Want to fall in love with a fantasy romance? We at Romantic Fantasy Shelf got you covered! If you’re happy to support indie authors, we’ve marked them with a convenient #indie. In no particular order:
1. Warprize (Chronicles of the Warlands Book 1) by Elizabeth Vaughan
“Vaughan’s brawny barbarian romance recreates the delicious feeling of adventure and the thrill of exploring mysterious cultures created by Robert E. Howard in his Conan books and makes for a satisfying escapist read with its enjoyable romance between a plucky, near-naked heroine and a truly heroic hero.” —Booklist
2. Lord of the Fading Lands (The Tairen Soul Book 1) by C. L. Wilson
“This book transports you into this amazing world of the Fae. You will get lost in their history and will love these characters. You will love their code of honor and be amazed with their power.” –Amazon Reviewer
3. Master of Crows by Grace Draven #indie
“You get that sense of a living world, weaved with dark magic and ordinary lives, as if this place exists outside of the pages and the book is a window giving you a glimpse. Against this background, plays out a touching love story. …It’s not a sex story, although sex is in the book. It’s a slow burn relationship that unfolds over the course of weeks. I’m jaded and I had this terrible sense of dread before the finale because I’ve become attached to the characters. She got me.” –Ilona Andrews, #1 NY Times Bestselling Author of The Kate Daniels Series
4. Pestilence (The Four Horsemen Book 1) by Laura Thalassa #indie
“These complex characters manage to change and alter each other so drastically that neither is the same at the end of this book. This series is masterfully in-depth and complex. You will have moments of laughter, tears, and scenes that will leave goosebumps behind. This book somehow manages to not only capture these characters, but shine a light on what it means to be human; good and bad.” –Amazon Reviewer
5. Heart of the Fae: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling (The Otherworld Book 1) by Emma Hamm #indie
“The romance between Sorcha and Eamonn is slow-building, but that makes it even more believable and real. The relationship building between, not just Sorcha and Eamonn, but all other characters (especially Boggart, Oona, and Bran) is adorable (mainly Boggart’s adorable).” –Amazon Reviewer
6. No Man Can Tame (Dark-Elves of Nightbloom Book 1) by Miranda Honfleur #indie
“Rich world-building in this fantasy romance about heroes from different cultures bridging the gap to bring their peoples–and themselves–together.” –USA Today bestselling science fiction & fantasy author Lindsay Buroker
7. Promise of Darkness (Dark Court Rising Book 1) by Bec McMaster #indie
“A combination of fairy tales and mythology plus a believable slow burn romance kept me glued to my kindle. I defy anyone to read this and not fall in love with these characters.” –Amazon Reviewer
8. Mystic and Rider (Twelve Houses series Book 1) by Sharon Shinn
“The incredibly powerful mystics’ talents slowly revealed. Love and trust growing between companions-of-the-road. King and queen, warriors, peasants & mystics face treason & revolution. And love blooms among the thorns.” –Amazon Reviewer
9. A Promise of Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles Book 1) by Amanda Bouchet
“A perfect blend of adventure and love story with a fantastic hero and heroine at its center, this is a not to be missed story of gods and goddesses, magic, prophecies and the power of true love.”—Heroes & Heartbreakers
10. Lonen’s War (Sorcerous Moons Book 1) by Jeffe Kennedy #indie
“Jeffe Kennedy has a terrific knack for meticulous worldbuilding, which helps to make her characters both relatable and otherworldly. I thoroughly enjoyed Lonen’s War and the Sorcerous Moons trilogy. If you’re a fan of fantasy romance, you should definitely pick this up!” ~ Thea Harrison, NYT and USA TODAY bestselling author of the Elder Races series
11. Kitsune: A Little Mermaid Retelling (Tales of Akatsuki Book 1) by Nicolette Andrews #indie
“It’s a tale of love, war and betrayal, with a huge dollop of magic… If I had to sum it up in one word, well, I can’t. That’s how good it was… It’s one of those novels that you just know will stay with you.” –Goodreads Reviewer
12. Soulbound (The Return of the Elves Book 1) by Bethany Adams #indie
“It was a fresh take on true love, what is real, what can be thought and . . . did I mention true love?” –Amazon Reviewer
13. Betrayal’s Price (In Deception’s Shadow Book 1) by Lisa Blackwood #indie
“Fantasy, romance and loyalty takes the reader into a world of magic and the mystery of sharing a body with another.” –Amazon Reviewer
14. Burn Bright by Bec McMaster #indie
“Neva is a breath of fresh air. She definitely fits the bill as the heroine. Cas is not quite the typical knight in shining armor, but he will do. This was an amazing story of old myths, evil kings, and a kind Prince.” –Amazon Reviewer
15. Beauty In Darkness (Royal Hearts Book 1) by Elizabeth Briggs #indie
“This story is magical. A true fairy tale. It’s an imaginative, lovely read.” –Amazon Reviewer
16. Stolen Princess: A Fantasy Romance (Royal Conquest Book 1) by Nikki Jefford #indie
“A wild ride full of romance, adventure, and twists that had me swooning one page and making shocked gasps the next. Expertly written with rich world-building and complex characters.” –Amazon Reviewer
17. The Winter King (Weathermages of Mystral Book 1) by C.L. Wilson
“THE WINTER KING is a fierce blend of heart-pounding action, pulse-throbbing romance that touches the depths of your soul, and brands it with an emotion that seizes and captivates, and vibrates everything within. Combined with sexy romance, explosive magic, bloody murder, and unimaginable mayhem, all wrapped around a berated and belittle Warrior Princess, that is destined to save all the kingdoms combined!” –Amazon Reviewer
18. Dark King (Sea Fae Book 1) by C.N. Crawford #indie
“Adventurous, humorous, suspenseful with a dark past and a bright future as well as a romance that leaves you needing more.” –Amazon Reviewer
19. A Sorceress of His Own (The Gifted Ones Book 1) by Dianne Duvall #indie
“A Sorceress of His Own has a wonderful dynamic, an amazing promise of future adventures and a well-told romance that is sure to please.” –Long and Short Reviews
20. Trick (Foolish Kingdoms Book 1) by Natalia Jaster #indie
“Their relationship was intricately woven into something so real and beautiful.” –Amazon Reviewer
21. Gilded Rose: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling (Celestials Book 1) by Emma Hamm #indie
Available November 27, 2019!
22. Through the Paintings Dimly by J.M. Butler #indie
“‘Through the Paintings Dimly’ by J.M Butler was a brilliantly immersive read which didn’t shy from dark topics or twisting the literary knife a little deeper–This delivered a touch of horror and more than a dab of fantasy in with a romantic ribbon. ” –Amazon Reviewer
23. Radiance (Wraith Kings Book 1) by Grace Draven #indie
“In short order, Draven has demonstrated that she is a truly gifted teller of romantic fantasy tales that are utterly unforgettable. In Radiance, Draven explores a forced political marriage between seemingly incompatible races. The growing relationship between these protagonists is a genuine joy to read, and the fantastic story is filled with dangerous twists and turns!” –Jill M. Smith – Romantic Times Reviewer
24. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen #indie
“Heart-pounding romance and intense action wrapped in a spellbinding world. I was hooked from the first page.”– ELISE KOVA, USA Today bestselling author of the Air Awakens books
25. Locked by J. M. Butler #indie
“A clever, funny, and quick little romance.” –Amazon Reviewer
26. Poison Study (Soulfinders Book 1) by Maria V. Snyder
“Poison Study is both a riveting romance and a spellbinding fantasy.” — B&N Explorations
27. Cruel Beauty (Cruel Beauty Universe Book 1) by Rosamund Hodge
“The complex layers of each character in this book just blew my mind. I was kept on the edge of my seat until the very end. I LOVE this book. It’s a must read for sure!” –Amazon Reviewer
28. Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga
“Full of swoony romance intertwined with non-stop adventure, Kiss of the Royal was a delight from start to finish. Lindsey Duga has created a world with fairytale charm and shivers that readers are sure to enjoy.” ―Mindee Arnett, critically acclaimed author of Avalon and Onyx & Ivory
29. Chosen of Azara (Tales of Tehovir Book 1) by Kyra Halland #indie
“Not only is this book great fantasy, but at the same time it’s also a fantastic tale of love.” –Amazon Reviewer
30. The Kiss of Deception: The Remnant Chronicles, Book One by Mary E. Pearson
“The Kiss of Deception has it all–beautiful writing, heart-pounding suspense, a fiery princess, and an epic romance that’ll make you swoon. This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year!” ―Alyson Noël, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Immortals
31. The Golden Spider (An Elemental Steampunk Chronicle Book 1) by Anne Renwick #indie
“The Golden Spider is a delicious treat for fans of gadgets, science, and steampunk romance!” –Jen at That’s What I’m Talking About
32. Dawn’s Promise (Silent Wings Book 1) by A.W. Exley #indie
“I found myself enthralled in the world the author created and couldn’t get enough of this gentle yet fiery romance between the two main characters.” –Amazon Reviewer
33. The Sorcerer’s Concubine (The Telepath and the Sorcerer Book 1) by Jaclyn Dolamore #indie
“Excellent touching fantasy novel with a fairly original system of magic and races which centers around forbidden romance (with some pretty hot scenes) and includes racial tensions, some necromancy, magical races, the possibility of war, politics, and the development of sorcerous skills.” –Amazon Reviewer
34. The Blacksmith Queen (The Scarred Earth Saga Book 1) by G.A. Aiken
“Throw in a bunch of centaurs, elves, dwarves, witches and a cranky dragon, a lost treasure, spectacular fight scenes and hint of romance, and you have got the beginnings of a great fantasy adventure that will leave you wanting more.” –Amazon Reviewer
35. Assassin’s Gambit: The Hearts and Thrones Series by Amy Raby
“Raby’s debut heralds the arrival of a terrific new fantasy romance voice….[Raby] has a gift for storytelling.” —RT Book Reviews
36. Vengeance Born (A Novel of the Light Blade Book 1) by Kylie Griffin
“Vengeance Born is a Fantasy Romance, and totally different then most romance stories. It is a story of two unlikely people, who come together to help each other survive a deadly situation. It is a story of trust, prejudice and how love can change anything.” –Amazon Reviewer
37. The Curse Giver by Dora Machado #indie
“If you like fantasy with a dash of romance and suspense then buy this book.” –Amazon Reviewer
38. The Wolf King’s Bride (Fate of Imperium Book 1) by C.A. Worley #indie
“Fabulous centre characters combined with romance, intrigue and action make this such an incredibly easy read to lose and immerse yourself in.” –Amazon Reviewer
39. The Fire Lord’s Lover (The Elven Lords Book 1) by Kathryne Kennedy
“A Tolkien-esque world combined with an eighteenth-century historical romance produces a satisfying tale with twists you’ll never expect. Excellent!”—Jennifer Ashley, USA Today bestselling author of Pride Mates
40. Pathways (The Kingdom Chronicles Book 1) by Camille Peters #indie
“Talk about being sucked into a story. I was almost immediately drawn into this fairy tale world. The magic was perfect. The romance was engaging. I am so happy I read this one.” –Amazon Reviewer
41. My Lady Mage: A Warriors of the Mist Novel by Alexis Morgan
“This is the story of the threat reaching across the entire countryside and the task of these five warriors to protect the girl who called them and to free the land of whatever the evil turns out to be. It’s a fast paced story of romance and action.” –Amazon Reviewer
42. Troubled Waters (An Elemental Blessings Novel Book 1) by Sharon Shinn
“The story has romance, fantasy, suspense, political intrigue, and murder. If you like to read a fast-moving fantasy with a strong heroine, pick up this book.” –Amazon Reviewer
43. The Companion by Susan Squires #indie
“It was a rich tale with all the historical background to round out the story and yet not bore. And the romance sizzled.” –Amazon Reviewer
44. The Dragon Princess: Sleeping Beauty Reimagined (The Forgotten Kingdom Book 1) by Lichelle Slater #indie
45. Hunted by the Winter King (Faeted Mates Book 1) by Ariel Hunter #indie
“I’m already in love with Mara and her feisty spirit. I can’t wait to read more…” –Amazon Reviewer
Which of these have you read? Which others would you recommend?