Here at FaRo Society, we define fantasy romance as a book with a love story, fantastical or paranormal elements, and an emotionally satisfying ending (of the book or series).
We take an inclusive approach, celebrating books in all the categories listed below.
Fantasy romance genres
- Epic fantasy romance, a.k.a. Romantasy: Romance set in a fantasy world with high stakes.
- Gaslamp fantasy romance or fantasy of manners: Romance set in a fantasy world that feels like the 1800s to early 1900s, or in our world during that historical period—but with magic!
- Paranormal romance and urban fantasy romance: PNR stars paranormal love interests like shifters and vampires, while urban FaRo features action-packed stories in city settings.
- Monster romance: Romances featuring monster love interests with horns, tails, tentacles, and more! (Give us all the extras…)
- Cozy fantasy romance: Romance set in a fantasy world with low stakes and cozy vibes.
Heat levels
- Low heat 🌶️
Kisses only or spicy scenes that fade to black. - Smoldering 🌶️🌶️
Sexual tension; on-page but not especially graphic spicy scenes; not much explicit language. - Hot 🌶️🌶️🌶️
More detailed spicy scenes; increasing use of explicit language. - Scorching 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Extensive spicy scenes with heavy description and explicit language.
Audience age
- Upper Young Adult – YA (Books for younger teens and middle grade are not a focus of FaRo Society)
- New Adult – NA
- Adult
Tropes
We love all the delicious romance tropes–and especially the versions of them that shine in a fantasy setting!
Some of our favorites include…
- Enemies to lovers (including assassins to lovers!)
- Only one horse
- Only one bed
- Only one waterfall/cave/tent/room at the inn… (We’re down for only one anything!)
- Forced proximity
- Fake relationship
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Arranged marriage
- Found family
HEA / HFN
Any story labeled romance should have an emotionally satisfying ending, a Happily Ever After (HEA) or at least a Happy For Now (HFN).
In our definition of fantasy romance, we include stories that have an HEA/HFN for the couple either at the end of the book or at the end of the series. (Cliffhangers are fair game if it’s guaranteed that the MCs will be together at the end of the series!)
What did we miss? Tell us on Instagram or in our Facebook group!