[sprite]

I just finished reading Lynn Flewelling's Tamir Trilogy, enjoyed reading it but it was really the relationship between the two main characters that kept me going. Any fantasy series out that with some strong well written romance involving the main character that dosen't leave you hanging?

[Vooloc]

Cecelia Dart Thornton is a romantic fantasy writer
"Bitterbynde Trilogy" & "Crowethistle Chronicles"

[Wigum]

The Black Jewels trilogy followed up by dreams made flesh is very much about romance and sex. It is rather "erotic" at somepoints. It may not be appropriate for you if you are a younger reader.

I wouldn't say it's the best written trilogy, however I did enjoy the take on magic it took, and the sexual tension in it did keep it interesting.

[Amaunette]

In a lot of the "romantic" fantasy books, I don't usually find the writing quite to my taste. One really good fantasy series that involves a strong romance I can recommend wholeheartedly is Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel series (beginning with Kushiel's Dart). Note that it also involves a lot of BDSM sex (sometimes explicit, sometimes not), so if that bothers you, do not read it.

Also, anything by Guy Gavriel Kay is very romantic in every sense of the word -- i.e., personal romances involved between characters, but also a "romantic" world outlook. In particular, I would suggest "A Song for Arbonne."

[algernoninc]

If we're talking quality romantic prose, I guess the Sevenwaters trilogy by Juliet Marillier is the one I would choose over Black Jewels or Kushiel. I enjoyed all three authors, but I found Jaqueline Carey and Anne Bishop are more focused on action and their characterisation unsophisticated. Guy Gavriel Kay has already been mentioned, so I would add Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold.

I also think there is a similar topic in the back pages with a lot more references

[Blackwing]

I second the Curse of Chalion recommendation. However, the romance wasn't the main thing in that story. Her three other fantasy books: Spirit Ring, Paladin of Souls, and Hallowed Hunt are more romance oriented. Her upcoming book Beguilement is romantic fantasy. The new book is the first of a duology, the Sharing Knife.

Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere has a strong romantic element. So does Ellen Kushner's Swordspoint if you can read about a gay couple. Holly Lisle's Secret Texts series, which starts with Diplomacy of the Wolves, has a strong romance.

You might also enjoy Dave Duncan's Children of Chaos, which is also a start of a duology.

[EUOL]

Melanie Rawn's Dragon Prince is my personal favorite. Strong magic system, strong characterizations, good romance. However, they aren't 'traditional' romances--at least, not after the first half of the first book. There are still romantic themes, but there is a lot more real life going on--which is something I appreciate quite a bit, personally.

[ShandaLear]

I will chime in in support of Anne Bishop's work (all of it), Melanie Rawn's Dragon series (both, though the first three were FAR superior... Pol got to be a pain in the arse), and add Jennifer Roberson's Tiger and Del novels as well as Jacquelyn Carey's Kushiel series if you don't mind bdsm.

[Liathano]

I would also recommend the trilogy by Raymond Feist & Janny Wurts (Daughter of the Empire, Servant of the Empire & Mistress of the Empire). It had a great story line and familiar characters if you have read any of Feists other work, plus a bit of romance. I really enjoyed the books.:rolleyes:

I would also recommend Kate Eliott, the Crown Of Stars series. It is an epic fantasy that keeps you wanting more, although I have to admit I was slightly dissapointed with the final book's end.

[Lani]

Here are a few previous threads with romantic fantasy recommendations:

Romantic fantasy? (http://www.sffworld.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6265)
Wondering which book to read next - Romance Based Fantasy (http://www.sffworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13009)
Most ROMANTIC fantasy books? (http://www.sffworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2070)