If you’re like me and usually stick to contemporary romance or regular romance books, fantasy might feel… intimidating. I always thought that fantasy books would be too much, too many characters, complicated worlds, and storylines that I wouldn’t connect with. Honestly, I didn’t know where to start.
Today, I want to recommend two romantic fantasy books that completely changed my mind about the genre and made me fall in love with it. These were actually the first fantasy books I’ve ever read as an adult, and I can’t recommend them enough if you want to dip your toes into romantasy.
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1. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
I knew for my first fantasy book I wanted something fun, easy to follow, and captivating. Once Upon a Broken Heart is exactly that. Everyone says it’s a “gateway fantasy,” and now I totally understand why.
Spoiler-Free Summary
The story follows Elaine, a young woman who finds herself caught up in a magical, high-stakes world where heartbreak and romance collide. The world-building is detailed enough to immerse you but not overwhelming, you won’t feel lost or confused. The characters are easy to connect with, and you get little glimpses into their lives that make you care about them.
What I Loved
- World-Building: It’s imaginative but manageable, perfect for someone new to fantasy.
- Characters: I loved learning about their personalities and seeing how they react to challenges.
- Plot Twists: Small, clever surprises kept me hooked and made me want to read the next book immediately.
Reading this book made me realize that fantasy doesn’t have to be intimidating. It actually made my imagination run wild, and I enjoyed picturing the characters and magical elements in my head. I can’t wait to pick up the next two books in the series!
2. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
The second book I tried was Powerless, and I’ve already heard so many people say it’s the book that made them fall in love with fantasy. This one is a little more complex than Stephanie Garber’s book, there are multiple characters, intricate relationships, and a lot to remember, but it’s so captivating that it doesn’t feel complicated at all.
Spoiler-Free Summary
Powerless follows a story filled with slow-burn romance, magical intrigue, and a world where power dynamics aren’t just about magic but also about relationships. You get a sense of the magical world gradually, and even if it seems complex at first, it’s easy to follow because the pacing keeps you hooked.
What I Loved
- Captivating Storyline: Page-turning, keeps you curious, and makes you want to read more.
- Multiple Characters: Each has a purpose and contributes to the story, which makes the fantasy world feel alive.
- Slow-Burn Romance: Perfect if you love romance but want a little extra thrill and tension from a magical setting.
This book made me realize that fantasy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, it can be just as engaging and romantic as the contemporary books I love. I’m excited to start the second book in the series because the story leaves you wanting more without feeling too complicated.
Why I Recommend These Books for First-Time Fantasy Readers
Both Once Upon a Broken Heart and Powerless are perfect for readers who want to explore fantasy but don’t know where to start. Here’s why:
- Easy to Follow: Neither book throws too many complicated concepts at you at once.
- Romance-Focused: If you already love romance, these books feel familiar while adding magical elements.
- Spoiler-Free Enjoyment: You can enjoy the story without needing to read a million prequels or guides.
For someone like me, who usually sticks to contemporary romance, these books were a refreshing twist. They reignited my love for reading and gave me a new genre to explore. Now, when I feel like my regular romance books are getting predictable, I can turn to romantasy for that extra thrill.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never read fantasy before but love romance, I highly recommend starting with:
- Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
- Powerless by Lauren Roberts
They’re engaging, easy to follow, and just magical enough to make you fall in love with fantasy without feeling overwhelmed.
You can grab your copies here:
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