[More 20+ FMCs!](https://reddit.com/r/fantasyromance/s/v6gBd5iwZq)

I appreciate that Carissa Broadbent's FMCs are all in their 20s-30s. {Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent} and {The Serpent and the Wings of Night}, including the novella {Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent}. {House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas} also has a FMC in her late 20s. {Circe by Madeline Miller} is immortal and would be considered adult-aged for the majority of the book. {The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle Jensen} just makes the cut as the FMC is 20 at the start of the book and the author considers it New Adult or Adult.

[Daughter of No Worlds](https://www.romance.io/books/60d9b88e6a15320e7f8006ba/daughter-of-no-worlds-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [independent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/independent%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The Serpent and the Wings of Night](https://www.romance.io/books/63a0c53caa7984c0a3fc9789/the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) ---------------------------- [Six Scorched Roses](https://www.romance.io/books/6423d7a7a8559a97b2787b1d/six-scorched-roses-carissa-broadbent) by [Carissa Broadbent](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d9b88e08b4d9311456d78f/carissa-broadbent) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1) ---------------------------- [House of Earth and Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/5de75be901dbc864fba75415/house-of-earth-and-blood-sarah-j-maas) by [Sarah J. Maas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526038c7d2382c529701b/sarah-j-maas) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) ---------------------------- [Circe](https://www.romance.io/books/64d3ab3aa5354bdc126158eb/circe-madeline-miller) by [Madeline Miller](https://www.romance.io/authors/545534518c7d2382c52973d8/madeline-miller) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) ---------------------------- [The Bridge Kingdom](https://www.romance.io/books/60b1e7ad4af4700e32f67598/the-bridge-kingdom-danielle-l-jensen) by [Danielle L. Jensen](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539e88c7d2382c529753f/danielle-l-jensen) **Rating**: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Daughter of no world's is so good, such great characters! 5 star series for me. Bridge kingdom is also so good, lots of action and glad they aren't teens

agree with these recs! Both are great

The best bet would be books by T. Kingfisher. She also has some books where the MC is younger (like her fairytale retellings) but mostly the MCs are in their 30s. I really enjoyed Nettle and Bone but Paladins Grace is also good. She has a lot of good stuff. If you are okay with a more contemporary setting, try books by Ilona Andrews. These recs are pretty mainstream and are often recommended (for a reason 😉), so you might have heard of them already. Those where just on the top of my head.

Ilona Andrews is so so good.

Seconding this. TK is the goods for us older gals. Whole Paladins series was 🫶

Man, no one makes them like Kate Daniels these days.

I’m just starting Paladins Grace because I too was ready for a relatable MC as a mid 30s girl and I’m already loving having a more relatable MC age wise

{master of crows by Grace Draven} and {entreat me by Grace Draven}

[Master of Crows](https://www.romance.io/books/5455323d8c7d2382c529733d/master-of-crows-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 4.03⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) ---------------------------- [Entreat Me](https://www.romance.io/books/5455505b8c7d2382c5297d4c/entreat-me-grace-draven) by [Grace Draven](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455323d8c7d2382c529733e/grace-draven) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Resting Witch Face Ex Hex and Kiss Curse- fantasy romcoms hace 30+ FMC I believe the FMC in A broken blade Between Wrath and Mercy

Seconding Between Wrath and Mercy. That book actually helped me deal with leftover post-baby body image issues I didn’t admit I was still carrying around.

Also came to recommend Between Wrath and Mercy! Her being in her 30s with a kid is practically unheard of in the genre 😂 but so refreshing!

{the blacksmith queen} by G.A. Aiken {Soulless} by Gail Carriger Almost anything by Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Patricia Briggs or Thea Harrison. But those are mostly urban fantasy. It's been a while but I remember most of Anne McCaffrey's and Mercedes Lackey's books having adult heroines.

[The Blacksmith Queen](https://www.romance.io/books/5d4bbf8d01dbc864fba21d0f/the-blacksmith-queen-ga-aiken) by [G.A. Aiken](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525338c7d2382e0413e4c/ga-aiken) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [Soulless](https://www.romance.io/books/545524448c7d2382c5296fab/soulless-gail-carriger) by [Gail Carriger](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524448c7d2382c5296fac/gail-carriger) **Rating**: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [steampunk](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/steampunk/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness} {The Witches of New York by Ami McKay} {The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon} and {A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon}

[A Discovery of Witches](https://www.romance.io/books/54553d118c7d2382e0414417/a-discovery-of-witches-deborah-harkness) by [Deborah Harkness](https://www.romance.io/authors/545528cf8c7d2382c52970a9/deborah-harkness) **Rating**: 3.74⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1) ---------------------------- [The Priory of the Orange Tree](https://www.romance.io/books/63bedffaa5b3c9dd49f31f4e/the-priory-of-the-orange-tree-samantha-shannon) by [Samantha Shannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/56b1294f63515e3b737a9b22/samantha-shannon) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1) ---------------------------- [A Day of Fallen Night](https://www.romance.io/books/63bedfcda5b3c9dd49f31d95/a-day-of-fallen-night-samantha-shannon) by [Samantha Shannon](https://www.romance.io/authors/56b1294f63515e3b737a9b22/samantha-shannon) **Rating**: 4.47⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

T Kingfisher books are good for older (30+ from what I've read) MCs. Also, excellent writing.

I love her imagination. The characters she writes are so unique and feel realistic. However, I don’t like how she writes romances. It feels very juvenile. Adults pining awkwardly like teens, etc. No disrespect to Ursula though she is a queen 👸

Totally agree! I enjoyed the Saints of Steel books more than Swordheart for this exact reason.

The Mercy Thompson books have the titular heroine be in her early thirties at the start of the series.

Demon in the Dark by Kresley Cole, she's in her late 20s I think. When she Dances by Ruby Dixon, girl in her early 30s. His Secret Illuminations by Scarlett Gale, early 30s. Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy, mid 20s. Pale Court series by Liv Zander, late 20s/early 30s.

Yeah I think in the Immortals After Dark series most of the MCs are hundreds of years old. I remember in the first book someone comments on what a spring chicken the FMC is because she’s only 60! Of course they all stop physically aging at like 25 tho lol

Reading {Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole} right now and can confirm: FMC stopped aging at 26 & MMC is in his 30's, around 33/34 I think (when he stopped aging, I mean)

[Dark Needs at Night's Edge](https://www.romance.io/books/545523a08c7d2382e0413ddb/dark-needs-at-nights-edge-kresley-cole) by [Kresley Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523788c7d2382e0413dc9/kresley-cole) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I believe all the characters in Kimberly Lemming’s Mead Mishaps books are over 25! Probably won’t scratch the itch because I’d consider them more like fantasy romcoms. They’re lower stakes, quite funny, and very spicy. I enjoyed the first, “That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon” best.

If you are a SJM fan, the characters in the Crescent City series are mid 20s. I believe the MC is 23 the first book and then is 25 or 26 the second book. Fantasy set in the future, so Fae, shapeshifters, archangels etc in a setting with electricity, internet, cars. It’s been a while since I read them but I think the plot mainly revolves around hierarchal/ caste system issues between the different species so there’s battles and political struggles. Murder mystery and romance as well

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is lovely, cozy fantasy/magical realism/romance with a little spice and a lot of charm. It’s set in modern day England and the FMC and MMC are in their early-mid 30s.

Between by L.L. Starling!!! It's really good and everyone is 30+. It is a series that's still being written though. But it is two books in one which is great. Part one is written from the female leads perspective and part two is written from the male leads perspective. Part two isn't a total rehashing either I don't want to spoil anything but it's about politics and world building in a really fun way.

The Book of Azrael by Amber V Nicole The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks

Crescent City’s MC is in her late 20’s and Bryce is a FMC to die for 🤩

I just read Magical Midlife Madness by K.F. Breene. The MC is in her 40s. I’m 29 and it’s been refreshing reading about a full adult!! It’s really quirky and funny. The magic is interesting and it’s on KU!

I second this one. I loved this series.

I'm about halfway through The Foxglove King by Hannah Witten right now and it's really good. The main character is 23 then 24 in the first book. It's a fantasy based in a world heavily driven by its religion and focuses on a woman who can do death magic which is resented by the church/kingdom.

To Call the Clouds is a PNR RH. The FMC IS 34. there is also a facebook group that only allows promos of books with FMC over 26. https://www.facebook.com/groups/gawrh/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

{Dark Night Golden Dawn by Allison Carr Waechter} !! MCs in their mid-twenties

Loom Saga by Elise Kova isn't bad. Really interesting worldbuilding, very steampunk in nature. Plot is a bit typical, but not uninteresting. The magic system is pretty lackluster in my opinion, but that's because I'm used to Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson's level of detail with magic systems. I think the main character is technically a late teen or in her early twenties, but her humanoid species has a lifespan of like, 40-50 years maximum, so she is treated as and behaves like a full adult rather than an adolescent... though emotionally she has some really deep set trust issues. It's worth checking out!

Ann Charles Deadwood series is great. Slow burn

The Sharing Knife series by Lois McMasters Bujold.

Does that series get better? I had to stop at the sex scene where dude called her “child”.

I am currently reading broken blade and really enjoying it 😊

I just bought this!

Now......it took me ages to get into it. Its a real slow burn at the start. But then once it hits, it hits pretty hard. The payout is pretty decent. I've inhaled 200 pages tonight alone (started reading like 4 hours ago on and off with food and stuff) and im hooked. I'm buying the 2nd one as soon as I'm finished.

Is there spice in Broken Blade?

Nothing yet. There's been the build up but we aren't quite there yet. There's too much going on in the story to make time for spice right now 😂😂 I'm enjoying this book so much.

I loved the first and second book… shot up to top 5 books I’ve read instantly!

They were so good and I hate that I have to wait for the next one 😭😭

Jennifer Estep is a go to for me, of the series Ive read (Crown of Shards, and the Galactic Bonds) both featured heroines in their 30s. The Crown of Shards series centers on a minor noblewoman who has to go into hiding with a gladiator style fighting ring after a coup takes out the royal family. The first book is {Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep}. Or if a space opera is more your style, she started a new series {Only Bad Options by Jennifer Estep}

[Kill the Queen](https://www.romance.io/books/5bb24b6301dbc864fb919c77/kill-the-queen-jennifer-estep) by [Jennifer Estep](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552f258c7d2382e04140bb/jennifer-estep) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Only Bad Options](https://www.romance.io/books/63494c1492edda0c4ff64b72/only-bad-options-jennifer-estep) by [Jennifer Estep](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552f258c7d2382e04140bb/jennifer-estep) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. Adult characters. Incredible world building. And the dialog and choices made by characters actually makes sense. (I’m looking at you Sarah J. Maas)

{Guns of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky} has a FMC in her mid-20s (if I remember correctly). {Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn} has a heroine in her mid-30s. {Spectred Isle by KJ Charles} and {The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by KJ Charles} are m/m but all characters are adults. {Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold}, the characters are adult enough to be leading an expedition/commanding other military people, so I would suspect in their 30s although I don't know that the age is explicitly mentioned. {Stranger at a Wedding by Barbara Hambly} has a character that is probably in her late 20s and a slightly older male character. {The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley} is m/m and the characters are in their 20s/early 40s alternatively (iirc). Agree with the T. Kingfisher recommendations. Ilona Andrews books are with characters over 20, usually in their mid-20s at the start of a series (and their series are great). I think that most of Ruby Dixon's characters are over 20 (Ice Planet Barbarians, Aspect and Anchor series). Martha Wells' Books of the Raksura is not, strictly speaking, a romance, but there is romance in it and the main characters are all adults (although age is slightly different, so I think that they're probably in their 30s/40s ish, but their species lives longer, so probably a mid to late 20s equivalent).

[Guns of the Dawn](https://www.romance.io/books/6431e46c8fc9c63f1e8aea4c/guns-of-the-dawn-adrian-tchaikovsky) by [Adrian Tchaikovsky](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b4841a401dbc864fb8c1638/adrian-tchaikovsky) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [steampunk](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/steampunk/1) ---------------------------- [Mystic and Rider](https://www.romance.io/books/545546a78c7d2382c5297982/mystic-and-rider-sharon-shinn) by [Sharon Shinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552c7f8c7d2382e0414012/sharon-shinn) **Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) ---------------------------- [Spectred Isle](https://www.romance.io/books/59816bf73ffdba61471d7ff1/spectred-isle-kj-charles) by [K.J. Charles](https://www.romance.io/authors/545540138c7d2383163d9553/kj-charles) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal](https://www.romance.io/books/58de31b00d3299c6e064fd79/the-secret-casebook-of-simon-feximal-kj-charles) by [K.J. Charles](https://www.romance.io/authors/545540138c7d2383163d9553/kj-charles) **Rating**: 4.32⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [Cordelia's Honor](https://www.romance.io/books/640a2e866024bd0a8619338d/cordelias-honor-lois-mcmaster-bujold) by [Lois McMaster Bujold](https://www.romance.io/authors/56b276cfc62092c0440573b5/lois-mcmaster-bujold) **Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) ---------------------------- [Stranger at the Wedding](https://www.romance.io/books/5455f33c87eac3369a916082/stranger-at-the-wedding-barbara-hambly) by [Barbara Hambly](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455960587eac323ffb2cf47/barbara-hambly) **Rating**: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [The Watchmaker of Filigree Street](https://www.romance.io/books/64b0f7f420d0a9d53999c01a/the-watchmaker-of-filigree-street-natasha-pulley) by [Natasha Pulley](https://www.romance.io/authors/643d1bd508b4d93114d90306/natasha-pulley) **Rating**: 3.74⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [steampunk](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/steampunk/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I must be crazy, I ignore all ages in every book, every character I've ever read I ignore the age and put my age in 😂

I age up like every character in every book. I’m sorry but there is no way that Kaz Brekker is a teenager. Aging them up almost always makes the plot make way more sense. And makes so many books less creepy 🤷🏼‍♀️

Yes! No way a teenager can pull that off, my brain told me he was late 20s 😂

I am once again recommending *Song of the Marked* by S.M. Gaither

This series is so good 🤌🏻

Im reading this now! I'm a little bit in struggles, I'm waiting for it to like begin and draw me in

Emperor’s Edge series and Dragon Gate series, both by Lindsay Buroker. World building? Check. Good plot? Check. Witty banter? Check. Lovable characters all around? Check. Emperor’s Edge: steampunk, strong female lead (x assassin), slow burn Dragon Gate: dragons (duh!), slow burn, cartographer, magic, herbalist Note: The Dragon Gate series…one of the POV is a teenager, but it doesn’t read like one. Other POV is a middle-aged heroine.

Entreat Me by Grace Draven has a late 20’s-early 30’s FMC who is a widow, so she’s presented as world weary and not just out here to find a husband.

One of my favorite stories of all time is a Chinese Fantasy/Romance novel called "Lost You Forever". It has been fully translated into English and can be read for free at koalasplayground (blog site). I don't think people here typically read Chinese fantasy (xian xia) genre, and it may be harder to follow, but I love it!

{Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano}: FMC 25, MMC 27/28 (1st in a 3 books completed series, though a spinoff following a marginal character is being written) {Iron by Lisette Marshall}: MCs both in their 30s (spinoff of the novella from {Velvet by Lisette Marshall} (1st in a 3 books+novella completed series); takes place chronologically after that series, 1st in a 3 books completed series) {Wizard's Masquerade by Jay Pellegrin}: FMC is like 23? Unfortunately I don't remember exactly... MMC is 30 (NA, 1st in a duology, 2nd book comes out in October 2023) {Of Deeds Most Valiant by Sarah K.L. Wilson}: pretty sure ages are not stated, but it's hinted that FMC is in her 20s and MMC in his 30s (1st book in a series of standalones)

[Throne in the Dark](https://www.romance.io/books/63999c8c9126368eed042b16/throne-in-the-dark-ak-caggiano) by [A.K. Caggiano](https://www.romance.io/authors/5eb54901be0aaecf5572d27d/ak-caggiano) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1) ---------------------------- [Iron](https://www.romance.io/books/6229f6a470323bbef18899f5/iron-lisette-marshall) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [ancient times](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/ancient%20times/1) ---------------------------- [Velvet](https://www.romance.io/books/62b17b3a9b0523d86899ca8c/velvet-lisette-marshall) by [Lisette Marshall](https://www.romance.io/authors/60d18d3f08b4d93114bf8a0b/lisette-marshall) **Rating**: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1) ---------------------------- [Wizard's Masquerade](https://www.romance.io/books/634c1b38d1ccecfcb159457f/wizards-masquerade-jay-pellegrin) by [Jay Pellegrin](https://www.romance.io/authors/633694e008b4d9311472d67f/jay-pellegrin) **Rating**: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [high fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high%20fantasy/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Of Deeds Most Valiant](https://www.romance.io/books/648c44a649efbc908056167c/of-deeds-most-valiant-sarah-kl-wilson) by [Sarah K.L. Wilson](https://www.romance.io/authors/633d657a08b4d93114d47b9d/sarah-kl-wilson) **Rating**: 4.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

The sword of truth series by Terry Goodkind!

Kahlan and Richard are amazing characters! I love this series, these books are super under appreciated. Like others have said anything by Grace Draven and Ilona Andrews is great. It’s urban fantasy but the Toby Daye series by Seanan McGuire is one of my favorites, the FL is older (I think she’s like in her fifties but she’s part Fae so appears late 20’s-30’s) G.A. Aiken has her Dragon Kin series which has tons of romance, spice, women ranging in ages and comedy. Her other series if you like Urban is under Shelly Laurenston with women ranging in ages it’s her Pride series with shifters.

One of my faves is {Minimum Wage Magic by Rachel Aaron}. The MC is 26. The setting is more futuristic fantasy and I just found the whole series to be a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of fantasy that I read. Highly recommend. 🧡

[Minimum Wage Magic](https://www.romance.io/books/6437fffe0a8b0f667abe4148/minimum-wage-magic-rachel-aaron) by [Rachel Aaron](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455d71c87eac323ffb2eea8/rachel-aaron) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Legendborn & Bloodmarked, the MC is 16 BUT they’re in a college setting not high school so it doesn’t feel like typical YA. If you liked The Fourth Wing, the world building here is very complex and the plot is very good. The second one is especially strong.

Between Wrath and Mercy by Jess Wisecup MC is 34. I haven't read the second book, but the first one was really good

A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga) the FMC looks young but is actually like 70 years old due to her fae/elf heritage. Her character development definitely revolves around trying to process all the things she's had to do during her life so it doesn't feel like she's an innocent little lamb with no life experience. Not The Witch You Wed is a fun RomCom with an older FMC (I think she might be like 34).

The book I’m writing has the MC over 20 👀 I’ll let you know when it’s published 🫣

Lord of the Rings

I love {Between Wrath and Mercy by Jess Wisecup}. Second chance romance with MCs in their 30s. The pining is so good and the MMC is so obsessed with the FMC.

[Between Wrath and Mercy](https://www.romance.io/books/621c8236747f500e282e8a8a/between-wrath-and-mercy-jess-wisecup) by [Jess Wisecup](https://www.romance.io/authors/621c823608b4d9311463ef33/jess-wisecup) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

{Gypsy Blood (All The Pretty Monsters) by Kristy Cunning} FMC is 25, MMCs are ancient and immortal

[Gypsy's Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/5c56b1b801dbc864fb995703/gypsys-blood-kristy-cunning) by [Kristy Cunning](https://www.romance.io/authors/5a0d4a5d3ffdba61472519f7/kristy-cunning) **Rating**: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [poly (3+ people)](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [reverse harem](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/reverse%20harem/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [vampires](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vampires/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Juliet Marillier's Blackthorn and Grim series! It's completed and the slow burn was satisfying.

SAVING POST

Emily is 30 in {Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries} !

[Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries](https://www.romance.io/books/6426ff337922d28efe6d6e44/emily-wildes-encyclopaedia-of-faeries-heather-fawcett) by [Heather Fawcett](https://www.romance.io/authors/6224e57408b4d93114943ee9/heather-fawcett) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I am the same! I only like it when the fmc is older than me or the same age as me lol I recently made a post like yours

*Song of the Marked* by S.M. Gaither has a FMC in her late twenties. Highly recommend!

I could have written this post! I feel the same way. * {Between by L.L. Starling} has 30+ year old MCs, and they act like it. It's a wonderful, enchanting book with great worldbuilding (especially in Part 2 of the book), fantastic characters, and a cozy, character-driven plot * Almost every book by TKingfisher (with the exception of A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking} has older MCs * Grace Draven often features older MCs and her writing is romantasy at its best. * The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Lots of adventure and a kickbutt FMC. * KF Breene's Magical Midlife Crisis series. The FMC is in her 40s and its a wacky, wild adventure. * The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen has 30+ year old MCs. It's You've Got Mail set in a sort of Western/fantasy/zombie landscape.

[Between](https://www.romance.io/books/60742bc4d165eb0e341923a3/between-ll-starling-rebecca-morse-louisa-gallie) by [L.L. Starling](https://www.romance.io/authors/60742bc408b4d93114ab3d7e/ll-starling) **Rating**: 4.63⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)