Who Published The Best Fantasy Romance Novel In 2023?

As someone who devours fantasy novels with a romantic twist, 2023 has been a fantastic year for the genre. 'A Court of Silver Flames' by Sarah J. Maas continues to captivate with its intense romance and rich world-building. Another standout is 'The Serpent and the Wings of Night' by Carissa Broadbent, which blends dark fantasy with a heart-wrenching love story. For those who enjoy a mix of magic and mystery, 'Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries' by Heather Fawcett offers a charming romance set in a whimsical faerie world. 'The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi' by S.A. Chakraborty is another gem, weaving a tale of adventure and love on the high seas. Lastly, 'The Sun and the Void' by Gabriela Romero Lacruz is a lush, Latinx-inspired fantasy with a slow-burn romance that’s impossible to put down. Each of these novels brings something unique to the table, making them must-reads for any fantasy romance enthusiast.

As someone who spends way too much time scrolling through book recommendations and hunting for hidden gems, I’ve found some fantastic free fantasy romance reads. Websites like Wattpad and Royal Road are goldmines for indie authors who pour their hearts into epic love stories with magical twists. 'The Witch’s Heart' by Genevieve Gornichec is a Norse mythology-inspired romance you can often find as a free preview or through library apps like Libby. Another favorite of mine is 'Radiance' by Grace Draven, which occasionally pops up on Kindle Unlimited’s free trial or as a promo. Don’t overlook fanfiction either—AO3 has masterpieces like 'Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love,' a slow-burn fantasy romance that rivals published works. For more structured platforms, Project Gutenberg offers classics like 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream,' blending fantasy and romance beautifully.

As someone who devours both fantasy and romance, I can confidently say there are some incredible audiobooks that blend both genres beautifully. 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas is a standout—the narration by Jennifer Ikeda brings Feyre's journey to life with such emotion and intensity. The chemistry between characters is palpable, and the world-building is immersive, making it perfect for audio. Another gem is 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V.E. Schwab, narrated by Julia Whelan. Her voice captures Addie's centuries-long struggle and the haunting romance with Luc perfectly. For something lighter but equally enchanting, 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune, narrated by Daniel Henning, is a heartwarming tale of love and magic. The narrator’s playful tone matches the whimsical vibe of the story. If you prefer historical fantasy romance, 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon, narrated by Davina Porter, is a classic. Porter’s Scottish accents and emotional depth make the time-traveling romance unforgettable. Each of these audiobooks offers a unique listening experience, blending fantasy and romance seamlessly.

When it comes to fantasy novels with romance that have been adapted into anime, 'The Ancient Magus' Bride' stands out as a masterpiece. The story of Chise Hatori, a girl sold into slavery and bought by a mysterious mage named Elias, is both haunting and beautiful. The anime adaptation captures the ethereal quality of the original novel, with its lush animation and atmospheric soundtrack. The relationship between Chise and Elias is complex and evolving, blending elements of romance, mentorship, and mutual dependence. The anime does an excellent job of portraying their bond, making it feel genuine and heartfelt. One of the strengths of the anime is its ability to balance the fantastical elements with the emotional core of the story. The world-building is intricate, with a rich tapestry of magical creatures and lore that feels both familiar and unique. The romance is subtle, woven into the narrative in a way that feels natural rather than forced. This makes the story more engaging, as it doesn’t rely solely on romantic tropes to drive the plot forward. Another aspect that sets 'The Ancient Magus' Bride' apart is its exploration of themes like loneliness, belonging, and self-worth. Chise’s journey from a broken, self-loathing individual to someone who finds purpose and love is deeply moving. The anime adaptation enhances this journey with its visual storytelling, making it a truly immersive experience. For anyone who loves fantasy and romance, this anime is a must-watch.

If you're craving that addictive blend of fantasy and romance like 'A Court of Thorns and Roses', you've got to dive into 'From Blood and Ash'. It's got that same slow-burn tension, enemies-to-lovers arc, and a richly built world that feels alive. The protagonist, Poppy, starts off constrained by duty, much like Feyre, but her journey into power and passion is utterly gripping. The lore here is thick—vampires, gods, and ancient curses—but the heart of the story is the explosive chemistry between Poppy and Hawke. Their banter is razor-sharp, and the emotional stakes are sky-high. Another gem is 'Kingdom of the Wicked', which marries dark fantasy with Italian folklore. The demon prince Enva is every bit as morally grey as Rhysand, and the heroine’s descent into vengeance-turned-love is deliciously twisted. The sensory details—smells of herbs, tastes of forbidden magic—pull you in deeper than ACOTAR’s visual-heavy scenes. For those who loved the faerie courts, 'The Cruel Prince' offers a ruthless political playground where human Jude battles wits (and hearts) with faerie nobility. The romance is thornier here, but the payoff is worth it.

As someone who devours both fantasy romance novels and manga adaptations, I have a deep love for stories that blend magical worlds with heart-fluttering romance. One standout is 'The Ancient Magus' Bride' by Kore Yamazaki, which started as a manga and later inspired light novels. The story follows Chise, a girl sold into slavery, who becomes the apprentice and bride of a mysterious mage. The manga’s art is breathtaking, and the romance unfolds slowly, with layers of emotional depth and fantasy lore. Another fantastic pick is 'Snow White with the Red Hair,' originally a manga by Sorata Akizuki. It’s a charming tale of a herbalist named Shirayuki who flees her kingdom and crosses paths with a prince. The romance is sweet and the fantasy elements are woven seamlessly into the plot. Both series have gorgeous adaptations that bring the magic and romance to life in a way that’s hard to resist. For those who enjoy darker tones, 'Yona of the Dawn' by Mizuho Kusanagi is a must-read. The manga adaptation of the novel series is rich with political intrigue, action, and a slow-burn romance that keeps you hooked. The protagonist, Yona, starts as a sheltered princess but grows into a fierce leader, and her relationship with her bodyguard Hak is one of the most compelling aspects of the story. These adaptations not only capture the essence of the original works but also enhance them with stunning visuals and pacing.

I’ve been obsessed with fantasy romance novels for years, and 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas is hands down one of the highest-rated gems in the genre. The way it blends high-stakes fantasy with slow-burn romance is just *chef’s kiss*. Feyre’s journey from a mortal huntress to a key player in the fae world feels raw and real. The chemistry between her and Rhysand? Absolutely electric. The series has this addictive quality—once you start, you’ll binge-read the entire thing. Goodreads and BookTok are flooded with rave reviews, and it’s easy to see why. The world-building is lush, the emotional stakes are sky-high, and the romance doesn’t overshadow the plot. It’s the perfect balance. What sets 'ACOTAR' apart is how Maas crafts flawed, dynamic characters. Even the side characters feel fully realized. The second book, 'A Court of Mist and Fury,' is often hailed as the best in the series, with a 4.6+ rating on Goodreads. The fandom is massive, from fan art to heated debates about Tamlin vs. Rhysand. If you want a fantasy romance that’ll wreck you in the best way, this is it. The series isn’t just about love; it’s about healing, power, and choosing yourself—which resonates deeply with readers.

The best fantasy romance novel really depends on personal taste, but if we're talking about something like 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon, then absolutely—it has a fantastic TV adaptation. The show captures the epic love story between Claire and Jamie, blending historical drama with time-traveling fantasy in a way that feels both grand and intimate. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the production values are top-notch, from the Scottish Highlands to the intricate costumes. It's one of those rare cases where the adaptation might even surpass the source material for some viewers, thanks to its vivid visuals and emotional depth. Then there's 'A Discovery of Witches,' based on Deborah Harkness's trilogy. The TV series brings to life the forbidden romance between a witch and a vampire, with lush cinematography and a slow-burn tension that fans adore. It's a great example of how fantasy romance can translate to screen when given the right budget and creative team. Some purists might argue the books delve deeper into the lore, but the show nails the atmospheric vibe and the central relationship's intensity. Other contenders like 'Shadow and Bone' adapt Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse, mixing romance with high-stakes fantasy. While it takes liberties with the source material, the heart of the story—Alina and the Darkling's twisted dynamic—is compelling on screen. Not every beloved novel gets a worthy adaptation, but when it clicks, it becomes a cultural phenomenon.