The Top Romances of 2016 You Should Not Miss

Image via Samhain Publishing

Beast Prince by Marian Perera

I’d thought I was full up on Beauty and the Beast-inspired romances, but Beast Prince changed my mind on that front. It’s a refreshing fantasy romance set in a strange world where humans, already just barely scraping by, have to contend with a few “elementals” known as Princes.

Born of the union of a powerful “Queen,” who is trapped by mysterious magic, and a human, the Princes are half-human and half-earth. Their lack of empathy and ability to control and transform into earth in its various states (lava, landslides, etc.) make them a menace that humans must avoid and, when that isn’t possible, serve. When a Prince shows up on the outskirts of Katsumi Ito’s town, she goes on what she believes is a suicide mission to offer her town’s obedience, as well as her own. Instead of killing her, Prince Marus orders her to become his servant. What Kat doesn’t know is that Marus has lost all of his powers; he cannot hurt her town, nor can he protect it against the other Princes, as he has promised her. Although Kat should hate Marus, and he shouldn’t care for a weak human, they begin to fall for each other; however, when a menace shows up at their door, neither of them may be able to stop it.

This was a unique and engaging romance, taking familiar tropes and giving them a fresh twist. I loved this, and suggest it as well as Perera’s other romances.