The 17 Best Romantasy Books & Romantic Fantasy Series
Looking for the best romantasy books that will sweep you off your feet and into another world? You’re in the right place.
Romantasy—a magical fusion of romance and fantasy—has become one of the most beloved genres in recent years, especially among readers who crave emotional depth, intense chemistry, and worlds filled with magic, danger, and slow-burning tension. Whether it's enemies-to-lovers, forbidden desire, dragon academies, or ancient prophecies, romantasy delivers all the feels and the thrills.
In this guide, you’ll find the most breathtaking romantasy books and romantic fantasy series—from viral BookTok favorites to hidden gems that deserve way more hype. Some are dark and brooding, others lush and lyrical, but all of them feature unforgettable love stories set in fantastical realms you’ll never want to leave.
So whether you’re new to the genre or a longtime fan looking for your next obsession, here are 17 romantasy books and series that belong on your TBR immediately.
Romantasy Books: Recommendations For You!
Intro: What Makes A Great Romantasy Read?
In my opinion, Romantasy is more than just a trend—it’s a shift in perspective.
For many of us, this genre finally gives space to what classic fantasy often lacked: the female voice. It’s the thrilling collision of two powerhouse genres—romance and fantasy—wrapped in rich worldbuilding, emotional arcs, and unforgettable character dynamics. And that combination? It hits deep.
Personally, I remember watching The Lord of the Rings and thinking: “What happens with Arwen and Aragorn? Why don’t we ever really get her story?” The world was epic, yes—but the women? Too often just background figures, love interests without their own narrative gravity. And that’s what romantasy changes. Here, women are powerful, vulnerable, complex. Their stories matter. They're the heart and the sword.
It’s no surprise that this genre has exploded—especially among readers who longed for more than just quests and battles. Romantasy gives us both: the magic and the intimacy. The high stakes and the heart. And for many, it feels like coming home to a kind of story we always wanted but never quite had.
Why These Books Made the List
Okay, apart from the fact that the day doesn’t have enough hours to read… ;-)
I’ve read a lot of romantasy—and what makes a book stand out to me isn’t just dragons, spice, or a viral BookTok moment (although those do help). It’s something deeper.
Each of these books has its own unmistakable sound—a voice, a rhythm, a kind of energy that sets it apart. Whether it’s the emotional pull between characters, the way the worldbuilding clicks into place, or that instant immersion into a new universe, these stories had that spark. And that’s why they made this list.
The best romantasy books don’t just follow familiar tropes—they make them feel alive again. So think something you feel you know… but then you don’t.
This is what I personally LOVE!
They create something new out of the recognizable, and even when the setting is complex, the emotional thread pulls you in right away. That’s what I personally love—when I don’t need 200 pages to find my footing, but instead feel instantly drawn into the magic, like with Carissa Broadbent’s stories.
So if you're looking for romantasy books with atmosphere, depth, and that spark, these are the ones I believe are truly worth your time.
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
If you're in the mood for a super slow burn romantasy that takes its time—but rewards you every step of the way—Shield of Sparrows might just become your next obsession. This book marks Devney Perry’s bold shift from romance into the realm of romantic fantasy, and it’s safe to say: she nailed it.
As the first book in a brand-new series, Shield of Sparrows introduces a refreshingly unique fantasy world, complete with mysterious monsters, layered secrets, and a heroine who transforms in unexpected ways. The tension between the two love interests simmers for what feels like forever—but that’s exactly what makes the payoff so delicious. Add in some unanswered questions and the promise of more to come, and you’ve got a romantasy debut that fully lives up to the hype.
This one's for the patient romantasy reader who loves immersive worldbuilding, emotional slow burn, and stories where both the heroine and the love interest evolve into something deeper than you ever expected.
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
Before Carissa Broadbent became a household name with her Crowns of Nyaxia series (which I’ll cover below in the series part of this article), she gifted the romantasy world with Daughter of No Worlds—a book that’s finally getting the hype it deserves. Brutal, gripping, and emotionally rich, this first installment throws you headfirst into a world full of magic, pain, and transformation. And once you’re in? You’re not coming out anytime soon.
(Be aware that this is a pretty brutal book, by the way.)
Tisaanah, the protagonist, is one of those rare heroines who grabs you by the soul within ten pages. Her journey is raw and intense, and while some readers say the pacing slows a bit after the opening, the emotional pull never lets go. Broadbent’s writing is almost lyrical—poetic yet sharp, with just the right balance of worldbuilding and momentum.
If you’re looking for a romantasy series that hits hard, holds nothing back, and still manages to make you swoon, Daughter of No Worlds is an absolute must-read.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
It’s hard to believe From Blood and Ash only launched a few years ago—because by now, it feels like a romantasy classic. Jennifer L. Armentrout didn’t just write a story; she built an entire world that keeps expanding with each book in the series, and fans have been completely obsessed ever since.
At the heart of the story is Poppy, a young woman raised in isolation, believed to be "The Chosen" and bound by sacred duty. But nothing is quite what it seems. As cracks appear in the truths she was raised with, a much darker, more complex world begins to unfold—one that’s filled with desire, deception, and an epic sense of destiny.
Spoiler-free note: It’s almost impossible to talk about the plot without revealing major twists, but rest assured, this series offers slow-building secrets, explosive romance, and a heroine who grows with every page. While some readers feel the series becomes a bit sprawling, others can’t get enough of the rich lore and emotional stakes.
Start with From Blood and Ash—arguably the strongest entry in the series (even though, of course, the opinions differ a lot)—and get ready for a wild, steamy, and soul-shaking ride.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
What if a typewriter could deliver letters straight to someone else's heart?
That’s the quiet magic behind Divine Rivals, a romantasy gem that has taken BookTok and Bookstagram by storm. At its core, the story follows a mysterious letter exchange between two souls—equal parts tender, magical, and heart-wrenchingly romantic.
With this novel, Rebecca Ross soared straight into the romantasy hall of fame. Even without finishing the final chapters, many readers (myself included!) already feel swept away by the emotional intimacy and lyrical storytelling.
If you love the idea of magical letters, slow-blooming love, and prose that feels like poetry, Divine Rivals deserves a top spot on your romantasy TBR.
When The Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
If you crave lush worldbuilding and the kind of prose that feels like velvet on the soul, When the Moon Hatched will sweep you away.
This romantasy debut creates an entirely new universe brimming with ancient magic, mythical creatures, and secrets waiting to be unraveled. The romance unfolds slowly, with quiet intensity and emotional depth, weaving its way around a deeply wounded heroine whose story lingers long after the final page.
There’s mystery, there are dragons (yes, dragons!), and the atmosphere is thick with tension and wonder. With the second book already on preorder and so many questions left deliciously unanswered, this series promises to grow into something truly epic.
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Dark, twisted, and absolutely magnetic—Quicksilver is the kind of romantasy that doesn’t ask for your attention. It demands it.
Callie Hart, known for her dark romance roots, channels that intensity into a rich fantasy world full of danger, desire, and all the tropes romantasy lovers crave. The chemistry between the two leads is electric—fierce, charged, and full of emotional whiplash. Whether they're circling each other like flames and gunpowder or crashing headfirst into each other’s wounds, you feel every moment.
And it’s not just the main characters who shine—Quicksilver’s side characters are sharp, vivid, and unforgettable, adding depth and richness to the world without stealing the spotlight.
Interestingly, the romance at the heart of the book has sparked debate: some readers say the pacing between the couple is too fast, others say it's too slow. But that’s what happens when a book becomes the romantasy everyone’s talking about—it gets dissected from every angle. One thing’s for sure: Quicksilver is a bold, monster-hit bestseller, and if you’re even slightly romantasy-curious, you won’t want to miss it.
Romantasy Books on the TBR
The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks
I haven’t read The Witch Collector yet—but let’s be real, how could anyone not be intrigued by this setup?
Every harvest moon, a mysterious man rides into a quiet village and takes someone away to serve an immortal Frost King. But Raina Bloodgood, the sharp-tongued heroine, isn’t content to be a bystander any longer. She’s out for revenge… until the man she swore to kill might just become the only one who can help her.
I mean—vengeance, betrayal, ancient gods, emotional tension, and a morally gray hero who’s stealing hearts (literally and figuratively)? Yes, please. This romantasy promises an icy, slow-burning enemies-to-lovers arc and an immersive, snow-dusted world that fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout will devour.
It’s firmly on my TBR—and I have a feeling it won’t stay there for long.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
Enemies-to-lovers? Check. Political intrigue? Check. A warrior princess sent to seduce and destroy a rival kingdom from within? Yes, absolutely.
I haven’t started The Bridge Kingdom yet, but the premise alone has me itching to dive in. Lara, the fiercely trained protagonist, is sent as a bride under false pretenses to a kingdom built on power and control—and finds herself falling for the very man she was raised to ruin.
This series promises sizzling tension, high-stakes diplomacy, and a heroine who has to navigate loyalty, love, and betrayal in equal measure. Plus, the morally grey vibes? Immaculate.
Fans of intense romance, smart heroines, and lush, politically-charged worldbuilding—this is one romantasy series you’ll want high on your TBR.
Best Fantasy Romance Series
The Crowns of Nyaxia Series by Carissa Broadbent
This series didn’t just enter the romantasy scene—it started to dominate it in the last few years.
Set in a brutal, blood-soaked vampire world ruled by the goddess Nyaxia, The Crowns of Nyaxia is structured as a collection of duologies, each telling a different story within the same darkly enchanting universe. Carissa Broadbent’s signature style—intense, poetic, and emotionally raw—shines here in full force.
The first duology begins with a deadly tournament where the stakes are sky-high and the rules? Practically non-existent. What starts as survival quickly spirals into betrayal, revelation, and a romance so gripping you might forget to breathe. The twists come fast, the tension is razor-sharp, and the worldbuilding? Nothing short of masterful.
This is the series that launched Broadbent into romantasy superstardom—and once you enter Nyaxia’s world, you won’t want to leave.
Books in the Crowns of Nyaxia Series:
The Serpent And the Wings of Night
The Ashes And the Star-Cursed King
The Songbird And the Heart of Stone
The Fallen And The Kiss of Dusk
The Lion And The Deathless Dark
The Legends of Thezmarr Series by Helen Scheuerer
What would you do if you knew the exact date you were going to die?
In The Legends of Thezmarr, Helen Scheuerer crafts a sweeping romantasy series full of urgency, danger, and fierce determination. The story follows a heroine marked by fate—given a death date—and forced to fight against time itself as she trains within an elite guild.
With four books in total, this series has captured hearts around the globe with its twisty plots, high-stakes worldbuilding, and emotional depth. The blend of romance, magic, and suspense makes Thezmarr a must-read for romantasy fans who love strong heroines and ticking-clock tension.
Books in the Legends of Thezmarr Series:
Blood & Steel
Vows & Ruins
Fate & Furies
Shadow & Storms
A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas
No list of the best romantasy series would be complete without A Court of Thorns and Roses—or, as fans lovingly call it, ACOTAR.
This iconic romantasy series has become a global phenomenon, with many readers crediting it as the reason they fell back in love with fantasy romance. Whether you grew up on Twilight, Harry Potter, or The Lord of the Rings, ACOTAR has a way of pulling you straight back into the magic—only this time, with a lot more spice and emotional complexity.
Nearly a decade after its release, the series is still going strong. With five books published and a sixth reportedly in the works, ACOTAR has solidified its place as a modern romantasy classic—one that new readers are discovering every day.
Books in the A Court of Thorns and Roses Series:
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Wings and Ruin
A Court of Frost and Starlight
A Court of Silver Flames
It’s also helpful to know how the series is structured: the first three books form a tightly connected trilogy, telling the core story of the main protagonist. Book four is more of a transitional novella—a quieter, reflective continuation that bridges the past and future. In book five, the narrative shifts to focus on the protagonist’s sister, launching a new arc while still staying rooted in the original world.
So while everything is interconnected, readers can think of the series as unfolding in two phases—making the journey all the more immersive.
Fourth Wing (Empyrean) Series by Rebecca Yarros
Alongside ACOTAR, Fourth Wing has become one of the most commercially successful and widely recognized romantasy books (or rather… series starter books) in recent years—and for good reason.
Rebecca Yarros, previously known for contemporary romance, exploded onto the romantasy scene with this dragon-filled, deadly-academy tale that set social media (and bestseller lists) on fire. The combination is pure magic: a ruthless training academy, cutthroat trials, sky-high stakes, and yes—a brooding, mysterious love interest lovingly dubbed a “Shadow Daddy” by the fandom.
It’s a series that helped catapult the romantasy genre further into the mainstream spotlight, thanks to its irresistible blend of tension, trauma, tropes, and dragons. If you somehow haven’t picked it up yet—what are you waiting for?
Books in the Empyrean Series:
Fourth Wing
Iron Flame
Onyx Storm
Fae of Snow and Ice Series by Krista Street
I went into Court of Winter (the first book in this series) with zero expectations—and ended up totally enchanted.
Set in a wintry realm full of fae magic and simmering tension, this romantasy might not be as sweeping or layered as some of the bigger series, but it delivers where it counts: it’s fast-paced, immersive, and completely unputdownable. Think cozy Fae vibes with a side of danger and romance you can’t stop reading.
It’s also garnered tons of glowing reviews for good reason—especially among readers looking for an addictive, satisfying escape into a frostbitten fantasy world. If you love fae stories, this one definitely deserves a spot on your list.
Books in the Fae of Snow and Ice Series:
Court of Winter
Thorns of Frost
Wings of Snow
Crowns of Ice
Looking Ahead: What I (And Other People) Am/Are Excited About in Romantasy
If there’s one thing that makes me fall in love with the romantasy genre all over again, it’s how fast it evolves.
So-Called “Spice Levels”
One trend I’m especially curious (and kind of excited) about? Spice-level transparency. More and more books now come with little clues—like chili pepper emojis or “Romantasy 18+” labels—that give readers a better idea of what they’re getting into.
Whether you're a fan of slow tension with subtle kisses (often called “Clean Romance”) or prefer scenes that sizzle off the page, it’s great to see that authors and publishers are leaning into helping readers find their perfect match.
Beyond that, I’m also excited to see how the genre keeps pushing boundaries: more morally grey heroines, more diverse voices, and fresh new settings that go beyond the usual courts and kingdoms.
Nothing against courts. :-) I love myself a nice court with fae!
But there are some incredibly cool new things coming everywhere.
Cool New Sub-Genres in Romantasy Are Coming
Another thing I keep hearing—both in the media and on social platforms—is the question: Is the romantasy hype over? And honestly? I don’t think it ever was a hype. Like hello…?
Just like romance and fantasy aren’t trends—they’re genres with staying power—romantasy is only just beginning to come into its own. (My opinion!)
We're not watching the end of a wave—we’re witnessing the birth of a genre that’s starting to branch into wildly exciting subgenres: Cozy romantasy, Viking romantasy, dark academia settings, cozy cottage-core magic, even romantasy thrillers. The future of these stories isn’t shrinking—it’s expanding in ways that feel bold, fresh, and absolutely irresistible.
For my part… I am totally ready!