Fantasy and romance are two genres that have captivated readers for centuries. They transport us to new worlds filled with magic and mystery, while also exploring the complex emotions and relationships that make us human. When these genres are combined, they create an irresistible blend that can keep us turning the pages late into the night. In this article, we will explore the best steamy fantasy romance books that are sure to keep you entranced and engaged from beginning to end.
What Makes a Steamy Fantasy Romance Book Stand Out
Before we dive into our top picks, it’s important to understand what makes a steamy fantasy romance book stand out. First and foremost, it needs to strike the perfect balance between fantasy and romance. The world-building must be captivating and immersive, while the characters and relationships must be equally engaging. This requires a delicate touch to ensure that neither the fantasy nor the romance elements overwhelm the other.
The Perfect Blend of Fantasy and Romance
The best steamy fantasy romance books seamlessly blend elements of both genres to create something truly special. They introduce us to new worlds filled with magic and wonder, while also exploring the intense emotions and relationships that are at the heart of every great romance novel. Whether set in a magical kingdom or a futuristic dystopia, these stories transport us to another time and place where anything is possible.
Engaging Characters and Relationships
No matter how imaginative the world-building or how complex the plot might be, it’s the characters and relationships that truly bring a steamy fantasy romance book to life. These books must have protagonists who are relatable and likable, with personalities and motivations that readers can connect with. At the same time, the relationships between these characters must be authentic and believable, with chemistry that sizzles on the page.
For example, in one of our favorite steamy fantasy romance books, the protagonist is a fierce warrior who is tasked with protecting her kingdom from an evil sorcerer. She is strong and independent, but also has a vulnerable side that is revealed as she falls in love with a charming and witty prince. Their relationship is filled with tension and passion, as they navigate the dangers of their world and their own personal demons.
World-Building That Captivates Readers
A great steamy fantasy romance book is characterized by its rich and immersive world-building. Reading these books is like stepping into another world, where magic is real and anything can happen. The world must draw the reader in and make them feel as if they are truly part of the story. Whether it’s a richly detailed magical kingdom or a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the world must be so vividly imagined that it feels like a character in its own right.
Take, for instance, the world of one of our favorite steamy fantasy romance books. It is a world where dragons roam the skies and magic is wielded by powerful sorcerers. The kingdom is ruled by a just and wise queen, but there are those who seek to overthrow her and seize power for themselves. Against this backdrop, a forbidden romance blossoms between a brave knight and a beautiful sorceress. The world-building in this book is so detailed and intricate that readers can almost smell the scent of dragonfire and feel the crackle of magic in the air.
Overall, a steamy fantasy romance book that stands out is one that has the perfect balance of fantasy and romance, engaging characters and relationships, and world-building that captivates readers. These books transport us to other worlds and allow us to escape reality for a little while, while also satisfying our desire for passion and adventure.
Top Steamy Fantasy Romance Books to Add to Your Reading List
If you’re a fan of steamy fantasy romance books that transport you to magical worlds filled with danger, intrigue, and passion, then you’ll love these five series that we’ve handpicked just for you. Each of these series features strong heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and epic love stories that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward
The “Black Dagger Brotherhood” series by J.R. Ward is a dark and gritty journey through a world of vampires and supernatural creatures. This series follows the lives of the warrior vampires who protect their kind from the Lessening Society, a group of humans who seek to destroy them. Along the way, they fall in love with strong and independent women who challenge them at every turn.
Ward’s writing is raw and intense, with steamy love scenes that will leave you breathless. But it’s the characters that really make this series shine, with each member of the Brotherhood bringing their own unique strengths and weaknesses to the table.
The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa
The “Iron Fey” series by Julie Kagawa is a magical and enchanting journey through a world of faeries and magic. This series follows the adventures of Meghan Chase, a mortal girl who discovers that she is the daughter of a faery king. Along the way, she falls in love with the enigmatic prince, Ash, and must navigate a dangerous and seductive world of magic and intrigue.
Kagawa’s world-building is rich and detailed, with a vividly imagined faerie realm that is both beautiful and deadly. The characters are equally captivating, with Meghan’s bravery and determination making her a heroine worth rooting for.
The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
The “Grisha” trilogy by Leigh Bardugo is a dark and gripping journey through a world of magic and political intrigue. Set in the kingdom of Ravka, this series follows the story of Alina Starkov, a young orphan girl who discovers that she has extraordinary powers. Along the way, she falls in love with the brooding and mysterious Darkling, and must navigate a dangerous and treacherous world of magic and politics.
Bardugo’s writing is both lyrical and haunting, with a vividly imagined world that is both beautiful and brutal. The characters are equally complex, with Alina’s struggle to come to terms with her powers and the Darkling’s enigmatic charm making for a compelling read.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas
The “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series by Sarah J. Maas is a spellbinding journey through a world of faeries and humans, where magic and love collide. This series follows the story of Feyre, a mortal girl who is taken captive by a faerie lord after killing one of his kind. As she navigates the dangerous and seductive world of the fae, she falls in love with the enigmatic and powerful High Lord of the Spring Court, Tamlin. But as war looms on the horizon, Feyre must choose between her love for Tamlin and her loyalty to her own kind.
Maas’ world-building in this series is nothing short of breathtaking, with vivid descriptions of the lush faerie courts and the dangerous creatures that inhabit them. The characters are equally compelling, with Feyre’s fierce determination and Tamlin’s brooding intensity making for a captivating read.
The Kingmaker Chronicles by Amanda Bouchet
The “Kingmaker Chronicles” by Amanda Bouchet is an epic and sweeping series that combines fantasy, romance, and mythology. Set in a world of gods and goddesses, this series follows the story of Catalia “Cat” Fisa, a young woman who possesses incredible powers that have made her a target for those who seek to control her. Along the way, she falls in love with the powerful and enigmatic warlord, Griffin, and must navigate a dangerous and seductive world of magic and political intrigue.
Bouchet’s world-building is vibrant and imaginative, with a richly imagined pantheon of gods and goddesses that adds depth and complexity to the story. The characters are equally engaging, with Cat’s fierce independence and Griffin’s alpha male intensity making for a steamy and satisfying read.
So there you have it, five must-read series for any fan of steamy fantasy romance books. Each of these series is filled with rich world-building, engaging characters, and epic love stories that will transport you to another world and leave you wanting more.
Steamy Fantasy Romance Books with Diverse Characters
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
“The Gilded Wolves” by Roshani Chokshi is a lush and sweeping tale that combines mystery, magic, and romance. Set in Paris during the late 19th century, the story follows a diverse group of characters who must band together to solve a series of magical mysteries. Along the way, they must navigate a dangerous and seductive world of art, politics, and magic. Filled with rich world-building and engaging characters, this book is a must-read for fans of diverse fantasy and romance.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
“The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon is an epic and sweeping tale that combines fantasy, history, and mythology. Set in a world of dragons and magic, the story follows the journey of several strong and diverse female characters who must band together to save their kingdom from a powerful and ancient evil. Filled with vibrant world-building and engaging characters, this book is a must-read for fans of diverse fantasy and romance.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller is a timeless and unforgettable tale of love, heroism, and destiny. Set in ancient Greece, the story follows the relationship between the legendary warrior Achilles and his loyal companion Patroclus. Filled with rich historical detail and vivid storytelling, this book is a must-read for fans of diverse romance and historical fiction.
The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
“The Wrath & the Dawn” by Renée Ahdieh is a lush and seductive tale that combines fantasy and mythology. Set in a world of Arabian Nights-inspired magic and intrigue, the story follows the relationship between the young queen, Shahrzad, and the dangerous and enigmatic caliph, Khalid. Filled with rich world-building and engaging characters, this book is a must-read for fans of diverse fantasy and romance.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the fantasy and romance genres or you’re just discovering the magic of these books for the first time, the books on this list are sure to keep you entranced and engaged from beginning to end. Filled with rich world-building, engaging characters, and sizzling romance, these books are the perfect way to escape into another world and lose yourself in a great story.
FAQs
What makes a book ‘steamy’?
A ‘steamy’ romance book will include sex scenes, but unlike explicit erotica, these scenes will be based largely on the emotional experience and will rely on euphemistic language.
What age range are steamy fantasy romance books appropriate for?
While they do not explicitly describe sex, these novels are targeted toward adults who are of the age of consent.
What are the most popular steamy fantasy romance books?
There are several popular steamy fantasy romance books, including Sarah J Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses, Scarlett St. Clair’s A Touch of Darkness, and Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash.
Eddison Monroe, born 1990 in Portland, Oregon, is an accomplished and celebrated female writer and independent author. The youngest of three siblings, Eddison's passion for storytelling began during her childhood as she entertained her family with vivid tales and fantastical characters. Her nurturing environment and the encouragement of her parents, both educators, played a crucial role in shaping her literary aspirations.
Eddison's writing often explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. Her works are characterized by their lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and strong, multidimensional female characters.
A strong advocate for independent publishing, Eddison frequently conducts workshops and seminars to guide budding writers in navigating the world of self-publishing. She also serves as a mentor for aspiring authors, providing them with the knowledge and tools to pursue their dreams.
