10 Spicy Fantasy Romance Books You Won’t Be Able to Put Down
If you’ve spent any time on BookTok lately—or even just scrolling through Instagram book reels—you’ve probably noticed one thing loud and clear: spicy fantasy romance is absolutely taking over the book world. And I’m here to say, with zero hesitation, that it’s currently my favorite genre to dive into. Seriously, I love everything about it. The moment I pick up a spicy fantasy romance, I’m transported into a realm where danger and desire collide, where heroes and heroines don’t just face external battles but the fiery sparks flying between them. It’s everything I didn’t even realize I was craving—until I found it.
There’s something about this genre that just hooks me every time. Maybe it’s the swoony fae males with their otherworldly charm and a side of mischief that makes your heart race. Or the badass heroines who aren’t waiting around to be saved—they’re slaying dragons, defying kingdoms, and taking names all while navigating a simmering, enemies-to-lovers tension that’s absolutely electric. The worlds themselves are lush and vivid—filled with magic, mystery, and a danger that’s palpable, making the stakes feel as high as the heat between the characters.
If you’re new to the term “romantasy” (a fun mashup of romance + fantasy), it basically means you get the best of both worlds—swoon-worthy relationships wrapped up in magical, fantastical settings. And the “spicy” part? Well, let’s just say these books don’t hold back on the steamy scenes that will leave you blushing, breathless, and reaching for a cold drink. The balance of rich worldbuilding and intense, passionate romance is what makes this genre so incredibly addictive.
What I love most is how the romance is never just a side note—it’s central to the story, intertwined with the characters’ personal growth, their challenges, and the epic quests they embark on. You’re not just following a love story; you’re living through a journey filled with heart-pounding moments, tough choices, and that slow burn (or sometimes instant fire) that keeps you hooked. Plus, there’s usually an epic cast of supporting characters, plenty of political intrigue, magic systems that feel fresh and original, and plot twists that keep you guessing right up to the last page.
If you’re a fan of the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, you’re in luck—this genre serves up some of the best and most intense takes on it. Whether it’s a reluctant fae prince and a fiercely independent human heroine forced into an alliance, or a battle-hardened warrior queen sparring with a roguish mage who might just be her soulmate, the tension and chemistry are absolutely off the charts. Watching these relationships evolve, from fiery clashes to steamy reconciliations, is one of the greatest pleasures of reading romantasy.
And honestly, whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of spicy fantasy romance or you’re already elbows-deep in fan art, fantasy playlists, and midnight book chats with your fellow romantasy addicts, this post is for you. I’ve put together a list of 10 beloved spicy fantasy romance reads that have captured my heart—and many others’ too. Each book comes with a steamy rating to help you pick your perfect next read, whether you’re craving something sweet with a dash of spice or full-on heat that will leave you swooning.
As a reader and a blogger who’s obsessed with romance in all its forms, I’m always excited to share my latest favorites and hidden gems with you. So, get ready to fall down the rabbit hole with me into magical worlds filled with unforgettable characters and scorching romance. Trust me—once you start, you won’t want to come up for air.
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Spice Level Guide
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 but still leaves a little to the imagination.
4 — Hot & Heavy: Multiple detailed steamy scenes, lots of physical chemistry, and very little left to the imagination. Definitely NSFW reading.
5 — Scorching: Explicit, frequent, and blazing. These books bring the heat hard — you’ll need a fan (and maybe a cold shower).
1. From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Summary: Poppy is the Maiden, chosen by the gods and forbidden to be touched or even spoken to. But when a mysterious guard named Hawke enters her life, everything she thought she knew about duty, desire, and destiny begins to unravel.
Spice Level: 3/5
It starts off slow-burn, but once it gets going… prepare for tension, possessiveness, and scenes that make you need a fan.
2. A Court of Mist and Fury
by Sarah J. Maas
Summary: Haunted by the trauma she endured Under the Mountain, Feyre struggles to find peace in the Spring Court—and in her soul. As her bond with the mysterious Rhysand deepens, she’s drawn into the glittering, dangerous world of the Night Court, where new powers and passions awaken. Torn between duty and desire, Feyre must reclaim her strength and choose her own future before darkness consumes them all.
Spice Level: 4.5/5
Chapter 55 is legendary for a reason. Emotional and physical intimacy blend in iconic scenes that live rent-free in every reader's head.
3. Fate & Furies
by Helen Scheuerer
Summary: As darkness spreads across the midrealms, Althea Zoltaire is driven by vengeance—but her pursuit of Wilder Hawthorne unearths secrets far bigger than revenge. With loyalties tested and a powerful evil rising, Thea must decide who to trust as fate entwines her path with Wilder’s once again. Passion, betrayal, and magic collide in this explosive, heart-wrenching installment of The Legends of Thezmarr.
Spice Level: 3.5/5
More of a slow build, with emotional depth and sizzling tension that pays off. It's angsty, fiery, and full of that enemies-to-lovers push-pull.
4. A Court This Cruel and Lovely (Kingdom of Lies Book 1)
by Stacia Stark
Summary: When her forbidden magic is exposed, Prisca is forced to flee the only home she’s ever known—and make a dangerous deal with the mercenary who once left her for dead. As they navigate a kingdom ruled by gods and haunted by ruthless fae, Prisca must learn to control her dark power before it consumes her. But with secrets on all sides and a slow-burning tension between them, survival might cost more than her freedom—it could cost her heart.
Spice Level: 3/5
The fae romance is a slow burn, with lots of forbidden desire and dark fantasy vibes. Think seductive danger and stolen kisses in shadowy halls.
5. Zodiac Academy: The Awakening
by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
Summary: Twin sisters are thrust into the deadly world of a magical academy ruled by the heirs of the zodiac signs. Brutal boys, dangerous trials, and twisted loyalty.
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Book 1 teases more than delivers, but the whole series gets very wild. Spicy moments increase dramatically in later books—slow burn but worth the wait.
6. Spark of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Summary: Diem Bellator’s world is upended when her mother disappears and a dangerous secret about her past surfaces, pulling her into the treacherous realm of Descended royalty. Caught between a brewing civil war, a mysterious heir’s watchful gaze, and shifting alliances, Diem must navigate deadly politics, magic, and forbidden attraction to protect her family—and the fate of all mortals. This slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers tale weaves together dragons, power struggles, and fierce romance in a dark fantasy setting.
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Intimacy is explicit enough to be satisfying but balanced with a strong focus on plot, worldbuilding, and character development.
7. Blood & Steel (The Legends of Thezmarr)
by Helen Scheuerer
Summary: In a world where women are forbidden to wield blades, Althea Zoltaire trains in secret to become a legendary warrior before her foretold death in three years. As she battles through deadly initiation trials in the elite guild protecting the five kingdoms, her growing attraction to her reluctant chaperone, Wilder Hawthorne, complicates everything. With dark forces closing in, Althea must prove herself or lose her chance to fight for her dreams. Blood and Steel is the first book in The Legends of Thezmarr series (Book 3 is mentioned in the list earlier).
Spice Level: 4/5
The yearning is strong, the angst delicious, and the eventual payoff steamy. Think mutual pining with badass action in between.
8. A Dawn of Onyx (The Sacred Stones)
by Rebecca Yarros
Summary: After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail faces a dangerous world where trust is scarce and enemies lurk both outside and within. To protect her dragons, family, and home, she must venture beyond the failing wards to forge new alliances—carrying a devastating secret that could change everything. Onyx Storm is the third book in The Empyrean series, where magic, power, and survival collide in an epic battle for the future.
Spice Level: 3/5
Moderately spicy fantasy romance that features explicit, open-door scenes interspersed throughout the narrative
9. Once Upon a Broken Heart
by Stephanie Garber
Summary: Evangeline makes a deal with the Prince of Hearts to stop her true love's wedding. But deals with Jacks are never what they seem.
Spice Level: 1/5
This book is classified as low spice, featuring only mild romantic elements. There are a few detailed kisses, but no explicit scenes or sexual content (I still found this to be an addictive read so I included it on this list).
10. The Serpent and the Wings of Night
by Carissa Broadbent
Summary: Oraya, the human daughter adopted by the Nightborn vampire king, must prove herself in the deadly Kejari tournament to survive in a world that wants her dead. Forced into a fragile alliance with her fiercest rival, Raihn—a ruthless vampire and enemy of her father—she finds an unexpected and dangerous attraction growing between them.
Spice Level: 3/5
Dark, dangerous, and intensely romantic. High-stakes tension and emotionally raw intimacy make this one unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Spicy fantasy romance isn’t just a genre—it’s a whole vibe, a thrilling escape that feeds your imagination and your heart all at once. Whether you’re drawn to enchanting fae courts, fierce warriors, or magical worlds where passion and peril walk hand in hand, there’s something undeniably addictive about these stories. They remind us that love can be messy, complicated, and intensely powerful—even in the midst of dragons, curses, and kingdoms on the brink.
If you’re new to romantasy, I hope this list sparks your curiosity and leads you to your next unforgettable read. And if you’re already a seasoned fan, maybe you’ve discovered a new favorite or two to add to your ever-growing TBR pile. Either way, these books prove that fantasy and romance are a match made in heaven—especially when things get a little spicy. If you’re craving more romantasy options, check out my blog post that lists 60 steamy romantasy series.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through some of the best steamy reads fantasy has to offer. I’d love to hear which ones you’ve loved, or what spicy fantasy romances you’re currently obsessed with—drop me a comment below or find me on social media to share your recommendations. And if you want even more bookish fun, be sure to subscribe to the Mom Needs a Chapter newsletter for exclusive book lists, cozy reading tips, and the latest blog updates delivered straight to your inbox. Happy reading, and may your next fantasy romance adventure be as fiery and unforgettable as the characters who star in it!
Which one’s your favorite? Or which are you bumping up your TBR?
About the Author
I’m a mom of two spirited girls and one oversized Saint Bernard. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. By day, I work in health care as a Health Literacy expert; by night, I’m off wandering swoony fictional worlds, chasing plot twists and happily-ever-afters. I’ve been in love with the romance genre for as long as I can remember—I've read thousands of love stories and even had my own meet-cute with my library director husband… in a bookstore, of course.
-Frances
Mom Needs A Chapter