The 'Twilight' series is also well - known. It's a blend of romance and fantasy, with vampires and werewolves. The love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob has captured the hearts of many readers.
The YA aspect means that the characters are often on a journey of self - discovery, and the romance is part of that. They might be learning about their powers or their place in the world while falling in love. The fantasy elements can add a sense of danger and adventure to the romance. For instance, in 'Red Queen', Mare has to deal with her new - found powers and the political intrigue, all while having a budding romance with Cal. And the language used is usually more accessible compared to some more complex adult fantasy romances.
Some good ones are 'Shadow and Bone' by Leigh Bardugo. The Darkling and Alina's relationship is full of intrigue and a sort of dark romance within the fantasy world of Ravka. 'The Girl of Fire and Thorns' is another. The main character's journey is intertwined with a growing romantic relationship in a fantasy setting. Also, 'Poison Study' has a great blend of a strong female lead, a fantasy world, and a developing love story.
Another characteristic is the creation of unique and often elaborate settings. Since it's a fantasy genre, the world - building can be extremely detailed. Authors create entire new universes, kingdoms, or realms where the romance unfolds, which is different from typical real - world romance novels.
One of the best YA fantasy romance books is 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. It combines elements of fantasy like faeries and a magical world with a passionate romance. Another great one is 'Six of Crows' which has a slow - burn romance among the characters in a heist - filled fantasy setting. 'The Cruel Prince' also stands out, with its complex relationships and a darkly alluring fantasy world where the romance unfolds.
For beginners, 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman is a great choice. It's a charming story set in a magical world where a young man goes on an adventure to find a fallen star for the girl he loves. It has a fairytale - like quality that is easy to get into. The romance is sweet and the fantasy elements are creative and not overly complex.
I think 'The Darkest Minds' by Alexandra Bracken could be in there. It has a post - apocalyptic setting with a strong romantic sub - plot. Then there's 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard. The relationship between Mare and Cal has elements of both love and power struggle in a world divided by blood. 'Shadow and Bone' by Leigh Bardugo also might be on the list. The relationship between Alina and Mal, and later her connection to the Darkling, has a lot of romantic tension in a fantasy world of Grisha.
'Graceling' by Kristin Cashore is a great pick too. While not strictly medieval, it has a fantasy world with a strong female lead Katsa, who has a special power. She meets Po, and their relationship develops against the backdrop of political intrigue and adventure in a unique fantasy realm.
Well, they often have elaborate world - building. For example, in books like 'The Invisible Library' series, there are different realms with their own rules and cultures. The adult romance part usually means more complex emotional relationships. The characters might have past traumas or grown - up responsibilities that affect their love stories. Also, the fantasy elements can add an element of the extraordinary to the romances, like magic being involved in how the characters meet or fall in love.
One popular romance fantasy fiction book is 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. It combines a richly built fantasy world with a passionate love story. Another is 'Twilight' by Stephenie Meyer, which features a love triangle between a human, a vampire, and a werewolf in a supernatural setting. Also, 'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black is great. It has political intrigue and a budding romance between the main characters in a faerie realm.