Contemporary

Contemporary fantasy places magic and the supernatural in a modern, recognizable world. These stories blend everyday life with hidden powers, secret societies, and uncanny events unfolding in present-day settings.

Curated by Fabled Tome

7 Books in subgenre
Mar 28, 2026 Last updated
1 Bikini Days

Bikini Days

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Book 1 of Bikini Days series

Rated 4.40 out of 5 stars, based on 967 reviews.

Bikini Days by Michael Dalton explores the complexities of an unconventional relationship formed when a single father offers shelter to his daughter’s two close friends after they become homeless. Set against a contemporary backdrop, the story delves into themes of emotional healing and the challenges of navigating attraction across significant age differences. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, focusing on the evolving dynamics between the three adults as they confront personal wounds and redefine their understanding of family. This adult romance incorporates elements of fantasy and slice-of-life, emphasizing consensual connections without infidelity, and concludes with a hopeful resolution.

2 Our Own Way: A Slice of Life Men's Romance

Our Own Way: A Slice of Life Men's Romance

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Book 1 of Our Own Way series

Rated 4.37 out of 5 stars, based on 248 reviews.

Our Own Way: A Slice of Life Men's Romance by Misty Vixen follows Gabe Harris, a struggling writer in his mid-twenties facing financial hardship and unsatisfying jobs. After deciding to pursue writing seriously, Gabe begins to find some success and independence despite living in a modest studio apartment. His plans shift when Ellen, a tall former coworker with her own personal challenges, reenters his life, leading to a complex relationship that challenges Gabe’s priorities. The story explores themes of ambition, personal growth, and unexpected connections in a contemporary setting.

3 The Hero Game: A LitRPG Superhero Adventure: Volume One: Tutorial

The Hero Game: A LitRPG Superhero Adventure: Volume One: Tutorial

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Book 1 of The Hero Game series

Rated 4.34 out of 5 stars, based on 420 reviews.

The Hero Game: A LitRPG Superhero Adventure: Volume One: Tutorial by August Aird follows college student Jack Jenkins, who unexpectedly gains supernatural powers after bonding with a cosmic entity. Set in an urban fantasy world where superpowered beings exist, Jack must quickly develop his abilities to confront a dangerous crime boss threatening his community. The story explores Jack’s challenges balancing school, work, and complex relationships while navigating this new reality. This book blends elements of fantasy, romance, and LitRPG mechanics within a superhero framework.

4 Chasing Dreams, Year One

Chasing Dreams, Year One

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Book 1 of Chasing Dreams series

Rated 4.33 out of 5 stars, based on 261 reviews.

Chasing Dreams, Year One by Shawn Keys follows Daniel, a former Olympic hopeful whose career is derailed after his national team is implicated in a doping scandal despite his innocence. Struggling with lost opportunities, he turns to coaching and becomes invested in a talented but financially constrained athlete. Set against the backdrop of fierce competition for the National Team, the story explores themes of ambition and integrity while incorporating explicit adult content with harem and light BDSM elements.

5 Ghost Story

Ghost Story

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Book 1 of The Accidental Necromancer series

Rated 4.11 out of 5 stars, based on 357 reviews.

Ghost Story (The Accidental Necromancer, #1) by J.G. Jerome follows Will, an untrained necromancer who unexpectedly discovers his supernatural abilities after moving into a haunted apartment. Set in an urban fantasy world, the story explores Will’s unconventional personal life, including multiple romantic relationships and encounters with zombies, while he navigates the challenges of his newfound powers. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and erotica with candid depictions of daily life and complex social dynamics.

6 Black Friday

Black Friday

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Book 1 of The Valens Legacy series

Rated 4.16 out of 5 stars, based on 4,078 reviews.

Black Friday (The Valens Legacy, #1) by Jan Stryvant follows Sean, a college student focused on completing his computer science degree and escaping poverty after his father's death. His life changes dramatically after a failed kidnapping leaves him with memory loss, the death of his oldest friend, and his mother missing. Sean is drawn into a hidden supernatural world where multiple magical societies seek him, though he does not understand why. The story explores themes of magic, shapeshifters, and complex relationships within an urban fantasy setting marked by explicit content and mature themes.

7 Street Cultivation

Street Cultivation

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Book 1 of Street Cultivation series

Rated 4.05 out of 5 stars, based on 3,089 reviews.

Street Cultivation (Street Cultivation, #1) by Sarah Lin is set in a contemporary urban environment where qi functions as a form of currency. Traditional martial arts have been absorbed into corporate and governmental structures, leaving ordinary fighters marginalized. The story follows Rick, a young martial artist focused on improving his and his sister’s lives amid societal inequality and her spiritual illness. The novel blends elements of fantasy and science fiction within a modern cityscape, exploring themes of power, survival, and family responsibility.