As the cooler months approach, what better way is there to warm up than with a steamy fantasy romance novel?
Fantasy romance books for adults are the perfect choice for fans of classic love stories, as well as aficionados of vast and detailed magical universes. These ten books combine the best of both worlds, marrying romantic storylines with magical powers and fantastical creatures.
If you’re looking for a solid fantasy romance book for adults to add to your reading list, look no further. Here are our ten best fantasy romance books for adults.
10. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Other books in the Folk of Air series:
- The Wicked King
- The Queen of Nothing
Holly Black’s incredible fantasy romance novel, first published in 2018, is the first book in the Folk of the Air series and is an absolutely grabbing entry into a fantasy world full of love, courtship, and secrecy.
Jude is a mortal girl who, after the death of her parents, is taken to the High Court of Faerie to be raised with her sisters. She struggles to adjust to the politics and power of her new surroundings, especially after meeting Cardan, the enigmatic and seemingly hurtful prince.
Should she pursue her feelings for him, or is the romance too dangerous?
Why we recommend it: I loved the dramatic tension in this book, as well as the enemies-to-lovers trope.
9. Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Agnieszka is a simple village girl trying to get by. But when a powerful wizard called the Dragon chooses her to be his servant for ten years, she has no choice but to comply.
As they collaborate in order to overcome an evil force, their reluctant partnership blossoms into something more in this compelling fantasy romance novel for adults.
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the effective character development in this standalone fantasy romance, and we can’t wait for her next book.
8. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Other books in the Crowns of Nyaxia series:
- The Ashes and the Star Cursed King
- The Songbird and the Heart of Stone
Carissa Broadbent is an absolute indie darling, and reading her fantasy romance books, it’s easy to see why.
Aurea is a lonely human who lives in a world run by powerful vampires. When she’s selected to participate in the Blood Trials, a high-stakes competition run by the vampire aristocracy, Aurea meets Ronan, an influential vampire prince.
As she and Ronan grow closer, Aurea must navigate a web of forbidden romance and betrayal.
Why we recommend it: I loved the steamy romance at the heart of this adult fantasy novel.
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7. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller’s beautiful novel is a retelling of the myth of Achilles and Patroclus, and is credited as one of the novels which sparked a trend of Greek myth retellings. (Kaos, a new Netflix series, is the latest work in that vein.)
In this heartbreaking fantasy romance book for adults, the lovers navigate an intense and complex relationship against the backdrop of the Trojan War.
Why we recommend it: I adored the lyrical writing in this book.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter6. Gild by Raven Kennedy
Other books in the Plated Prisoner series:
- Glint
- Gleam
- Glow
- Gold
- Goldfinch
Raven Kennedy’s dark romance novel for adults is the first in the Plated Prisoner series, and as soon as we read it, we had to get our hands on the next entry.
Gild follows Auren, a woman with golden skin who’s been caged by a ruthless king. As time passes, Auren uncovers powerful secrets about herself, leading to thrilling romantic awakenings.
Why we recommend it: I loved the spicy romance scenes in this book.
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5. The Winter King by C.L. Wilson
In this fantasy romance book for adults, Wynter Atrialan is the ruler of Wintercraig, a vast kingdom. His reluctant bride, Khamsin, possesses dangerous magical powers.
As the couple get to know one another, their romance turns into something deeper than a simple marriage of convenience.
Why we recommend it: I adored the character development in this fantasy romance book.
4. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
This epic fantasy novel centers on a romance between Ead, a mage, and Sabran, the queen whose safety he’s responsible for protecting.
This fascinating and moving fantasy romance book includes everything from political intrigue to dragons to diverse representation.
Why we recommend it: I loved the highlighting of queer romance plotlines in this fantasy book.
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3. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Other books in the Blood and Ash series:
- A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
- The Crown of Gilded Bones
- The War of Two Queens
- A Soul of Ash and Blood
- The Primal of Blood and Bone
- Visions of Flesh and Blood
Armentrout’s first entry in the Blood and Ash series is an addictive tale of plot twists and forbidden love.
This fantasy romance book for adults focuses on the relationship between Poppy, a young woman chosen by the gods for a mysterious purpose, and Hawke, a mysterious guard who possesses secrets of his own.
Why we recommend it: I really liked the romance scenes in this book, which were fun and erotic.
2. Radiance by Grace Draven
Radiance is the story of the love between Ildiko, a human, and Brishen, a Kai prince who comes from a non-human race.
This fantasy romance novel is a must-read for adults seeking stories about cultural differences, navigating love with someone you don’t always understand, and vastly detailed fantasy worlds.
Why we recommend it: I loved the central bond within this fantasy romance.
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Other books in this series:
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight
- A Court of Silver Flames
This hit series is wildly popular: it’s a favorite of Margot Robbie’s, and is rumored to be a top adaptation pick for her production company!
The fantasy romance book for adults follows Feyre, a woman who is taken away to the faerie lands as a punishment. As she becomes entangled in passionate love affairs in her new surroundings, Feyre must decide what’s truly important to her.
Why we recommend it: I loved the slow-burn love story in this fantasy romance.
And there you have it! These are our ten best fantasy romance novels for adults. Did we miss one of your faves? If so, be sure to leave a comment below and clue us in.
Happy reading!
