Best Romantic Fantasy Books
Romance in fantasy is a common theme. But what differentiates romantic fantasy books as a subgenre is how romance is a major part of the plot and the complexity of the relationships between characters.
There are a lot of bodice rippers masquerading as fantasy, but I've picked books that are a few leaps and bounds above that sort of fluff fantasy.
All the novels/series on this list incorporate realistic romantic plots, strongly realized male and female protagonists, gripping plots, and very well crafted worlds. Basically, the best fantasy books out there with a strong romantic inclination.
This list will appeal to both men and women, though I suspect most of the books more so to woman than men. Some of you may want to check out the Top 25 Fantasy Books for Women, which is a related list with a slightly different selection (not just romance-based novels).
#1: Liveship Traders (Robin Hobb)
Hobb is one of the best characterization writers in the fantasy genre, and many will argue that her Liveship Traders books are her best works. True to Hobb’s style of fiction, this is a deeply character driven fantasy series. The plot grows slowly and realistically. Main characters end up on opposing sides (and opposing characters on the same side), and plot threads twist and wander. This is not a series where the author “arranges” things to work out. Things happen both good and ill – all organically based on the character’s decisions, be they good ones or bad ones.
I’ve listed this as a romance fantasy series, but this is not a bodice ripper by any sense of the world. Romance is handled gently between the characters and grows slowly. This is my top recommendation for romance fantasy because the carefully crafted, realistic romance and amazing magical adventure that spans kingdoms, is truly one of the best fantasy tales out there. This tale can be enjoyed by both the ladies and men.
#2: Kushiel's Dart (Jacqueline Carey)
This is a non-standard fantasy. Magic exists, somewhat, but it’s never really in your face or an all encompassing part of the story. The world exists as an alternative 16th century Europe, rich, baroque, sensual, and corrupt. The heroine of this story is an interesting one – perhaps one of the most interesting female characters in all of fantasy. Phedre is cultured, witty, sensual, sexy, and haughty. She’s also one who enjoys a bit of rough sex now and again. Indeed, the entire premise of the novel (arguably the series), is the sexual torture she endures (and likes). On the surface, this novel may seem like an advert for porn, but in fact, there’s a lot more to it than just the sexual aspect.
At its core, the story is not about the landscape, but about the complex woman who suffers and ultimately triumphs over tragedy. If there is one theme to the novel that you could put your finger to it’s that yielding does not always mean weakness. This is a romantic fantasy, but it’s also so much more than that. I suspect women will enjoy this book more than men, but I've had some guys say they enjoyed the books.
#3: A Curse of Chalion (Lois Mcmaster Bujold)
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Lois McMaster Bujold is famous for her very atypical characters. She demonstrated this with her Miles Vorkosigan character, and she does the same thing with the Curse of Chalion. The main character, Cazaril, is an complex and fascinating character. He’s a man who’s been betrayed by everyone – once a great man, now recovering from years as a slave. Over the course of the novel, the hero undergoes a transformation from timidity to confidence. It’s one of those books where you become emotionally attached to the character – a skill that Lois McMaster Bujold has had many years to hone.
Romance is also an important aspect of this novel, though this book is far more than just “a romance.” This tale is a good read for both men and women.
The protagonist is a male character, but the loose sequel, Paladin of Souls is from the perspective of a woman, and arguably much more of a romance novel. I highly recommend the ladies check that one out.
#4: Daughter of the Forest (Juliet Marillier)
This is a beautifully constructed historical fantasy. The author creates a realistic Celtic world, a world in caught in flux between the old druidic ways and a newly spreading religion (Christianity).
The heroine, Sorcha, is a strongly realized character who suffers and ultimately triumphs. While this book (and the rest of the series) is a lovely romance, the novel is really looking at a woman's willingness to sacrifice for her family, her loyalty to her people, and her journey to love. One of the best romantic fantasy reads ever and a true fantasy classic.
Read the two sequel books which continue the story of Sorcha's descendents.
#5: Mordant’s Need (Stephen R. Donaldson)
Most of you will probably never have heard of this series (its taken a back seat to Donaldson’s more controversial work, The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant), which is a pity. This is one of the romance fantasies I’ve read.
The premise is that of a young and very frustrated woman from earth who find herself transported to a strange fantasy world. Over the course of the novel, said young woman must overcome her emotional problems and maybe even find true love and save a kingdom in the process. The young woman must make her way in a world dominated completely by men. It’s an entertaining read all round.
The main character is a woman and although the author is a man, he does a pretty good job at creating a realistic heroine. The romance aspect is pretty strong in this novel and handled right. All the characters, even the villains, are interesting. No paper-thin characters in this series, thank you.
#6: Graceling (Kristin Cashore)
If you like books with strong heroines, Graceling probably tops that list. While the book is marketed as a YA book, it doesn’t read that way. In fact, none of the characters act at that age, so I’m a bit confused as to why the label.
The book may initially seem like “just another fantasy novel about a girl,” but the story comes off largely as pretty fresh. You’ll never get bored of the characters and there is enough action to keep you glued to the pages. And of course, the heroin Katsa is wonderfully drawn. She’s a strong, competent warrior, she’s not interested in hanging onto a man, and she’s somewhat aloof. And she has real flaws as well as strengths.
Why I recommend this book as one of the better fantasy romances out there is that the romance aspect finds the right balance between being neither too remote nor too mushy. It’s a fine line between the two that an author has to find, and many never find it. Graceling is NOT only a romance though, but has a pretty important role in the story.
#6: Sarantium Mosaic (Guy Gavriel Kay)
Kay writes a lot of fantasy that appeals to those who enjoy a good, well thought out romance novel. While romance is not the only point of Kay’s stories (Kay is too intelligent of a writer for that sort of book), it always play an important role. His Sarantium Mosaic is a fantastic duology about a simple painter who gets caught up in empire-changing events. The book’s from a male perspective, but there’s a good deal of awesome romance tossed into the book.
I could really throw in a number of Kay novels here. If you are looking for some, check out Tigana, and Lions of Al-Rassan. If you want a Kay novel with a lot of romance with a female protagonist also read A Song for Arbonne.
#7: Black Jewels (Anne Bishop)
A dark fantasy romance with a lot of explicit sex pretty much sums this series up. Oh, and there’s also a pretty interesting world that twists the heaven and hell conventions. Oh, there’s also a good deal of sappy romance, a strong and well developed female heroin, and a charming, but dangerous hero. Perhaps these descriptions are simplifying the series too much, so just read it and find out for yourself. It’s really good, I promise.
#8: Archangel (Sharon Shinn)
This series does something a bit different than your usual fantasy romance. The setting of the book a different world, a world with different legends and religions. There is a religious aspect to the book, but it’s never religious in a preachy sort of way, but rather as a plot device.
The romance is subtle and handled with care. Shinn is not one of those ham-fisted authors who forces threads together to make something happen. Everything that happens between the two main characters, happens organically. This series will affect your pretty deeply – it’s not one of those read and discard type books. The first book in the series is the best with the other two sequels slightly worse, though all three you will read back to back no doubt.
#8: The King Killer Chronicle (Patrick Rothfuss)
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While this is epic fantasy, romance is a huge part of this novel -- it's one of the driving forces behind the hero, Kvothe. The novel (and indeed, the series itself) is one of the best fantasy books written. If you are looking for a great fantasy novel with romance as a major part of the plot, you'll be hard pressed to find a better novel than The Name of the Wind. Part of what makes this series so good is that you really connect on an emotional level with the hero -- he's brought fully to life as the series details his like in exceptional detail.
#9: Tamir Trilogy (Lynn Flewelling)
An interesting premise: a girl who adopts the identity of a guy (through magic of course, since this IS fantasy). This is a dark fantasy series with a well-realized world and an interesting hero/heroine. Lynn is one of those (few) fantasy authors that tackles gender issues. She has another series with a gay hero – a realm where few other fantasy authors have dared to tread (Richard Morgan’s The Steel Remains as another).
This series is not some light romp through a happy-go-lucky fantasy land where the hero is unbeatable and everyone wins without a scratch. It’s a dour and disturbing story that sometimes makes for an uncomfortable read. Lynn borrowed a few pages from Edgar Allen Poe’s book with an atmospheric, moody tale.
One thing this series does is ask the question: does the end always justify the means. And you might find by the end of the first book, your answer changes. Good is sometimes worse than evil. This is a complex series that explores complex stuff.
So why place this in the “romance” section. Well this is a character-driven fantasy that explore some difficult issues. But it also tackles some pretty deep relationship issues as well. You’ll have to read the second and third books for that stuff. All in all, this series is very entertaining and definitely a “cut” above a lot of the other fantasy books.
#10: Rhapsody (Elizabeth Haydon)
This one’s a pure romance. If you want an emotional fantasy series with some pretty strong characterization and a well-realized world, Rhapsody is the book your looking for. There are a LOT of the standard conventions pulled right out of a classic “romance novel.” However, where Rhapsody differs from OTHER pure romance fantasy books is that the fantasy world is pretty well realized. It’s not a thin backdrop used as the set for some alternative world period romance. It’s actually a real fantasy world. My only complaint with this series is that after the first book, the romance aspect actually starts interfering with the story. Still, for a straight out “romance”, Rhapsody is one of the better fantasy books out there.
#11: Truth Series (Dawn Cook)
#12: Secret Texts (Holly Lisle)
For a romantic fantasy with a mix of politics, magic, romance, and betrayal, Lisle’s Secret Texts trilogy is a must read. Lisle is not as well known as some of the other fantasy authors out there, despite the fact that she’s been releasing quality fantasy novels for almost two decades. Her work always features strong and sensible heroines. Romance is always a central plot to her books. Her worlds are always well constructed. And there’s always a lot of political scheming going on.
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f you like Holly Lisle’s style, definitely read her other series for more of the same.
#13: Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
If you’re a fan of historical romance novels with some fantasy thrown in (in the form of time travel), you probably won’t find a more popular author than Diana Gabaldon. While romance is not the only driving force in this series, it’s certainly one of the important ones. Overall, it’s a good series with some very strong romantic elements. While men may enjoy this series, there is no doubt it's meant for the ladies.
#14: The Last Dragonlord (Joanne Berton)
These are 100% fantasy romance and make no apologies about it. Sometimes you want subtle romance with a great plot and a cast of interesting characters. And sometimes, you want a bodice ripping, over-the-top, non-apologetic fantasy romance. This book is just that. And hey, the story isn’t half bad too. The sequel, Dragon and Phoenix, is also recommended.
#15: The Dragon Prince (Melanie Rawn)
This series is not for everyone, but there’s enough romantic elements in this epic fantasy series to make those looking for a good romance fantasy to cry with joy. Rawn does a pretty good job with her world building, creating different cultures, different peoples, and different kinds of magic. It’s got a lot of that over-the-top sappy romance that some people like, a strong female heroine, and an interesting world. One of the better all out romance epic fantasies on the market.
You should also read Rawn’s Exiles for another fantasy with a strong plot and good romance.
#16: Sword-Dancer (Jennifer Robinson)
If you are looking for some classic sword and sorcery that combines action and romance in equal spades, The Sword Dancer series delivers on this. The characters evolve dramatically over the series, there’s a lot of romantic tension between the main character, Tiger, and his companion/ love interest Del. What more can I say? Read it!
Some More Recommendations
If you are still looking for more strong romantic fantasy recommendations, here are some other books that authors that you might want to read:
Sharon Shinn: Twelve Houses books and Angelica series
Sherwood Smith: Inda series
Lynn Kurland: Nine Kingdom's series
Robin McKinley: Most of her books
Asaro, Catherine: Most of her books
Deborah Chester: The Pearls, The Crown
Forsyth, Kate
Lois Bujold McMaster: Sharing Knife series
Moira Moore - Heroes series
Michelle Sagara:Cast in series
Other Related Book Lists
If you are looking for more book recommendations, check out these related lists:
Do you have your own Romance fantasy book recommendations? Share them in the comments below!
This is a strange book to end up on this list. While it was enjoyable, romance was not a primary, or even secondary theme! It was more of an afterthought. The love interest was a very minor character who gets no character development. In fact, in my opinion the book would have been stronger without the whole love interest thing.
I was really pulled in by this book. Its was the perfect, Passionate, breath taking And teary eyed story.
So much pain, love, passion and more.... yet what I found good was the love.
The passion to save her brothers was very teary eyed, especially when she had to go through so much pain at such a young age.
The sexual encounters weren't too crude and uncomfortable, (Yes the sexual abuse bit was very uncomfortable ,) but it wasn't the uncomfortable, for the words were set out in a way for you to understand and not feel sick to read on.
The part where she made love with the man of her heart was perfect. yet again not to over detailed, just understandable.
I hope my words make sense, for I rate the story with such a high rate.
P.s. I have only read the first book but I have a gut feeling the second will be just as great. I hope. 
I have read some of the book listed above. I don't like some of those books & the ones I like are still in a far par from Scarab Path (book 5th of Shadow of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky). Have you read this series? This series is my new best thing. The author had actually written several volumes before the series is published, so the earlier volume came out fast. Now it is on volume 6 and volume 7 is coming out Aug-2011. In my opinion, Scarab Path definitely deserves to be on the top of this list & Shadow of the Apt on the top 3 of the 25 best fantasy category. I'm suprise to find Shadow of the Apt is not yet mentioned on this site. Pls check it out, it is a definite must read book for fantasy fan