Love is in the air with a smidge of fantasy with these 10 best books for fans to check out. Some of them delve into the supernatural, others have a welcome bit of comedy, but all of these best romance fantasy books have one element in common: appealing to the hopeless romantics in 2024. With a preference for novels released this year or recently, these are the 10 best fantasy romance books you need to check out in 2024.
10. One Dark Window
This novel from Rachel Gillig marks the first in the new The Shepherd King series. This novel has a pretty basic premise of a girl and a surprisingly important man going on a journey to save the kingdom. The twist comes from the nightmarish spirit that has possessed the leading lady, Elspeth. This monster adds a fascinating layer to the underlying romance.
9. Bride
There’s no need to pick between werewolves and vampires in this book. It follows a vampire bride who must team up with a werewolf to reclaim what’s hers. As you might expect, their relationship becomes a focal point during their unlikely adventure together. After all, the vampire’s marriage is only one of convenience.
8. Eclipse of the Crown
The grand finale of the Villains & Virtues series is finally here. If you didn’t already check out the previous two books, you should go ahead and do that. Otherwise, it is now time to see how these two lovers find a way to stop the end of the world. While there is plenty of drama and destruction on hand, I’d argue the romance still takes precedent over everything else.
7. Six Scorched Roses
This standalone fantasy romance novel may take place in the Crowns of Nyaxia world, but you don’t have to read anything before it. It feels pretty standalone in this regard, which is neat since most of these books are part of series. Full of emotional drama, it follows Lilith as she makes a deal with the devil, or vampire in her case, to save her people. Of course, she ends up falling for this seemingly sinister guy, as you might expect.
6. The Ever King
Any romance fans who want a novel more from the guy’s perspective, this is the one to pick. It takes place in a highly magical world of Vikings. The lore has some excellent hooks in it, so this book could even appeal to those who usually shy away from romance-centric stories. This tale of vengeance and love is a heart-pounding and action-packed recommendation.
5. Rain of Shadows and Endings
Rain of Shadows and Endings, despite the hilarious name, is the first in what is going to be a new series of novels. It also ends on an abrupt cliffhanger, so you’ve been warned. However, it has its hooks in myself and others already with its intense history of the magical world, including how the six kingdoms pick their heir’s lovers. A little bit heavier than some of the other books on this list, it is a great ride as the reader follows the girl sent to the darkest of the six kingdoms.
4. White Horse Black Nights
There is an element of Snow White and the Huntsman to this tale, but a bit spicier at the same time. Instead of an evil witch, the novel has an evil ruler who wishes for nothing more than to marry the unwilling and previously locked up Sabine. She finds solace in her horrifying new life when she meets the alluring huntsman Basten, who has to choose between his duty and newfound love.
3. Radiance
This is a bit of an older recommendation but one far too many people have missed out on. Radiance is the first in the Wraith Kings series from Grace Draven. This is a typical arranged marriage situation, but it actually follows the couple as they try to navigate feelings for one another. It has a slower pace to the relationship. Fortunately, it makes up for that with plenty of action in the complicated politics and drama surrounding their kingdom.
2. When the Moon Hatched
Released at the start of this year, Sarah A. Parker crafted one of the most fantastical romance novels on this list. This book has the right mix of hot and heavy romance, excellent battles, and witty writing. It feels the most like the novel with the most “mainstream” potential on this list. As such, why not give it a try before it gets too popular?
1. House of Flame and Shadow
There are those of you who are looking for that steamy, A Court of Thorns and Roses-style fantasy romance. You know who you are. If you want a book that is graphic in its relationships, this is the one for you. House of Flame and Shadow certainly gives ACOTAR a run for its money for the recently released third entry in this series. It finds its two heroes separated from one another in strange locations, which puts a neat twist on their otherwise intense dynamic.
