Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Crescent City series begins with House of Earth and Blood, introducing half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a modern fantasy world of magic, danger, and searing romance. With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom—and the power of love. Small disclaimer, the books featured here are romantic fantasy, not fantasy romance and there’s a small but significant difference. Fantasy romance is a sub-genre of romance, while romantic fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy. Indie author A.J. Lancaster explains it quite well as some books tend to lie in the gray area between the two. So this list has fantasy books that feature romance (some more heavily than others), but that don’t rely on a love story to move the plot forward. If you want to check out some fantasy romance recs, we have some must reads! So without further ado, here are eight great romantic fantasy reads.
8 Great Romantic Fantasy Reads
Princess Alyrra is on her way to her betrothed’s kingdom when she’s ambushed by Valka. Valka, her former handmaiden and a sorceress with a grudge, then casts a spell to switch their bodies. She leaves Alyrra behind, unable to tell the truth, and takes her place. In her new life, Alyrra still manages to fall for her betrothed, the Prince Kestrin, and learns about the deep injustice that haunts the kingdom. And so she must face a choice: return to court and save Kestrin’s life or sink back into the shadows and live as the royal goose girl for the rest of her days. Thorn is a wonderful retelling of the fairytale “Goose Girl.” It focuses on Alyrra’s story, her growth, and how she finds confidence in her voice to take a stand. The romance lies on the sidelines, but it’s slow-burn and sweet!
