Fantasy and romance collide in some of the most captivating ways, creating stories that are steeped in magic but grounded in raw, complex emotions. Adult fantasy romance takes things a step further, with dark themes, morally gray characters, and sometimes outright steamy encounters that aren’t suitable for younger audiences. These epic, magical stories explore the tempestuous and intense dynamics between their unforgettable characters.

If you’re an adult reader looking for romance that’s brooding, thrilling, and unapologetically passionate, here are ten fantasy novels you won’t want to miss.

1. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

The second book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF) raises the stakes in every way. Reeling from the events of the previous book, Feyre finds freedom with Rhysand, a High Lord with dangerous secrets. Their slow-burning romance is a masterclass in angst and longing, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and faerie court drama.

Why It Will Sweep You Off Your Feet:

With its intense character development, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry between Feyre and Rhysand, this book veers firmly into adult territory. The power dynamics and steamy tension are electrifying.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Enemies-to-lovers tropes, dark faerie courts, and wildly addictive romance.

2. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This explosive fantasy romance introduces Poppy, a Maiden chosen to bring prosperity to her people by remaining untouched and pure. Her life takes a sharp turn when she meets Hawke, a guard who tempts her to question everything. Steeped in forbidden attraction, the story unfolds in a world of gods, betrayals, and slow-burning tension.

Why It Will Sweep You Off Your Feet:

The buildup between Poppy and Hawke is magnetic, and the story delivers on epic world-building and heated encounters. Its twists and turns keep the reader glued to the page.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Slow-burn romance, protective antiheroes, and love that burns brighter in forbidden shadows.

3. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

This standalone novel follows Alessandra, an ambitious and morally gray heroine with one goal in mind: marry the Shadow King, seduce him, and then kill him to take his kingdom. But as she begins to fall for her mysterious and lethal husband-to-be, her plans begin to unravel.

Why It Will Sweep You Off Your Feet:

Alessandra and the Shadow King are the epitome of a power couple, their chemistry crackling with danger and desire. This story is unapologetically indulgent with its scheming and seduction.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Villainous characters, witty banter, and dark romance.

4. Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa

The Bargainer series kicks off with Rhapsodic, a seductive fantasy set in a world of night courts and magical bargains. Callypso, a siren, is indebted to the enigmatic Bargainer, a fae king who comes to claim what she owes him. Their complicated past intertwines with their fiery present, making for an intoxicating romance.

Why It Will Sweep You Off Your Feet:

This series blends sultry romance with high-stakes action. The chemistry between Callie and Des is intense, and the world-building is steeped in the kind of faerie magic that keeps pages turning late into the night.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Second-chance romance, fae kings, and swoon-worthy antiheroes.

5. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

Lara is a trained assassin sent to marry the king of the opposing realm, Aren, under the guise of forming an alliance. Beneath her charm, however, lies a deadly mission to destroy his kingdom from the inside. The tension between duty and love pulses through every page of this edgy fantasy romance.

Why It Will Sweep You Off Your Feet:

This novel excels at balancing intense political intrigue with an undeniable fire between Lara and Aren. Their romance is gritty, raw, and utterly compelling.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Secret agendas, slow-burn tension, and emotionally charged love stories.

6. Fortuna Sworn by K.J. Sutton

Fortuna, a powerful nightmare, survives by manipulating the fears of others. When her brother goes missing, she aligns herself with Collith, the king of the Unseelie Court, in a deal that throws her into a dangerous, seductive faerie world.

Why It Will Sweep You Off Your Feet:

This series is unapologetically dark, with themes of power, ambition, and morally ambiguous decisions. The relationship between Fortuna and Collith simmers with sexual tension and danger.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Dark, gothic fantasy and fearless female leads navigating twisted faerie politics.

7. The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

This first installment in The Remnant Chronicles introduces Lia, a princess on the run from an arranged marriage. With two pursuers on her trail—a prince and an assassin bound to kill her—Lia’s story is a beautifully woven tapestry of love, betrayal, and discovery.

Why It Will Sweep You Off Your Feet:

The love triangle is shrouded in mystery, and the narrative is told from multiple perspectives, keeping you on edge about who Lia can trust.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Romantic suspense and love stories steeped in political intrigue.

8. Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The sequel to From Blood and Ash, this book is a thrilling continuation of Poppy and Hawke’s electrifying romance. With secrets revealed and loyalties tested, their relationship deepens, complete with steamy moments and shocking betrayals.

Why It Will Sweep You Off Your Feet:

This novel ramps up the intensity, with both the romance and the plot delivering in equal measure. It’s deliciously dark and emotionally gripping.

Perfect For Fans Of:

High-drama fantasy with heavy doses of romance.

9. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

When Jude is thrust into the brutal and manipulative faerie court, she must use every ounce of cunning to survive. Her complicated, hate-fueled relationship with Prince Cardan evolves into one of the most memorable romances in fantasy fiction.

Why It Will Sweep You Off Your Feet:

The push-and-pull between Jude and Cardan crackles with tension and raw emotion. Their mutual disdain makes the eventual romance all the more satisfying.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Enemies-to-lovers dynamics and court intrigue.

10. Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova

This standalone fantasy romance is a modern take on the Hades and Persephone myth. Luella, a healer, is taken to the fae realm to marry the stoic and brooding Elf King, Elias. Their reluctant connection develops into a tender and passionate love.

Why It Will Sweep You Off Your Feet:

The heartfelt romance paired with an immersive fae world makes this a perfect read for fans of steamy, heartfelt love stories.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Forced proximity, lush world-building, and swoon-worthy fae kings.