If you’re a fan of fantasy worlds sprinkled with swoon-worthy romance, then romantasy (romantic fantasy) is the genre for you. From fae courts and dragon riders to magical kingdoms and star-crossed lovers, romantasy books whisk you away to unforgettable places. While tugging on your heartstrings!
To help you build your next reading list, I’ve rounded up 100 of the best romantasy books for your TBR list. These are based on fan favourites, top Goodreads picks, TikTok sensations and reader buzz from the last few years. If you’re new to the genre or a seasoned romantasy reader, there’s something here for every magical mood! I hope you enjoy!
The Most Talked-About Romantasy Books of Recent Years
Let’s kick off with some of the hottest titles that readers can’t stop raving about:
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Think “Hunger Games meets dragons” with an irresistible slow-burn romance. This story follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman who’s forced into the elite and deadly dragon rider training program at Basgiath War College. What makes it so addictive? The sizzling enemies-to-lovers tension, powerful female lead, and edge-of-your-seat action scenes.
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
The third book in the Crescent City series continues Bryce Quinlan’s epic journey through a city of angels, shifters, and ancient magic. Expect high stakes, shocking twists, and deep emotional connections. Maas blends fast-paced storytelling with aching romance. I think this book is one of her most intense yet!
A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas
A beloved romantasy classic that begins with a “Beauty and the Beast” twist but quickly transforms into something darker and more powerful. Feyre, a mortal huntress, is taken to the fae lands beyond the wall. What follows is a rich story of magic, love, betrayal, and self-discovery.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
This tale of dark faerie courts is filled with political intrigue and a sharp enemies-to-lovers romance. Jude, a mortal girl living in the fae world, is determined to earn her place in the royal court, no matter what it takes. It’s gritty, clever, and deliciously devious. Part of a 4 book series.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Set in a quaint, wintry world, this cosy romantasy follows Emily Wilde, a brilliant yet awkward professor researching fae lore. Her academic life is turned upside down when she teams up with her rival, the handsome and mysterious Wendell Bambleby. Perfect for fans of gentle magic and slow-burn romance.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
A heartwarming standalone about a solitary witch who’s called to teach magic to three young girls living in a mysterious countryside home. Along the way, she discovers found family, healing, and unexpected love. If you love books with cosy vibes and gentle magic, this one is a gem.
Fan Favourites That Deserve a Spot on Your Shelf
Here are some more books that have captured readers’ hearts in recent years:
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Set in a world where gods are at war, this story follows two rival journalists exchanging anonymous letters during a magical conflict. With poetic writing and a beautifully unfolding romance, this is a standout for fans of soft yet emotionally charged romantasy.
Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
In a vampire-ruled realm, Oraya enters a deadly tournament to win her freedom. She teams up with a rival who may be her greatest threat – or her only chance at survival. Gritty, passionate, and full of danger, this book has fast become a BookTok favourite.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
This gothic romantasy features Elspeth, a young woman possessed by a mysterious ancient spirit. As she delves into forbidden magic and navigates political betrayal, a powerful romance blooms. Expect atmosphere, intrigue, and a captivating magical system.
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
Set in Edwardian England, this story follows a newly appointed magical liaison who uncovers a hidden world of spells, danger, and secrets—with the help of a prickly yet charming magician. The slow-burn queer romance is handled with elegance and wit.
Magical Romance with a Cosy Touch
Not every romantasy book is high-octane and dramatic; some are like a warm hug in magical form.
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
Inspired by Egyptian mythology and archaeology, this romantasy whisks readers away to Cairo in the 1800s. Our heroine sets out to uncover the truth behind her parents’ deaths, only to discover powerful secrets, ancient magic, and a brooding protector by her side.
Radiance by Grace Draven
A hidden gem in the romantasy genre! This slow-burn story follows two members of rival kingdoms in an arranged marriage, neither of whom finds the other attractive at first. What develops is a genuine friendship that slowly turns into something much deeper.
Classic and Critically Acclaimed Romantasy
Some romantasy novels are so beloved, they’ve earned classic status among fans. These picks are rich in world-building, character depth, and emotional arcs.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
A dark fairy tale retelling where a powerful sorcerer chooses a quiet village girl to live in his enchanted tower. What begins as a reluctant apprenticeship transforms into a tale of courage, magic, and unexpected romance.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Loosely inspired by “Rumpelstiltskin,” this story weaves together three heroines’ perspectives in a wintry realm ruled by ice fae. It’s beautifully written, with layered storytelling and subtle romantic threads.
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
A lyrical, emotionally rich retelling of the “Six Swans” fairy tale. This romantasy blends Irish folklore with themes of family, love, and endurance. It’s a quiet but powerful read that stays with you long after the last page.
Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey
An epic fantasy filled with political intrigue, romance, and mature themes. The heroine, Phèdre, is a courtesan-spy who uncovers dangerous plots across kingdoms. This is a deep, intense series for readers who love morally complex characters and lush world-building.
Your Ultimate Romantasy Reading Planner
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you find your next read based on what you love:
| Mood/Theme | Recommended Titles |
|---|---|
| Dragon Riders & Epic Magic | Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Divine Rivals |
| Fae Courts & Political Intrigue | ACOTAR, The Cruel Prince, A Shadow in the Ember |
| Witchy & Cosy Romance | Irregular Witches, Emily Wilde, Radiance |
| Mythology & Historical Settings | What the River Knows, Daughter of the Forest |
| Queer Romantasy & Slow Burn | A Marvellous Light, Faebound, The Priory of the Orange Tree |
| Dark Romance & Survival | Serpent & the Wings of Night, One Dark Window |
Here It Is, The 100 Must-Read Romantasy Books for Magic, Love & Escapism!
- Fourth Wing – Rebecca Yarros
- Iron Flame – Rebecca Yarros
- House of Sky and Breath – Sarah J. Maas
- House of Flame and Shadow – Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Mist and Fury – Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Silver Flames – Sarah J. Maas
- Crescent City – Sarah J. Maas
- Throne of Glass – Sarah J. Maas
- Kingdom of the Wicked – Kerri Maniscalco
- Kingdom of the Cursed – Kerri Maniscalco
- Kingdom of the Feared – Kerri Maniscalco
- Serpent & the Wings of Night – Carissa Broadbent
- Six Scorched Roses – Carissa Broadbent
- Daughter of No Worlds – Carissa Broadbent
- The Plated Prisoner Series – Raven Kennedy
- Glow – Raven Kennedy
- Gleam – Raven Kennedy
- Gild – Raven Kennedy
- Glint – Raven Kennedy
- The Bridge Kingdom – Danielle L. Jensen
- The Traitor Queen – Danielle L. Jensen
- Divine Rivals – Rebecca Ross
- Ruthless Vows – Rebecca Ross
- Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
- Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands – Heather Fawcett
- The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches – Sangu Mandanna
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night – Carissa Broadbent
- One Dark Window – Rachel Gillig
- Two Twisted Crowns – Rachel Gillig
- What the River Knows – Isabel Ibañez
- A Curse for True Love – Stephanie Garber
- Once Upon a Broken Heart – Stephanie Garber
- The Ballad of Never After – Stephanie Garber
- The Foxglove King – Hannah Whitten
- The King of Dead Things – Hannah Whitten
- The Hurricane Wars – Thea Guanzon
- These Hollow Vows – Lexi Ryan
- These Twisted Bonds – Lexi Ryan
- A Touch of Darkness – Scarlett St. Clair
- A Touch of Ruin – Scarlett St. Clair
- A Touch of Malice – Scarlett St. Clair
- A Soul of Ash and Blood – Jennifer L. Armentrout
- A Shadow in the Ember – Jennifer L. Armentrout
- The War of Two Queens – Jennifer L. Armentrout
- From Blood and Ash – Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Kingdom of Stars and Shadows – Holly Renee
- Queen of Myth and Monsters – Scarlett St. Clair
- When the Moon Hatched – Sarah A. Parker
- To Bleed a Crystal Bloom – Sarah A. Parker
- To Snap a Silver Stem – Sarah A. Parker
- To Wield a Crown – Sarah A. Parker
- Powerless – Lauren Roberts
- Reckless – Lauren Roberts
- The Shadows Between Us – Tricia Levenseller
- The Darkness Within Us – Tricia Levenseller
- The Bridge Kingdom – Danielle L. Jensen
- A Marvellous Light – Freya Marske
- A Restless Truth – Freya Marske
- A Power Unbound – Freya Marske
- The Inheritance Games – Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- The Stolen Heir – Holly Black
- The Cruel Prince – Holly Black
- The Wicked King – Holly Black
- The Queen of Nothing – Holly Black
- Belladonna – Adalyn Grace
- Foxglove – Adalyn Grace
- Thornhedge – T. Kingfisher
- The Priory of the Orange Tree – Samantha Shannon
- A Day of Fallen Night – Samantha Shannon
- An Enchantment of Ravens – Margaret Rogerson
- Sorcery of Thorns – Margaret Rogerson
- Vespertine – Margaret Rogerson
- The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern
- The Starless Sea – Erin Morgenstern
- The Bone Season – Samantha Shannon
- Crown of Midnight – Sarah J. Maas
- Heir of Fire – Sarah J. Maas
- Queen of Shadows – Sarah J. Maas
- Empire of Storms – Sarah J. Maas
- Tower of Dawn – Sarah J. Maas
- Kingdom of Ash – Sarah J. Maas
- The Atlas Six – Olivie Blake
- The Atlas Paradox – Olivie Blake
- The Atlas Complex – Olivie Blake
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – V.E. Schwab
- The Unmaking of June Farrow – Adrienne Young
- The Last Tale of the Flower Bride – Roshani Chokshi
- Uprooted – Naomi Novik
- Spinning Silver – Naomi Novik
- Daughter of the Forest – Juliet Marillier
- The Iron King – Julie Kagawa
- The Wrath and the Dawn – Renée Ahdieh
- The Queen’s Rising – Rebecca Ross
- The Raven Boys – Maggie Stiefvater
- The Witch Collector – Charissa Weaks
- The Night Hunt – Alexandra Christo
- Radiance – Grace Draven
- The Winter King – C.L. Wilson
- Half a Soul – Olivia Atwater
Are You Ready to Fall in Love With Fantasy?
Final Thoughts
Romantasy is such a versatile and emotionally rich genre. There’s really something for everyone. If you’re into dark and gritty worlds or soft and magical tales, the blend of romance and fantasy brings so much heart to every story.
This list of 100 must-read romantasy books for your TBR list is just the beginning. So pour a cuppa, grab your favourite blanket, and get ready to fall in love with magical realms and unforgettable characters.
Have you read any of these yet? Or do you have a romantasy recommendation you swear by? Let’s chat in the comments! I’m always looking to add to my TBR!
You can also find me on my TikTok channel, where I share all my reads and more bookish content!
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