If you’ve just closed A Court of Thorns and Roses and you’re feeling the post-book hangover, you’re not alone. Sarah J. Maas’ epic fantasy romance series has captivated millions of readers with its mix of high-stakes magic, morally grey love interests, fae politics, steamy scenes, and emotionally charged friendships. But now what?
The good news is there’s a growing list of romantasy books that serve up the same addictive energy. Whether you loved the enemies-to-lovers tension, the rich worldbuilding, or the blend of court intrigue and magic, these reads will fill the ACOTAR-shaped void in your soul. Here are the best books to read after ACOTAR, all with that same unputdownable vibe.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This series kicks off with From Blood and Ash, a high-fantasy romance featuring a strong female lead, forbidden love, and a world full of ancient power and gods. If you liked the mystery and romance between Feyre and Rhysand, you’ll be glued to Poppy and Hawke’s slow-burn connection.
This fantasy duology features spies, political marriages, betrayal, and unexpected romance. Lara is trained from childhood to bring down the enemy kingdom, until she starts falling for its king. If you loved the layered politics of A Court of Wings and Ruin, this is your next obsession.
The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Vampires, deadly trials, and a fae-adjacent world filled with danger—this book blends fantasy and romance in a way that fans of Throne of Glass and ACOTAR will devour. It follows Oraya, a human raised in a vampire court, competing for a prize that could save her life.
Tropes: found family, deadly competition, forbidden love
Why it works: Dark worldbuilding, high stakes, and a central romance that keeps you hooked
This standalone fantasy romance has everything you’d want if you miss the fae court magic of ACOTAR. Think Hades-and-Persephone vibes, forced marriage, and a heroine who’s more capable than anyone expects.
Beginning with Gild, this dark romantic fantasy reimagines the myth of King Midas with a feminist twist. While it starts slower than ACOTAR, it builds into a layered, character-driven journey full of trauma healing, power reclamation, and spicy tension.
Tropes: captive heroine, slow-burn romance, power shift
Why it works: Perfect for fans of Feyre’s emotional transformation from book one to five
This YA-to-NA crossover is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a disabled heroine, an emotionally complex prince, and a cursed kingdom. If you liked the fairytale feel of early ACOTAR but want more modern characters, this is an easy next step.
Tropes: cursed prince, portal fantasy, enemies to reluctant allies
Why it works: Great character development, a grounded heroine, and just enough angst
Radiance by Grace Draven – A heartwarming arranged marriage between two very different species
Powerless by Lauren Roberts – A dystopian romantasy with forbidden tension and serious plot twists
Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa – Bargains, fae, and one seriously brooding love interest
The world of ACOTAR is immersive and unforgettable, but it’s far from the only fantasy series that blends heat, heart, and high-stakes storytelling. Whether you’re chasing court politics, fae magic, or just more romantic tension that feels like slow torture (in the best way), these reads are your next chapter.
Save this list, update your TBR, and get ready to fall into another book hangover. Want more romantasy recs? Let us know and we’ll keep the list growing.
If you’ve just closed A Court of Thorns and Roses and you’re feeling the post-book hangover, you’re not alone. Sarah J. Maas’ epic fantasy romance series has captivated millions of readers with its mix of high-stakes magic, morally grey love interests, fae politics, steamy scenes, and emotionally charged friendships. But now what?
The good news is there’s a growing list of romantasy books that serve up the same addictive energy. Whether you loved the enemies-to-lovers tension, the rich worldbuilding, or the blend of court intrigue and magic, these reads will fill the ACOTAR-shaped void in your soul. Here are the best books to read after ACOTAR, all with that same unputdownable vibe.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This series kicks off with From Blood and Ash, a high-fantasy romance featuring a strong female lead, forbidden love, and a world full of ancient power and gods. If you liked the mystery and romance between Feyre and Rhysand, you’ll be glued to Poppy and Hawke’s slow-burn connection.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
This fantasy duology features spies, political marriages, betrayal, and unexpected romance. Lara is trained from childhood to bring down the enemy kingdom, until she starts falling for its king. If you loved the layered politics of A Court of Wings and Ruin, this is your next obsession.
The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Vampires, deadly trials, and a fae-adjacent world filled with danger—this book blends fantasy and romance in a way that fans of Throne of Glass and ACOTAR will devour. It follows Oraya, a human raised in a vampire court, competing for a prize that could save her life.
A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova
This standalone fantasy romance has everything you’d want if you miss the fae court magic of ACOTAR. Think Hades-and-Persephone vibes, forced marriage, and a heroine who’s more capable than anyone expects.
The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy
Beginning with Gild, this dark romantic fantasy reimagines the myth of King Midas with a feminist twist. While it starts slower than ACOTAR, it builds into a layered, character-driven journey full of trauma healing, power reclamation, and spicy tension.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
This YA-to-NA crossover is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a disabled heroine, an emotionally complex prince, and a cursed kingdom. If you liked the fairytale feel of early ACOTAR but want more modern characters, this is an easy next step.
For Fans of ACOTAR Spice: Light Recommendations
The world of ACOTAR is immersive and unforgettable, but it’s far from the only fantasy series that blends heat, heart, and high-stakes storytelling. Whether you’re chasing court politics, fae magic, or just more romantic tension that feels like slow torture (in the best way), these reads are your next chapter.
Save this list, update your TBR, and get ready to fall into another book hangover. Want more romantasy recs? Let us know and we’ll keep the list growing.
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