After ACOTAR: 10 Fantasy Romances to Keep the Magic Alive
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If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could step back into Prythian, then welcome, fellow ACOTAR fans! Whether it’s the whirlwind romance. The dangerous political games of the courts. Or just the sheer magic of the world Sarah J. Maas created, it’s hard not to feel a little lost after finishing the series. But fear not! I’ve rounded up some incredible books to help you find your next obsession.
From adopted human daughters thrown into the intrigues of a fae kingdom to a love story involving a vampire king and a reluctant queen. These stories are bound to give you those same fantasy thrills. Each book and series is packed with powerful princes, mysterious kings, and human heroines fighting for their place in a world filled with magic and danger. Dive into these amazing fantasy romances and keep the adventure—and the love—alive!
Let’s dive into the magic of fantasy romance for those looking to fill that ACOTAR-shaped hole in their hearts! Here are some fantastic reads that will make your readers swoon, gasp, and maybe even yell into their pillows, in true ACOTAR fashion.
Get Your Next Books Read List Ready. Life Won’t Be the Same.
“Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin
Witches and witch hunters make for a chef’s kiss enemies-to-lovers romance, and Serpent & Dove serves it up perfectly. Lou, a witch in hiding, is forced into marriage with Reid, a witch hunter sworn to eliminate her kind. There’s banter, forbidden love, and a sizzling tension that fans of Feyre and Rhysand will adore. Also, there’s a lot of French-inspired magic and pastries—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love It: The chemistry between Lou and Reid is pure fire. If you’re craving a headstrong heroine who doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do, this is the book for you. Plus, the enemies-to-lovers journey is just so deliciously torturous.
“From Blood and Ash” by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Prophecies, forbidden love, and one fierce heroine. Poppy has lived her entire life as the Maiden and is kept away from society until she meets Hawke. A guard who’s not just willing to protect her, but might have a few secrets of his own. Full of action, swoon-worthy romance, and betrayal lurking around every corner, From Blood and Ash will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Why You’ll Love It: If you loved the intensity of Feyre and Rhysand’s relationship, then buckle up. Poppy and Hawke bring a whole new level of tension and mystery to the table. Complete with steamy scenes and unexpected twists.
“The Bridge Kingdom” by Danielle L. Jensen
What happens when you’re sent to kill the king, but he turns out to be way more charming? And frustrating—than expected? Lara has trained all her life to be a spy and assassin to take down the Bridge Kingdom. But when she marries its king, Aren, things get complicated. Filled with strategic mind games, battles for power, and undeniable attraction, this story is a thrilling slow burn that fans of ACOTAR‘s political intrigue will find irresistible.
Why You’ll Love It: There’s betrayal, danger, and two characters trying (and failing) not to catch feelings for each other. If you live for those intense, morally gray dynamics, Lara and Aren are here to provide.
You can also check out my full review All You Need To Know About The Bridge Kingdom
“Rhapsodic” by Laura Thalassa
This story introduces you to Callie, a siren with a bit of a problem—she owes way too many favors to the mysterious and very handsome Bargainer, Desmond Flynn. When he comes to collect, sparks fly, secrets are unearthed, and danger looms. It’s sexy, mysterious, and full of fae goodness, making it perfect for anyone who misses the Night Court vibe. And it’s the first in a trilogy, so you get loads of Desmond!
Why You’ll Love It: Desmond is as broody and dangerous as Rhysand, with a sprinkle of that teasing banter. Plus, the story mixes mystery with romance seamlessly, keeping you hooked as you uncover the Bargainer’s true intentions.
“A Deal with the Elf King” by Elise Kova
Fantasy romance with all the fae vibes, A Deal with the Elf King is a swoony stand-alone featuring Luella, a human healer suddenly whisked away to become the new Elf Queen. The Elf King himself is broody, mysterious, and—of course—has his secrets. This story has a lush magical world that fans of ACOTAR will fall right into, with a classic reluctant romance that slowly turns into something much more.
Why You’ll Love It: If you adored ACOTAR for its magical world and the relationship dynamics between a stubborn heroine and a misunderstood fae king, this one is for you. The tension builds beautifully, and Luella’s journey of acceptance mirrors Feyre’s evolution in the best ways.
“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black
Jude wants power, and she’s ready to play the dangerous game of Faerie politics to get it. This story is full of treachery, morally gray characters, and fae court machinations. Oh, and there’s Prince Cardan—cruel, charismatic, and impossible to ignore. The Cruel Prince will give you those Court of Nightmares vibes with even more political scheming.
Why You’ll Love It: The tension between Jude and Cardan is palpable. If you loved the unpredictability and the fae power plays in ACOTAR, the Folk of the Air series has plenty of that—plus an enemies-to-lovers romance that will keep you guessing.
“Radiance” by Grace Draven
What if you had an arranged marriage to a member of a different species entirely? That’s the premise of Radiance, where Ildiko (a human) and Brishen (a Kai, a night-dwelling, rather monstrous-looking race) agree to marry for political reasons. But instead of hatred or even indifference, they end up finding true friendship… and eventually love. This is a tender, refreshingly different love story that flips all the usual tropes.
Why You’ll Love It: This one is a little less enemies-to-lovers and a lot more friendship-turned-love. The dynamic between Ildiko and Brishen is full of humor, mutual respect, and slow-burn romance—perfect for when you need a break from all the angst but still want to feel all the feels.
“A Promise of Fire” by Amanda Bouchet
Cat is a powerful clairvoyant who’s been hiding her abilities, but when she’s kidnapped by the alpha warlord Griffin, she finds herself pulled into his plans to conquer kingdoms. This story is a perfect blend of adventure, magic, and fiery romance, filled with Greek myth-inspired gods, battles, and powerful alliances.
Why You’ll Love It: Cat is a sassy heroine with incredible powers, and her dynamic with Griffin is electric. The push-pull chemistry, witty banter, and epic magical battles will give you all those familiar ACOTAR vibes.
“Heart of the Fae” by Emma Hamm
A retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this book follows Sorcha, a healer who enters the fae realm to save her family and ends up face-to-face with Eamonn, the cursed fae prince. It’s filled with lush descriptions, Irish folklore, and a romance that blooms amid mystery and enchantment.
Why You’ll Love It: If you loved the classic beauty-and-the-beast dynamic in ACOTAR, this retelling adds a fresh twist, with a richly woven fae world and an absolutely swoon-worthy romance that’s just as magical.
“The Shadows Between Us” by Tricia Levenseller
Alessandra has one goal: seduce the Shadow King, marry him, then kill him to take his kingdom. What she doesn’t expect is for the king to be more fascinating—and far more dangerous—than she imagined. This is a twisted and thrilling story of deception, seduction, and unexpected love.
Why You’ll Love It: For fans who love a cunning protagonist and the tension of a dangerous, powerful romance, this book delivers. Alessandra and the Shadow King are perfectly matched in wit, power, and ambition, giving major ACOTAR political intrigue with a dark romantic twist.
These reads are the perfect medicine for anyone mourning the end of A Court of Thorns and Roses. Whether you’re in the mood for intense enemies-to-lovers sparks, forbidden romance, or fae courts full of magic and intrigue, there’s something here to reignite that fantasy flame.
Which one are you adding to your TBR next? Let me know in the comments—I’m always down to discuss swoony fae kings and fierce heroines!
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