When I think of fantasy romance, a historical setting is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Flowing skirts, dragons, flying horses, castles, magic spells, and princes. There’s a lushness, a magical atmosphere that you just can’t get with a contemporary. This genre has several spin-offs that keep it fresh and exciting.
You can fall into a fantasy world with elves, dwarves and griffins in medieval-like settings that have echoes of Tolkien. Or you can be swept into a Victorian or Regency romance where aristocrats wield magic spells while whirling to a waltz in a ballroom. There are fairy-tale stories where authors create their own versions of Cinderella, Swan Lake, and Red Riding Hood. The possibilities are endless.
For me, these books are just…fun. Historicals let you imagine a world in the past where you get to marry the prince or overcome a seemingly impossible challenge-and it often happens with an enchanting swirl of magic. Let’s be honest…everything is better with magic.
I enjoy books that are lighter in nature, with likeable characters and a romance that makes me sigh happily without pages upon pages of minutely detailed love scenes. If an author can create a romance that lingers long after the book is closed and still keep it no spice-they’ve got a longtime fan in me. Hopefully, if you’re reading this, you feel the same.
So. In that vein, here are 5 of some of my favorite Closed Door Historical Fantasy Romance Books (in the interest of being completely open…two of them are mine…).
Beauty and the Beast by K.M. Shea
This is a Fairy Tale re-imagining of the classic tale. Since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite F.T, this is one of the first books I read of K.M. Shea's. It has the requisite beast, beauty, enchanted castle and a curse that needs to be broken but then the author takes those elements and twists them into an enjoyable, unique story that I thoroughly enjoyed. There's banter, some quirky characters and a slow-burn romance with some hiccups to make it interesting (such as the heroine having personal reasons to dislike the hero before he became the beast). Elle ends up trapped in the castle curtesy of a broken leg when she's spying on the castle, the prince is a royal general and there's a surprise reveal near the end that I thought was going in a different direction. This is book 1 in her Timeless Fairy Tale collection and she covers other Fairy Tales in other books, including a Free book 'the Princess and the Pea'.
The Rose & The Wand by E.J. Kitchens
This is another B&tB telling-but from the perspective of the Enchantress who curses the Beast. It sounded intriguing- but I have to tell you that I almost stopped reading after the first few chapters because I did not like the heroine at all. But, I kept going and I am so glad I did because this is a clever story about the growth and redemption of the Enchantress-who gives the beast the same challenge. It's a really unique take on the story and you come to like who she becomes while cheering on the hero who tries to help her during her journey. This one ended up on my keeper shelf and made me want to read more from this author.
Star of the Morning by Lynn Kurland
Lynn is my favorite author. I have an entire shelf devoted to her books and frequently re-read them. This book is the first in her Nine Kingdom's series and I can't even tell you how many times I've read it-at least once a year since it came out over 10 years ago. The hero-Miach-is one of my absolutely favorite characters. He is just amazing. And Morgan is the perfect match for him-a woman who despises magic and thinks he's just a farmer (when he's actually the kingdom's archmage). Hilarity ensues. This book has a Tolkien feel but is lighter with a lot of gentle humor and there's a slow-burn romance weaved through the entire book. Lynn has a great talent for creating a romance that touches you, making you sigh and smile without the characters always thinking about falling into bed. I really haven't found another fantasy series like this anywhere else. She's really unique and I can't tell you how much I love her books.
These last two are mine….
Historical spinoffs of my contemporary Blackstar Guardians series, The Oaken takes place in a world with Victorian-era vibes. Within these pages you’ll find sweeping ballgowns, manor houses, searches for magical artifacts, and strong family/friend relationships…as well as a happily ever after at the end of each one.
One Enchanted Evening tells the story of two identical twin sisters who fall for identical twin brothers. Garnet and Jade are from a family of famous pirates while Archer and Lucas head Rowen, an organization dealing with all things magical which leads to conflicts that need to be resolved so the couples can have their forever.
The Magic of You is the story of Archer and Lucas’ sister, Cecily, who found her love as a child-but their family’s are enemies. When both families are invited to a country house party to try to work out their differences, Alastair tries to ensure that Cecily ends up as his by courting her while convincing her-and his-family that they should form a new alliance.
Both books are light-hearted, humorous and romantic.
So, that’s it! 5 historical fantasy romances I think you’ll love! Give them a try-you might find a new favorite book.
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