9 Romance Books That Originated as Fanfiction

We can’t talk about fanfictions turned books without getting into the book that kickstarted the entire phenomenon for a generation of readers and writers alike. E.L. James’s Twilight fanfic, originally titled Master of the Universe, quickly became one of the biggest-selling series of the decade. Anastasia Steele meets the enigmatic young billionaire Christian Grey for an interview, and it doesn’t take long for her to become ensnared by his charm. But Mr. Grey has certain proclivities that Ana will have to prepare for if she wants to be with him. 

One Direction has inspired many a fangirl since the band's inception, and this extremely long Harry Styles fanfic became a sensation on Wattpad before being picked up by a publisher. It even inspired an entire trilogy of movies. Tessa is a good girl who wants to retain her true self when she leaves her home to go to college. But she's barely moved into her freshman dorm when she meets Hardin, the epitome of a bad boy. He's hot, British, tattooed, and 100% bad news. He also seems to have it in for Tessa. 

She hates him, but she also can't resist him. When they kiss, it seems like heaven on earth. But then he keeps running hot and cold on her. Tessa is determined to figure out why this man, who she knows is all wrong for her, won't open up to her love.

This one started life as a Star Wars fanfic, shipping Rey and Kylo Ren from the newest trilogy of movies (Adam Driver has proven to be particularly inspiring to many writers!) Cassie Greenberg needs to find a new apartment that her meager income as an artist can fund. She strikes gold when she finds the perfect place, but it comes with a catch: a very unique roommate. Frederick J. Fitzwilliam is very handsome, but he's also a bit odd. He sleeps all day, goes out all night, and seems like he was born a century ago. When Cassie discovers blood bags in the fridge, she finally gets it: Frederick is a vampire. And he has a proposition for her…

2025 has seen the release of several romance novels that used to be Harry Potter fanfiction, specifically centered on Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy (aka Dramione). The biggest—in terms of popularity and sheer size—is Alchemised, based on the wildly viral fanfic Manacled. The story also takes inspiration from The Handmaid's Tale, imaging an alternate wizarding universe where Voldemort wins. 

Once a promising alchemist, Helena Marino is now a prisoner of war, held captive by the murderous forced that destroyed the Paladian Resistance and all of her friends. Records show she wasn't an important member of the fight, but she has several months of her memory locked away. Eager to unlock her secrets, the corrupt fascistic rulers holding her prisoner send her to become the captor and sex slave of the High Reeve, one of the most powerful and ruthless necromancers in this new world. Helena must hold onto her secrets and her dignity at all cost, but the High Reeve won't let her go so easily.

It’s been a busy year for Dramione fans looking for a dark and sexy read! In the aftermath of war, the bad guys won. Briony Rosewood has been captured by the dark forces of Bomard. Now, she faces life as a slave, stripped of her powers and freedom. As the sister of the now-dead heir of the Eversun throne, she will face a high price. The victor is Toven, a high ranking Bomardsun, scion of a powerful family, and a ruthlessly ambitious man. For many years, Briony had an ill-advised infatuation with him. Now, she is his captive, and it seems like all hope is lost. But help comes in unlikely ways from the man who now owns her.

There are many retellings of Sherlock Holmes out there. This book by Hugo Award-nominated author Katherine Addison, started out life as Sherlock wingfic (a fic subgenre where characters have wings, often with angelic or supernatural lore tied to it.) The Angel of the Crows takes place in an alternate 1880s London where angels are an every day part of life, alongside vampires, werewolves, and other beings of the supernatural. When an angel Falls, its stumble from Heaven is a destructive force like a nuclear blast. 

Genius but scatterbrained angel Crow and his assistant Doyle investigate the crimes of both the physical and metaphysical Londons. Their latest case involves a dangerous killer known as Jack the Ripper.

This might be the most popular Kylo and Rey (aka Reylo) fic that made its way to shelves, helping to turn Ali Hazelwood into a multi-New York Times bestselling romance author. It’s even being turned into a film. Olive Smith is a PhD student dedicated to her studies. Her friend Anh wants her to loosen up and have some fun, which leads to her panicking and kissing the first man who walks into the room. 

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor and the reigning tyrant of the Stanford labs. Despite being a known ass, Adam agrees to be Olive's fake boyfriend for a while, to help both of them through some awkward times. Think of it as an experiment... and the results will surprise them both.

Supernatural has long been a mighty fandom force on sites like Tumblr, so it’s no surprise to see that it’s influenced many fanfic writers. Ben Wisehart grew up in the idyllic town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. He left at the age of 20 and became a successful horror writer. Thirteen years later, he is forced to return. Rumors are swirling that a terrifying paranormal force has taken over the town. As a child, Ben had his own encounter with this creature, and now he must figure out how to stop it. Being home also means reuniting with his former best friend, Sheriff Nicholas Nolan, and there are deep emotions to be confronted there.

Another Reylo fic, but with a romantasy twist. Talasyn is an orphan who has lived her entire life under the siege of the Hurricane Wars. She stands alongside the freedom fighters but most hide from them her deadly secret: light magic courses through her veins. It could end the war, or make it worse. 

Prince Alaric, the only son of the ruthless Night Emperor, has been forged into a weapon by his father and acts as his magical guard dog. Nobody has ever bested him in battle, but when he sees Talasyn on the battlefield, he knows that she is different. Only they have the power to end this war, but their uneasy alliance will force them to confront everything they thought they know about this fight and themselves.