2024 saw many excellent additions to the romanticism subgenre – a mix of both romance and fantasy– with several standalone novels and series sequels hitting shelves. Thanks to several popular books on BookTok, the romance subgenre has seen a huge surge in popularity, and many of the social media platform's recommendations have become bestsellers around the world. While some of these books come from household names like Sarah J. Maas, others feature debut authors or those new to the genre.
Romantasy is the perfect subgenre to contribute to, as both romantic and fantasy elements can reach a wider audience of readers, and BookTok is a great place for steamy romance book recommendations. Several of the best romance books released in 2024 have been nominated for Goodreads Choice Awardsand even more have made notable bestseller lists. While these are just a few of the best romance books from the past year, their popularity among readers and critics alike helps them stand out among the rest.
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House of Flame and Shadow
Written by Sarah J. Maas
Third installment of Maas in Crescent City series, House of Flame and Shadowwas one of the most anticipated releases of 2024starting the year with a stellar sequel to an already beloved series. The third book was also voted the best romance book of the year, according to the Goodreads Choice Award results, in which thousands of fans nominated and voted for the novel in the romance category.
This is the eighth Goodreads Choice Award for author Sarah J. Maas, and fans of her work should definitely start the Crescent City series. The third book is full of surprises and even features the first crossover with other popular Maas series Cutting thorns and roses.
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A destiny marked with blood
Written by Danielle L. Jenson
The first of a romantic duology, A destiny marked with blood was one of the most read romantic novels of 2024, with over 70% of reviews giving the book four or five stars. Inspired by Nordic folklore, A destiny marked with bloodThe plot offers readers a distinct fantasy rich in Viking lore..
THE Saga of the Unfortunate series follows Jensen's bestseller Bridge Kingdom series, and adds yet another powerful female character to Jensen's cast. And with so much excitement surrounding the launch of the first book, the second novel, A curse carved in boneIt will undoubtedly be another romantic success.
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Mercury
Written by Callie Hart
Mercury by Callie Hart has rapidly grown in popularity since its release in June 2024, and It's no surprise that the novel has become one of the most popular books on BookTok. Mercury was acquired by Netflix earlier this month in a massive seven-figure deal — and the studio has plans to adapt the planned fantasy trilogy into a TV series or set of films.
Mercury It was also a top-nominated romantic novel on the Goodreads Choice Award list, with nearly 50,000 fans praising Hart's novel. Hype surrounding the first book of Fae and Alchemy The series has a lot to do with its beloved characters and unique plot - but Kingfisher, the novel's male protagonist, is what really makes the book impossible to put down.
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Zodiac Academy 9: Restless Stars
Written by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
restless stars is the ninth and final installment of Zodiac Academy series - and although the series is quite advanced, the newest sequel proves to be a top pick among romance readers. Again, Zodiac Academy was nominated for awards and received an average rating of 4.29 on Goodreads, following the successes of its predecessor.
THE Zodiac Academy the series has always been much loved - thanks to its unique plot and beloved characters - and Peckham and Valenti continue to tell compelling stories throughout each subsequent novel.. restless stars is no different from the rest of the series and proved to be a brilliant end to the authors' five-year series.
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When the moon rose
Written by Sarah J. Parker
After Fourth Wingrapid increase in popularity, It's safe to say that readers are becoming obsessed with dragon stories in their romantic narratives-and When the moon rose is the perfect Fourth Wing replacement. Not only does this element add greater stakes and intrigue to the typical romantic plot, but the unique creatures themselves are based on classic elements found in the fantasy genre.
When the moon rosebased on Goodreads statistics, it has almost 150,000 ratings and comments. Not only has this book been mentioned consistently on social media over the past few months, but it has also appeared on the New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller lists since its publication.
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Bloodguard
Written by Cecy Robson
Bloodguard offers a new dynamic to the narrative typical of romanticism, and Instead of featuring a young protagonist, it follows the life of a young gladiator, Leith. This departure from classic stories in the fantasy romance genre is what helps Bloodguard stand out among the rest. Having only been published in October, Robson's book Bloodguard it will certainly rise in the ranks of readers.
Furthermore, the powerful “Fae” character throughout the novel is maintained by Maeve, Leith’s enemy and love interest – another departure from the romantic trends of recent times. Bloodguard is the first in Old Erth Subsequent series and novels are sure to equally surprise readers with their originality.
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A song to drown rivers
Written by Ann Liang
A song to drown rivers was one of the biggest romance books released in October 2024 and has since attracted a lot of attention on social media and among top reviewers. The romantic plot found in this story is beautiful and tragicand the subtlety of the main character's relationships was a refreshing change from typical romantic novels.
For the short time on the shelves, A song to drown rivers made a great impression among readers of the romance genre.
The standalone historical novel was also nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award and was a Good Morning America Book Club pick in October. For the short time on the shelves, A song to drown rivers made a great impression among readers of the romance genre.
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Heartless hunter
Written by Kristen Ciccarelli
Heartless Hunter, the first book by The crimson moth series, gained great traction among readers on social media, and its success catapulted it as one of the best romance books of the year. The first of a duology, the best-selling novel will also receive a sequel in early 2025.
Following the lives of a witch and a witch hunter, the narrative encapsulates some of the best themes of romanticismand it's one of the best enemies-to-lovers fantasy books of the year. Heartless hunter it also incorporates other fan-favorite tropes, including forbidden love and the classic love triangle dynamic. Heartless hunter is the culmination of all things romantic - and the first part doesn't disappoint.
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Ghost
Written by Kaylie Smith
Ghost is a dark fantasy romance that ticks all the boxes from a romantic perspective. With a set of high-stakes trials, mysterious circumstances, and mounting romantic tension to drive the plot forward, the novel has reached the top of the leaderboard among romance readers.
The first in Wicked Games series, Smith's adult romance debut has captured the hearts of readers, and anticipation for the next novel in the series is at an all-time high. The gothic novel also has many similar themes to Stephanie Garber's novel. Caravalalthough it feels much more adult with its many steamy scenes.
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Where the darkness stops
Written by AB Poranek
Known for being perfect for fans of Howl's Moving Castle, Where the darkness stops is a charming and romantic fantasy full of sentient houses, magical creatures and lots of tension. The novel was also nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award and has racked up nearly 17,000 reviews since its release.
The novel itself is labeled as a young adult fantasy, and its behind-closed-doors romance makes it a great fantasy book with little to no seasoning. Because the novel is a little more subdued on the page, the banter and tension are palpable between the two main characters. This quickly became a reader favorite and helps categorize it as one of the best novels to be released in 2024.
5
Bride
Written by Ali Hazelwood
Bride is the author's first foray into the world of romanticism, as Hazelwood has typically limited himself to writing contemporary romances in the past. The novel brings readers back to the era of vampires and werewolves, and Bridethe depiction of the two species at war adds a touch of familiarity and nostalgia to the plot.
And although it is by no means a reconstruction of Duskthe similar themes definitely add to the appeal of the narrative.
And although it is by no means a reconstruction of Duskthe similar themes definitely add to the appeal of the narrative. The book has nearly 500,000 reviews on Goodreads and has an average rating of 4.01 stars. The book has clearly made an impression on the fantasy romance subgenre, and its massive readership has catapulted it to one of the top romance picks in 2024.
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Born of blood and ashes
Written by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Born of Blood and Ashesthe final conclusion of the Flesh and Fire series, was one of the most anticipated fantasy book releases of 2024. This stellar romance series has been a fan favorite since the first in the series, A shadow on the firewas published in 2021 – and the fourth book in the series did not disappoint.
Also nominated for a Goodreads Choice award, Born of Blood and Ashes has accumulated more than 35,000 ratings and comments, with an average score of 4.1 stars. As with any romantic conclusion, there's a lot riding on the narrative wrapping up the plot perfectly - and thankfully Armentrout was able to successfully wrap up the character arcs and overall plot quite impressively.
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The spell shop
Written by Sarah Beth Durst
The spell shopDurst's fantasy debut, is the epitome of a must-read cozy fantasy - often blending traditional romance elements reminiscent of a striking romantic comedy with classic fantasy motifs. With over 40,000 votes for best romantic novel on Goodreads, it's no surprise the book received such high ratings and even a Goodreads Choice Award nomination.
Where a typical romance might include more action, This whimsical cottagecore tale leans into magical realism with its adorable companions and quirky magic system. However, the romance between Kiela and Larran in The spell shop is as swooning as an epic romance, with plenty of kicks and tender moments throughout.
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Storm of Wrath and Revenge
Written by Melissa K. Roehrich
The third book in a planned four-book series, Storm of Wrath and Revenge has become one of the most popular romance books on TikTok in recent months. Only published in October, the dark fantasy novel has attracted many readers, and although its readership is currently lower than other books on this list, its reviews and ratings are very high.
Following the pattern established by the first book, Storm of Wrath and Revenge ends with a big scare that makes readers hang on to the fourth and final novel in the series. Legacy Series. While little about book four has yet been announced, its release is planned for August 2025.
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The last
Written by Rachel Howzell Hall
The last by Rachel Howzell Hall was published in early December and is one of the most original novels to be released in 2024. The novel sets itself apart from others in an important wayadding not only an element of mystery to the narrative, but also truly non-stop action.
Although other soap operas incorporate action into their plots, The last does this incredibly well.
Although other soap operas incorporate action into their plots, The last does this incredibly well. The writing is impressive and each battle scene is easy to follow and keeps readers engaged page to page. While readers are still adding this book to their TBR, it's certain to become a top-notch novel for fantasy and romance readers alike.