Best Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books

Once Upon a Broken Heart

Author: Stephanie Garber

Year: 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Once Upon a Broken Heart Book 1 of 3

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13+

Plot

Evangeline Fox was raised in her father’s curiosity shop where she grew up learning about the legends.  When Evangeline learns that the love of her life is about to marry her stepsister, she offers the prince of hearts anything in exchange for stopping the wedding.  This deal takes Evangeline to the North where the real adventure begins.

The Prince of Hearts has plans for Evangaline but, throughout the story, we can never fully guess his intentions. This first book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart Series will leave you wanting much more.

Why Jackie loves it

Just when I thought that nothing could top the Caraval series, Stephanie Garber wrote this book.  This YA fantasy romance book will not disappoint her die-hard fans and for those who have never read Caraval, you can fall in love for the first time.  I absolutely loved this book.

Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books / Best Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books

Heartless Hunter

Author: Kristen Ciccarelli

Year: 2024

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller, Crimson Moth, book 1 of 2

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

This new fantasy book is the first in a series and I am already dying to read the next one.

Witches were once the queens and rulers until the night of the revolution. Now, witches are hunted down and Rune must hide her true identity. During the day, Rune acts like a socialite with nothing on her mind other than parties and gossip. By night, she is the Crimson Moth, a rebel who rescues witches before they can be murdered.

After a rescue went very wrong, she needs info she can only get from Gideon, a witch hunter. The book becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse when Gideon and Rune start to fall for each other.

Why Jackie loves it

This fantasy romance kept me on my toes throughout. Gideon and Rune are the epitome of enemies to lovers with a side of fake-dating. The tension between these two is palpable and the story is page-turning.

Find this book in: Best Enemies-to-Lovers Books/ YA Fantasy Romance Books / Fantasy Duology Books

Serpent and Dove

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Year: 2019

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Serpent & Dove Book 1 of 3
New York Times Bestseller, B&N YA Book Club Pick, Indiebound Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Louise Le Blanche is a witch and Reid Diggory is a witch hunter, but when they are forced to be married Lou has to keep her identity a secret and try not to fall for her handsome husband. Could you ask for anything more from enemies-to-lovers books?

She is trying to change his mind about being a witch hunter while hiding her true identity. She is also using the inside knowledge to save her witch friends. Set in the pre-industrial age in Paris, France, this book is perfect for lovers of YA!

Why Kirsten loves it

This book has funny, fierce heroines, a steamy love story, and a cast of characters that is diverse. I devoured all thee books in this series in a week.

Find this book in: YA Books About Witches / Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books/ Books Set in Paris / YA Historical Fiction Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books

Storm and Fury

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Year: 2019

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

More info: Harbinger book 1 of 3

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

It’s actually a spin-off of one of Armentrout’s other YA fantasy book series, which I didn’t know until after I read the story. I didn’t feel like I missed anything having read this first. Gargoyles are Wardens out to fight demons and protect humans, and one special human in particular. This urban fantasy is as much romance as fantasy.

Trinity can see and communicate with ghosts. This is the reason she has had to have protection from the wardens. Demons will want to absorb her powers! Trinity will have to learn to trust herself and Zayne who has a secret of his own

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved the Disney cartoon Gargoyles when I was a little girl, so when I saw a YA Fantasy book that is also a paranormal romance book, I knew I needed it. I read this to help ease me out of my House of Earth and Blood book hangover and it was a perfect read. 

Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Series / Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like Zodiac Academy / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Best YA Romance Books / Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books

The Rose Bargain

Author: Sasha Peyton Smith

Year: 2025

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

More info: Cruel Prince meets The Selection

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Think of this book as The Selection but with Fae! The queen has ruled for hundreds of years after she ended a war. Now, every citizen in England is granted one wish from the fae queen. Girls bargain for a gift to help them make a good match and men bargain for wealth and status. However, with each gift comes a price (like the tip of a pinky finger or a few teeth). This year the stakes are the highest because the fae prince is looking for a wife.

Ivy needs that match more than ever. Her sister made a bargain she cannot remember, and it has nearly destroyed her family. To save her family from ruin, Ivy will compete with other women to win the prince’s heart.

Why Jackie loves it

I immediately wanted to read this when I heard “The Selection”, but this book is sooo good with its unique storyline. I love the alternate English history rather than a dystopian setting. The characters in the book are fun to read and I could not put this book down. There were some unpredictable elements in the story that made it even more fun and I am already dying to read the next one.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is everything my ballgown-loving heart wanted it to be. I swooned over the romance, hated the main villian, and was utterly gobsmacked by the ending. I can’t wait for the sequel!!

Find this book in: Books Like The Selection / Adult and YA Fae Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books With Flowers in the Title / Best Beach Reads 2025 / Best Fantasy Books of 2025 / Books Like The Night Circus

Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Year: 2015

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Red Queen #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 15+

Plot

In this world, those with red blood are common and those with silver blood are elite with superhuman abilities. In the war against Silvers and Reds, Mare Barrow is special. She’s a red blood with the abilities of a Silver. But how can that be? To cover the anomaly, she is brought into the King’s home where it’s announced that she will be marrying one of the princes, Maven, who she begins to grow close to. But she’s also attracted to Cal, the heir to the throne. As their attraction grows, so do the problems in the realm, and Mare’s knowledge of just how dangerous the world can be.

Why Kirsten loves it

I have been on some weird YA fantasy/sci-fi kick recently – which is funny because I had to be forced to read the Hunger Games. Now I can’t seem to stop! I’m sure I’ll switch gears this summer, but I love this young adult fantasy novel. The ending was a total shock! I couldn’t put it down.

Find this book in: Books like The Hunger Games / YA Romance fantasy books / Books like ACOTAR / YA Dystopian Novels / Books Like The Selection / Books with Red in the Title / Best YA Romance Books

The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Year: 2013

Genre: YA Sci-Fi Romance

More info: The Selection #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

This incredible series is so much fun – think The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor. It’s a reality TV royal match-making contest in a dystopian world. But in this case, the bachelor happens to be the future king. America Singer, our leading lady, is selected against all odds to be a contestant, forcing her to leave behind her love, Aspen.

When America meets Prince Maxon by mistake before the start of the show, she isn’t expecting to be so enamored with him. Should she try to win his heart or stay true to her love for Aspen?

Why Kirsten loves it

I love royal stories, romances, reality TV books, and high drama so this book was made for me! The covers of the series aren’t bad on the eyes either. This series was pure magic and just so fun.

Why Jackie loves it

This is one of my favorite books about royals. It also happens to be the reason that Beyond the Bookends exists, but that is an entirely different story.

Find this book in: Books Like The Selection / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like the Hunger Games/ YA Dystopian Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 12-year-olds / Reality TV Novels

Twilight

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Year: 2005

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Twilight Saga #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

When Bella Swan goes to live with her father in Forks, Washington, she needs to start a new school. As she begins to settle in and make friends, she is drawn to Edward Cullen, a mysterious teenager with an old soul.

But Edward and his family are keeping secrets – they are more dangerous than they look. Can Bella stay away or will she fall for Edward and risk her life in the process?

Why Kirsten loves it

The way I binged this book series…. it took over my life! When the movie came out, I decided to finally read this series I had heard so much about. I finished each book in about a day and then promptly dragged my husband to see it with me. I haven’t been this obsessed with a series since HP.

Why Jackie loves it

Twilight started a phenomenon and obsession with vampires in the same way that Harry Potter created an obsession with magic. It was addictive to read! This is my opinion but I am sticking with it. This is a must-read young adult fantasy book and it inspired Fifty Shades of Grey!

Find this book in: Fantasy Book Series / Books Set in High School / High School Romances / Twilight Books in Order / Vampire Books / List of YA Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books

Vampire Academy

Author: Richelle Mead

Year: 2006

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Vampire Academy #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Royal vampires and their bodyguards train at the famed Vampire Academy where this book is set. Lissa is a princess and her best friend, Rose, is preparing to be her protector. When a series of crazy events threaten Lissa’s safety, Rose is on a mission to figure out who is behind the threats….. if she doesn’t get distracted while lusting over her teacher first.

Why Jackie loves it

This is a ya fantasy that is not to be missed. If you like the Zodiac Academy books, we think you will love this pick from fantasy romance books for teens!

Find this book in: High School Romance Books / Vampire Books / YA Fantasy Romance Books / YA Fantasy Books / Netflix Book Adaptations / Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books

The Cruel Prince

Author: Holly Black

Year: 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Folk of Air #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

When Jude was seven years old, her parents were murdered and she was taken to live in the high court of the Faeries with her two sisters. Now, ten years later, Jude is living as a human among faeries and trying to find her place in Court. She must survive life as a human in Faerie.

But as civil war threatens, Jude will need to risk her life to save herself, her sisters, and Faerie.

If you are looking for books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, this pick is tamer but addictive as well. This series should be on your radar for books that are more appropriate for the younger YA audience as well.

Why Jackie loves it

This book is filled with angst, treachery, and drama that makes it completely addicting. I ordered the sequel the minute that I was done with this book, which is the first in a trilogy.

Find this book in: YA Fantasy Romance / Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / YA Fantasy Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Enemies-to-lovers books

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: #1 Bestselling series

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This book has a cult-like following for a reason. The first book in the series is a loose fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in the world of Prythian. Magical creatures, humans, and fae are all prominent in the book.

When Feyre kills a wolf in the words, a creature arrives at her house to drag her to a magical land that she has only heard about in stories told to terrify children. Now, she must remain a captor of Tamlin, a fae, as retribution.

This is a fast-paced, addicting, fantasy romance series with a love triangle that develops by the end of the novel. Book two is jaw-dropping! This series is on its way to becoming a classic that you will want to binge in one week.

While this book is technically the first book in a YA fantasy series, the later books become very steamy. The first book is appropriate for YA but Jackie and I agree that the later books in the series are strictly for 18 and up. We are so excited this is going to be one of the Hulu book adaptations.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling and love a good fantasy romance. Put them together in a book written by Sarah J. Maas and you get a fantastic story.

Why Jackie loves it

The first book is just a warm-up for the rest of the series. Initially, you think you know where this story is headed, but I promise that it will take so many twists and turns, that you will not want to put this book (and the rest of the series) down.

Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Forced Proximity Trope Romance Books / Sarah J Maas Books in Order / Fairy Tale Retellings / Best Books by Jewish Writers / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / ACOTAR Books in order

An Enchantment of Ravens

Author: Margaret Rogerson

Year: 2017

Genre: YA Romantasy

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

A stand-alone YA fantasy romance book? These are few and far between, but this one is perfect for fans of ACOTAR.

This story of a human falling in love with a Fae prince has tons of elements for Sarah J. Maas fans to love. From Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn Fae courts, to enchantments and a forbidden love story, this is one of the fae books you will want to add to your TBR.

Why Kirsten loves it

I fell hard for Rook and Isobel. I think you all will fall for this fae romance book from our list of best YA fantasy books!

Find this book in: Best Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Adult and YA Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses

Divine Rivals

Author: Rebecca Ross

Year: 2023

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Letters of Enchantment Book 1 of 2

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Iris Winnow works at the Oath Gazetter and hopes to get the promotion she has been working so hard for. Her rival at the Gazette is Roman Kitt who stands between her and the promotion she so badly needs. Her brother has gone missing in the War of the Gods, and her mother is battling addiction.

To keep herself connected to her brother, she writes him letters and slips them underneath her door where they vanish. The letters she receives in return are from an anonymous writer who is not her brother, but her rival Roman. Her connection with Roman Kitt will take her to the battlefront in search of her brother while trying to save mankind from a horrible fate.

Trigger Warnings

War, death of a parent, alcoholism

Why Jackie loves it

This is an enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance novel that I loved. The story is so original and addictive and it is a romance without explicit scenes making it appropriate for ages 14+. I love how the characters develop and the plot is so unique. This is a perfect book for anyone who loves a YA Fantasy book with Gods.

Find this book in: The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Fantasy Duology Books

Cinder

Author: Marissa Meyer

Year: 2012

Genre: Dystopian Fantasy/ Sci-Fi/ Fairy Tale Retelling

More info: Lunar Chronicles Book 1 of 4

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 10+

Plot

This four-book series is set in the future in a time of disease and war.  This series is part twisted fairy tale, part dystopia, and part sci-fi fantasy.  

Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel are re-imagined as you have never seen them before. All of them are smart and strong women far from the helpless damsels in distress we know them to be. 

The first in this series of classic book retellings introduces us to Cinder.  She is a cyborg (part human, part machine) who lives with her……..you guessed it….. two step-sisters and stepmother.

Why Jackie loves it

I read the first book and immediately read the rest of the books in the series. Even though this is a series that is over a decade old, it is still one of the best YA fantasy book series I have read and still recommend it all the time to teens and adults alike

Find this book in: YA Dystopian Books / YA Romance Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time

Find more books like this in: Books Like Cinder

A Curse So Dark and Lonely

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Year: 2019

Genre: YA fantasy
More info: Cursebreaker Book 1 of 3
Spice Rating: 💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

This is a fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast and I read it for a buddy read with some bookstagram friends. I love that the modern retelling of some of the classics give more power to the women in the story.  

I enjoyed this first in the series of YA fantasy romance books although it is a lot tamer than the ⁣other books in the series.  It is not a typical Beauty and the Beast retelling because it has more of a love triangle but, I don’t want to reveal more.⁣ It’s the first in the series about Prince Rhen and his kingdom.

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved the love triangle in this first book in the Cursebreaker series. There were twists and turns I was not expecting.

Why Jackie loves it

I also read this book as a buddy read and enjoyed it. This book sets the stage for the other books in the series that become more complex with plot and characters.

Find this book in: Books Like Cinder

Legendborn

Author: Tracy Deonn

Year: 202

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Legendborn Cycle #1, Coretta Scott King Book Award

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Bree Matthews’s mother died in a tragic accident and she cannot seem to recover. When she has a chance to attend a special program for bright high school students at UNC-Chapel Hill, she jumps at the chance.

When Bree witnesses a magical attack on her first night there, her world is thrown upside down as she enters the world of the Legendborn. It is a secret society of students with powerful magic who are also descendants of King Arthur! This is one of the best re-tellings I have read.

Trigger Warnings

Racism, Death of parent

Why Jackie loves it

Why did I not read this book before now? In a way, I’m glad I just read this because I only have to wait a few more months for the sequel. If you love YA fantasy books, this King Arthur re-imagining is a must-read. While Bree is technically still in high school, she is attending a college program which means, I get to scream about this book from the rooftops in both college and high school book lists.

Find this book in: Books About Secret Societies / Dark Academia / Books Set in College / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books Like Ninth House

Fallen

Author: Lauren Kate

Year: 2009

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Fallen #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Luce has been sent to Sword and Cross boarding school, a place for other troubled kids like her. The minute she gets to the school, Daniel catches her eye but he will not give her the time of day. But there is more to Daniel and Luce will discover his secrets no matter what the cost.

This series is addicting. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. If you are looking for romance books about second chances (or third or fourth), you will love this book. If you are into Rhysand, Azriel, Cassian, and the other winged warriors of the Night Court, then you will love this series of books like A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Why Kirsten loves it

I picked up the first book in this YA fantasy series and quickly fell in love with the first book and the story of Daniel and Luce’s love.

Why Jackie loves it

This series is addicting. It did not take me long to read them all because I could not get enough of the forbidden romance. I think this is one of the only series I have read about angels.

Find this book in: Books Set in High School / High School Romance Books / Books like ACOTAR / Amnesia Books / Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books /Books Like Ninth House