Fantasy romance books are some of the absolute most fun books to disappear into. You have the magic of a fantasy world and the guilty pleasure of a good romance novel, all rolled up into one.
What’s not to love!?
Clearly, romantasy books are a recipe for success, because it’s become one of the most popular book genres out there.Â
Though some of these titles may overlap with the best romance books in general, today, I’ll be focusing only on the fantasy romance subgenre.
Of course, everyone likes a different spice level in their fantasy romance books, so I’ve broken my list down by young adult fantasy romance books, new adult fantasy romance books, and spicy fantasy romance books, so you can find the perfect level of heat to suit your fancy!
Young adult fantasy romance books
Here are some of the best young adult fiction options for lovers of fantasy romance books:
1. The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden
The Winternight Trilogy has some of my all-time favorite fantasy romance books. There is something so special and magical about this Russian folkloric trilogy that I return to it again and again.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden follows the life of Vasilisa (Vasya), a young girl who grows up in a remote village at the edge of a forest. Vasya has the ability to see and interact with the spirits of the forest, which are part of the local folklore. These spirits are guardians of nature, but they become threatened as the influence of organized religion and foreign authorities begins to grow.
Vasya’s gift becomes increasingly important as dark forces rise, both human and supernatural, threatening her village and the delicate balance between the world of magic and the changing societal norms.
The novel delves into themes of belief, gender roles, and the clash between old traditions and new ideas. It’s a beautifully written, atmospheric story, with elements of Russian fairy tales, and it has a strong female protagonist who defies societal expectations.
2. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Next on my list of the top YA fantasy romance books is Legendborn. This is a super unique take on the King Arthur legends, with major POC representation, beautiful prose, and a quirky love triangle. This is a true slice of magic.
Legendborn follows the story of Bree Matthews, a 16-year-old girl who enrolls in an early college program at the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Bree is grieving the recent death of her mother, which sets the stage for her journey of self-discovery and uncovering hidden truths.
Soon after arriving at the university, Bree encounters a secret society known as the Legendborn, which is composed of descendants of King Arthur’s knights. They possess magical abilities, and their goal is to protect the world from dark supernatural forces. Bree discovers that she has a mysterious connection to their world, particularly to the magic they wield, and becomes entangled in their dangerous battles.
As she delves deeper into the Legendborn’s world, Bree learns more about her own powers and begins to uncover secrets about her mother’s death that may be linked to these supernatural forces. Throughout the story, Bree grapples with themes of trauma, identity, and the legacy of her ancestors while navigating the complexities of race, friendship, and power.
3. Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
The Daughter of the Moon Goddess doesn’t follow the usual themes in romance books, but it’s so beautifully written that it had to be added to the list. We get a slightly pulled-back look at romance, but there is a love triangle – and plenty of magical warfare to go around.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a captivating story inspired by Chinese mythology, specifically drawing from the legend of the Moon Goddess, Chang’e. The story follows Xingyin, the daughter of Chang’e, who has been living in secret on the moon with her mother ever since her mother’s banishment. Xingyin grows up isolated, unaware of the larger world and the powerful forces at play outside her secluded home.
When her location is discovered, Xingyin is forced to flee the moon, and her journey takes her to the celestial realm, where she becomes entangled in the politics and intrigue of the immortal courts. As she navigates this new world, she must also hide her true identity while trying to find a way to free her mother, who has been imprisoned by the Jade Emperor.
Throughout the story, Xingyin must confront numerous challenges, including complicated relationships with powerful figures, magical trials, and the discovery of her own formidable powers. Along the way, she faces difficult choices regarding love, loyalty, and her quest to reclaim her mother’s freedom.
4. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
If you enjoy bully and enemy-to-lover romance tropes, you will love The Cruel Prince. It follows Jude, a mortal girl raised in the High Court of Faerie after her parents are murdered. She must learn to survive and find a place in the court while thwarting her nemesis, Prince Cardan.
Growing up in the treacherous world of Faerie, where mortals are looked down upon and treated as lesser beings, Jude is determined to prove herself worthy of respect and power, despite being human. The book’s central conflict revolves around Jude’s ambition to gain a place in the Faerie court and win the favor of the cruel Prince Cardan, the youngest and most arrogant of the Faerie royal family.
Cardan and his friends torment Jude, making her life difficult, but she is determined to outsmart them and navigate the dangerous political games of the Faerie world. As the story progresses, Jude becomes embroiled in complex plots and alliances, testing her loyalty, morality, and survival instincts.
5. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
If you like whimsical fantasy romance books, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is right up your alley. Inspired by Korean folklore, this beautiful love story features so many fantastical creatures, it feels like an underwater Spirited Away.
The story follows Mina, a young woman living in a coastal village that has been plagued by storms and misfortune. The villagers believe that the sea god has been angered and is causing the destruction, and the only way to appease him is through a sacrificial offering.
When her beloved brother is chosen to be sacrificed to the sea god, Mina decides to take his place in an act of courage and selflessness. She throws herself into the sea, hoping to save her brother and end the village’s suffering. However, instead of dying, she finds herself in the underwater realm of the sea god, where she learns that things are far more complex than she had imagined.
Mina discovers that the sea god is trapped in a curse, and the kingdom beneath the sea is in turmoil, with its own conflicts and mysteries. As she tries to navigate this dangerous new world, she becomes entangled in a plot that could change the fate of both the underwater kingdom and her own world.
6. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Every list of YA fantasy romance books should contain An Ember in the Ashes. This book is an absolute triumph. It follows Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, as they confront corruption, rebellion, and their own destinies in a brutal society inspired by ancient Rome.
As the two main characters are drawn into the political intrigue and violence surrounding the Empire, they must face tough decisions about their loyalty. The novel explores themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the cost of rebellion.
7. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Serpent & Dove is one of my favorite dark fantasy romance books, so it’s super impressive that it was Shelby’s debut novel. The story follows two main characters: Louise “Lou” le Blanc and Reid Diggory.
Lou is a witch who has spent most of her life in hiding, using her magical abilities to stay off the Church’s radar. She is a skilled and resourceful character who lives among a group of other witches, but she’s forced to flee when she is discovered by the Church. In an effort to escape, Lou ends up in a precarious situation where she is forced into marriage with Reid, a highly devout and skilled witch hunter.
When Lou and Reid are forced together, they become unlikely allies, and their marriage becomes more complicated as they are drawn into a battle between witches and the Church. Tensions rise as Lou tries to keep her witch identity a secret, and Reid slowly begins to question everything he’s been taught.
8. Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
S. Jae-Jones’ Wintersong is a Labyrinth retelling with a whole lot of heart. While I don’t think it actually stacks up against Labyrinth, I do think it’s a fabulous romance fantasy novel in its own right. You’ll never look at the demon king the same way again.
This fantasy romance book follows Liesl, is a young woman living in 19th-century Bavaria, where she is the daughter of a composer. Unlike her more outgoing and talented siblings, Liesl has always felt overshadowed by her family’s expectations and her own lack of musical skill. However, she has a secret: she is deeply connected to music and the world of the Goblin King, a mysterious and powerful figure who rules the labyrinthine underground world beneath the earth.
Liesl’s life takes a dramatic turn when her younger sister, Käthe, is taken by the Goblin King. Desperate to save her, Liesl journeys to the Goblin King’s realm, where she is confronted with the complexities of her own emotions and the haunting allure of the Goblin King. As Liesl navigates the dark, magical world, she is drawn into a dangerous bargain with the Goblin King, which forces her to confront the choices she must make for herself and her family.
9. Daughter of Smoke and Bone Series by Laini Taylor
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor is a captivating fantasy romance book set in a world filled with magical creatures. The story follows Karou, a teenage girl living in Prague, who leads a double life. By day, she is a normal art student at an international school, but by night, she works for Brimstone, who is part of a group of magical beings called chimera.
Karou has always been aware that she is different from other humans, especially since she was raised by these strange beings. However, she doesn’t fully understand her origins or the full extent of her identity, as her past has been shrouded in mystery.
The story takes a dramatic turn when mysterious and dangerous angels begin appearing in the human world, and Karou finds herself caught in the midst of a conflict between the chimeras and the angels.
10. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
Looking for unique young adult fantasy romance books? The Wrath and the Dawn is about Shahrzad, a woman who volunteers to marry a Caliph to avenge her friend’s death. But she discovers a secret – the Caliph ritually executes his brides.
When Shahrzad meets the Caliph Khalid, she finds him to be a much more complex figure than she expected. Instead of killing him, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous and complicated relationship with the king. As she spends more time with him, Shahrzad uncovers secrets about Khalid’s past and the tragic curse that drives his actions, leading her to question the true nature of his rule.
As the story unfolds, Shahrzad must decide whether to follow through with her original plan for revenge or to pursue a different path that could change the fate of both herself and Khalid.
11. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
If you like dark fantasy romance books, you should also check out Graceling. It is a high fantasy novel set in a world where people are born with special abilities called Graces. These Graces are rare and vary greatly, granting individuals extraordinary talents—ranging from the ability to read minds to controlling fire. In this world, some Gracelings are revered, while others are feared or exploited.
The story follows Katsa, a young woman with a Grace for killing. Born with exceptional fighting skills, Katsa is forced to serve her uncle, King Randa, who uses her as his personal enforcer, sending her on missions to punish or eliminate anyone who defies his rule. Despite her fearsome reputation, Katsa is not content with her life of violence and control. She longs for freedom and to escape her uncle’s manipulation.
Katsa’s life changes when she meets Po, a skilled fighter and a prince from a neighboring kingdom who has a mysterious Grace. Po’s Grace turns out to be one of the most unique in the world, and he and Katsa form an unlikely alliance. Together, they uncover a deeper conspiracy involving Katsa’s own family and a plot that threatens the entire kingdom.
12. Fire by Kristin Cashore
Fire is a companion novel to Graceling. It is about a beautiful monster named Fire who has the ability to control minds. She has to grapple with her identity and the responsibilities that come with her extraordinary power.
The story is set in the Dells, a land known for its vibrant and dangerous creatures, including monsters, which are not traditional fantasy beasts but rather beings with extraordinary beauty and mesmerizing powers. The protagonist, Fire, is a monster herself—a human with the ability to manipulate people’s minds with her beauty and presence.
Fire has lived most of her life in isolation, hiding from the world and the effect her beauty has on others. She is haunted by the power she wields, fearing it could lead to manipulation or violence. When the kingdom of the Dells faces a rising threat from external forces, Fire is reluctantly drawn into the political and military conflicts. Along the way, she must come to terms with her own abilities, her place in the world, and how to use her power for good without losing herself in the process.
12. The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
The Bird and the Sword is written so lyrically, Harmon’s words are sheer beauty. Lark is a mute girl with a forbidden gift for speaking to the earth and controlling minds. Lark’s life changes when she is taken by the King of Reth, Tiras, who is trying to protect his kingdom from a dangerous enemy who threatens the peace of the land. Tiras has his own secrets—he is cursed and lives under the shadow of a prophecy that foretells his doom. When Lark’s ability is discovered, she becomes an asset to the king in his fight to save his kingdom.
As the two grow closer, Lark must learn to control her power, all while struggling with her emotions for Tiras and grappling with the weight of her own past. The Bird and The Sword is a story about finding one’s voice, understanding the consequences of power, and the complex nature of destiny and love.
14. Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Uprooted by Naomi Novik is a standalone high fantasy novel set in a world where magic and dark forces are deeply entwined with the land. The story is heavily inspired by Eastern European folklore and features a rich, atmospheric setting.
The plot centers around Agnes “Agniezka”, a young woman living in a small village at the edge of an ominous and cursed forest known as The Wood. The Wood is a malevolent, ever-expanding force that corrupts and devours everything in its path, and its dark magic poses a constant threat to the villagers. To keep the Wood at bay, the kingdom relies on a powerful and reclusive wizard called The Dragon, who lives in a tower nearby. Every ten years, The Dragon demands a young woman from the village as payment for his protection, choosing one to serve him as a servant.
When Agniezka’s village is selected, to everyone’s surprise, Agniezka is chosen, even though her best friend, Kasia, is the one most likely to be picked. However, Agniezka soon discovers that her magical potential is far greater than she ever realized. Under The Dragon’s tutelage, she learns to harness her own unique abilities and begins to uncover secrets about the Wood, its true nature, and the dark forces that govern it.
New adult fantasy romance books
If young adult books are starting to seem a bit, well, young, then it’s time to dive into some new adult fantasy books. These books can still feature coming-of-age stories, but with a bit more spice thrown in the mix.
15. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is out here showing us all how to write a romance novel. She is undisputedly the QUEEN of romantasy. The ACOTAR series is one of her strongest works to date, and the books literally keep getting better and better.
The story follows Feyre Archeron, a young mortal woman living in a world where the lands are divided between humans and Fae. Feyre’s family struggles to survive, and she is forced to hunt in the woods to provide for them. One day, while hunting, Feyre kills a wolf, only to discover that it was a faerie in disguise. For breaking the laws of the Fae, Feyre is taken away to the Fae realm as punishment.
She is brought to the court of Tamlin, a High Fae lord, who is initially harsh but eventually reveals a more complex, vulnerable side. Feyre soon learns that the Fae realm is full of danger and political unrest. Tamlin, while protective of her, has his own struggles with a curse that has afflicted his lands and people. As Feyre becomes more involved with Tamlin and the Fae, she learns that there are darker forces at play in the Fae realm, and she is caught in a web of magic and betrayal that threatens both the Fae and human worlds.
If you don’t love book one, stick with it, because everything is about to get turned on its head.
16. Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas
If you like ACOTAR, you’ll love Crescent City, and you really should read them, since they are actually an ACOTAR crossover series!
House of Earth and Blood is the first book in the Crescent City series, and it’s a urban fantasy book. The story takes place in the city of Crescent City, a vibrant and dangerous metropolis where humans, Fae, and other magical creatures coexist, though tensions run high between different species.
The protagonist, Bryce Quinlan, is a half-Fae, half-human young woman who works as a party girl in the city’s nightlife. Bryce is pulled into a world of intrigue when a series of grisly murders occur. The Archangels—powerful and ancient beings who govern the city’s various factions—task a brooding, disgraced Fallen Angel named Hunt Athalar to work with Bryce to uncover the truth behind these killings.
As the two work together to solve the mystery, they uncover a web of secrets that tie the murders to deeper conspiracies involving the city’s most powerful factions, including ancient gods, demons, and powerful magical forces.
17. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing took the world by storm, and with good reason. This is a steamy fantasy romance novel with magic, dragons, spicy sex scenes, and…MORE DRAGONS.
The story follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman who has spent her life preparing to be a scholar, but when her mother, a high-ranking military leader, pressures her to join the Dragon Riders, Violet’s life takes a dramatic turn.
The Dragon Riders are elite soldiers trained to fight in dangerous battles while bonded to dragons. The academy where Violet must train is brutal, and the cadets are put through extreme challenges to prepare them for the war with a neighboring kingdom. The academy’s reputation for being unforgiving is well-known, and the students face life-or-death stakes in their training.
Violet, who is physically weaker than many of the other cadets, struggles to keep up with the grueling demands of her training. However, as she forms unexpected alliances and faces dangerous trials, she begins to realize that her unique abilities and strength might make her one of the most powerful riders in the academy.
18. Blood And Ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
If you have a book hangover from reading ACOTAR or Fourth Wing, Blood and Ash is the next best thing. Blood and Ash is a dark fantasy romance set in a world where the ruling class is made up of powerful beings known as the Ascended, who are considered immortal and possess supernatural abilities. These Ascended rule over the mortal population and are shrouded in mystery.
The protagonist, Poppy (Penellaphe), is a young woman known as the Maiden. She has been chosen to fulfill a sacred role—she must remain pure and untouched in preparation for her eventual Ascension, which will elevate her to the ranks of the immortal Ascended. She is isolated, kept under strict supervision, and forbidden from experiencing any form of intimacy or freedom. Poppy is the symbol of hope for her people, but she secretly resents the rigid and controlling life that has been forced upon her.
Poppy’s life changes when she meets Hawke, a mysterious and charismatic warrior who is tasked with guarding her. As the two form an unexpected bond, Poppy begins to question the truth about her world, her purpose, and the Ascended. As danger looms on the horizon, Poppy finds herself torn between her duty, her desire for freedom, and her growing attraction to Hawke. Together, they uncover dark secrets about the Ascended and the true nature of the world they live in.
19. The Green Creek Series by T.J. Klune
The Green Creek series is one of my absolute favorites. This is a gay werewolf romance, written by the same author as The House in the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering Door, and if that doesn’t sell this to you, I don’t know what will. This series has a whole lot of heart.
Wolfsong is the first book in the Green Creek series. The story is set in a small town and follows Ox Mathieson, a young man who feels disconnected from the world around him due to a troubled upbringing and his father’s abandonment.
Ox’s life changes when he meets Joe Bennett, a mysterious and charming boy who moves into the house next door. As Ox becomes closer to Joe and his family, he discovers that they are not just ordinary people but part of a werewolf pack. Over time, Ox is drawn into their world of pack dynamics and the complex relationships between the wolves and the humans they protect.
20. The Crowns of Nyaxia Series by Carissa Broadbent
The Serpent and the Wings of Night is like The Hunger Games…with vampires.
The story follows Oraya, a human raised in the vampire court after the death of her family. She is trained to be an assassin, a Blood Servant, bound to serve the vampire king and carry out his dangerous missions.
Oraya has always been loyal to the vampire king, but her life takes a turn when she becomes entangled in the political machinations of the vampire court. She is drawn into a deadly game where she has to fight for her life against beings way stronger and faster than her. Her relationship with Caius, the vampire prince, grows complicated as their paths cross in unexpected ways, and Oraya’s own powers and hidden potential come to the forefront.
As the novel progresses, Oraya uncovers dark secrets about her own past, her connection to the vampires, and the dangerous forces that threaten the entire kingdom. She must navigate the tension between the vampires’ cruelty and her own humanity, learning to survive in a world where allegiances can change in an instant and where even love and trust can become weapons.
21. The Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews
Kate Daniels is completely kickass, and if you haven’t met her yet, then it’s about time. This series features a fascinating magic system, epic battles, and a steamy shapeshifter romance.
The series is set in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta, where magic and technology constantly clash, causing unpredictable and dangerous consequences. It also follows Kate Daniels, a tough, independent, and highly skilled mercenary who specializes in solving magical problems in a world where magic fluctuates in and out of existence.
When magic is strong, technology fails, and when technology is strong, magic fades. This creates chaos in society, with different factions, including magical creatures, shape-shifters, and powerful leaders, vying for control.
As Kate faces increasingly dangerous foes, she uncovers more about her family’s dark past, her own powers, and her role in a larger battle that could determine the fate of the world.
22. Hades X Persephone Saga by Scarlett St. Clair
A Touch of Darkness (and subsequent books) is a Hades and Persephone retelling that brings the heat. While sex isn’t pivotal enough to the plot that I would put this with the spicy fantasy romance books below, it’s certainly not young adult!
The story follows Persephone, the goddess of spring, who is living in the mortal world and trying to keep her divine powers hidden. She leads a relatively normal life, working as an intern at a prestigious marketing firm, but she’s always struggled with her feelings of being controlled by her mother, Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, who wants to keep Persephone from fully embracing her powers.
Persephone’s life changes when she meets Hades, the god of the Underworld, who is a charismatic and enigmatic figure. Hades is intrigued by Persephone’s hidden powers, and they enter into a dangerous bargain: in exchange for Persephone’s freedom, she must spend a year working for him in the Underworld. However, their relationship soon grows far more complicated than either of them expected.
23. Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood is a very popular romance author (think The Love Hypothesis) but this is her first stab at fantasy romance books. And boy, did she slay! Bride is a sexy paranormal romance romp between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf.
This paranormal romance revolves around Misery Lark, the daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman, who is forced to become part of a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their enemies, the Weres. Misery enters a marriage of convenience with Lowe Moreland, the ruthless yet just Alpha of the Werewolves.
Despite their initial distrust, Misery has her own reasons for agreeing to the union—motivations that are far from political. As they live together in Were territory, they must navigate their tumultuous relationship while uncovering deep secrets and desires.
Spicy fantasy romance books
Looking for some truly steamy fantasy romance novels? Then this is the section of the list for you! Here are my favorite romantasy books with smut, smut, and more smut!
24. Merry Gentry Series by Laurell K. Hamilton
The Merry Gentry series is a fabulously fun and devilishly dark romp through Faerie Land. Think reverse harem while fighting for your life at every turn. You will get absolutely hooked on this one, and the sex scenes are a lot of fun, too.
The Merry Gentry series by Laurell K. Hamilton is an urban fantasy series that follows Merry Gentry, a half-fae private investigator living in Los Angeles. Merry is also the granddaughter of Taranis, the King of the Seelie Court of the Fae. However, Merry’s life is anything but ordinary—she is in hiding from her royal family, trying to avoid being drawn into the dangerous politics of the Fae courts.
At the start of the series, Merry has spent years living under the radar, concealing her true identity to stay safe. She works as a private investigator, solving magical and supernatural cases for her clients. However, her life changes dramatically when she is summoned to return to the Seelie Court, where her aunt, Queen Andais, rules the Unseelie Court. Merry is thrust back into the intrigues of the Fae realm when she learns that she has a unique role to play in the ongoing power struggles, both within her family and the courts.
That role? Get pregnant or die trying.
25. Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series by Laurell K. Hamilton
The Anita Blake books are an urban fantasy murder mystery series that starts off pretty tame (if we can truly call Guilty Pleasures tame). But before long, our favorite badass vampire hunter has become a succubus who must have a harem of men to feast on so she doesn’t drain any one lover too dry. Â
Anita Blake is a necromancer and vampire hunter who works with the police by day and consorts with the monsters by night. She is beginning to worry she is becoming more and more of a monster herself!
As the books progress, Anita gets caught up in murder mysteries and dangerous vampire and shapeshifter politics. Not to mention trying to keep all her boyfriends from killing each other!
26. The Bonds That Tie Series by J. Bree
The Bonds The Tie are steamy fantasy romance books we can all get behind. (Everybody loves a shadow daddy.) This is a fun reverse harem set in the middle of major wartime. Watch as Oli wins the hearts (and bodies) of each of her Bonded one book at a time. Â
Broken Bonds is the first book in The Bonds That Tie series. The story follows Oli, a young woman who has been on the run for five years after leaving behind her bonded men: North, Nox, Gryphon, Atlas, and Gabe. Despite the deep connection she shares with them, Oli fears that her powerful abilities will harm those she loves, so she chooses to flee.
However, she is eventually caught and dragged back, forced to face the men she left. The book explores the emotional tension between Oli and her bonds, as well as the struggles and guilt she feels for abandoning them. The plot involves complex relationships, power struggles, and a cliffhanger ending.
27. The Duskwalker Brides Series by Opal Reyne
Opal Reyne, you naughty minx! The things she does to us with the Duskwalker Brides series are just wrong. And I mean – sleeping with enormous monsters with the most interesting male reproductive systems you’ve ever seen – levels of wrong.Â
The forward begins:
“To all your MonsterFuckers out there, this book is for you.
Don’t pretend that you’ve never wanted to be railed by some human eating dark entity that has a skull for a face. You saw the cover, you knew what you were getting yourself into, and you still chose to open this book and read it.”
I don’t really think anything else needs to be said. Except outside of the spice (and there is ample spice) this story is surprisingly sweet.
28. Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey
Kushiel’s Dart is one of those dark fantasy romance books that really sinks its teeth into you. It is the first book in the Phèdre’s Trilogy, set in the lush and politically complex world of Terre d’Ange, a land inspired by France in a fantasy setting. The novel follows Phèdre nĂł Delaunay, a young woman born with a unique gift: she experiences pleasure from pain, a mark that is seen as both a blessing and a curse. This mark is known as Kushiel’s Dart, referring to the god of vengeance, Kushiel, who is said to have cast a divine arrow into Phèdre’s soul.
Phèdre is raised in the royal court of Terre d’Ange, where she becomes a courtesan—a highly skilled and trained lover who serves the nobility in exchange for status and wealth. As a Servant of Naamah, Phèdre is devoted to the goddess of love, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she is sold into servitude and becomes the apprentice to Delaunay, a nobleman with a secretive mission.
Through her training and her relationships, Phèdre becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue, betrayal, and espionage. She discovers that she is not merely a courtesan; she is a pawn in a larger game of power. As her bond with Delaunay grows deeper, Phèdre is drawn into a complex series of events involving betrayal, forbidden love, and a mission that will take her to the far corners of the world.
29. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
Dark Lover is one of the steamy fantasy romance novels that everyone seems to love, but I have to be honest, I couldn’t finish it! It has nothing to do with the story (which everyone raves about) and everything to do with the cringe-worthy character names.
I’m sorry, but Wrath, Tohrment, Vishous, Rhage, Phury and Zsadist…
I just couldn’t guys, but since this one comes so highly recommended, I’m adding it to the list.Â
30. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh
While Slave to Sensation sounds like something straight out of a romance book title generator, but the plot is 100% unique. In a world ruled by the Psy where any sign of desire is punished, Sascha must keep her traitorous emotions hidden at all costs…
The Psy have given up emotions, believing they are a source of chaos and weakness, and they are trained to be emotionless and logical. However, Sascha is different—she has feelings, and her inability to fully suppress them makes her feel like an outcast in the cold, emotionless world of the Psy.
Sascha works as a high-ranking member of the Psy Council, but her secret struggle with her emotions puts her in danger of being exposed. To complicate matters, she crosses paths with Lucas Hunter, the alpha of a Jaguar Changeling pack. Lucas is everything Sascha is not—he is passionate, driven by emotions, and part of the wild, unpredictable Changeling community, which embraces its animal instincts and deep emotional connections.
Despite the vast differences between the two, Lucas is drawn to Sascha, sensing that she is hiding something, and he becomes determined to uncover her secrets. As their relationship develops, Sascha begins to question her world and her place in it. She is caught between the rigid, emotionless Psy world and the passionate, intense world of the Changelings. Meanwhile, the Psy are dealing with an emerging threat—rogue Psy who have abandoned Silence and are becoming dangerously unstable.
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