The 9 Best New Adult Romances with a Touch of Fantasy
Book RaiderWelcome, gentle readers, to the cozy nook of the internet where love stories can set a page al and hints of fantasy weave their magic into every caper. When a compelling tale of romance yearns for a sprinkle of wizardly whimsy, the results can stir up a heady brew of passion, intrigue, and a little touch of the fantastical. Following this heart-throbbing combination, we're exploring the deliriously captivating world of New Adult Romances that sport a touch - or maybe a dollop - of fantasy.
This blinking neon sign saying "Secret Land of Fictional Boyfriends and Heroines with Attitude" leads us down a path littered with "normal" showing its cheeky side. Along with dragon tattoos that come to life or potentially world-ending prophecies spoiling a perfectly good first date, romance ensues in all its poignant, heart-fluttering glory. Buckle up, readers - this is going to be quite the ride through passion-infused, fantasy-freckled landscapes.
The Kiss Quotient
by Helen Hoang
Why The Kiss Quotient is on this list: This book fits beautifully into the category of new adult romances with a touch of fantasy, because the story is an arresting combination of romance and a not-so-ordinary circumstances that feels straight out of your wildest dreams.
The Kiss Quotient is a charming love story that follows the life of Stella Lane, a woman with Asperger’s Syndrome who's way better at cooking up mathematical algorithms then navigating intimate relationships. So, she does what any pragmatic, problem-solving mathematician would do: she hires an escort, Michael Phan, to teach her about the art of love. But as one would expect, the tables turn and the teacher becomes the student, offering a storyline twists to keep you intrigued.
What readers like: Readers love the beautiful empathy and humanity with which Helen Hoang brings her characters to life. The storyline is gripping, the love scenes are steamy, and there's a delightful touch of humor sprinkled throughout. It's the kind of book that will keep you up all night reading because, hey, who needs sleep when there is love to be found.
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A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas
Why A Court of Thorns and Roses is on this list: This book is a perfect combination of new adult and fantasy romance. It takes the relatable feelings and situations we find in our everyday relationships, then adds a sprinkle of enchanting elements. It's like adding hot choco on a rainy day - simply delightful.
The book revolves around Feyre, a nineteen-year-old huntress. Her life changes drastically when she kills a wolf in the woods only to find out it was a faerie. To atone for the life she's taken, she must move to the faerie lands of Prythian where she finds out that her captor is not a regular beast, but Tamlin, an immensely powerful and incredibly beautiful fae lord. Slowly, Feyre's initial hatred for Tamlin turns into a love deep enough to stop a coming war - and potentially save the faerie lands.
What readers like: Readers are a fan of the captivating world Sarah J. Maas has created, filled with fantasy, adventure, and romance. The story's twists and turns are thrilling, and the characters are well-developed and engaging. Add in the beautifully described settings, plus the burning romantic tension between the characters, and you have a recipe for a book readers just can't put down.
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Call Down the Hawk
by Maggie Stiefvater
Why Call Down the Hawk is on this list: This novel is a perfect blend of new adult romance wrapped in a fantasy setting that manages to be realistic and magical at the same time. It’s like a rom-com met a blockbuster fantasy and they had a really good-looking baby book.
Call Down the Hawk spins the story of Ronan Lynch, who has the ability to pull objects from his dreams. But when it draws the attention of those who wish to exploit his, it's up to Ronan and his newfound companion, Jordan Hennessy, a girl with a dangerous secret, to save themselves and all dreamers. With a generous dose of romance, adventure, and fantastical elements, it's a real page-turner.
What readers like: Readers love the impeccable blend of romance and fantasy in this book, with a spot on balance of intrigue and sentimentality. The fantasy elements bring about an immersive reading experience, while the budding relationship between Ronan and Jordan offers up a charming romance that you can't help but root for. Plus the characters have a depth that makes you feel like you're hanging out with old friends, who just happen to have some pretty sweet superpowers.
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Cemetery Boys
by Aiden Thomas
Why Cemetery Boys is on this list: Cemetery Boys is a standout selection for this list as it wonderfully melds together a riveting new adult romance with a beautifully woven fantasy element. This is a perfect read for those yearning for a dash of magic in their love stories.
Cemetery Boys drops you into the world of Yadriel, a trans boy who comes from a traditional Latinx family of brujx, people gifted with the ability to connect with ghosts. Unfortunately, Yadriel's family doesn't fully accept his true self, so he crafts a ritual to prove his identity as a brujo. During their adventure, Yadriel accidentally summons the wrong ghost, and that's where this twisty love story really kicks off. As the plot deepens, so does the relationship between Yadriel and the ghostly Julian Diaz. This tale of devotion, acceptance, and mystery is sure to keep readers flipping pages well past their bedtimes.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the diversity and depth of characters, the intense romantic storyline beautifully intertwined with Latinx rituals and beliefs, and the element of mystique that the fantasy domain offers. The representation of LGBTQIA+ community is well-celebrated throughout, making it a top pick for those seeking diversity and inclusion in their reading material.
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Rhapsodic
by Laura Thalassa
Why Rhapsodic is on this list: Laura Thalassa's 'Rhapsodic' fits snugly into our list of top New Adult Romances with a touch of fantasy. It elegantly weaves a tantalizing romance tale between a charismatic siren and a powerful fae king, all in a richly built fantasy world.
You can expect a beautiful siren, Callie, who has a knack for getting herself into trouble. She an unpayable debt to the Bargainer, the king of the fae. A few years later, he inexplicably reappears in her life, and she finds that her feelings haven't exactly faded over time. While dealing with their complicated relationship, they also need to uncover the mystery happening in the Otherworld. It's like chomping on a forbidden fruit, except the fruit is also a ridiculously gorgeous fae dude and there's paranormal politics involved.
What readers like: Readers rave about the steamy romance between the main characters, the masterful storytelling, and the creative world that Thalassa has brought vividly to life. The balance between the swoon-worthy romance and the intriguing fantasy elements make for a compelling and unputdownable read. So consider yourself warned, you may lose track of time once you plunge into this book.
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Wicked Saints
by Emily A. Duncan
Why Wicked Saints is on this list: Should you ever find yourself stuck between a rock and a hearty romantic swoon, look further not. Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan is a whirlwind romance woven intricately with a dash of fantastic elements, making it lust-worthy of this list.
Imagine a republic and a monarchy at war, an edgy prince and a sassy girl cloaked with divine powers... Now put them all in an pressure-cooker scenario. What you have is Wicked Saints, a tale featuring Nadya - a cleric with the unique power to communicate with the Gods, and Serefin - a prince at war, constantly tipsy, slightly mad, and devilishly handsome. The story unravels as Nadya is forced to navigate the cruel and gorgeous world of her enemies, flirting with romance, war, and magic.
What readers like: Readers deeply appreciate the dark and twisted allure of this novel, not to mention the intoxicating romance bubbling between Nadya and Serefin. They are beyond smitten by the stunning portrayal of morally gray characters, and the unique blend of Slavic folklore, magic, and a love story that will melt even the iciest hearts.
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A Darker Shade of Magic
by V.E. Schwab
Why A Darker Shade of Magic is on this list: When it comes down to perfectly blending the heat of fresh romance with the cool touch of fantasy, 'A Darker Shade of Magic' is like that perfect, almost sinful cup of dark chocolate and peppermint mocha which your barista gets oh-so-right.
This winner of a novel introduces us to Kell, a magician with the rare ability to travel between parallel universes, particularly three different Londons - no worries, no wars about the best English accent there. With adrenaline-pumping adventure, we see Kell battling nefarious foes and roguish cutpurses, and if that wasn't enough, he also caters as a contraband smuggler. Toss in Delilah Bard, a scrappy pickpocket with lofty ambitions, and you've got romance brewing in the most surprising of circumstances amongst the spellbinding twist of magic and reality.
What readers like: Readers rave about the vibrant universe Schwab creates and the character depth that leaves you feeling like they've been your lifelong friends (or... very interesting enemies). The seamless blend of relationship dynamics with the thrilling whirl of mystical elements is like a happy-hour cocktail that fans of both New Adult Romances and Fantasy can't get enough of. Plus, who doesn't like a bit of universe hopping with their love story?
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Angelfall
by Susan Ee
Why Angelfall is on this list: Angelfall fits spectacularly into our curated list of adult romances with a dash of fantasy. Because let's face it, sometimes real-life love can be a bit dull and needs a sprinkle of angels and apocalypse to spice it up.
Angelfall is a post-apocalyptic thriller set in a world overwhelmed by angelic invaders. We're introduced to Penryn, a 17-year-old survivor trying her best to make it in new chaotic world, and Raffe, an angel who found himself on the wrong end of his own kind. Yes, you guessed it right – sparks fly. Or should I say, feathers?
What readers like: Readers often crave a good romance that's not just straight-up boy-meets-girl. They find the rich apocalyptic setting of Angelfall quite tantalizing, and the push-and-pull dynamic between Raffe and Penryn keeps them flipping the pages. The romance twirled with fantasy elements surely adds a fresh spin to the entire 'girl meets boy' ordeal. And who doesn't love a strong female lead who's bold, raw and just a touch sarcastic?
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On the Island
by Tracey Garvis-Graves
Why On the Island is on this list: While not your traditional fantasy genre, 'On the Island' offers a unique twist on romance with a near-mystical deserted island setting. It's also an exciting rollercoaster of a survival tale that brings a dash of the extraordinary to a down-to-earth love story.
'On the Island' is a captivating tale about Anna and T.J., who are stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. was supposed to be a summer tutoring job for Anna turns into a survival situation, with no modern comforts and no one around for miles except each other. As they face the struggles of living marooned, they also confront their growing feelings and connection. Over time their reliance turns into romance, stirring deep emotions and desires.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the authenticity of the characters' evolution, experiencing their age-gap love story through the author's skillful storytelling. The survival element adds an exciting spice to the narrative, making it more than just a juicy romance novel. The unique setting and circumstances allow for raw interactions and emotions, drawing readers deeper into this compelling tale.
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