What Fantasy Romance Books Should I Read First?
New to fantasy romance and wondering where to start? Whether you’re dipping a toe into the genre or diving in headfirst, these binge-worthy series are perfect entry points. Packed with magic, tension, and swoon-worthy characters, these are the books that turned casual readers into full-blown romantasy addicts.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Welcome to Prythian, a world of deadly fae courts, ancient magic, and forbidden love. Feyre’s journey begins with survival and enemies-to-lovers tension, but the stakes rise as the series unfolds into epic emotional territory.
Tension scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Book 1 is milder; spice escalates in Books 2+)
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, fae courts, chosen one, found family, forced proximity
Goodreads rating: ★★★★☆ (4.21)
Why it’s great: If you want iconic, addictive romantasy that launches you straight into the deep end, this is your gateway drug.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Poppy is the Maiden, forbidden from touch, choice, and freedom, until she meets a guard who challenges everything. This series is full of political secrets, sexual tension, and shocking twists.
Tension scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Explicit, especially after book 1)
Tropes: Hidden identity, forbidden romance, bodyguard romance, prophecy, slow burn
Goodreads rating: ★★★★☆ (4.23)
Why it’s great: It delivers fast-paced plotting, high spice, and that compulsive “just one more chapter” energy.
The Bargainer Series by Laura Thalassa
Callie made deals. Now the fae king she owes comes to collect. A gripping slow-burn romance across time, this series is full of dark mystery, fae magic, and smoldering chemistry.
Tension scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Explicit scenes with emotional weight)
Tropes: Fae king x human, debt collection, second chance, soulmate bond, mystery and romance
Goodreads rating: ★★★★☆ (4.18 – Rhapsodic, book 1)
Why it’s great: The slow build makes the eventual romance feel earned—and the fantasy world is hauntingly seductive.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting out in fantasy romance, these series will hook you fast. They each bring something different to the table, but all feature immersive worlds, high stakes, and the kind of longing that makes you need the next book. Fair warning: once you start down the romantasy path, there’s no turning back.