Introduction
In May of this year, I began my journey into the enchanting world of Fantasy Romance Books with Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. It had garnered significant attention on social media, and a friend’s recommendation pushed me to give it a try. Little did I know that this book would spark a newfound passion for the genre. Since then, I’ve devoured a variety of fantasy romance books —some that completely captivated me and others that didn’t quite hit the mark.
This post marks the beginning of my reviews of the best fantasy romance books! As I continue reading more, my love for this genre deepens. Future posts will offer even more recommendations, so stay tuned for part two.
This list is organized chronologically, based on the order I read the books, rather than by rating or release date. Whether you’re new to fantasy romance or a seasoned reader, this collection has something for everyone!
Featured Fantasy Romance Books
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
- The Serpent and The Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
- The Ashes and The Star Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
- Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
- Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
- A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
- A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark
- A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty by Stacia Stark
- One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing was my introduction to fantasy romance, and I’m glad I picked it up. I was initially drawn to it after seeing the buzz on social media and hearing rave reviews from a friend. Although the writing and world-building were occasionally clunky, I quickly became engrossed in the plot. The dragons, the characters, and the unfolding drama kept me turning the pages.
The blend of romance and fantasy was expertly done, and once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. Violet, the protagonist, is someone I related to deeply. Her struggles, particularly with her health, resonated with me, and her journey made the story even more compelling. The chemistry between Violet and the male lead added an exciting element to the book.
Overall, Fourth Wing was a thrilling experience, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Rating: 4.5/5
2. Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
Belladonna was a delightful surprise. I decided to give it a try after seeing it recommended on Instagram. Though it’s marketed as YA, the darker themes and steamy moments make it feel more like New Adult, which I appreciated.
The protagonist, Signa, has had a life full of adventures over her 19 years. I was drawn into her world from the very beginning. Her relationship with her cousin Blythe and the mysterious Death added layers to the story that I didn’t expect. The gothic atmosphere reminded me of We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson and Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier.
Despite some pacing issues in the second half, Belladonna is a richly atmospheric and captivating read.
Rating: 4.75/5
3. The Serpent and The Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Who would have thought that a vampire romance could draw me in again? The Serpent and The Wings of Night, the first book in Carissa Broadbent’s Crowns of Nyaxia series, took me back to the days when I devoured Twilight, The Hunger Games, and Divergent. However, this novel has a much darker and more mature tone.
The story follows Oraya, a fierce protagonist competing in the deadly Kejari competition. To survive, she allies with a vampire named Raihn. Their relationship starts as enemies and gradually turns into something more. Raihn is the complex, emotionally deep vampire character I didn’t know I needed.
Full of suspense, action, and dark romance, this book kept me hooked until the very end.
Rating: 4.5/5
4. The Ashes and The Star Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
The sequel to The Serpent and The Wings of Night, The Ashes and The Star Cursed King picks up where the first book left off. This book answers many of the questions from the first installment and delves deeper into the dynamic between Oraya and Raihn.
The enemies-to-lovers arc continues in this book, and I found it even more satisfying than the first. I also appreciated how this book tied up the story nicely without leaving any cliffhangers, even though I was sad to see their journey end.
This was another fantastic read in the Crowns of Nyaxia series.
Rating: 4.5/5
5. Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
Six Scorched Roses is a novella set in the Crowns of Nyaxia universe, taking place between the events of the first and second books. The story follows Lilith, a young woman determined to save her cursed village. She makes a deal with a vampire named Vale, exchanging six roses for six vials of his blood.
Despite being a novella, Six Scorched Roses delivers a powerful emotional impact. Lilith and Vale’s chemistry is palpable, and their story is beautifully written.
Rating: 5/5
6. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year. The first book in the Letters of Enchantment series, it follows rivals Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt (whom I’ll call Kitt), two newspaper reporters whose rivalry turns into something much deeper.
Kitt’s love for Iris is pure and beautiful, and his willingness to follow her into war was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The writing is gorgeous, and the characters are incredibly well-developed.
Rating: 5/5
7. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas
The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series is a whirlwind of emotions. While the first book, ACOTAR, is a bit slow, the series really picks up with A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF), which is filled with tension, romance, and drama. ACOMAF is one of the best fantasy romance books I’ve read, with its focus on found family, impending war, and complex relationships.
Here’s a breakdown of my ratings for the series:
- ACOTAR: 3/5
- ACOMAF: 5/5
- ACOFAS: 3/5
- ACOWAR: 4.5/5
8. A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark
Stacia Stark’s A Court This Cruel and Lovely is the first book in the Kingdom of Lies series, and it hooked me from the start. The story features territorial fae men and an enigmatic female lead, Prisca. Her chemistry with Lorien, the male protagonist, was palpable, although Lorien could be a bit overbearing at times.
Though the book left some questions unanswered, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Rating: 4.5/5
9. A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty by Stacia Stark
The second book in the Kingdom of Lies series, A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty, wasn’t as strong as the first. While the spice remained, the plot fell flat in certain areas, and some character reactions felt off.
That said, it was still a solid read.
Rating: 4/5
10. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is a gothic fantasy romance filled with mystery and magic. The world-building is intricate, and the chemistry between the two main characters, Elspeth and Ravyn, is electric.
From the first page, I was engrossed in the story, and the final scene gave me chills.
Rating: 5/5
Conclusion
From May to August, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into some truly thrilling fantasy romance novels. The blend of magic, romance, and adventure in these books makes the genre one of my favorites. Whether you’re new to fantasy romance or a seasoned fan, these stories will captivate and enchant you.
Have you read any of the books on this list? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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