Romantasy and Fantasy Romance Books You Need to Read

I can’t talk about romantasy or fantasy romance books without mentioning the sensation that is Fourth Wing from Red Tower Books.

Fourth Wing introduces us to a breathtaking world where dragon riders reign supreme. Young Violet Sorrengail’s path was meant to be in the quieter Scribe Quadrant, surrounded by pages of history. But fate, and her formidable mother, has another plan. Now, she’s thrust into the challenging world of Navarre’s elite dragon riders.

However, there’s a twist. Dragons aren’t too fond of “fragile” humans like Violet, preferring to incinerate them rather than bond. At the elite Basgiath War College, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a limited number of dragons willing to bond and cutthroat cadets, many of whom would relish the chance to take Violet out, survival is a daily challenge. Adding to her woes is the formidable Xaden Riorson, a wingleader with power, ruthlessness, and a particular disdain for Violet due to her lineage.

Dive into the realm of romantasy with Sarah J. Maas’s enchanting tale, “A Court of Thorns and Roses”. When the brave and resourceful Feyre Archeron takes down a wolf in the woods, she inadvertently sets a chain of events in motion. That single act of survival sees her dragged to a captivating magical land, one filled with dangerous faeries and untold mysteries.

Held captive by a mysterious and masked High Fae lord named Tamlin, Feyre initially sees only a captor and prison. But as days turn into nights, she discovers that the mask hides deep secrets and agonies. The initially icy relationship between Feyre and Tamlin begins to shift, evolving into a passion neither of them expected. Yet, with passion comes vulnerability, and the world of the faeries is not as it seems.

Carve out some space in your fantasy romance reading list for Carissa Broadbent’s Daughter of No Worlds, part of the gripping “The War of Lost Hearts” series. Tisaanah, once a slave, is a survivor with wits and magic at her fingertips. When her attempt to purchase her freedom goes awry, she’s thrust into a journey for justice. Her goal? To rescue her dearest friend by navigating the treacherous realm of the Orders, home to the world’s most potent magic wielders.

However, the path to joining this elite group demands she apprentices under the enigmatic Maxantarius Farlione. He is a fire wielder of great power and harbors a disdain for the Orders they seek to join. Their alliance is strained by the Orders’ ambiguous motives and the imminent threat of war. But even amidst these external dangers, their burgeoning feelings for each other might prove to be the most perilous. Tisaanah is on the brink of discoveries about Maxantarius’ shadowy past, which could either seal their fates or tear them apart.

Ah, stepping into Cassandra Clare’s universe always feels like coming home to many readers, and “Clockwork Angel” is no exception. Set in the evocative backdrop of Victorian London, this fantasy romance book weaves a tale that’s rich in both lore and heart. Now, while it might not bring the heat in the traditional “spicy” sense, don’t be mistaken; it’s still packed with emotions and moments that will make your heart race.

For those who’ve journeyed through “The Mortal Instruments,” this read offers a different flavor while still rooted in the beloved Shadowhunter world. If you haven’t dived into Clare’s universe yet, it’s recommended that you start with the “The Mortal Instruments” series. But, personally? “Clockwork Angel” holds a special place as the kick-off to my favorite Shadowhunter series.

Diving into “A Touch of Darkness” by Scarlett St. Clair is like taking a walk on the wild side of fantasy romance books. Set in a world where gods walk among men, this story centers around Persephone, a goddess trying to carve out her own destiny, and Hades, the enigmatic god of the underworld. Their relationship? Electrifying, tension-filled, and oh-so-spicy.

St. Clair brilliantly modernizes a classic Greek myth, adding layers of intrigue, power dynamics, and undeniable chemistry. If you’re in the mood for a fantasy that doesn’t shy away from turning up the heat, this one’s for you. Hades and Persephone’s tale is a roller-coaster, combining passion, adventure, and challenges. In spicy fantasy, “A Touch of Darkness” shines brilliantly, proving that sometimes love can find its way even in the shadows.

If you’re diving into “A Marvellous Light” by Freya Marske, prepare for a delightful surprise. Though it might seem like your standard fantastical journey on the surface, beneath those pages lurks an unexpectedly spicy undercurrent. Marske brings us a male-male romance that not only heats up the scenes but seamlessly intertwines with an engrossing plot.

Set against a magical backdrop, the relationship between the characters is rich with chemistry and emotional depth. Their encounters add sizzle, while the overarching story keeps readers thoroughly engaged. A perfect blend for those who appreciate both a captivating narrative and some unexpected heat. This one stands out, proving that sometimes, fantasy romance books can surprise even the most seasoned reader.

“An Ember in the Ashes” is a YA fantasy romance by Sabaa Tahir. Set against a backdrop of oppression and rebellion, the tale expertly weaves romance with high-stakes drama. Our protagonists, Laia and Elias, come from starkly different backgrounds: she’s a slave, and he’s an elite soldier. But their paths cross in the most unexpected of ways.

Their budding romance is intricate, fraught with challenges from their world’s societal constraints and dilemmas. Tahir crafts a narrative where love tries to bloom amidst chaos. It’s a testament to the strength of heart and spirit. It is a perfect read for those who love the intertwining of deep emotion and thrilling action in their fantasy romance books.

Step into the enchanting realm of “Yumi and the Nightmare Painter,” a unique foray into fantasy romance from the mind of Brandon Sanderson. Known for his epic fantasy narratives, Sanderson isn’t typically linked with romance. Yet, this particular gem, penned as a loving tribute to his wife, shines with heartfelt passion and intricate storytelling.

Set within Sanderson’s expansive Cosmere universe, we meet Yumi, a spirit summoner bound by rigid traditions, and Painter, a lone figure yearning for heroism amidst shadows. Their paths intersect in a captivating dance of fate, challenging them to confront their histories, desires, and the balance of their respective worlds. Their union is far from coincidental; it’s a beautiful meld of two souls on a mission to mend their worlds and, perhaps, each other.

Dive deep into the shadowy corners of “The Serpent and the Wings of Night,” a thrilling exploration of dark fantasy romance penned by Carissa Broadbent. Earning its rightful place as a #1 Best Seller in Dark Fantasy, this book weaves an intoxicating tale of treacherous alliances, forbidden desires, and the brutal dance between humans and vampires.

Oraya, an adopted human in a world dominated by the Nightborn vampire elite, seeks to transcend her vulnerable status. Her daring choice? To participate in the Kejari – a legendary death tournament. Her journey takes an unexpected twist when she’s compelled to ally with Raihn, a formidable vampire warrior and her fiercest competition. As much as she’s wary of Raihn’s lethal prowess, she’s equally intrigued by their enigmatic bond.

In the heart of the expansive Solaris Empire, Vhalla Yarl, a humble library apprentice, stumbles upon a rare book. Unbeknownst to her, this discovery awakens her latent sorcery, making her the Empire’s only Windwalker in centuries. Suddenly, Vhalla is thrust from the serenity of books into a tumultuous world of magic, politics, and warfare.

Prince Aldrik, a dark and brooding sorcerer, takes an interest in her newfound abilities. While the attraction between them is undeniable, the empire’s stakes are high. Every decision can tilt the balance between love and duty, and Vhalla must determine where her heart truly lies. In a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, she’s faced with an unavoidable choice: embrace her powers to serve the empire or resist and forge her own destiny.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a fresh fantasy romance, let me introduce you to “Half a Soul” by Olivia Atwater. First off, we’re talking Regency London – think fancy ballrooms, elegant gowns, and horse-drawn carriages. Now, in this vibrant setting, meet Dora Ettings. Imagine being a vibrant young lady, but with, well, only half a soul. Dora’s missed a vital part of herself due to a mischievous faerie curse when she was just sixteen. It’s like she’s watching life through a fogged-up window. Sounds gut-wrenching, right?

“Radiance” by Grace Draven. Ready for a twist? In this world, humans find the Kai ugly and vice versa. Now, meet our leads: Brishen, a Kai prince with what we’d consider ghoulish looks, and Ildiko, a noble human lady with what the Kai see as squishy eyes and weirdly smooth skin. The catch? They’re thrown into an arranged marriage for political gain. Awkward, right?

But here’s where the magic truly begins. Instead of instant attraction or love at first sight, they find friendship. They laugh at their mutual ‘ugliness,’ find solace in shared jokes, and form a bond that’s so genuine you’ll find yourself rooting for them from the get-go. The beauty of this story? It’s how love isn’t about appearances but the connection of souls.

I’ve stumbled upon a self-published gem you’re going to adore. Dive into “The Ever King” by LJ Andrews, set in the alluring Ever Seas universe. Revenge is a dish best-served cold, and for Erik, the scarred king of the Ever Kingdom, it’s been simmering for years. His sole focus? Avenging the murder of his father and breaking free from the chains that bind him underwater. Just when you think it’s a typical vengeance plot, enter the enemy’s daughter, an unsuspecting game-changer in Erik’s plan.

So, here’s the thing about plans—they often go awry. Amaya Mevson had her path laid out, focusing on reviving her career. Easy, right? Oh, how life loves to toss in some curveballs. Imagine learning you’re the descendant of a long line of magical high priestesses. Yep, that’s her life now. To top it off, she finds herself paired with a certain, let’s say, charming playboy from Pointedelle. Ugh, right?

But wait, there’s more! While Amaya is trying to grapple with her newfound heritage, she’s thrown into a whirlwind of social injustices, intricate corporate politics, and shady government plots. Oh, and did I mention her powers have a mind of their own, practically pushing her toward a particular enigmatic foreign ambassador? Yep, seduction vibes, full steam ahead!

When you think of bridges, you might picture quaint stone pathways across tranquil rivers. But in “The Bridge Kingdom,” they’re so much more—these structures are the heart of a kingdom’s power, and everyone wants a piece. Our fierce heroine, Lara, has trained since childhood for one purpose: to infiltrate the enemy kingdom by marrying its young king and then to bring it down from the inside. Sounds like a solid plan, right?

However, things get a tad complicated when Lara starts to see a different side of her new home. Her husband, King Aren, isn’t exactly the monster she was led to believe. In fact, their growing bond unveils secrets, betrayals, and a sizzling chemistry that’s hard to ignore. Now, she’s torn between loyalty to her homeland and the burgeoning love she feels for a man she’s meant to betray.