What to read when you want angsty fantasy romance books ...

When I'm reading a romantic fantasy book, a fantasy romance or ... dare I say it? ... a romantasy, I want to have to earn the happy ending with hours of stomach-in-knots reading. I want to tie myself up in worry waiting for th eother shoe to drop. I want to be glued to the pages, desperate for the hero and heroine to stop suffering and finally get to live. If you're like me in this, then here are some great books for you:

1) THE BIRD AND THE SWORD

by Amy Harmon

I was told I would cry in this one. I had no idea. There was one scene when I was screaming the whole time in my head.

2) THE EVERLASTING

by Alix E. Harrow

I just couldn't imagine a happy ending that worked for this. Right up until the last moment I was bracing for impact, absolutely certain that there was no way out.

3) DAUGHTER OF THE FOREST

by Juliet Marillier

I can't even say "nettle shirts" to my best friend without her freaking out. I almost cried with relief at the the end and I'm not a crier.

4) THE TRIDENT AND THE PEARL

by Sarah K. L. Wilson

The unthinkable happens in this book. THE UNTHINKABLE. But there's something a bit magical about love that transcends the unthinkable.

I know that not everyone wants to feel all that angst and unrequited desire. Not everyone wants to go down so deep that it feels like they won't claw their way back up again ... but I love that, and so if you want angsty fantasy romance books, then maybe your next read is in this list.

Sarah K L Wilson

November, 2026

Kakabeka Falls