The Best Adult Fantasy Romance Books

My Roommate Is a Vampire

Author: Jenna Levine

Year: 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

I loved this vampire book. It was an absolute delight to read and very steamy in parts which I was not expecting. This book was so charming, funny, and such a nice change from the usual vampire/ human trope. This adult fantasy novel was a fun and quick read and is a perfect book for fall.

When …. needs a place to live and finds a too-good-to-be-true apartment, she has no choice but to take it. The only other choice is to move onto her best friend’s couch. Soon, she discovers that her new roommate is a vampire who needs someone to teach him how to blend in with the 21st century.

Why Jackie loves it

The idea of a vampire needing to be taught how to blend into society is hilarious. The nuances of the relationship made me laugh. The romance is spicy but the story is laugh-out-loud funny.

Find this book in: Fall Books/ Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Vampire Books / Adult Fantasy

Guilty Pleasures:

Author: Laurell K. Hamilton

Year: 2009

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: An Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novel

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Anita Baker is a vampire hunter who is forced to help the master vampire figure out who is behind the recent vampire murders plaguing their town. It gave me adult Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes. This is one of the vampire books that is not for the faint of heart. This is an urban fantasy romance that is erotic, to say the least.

While the first book in this series isn’t terribly romantic, my understanding is that it gets quite steamy as the series progresses. As in erotic-level steamy, so prepare yourself for that before diving in.

Trigger Warnings

Graphic Sexual Content

Why Kirsten likes it:

This is a vampire romance that is unlike anything that I have read. Be prepared for graphic content in this one. It is not for the faint of heart.

Find this book in: Vampire Books / Adult Fantasy Romance Books

Fae Romantasy Books

House of Earth and Blood

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Book #1 of the Crescent City Series

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

House of Earth and Blood is the first in a new series by Sarah J. Maas, of ACOTAR fame. It’s an urban fantasy – and tells the story of Bryce Quinlan and her bodyguard, Hunt Athalar. Together, they are trying to uncover the source of the murders and series of strange events happening around Crescent City.

This wild ride was filled with skyscrapers, cellphones, and video surveillance, but also fairies, werewolves, angels, demons, and witches with history and power.⁣

Why Kirsten loves it

My initial turn-off of too many names/places/tribes/species types was quickly overcome by the insane world-building and a story that kept me up until 3 a.m.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved this world-building fantasy. Unlike so many of the other EPIC series, this one is set in an urban setting which makes it unique to any other series I have read. The characters are fantastic in their imperfect, but relatable ways.

Find this book in: Guide to All of Sarah J. Maas’s Books / Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like ACOTAR / Adult Fantasy Romance Books

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries

Author: Heather Fawcett

Year: 2023

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Emily Wilde #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13+

Plot

Emily Wilde is an expert on the study of faeries who is writing the first encyclopedia on faerie lore. She has traveled to the village of Hrafnsvik to study the Hidden Ones. She is much better with her dog and faeries than she is with people so she is not happy when Wendell Bamblely shows up uninvited. He is her handsome and lazy rival who is not opposed to making things up as he goes along.

Why Jackie loves it

This is one of the best fantasy books of 2023! I knew I needed to read it as soon as I saw the name, but everything about it was wonderful. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The sequel, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Overlands is already of of my favorites of 2024.

Find this book in: Fae Books / Cozy Books / Best Books of 2023 / Adult Fantasy Romance Books

Zodiac Academy: The Awakening

Author: Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Year: 2019

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Zodiac Academy Book 1 if 12

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Whew. I have found my newest adult fantasy romance series addiction. Orphan twins Tory and Darcy find out they are actually Fae after their 18th birthday. And not just any Fae, they are the heirs to the throne and they only need to graduate from Zodiac Academy to claim their throne.

The problem comes in the form of the four Heirs – The boys in each elemental order who have been raised to share the throne and rule Solaria together in the Twins’ absence.They aren’t planning to give up their claim anytime soon and they use their considerable magic in the air, fire, earth, and water elements to put these girls to the test.

This urban fantasy series is on fire hot, with lots of steam, bullying romance, and deadly situations. Even though this is one of a few great books set in high school, do NOT read this one if you are under 18.

Why Kirsten loves it

There is something about this series that is seriously addicting. There is romance, adventure, and some serious girl power in this series.

Why Jackie likes it

I liked this series but didn’t love it as much as Kirsten. The bullying felt too abusive to me and the pranks were a little too dangerous. And despite those reservations, I wanted to see Tory and Darcy kick some butts. As the series progresses and the sisters become more powerful, the story gets a lot more detailed.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy / Book Like ACOTAR / Books Like Zodiac Academy / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Books Set in College

Witch Fantasy Romance

A Discovery of Witches

Author: Deborah Harkness

Year: 2011

Genre: Fantasy

More info: All Souls Trilogy #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Diana Bishop is in Oxford’s Bodleian Library when she accidentally recovers an ancient book, Ashmole 782, that has been missing for hundreds of years. In doing so, she triggers her long-forgotten magic and opens the door for vampires, witches, and demons to search out Diana and the book.

Matthew de Clermont is one of the vampires drawn to Ashmole 782. He has been looking for it for hundreds of years. Soon it is clear that even though relationships between species is forbidden, Matthew is drawn to Diana for more than just the book. The two begin to work together to unravel the mysteries behind the book, the magic and the people looking for the book.

This urban fantasy book about secret societies, witches, vampires, and more is a blend of heart-pounding action, historical fiction, and romance with the perfect mix of fantasy as well.

Trigger Warnings

Blood, torture

Why Jackie loves it

If you love the witch aspect of Harry Potter, Vampires, fantasy books, or time travel books then you will love The All Souls trilogy. This adult fantasy novel explores the history of witches, demons, and vampires. This series reads like a historical fiction and I love it. I thought the series was done at book four and was so excited to learn that there is a new book in the series!

Find this book in: Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Best Fantasy Books for Adults / Books About Witches / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Books About Libraries / Adult Fantasy Romance Books

Payback’s a Witch

Author: Lana Harper

Year: 2021

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: The Witches of Thistle Grove #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This adorable romance was the perfect post-Halloween read for me. Emmy Harlow must return home to her magical town of Thistle Grove to arbitrate a spell-casting tournament. The winner will have control of magic in the town.

Emmy ran away because of a broken heart but now, her heart may be on the mend thanks to the beautiful and powerful Talia.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved this book. The magical competition and the high stakes of this game make it perfect for anyone who loves some heart-pounding action to go with their fantasy books. Add in a sprinkle of romance and its a winner for me.

Find this book in: Books Like The Night Circus / Books like The Hunger Games / Best Witch Books / Adult Fantasy Romance Books

Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch

Author: Sarah Hawley

Year: 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Glimmer Falls Book 2 of 3

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This is the second book in a supernatural romance series but you do not need to have read the first one to enjoy this paranormal romance book. As fantasy romances go, this one is very steamy with some interesting takes on the sex drive of a demon. Let’s just say that this one is not for the faint of heart.

Calladia knows exactly who she is and who she is not- the debutante that her mother the mayor would like to show off. When she saves someone from a demon attack, she is mortified to find out that it is Astoroth, a member of the demon high counsel who tried to kill her best friend.

Now, he has no memories and she is stuck with him until they can find a cure for his memory loss. #gifted

Why Jackie loves it

Calladia is completely bad a** and I love her for it. Astoroth is hilarious in his pomposity and their interactions, while steamy, are also laugh-out-loud funny. I also loved the character development. This was a fun one-sitting read.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Books Like Fourth Wing

Ghost Romance Books

The Dead Romantics

Author: Ashley Poston

Year: 2022

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: GMA Book Club Pick July 2022

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Florence Day is a ghostwriter for one of the most successful and well-known romance authors in the industry. The name is apt seeing as how she can also see ghosts. But, after a terrible break-up, she no longer believes in love.

When her new editor will not give her an extension on her deadline, she is in a panic and is on the verge of losing her career. Now, the unthinkable has happened. Her beloved father has died and she must return home to bury him. When she sees the ghost of her editor outside the funeral parlor, she cannot understand why he is there with her, and her life is turned upside down.

Why Jackie loves it

This book was a complete delight to read from the very first page. If you are looking for a book for fall, I love this adorable adult fantasy romance book that is totally unique. It reminds me a little of the 2005 movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

Find this book in: Ghost Books / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / GMA Book Club Picks

Haunted Ever After

Author: Jen DeLuca

Year: August 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Nick Royer owns the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop in Boneyard Key, Florida. He has lived there his whole life. In fact, he is a descendant of the founding families so learning to embrace ghost tourism is a must. Cassie just moved into a house and she definitely is not prepared for the fact that not all the ghost stories in the town are made up. The electricity in her new house is temperamental and the magnets on her fridge rearrange themselves when she is not looking.

As Nick and Cassie get to know each other, Nick wonders if Cassie will stay in Boneyard Key, even if her house has a ghost.

Why Jackie loves it

I love the unique storyline and the loveable characters in this book. The story flowed nicely without needless plot twists. Other than a few spicy romance scenes, this is a sweet ghost romance book.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Ghost Books

Do Your Worst

Author: Rosie Danan

Year: 2023

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info:

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Riley’s family has always had an ability to connect with the supernatural so she jumps at the chance to legitimize her family name by breaking a curse on a Scottish Castle.

As luck would have it, Clark Edgeware is coming off a family scandal and is out to prove that the curse-breaker is a charlatan. Now the two are facing off in close quarters, both trying to prove themselves. This paranormal romance is a steamy one with hilarious moments as well! #gifted

Why Jackie loves it

This book was a steamy and funny enemies-to-lovers romance. I love the idea of a curse and Scottish castles! It is a quick and fun read.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Romance Books

Magical Realism Romantasy

A Novel Love Story

Author: Ashley Poston

Year: 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Eileen Merriweather loves a great HEA storyline and her life can use some romances with a guaranteed Happily Ever After. Her fiance broke up with her a week before the wedding and left her to pick up all the pieces. She still has not recovered completely. To make matters worse, all her friends from her romance book club cannot make it to their annual retreat this year.

Eileen decides to go on her own, but her car breaks down and she finds herself inside her favorite fictional town of Eloraton. She has no idea how it happened, but she is inside a fictional town that is in limbo. They are stuck between the author’s previous book and the unfinished last story. When she meets the grumpy bookstore owner, she thinks that he must be part of the last story and she unknowingly starts changing things in the town.

Why Jackie loves it

Ashely Poston’s books are so original and this one was no exception. I love the idea of a romance story within a story. The book is magical without seeming impossible. It was delightful and difficult to put down #gifted

Find this book in: Grumpy Sunshine Romance / Best Beach Reads / Best Romance Books of 2024

The Love of My Afterlife

Author: Kirsty Greenwood

Year: 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: July 2024 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Delphie has just died and is in her pj’s in the afterlife when she meets the man of her dreams. Her hilarious afterlife therapist, Merit, is obsessed with all things romance so she gives her the chance to return to her life with the caveat that she has ten days to find this mysterious man and get him to kiss her.

That would be easy except for the fact that she does not know his last name and cannot seem to find him anywhere. Even worse, her therapist seems to be hindering her progress rather than helping. Delphie reluctantly asks her grumpy downstairs neighbor to help her. Soon, Delphie is making friends, loving life, and regretting shutting everyone out her whole life.

Why Jackie loves it

Delphie reminds me of a more loveable Eleanor Oliphant. Thanks to the love-obsessed afterlife therapist, this book is one part love triangle mixed with a little bit of forced proximity, and a whole lot of laugh-out-loud rom-com!

Find this book in: Books Like Eleanor Oliphant / Romantic Comedy Books / Best Romance Books of 2024 / Adult Fantasy Romance Books

Outlander

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Year: 1991

Genre: Historical Fantasy

More info: Outlander Series Book 1 of 9

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This epic story begins in 1945 when Claire Randall and her husband take a second honeymoon to the Scottish Highlands to celebrate being reunited after the war. When Claire touches one of the standing stones, she is transported to 1743.

This is when the real story begins. In order to stay safe as an English woman in Scotland, Clare must depend on Jamie Frasier for protection. Soon Clare finds herself living in a world she has only read about in history books and torn between two men that she loves. In addition to being a brilliant fiction that is rich in historical details, it is an epic love story as well. For me, this is magical realism at its finest.

Trigger Warnings

Rape, sexual assault, sexual violence

Why Kirsten loves it

How do I love Outlander? I cannot count the ways. There is a reason this is one of my favorite books of all time. I am a huge reader of historical fiction and this one checks all the boxes for me. The characters are rich, the plot is complex without being overly complicated and the epic love story make it almost perfect in my eyes.

Why Jackie loves it

Even though I am not a huge historical fiction connoisseur, I could not put this book down. Even at 640 pages, I did not want it to end and immediately picked up the next book in the series. I love the touch of magical realism that transported Clare back in time 200 years and Gabaldon’s story telling made the characters jump off the page.

Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Ultimate List of Historical Fiction/ Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Magical Realism Books

The Night Circus

Author: Erin Morgenstern

Year: 2011

Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

The scene has been set for a magical competition between the pupils of two very powerful magicians. The stage: The Night Circus. The pupils, a man & a woman, are unsure of the rules, unsure of how to win, or when the competition will end.

As the competition continues, the opponents fall in love – a situation that only complicates their predicament. They are never quite sure of the rules or how to win.

Why Jackie loves it

Every word captivated me from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down. The story was magical- both literally and figuratively and the descriptions are so vivid. This is one of my all-time favorite books. I have read this book a few times and each time, I get something different from the story.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is magic in a way that I never imagined it before. The story has twists and surprises that left me wondering how I didn’t see what was right there all along.

Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of all Time / The Best Carnival and Circus Books / Books Like the Hunger Games / Books Like the Night Circus / Cozy Books

World-Building Fantasy Romance

Fourth Wing

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Year: 2023

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Empyrean Series Book #1 of 5

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

If you have not heard of this book and love fantasy, this is the book for you. Don’t be intimidated by the length of this dragon book. I started and finished this 528-page bad boy in a day and a half. I cannot remember the last time I did that!

Violet Sorrengail had spent her life studying to be a scribe until her father died and her mother, the commanding general, ordered her to join the dragon riders. Violet will become one of the hundreds of candidates who fight to the death to be a part of this elite group.

Unlike the other candidates who have worked towards this their whole lives, Violet is small and brittle and never meant for this to be her path. And other candidates do not have the children of rebel leaders waiting to take revenge.

This adult fantasy book has everything that you would want in a fantasy from epic world-building to amazing abilities, magical creatures, non-stop action, and romance.

Trigger Warnings

Graphic sexual content, death

Why Jackie loves it

I loved every second. It lives up to the hype and then some. The world-building is amazing and the book pulled me in from the first page. Usually the story begins with an event and the story commences after this catalyst moment. Fourth Wing begins after that crucial moment so I felt I was immersed in the story from page one.

Why Kirsten loves it

I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book, but Jackie was right when she told me how much I would love it. Even though I do not usually love world-building, fantasies like this, the plot line and romance throughout this book, kept me hooked the whole time.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Books / Fourth Wing Series in Order / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Grumpy Sunshine Romance / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read

The Spellshop

Author: Sarah Beth Durst

Year: 2024

Genre: Romantasy

More info: New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

In this cozy, heartwarming romantic fantasy story, Kiela escapes the fire at the Great Library of Alyssium and saves a few magical tomes along the way. She ends up back in her parents’ cottage on a faraway island with Caz, her assistant who happens to be a friendly spider plant.

There, she uses the books she rescued to save the creatures and inhabitants of her new home. Along the way, she falls for her handsome neighbor. As she uses the illegal magic to help the townspeople, she might just be putting them all in danger.

Why Kirsten loves it

The world-building on this charming romantasy reminds me of Animal Crossing in some ways. It’s not a scary, dark world, but a charming, sweet village where magical creatures roam and magic is embraced by all. It was the coziest fantasy romance I have ever read. The cottage core vibes truly swept me away. #gifted by Bramble.

Find this book in: Adult Romance Fantasy / Cozy Books

Fall of Ruin and Wrath

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Year: 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Awakening Book 1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Where do I even begin with this book? This book was the perfect fantasy romance book. Calista has a talent for understanding people and knowing their intentions. She lives with the Baron of Archwood as a courtesan, a favored one because of her gift. When Calista’s intuition tells her to save someone, she realizes she has had previous contact with this prince.

Now, she is the prince’s companion and feels inextricably drawn to him. The kingdom is in trouble, her safety is in danger, and she must choose between her intuition and her heart. This is a dark romance unlike any other I have read. It is also quite spicy!

The world-building is perfect and intertwined throughout this fast-paced, must-read book. I cannot wait to read the rest of this fantasy series #gifted

Trigger Warnings

Torture

Why Jackie loves it

I love Armentrout’s world-building. This is a dark romance that is spicy with a deep storyline that has only just begun. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. The characters are imperfect and complex, yet they are likable and somehow relatable.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Romance Books

One Dark Window

Author: Rachel Gillig

Year: 2022

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: The Shepherd Kind book 1 or 2

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Elspeth has the voice of a monster in her head whom she calls Nightmare. He has been there for almost as long as she can remember.

After a meeting with a highwayman, who is actually the king’s nephew and the Captain of the Destiers, Elspeth joins him on a quest to save the kingdom from the surrounding mist. Nobody has ever come out of the mist alive. The two must work together and learn to trust each other while collecting 12 Providence Cards. Only when the cards are reunited can the curse be broken.

But Elpeth has another secret, the Nightmare is slowly getting stronger each time she uses his magic and she is having a harder time maintaining control over her mind. She knows that the next time she calls upon Nightmare’s magic to protect her, it might be the last thing she does.

Why Jackie loves it

This is an adult romance fantasy book unlike anything else I have read. Parts of the story read like a fairy tale and the concept of the Providence Cards is so unique and complex as each card gives its user a different magical ability. I immediately picked up the second book in the duology and wished it was a much longer series.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Romance Books