If you’re a fan of young adult romance with a fantasy twist—or "romantasy"—you’re in for a treat. YA books capture the intensity of young love, and these six picks deliver that plus the complexity and depth that adult readers crave. From forbidden love and enemies-to-lovers to magical worlds, alternate futures, and high-stakes adventure, these YA fantasy romances are perfect for readers of all ages.
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
First on our list is A Court of Thorns and Roses, an unputdownable YA fantasy romance that feels both classic and edgy. Sarah J. Maas reimagines Beauty and the Beast in a fae-filled fantasy world, where mortal Feyre is forced to live among dangerous faeries after killing a wolf in the woods. What starts as a tense arrangement soon transforms into an intense, slow-burn romance that defies societal barriers. The series' world-building and complex characters make it a top choice for adults who want romance, adventure, and a hint of danger.
Why Adults Love It: With mature themes, complex relationships, and a vivid, high-fantasy setting, this series offers depth beyond typical YA romance.
2. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Powerless tells the story of Paedyn, a clever and resourceful girl surviving in a kingdom where magical ability defines one’s worth and being powerless means you are as good as dead. In this world, Paedyn is hiding a dangerous secret: she has no magic. But when an encounter with the prince, Kai, leads her to save his life, she's entered into a tournament where she must live among royalty and eventually fight to the death. In this dangerous game, Pae must convince everyone that she has a unique power or reveal she is powerless, leading to her execution. As her path crosses in unexpected ways, with the gorgeous and dangerous Kai, a connection sparks between them that defies the kingdom's brutal rules. Powerless combines intrigue, romance, and political rebellion for a tale that captivates readers of all ages.
Why Adults Love It: With its forbidden romance, high-stakes plot, and characters who challenge the system, Powerless offers a layered story perfect for romantasy lovers craving an excruciatingly slow burn romance and excitement.
3. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince opens the Folk of the Air series, a faerie fantasy with a dark, morally complex romance at its core. Jude, a human girl raised in the land of Faerie, must learn to navigate the treacherous politics of the faerie court. Along the way, she finds herself entangled with the cruel and arrogant prince, Cardan, in a power struggle laced with undeniable tension. Black’s atmospheric storytelling and morally ambiguous characters make this a favorite among YA and adult readers alike.
Why Adults Love It: With themes of power, ambition, and forbidden romance, The Cruel Prince combines fairytale elements with gritty realism and a dash of twisted romance.
4. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
An Ember in the Ashes is a dystopian fantasy romance that introduces Laia, a young woman living under a brutal regime. When her brother is captured by the Empire, she joins the Resistance, where she meets Elias, a soldier who secretly despises the Empire he serves. Their alliance brings both danger and romance as they navigate a world rife with rebellion and betrayal. Tahir’s gripping narrative and character-driven plot make this book a favorite among readers craving action, romance, and morally complex characters.
Why Adults Love It: With high-stakes adventure and emotionally resonant themes, this romantasy will appeal to anyone who loves intense, mature storytelling.
5. These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
Fae, forbidden love, and a gripping love triangle make These Hollow Vows an exciting YA fantasy romance perfect for adult fans of romantasy. Brie, the protagonist, makes a dangerous pact with the Unseelie king to save her sister, thrusting her into a dark faerie court where trust is scarce. With its seductive and dangerous undertones, this book weaves romance and intrigue in a world where nothing is as it seems, making it an addictive read.
Why Adults Love It: Mature themes, lush fantasy, and an unpredictable plot give this book a crossover appeal that adults will enjoy.
6. Dissent by Josephine Lamont
In Dissent, readers are introduced to a gritty, dystopian world where freedom is a luxury and love is a rebellion. The story follows 17-year-old Mara de la Puente, the daughter of a dictator, who dreams of escaping her controlling family. Her life takes a dangerous turn when she is captured by rebels, setting up a thrilling love triangle between her and two rebel leaders: the sweet and steady Matias and the brooding, mysterious Wes. As Mara’s understanding of her world shatters, she finds herself torn between love, loyalty, and the fight for freedom. Dissent offers the perfect mix of romance, rebellion, and heartbreak in a dystopian setting that will capture adult readers’ imaginations.
Why Adults Love It: With themes of rebellion, forbidden love, and self-discovery, Dissent presents a captivating romance that resonates with adult readers who enjoy deeper, darker young adult romance stories.
You're Never Too Old for a Tale of Young Love
These six books prove that YA fantasy romance—or romantasy—can appeal to readers of all ages. Each offers a unique world, intricate characters, and love stories that transcend age barriers. Whether you’re new to YA romance or a longtime fan, these titles are sure to keep you enchanted, entertained, and eagerly flipping pages.
Ready to dive into a new YA romantasy story? Download the first four chapters of Dissent for free and get a taste of the romance, rebellion, and intrigue that await in this thrilling YA dystopian world. It’s the perfect way to test the waters of a new romantasy adventure—just click here and begin your new obsession. Download now!
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