elements.

Outlander is a historical fantasy romance that has captured readers’ hearts worldwide. Claire Randall, a WWII nurse, is mysteriously transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland, where she meets Jamie Fraser, a dashing Highland warrior. Their love story is epic, spanning time and space, and is filled with passion, drama, and adventure. Gabaldon weaves history and fantasy together, making the romance between Claire and Jamie feel both timeless and extraordinary. If you love historical settings with a touch of time travel and a sweeping love story, this one’s for you.

In Daughter of Smoke and Bone, we follow Karou, an art student in Prague who has a secret life working for a mysterious, magical being. Her world is turned upside down when she meets Akiva, a seraphim soldier, and discovers a hidden war between angels and demons. The romance between Karou and Akiva is passionate and filled with longing, as both are torn between love and loyalty to their respective worlds. Taylor’s lyrical writing and richly imagined settings make this a must-read for fans of star-crossed lovers and epic fantasy.

The Night Circus is a gorgeously atmospheric tale of magic and romance. Set in a mysterious traveling circus that appears without warning, the story follows two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are bound to compete in a magical duel. As they work their magic on the circus and its performers, they also find themselves falling in love, even though their competition can only end with one of them standing. The romance is subtle but deeply emotional, with the magical circus providing a stunning backdrop to their love story. If you enjoy slow-burn romances with lush, magical settings, this book is for you.

Set in a brutal, Roman-inspired world, An Ember in the Ashes follows Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, as their paths intertwine in a fight for freedom. The romance between them simmers throughout the book, blending with the action and tension of their dangerous world. While the central plot focuses on rebellion and survival, the emotional connection between Laia and Elias adds depth and heart to the story. Tahir’s writing is gripping, making this book an intense and captivating read for fans of romance and action-packed fantasy.

A retelling of One Thousand and One Nights, The Wrath & the Dawn is a beautifully written romance set in a lush, Middle Eastern-inspired world. The story follows Shahrzad, who volunteers to marry the caliph, Khalid, to avenge her best friend’s death. As she spends more time with Khalid, she begins to uncover the truth behind the murders and finds herself falling in love with him. Their romance is filled with tension, passion, and a slow unraveling of secrets. This book is perfect for readers who love intricate plots, rich settings, and a central romance that keeps you hooked.

In the world of Graceling, certain people are born with special powers known as "Graces." Katsa, the heroine, is Graced with the ability to kill, but her world changes when she meets Prince Po, who challenges her understanding of her abilities and herself. Their romance is central to the story, and Katsa’s journey of self-discovery is deeply intertwined with her relationship with Po. The world-building is fantastic, and the romance is both sweet and empowering, making this book a favorite for fans of strong female characters and fantasy love stories.

The Cruel Prince is a dark, enchanting tale of faerie politics and dangerous love. Jude, a mortal girl living in the cruel world of Faerie, wants nothing more than to rise in the ranks of the fae court. Her complex, tension-filled relationship with Cardan, a fae prince, is at the heart of the story. Their love-hate dynamic is addictive, with plenty of twists, intrigue, and emotional depth. Black’s faerie world is dangerous and captivating, and the romance will keep you on the edge of your seat.

In Uprooted, Agnieszka lives in a quiet village on the edge of a corrupted, magical forest. Every ten years, the Dragon, a powerful wizard, chooses a girl to serve him, and this time, it’s Agnieszka. As she reluctantly begins her training, she discovers her own magical abilities, and her relationship with the Dragon grows into something more. The romance is a slow burn, full of tension and magic, with the looming danger of the corrupted forest adding a sense of urgency. Novik’s storytelling is lush and immersive, making this a perfect choice for readers who love magic-filled love stories.

This book kicks off The Remnant Chronicles, a fantasy trilogy with a strong central romance. Lia, a runaway princess, flees an arranged marriage and finds herself caught between two men—one the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. The romance is central to the plot, with plenty of twists and emotional moments. Pearson’s world-building is detailed, and the love triangle adds tension without feeling forced. Fans of fantasy with a dash of intrigue and swoon-worthy romance will enjoy this one.

To Kill a Kingdom is a darker take on The Little Mermaid, following Lira, a deadly siren princess, and Elian, a prince who hunts her kind. Their romance is full of tension, as they start out as enemies but slowly come to understand one another. The world-building is rich, with dangerous seas, magical creatures, and plenty of adventure. The romance is fierce and passionate, with the high stakes adding to the intensity of their relationship. If you love enemies-to-lovers stories with a touch of darkness, this book is a must-read.

A companion novel to Graceling, Fire takes place in a neighboring kingdom where monsters exist, and Fire, the heroine, is a human monster with the ability to control minds. Her romance with Prince Brigan is central to the story, filled with trust, respect, and a slow-burning connection. Cashore’s world is rich with political intrigue, action, and romance, making this book a perfect read for fans of character-driven fantasy with a strong love story at its heart.

The second book in A Court of Thorns and Roses series, A Court of Mist and Fury takes the romance and adventure to a whole new level. Feyre is recovering from the trauma of the first book and starts to forge a new path with Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court. Their relationship develops slowly, built on trust and mutual respect, making their romance all the more rewarding. With plenty of steamy moments and emotional depth, this book is perfect for readers who love complex characters and epic love stories. Maas masterfully blends romance, action, and world-building, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

In Queen of the Tearling, we follow Princess Kelsea as she claims her throne in a dystopian yet fantastical kingdom. Her journey is fraught with political intrigue, magical threats, and budding romance. While the central focus is on Kelsea’s growth as a leader, the slow-burning romance between her and a mysterious ally adds emotional depth to the plot. Johansen’s world-building is detailed and immersive, with magic playing a key role in the storyline. For readers who love strong heroines, complex romance, and rich fantasy worlds, this book is a perfect choice.

The Bridge Kingdom centers on Lara, a princess trained to be a spy and assassin, sent to marry her enemy, Aren, the king of the Bridge Kingdom. Their marriage is fraught with mistrust, but as Lara uncovers the truth about Aren’s kingdom, their relationship evolves from enemies to lovers. The romance is intense, with plenty of intrigue, betrayal, and steamy moments woven into the plot. Jensen’s storytelling is captivating, making this a fast-paced and addictive read for anyone who loves tension-filled romances with high stakes. The world-building is just as intriguing, with a unique setting that will keep readers hooked.

Set in a world of political intrigue and war, The Winner’s Curse follows Kestrel, a general’s daughter, and Arin, a slave with a secret. Their romance is forbidden and filled with tension, as both characters grapple with their loyalties and personal desires. Rutkoski’s writing beautifully captures the emotional complexity of their relationship, making the romance feel both intense and heartbreaking. The plot is filled with twists and surprises, and the world-building is rich with history and conflict. This is a perfect pick for fans of star-crossed lovers and slow-burn romance.

In The Bird and the Sword, we enter a world where certain people possess magical gifts, though they must hide them or risk persecution. Lark, the heroine, is mute due to her father’s spell, but she harbors powerful magic within her. When she is taken to the king’s court, she begins to uncover her own potential, while a slow-burning romance develops between her and King Tiras. Harmon’s writing is poetic, and the romance is both sweet and intense, with magic playing a key role in the unfolding love story. This novel is perfect for readers who enjoy lyrical prose, strong world-building, and a love story steeped in magic.