25 Dragon Fantasy Romance Books with Spice
If Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros set your heart ablaze with its blend of dragon battles, academy chaos, and forbidden romance, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, this week’s book list is dedicated to my bestie Lydia—resident romantasy queen and the very person who finally convinced me to pick up Fourth Wing. I’d been holding off (because I knew I’d spiral into obsession and I was not emotionally prepared with only three books out). But I caved, and yep, I loved it every bit as much as she said I would.
Like the rest of us Empyrean fans, Lydia is patiently suffering (well, maybe not “patiently”) while we wait for Rebecca Yarros to return to the series. A recent post from the author confirmed she has one more book to write before diving back into that world, so it might be a while before we get our next fix. Which means, if you too, are feeling the dragon-shaped void in your heart, you’re in the right place.
Dragon-filled romantasy has something undeniably irresistible. Maybe its the soaring creatures, magical bonds, political stakes, or the fiery romance. Whether you crave enemies-to-lovers tension, fated mates, or a slow burn that leaves you feral, this world delivers.
This guide gathers 25 addictive fantasy romance books featuring dragons, dragon academies, and dragon shifters. Each title includes a quick summary and a 1–5 🌶️ spice rating so you know exactly how steamy things get. Read on to find your next dragon-filled obsession and may your TBR be ever in your favor.
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Spice Level Guide
Each book on this list is tagged with a spice rating, because we all want to know just how hot things get before diving in:
1 — Sweet & Subtle: Flirty tension, kisses, and fade-to-black scenes. Just a hint of heat.
2 — Lightly Flirty: Suggestive moments, heated kisses, and a little steam, but the door mostly stays closed.
3 — Medium Heat: On-page steamy scenes that balance sexy and emotional. Just enough to make you blush.
4 — Hot & Heavy: Multiple detailed steamy scenes, lots of physical chemistry, and very little left to the imagination.
5 — Scorching: Explicit, frequent, and blazing. These books bring the heat hard. You’ll be left needing a fan (and maybe a cold shower).
Addictive Dragon Fantasy Romances
This post features a carefully curated list of dragon romances gathered from across the genre’s most beloved (and buzziest) titles. While I have not read all of these books yet, the spice ratings included are based on my research, publisher information, and a wide range of reader reviews. Because spice levels are naturally subjective, and every reader’s “mild” or “spicy” can look a little different, these ratings may not be perfectly accurate for everyone. Please use them as general guidance, and be sure to check individual content warnings if you have specific preferences or sensitivities.
Fourth Wing
By Rebecca Yarros
Basgiath War College is where fragile humans risk everything to bond with dragons. Violet Sorrengail, a physically frail heroine, must prove herself against impossible odds. Her survival hinges on her bond with Xaden Riorson, a brooding rival whose loyalty is as dangerous as his attraction. The novel blends brutal trials, dragon lore, and forbidden romance, making it a perfect entry point for dragon academy fans. Spice: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dawn of Onyx
By Kate Golden
A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden follows Arwen, a healer captured by the ruthless Onyx Kingdom and taken via dragon to serve the dark and enigmatic king, Kane. With a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, rich magic, and a world filled with dangerous creatures, it delivers strong romantasy vibes. While not a traditional dragon-shifter romance, its dragon involvement and high-stakes fantasy make it a perfect fit for any dragon-romance book list. Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Zodiac Academy
By Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
Known for its brutal trials and unapologetically dark tone, Zodiac Academy is a sprawling series where dragon shifters and celestial powers collide. The twin heroines must survive a magical academy that thrives on cruelty. Romance here is enemies-to-lovers, with high angst and scorching spice. Fans of morally gray heroes will devour this series. Spice starts out light, then increases as you continue through the series. Spice: 5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Blood Bound
By Ellis Hunter
Blood Bound thrusts Astrid, the last Nachstern witch, into a deadly duel against the kingdom’s most powerful dragon rider, where the fate of magic, and her people, hangs in the balance. With its heart-pounding stakes, forbidden alliances, and sizzling tension between enemies, it’s a must-read for Fourth Wing fans who crave high-stakes dragon romance, epic magic, and a heroine willing to risk everything. Click here to read my honest ARC review of Blood Bound. Spice: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cracked Open (Dragon Born Academy)
By T.L. Christianson
A YA-friendly dragon rider school where bonds between humans and dragons spark unexpected romance. The focus is more on adventure and friendship, but romance threads weave through the story. Perfect for readers who want dragons and romance without heavy spice. Spice: 1/5 🌶️ (now I have not personally read this series, but these are classified as YA and from what I’ve read are pretty tame.)
Kingdom of Shadows and Wings
By Nina Frost
Kingdom of Shadows and Wings follows sheltered Lark Axton as she’s thrust into a deadly dragon-flight academy, forced to face her fear of flying, unravel her sister’s disappearance, and survive a trial where enemies hide in plain sight including the infuriatingly irresistible instructor determined to break her. With its academy rivalries, explosive secrets, dragon training, and slow-burn forbidden romance, it’s a natural fit for Fourth Wing fans craving danger, magic, and a heroine discovering the power she never knew she possessed. Spice: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Empire of Flame and Thorns
By Marion Blackwood
Empire of Flame and Thorns plunges fae rebel Selena into the lethal Atonement Trials, where her only shot at freedom is surviving a competition rigged by the one man she hates most, the ruthless, magnetic dragon-shifter commander determined to see her fail. With razor-sharp tension, forbidden attraction, and a deadly trial that forces enemies into irresistible proximity, it’s an ideal pick for Fourth Wing fans craving fierce magic, high-stakes competition, and a romance that burns as hot as dragon fire. Spice: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Firebird
By Juliette Cross
Firebird delivers a sweeping, darkly seductive tale of a Roman dragon-shifter general and the fierce witch he’s destined to love. They’re two souls bound by prophecy, rebellion, and a bond that defies an empire built on brutality. With its scorching tension, political intrigue, and dragon-wrought warfare, it’s a standout pick for Fourth Wing fans craving high stakes, forbidden chemistry, and a romance forged in fire and defiance. Spice: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Court of Dragon and Crowns
By G. Bailey
Court of Dragons and Crowns thrusts a human woman into a vicious, glittering world where four ruthless dragon kings expect her to compete for the crown only to find she’s far more dangerous than any bride they bargained for. With deadly trials, sharp-edged enemies-to-lovers heat, and a heroine determined to outmatch dragons themselves, it’s a fiery pick for Fourth Wing fans craving high-stakes magic, reluctant attraction, and unapologetically fierce romance. Spice: 2/5 🌶️🌶️
Firelight
By Sophie Jordan
Firelight follows Jacinda, a rare fire-breathing draki forced to hide her true nature while living among humans until a forbidden connection with Will, a boy from a family of dragon hunters, brings her back to life. Their attraction is dangerous, irresistible, and threatens the secrets her people would kill to protect. A lighter, YA-friendly dragon romance with high emotion, forbidden longing, and lush mythology. Spice: 2/5 🌶️🌶️
Seraphina
By Rachel Hartman
Seraphina weaves court intrigue, dragons, and forbidden love in a richly imagined fantasy world. Seraphina, a gifted musician hiding a dangerous secret, is drawn into a royal investigation alongside the clever and charismatic Prince Lucien. As political tensions rise, their growing connection risks not only her heart but her very life, blending emotional depth with suspense and wonder. Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Talon
By Julie Kagawa
Talon follows Ember Hill, a young dragon shifter training to take her place in the secretive Talon organization, who must hide her nature while navigating human life. When she crosses paths with Garret, a dedicated dragonslayer, their attraction sparks a dangerous tension that challenges everything they’ve been taught. A modern, fast-paced fantasy blending romance, action, and dragon mythology for YA and NA readers. Spice: 2/5 🌶️🌶️
When the Moon Hatched
By Sarah A. Parker
When the Moon Hatched delivers a sweeping, high-stakes romantasy where fallen celestial dragons shape a world of rebellion, dangerous fae politics, and a fated connection that burns across lifetimes. With its dragon-lore woven directly into the magic, mythology, and emotional core of the story, it’s a perfect pick for readers craving a true dragon romantasy, complete with epic creatures, cosmic origins, and a romance forged in fire. Spice: 2/5 🌶️🌶️
The Last Namsara
By Kristen Ciccarelli
The Last Namsara follows Asha, a dragon-slaying princess bound by duty and betrothal, who discovers that the legends she’s lived by may hold deeper truths. When offered a chance at freedom through a deadly quest, she must confront her destiny, the dragons she hunts, and the possibility of love. A richly imagined fantasy blending folklore, fierce heroines, and tender romance. Spice: 2/5 🌶️🌶️
Scorched
By Mari Mancusi
Scorched follows Trinity Foxx, who discovers a real dragon egg and is thrust into a time-traveling race to prevent a future destroyed by dragon war. Torn between two dragon hunters from the future, one loyal, one reckless, she must navigate danger, trust, and a fiery romance. A thrilling YA blend of sci-fi, dragon lore, and heart-pounding romance. Spice: 2/5 🌶️🌶️
A Bond of Fire and Roses
By G. Bailey and Scarlett Snow
A Bond of Fire and Roses delivers a fierce, high-stakes enemies-to-lovers romance between a dragon-blooded princess and the dragon rider king fated to her. It is packed with vengeance, destiny, and sizzling tension. It’s an excellent dragon romance for readers who love fiery magic, bonded dragons, explosive chemistry, and a couple who might just burn their kingdoms down before they finally give in. Spice: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Queen of the Night Sky
By Amalie Howard
Queen of the Night Sky, the sweeping sequel to The Starlight Heir, dives deeper into Sura’s magical destiny and this time, the cover hints at what book one only teased. While dragons weren’t explicitly mentioned in the first book, I fully expect a dragon or dragon-like creature to take center stage in book two, especially with the azdaha’s dramatic arrival and the mythic, dragon-forward vibes of the cover. Click here to read by review of book 1, The Starlight Heir. Spice: TBD
On the Wings of Blood
By Briar Boleyn
On the Wings of Blood throws half-fae Medra Pendragon into the deadly halls of Bloodwing Academy, where vampires rule, secrets simmer, and the fate of the last dragon rider might ignite everything. With a dragon-shaped mystery hanging over her head and an enemies-to-lovers vampire betrothed determined to break her, this romantasy blends dark academia with fierce, dragon-rider energy. Spice: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sky Shielder
By Lindsay Buroker
Sky Shielder pairs a bookish, unexpectedly heroic princess with a deadly dragon rider who may be her protector, or her downfall, creating a slow-burn, high-tension dynamic filled with mistrust, danger, and irresistible chemistry. It’s a standout dragon romance thanks to its political intrigue, morally gray dragon rider, witty dragons, and a heroine who must decide whether to trust the one man, and dragon, who could save her kingdom or destroy it. Spice: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Quicksilver
By Callie Hart
Quicksilver follows Saeris, a desperate desert thief with hidden alchemist magic, who’s pulled into a frozen fae realm and bound to the lethal, maddeningly magnetic warrior Kingfisher, igniting a fierce enemies-to-lovers, fated-mates romance packed with razor-sharp banter and dangerous magic. While dragons don’t take center stage in this first book, the world’s lore teases their past presence and the sequel Brimstone is expected to bring them roaring back, making Quicksilver a strong addition for readers who love epic romantasy with the promise of future dragon-fueled stakes. Spice: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wings of Life
By Meghan Le Fay
Wings of Life follows a sharp-willed young woman sent as a disposable bride and secret spy into the land of her people’s greatest enemy, only to fall for the fierce weapon master who awakens her true power and identity. Packed with political intrigue, hidden magic, and a dragon woven tightly into the heart of the romance, it’s a standout dragon love story for readers who crave slow-burn tension, enemies-to-lovers angst, and a heroine who finds both passion and purpose in the most dangerous place imaginable. Spice: TBD (Book not yet released)
Fear the Flames
By Olivia Rose Darling
In Fear the Flames, exiled princess Elowen must team up with the dangerous and enigmatic Cayden to reclaim her dragons and seek vengeance, sparking a sizzling reluctant-allies-to-lovers romance amid high-stakes heists and epic battles. Perfect for dragon romance fans, it blends fierce dragon bonds, steamy tension, and an immersive fantasy world that makes every daring adventure unforgettable. Spice: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Our Vicious Oaths
By N.E. Davenport
Our Viscous Oaths follows warrior-princess Kadeesha and vengeful fae king Malachi as they form a razor-edged alliance, one built on enemies-to-lovers chemistry, political rebellion, and the breathtaking power of her elite winged-serpent flyers. With its sweeping battles, charged romance, and pivotal bond between rider and magical aerial beasts, it’s a perfect pick for readers who crave dragon-adjacent romantasy full of danger, desire, and sky-soaring stakes. Spice: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dragon’s Gift
By Jasmine Walt
Dragon’s Gift sweeps readers into a lush, perilous world where Dareena, an orphaned serving girl turned prophesied Dragon’s Gift, must navigate desire, destiny, and three dangerously irresistible dragon princes as her choice determines the fate of a kingdom. With its high-stakes magic, court intrigue, and fiery romance, it’s a perfect pick for Fourth Wing fans craving dragons, tension-soaked power struggles, and a heroine discovering her strength. Spice: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Last Dragon King
By Leia Stone
The Last Dragon King follows a young woman with barely a spark of dragon magic who’s unexpectedly summoned to compete as a potential queen, only to uncover a deadly secret that could make her the Dragon King’s perfect match, or his next target. With its irresistible blend of courtly tension, hidden power, and a slow-burn dragon romance, it’s an ideal pick for Fourth Wing fans craving magic, danger, and a heroine who turns fate on its head. Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Your Next Dragon Obsession Awaits
From deadly academies and cutthroat dragon-riding competitions to royal courts and hidden fae kingdoms, these books prove that dragons make romance more thrilling, more dangerous, and more unforgettable. Some stories will leave you breathless with slow-burn tension, while others will have you fanning yourself through scorching encounters you won’t soon forget.
No matter your preferred level of spice or your favorite type of fantastical adventure, this list is packed with worlds to get lost in, dragons to root for, and romances that will ignite your imagination. Whether you’re already a die-hard fan of Fourth Wing or just discovering your love for dragon-filled fantasy, these 25 books will ensure your TBR pile stays hot and your heart keeps racing. So grab your favorite blanket, settle in, and prepare to soar.
Now it’s your turn! Which dragon romance are you adding to your TBR first? Do you have a favorite dragon-filled love story that didn’t make the list? Drop it in the comments. I’m always hunting for new fire-breathing reads, and I’d love to hear your recommendations!
