Best Romantasy Books to Read Now (You’ll Be Obsessed With)

Romance or fantasy? Why choose when you can have both—and preferably with dragons, morally grey love interests, and emotional damage you didn’t ask for? Welcome to the deliciously addictive world of romantasy, where epic quests collide with slow burns, enemies-to-lovers tension, and kisses that feel as dangerous as sword fights.

If your ideal book hangover includes magic systems and heartbreak, you’re in the right place. Below is a carefully curated list of the best romantasy books to read right now, blending popular must-reads with genre-defining gems. Whether you’re new to romantasy or already emotionally invested (and slightly unwell), there’s something here for you.

Table of Contents

What Is Romantasy, Anyway?

Romantasy is exactly what it sounds like: fantasy + romance, but not in a “romance subplot” kind of way. In romantasy, the love story is just as important as the worldbuilding, the magic, and the looming apocalypse.

Think:

• High stakes ✔
• Powerful heroines ✔
• Slow burns that should be illegal ✔
• Love interests who are tall, broody, and emotionally unavailable ✔✔✔

Basically, it’s fantasy that makes you feel things.

Best Romantasy Books to Read Now

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

This is the book that pulled thousands of readers into romantasy—sometimes against their will.

Set in a ruthless dragon rider academy where weakness equals death, Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail, a physically fragile heroine forced into a system designed to break her. What she lacks in strength, she makes up for in intelligence, resilience, and sheer determination.

With lethal trials, political tension, and a romance charged with danger and desire, this book is fast-paced, emotional, and wildly addictive.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

The sequel raises everything: the stakes, the secrets, and the emotional damage.

Iron Flame expands the world beyond the academy, deepens character relationships, and tests the central romance under impossible pressure. Trust becomes fragile, love becomes complicated, and survival is no longer the only goal.

If Fourth Wing hooked you, this one makes sure you stay emotionally invested.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

What begins as a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling evolves into one of the most influential romantasy series of the last decade.

Feyre, a mortal woman, is dragged into the world of the fae after killing the wrong creature. As she navigates magical courts, dangerous bargains, and shifting loyalties, the romance slowly transforms from fairy-tale simplicity into something far more complex.

This is a foundational romantasy read—and the series only grows darker and richer from here.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

This is the book that changes everything.

ACOMAF deepens the emotional complexity of the series, introducing themes of trauma, healing, autonomy, and love built on choice rather than obligation. The romance evolves into something empowering, intense, and deeply resonant.

Many readers consider this peak romantasy—for very good reason.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

A deadly vampire tournament. A human heroine raised by monsters. A forbidden alliance that threatens everything.

Oraya enters a brutal competition held by a vampire goddess, knowing that survival is nearly impossible. Her uneasy partnership with Raihn, a dangerous vampire rival, turns into a slow-burn romance rooted in mutual respect, shared survival, and razor-sharp tension.

Dark, atmospheric, and emotionally gripping, this is romantasy at its most lethal.

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent

This sequel leans into grief, power, and the consequences of love forged in violence.

With political upheaval and emotional fallout at the forefront, the romance is tested by loss, betrayal, and hard-earned growth. It’s angsty, mature, and incredibly satisfying for readers who want depth with their desire.

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This book thrives on chaos—and readers love it for that.

Poppy has lived her life sheltered and controlled, destined for a sacred role she barely understands. When she meets a mysterious guard with too many secrets, everything she believes about her world begins to unravel.

Expect intense chemistry, shocking revelations, and a romance that constantly keeps you guessing.

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The sequel expands the world and fully unleashes the drama.

The romance grows bolder, the truths darker, and the stakes far more dangerous. Love here is complicated, messy, and constantly under threat—exactly how romantasy readers like it.

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

This is romantasy for readers who love strategy, politics, and slow-burning trust.

Lara is trained from childhood to marry an enemy king and destroy his kingdom from within. But as she gets to know her husband, she realises the truth is far more complicated than she was taught.

The romance builds gradually, making every emotional shift feel earned and impactful.

The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen

The sequel explores loyalty, power, and the cost of love during war.

With higher emotional stakes and difficult choices, this book delivers a mature continuation of a romance tested by betrayal and responsibility.

The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks

Dark, gothic, and deeply emotional, this romantasy leans heavily into atmosphere.

Raina, a mute woman with hidden power, crosses paths with Alexus, the feared Witch Collector. What begins in fear and misunderstanding slowly evolves into a tender, devastating slow burn.

Perfect for readers who love cursed lands, brooding heroes, and emotionally rich storytelling.

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

This lyrical standalone offers a lighter but still captivating romantasy experience.

A talented human artist accidentally insults a fae prince—and is swept into a dangerous fae world where emotions are forbidden and beauty is power. Their romance is clever, sharp, and refreshingly honest.

Ideal if you want romance without committing to a long series.

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan

Fae bargains, secret identities, and dangerous choices drive this fast-paced romantasy.

With court intrigue and romantic tension at its core, this book is perfect for readers who love twists, betrayals, and love triangles that actually work.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Set in a deadly competition between the powerful and the powerless, this romantasy delivers high tension and forbidden attraction.

The romance crackles with danger as survival and desire collide. If you enjoy competitive trials and intense chemistry, this one hits hard.

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Gothic, eerie, and steeped in folklore, this romantasy stands out for its atmosphere.

A cursed magic system, an unsettling voice in the heroine’s head, and a slow-building romance make this a haunting and unforgettable read.

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

The sequel deepens the darkness and delivers emotional payoff.

With higher stakes and stronger character arcs, the romance becomes more intense and the world more immersive, making this duology a must-read.

Why Romantasy Is So Addictive

Let’s be honest: romantasy hits differently.

It gives you:

• Escape and emotional connection
• High-stakes plots with intimate moments
• Characters you fall in love with while the world burns

It’s the genre equivalent of saying, “Yes, I want dragons—but I also want yearning.”

RELATED:

The Best High Fantasy Books: A Journey Through Epic Worlds

How to Choose the Right Romantasy for You

Not all romantasy is created equal. Ask yourself:

• Do I want spice or subtlety?
• Epic series or standalone?
• Light and whimsical or dark and brutal?

Once you know your vibe, the genre opens up like a magical portal you’ll never escape from (and won’t want to).

Conclusion

Romantasy isn’t just a trend—it’s a full-blown reading lifestyle. These books offer immersive worlds, unforgettable romances, and just enough emotional damage to keep things interesting.

Whether you’re chasing dragons, fae courts, vampire politics, or slow-burn tension that makes you scream into a pillow, the best romantasy books to read now are ready to ruin your sleep schedule—in the best way possible.

So light a candle, cancel your plans, and dive in. Magic and heartbreak await.

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