Are you looking for books like A Court of Thorns and Roses?
Discover 10 dark fantasy romance novels full of fae, enemies-to-lovers, and magical intrigue, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.
Dark fantasy romance has completely taken over my shelves lately, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. There’s just something about the mix of morally grey characters, magical kingdoms, and swoony, slow-burn romance that makes these books impossible to put down. Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) is probably the gateway series for a lot of us—it has everything you could ever want and need: drama, danger, fae politics, and of course, Rhysand! 🖤
Full disclosure: as much as I love ACOTAR, Throne of Glass is easily my favourite Maas series—sorry, Feyre! The ballsy Assassin, Celaena Sardothien just has that special kind of something, that keeps me hooked every single time!
But here’s the thing… once you’ve finished ACOTAR (and maybe cried your way through the rest of the series), the question hits: what do I read next?
That’s where this list comes in. I’ve put together 10 must-read dark fantasy romances that ACOTAR fans rave about, enemies-to-lovers, fae romances, magical adventures, and binge-worthy series that are perfect for diving into next.
1. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Book 1 of 6)
If ACOTAR was your fantasy romance awakening, this series is your natural next step. We meet Poppy, a “Maiden” who’s not allowed to live her life, until a mysterious guard named Hawke steps in and ruins everything (in the best possible way).
Think forbidden romance, big plot twists, and banter that’ll make you grin. Hawke might just give Rhys a run for his money.
✨ If you loved Feyre breaking free from her old life in ACOTAR, you’ll vibe with Poppy’s story.
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2. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (Book 1 of 3)
Want fae who are actually sharp, cruel, and dangerous? Holly Black is your girl. Jude Duarte is a mortal stuck in the High Court of Faerie, surrounded by enemies—and she quickly learns how to play the game better than anyone else.
It’s twisty, political, and full of the kind of tension that makes enemies-to-lovers fans squeal. If you loved the scheming and power plays in ACOTAR, this series will scratch the same itch.
✨ If you loved watching Feyre navigate the Night Court’s politics, Jude’s scheming will be right up your alley.
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3. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (Book 1 of 3)
A witch and a witch hunter forced into marriage. Do I even need to say more?
This one has the forced proximity trope, lots of witty banter, and some delicious slow-burn tension. It’s lighter in tone than some dark fantasies, but still gives you that magical, slightly dangerous romance vibe.
✨ If you loved the snarky back-and-forth between Feyre and Rhys, Lou and Reid will feel very familiar.
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4. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco (Book 1 of 3)
Witches, demons, and a moody Italian setting—sign me up. Emilia’s hunt for her sister’s killer brings her face-to-face with Wrath, one of the infamous demon princes.
It’s dark, atmospheric, and Wrath is exactly the kind of morally grey love interest I live for. If you wanted ACOTAR to lean harder into its darker side, this is the book for you.
✨ If you loved the darker, spicier vibes of A Court of Silver Flames, you’ll devour this.
5. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (Book 1 of 8)
Yes, another Maas series—but if you’ve only read ACOTAR, you’re missing out. Throne of Glass starts with an assassin, a deadly competition, and a court full of secrets.
The series grows into something massive and epic, with romance and heartbreak along the way. If you’re ready to commit to an eight-book rollercoaster, Celaena’s story will give you everything you love about ACOTAR, and then some.
✨ If you loved how ACOTAR expanded from a fairy tale retelling into a huge, layered world, ToG gives you that on steroids.
Quick tip: I’d recommend reading The Assassin’s Blade third in the series rather than first—even though it’s a prequel novella, it flows much better once you’re familiar with the main story. And… just get your tissues ready for the grave scene.
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6. These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan (Book 1 of 2)
This duology is basically The Selection meets ACOTAR. A human girl, fae courts, two princes, and a web of lies—what could possibly go wrong?
If you like messy love triangles, fae bargains, and betrayals you definitely didn’t see coming, this one’s a quick, bingeable read.
✨ If you loved the whole Tamlin vs. Rhysand tension in early ACOTAR, you’ll enjoy this triangle.
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7. A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova
Sometimes you just want a fantasy romance that feels like a comfort read, and this book delivers. A girl taken to wed the Elf King? Yes please!
It’s got the marriage of convenience trope, magic, and a moody fae husband who slowly reveals his soft side. It’s a standalone too, so no endless waiting for sequels..
✨ If you loved the Beauty-and-the-Beast vibes of book one ACOTAR, this standalone will scratch that itch.
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8. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (Book 1 of 3)
If lush, lyrical writing is your thing, Laini Taylor is queen. Karou lives between two worlds: our own, and one filled with monsters and magic.
It’s whimsical, heartbreaking, and wildly original. If ACOTAR made you fall in love with the idea of star-crossed lovers, this book will absolutely wreck you—in the best way.
✨ If you loved the tragic, star-crossed elements of Feyre and Rhys’ bond, Karou’s story will absolutely wreck you.
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9. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen (Book 1 of 5)
Spies, secrets, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers. Lara marries the king of the Bridge Kingdom, planning to destroy him from the inside… but, you guessed it, falling in love complicates everything.
It’s fast-paced, twisty, and perfect if you wanted a bit more political intrigue and danger in ACOTAR.
✨ If you loved the scheming and slow-burn romance in A Court of Mist and Fury, this one’s a must.
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10. House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City) by Sarah J. Maas (Book 1 of 3)
If you’re not ready to leave Sarah J. Maas behind, Crescent City is where you should go next. Bryce Quinlan is a party girl turned reluctant heroine in a city full of magic, angels, and demons.
It’s urban fantasy with Maas’ signature blend of romance, drama, and jaw-dropping plot twists. If ACOTAR was your first love, Crescent City will feel like the grown-up sequel.
✨ If you loved Nesta’s fierce, complicated character arc, Bryce will feel like her spiritual twin.
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Final Thoughts
One of the best things about dark fantasy romance is that there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re craving fae politics, enemies-to-lovers angst, or slow-burn magical tension, there’s always another series waiting to pull you in.
For readers dipping their toes into the genre, From Blood and Ash or The Cruel Prince are fantastic starting points. They’re beloved by fans and have that ACOTAR-style mix of romance, action, and intrigue. If you’re ready for something bigger and epic, Throne of Glass (YES!!!) or Crescent City are complete immersive series that have captured the hearts of readers everywhere.
💬 Now it’s your turn! Which fantasy romances have you loved outside of ACOTAR? Are there any here that you’d recommend I bump to the top of my TBR?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
I love swapping recs with fellow book lovers!
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