If there’s anything I love to read, it’s a good fantasy romance book. And given that this is the genre I most frequently write in, I’ve been reading it for a solid fifteen years and counting now.

If you’re looking for a romance to sweep you off your feet this Valentine’s Day, I’ve put together this list of older and newer releases, each one with a romance that will capture your heart. From sweeter, sensual romances to hot and steamy reads, this list covers a wide variety of books.

I’ve also ordered the list, starting from YA (no spice) through to NA (spice) to help you gauge what you may or may not enjoy reading. Take a look and see if a new series catches your eye.

The Splintered Series by A.G. Howard 

Even though this series first debuted in 2013, it’s one of my favourites to this day.

A.G. Howard was one of the first writers who taught me what was possible with my own writing. From her lush, lyrical prose to the absolute chokehold her characters put me in, I was obsessed with this series and it was a huge source of inspiration for where I aspired to get my own quality of writing to.

This is an Alice in Wonderland retelling and we’re spoiled for choice between two love interests: Jeb and Morpheus. And while I know Jeb isn’t everyone’s favourite pick, personally? I unapologetically choose both.

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson 

I don’t think this book is as well known as her other books, but it’s personally my favourite. I really enjoyed reading this, probably the same way I’d thoroughly enjoy reading a lighthearted contemporary if that genre was my preference. 

I do feel that Isobel and Rook suffer from a case of instalove in this, but it’s quickly overlooked by the wonderful and wholesome fae storyline, and the sweet romantic moments. It’s a very whimsical book, and while it’s compared to ACOTAR I don’t feel that it’s anything like it. Instead, it’s uniquely its own thing, and that’s what makes it such a gem of a read.

The Folk of the Air Series (The Cruel Prince) by Holly Black

This absolute masterpiece of a series fanned my love for enemies-to-lovers. The first book was good, but the second book was fantastic. The angst and tension in this one was simply delicious, and the worldbuild and story was also amazing.

I really love all of the characters in this series, especially Jude as she’s such a strong, ambitious and interesting to read character. Carden is also wicked and charming in all the best ways a fae can be, and I could not recommend this series enough.

 

The Cursebreakers Series (A Curse so Dark and Lonely) by Brigid Kemmerer 

Once again, the first book in this series was good, but the second book? Man, oh man.

Grey is one of my all time favourite characters, so when we actually got his POV in the second book, and he had a romance ARC all of his own? That’s when I fell in love with this series.

Grey and Lia Mara’s romance is sweet and sensual and so full of adoration, I am completely head-over-heels for it. This series is also a fairytale retelling (Beauty and the Beast) and it has disability rep, which are all positive attributes of the series. 

The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

Y’all thought I was gonna put ACOTAR on here, huh? Well if you’ve read this post from me, you’ll know that I’m a Throne of Glass girlie and have never been the biggest fan of ACOTAR.

For me, Throne of Glass was just more interesting. I loved the cast of characters, the storyline, everything about it. And the romances? Whew! 

I will admit, Aelin and Rowan’s romance is not my top pick from the series, but give me Dorian and Manon, or Elide and Lorcan, or Chaol and Yrene any day. The fact that I adore three separate character pairings from this series over the main paring means it has a well deserved place on this list.

Kingdom of Sirens and Monsters duology by Pagan Alexandria

This duology will take you by surprise when it comes to the romance. 

Another fairytale retelling (Snow White x The Little Mermaid), it has a cast of complex and interesting characters that gradually builds into an unexpected romance over the course of two books. Like Splintered, you’re given two love interest choices: Lysander and Leif, and this series doesn’t disappoint.

Aside from the romance, there’s also an enjoyable story and a unique, underwater world that hosts a number of fantasy creatures, including sirens, undine and mermaids.

The Serpent & Dove Series by Shelby Mahurin

Hands down, one of my favourite series of all time. The magic in this is elite, the worldbuilding is wonderful, and the enemies-to-lovers pairing between witch-hunter Reid and witch Lou? *Chefs kiss*

Not only this, but the other characters in this series make you feel things. I personally felt that the whole series was beautifully written, with an enjoyable storyline, with just the right amount of spice and romance.

Kingdom of the Wicked series by Kerri Maniscalco

Oof. This book really made me feel things. Not only did it have an engaging plotline and mystery, I really enjoyed the romance between demon prince, Wrath, and witch, Emilia. Especially when we got to book two, and things heated up a lot.

There was so much about Wrath’s character that I loved, from his brooding, intoxicating personality, to his softer moments. The chemistry between these characters was addictive, and for that reason alone I would highly recommend this series.

Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros

This (and the sequel) is probably one of my favourite books of all time. It hooked me in a way many books fail to do so, and stayed with me for months afterwards. I found myself re-reading it not that long after I finished both it and book two.

Personally, I want nothing to do with Rhysand (y’all can have him) because Xaden is my man. Never has there ever been a male character I’ve been more smitten with. This man is everything. Sexy, supportive, brooding, confident… I could go on, and I will if we don’t wrap this list up fast.

The romance between him and Violet has my heart in every single way. It’s so, so good, and I absolutely love them together. And we haven’t even touched on the incredible worldbuilding, magic, dragons, storyline, or any other characters yet (all of which are absolutely phenomenal).

Blood Magic duology by Pagan Alexandria

This book reads more like a paranormal romance until you get to book two, but damn if it’s not worth it. It also doesn’t release until April, but you can add it to your TBR and pre-order it now.

A dual retelling of Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty, this series has a classic, vampire x vampire hunter, enemies-to-lovers pairing where the protagonist literally tries to kill the love interest before they fall into a tantalizing, steamy romance. There is so much tension between Fleur and Percy, and a compelling mystery to follow the whole way through.

Not only this, but the cast of characters are wholesome and lovable, and the plot twist in this will leave your jaw on the floor at the end.