So you’ve decided to dive into the chaotic, addictive, and highly dangerous world of fantasy romance? Welcome. You’re about to lose sleep, ruin your productivity, and fall for at least three morally gray characters in the process. Consider this your fantasy romance beginner’s guide: the books that will hook you, wreck you, and guarantee you’re never escaping this genre again.
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Fantasy Romance for Beginners
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The gateway drug. Enemies-to-lovers, fae courts, and a love story that launched a thousand obsessions. - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
If ACOTAR hooked you, this sprawling assassin-to-queen series will devour your life. - The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
Political intrigue + an enemies-to-lovers marriage of convenience = chef’s kiss. - From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Romance, vampires, and a heroine caught between duty and desire. Absolute chaos in the best way. - Gild by Raven Kennedy
A dark, twisted retelling of the King Midas myth with all the addictive “just one more chapter” energy. - Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Dragons. Romance. War College. Basically booktok catnip.
Even More Beginner Fantasy Romance
- One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Moody gothic fantasy meets slow-burn romance. Deliciously eerie. - Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
Allow me to introduce you to the Twisted Sisters. Academy setting + romance + nonstop drama. - Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
Trials, romance, and a heroine forced to outwit her captors. Fans of ACOTAR will feel right at home. - Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
Epic slow burn + found family + sweeping fantasy romance worldbuilding. Perfection. - Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
One for fans craving something fresh with a mind-blowing plot twist you won’t see coming. - When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
Dragons + romance + high stakes. Need I say more? Check out my review. - Rain of Shadows and Endings by Melissa K. Roehrich
Romance and peril mixed into a lush fantasy backdrop. - Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen
A spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling, with fae lords and cursed bargains. - Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Tired of the same fantasy romance elements? Enjoy a new take on dystopian romantasy. Here’s my review. - Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Romantasy can get repetitive…but not this one! Keep the genre fresh with this heart-stopping series opener. Check out my review.
Welcome to the Rabbit Hole
And there you have it. Your fantasy romance starter kit. Warning: once you dive in, you’re not climbing out anytime soon. But honestly? Who would want to.
✨ Your next epic re-read is calling! Pin this graphic before someone else steals your spot on the couch. ⬇️
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