Romance Tropes in Fantasy Books
Romance tropes often feature in fantasy books to blend magical elements with emotion. Common tropes include enemies to lovers, where characters overcome deep-seated rivalries or conflict to find love, and forbidden love, which adds tension when societal rules, magical barriers, or warring factions keep lovers apart. Fated mates, or soulmates, is often used in fantasy too. This is where characters are mystically destined for each other, adding a sense of inevitability and significance to their bond. These tropes heighten the stakes and emotional engagement, enriching the fantastical worlds they live in.
- Enemies to lovers
- Friends to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Fake relationship
- Forbidden love
- Second chance
- Love triangle
- Best friend’s brother/sister
- Grump and sunshine
- Childhood sweethearts
- Fated mates / soulmates
Cosy Romantasy Books
Why we love it:
- The richly crafted world of Faerie is both enchanting and dangerous, offering an immersive experience and the perfect cosy read.
- It’s a whimsical story of power, betrayal, and high-stakes that hooks you from start to end.
This fantasy novel’s dark, atmospheric tone fits well with the moody feeling of autumn. The story’s rich descriptions of the eerie and enchanting Faerie world, filled with shadowy forests, magical creatures, and courtly intrigue, mirror the changing, unpredictable nature of the season. Its blend of fantasy, danger, and complex relationships makes it a great companion for the season’s gothic and magical vibe.
What’s it about?
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black follows Jude, a mortal girl living in the dangerous world of Faerie, where she strives to gain power despite facing scorn and cruelty from the faerie nobility - especially Prince Cardan. After her parents were murdered, Jude is raised by their killer, a powerful faerie general, and grows determined to prove herself in a court full of treachery and intrigue. Jude must outwit her enemies to claim her place in a world where power comes at a deadly cost. The whimsical world and high stakes narrative makes The Cruel Prince a firm favourite among fantasy readers.
Why we love it:
- The detailed world-building is the perfect escapism.
- The different fae courts are so unique and atmospheric, making for a cosy read. There’s even literal Autumn and Winter Court - perfect!
A Court of Thorns and Roses captures the enchanting, and sometimes dark, spirit of autumn. The story is set in a richly imagined fantasy world that features lush landscapes, dark forests, and magical realms. The vivid descriptions evoke the changing colours and cosy ambience of autumn, and the book's intense romantic scenes provide a passionate escape, perfect for curling up with as the weather cools.
What’s it about?
A loose re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who kills a wolf in the woods, only to discover it was a faerie in disguise. As punishment for her actions, she is taken to the magical land of Prythian by Tamlin, a fae High Lord. Initially resentful of her captivity, Feyre gradually discovers the beauty and complexity of this enchanted realm, as well as the dark curse that plagues Tamlin and his court. Filled with romance, adventure, and intrigue, the story weaves themes of sacrifice, courage, and the struggle for freedom in a captivating fantasy setting.
If you’ve finished reading A Court of Thorns and Roses, read our top picks for what to read after ACOTAR.
Why we love it:
- The protagonist is a complex and relatable character with a fierce determination, urging you to root for her throughout the series.
- The series features a compelling love triangle that adds emotional depth and tension throughout.
Autumn is often associated with moody weather, shorter days, and a sense of mystery. Throne of Glass embraces that atmospheric tension with its deep exploration of magic, political intrigue, and danger lurking around every corner. The series has castles, secretive powers, and hidden histories, all of which pair beautifully with the changing, unpredictable nature of autumn.
What’s it about?
Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien, a teenager who is the best assassin in a corrupt kingdom. After serving a year of labour for her crimes, she is dragged before Prince Dorian who offers her freedom - for a price. She must now act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. The combination of a strong protagonist, an immersive world, engaging relationships, and thrilling action makes Throne of Glass a beloved series for many readers.
Bride, Ali Hazelwood
Why we love it:
- Fast paced and easy to binge, making it the perfect book to get you out of a slump.
- If you’re a romance book lover who is looking for a way into fantasy, Bride is a good place to start. It has less world-building than some of the others on this list and is more of a romance than a fantasy.
What’s it about?
In this paranormal romance, a reluctant alliance between Vampyre Misery Lark and Alpha Werewolf Lowe Moreland leads to unexpected passion. Misery, daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman, is forced to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance with the Weres, despite her mistrust of the ruthless Alpha. Whilst Lowe monitors her every move, Misery has her own agenda that drives her to agree to the arrangement. She’s willing to sacrifice anything to reclaim what she cares about most – ever if it means facing alone in Werewolf territory.
Why we love it:
- The slow burn tension between the main characters builds anticipation and longing, so you definitely won’t want to put the book down!
- The trial is highly entertaining and partially set in a forest, making it perfect for a cosy autumn read.
For fans of The Hunger Games and Red Queen, Powerless is an epic cosy fantasy with hints of romance dripping through it. Whilst this is a great book to read at any time of the year, nothing beats making a cuppa, grabbing a blanket and settling down to immerse yourself into Paedyn's world.
What’s it about?
In the kingdom of Ilya, only the extraordinary belong. The Elites, gifted with powerful abilities, thrive, while the Ordinaries are banished by royal decree. Paedyn Gray, born without powers, is forced to hide her true nature, posing as a Psychic to survive in the slums. When Paedyn unknowingly saves a prince, she’s thrust into the deadly Purging Trials, where Elites showcase their powers - abilities Paedyn doesn’t have. Navigating the dangers of the competition and her growing feelings for the prince, Paedyn must hide her secret: she’s just an Ordinary.
Belladonna, Adalyn Grace
Why we love it:
- Each character is full of depth and personality, making it an enjoyable read.
- The twists and turns of the murder mystery plot keeps you on edge for the whole book.
The atmosphere created when reading Belladonna is peak gothic; it’s the perfect spooky read for autumn. A modern day Wuthering Heights, set in a countryside estate but with a dark undertone, this slow burn romance is brimming with tension and has an intoxicating blend of fantasy, mystery, and paranormal. If that doesn’t scream autumn, we don’t know what does.
What’s it about?
Belladonna follows Signa Farrow, a nineteen-year-old who was cursed with the ability to communicate with Death. When she’s sent to live with the eccentric Hawthorne family, she becomes entangled in a mystery involving the poisoning of the family’s matriarch. As Signa navigates dark secrets and her growing connection to Death, she must unravel the truth behind the curse that haunts her. Belladonna is a haunting tale of love, death, and the thin line between life and the afterlife, filled with dark romance, mystery, and an eerie atmosphere.
Why we love it:
- It ties together a story of elves and fae, making it a fascinating read.
- The ending sets up for a high stakes trilogy.
If you enjoy dark, magical realms, the contrast of danger and love, and the epic scale of battles and emotions, this book is for you. It captures the essence of autumn's reflective and magical atmosphere, and with elves, fae, magic, and enemies to lovers, it’s the perfect romantasy book for the darker months.
What’s it about?
Faebound follows the story of Yeeran, a warrior exiled from the elven army, and her sister Lettle, a diviner, as they’re forced into the dangerous wilderness beyond their homeland. There, they encounter the mysterious fae court, unseen for a millennium, and find themselves torn between loyalty to each other, their elven roots, and the alluring world of the fae.
Why we love it:
- It's an intriguing, plot-heavy book full of secrets, lies, and betrayal.
- Two words: the cliffhanger.
Nectar of the Wicked is a dark romantasy of enemies to lovers set in an icy kingdom. The book has a dark, gothic, and eerie atmosphere, which fits perfectly with the shorter, colder days of autumn and winter. The chilling, often sinister undertones of the story create a moody vibe that complements the sense of mystery and foreboding often associated with these seasons. It's a great book to curl up with when it's too cold to go outside.
What’s it about?
Trapped in the middle lands, a changeling seeks to find the faerie parents who abandoned her at birth. After her guardian is killed by the Wild Hunt, she’s forced to repay debts. Her first client, King Florian of the fae, offers to take her to Faerie in exchange for a blood vow to marry him. But once in his icy kingdom, she uncovers dark truths behind his motives. She must survive his deadly games while guarding her heart from the dangerous king who both captivates and terrifies her. This is a spicy, plot-heavy, dark romantasy that isn't for the faint-hearted.
Enjoy!
As the nights grow longer and colder, settle down with one of these romantasy stories for that immersive escapism you crave. Whether it's an adventure with elves and fae, a gothic story, or a tale of Elites Vs Ordinaries, this list of romantasy books will keep you hooked throughout the dark months.
If you're looking for more book inspiration after this, check out our guide on what to read after ACOTAR or why not find some of the best colouring books for mindfulness to help you get through the darker nights
