15 Romantic Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses

nov 07, 2024 30 mins read

Can't get enough of Sarah J. Maas? Discover 15 captivating romantic books like A Court of Thorns and Roses. Find your new favorite series today!

Are you a fan of A Court of Thorns and Roses fantasy world? If you've devoured the series and are wondering  what to read after ACOTAR , you're in the right place. This post will introduce you to 15 captivating  books like A Court of Thorns and Roses , from intricate world-building and complex characters to sizzling romance and high-stakes adventures.  

1. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas  

For fans of Maas, staying within the "Maasverse" is an excellent place to start. Throne of Glass follows the story of Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin who is fighting for her freedom. Sent to compete in a deadly tournament, she faces enemies both human and magical, all while uncovering dark secrets about the kingdom. With plenty of action, complex characters, and sizzling romance, this series is a perfect follow-up to ACOTAR.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • Strong female protagonist  
  • Court intrigue and political drama  
  • A blend of magic and action  

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2. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo  

Step into the Grishaverse with Shadow and Bone, where Alina Starkov, an orphan, discovers she has extraordinary powers. As she learns to control her abilities, she gets caught up in a world of magic, political intrigue, and dangerous enemies. Like ACOTAR, this series combines magic with romance and an underdog story of self-discovery.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • Gripping magical system  
  • A journey of self-discovery  
  • High-stakes action and adventure  
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3. Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas  

Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series is another must-read for books like A Court of Thorns and Roses. This urban fantasy novel features Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae, half-human woman living in a modern city filled with supernatural creatures. When tragedy strikes, Bryce teams up with a fallen angel to uncover a mystery that threatens her world. The steamy romance and intricate plot twists will keep you hooked.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • Urban fantasy with supernatural elements  
  • Complex characters and relationships  
  • A combination of modern and magical worlds  
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4. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson  

If you're drawn to the fae world in A Court of Thorns and Roses, An Enchantment of Ravens will enchant you. Isobel, a talented artist, paints portraits of the Fae but accidentally paints human sorrow in the eyes of a Fae prince. This small mistake thrusts her into a dangerous adventure with fae courts, magic, and romance.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • Dark fae lore  
  • A strong romantic subplot  
  • Stunning, whimsical world-building  
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5. These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan  

For those craving more fae romance, These Hollow Vows is an excellent pick. The book follows Brie, who enters the dangerous world of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts to save her sister. Along the way, she becomes entangled in a love triangle and uncovers dark secrets about the fae. Fans of  books similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses will appreciate the forbidden love and intense political intrigue.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • A love triangle with fae princes  
  • Forbidden love and loyalty struggles  
  • Dangerous court politics  
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6. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black  

Another must-read for fae lovers, The Cruel Prince takes you into the treacherous world of the fae courts. Jude Duarte, a mortal girl living in the world of faeries, dreams of power. To gain influence, she must navigate the dangerous and deceitful world of fae royalty, all while managing her complicated relationship with the cruel prince, Cardan.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • A morally complex heroine  
  • Dark fae world and politics  
  • Slow-burn romance with enemies-to-lovers vibes  

7. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik  

Spinning Silver is a loose retelling of Rumpelstiltskin but with a feminist twist. The novel follows three women who must navigate a world of powerful magic, dangerous creatures, and shifting alliances. Like A Court of Thorns and Roses, this story features strong female characters who are forced to make difficult choices.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • Strong, independent heroines  
  • Beautiful and atmospheric storytelling  
  • A retelling of a classic fairy tale  

8. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout  

From Blood and Ash delivers on the promise of steamy paranormal romance mixed with a gripping fantasy world. The story follows Poppy, a "Chosen" girl, who is forbidden to speak to others or show her face. But when she meets Hawke, a guard with a mysterious past, everything she knows is challenged. With plenty of romance, action, and world-building, this is a perfect  book similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • A slow-burn romance that sizzles  
  • A fierce heroine fighting against her fate  
  • Twists, turns, and a dash of darkness  

9. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen  

The Bridge Kingdom offers a high-stakes fantasy romance set in a world where kingdoms are divided by a magical bridge. Lara is sent to marry a rival king, Aren, in a bid for political power, but her mission is more dangerous than it seems. Fans of ACOTAR will love the intrigue, forbidden romance, and complex relationships.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • Marriage of convenience and political intrigue  
  • Strong, strategic heroine  
  • Slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance  

10. Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova  

Deal with the Elf King is a romantic fantasy that takes readers into a world where human girls are taken by the elf king every century. When Luella is chosen, she must navigate a world of magic and mystery while learning what her new role entails. With themes of duty, magic, and romance, this book is perfect for fans of ACOTAR’s fae world.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • Arranged marriage trope with fae elements  
  • A mix of romance and fantasy  
  • Engaging world-building  

11. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor  

Strange the Dreamer is a hauntingly beautiful fantasy novel about a young librarian named Lazlo Strange who dreams of the lost city of Weep. When an opportunity arises to explore the city and uncover its secrets, Lazlo finds himself drawn into a world of magic, nightmares, and love. Like ACOTAR, this book blends fantasy and romance with rich, lyrical prose.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • Lush and imaginative world-building  
  • Themes of dreams and love  
  • A beautifully written, emotional journey  

12. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller  

The Shadows Between Us follows Alessandra, a cunning and ambitious woman determined to woo, marry, and then kill the Shadow King to take his throne. But as she grows closer to him, things don’t go according to plan. This enemies-to-lovers romance will appeal to readers looking for  books like ACOTAR.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • Strong-willed, scheming heroine  
  • Enemies-to-lovers romance  
  • Dark and seductive court intrigue  

13. Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian  

Ash Princess is a tale of rebellion and revenge. Theodosia, once a princess, has been held captive by a tyrant who conquered her land. Now known as the Ash Princess, she must find the strength to reclaim her throne and save her people. Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses will appreciate the powerful female lead and the themes of reclaiming power.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • A heroine rising from the ashes  
  • Themes of rebellion and justice  
  • A gripping story of revenge  

14. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir  

An Ember in the Ashes is set in a brutal empire where Laia, a young girl, risks everything to save her brother from prison. With spies, warriors, and corrupt leaders, Laia’s journey will captivate fans who are looking for  books similar to ACOTAR . The blend of rebellion, romance, and action makes it a great choice for ACOTAR fans.  

Why you'll love it:  

  • A heroine fighting for her family  
  • Romance set against a brutal regime  
  • Non-stop action and intrigue  

15. Gilded by Marissa Meyer  

Gilded is a dark and twisted retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin story. Serilda, a young woman cursed by the god of lies, gets involved with a mysterious fae creature who helps her spin straw into gold. Fans of ACOTAR’s blend of magic, romance, and danger will find Gilded just as captivating.  

Conclusion  

If you're looking for more  books like A Court of Thorns and Roses to add to your reading list, these 15 titles are a fantastic place to start. Each offers a unique mix of fantasy, romance, and adventure that will keep you hooked. Whether you love fae magic, forbidden love, or intricate political plots, there's a  book similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses on this list waiting for you. Happy reading!