What Romantasy Readers Are Loving Right Now (2026): Picks by Vibe

Books

If you’ve just finished a big series (hello, ACOTAR hangover) and you’re staring at your TBR like… now what? you’re not alone. I’ve been having a little nose around what real romantasy readers are loving right now, and there are some really clear patterns in the kinds of fantasy and romantasy books people are reaching for.

So instead of one huge, overwhelming list, I’ve tagged recommendations by vibe because sometimes you don’t want “the best book”, you want the right mood.

Quick note before we start

These picks are based on what readers are actively talking about right now (the kind of “what did you read after Fourth Wing?” conversations that feel like a cosy online book club). As always, check content warnings if you need them.

Spice note: spice is super subjective, so I’ve kept this simple: Low (closed-door or minimal), Medium (some open-door), High (very open-door / explicit).

1) The “I want ACOTAR energy again” vibe

For when you want that familiar mix of romance, danger, and a world you can fall into.

A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) (series): Fae courts, romance, and the ultimate gateway series. Spice: Medium–High
Throne of Glass (series): More epic fantasy than romantasy at points, but if you love SJM’s storytelling, it’s a natural next step. Spice: Low–Medium
Crescent City (series): Modern fantasy feel, big plot, emotional gut-punches. Spice: Medium–High

2) The “dragons + obsession” vibe

For when you want high stakes, training arcs, and romance that feels a bit feral.

Fourth Wing: The gateway dragon romantasy for a reason. Spice: High
Onyx Storm: If you want more of that intense, high-stakes romantasy energy.

3) The “cozy fantasy with a side of romance” vibe

For when you want comfort, warmth, and a story that feels like a blanket and a hot drink.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (Sangu Mandanna): Found family, gentle magic, romance that feels safe. Spice: Low
The Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern): Dreamy, atmospheric, slow-burn magic. Spice: Low

4) The “spicy but make it fantasy” vibe

For when you’re in the mood for romance-forward stories and you don’t mind things getting steamy.

Kushiel’s Dart (Jacqueline Carey): Lush, political, and sensual (check content warnings). Spice: High
The Rose (Tiffany Reisz): Darker romance energy with a sharp edge. Spice: High

5) The “dark, dangerous, and emotionally wrecking” vibe

For when you want morally grey, intense tension, and you’re prepared to be a bit ruined.

Zodiac Academy (series): Addictive, dramatic, and a full-on binge-read. Spice: Medium–High
The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Carissa Broadbent): Tournament vibes, tension, and a darker edge. Spice: Medium
One Dark Window (duology): Gothic, twisty, and deliciously moody. Spice: Low–Medium
Daughter of No Worlds: Emotional, character-led fantasy romance. Spice: Medium
The Book of Azrael: Big dark fantasy romance energy. Spice: Medium–High

6) The “romance-first, fantasy-second” vibe

For when you want feelings, yearning, and relationship focus more than complex lore.

Divine Rivals (Rebecca Ross): Romantic, emotional, and beautifully written. Spice: Low
Once Upon a Broken Heart (trilogy): Fairytale vibes, longing, and drama. Spice: Low
Caraval (trilogy): Whimsical, romantic, and twisty. Spice: Low
Outlander (series): Epic romance with historical fantasy-ish elements. Spice: Medium–High
All Souls (series): Witchy academia vibes with romance and history. Spice: Low–Medium

7) The “I want something different” vibe

For when you’re ready to step slightly sideways into fantasy that still has romance but feels fresh.

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Shannon Chakraborty): Swashbuckling, clever, and such a fun change of pace. Spice: Low
Winternight (trilogy) (Katherine Arden): Folklore-rich, wintry, and beautifully written. Spice: Low
Strange the Dreamer / Muse of Nightmares (Laini Taylor): Lyrical, dreamy fantasy with romance. Spice: Low
The Paper Magician (Charlie N. Holmberg): Quirky magic system, lighter tone. Spice: Low

You’re in a reading slump… try this

If you’re not sure what you want next, pick a vibe first:

Comfort → Cozy fantasy list
Chaos + chemistry → Dragons/obsession list
Big feelings → Romance-first list
Dark binge → Emotionally wrecking list

If you loved X, try Y (quick match-ups)

A few easy next-read pairings, based on what readers tend to chase after a favourite:

If you loved ACOTAR, try The Serpent and the Wings of Night (darker, tense, addictive)
If you loved Crescent City, try The Book of Azrael (big plot + dark romance energy)
If you loved Fourth Wing, try Zodiac Academy (bingeable, dramatic, chaotic)
If you loved Divine Rivals, try Once Upon a Broken Heart (romantic, yearning, fairytale-ish)
If you loved One Dark Window, try Winternight (moody, folklore-rich, immersive)