These 6 dark fantasy romance books are wickedly enchanting

If you’re familiar with wildly popular bestsellers “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas or “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros, then you’re familiar with romantasy. It’s different from gothic or paranormal romance — this mega-popular genre is a mix of romance and fantasy. In addition to the love story, people read romantasy romance novels for in-depth world-building, supernatural elements, high stakes, and adventure.

But what if I told you that some of the best books in the romantasy genre were actually part of a subgenre? Introducing your next obsession: dark fantasy romance.

Dark fantasy romance books have all the elements of romantasy mixed with dark romance. They’re more dangerous, more violent...even deadly. Main characters have usually experienced trauma and their romantic relationships aren’t filled with meet-cutes and grand gestures. These books may even come with trigger warnings.

And yet, readers on BookTok can’t put them down. Because for every hardship a couple may face, their love is that much stronger. So, fire up your Kindle or hit up your local bookstore and check out some of the best dark fantasy romance books below!

1. “Gild” by Raven Kennedy

The first book in The Plated Prisoner series, “Gild” is a dark fantasy romance book retelling of the King Midas myth. After losing her parents at a young age and falling victim to the world’s cruelties, Auren is rescued and gold-touched by Tyndall Midas, the king of Highbell, the sixth kingdom of Orea. Now, years later, she’s grown up within her gold flesh in a gilded cage, loving a man who promises to love her in return, though his actions say otherwise.

While Auren just wants to live her life in peace, away from the leering eyes of powerful men, Midas has busied himself with defeating his enemies—particularly Ravinger, the king of the fourth kingdom.

When Auren breaks free of her cage, her world is turned upside down. Her allies become enemies, enemies become allies, and a love blooms in the most unexpected of places. If you like faes, slow-burn romances, fairy tales, and strong female characters, this is one romantasy series you can’t miss.

2. “Lady of Darkness” by Melissa K. Roehrich

Fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Blood and Ash series won’t be able to put down book 1 of this five-part series that’s ranked as one of Amazon’s “Best of BookTok” reads.

Scarlett Monrhoe is one of the Wraiths of Death, a trio of deadly assassins made up of her and sisters. Her lonely life has consisted of nothing but death and destruction, until one day, she’s given a job that presents her with an unexpected reward: revenge against the Fae Fire prince who killed her mother.

She sets out on her mission with new determination, only to get distracted when children from her home of the Black Syndicate start disappearing. Now she’s out to do something she hasn’t done in a long time—save lives instead of taking them. With the help of her found family, an old love, and a mysterious new acquaintance, Scarlett goes on a quest that changes her life.

This enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance features fae, witches, and shifters, all wrapped up in a world-building marvel.

3. “Forbidden Fruit” by Dipsea

This dark fantasy romance audiobook is a steamy Hades and Persephone myth retelling. As the Goddess of Spring, Persephone should be happy when she’s inducted into the Pantheon and a bacchanal is thrown in her honor.

Instead, she finds herself sneaking away for some peace and quiet, which is when she encounters Hades. Intrigued by his dark presence, she follows him to the Underworld and has an unexpected respite filled with pleasure.

When her duty to Mount Olympus calls to her, she and Hades come up with an arrangement: She’ll spend part of the year fulfilling her godly obligations...and the other part in the Underworld with him. Each time with him grows their connection and she finds herself longing for his touch whenever they’re apart.

Is it possible for them to have their happy ending? Find out in this original 11-part audiobook series!

4. “Zodiac Academy: The Awakening” by Susanne Valenti and Caroline Peckham

Where Hogwarts is a school of mostly well-behaved witches, the Zodiac Academy is anything but. The college is filled with ruthless and wild young adults who are all some type of supernatural: werewolves, vampires, sirens, and every type of shifter you can imagine. They also accept fae and have two new attendees: twin Gemini sisters, Darcy and Tory.

When Darcy and Tory found out they’re heirs to the throne of Solaria, they didn’t realize it’d be so hard to claim that throne. Before they can rise to power, they have to attend the Zodiac Academy and prove that they’re the most powerful supernaturals out there. Being twins born in the month of Gemini makes them the rarest Elementals ever known—something the four Celestial Heirs at their new school are not too pleased about.

With their astrology-entwined powers, the twins must learn their craft, avoid falling in love with sexy monsters, and watch their backs at all costs.

5. “The Serpent and the Wings of Night” by Carissa Broadbent

One of TikTok’s most popular book recommendations for dark fantasy romance fans and a New York Times bestseller, “The Serpent and the Wings of Night” follows Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king. Tired of living in a world where she’s only seen as prey, she decides to enter Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of Death.

Fighting against the best-trained warriors is one thing, but winning is another. To succeed she’ll need the help of Raihn, her greatest enemy. He’s a vampire (hot), her father’s rival, and a ruthless killer who can’t be trusted. But none of that matters. Not even her unsettling attraction and growing desire for him matters. The only thing that matters is surviving.

Follow Oraya’s journey in book one of the “Crowns of Nyaxia” series!

6. “The Final Strife” by Saara El-Arifi

Inspired by Ghanaian mythology, this first book in the Ending Fire trilogy follows Sylah, a blue-blood destined to spark a revolution. But all the fight in her disappeared the moment she witnessed her family’s murder. Things seem hopeless for a working class girl like herself until she meets Anoor, the red-blooded princess of the kingdom she wants to destroy.

After years of emotional abuse, Anoor has no loyalty to her mother, the queen of the empire. Instead, she finds herself drawn to Sylah. When the pair join forces with Hassa, a clear-blooded servant desperate for change, they suddenly find resolve that they can make a difference after all. Together, the three begin a fight for freedom...falling in love along the way.

An Amazon Editor’s pick for Best Fantasy and Sci-Fi with an almost 4.5 Goodreads rating, this sapphic romance book features a friends-to-lovers trope, a bisexual love triangle, BIPOC main characters, captivating world-building, and twists and turns you’ll never see coming.

Delve into dark romance

Dark fantasy romance books offer a thrilling escape into enchanted worlds. From ruthless political empires and supernatural schools, to falling for deadly faes and assassins, embrace the shadows and read about love blooming in the most unexpected places.

And for even more dark fantasy romances, check out Dipsea! Sign up for a free trial to experience an audio-first approach to romance that lets you experience characters in a whole new way.