books like acotar
If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), you’re probably still daydreaming about the Night Court, swoon-worthy fae males, and epic magical battles. Whether it’s the enemies-to-lovers romance, powerful heroines, or rich worldbuilding that drew you in, you’re not alone—ACOTAR has sparked a massive fandom for a reason.
But what do you read after ACOTAR? Luckily, the world of fantasy romance is vast and magical. Here’s a list of 15+ books like ACOTAR that will steal your heart and keep you turning the pages late into the night.
1. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
It only makes sense to start with another series by Sarah J. Maas. Throne of Glass follows assassin Celaena Sardothien as she navigates deadly competitions, dark magic, and complicated romances. It’s full of action, fantasy, and the slow-burn romance that ACOTAR fans love.
Why You’ll Love It: Strong heroine, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a fae world later in the series.
2. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
This bestselling series blends Roman-inspired fantasy with rebellion, magical creatures, and forbidden love. Laia and Elias come from two different worlds, but their destinies intertwine in heartbreaking and powerful ways.
Why You’ll Love It: Emotional depth, dual POV, and intense romance.
3. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Poppy has lived her life in isolation, chosen by the gods. But when her guard, Hawke, enters her life, everything changes. This series has taken the bookish world by storm and is a must-read for fans of sexy fae warriors and forbidden love.
Why You’ll Love It: Steamy romance, ancient prophecy, and fantasy politics.
4. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Jude, a mortal girl, is raised in the world of fae and must learn to survive among their cruel, cunning kind. With court intrigue and a complex enemies-to-lovers plot, this series is pure gold.
Why You’ll Love It: Fae royalty, morally gray characters, and political drama.
5. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
A witch and a witch hunter are forced into holy matrimony. What could possibly go wrong? This series mixes historical fantasy with sizzling romance and dark magic.
Why You’ll Love It: Forced proximity trope, magic, and spicy tension.
6. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Set in a dystopian future with clairvoyants, rebel groups, and otherworldly powers, this series is complex and unique. Paige Mahoney is a powerful dreamwalker who becomes entangled in a hidden world beyond anything she imagined.
Why You’ll Love It: Dark fantasy worldbuilding and a slow-burn romance.
7. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
Lara is trained as a weapon to infiltrate and destroy the enemy kingdom. But as she gets to know her enemy-turned-husband, loyalties begin to shift.
Why You’ll Love It: Enemies to lovers, political intrigue, and strong female lead.
8. These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
Abriella finds herself caught between two powerful fae courts and two seductive fae princes. She must choose who to trust, and where her heart truly lies.
Why You’ll Love It: Love triangle, court politics, and thrilling action.
9. Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
Callypso, a siren, has made many deals with a powerful fae known as the Bargainer. When he returns to collect, the past catches up with them in this dark and romantic fantasy.
Why You’ll Love It: Faeries, steamy scenes, and haunting pasts.
10. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
A retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a modern twist, where Harper, a girl with cerebral palsy, is kidnapped to a cursed kingdom. She must break the curse—if she can survive.
Why You’ll Love It: A strong, realistic heroine and magical romance.
11. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
Two sisters, a murder, and a prince of Hell. Emilia is on a mission for vengeance and ends up working with the wicked demon Wrath.
Why You’ll Love It: Dark magic, murder mystery, and a hot demon prince.
12. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Juliette’s touch is lethal, and she’s been locked away—until she becomes a pawn in a war. The writing is poetic, and the romance is unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love It: Dystopian magic, love triangle, and character growth.
13. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Alessandra plans to woo the Shadow King, marry him, and kill him. But what if she falls for him instead? This standalone fantasy romance is full of clever schemes and unexpected emotions.
Why You’ll Love It: Anti-heroine lead, dark romance, and court politics.
14. Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
This gothic fantasy follows three characters on a quest to save their crumbling world. Magic, monsters, and betrayal are at every turn.
Why You’ll Love It: Complex magic system, morally gray characters, and enemies-to-lovers.
15. To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Lira is a siren who collects human hearts—until she’s punished by being turned human. She must kill a prince to return home, but things don’t go as planned.
Why You’ll Love It: Sirens, forbidden love, and a twisted Little Mermaid tale.
16. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
One of the hottest fantasy books of recent times, Fourth Wing follows Violet as she is forced to become a dragon rider. With deadly training, secret powers, and unexpected romance, this one is perfect for ACOTAR fans.
Why You’ll Love It: Dragons, enemies-to-lovers, and survival stakes.
17. A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova
Every hundred years, a human girl is taken to marry the Elf King and bring magic back to her people. When Luella is chosen, she discovers secrets that could change her world forever.
Why You’ll Love It: Arranged marriage trope, fae lore, and slow-burn romance.
Final Thoughts: Which Book Will Be Your Next Obsession?
If you’re craving more magic, powerful heroines, swoony fae, and epic romance, these books are the perfect follow-up to A Court of Thorns and Roses. Whether you love a morally gray male lead, a girl who can hold her own in a fight, or an immersive fantasy world, this list has something for every kind of reader.
So, light a candle, grab your coziest blanket, and prepare to escape into one (or all) of these fantasy romance adventures. And remember—when the real world gets too dull, there’s always another magical realm waiting just a page away.
Have a favorite fantasy romance that’s not on the list? Drop it in the comments below! Let’s build the ultimate ACOTAR-inspired reading list.
