For beginners, 'The Hunger Games' can be considered. While it's mainly a dystopian science - fiction story, there is a romantic sub - plot that adds depth. It's easy to get into because of its fast - paced action. Another is 'City of Bones' from 'The Mortal Instruments' series. It has a good mix of fantasy elements like vampires and werewolves and a budding romance. 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman is also great. It's a short and sweet fantasy with a romantic adventure at its core.
Another great book is 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger. It has a science - fiction concept of time travel and a beautiful, complex love story between Henry, who has a genetic disorder that causes him to time - travel involuntarily, and Clare, who has to deal with his disappearances and reappearances.
One great book is 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. It combines elements of fantasy with a strong romantic subplot. The world - building is amazing, with faeries and magic. Another is 'Red, White & Royal Blue' which is a more contemporary science - fiction - ish take on a royal romance. It has a fun, modern feel to it.
The 'Outlander' series by Diana Gabaldon is also well - loved. It combines time - travel which is a science - fiction concept, with a very passionate historical romance. Claire, a modern - day woman, travels back in time to 18th - century Scotland and her relationship with Jamie is iconic.
One of the books could be 'The Fifth Season' by N.K. Jemisin. It has a unique world - building with a post - apocalyptic setting and elements of magic and geology combined in an interesting way.
I think 'The Grace of Kings' by Ken Liu was also quite popular. It has a great blend of Asian - inspired mythology and science fiction elements. It's about kingdoms and power struggles in a world that has some advanced technological aspects.
There's 'Warm Bodies' by Isaac Marion. It's a unique take on the zombie apocalypse genre with a science - fiction backdrop, but also has a really sweet and unexpected romantic story between a zombie and a human. If you like stories with strong female leads, 'Luna: New Moon' by Ian McDonald could be in the stack. It has a complex political and scientific setting on the moon and a budding romance.
One great science fiction fantasy book is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has a richly detailed world, with elves, dwarves, hobbits and more. The story of the Fellowship's journey to destroy the One Ring is full of adventure and magic. Another is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. Set in a far - future universe, it has complex political intrigue, unique cultures, and a hero's journey. 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin also fits the bill. It has a large - scale world filled with different kingdoms, magic, and a complex web of characters and their motives.
Well, in science fiction and fantasy romance books, the otherworldly settings create a sense of adventure. For example, in a book set on an alien planet, the characters' struggle to survive and understand the new world brings them closer together romantically. The unknown makes their relationship more intense.
Well, 'Ancillary Mercy' by Ann Leckie is also a notable one. It's part of a great series. The story is complex, involving interesting characters and a far - reaching space - based civilization. It has elements of artificial intelligence and political intrigue.