18 Spicy Fae Romance Books For Adults
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Were you wondering which best fae romance books to pick up next?
I have carefully put together some of the best fae romance books on this list. You’ll find fae romances with different kinds of romance tropes; from forced proximity to enemies to lovers.
Find an easy-to-read standalone or lose yourself in a fantastic fae romance series. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with these fae romance books included in the list.
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Fantasy Book Lists
18 Best Fae Romance Books
1. The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
This six-part fae fantasy book series follows twin sisters Darcy and Tory Vega, who thought themselves to be ordinary girls.
However, that changed when a stranger approached their door to whisk them away to a very peculiar academy – The Zodiac Academy.
Clueless about their ancestry, the twins harness all four elements: Air, fire, water, and earth.
We do get to see fae romance in this book. However, many readers think it is worth sticking around for as it develops over time in the series.
Readers loved this tale’s elemental magic, paranormal creatures, dragon shifters, vampires and werewolves.
2. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
This is the first book in The Folk of The Air trilogy that took over booktok by storm.
Our protagonist Jude Duarte, a mortal girl, will do whatever it takes to make her place in the cruel world of Fae.
With their parents brutally murdered at age seven, Jude and her sisters were stolen away and forced to live in faerie.
It isn’t easy, especially when Prince Cardan and his gang of faeries make sure to give her a difficult time. He has earned his top spot on Jude’s murder list.
Forced to form an alliance as treachery and bloodshed fill the Court of Faeries to the brim, Jude and Cardan make an unexpectedly good team.
Jude and Cardan are clearly in love, in their twisted ways. Readers enjoyed how Holly Black mixed things up in this enemies-to-lovers trope.
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3. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
This standalone follows Isobel, a young painter who is very popular among the Fae for her portrait paintings.
Faeries are unable to create art themselves. Otherwise, they risk turning to dust, making Isobel very valuable.
However, everything changes after she paints the Autumn prince, Rook. The next thing she knows, she’s taken as a prisoner for painting the sorrow in his eyes.
Prince Rook and Isobel spend a lot of time traveling together, slowly getting to know each other, and before they know it, they start to fall for each other.
The way the author, Margaret Rogerson, uses her words to describe this magical world is truly breathtaking and therefore makes this one of the best fae romance books.
4. Curse of the Wolf King by Tessonja Odette
If you like retellings, you’ll enjoy this standalone Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Set in the same world as The Fair Isle Trilogy, Gemma is putting in all efforts to live a gossip-free, financially stable life with her books and get over her heartbreak until she falls for the beastly fae’s trick and is held for ransom.
Cursed Fae King, Elliot will do anything to break his deadly curse, even if it means making bargains with a weak mortal.
Gemma must help King Elliot to find his true love before it’s too late. Relying on a mortal to find potential brides is risky but a risk he must take before he’s out of options and time.
This addictive read includes the grumpy x sunshine trope along with slow-burn romance.
It’s a delightful read for many, and it might become one of your best fae romance books.
5. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
What do readers say?
This has been the best fae romance book series for adults for quite some time now thanks to all the hype it has received on bookstagram and booktok. If you’ve already read ACOTAR, be sure to check this list of similar books.
A trilogy with one novella and more spin-off books coming soon, this started as another Beauty and the Beast retelling but with a twist!
Huntress Feyre, a mortal girl, kills a wolf not knowing any better until a beast arrives to demand retribution. Prince Tamlin must break the curse before the Spring court is left in shambles.
Before they know it, Feyre and Tamlin are hopelessly in love, living in their little bubble until Tamlin gets taken away to Under The Mountain and Feyre must rescue him.
This book goes in-depth about how cruel and cunning Fae can be. Although, You can still expect to see a heartwarming newfound family with amazing dynamics between characters.
Readers cherish these complex characters they have come to know and care for over the years. Many also think the world-building is vibrant.
While ACOTAR is not very spicy, the second book, ACOMAF is a spicy fae book.
Read More: 24 Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses
6. Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare
What do readers say?
This is the first book in Cassie Clare’s spin-off trilogy, taking place five years after the events of her previous series – The mortal instruments.
Readers love this magical world full of all sorts of creatures, and the fae happens to be at the center of this one.
Set in Los Angeles, tag along with Emma, a shadow hunter, as she learns to trust herself and takes life-threatening risks. She must find out what killed her parents with the help of Julian Blackthorn.
Fae romance is more of a subplot in this. However, there are multiple fae romances taking place here that’ll keep you invested in the characters involved.
Readers love Julian. He is such a sweet cinnamon roll! With forbidden romance and other subplots, this will keep you entertained.
With an unpredictable plot line, this book is definitely a page-turner.
7. Elemental Fae Academy (Elemental Fae Academy #1) by Lexi C. Foss and J.R. Thorn
What do readers say?
If you’re looking for more spicy fae romance books, you might want to consider picking this up.
Claire, a half-fae, finds out that she can control all five magical elements. No one else has been able to do that.
She must learn how to wield them properly while Exos and Titus, two very powerful faeries, help her navigate around the breathtaking academy.
Claire might be mighty, but if she doesn’t learn how to control it soon, it’ll do more damage than good.
With the help of her five elemental fae mentors, she’ll master them in no time. Hopefully, unless she doesn’t accidentally burn down the academy first. It doesn’t help the fact that her five mentors are very attractive.
Readers liked this Academy trilogy with the reverse harem trope, as it’s an easy read. They think this harem paranormal romance is fast-paced with a medium burn.
8. The Iron King (The Iron Fey #1) by Julie Kagawa
What do readers say?
In the first book of The Iron Fey series, lose yourself in the magical land of Nevernever and uncover long-forgotten secrets with Meghan.
Her step-brother has been kidnapped by the ruthless Iron king and she’ll do whatever it costs to get him back with her friend Robbie tagging alongside.
Readers say this is pretty fast-paced and a thrilling read with danger at every step, you’ll also meet side characters to adore and especially everyone’s favourite character, Prince Ash on this exciting journey.
Readers also liked the forbidden fae romance here and the amusing banter between the fae Prince Ash and Meghan, it was something to look forward to while reading this series.
Hidden identities and destinies waiting to unfold, read to find out how this one ends.
You can find free novellas from this series on Julie Kagawa’s website!
9. A Dark and Hollow Star (The Hollow Star Saga #1) by Ashley Shuttleworth
What do readers say?
Set in Toronto and the Fae lands, a perfect blend of modern and fae worlds, this urban fantasy follows four teens Arlo, Nos, Vehan, and Aurelian.
There are mysterious murders taking place around Toronto and our band of misfits must come together to uncover the killer before the fae world is unveiled to mortals.
You can expect loads of banter, action, and magic from our misfits.
Written from multiple points of view, you get to see this world from every angle with two fae romances at the center of this story.
Readers acknowledge how Ashley Shuttleworth has paid a lot of attention to beautifully describing this world so you can truly feel like you’re there and a part of it alongside the characters.
10. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
What do readers say?
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning another Holly Black book.
The town of Fairfold’s fragile semblance of peace is broken when deep in the woods, a prince with horns and pointy ears, sleeping in a glass coffin, awakens.
The story follows our main protagonists and siblings, Ben (a musician) and Hazel (a knight).
Hazel had made a foolish bargain with a fae, and now the consequences are hers.
Wrapped in all chaos, Alderking, the king of faerie realms, demands his sword and son back. Now Hazel and Ben must find their way out of this mess while protecting the ones they love.
Readers like how Ben and Hazel always have each other’s backs no matter what.
It’s also interesting to see Ben’s relationship with Severin, the mysterious prince, develop into a heartwarming fae romance.
On the other hand, Ben’s best friend, Jack has fallen for Hazel, but first he must find out the truth about his lineage.
Readers think this standalone is well-rounded and the characters very lovable. It’s the perfect blend between contemporary romance and fairy tales.
You can look forward to seeing fae romance with lgbtq+ representation in this book.
11. These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
On a mission to get her sister back from the King of Unseelie Court, Brie strikes a foolish bargain. A mysterious Fae wants her to steal three magical relics, but it’s easier said than done.
Joining a Band of Unseelie misfits with their agendas, Brie plays a dangerous game. She must stay alert, especially around the mysterious leader Finn.
To infiltrate the Seelie Court, she must pose as a bride for Prince Ronan. She must find her sister soon when she is tipping on the edge of life and death.
Although who Brie will end up with is a bit obvious, It didn’t stop readers from rooting for their favs.
This novel is for you if you love tales with tragic backstories and family secrets. Readers find this an easy, fun read you can finish in one sitting.
The world-building is well done, and if you like books written by authors like Holly Black, this one might interest you.
You can expect to see loads of tension and angst between characters too. Readers agree Lexi Ryan has done the dark fae romance books with justice, thanks to this duology.
12. Heart of the Fae (The Otherworld #1) by Emma Hamm
This book is a standalone where Irish Mythology meets Faery land.
Visit this mesmerizing little town of Uí Néill, which was once happy and jolly until a plague hit, threatening to take Sorcha’s father away forever.
Being the brave and clever Sorcha, she bargains with a Fae. Bring back the long-lost Seelie king and free Uí Néill of the plague.
Readers enjoyed how organic the romance felt in this, as it was developed slowly and not rushed.
Readers also admired how even though Sorcha might not be the boldest and strongest character out there, she knows how to use her wit and cleverness to her advantage, which is refreshing to see.
13. A Dance with the Fae Prince by Elise Kova
This standalone is inspired by Cinderella as well as the tales of Psyche and Eros books.
Katria, a young woman, has sworn never to fall in love. She doesn’t believe in true ‘love’ after all the things her abusive mother and sisters have done to her.
Being sold off to a mysterious fae prince, Lord Davien Fenwood, Katria is sucked into the fae world of Midscape.
What Katria doesn’t know is that Lord Fenwood has secrets of his own that would change her world forever.
With a bloodthirsty king after her because she accidentally stole the magic of the ancient kings, Davien and Katria must find a solution together.
Along the way, despite her best effort not to, she falls for Davien. The tension between our main characters will have you shipping them right from the beginning.
Readers found it to be poetic and beautifully written, adoring the chemistry between Katria and Davien.
14. A Fate of Wrath & Flame (Fate & Flame #1) by K.A. Tucker
K.A Tucker, famously known for her contemporary romance books, is back with a fae romance duology!
A gifted thief on a new deadly mission, Romeria must steal a stone from Islor’s sacred garden. The catch is that she is mortal and barely knows anything about living among the fae.
While disguised as a soon-to-be queen, she must finish her task before things get out of hand. Newly crowned King, Zander, oblivious to Romeria’s true identity, must keep his secrets under wraps at all costs.
He finds some value in her existence and offers her to either rot in a cell or help him uncover growing plots against him.
Due to proximity, Zander and Romera learn to trust each other with their lives.
The fae world-building with a good balance of spice and romance will make you want to read this book.
Prophecies and betrayals will keep you on the edge until you finish this. Meet all sorts of magical creatures and hidden enemies within this book!
15. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
In this faerie romance book for adults, you meet Alessandra, and she’s desperate to gain some power for herself by any means necessary, even if it means marrying the immortal Shadow King and then murdering him.
However, to her surprise, she protects him on multiple occasions. It turns out she isn’t the only one who wants him dead. First, she must become his queen. Otherwise, all of her schemings will go to waste.
The Slytherin vibes are going through the roof in this standalone novel (in a good way).
Readers feel that the tension between Alessandra and the freshly crowned King is undeniably well written.
Their romance was a slow burn but keeps you invested long enough. Expect to see magic, Seelie, and Unseelie courts in this!
16. To Carve A Fae Heart by Tessonja Odette
If you enjoyed reading fae romances like The Cruel Prince, this book is a must-read!
To Carve A Fae Heart is another spicy fae romance book and is also one of the best fae romance books on Kindle Unlimited.
Every 100 years, a reaping takes place and two sisters – Evelyn and Amelie are sent to the fae world to marry King Aspen of the Autumn Court (the Stag King) and his younger brother, Prince Cobalt.
This fae fantasy romance book includes the enemies to lovers trope and the marriage of convenience/forced marriage.
17. Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a book about faes.
Cambridge professor Emily, is on a mission to put together an encyclopaedia of faeries.
She goes to a nordic country for her research and her insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby decides to follow her there too.
This popular booktok fantasy book has lot of interesting facts about faeries that readers may enjoy learning.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted fae fantasy romance, you’ll love this cozy fantasy book.
18. Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
Rhapsodic follows the protagonist, Callypso Lillis, who is a siren and owes a debt to a powerful faerie king named Desmond Flynn, also known as the Bargainer. The Bargainer collects debts in the form of favors, and Callie has been calling on him for small favors her entire life.
However, as the story unfolds, it is revealed that there is more to their relationship than simple debt collection. Callie and Desmond share a complex history that involves dark secrets.
If you’re looking for more books about fae for adults, this is truly the perfect read!
FAQ on Best Fae Romance Books
What is Fae Romance?
In a fantasy novel, fae romance is a subgenre of romance fiction that involves a romantic relationship between a human protagonist and a supernatural being from the fae realm, such as faeries.
What Genre is Fae Romance?
Fae romance is often categorized as fantasy romance. It can also be categorized as paranormal romance.
Wrap Up: Best Fae Romance Books for Adults
These are some of the best fae romance books in the bookish community.
You’ll notice that fae romances are often one of the best fantasy romance books as readers just can’t help themselves when it comes to these morally grey creatures.
These magical worlds are waiting for you to pick them up and become a part of them soon. Find your new favorite reads now!