Fantasy Romance & Urban Fantasy: Your Next Favorite Series Awaits
You’ve just finished an amazing series, and now you’re facing that wonderful, terrible question: what do I read next? I feel that same thrill and hesitation every single time. That’s why I’ve put together this list of my personal favorites to help you find your next world to get lost in.
This guide covers immersive fantasy romance and fast-paced urban fantasy. You’ll find series known for their brilliant world-building, complex relationships, and stories you just can’t put down. My top suggestions to start with include:
- The “A Court of Thorns and Roses” Series by Sarah J. Maas: For epic, sweeping fantasy with a found-family core.
- The “Kate Daniels” Series by Ilona Andrews: For witty, gritty urban fantasy in a magic-drenched Atlanta.
- The “Folk of the Air” Trilogy by Holly Black: For sharp, political faerie tales and a captivating enemies-to-lovers arc.
How to Find Your Next Fantasy Romance or Urban Fantasy Obsession
That final-page hangover is real. You close the book and think, “What now?” I’ve been there. The key is to be a bit of a book detective. Start by asking yourself one simple question.
First, identify the specific magic from your last series that glued you to the page. Was it the delicious, agonizing slow-burn? The intricate rules of a magical system? Maybe it was the gritty, rain-slicked streets of a city where fae and vampires run nightclubs. Pinpoint that core joy. It’s your compass.
Next, listen to the crowd. Online reader communities are a goldmine for genuine, passionate suggestions. I often browse subreddits looking for threads like “fantasy romance recommendations for adults” or “fantasy romance book recommendations reddit.” You see what real people are finishing and immediately re-reading. Their excitement is contagious.
Do not limit yourself to just novels. Exploring different storytelling formats can lead to stunning discoveries. For fantasy romance manga recommendations, I might look for sweeping, epic tales. For fantasy manhwa recommendations romance, I often find fast-paced stories with vibrant art. A visual story can be the perfect bridge between series.
My most reliable method is simple. I follow the authors who have already earned my trust. Loved the character dynamics in one series? That author’s other work likely has a similar feel. Make a note of your favorite writers and explore their full bibliography. It’s like having a friend personally vouch for your next read. Additionally, if you’re a fan of Stephen King, JK Rowling, or Brandon Sanderson, the next steps will surface linked recommendations for matching series. Think of it as a gentle nudge toward what to read next, based on your favorites.
Your Next Great Read: A Curated List of Series to Start
Here is a selection of series to consider, from beloved staples to titles you might have missed. I’ve included notes on the vibe, the commitment, and who it will likely charm the most. If you haven’t shared any titles or genres you enjoy, these picks are some of the best starting point books. In the next steps, links will lead to quick notes for each option to help you explore without specific preferences.
Top Fantasy Romance & Urban Fantasy Series
| Book/Series | Author | Sub-Genre Vibe | Why You Might Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guild Hunter | Nalini Singh | Urban Fantasy / Angelic Romance | Nalini Singh builds intricate worlds that feel lived-in. This series combines a noir-style mystery plot with a powerful, slow-burn romance between an angel-made hunter and an archangel. The rules of this world are specific and fascinating. |
| Time Investment Verdict: The first book, Angels’ Blood, sets up the core mystery fast. You get action and immediate romantic tension. The Vibe Check: Lush, descriptive, and passionately intense. For readers who love detailed world-building and relationships that evolve over many books. Caveats: The series is long and ongoing. It deals with mature themes and power dynamics. |
|||
| Mercy Thompson | Patricia Briggs | Urban Fantasy | For a more grounded, character-driven journey. The romance is a slow, steady subplot woven into a larger tapestry of werewolf politics, fae treaties, and vampire conflicts. Mercy, a Volkswagen mechanic and skinwalker, is a pragmatic and relatable heroine. |
| Time Investment Verdict: The first book is a solid mystery with fantastic setup. The romantic elements build gradually and realistically across the series. The Vibe Check: Fast-paced, witty, and deeply personal. Perfect for fans of found family, loyal friend groups, and heroes who use their wits as much as their power. Caveats: The early books have a darker, more procedural tone. The central romance takes several books to fully develop. |
|||
| The Daevabad Trilogy | S.A. Chakraborty | Historical Fantasy Romance | If you are searching for books like City of Brass, this is your next stop. It’s a rich, political fantasy set in a magical Cairo and the dazzling djinn city of Daevabad. The romance is deeply entangled with clashing cultures, ancient magic, and a fight for the throne. |
| Time Investment Verdict: The first book is a masterclass in world-building. It feels expansive and requires a bit of patience, but the payoff is immense. The Vibe Check: Sumptuous, meticulously researched, and epic in scope. For readers who want romance secondary to a grand, political narrative. Caveats: The trilogy is complete, which is a plus. The beginning focuses heavily on setting the stage. |
|||
| Crescent City | Sarah J. Maas | Urban Fantasy Romance | A modern city brimming with angels, merpeople, shifters, and witches. It has a murder-mystery plot, a deep bond of friendship, and a romance that hits with epic, world-altering force. The scale is huge. |
| Time Investment Verdict: The first book has a lengthy, detailed setup (the first 200 pages are world-building), but then it becomes impossible to put down. The Vibe Check: Emotional, high-stakes, and packed with twists. For readers who want a contemporary fantasy feel with the emotional punch of epic fantasy. Caveats: The info-dump at the start is real. Push through it; the story accelerates dramatically. |
|||
| The Bridge Kingdom | Danielle L. Jensen | Fantasy Romance / Political Intrigue | A fierce princess is sent to marry the king of a rival kingdom as a royal spy. It’s a taut game of deception, war strategy, and unexpected love. The tension is constant, both romantic and political. |
| Time Investment Verdict: The first book is a tightly plotted, single-point-of-view story that moves quickly. You are in the heroine’s head from page one. The Vibe Check: Fast-paced, tense, and focused on a central couple. Ideal for fans of enemies-to-lovers where both characters are highly capable. Caveats: The world-building is lighter, serving the character and romance plot first. |
|||
| Hidden Legacy | Ilona Andrews | Urban Fantasy Romance | Set in an alternate Houston where magic is the basis for corporate dynasties. It features a smart, stubborn heroine who runs a private investigation firm and the relentless, magical billionaire who needs her help. The banter is top-tier. |
| Time Investment Verdict: The first book, Burn for Me, is a complete adventure with a satisfying arc, but it opens a larger world. The pace is brisk and fun. The Vibe Check: Witty, action-packed, and full of heart. For readers who love clever heroines, electric dialogue, and magical systems that feel like superpowers. Caveats: The first trilogy focuses on one couple; the series then follows another. |
|||
| Folk of the Air | Holly Black | YA Fantasy Romance | A human girl raised in the treacherous High Court of Faerie must outsmart the cruel, beautiful faerie prince who holds her captive. This is a masterclass in morally grey characters and razor-sharp verbal sparring that masks deep attraction. |
| Time Investment Verdict: The trilogy is a quick, addictive read. Each book escalates the stakes and the complexity of the relationship. The Vibe Check: Cunning, darkly glamorous, and utterly engrossing. Perfect for fans of complex, hate-to-love dynamics where nobody is purely good. Caveats: The romance is rooted in antagonism. The protagonist makes ruthless choices. |
|||
| The Winternight Trilogy | Katherine Arden | Historical Fantasy / Slow-Burn Romance | Based on Russian folklore, this follows Vasya, a girl who can see the old household spirits as Christianity sweeps across medieval Rus’. The romance is a glacial, profound slow-burn with the frost-demon Morozko. It’s a story about preserving magic. |
| Time Investment Verdict: The first book is a quieter, atmospheric fairy tale. The pace is deliberate, building a deep connection to the setting and heroine. The Vibe Check: Lyrical, cold, and wonderfully atmospheric. For readers who want a fairy-tale feel, a fiercely independent heroine, and a love story that grows over a lifetime. Caveats: The fantasy is subtle and folkloric, not high-action. The romance is very slow. |
|||
Deeper Dives: If You Loved *That* Specific Series, Try *This*
Sometimes you crave a book that gives you the same feeling as a past favorite. Here are some targeted suggestions based on popular series.
Series for Fans of Magical Cities and Political Schemes
You loved the merchant intrigue and djinn politics of books like City of Brass. You want a setting that is a character itself, where romance blooms in shadowy corridors and ballrooms, much like the elite courts of fantasy novels.
- For you: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri. Set in a lush, Indian-inspired empire, it features a captive princess and a maidservant with hidden magic. Their slow-burn romance is woven into a dangerous rebellion against a tyrannical ruler. The political machinations are every bit as compelling as the relationship.
- Also try: The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk. This standalone novel is set in a regency-style city where magic and marriage are tightly controlled. The protagonist must choose between her magical power and a politically advantageous marriage, leading to a witty, magical romance with high personal stakes.
Series for Fans of Prophecies, War, and Reluctant Heroes
You’re looking for books like An Ember in the Ashes. You want the weight of destiny, a military or rebellion setting, and a romance that provides a fragile hope amidst darkness—nothing like, say, a Shakespearean pastoral comedy.
- For you: The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski. In a conquered world, a general’s brilliant daughter buys a slave who challenges everything she knows. This is a tense, strategic trilogy about war, empire, and a love that is politically impossible. The romantic tension is superb.
- Also try: The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross. This duology follows a girl with a forbidden magical talent who gets entangled in the plot to restore a lost queen. The romance is gentle and steadfast, a quiet anchor in a story about reclaiming a kingdom’s history and identity.
Series for Fans of Urban Fantasy with Found Family & Demon Hunters
If books like City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments) hooked you with its band of supernatural teens fighting evil, you likely crave that mix of action, layered mythology, and fierce friendships.
- For you: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins. A witch sent to a reform school for magical misfits discovers a plot that threatens everyone. It’s packed with humor, a charming love interest, and a fantastic best-friend relationship. It’s lighter but captures that same “supernatural school” vibe.
- Also try: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. While not about demon hunters, it has a tight-knit group of boys on a mystical quest and the psychic girl who joins them. The magic is whisper-soft and eerie, the friendships are profound, and the romantic tension is a slow, aching burn.
Series for Fans of Young Protagonists Discovering Hidden Powers
If you enjoy books like Keeper of the Lost Cities, with its young hero navigating a secret magical society, you might enjoy these middle-grade or YA bridges.
- For you: A Tale of Magic… by Chris Colfer. This series starts with a girl discovering a hidden world of magic and witches. It has a classic, comforting feel with a clear sense of adventure and a focus on friendship and learning one’s place in a new world.
- Also try: So You Want to Be a Wizard by Diane Duane. This classic series follows two kids who find a manual on wizardry and take an oath to fight the entropy of the universe. The magic is logical and scientific, and the focus is on the responsibility that comes with power.
Expanding Your Horizons: Beyond Traditional Novel Series
You finished a long series, and now your brain feels a little tired. I get it. Sometimes the best next read isn’t a book at all. Many readers ask for suggestions beyond novels. Stepping into a graphic story can feel like a fresh start, especially after finishing a series.
Fantasy Romance Manga to Get Lost In
Manga offers serialized stories with beautiful artwork. The black-and-white panels can feel dramatic and intimate. Here are two fantasy romance series I’ve loved, each with a distinct feel. Some readers gravitate toward forbidden love, fated mates, and spicy tension. This kind of dynamic is often discussed alongside series like Blood and Ash.
- “Yona of the Dawn” by Mizuho Kusanagi: This is a long-running, epic journey. The art is clean and expressive, perfect for conveying both intense action and quiet character moments. The story follows a sheltered princess who must reclaim her kingdom. The romance builds slowly across many volumes alongside fantastic political intrigue and the gathering of legendary dragon warriors. If you love found families, slow-burn romance, and heroic quests, this series is a masterpiece.
- “Snow White with the Red Hair” by Sorata Akizuki: The art here is soft, detailed, and wonderfully atmospheric. It’s a quieter, more slice-of-life fantasy romance. It follows an herbalist named Shirayuki who captures the attention of a prince. The story is shorter and more focused on character relationships and personal growth than world-ending stakes. This is a comforting, heartwarming pick for readers who adore respectful partnerships and lush, fairytale settings.
Colorful Fantasy Romance Manhwa Adventures
Manhwa, often read as webtoons on scrolling platforms, is known for its vibrant full-color art. The storytelling rhythm is fast-paced and designed for digital reading. These two recommendations show the format’s range.
- “See You in My 19th Life” by Lee Hey: This is a completed story, which is perfect if you want a full narrative arc. The art is modern, colorful, and emotive. It follows a woman who remembers all her past lives. In her newest life, she seeks out a man from her previous one. The story blends romance, supernatural mystery, and poignant reflections on life and memory. The unique premise and emotional depth make this a standout that stays with you.
- “Your Throne” by SAM: Prepare for a twisty, strategic story. The art is stunning, with a gorgeous use of color for its dark, courtly setting. This is less a traditional romance and more a psychological fantasy about two women-a crown prince’s fiancée and his would-be lover-who swap bodies. It’s full of political maneuvering, complex female leads, and a tense, slow-building web of alliances. Pick this up if you crave cunning characters, intricate plots, and breathtaking art in a fantasy world.
After the commitment of a long novel series, a change in format can be the perfect reset. These graphic stories offer complete worlds you can see, often with pacing that pulls you right through. They are a fantastic way to cure a reading slump and fall in love with storytelling in a new way.
Your Next Fantasy Romance Adventure
Finding your next great series depends entirely on the story you’re craving right now. Whether you want the electric tension of a slow-burn romance or the gritty thrill of a magical city, your perfect next read is waiting. Your personal tastes can guide what you read next. Let your reading preferences guide the next discovery. I hope these suggestions point you toward a book that feels like a welcome escape and a wonderful new beginning.
Written by Chrestos Plácida. Chrestos is an avid book reader and enthusiast. He reads and reviews countless books every year and has started multiple book clubs around his community where he helps the readers decide on which book to read next based on his personal reading experience. He also has a degree in literature and an interest in the classics and history and has written many books reviews for online blogs and review sites.