Look, I'll be honest with you all. After diving headfirst into the romantasy genre (that perfect blend of fantasy and romance), I can't go back to contemporary romance without thinking, "But where are the magic systems? The deadly trials? The immortal love interests with centuries of emotional baggage?"
If you're nodding along, you're my people. And if you haven't experienced this genre-ruining phenomenon yet... oh honey, you're in for a TREAT.
Today I'm sharing ten of the most talked-about romantasy books that have been taking the book world by storm. Some I've read and loved, while others are high on my TBR based on glowing recommendations from fellow readers. These books combine the heart-fluttering romance we crave with fantasy worlds that will have you staying up until 3 AM muttering "just one more chapter." (We've all been there.)
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
✔️ Read and obsessed
The fantasy romance series that launched a thousand BookTok trends. If you haven't met Rhysand yet, I'm genuinely jealous you get to experience him for the first time. This romantasy series begins with a Beauty and the Beast retelling but quickly evolves into something far more complex and addictive.
What makes it unputdownable: The found family dynamics, the swoon-worthy romance that develops over multiple books, and the way Maas isn't afraid to put her characters through emotional hell before giving them their happiness.
🔥 Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Things heat up significantly after book one!)
2. From Blood and Ash
✔️ Read the first book, plan to continue
If you like your fantasy romance books with a side of spice and plot twists that make you gasp out loud, this series is for you. Our heroine Poppy starts as the Maiden—chosen, pure, untouchable—until she meets a certain guard who makes her question everything.
What makes it unputdownable: The slow-burn tension, the "wait, WHAT?!" reveals, and characters who are deliciously morally gray.
🔥 Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Armentrout does not fade to black, my friends)
3. The Bridge Kingdom
📚 On my TBR—highly recommended by fellow readers
This romantasy series seems to have flown under the radar for too long! Raised as a warrior and spy, Lara is sent to marry the king of a rival kingdom with one mission: bring it down from within. But nothing—and no one—is what she expected.
What makes it unputdownable: The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is reportedly chef's kiss, with immersive world-building and political intrigue that keeps you guessing.
🔥 Spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (Present but not overwhelming the plot)
4. Kingdom of the Wicked
📚 On my TBR—sounds incredible
Historical fantasy romance set in 19th century Sicily with witches and demons? Yes, please! After her twin sister is murdered, witch Emilia vows revenge and summons a demon prince to help her—not the wisest move, but definitely the most entertaining one.
What makes it unputdownable: The atmospheric setting (apparently you'll crave Italian food the entire time), the banter between Emilia and Wrath, and the perfect balance of murder mystery and supernatural romance.
🔥 Spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (Building throughout the series)
5. These Hollow Vows
📚 On my TBR—frequently compared to The Cruel Prince
If you're still mourning the end of "The Cruel Prince," this fae romantasy series is frequently recommended to fill that fae-shaped hole in your heart. Brie will do anything to save her sister—including making dangerous bargains with both the Seelie and Unseelie courts.
What makes it unputdownable: The love triangle that actually works, lush descriptions of the fae realm, and a protagonist who's refreshingly pragmatic.
🔥 Spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (Some steamy scenes but the tension is what will get you)
6. Plated Prisoner Series
📚 On my TBR—everyone says it's unputdownable
Starting with "Gild," this fantasy romance series takes the King Midas tale and transforms it into something entirely new. Auren is the golden girl—literally made of gold—and the prized possession of King Midas. But what happens when she starts to want freedom?
What makes it unputdownable: Readers rave about the character growth, unique world-building, and slow-burn romance that apparently will have you throwing your Kindle across the room (in the best way).
🔥 Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Builds throughout the series)
7. The Bargainer Series
✔️ Read the first book
Callie owes the Bargainer—a fae king—hundreds of favors. When he comes to collect after years of absence, she discovers there's more to their history than she remembers. Also, there's a supernatural threat endangering the fae realm, but honestly, I was here for the romance.
What makes it unputdownable: The chemistry between the leads is electric! The "I've been watching over you for years" trope is executed perfectly, and the mystery of the forgotten past kept me turning pages well past my bedtime.
🔥 Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Laura Thalassa never disappoints)
8. The Empyrean Series
✔️ Read and loved
Imagine if Hogwarts had dragons and a 50% mortality rate. Violet Sorrengail was supposed to join the scholars, not the riders, but her mom (the commanding general) had other plans. Now she has to survive dragon rider training with a body that literally betrays her and classmates who want her dead.
What makes it unputdownable: The high-stakes training scenes, the morally complex love interest, and a magic system based on sigils that I'm still obsessed with.
🔥 Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (That library scene though)
9. A Deal with the Elf King
📚 On my TBR—perfect for standalone readers
This standalone romantasy novel (though it's part of a connected universe) features a human healer who discovers she's destined to be the Human Queen to the cold, mysterious Elf King. It's giving "Beauty and the Beast" vibes but with elves and a magical natural disaster that needs preventing.
What makes it unputdownable: A perfect one-sitting read when you need a fantasy romance fix without committing to a seven-book series. The "reluctant queen" trope is reportedly done well, with chemistry that develops beautifully.
🔥 Spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (Present but tasteful, according to reviews)
10. Dance of Thieves
📚 On my TBR—sounds like a must-read
Set in the same world as the Remnant Chronicles, this romantasy duology follows Kazi, a reformed thief sent to investigate the powerful Ballenger family, and Jase, the new leader of said family. Forced proximity ensues.
What makes it unputdownable: The world feels lived-in and complex, both protagonists are equally stubborn and capable, and the stakes feel genuinely high throughout.
🔥 Spice level: 🌶️ (More tension than explicit content)
The Reality of Romantasy Addiction
Here's the thing about romantasy books that nobody warns you about: once you start, regular books might not hit the same. Why settle for office romance when you could have fated mates? Why get excited about a first kiss when you could have ancient beings breaking centuries of emotional walls for the one they love?
There's something uniquely satisfying about books that give us both the emotional payoff of romance and the epic scope of fantasy. It's like getting two genres for the price of one, and who doesn't love a deal?
Where to Find the Best Romantasy Books
If you're new to the romantasy genre, I'd recommend starting with A Court of Thorns and Roses or Fourth Wingbased on my personal reading experience. Both have captivating worlds, swoon-worthy romance, and enough action to keep you invested.
For those who prefer extra spice, From Blood and Ash or The Bargainer Series deliver on that front. Just make sure nobody's reading over your shoulder during certain scenes!
Have you read any of these fantasy romance series? Are there other romantasy books that have ruined you for normal books? Drop your recommendations in the comments—my TBR list and my wallet are ready (my sleep schedule, not so much).
Until next time, happy reading!
Member discussion