Are you ready to escape into a world of magic, adventure, and romance? Look no further! 2023 brings us some of the best fantasy romance books that promise to sweep us off our feet. From epic quests to forbidden love, these stories have it all. Get ready to meet your next book boyfriend or girlfriend and embark on a journey that will leave you breathless. Here are the top 15 fantasy romance books of the year, featuring new releases from your favorite authors and some exciting debut novels. Which one will capture your heart? Let’s dive in and find out!
List of Best Fantasy Romance Books
The Godkissed Bride (Duology)
Author: Evie Marceau
Book Description
A huntsman with heightened senses. When she is sold into marriage to his villainous master, will their hearts survive? If you like strong-willed heroines, broody men, and striking takes on myths and fables, then experience the magic of White Horse Black Nights, a captivating romantic fantasy novel that will take you on a journey you’ll never forget!
Do Your Worst
Author: Rosie Danan
Book Description
When Riley Rhodes lands the job of breaking the curse on a notorious Scottish castle, she thinks her family’s knack for the supernatural has finally been recognized. Little does she know that her new employer, Clark Edgeware, has a hidden agenda. Fresh from a professional scandal, Clark sees Riley’s presence as a threat to his last chance at redemption and tries to get her fired.
But Riley refuses to back down. Determined to prove herself, she vows to break the curse and show Clark that she’s not to be underestimated. Despite their rocky start, the two find themselves constantly thrown together as they work to uncover the castle’s secrets. Sparks fly, and soon they realize that their animosity towards each other masks a fierce attraction.
As they continue their mission, Riley and Clark must navigate through treacherous obstacles, including meddling ghosts, hidden passageways, and ancient spells. Their encounters lead to passionate interludes, but their differences still simmer beneath the surface. Can they overcome their mutual distrust and work together to break the curse, or will their personal demons destroy their chance at happiness?
In this thrilling paranormal romance, Riley and Clark must confront their inner fears and desires as they race against time to save the castle and their own relationship. Will they succeed, or will the curse claim victory, leaving them both in ruins?
Bookshops & Bonedust
Author: Travis Baldree
Book Description
Viv’s dreams of becoming a legendary mercenary with Rackam’s Ravens haven’t panned out. After being injured during a quest to defeat a powerful necromancer, she’s forced to take a break from the action and recover in the quiet coastal town of Murk. It’s a far cry from the adrenaline-fueled life she’s used to, and Viv can’t help but feel restless and disconnected from her true calling.
To pass the time, she frequents a local bookstore, where she meets the cantankerous owner, who becomes her unlikely friend. The shop is a sanctuary, filled with tales of adventure and danger, and Viv finds solace in the stories transporting her to far-off lands. However, she can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to life than just sitting on the sidelines.
That’s when strange things begin to happen in Murk. A mysterious traveler dressed in gray appears, followed by a gnome with a grudge. A summer romance blossoms and Viv discovers an improbable number of skeletons hiding in plain sight. It seems that adventure has found her after all, in the unlikeliest of places.
As Viv navigates the twists and turns of her unexpected journey, she realizes that sometimes the right things come at the wrong time, and what we need isn’t always what we want. But in the end, it’s the stories we share with others that truly matter, and the connections we form along the way that give our lives meaning.
Sword Catcher
Author: Cassandra Clare
Book Description
In the bustling metropolis of Castellane, a young orphan named Kel is snatched from his humble existence and thrust into a life of opulence and danger. He is tasked with becoming the bodydouble of Prince Conor Aurelian, shielding the royal heir from harm, and acting as his trusted confidant. As Kel and Conor grow closer, their bond strengthens, but Kel remains steadfast in his resolve to sacrifice himself for the prince.
Meanwhile, Lin Caster, a member of the ostracized Ashkar community known for their unique magical abilities, practices medicine in secret. Her path intersects with Kel’s, and they find themselves entangled in the mysterious schemes of the Ragpicker King, the enigmatic ruler of Castellane’s criminal underbelly.
As they delve deeper into the conspiracy, their forbidden love blossoming amidst the danger, they must confront the possibility that their discoveries might topple the kingdom and plunge the world into turmoil. The fate of Castellane hangs in the balance, and the choices they make will determine the future of the realm. Can their love prevail against the odds, or will their loyalty to their respective factions tear them apart?
Romance Rules for Werewolves (Charming Cove, #3)
Author: Linsey Hall
Book Description
In this charming and humorous tale, we follow the misadventures of a hapless witch who’s determined to save her family’s magical potion shop, Seaside Spells, from financial ruin. Despite her best efforts to avoid magic and the temptation of falling for the dashing billionaire mage, Callan Hawthorne, she finds herself entering a high-stakes competition that promises to test her skills and her heart.
With the help of her eccentric family and a cast of colorful characters, she embarks on a journey full of mishaps, misunderstandings, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of magic. Along the way, she’ll learn that sometimes breaking the rules can lead to the most unexpected and delightful consequences.
Will she emerge victorious and save Seaside Spells? Or will her magical mishaps cost her everything? Find out in this enchanting story about love, family, and the power of embracing your true self.
Also, read Best Books of the Year 2023 on Amazon charts.
The Empyrean Series
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Book Description
At twenty years old, Violet Sorrengail anticipated a life within the tranquil confines of the Scribe Quadrant, surrounded by books and history. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when her formidable mother, the commanding general, mandates Violet’s participation in the intense competition to become elite dragon riders in Navarre. Despite her petite stature and fragile constitution, Violet faces a perilous challenge—dragons, known for incinerating those they don’t bond with. In a cutthroat environment where aspiring dragon riders outnumber willing dragons, survival is a constant battle.
Some competitors would willingly eliminate Violet to enhance their own chances, while others, like the ruthless wingleader Xaden Riorson, have more personal reasons. As the external war escalates, the kingdom’s defenses weaken, and a mysterious secret looms, Violet must navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries at Basgiath War College, where graduation or death are the only certainties.
What the River Knows (Secrets of the Nile, #1)
Author: Isabel Ibañez
Book Description
In the vibrant city of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century, Inez Olivera leads a privileged life, surrounded by wealth and luxury. Yet, there is one thing that she desires more than anything else – her parents, who often leave her behind on their exciting journeys.
One day, Inez receives devastating news – her parents have died under mysterious circumstances. With a heavy heart, she decides to embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind their deaths. She brings along her sketch pads and an antique ring that her father had entrusted to her for safekeeping.
Upon arriving in Cairo, the ring suddenly awakens, radiating ancient magic. Inez finds herself trapped in a dangerous game, where her life is at risk. Moreover, she crosses paths with her new guardian’s assistant, a man who seems intent on obstructing her plans at every opportunity. His presence ignites a fire within her, making her question her feelings and loyalties.
As Inez navigates the treacherous landscape of ancient magic and political intrigue, she must confront her own doubts and fears. Will she be able to unravel the mystery surrounding her parents’ deaths? Can she protect herself from the forces that seek to exploit her innocence? And what happens when she falls for the very person who may be hiding the truth from her?
Hunt On Dark Waters
Author: Katee Robert
Book Description
Evelyn is a witch with a reputation for recklessness and a penchant for trouble. When she steals from her vampire ex and accidentally opens a portal to another realm, she’s swept up in a whirlwind of danger and desire. Rescued by a band of skilled seafarers and their enigmatic telekinetic captain, Bowen, she’s offered a choice: join their crew or meet a watery grave.
Bowen and his team patrol the magical waters of Threshold, safeguarding the portals that connect the realms. Their mission is fraught with peril, and the addition of Evelyn’s unpredictable nature only raises the stakes. As they navigate treacherous seas and battle formidable foes, Bowen finds himself drawn to the cunning witch despite his better judgment.
But Evelyn’s loyalty is fleeting, and she has no qualms about betraying the crew to suit her own interests. As tensions simmer between Bowen and Evelyn, the threat of danger grows stronger. Will they be able to overcome their differences and work together to protect the realms, or will their fiery passion ignite a chain reaction of destruction? The fate of Threshold hangs in the balance in this thrilling tale of magic, adventure, and forbidden desire.
Monster Pucker
Author: Clio Evans
Book Description
Get ready for a steamy and unforgettable romance that will melt your heart and ignite your passions! When a chance encounter in a hockey locker room brings together a spirited journalist and two of the hottest players in the NMHL, sparks fly and boundaries are pushed. Klaus, the rugged and charming Krampus, and Frank, the sweet and ambitious Yeti, show our heroine what it means to truly live life to the fullest.
But as their whirlwind romance takes them on a wild ride, they must confront their inner demons and confront the harsh realities of their lives. Will their love be strong enough to overcome the obstacles in their way? Dive into this captivating tale of love, passion, and acceptance today!
I Loved You in Another Life
Author: David Arnold
Book Description
David Arnold, a New York Times bestselling author, delivers a sweeping romantic novel about the power of soulmates and love. When Evan Taft’s mother is diagnosed with cancer, his carefully laid plans for a gap year in Alaska and therapy to cope with his father’s departure are thrown into chaos. Instead, he finds solace in a mysterious song that only he can hear, sung by a voice that seems to understand his pain.
Meanwhile, Shosh Bell, a rising star in the world of high school theatre, sees her dreams shattered when a drunk driver takes her sister’s life. Struggling to come to terms with the loss, she too hears a gentle voice whispering in her ear, offering comfort and support.
As these two lost souls search for meaning and purpose, they are brought together by a celestial force that transcends time and space. From an escaped murderer in 19th-century Paris to a Norwegian cosmonaut in low-earth orbit, it becomes clear that something extraordinary is unfolding, a connection that began long ago and will endure long after Evan and Shosh have gone.
Through the power of music and the mystical pull of the unknown, Evan and Shosh discover that they are not alone in their struggles, and that love can conquer even the darkest of circumstances. Get ready to be moved by this poignant and uplifting tale of hope, forgiveness, and the transformative power of human connection.
StarStation (4 Book Series)
Author: Constance Fay
Book Description
Lieutenant Michael Collins’s week takes a disastrous turn when his captain tasks him with investigating a deceased ship’s heart, the cephalopod pilots of the star drive system. This mission forces Michael to leave the safety of his ship and his lover, Commander Eizen Sartris, and venture into the unknown. However, things take a turn for the worse when he is attacked by Siwu pirates and left stranded on a damaged alien vessel.
As Michael waits for Eizen’s rescue, he discovers a peculiar garden thriving amid the wreckage, tended by a strange young boy who claims to be working on behalf of his enigmatic “Mama.” The situation becomes increasingly eerie as Michael realizes that he is not alone on the ship, and the darkness and isolation begin to take their toll on his mental state.
Faced with the possibility of being abandoned and vulnerable to the pirates or the mysterious entity on board, Michael must rely on his ingenuity and hold fast to his belief that Eizen will find him before it’s too late. Survival depends on his ability to keep his wits about him and maintain his faith in the face of uncertainty. Will Eizen arrive in time, or will Michael fall prey to the dangers that lurk in the shadows?
The Toymaker’s Son
Author: Ariana Nash
Book Description
Criminal investigator Valentine Anzio is forced to return to his hometown of Minerva after the suspicious death of Jacapo, the beloved toymaker. Despite his reluctance to revisit the place where he experienced so much pain and heartache, Valentine feels compelled to help solve the suspected murder.
Upon his arrival, Valentine is met with the same old familiar faces, including Devere, the enigmatic and alluring toymaker’s son. The memory of their shared kiss still lingers, and Valentine hopes that Devere has forgotten about it. However, it soon becomes apparent that Devere remembers everything, and Valentine’s repressed emotions threaten to surface once again.
As Valentine delves deeper into the investigation, he realizes that nothing has changed in Minerva. The powerful and handsome lord who has hired him has ulterior motives, and the townspeople remain just as narrow-minded and quick to judge as they were in the past. Devere, it turns out, is not as guilty as everyone thinks, and Valentine must now uncover the truth behind Jacapo’s death to save him from the gallows.
With the stakes higher than ever, Valentine must confront his own personal demons and unravel the web of lies and secrets that surround him. Will he be able to bring the true culprit to justice and secure a second chance at love with Devere, or will the darkness of Minerva consume them all? The answer lies in the discovery of who killed Jacapo, and whether Valentine can find the courage to face the truth and follow his heart.
Heroines of Olympus
Author: River Bennet
Book Description
In the land of Greece, the gods and goddesses of Olympus have convened, their fates intertwined like threads on a loom. Aphrodite, the revered goddess of love, has played many roles throughout the ages, but now she seeks answers that may cost her everything she holds dear.
Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, has long been relegated to the shadows, observing the machinations of the pantheon from afar. But when she uncovers treacherous schemes, she will stop at nothing to exact justice.
Icarus, a skilled warrior, has left behind her mortal life to join the ranks of the Heroes of Olympus. Though bound by duty, she must choose between following orders and following her heart when faced with a difficult decision.
Medusa, the serpent-haired queen of the island of the damned, has lived in exile for eons. Her existence has been marked by endless battles against the heroes sent to vanquish her. But when a group of rebels offers her a chance at freedom and revenge against those who wronged her, she must set aside her mistrust of the divine and join forces with them.
Dangerous Tides (6 Book Series)
Author: C.M. Nascosta
Book Description
Astrid, a humble tavern servant, lives a secret double life on a pirate-ruled island. If anyone were to discover her true identity, her life would be forfeit. When her father barters her off to settle a debt, Astrid finds herself married to Talon the Destroyer, a formidable pirate captain feared across the seas.
Talon Thorvald, an exiled prince of Daneland, boasts unmatched strength and battle prowess. But beneath his fearsome exterior lies a man helpless against the pull of his enigmatic wife. Seven years prior, she fled from him, leaving behind a trail of betrayal and mystery. Now, as a respected pirate captain in her own right, she stands at the helm of her own ship, defying convention and challenging the status quo.
As Astrid navigates her new life alongside Talon, she must confront the secrets of her past and confront the dangerous attractions brewing between them. With danger lurking around every corner, can Astrid and Talon reconcile their differences and chart a future together, or will their conflicting allegiances tear them apart?
A Bright Heart
Author: Kate Chenli
Book Description
Mingshin, a cunning and resourceful woman, previously outmaneuvered three princes to aid the man she loved in becoming king. However, her happiness was short-lived, as she was betrayed by Ren, one of the princes she had defeated. Mingshin found herself lying in a pool of her own blood on the palace steps, fatally wounded.
In her final moments, Mingshin begged the gods to grant her a chance to undo the damage and prevent Ren’s ascension to the throne. Her prayers were answered, and she was given a rare opportunity to turn back time and alter the course of events.
Determined to learn from her mistakes, Mingshin vowed to never let Ren gain power and to never fall in love again. She found herself back in the past, two years before the original timeline.
However, this new timeline presented its own unique challenges. A dignitary with dark magic threatened the kingdom’s peace, and Ren’s ambition burned brighter than Mingshin had initially realized. Faced with these obstacles, she decided to join forces with Jieh, another candidate vying for the throne.
Despite her reservations about trusting a prince, Mingshin discovered that she and Jieh formed a remarkable team within the treacherous confines of the royal court. As they worked together to prevent the impending disaster, Mingshin found herself questioning her resolve to never love again. Could she learn to trust and possibly even love Jieh, or would history repeat itself?
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