Andy Minshew is a cozy mystery and romance writer whose main goal in life is to make their dog proud. They are a Pitch Wars alumnus and an Author Mentor Match R9 mentor. Their debut mystery novel BOARD TO DEATH is forthcoming from Kensington Books. Twitter: @cjconnorwrites | cjconnorwrites.com
Your Dungeon Master may not tell you how your campaign will end (and whether your character is going to work their way out of the mess they’re in). But the nice thing about romance is that a happy ending is guaranteed. Whether you’re a D&D pro or are just getting into game play, these six romance books capture the fun of a good D&D session, from cozy one-shots to high-stakes adventures.
Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon
This first recommendation speaks for itself, and if you’re not sure why, check the logo on the cover. When her caravan is attacked by bandits, Guinevere and Oskar are the only ones left alive. As they travel together through dangerous terrain, they contemplate what it would be like to build a life together and leave behind their complicated pasts.
Witchmark by C.L. Polk
If you’re known by your Dungeon Master as an expert puzzle solver (to their admiration and perhaps frustration), this fantasy mystery is perfect for you. It follows Miles Singer, a World War veteran who seeks a quiet life as a doctor where he can hide his magical abilities. But when a patient is murdered, Miles takes up the investigation with the help of a handsome stranger named Tristan.
The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch
The Entanglement of Rival Wizards is earnest, fun, and has lots of memorable characters, all of which bring Dungeons & Dragons to mind. Rival grad students Sebastian and Elethior are horrified to learn that they’ll be sharing the coveted research grant both need to finish their Mageus degree. But perhaps spending so much time together in the lab has its benefits?
The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong
Leong’s debut The Teller of Small Fortunes followed a ragtag group of adventurers who would’ve felt at home in a D&D campaign. The Keeper of Magical Things has an equally cozy chosen family at its heart, plus a love story. Desperate to prove her worth to the Mage’s Guild, a novice named Bulrush takes on an assignment alongside the irritating (yet adorable) witch Aurelia.
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In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy
The magical music in this romantasy series is enough to make any bard’s heart swoon. Hiding from a realm that demonizes Sirens like her, Imogen Nel avoids the sea that awakens her powers. But when a neighboring king requests her help protecting their realm from a greater threat, Imogen must learn to embrace the abilities that have always marked her as an outcast.
A Tale of Mirth & Magic by Kristen Vale
According to her biography, Kristen Vale is a self-proclaimed D&D player. That shines through in her books’ rich character development. Her debut romance stars Elikki, an elven jewelry maker who falls for a charming and shy half-giant named Barra after a fateful encounter with a customer forces both to go on the run.
Cozy fantasy in particular tends to mirror my favorite experiences playing D&D. If you’re new to that subgenre, try these 20 Must Read Cozy Fantasy Books, from Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes to A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers.
For more recs fit for a campaign book club, check out these Must-Read Books Based on Your D&D Class. Wizards, you’ll want to pick up Modern Divination by Isabel Agajanian and Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir.
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