If you’ve been on social media or any corner of the bookish internet lately, you’ve likely heard the buzz about romantasy. A perfect combination of romance and fantasy, this genre has exploded in popularity thanks to A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. With the mix of intense and swoony characters, fantastical settings and elements and high-stakes action, it’s no wonder these titles and others have become instant favorites among readers.
But if you have already gone through those bestsellers or are looking for something that delivers a fresh take, you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite romantasy books featuring exciting new worlds and irresistible characters that deserve some of that hype. Looking for a lighter read with humorous hijinks and unbeatable tension? Pick up Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. Would you rather explore a lush and gothic world? Try One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig. If you’re ready to get swept away, keep scrolling for our full list of romantasy books.
Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s debut novel, which originated as a series of videos on TikTok, offers readers a fresh take on the grumpy sunshine trope as it’s set against a magical backdrop full of humorous hijinks. Evie Sage needs a job to help support her ailing father and younger sister. After losing her previous job to unwanted advances, she comes across an unexpected silver lining: the opportunity to become the assistant to the kingdom’s mysterious villain. Despite his dark tendencies, Evie finds herself drawn to the villain, and the more time she spends with him, the less she cares about his fearsome reputation. As their chemistry grows, so does the danger around them, and Evie must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect him—and her heart.
What readers are saying: “This book came highly recommended by a few people and I loved it just as much. Overall, it was a really fun reading experience. I loved Evie’s klutziness and inner monologues. It made her relatable, and I enjoyed the book from her POV. That being said, I also really enjoyed the villain’s POV. The side characters were fun and light, making the story go quickly. I don’t think this book was trying to be anything other than what it was, which was really well done. I didn’t see the twist coming and was super shocked by the reveal. I liked the budding romance along with the fantastical elements.”
The first installment in the Crimson Moth duology, Heartless Hunter, is set in a world where powerful witches have fallen and are hunted. The story follows Rune, who spends her days as a socialite and her nights as the Crimson moth, who rescues fellow witches from execution. When a mission goes off the rails, Rune devises a plan to keep attention off her alter ego by courting famed witch hunter Gideon Sharpe. While Gideon despises high society, he can’t help but get close to Rune, which leads him to question his beliefs and wonder who his real enemies are.
What readers are saying: “This book destroyed me! So good and devastating in the best possible way. From the very first page, I was hooked. It was a wild ride from there with a deadly cat-and-mouse game full of danger, thrills and unexpected feelings. And I absolutely loved every minute of it! The romance was a wonderful slow-burn dance that was a push/pull between the characters and it was enjoyable to watch them finally fall.”
Norse mythology, magic and intense characters…this book has it all! Freya spends her days gutting fish and dreaming of becoming a warrior to avoid the fact that she’s in an unwanted marriage. Soon, her dreams become a reality as her husband leaves her to the region’s chief, where she finds herself in a fight against his son, Bjorn. Now, Freya must reveal her secret to survive: She has a drop of Goddess blood that gives her the magical ability to repel any attack. When the chief learns of this, he binds Freya with a blood oath and demands Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Will Freya learn to wield her magic, or will her unwelcome attraction to Bjorn be her downfall?
What readers are saying: “I absolutely loved A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen. The Norse-inspired setting was so immersive, and the mix of destiny, rebellion and forbidden romance had me totally hooked from the start. The main character was fierce and relatable, and I couldn’t help but root for her through every twist and turn. The story balances action and emotion so well—I genuinely couldn’t put it down. If you’re into mythology, strong heroines and a bit of angst in your romance, this book is definitely worth reading!
When their mother is brutally murdered, Ophelia and her sister have no time to grieve, since Ophelia has inherited her mom’s powerful death magic as well as an enormous debt on their home. Things go from bad to worse when Ophelia’s sister decides to pay off the loan by entering Phantasma—a competition where most contestants don’t make it out alive, and the winner is granted a single wish. However, Phantasma is a spooky, cursed manor, and Ophelia has to win nine floors of challenges to save her sister—and win. When Blackwell, a charming yet arrogant stranger, approaches her with ideas of protection and winning, she’s not sure she can trust him. While she can’t turn him away, she must protect herself because losing your heart is the only thing deadlier than losing the game.
What readers are saying: “Phantasma by Kaylie Smith completely swept me away! From the very first page, I was hooked by the vivid world-building, the intricate magic system and the beautifully flawed characters. The story is immersive, fast-paced and filled with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. The protagonist’s journey was compelling and emotional, making me deeply invested in her struggles and triumphs. I also loved the atmospheric writing—it made the world of Phantasma feel so real, like I was living in it myself.”
Labeled as one of the “best of BookTok,” this book follows a girl who must release a monster to save her kingdom. Luck isn’t going to keep Elspeth Spindle safe in her mist-locked kingdom of Blunder. She needs the Nightmare, an ancient spirit trapped in her head. But when Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life soon takes a mysterious turn. Thrust into a dangerous quest to save Blunder from dark magic, Elspeth is forced to confront her secrets all while dealing with her attraction to the highwayman.
What readers are saying: “One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is hands-down the best book I’ve read this year. With its hauntingly atmospheric world, complex characters, and a plot full of twists, danger, and dark magic, it grips you from the first page and never lets go. The writing is beautiful and immersive, creating a world that feels both alive and full of secrets. This book kept me hooked until the very last page, and I can’t recommend it enough for fans of dark, gripping romantasy.
Meet Romeria, a skilled thief from New York City who pilfers jewels from the rich. When a woman secures her services at swordpoint, Romeria is plunged into a new world full of opposing thrones and elemental magic. Her quest? Steal a stone from Queen Islor’s garden without revealing her identity. The problem is that her identity in this world is that of a captured Ybarisan princess—an enemy of Islor. Add in the fact that her newly betrothed, King Zander, despises her. As Romeria grapples with her new identity and her feelings for Zander, she must discover who’s loyal in the kingdom or risk the chance of being exposed.
What readers are saying: “Lovers of Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash will devour this book. It has all the best tropes—enemies to lovers, a fish out of water, mistaken identity, magical world-building and more. This book had the right amount of magic, high stakes and spice. The pacing was perfect and the story well-crafted.”
Enemies to lovers? Check. Exciting Valkryie characters? Another check. Of Blades and Wings by Eliza Raine is a BookTok sensation. The story centers around Princess Madivia, a member of the Fae who’s dealing with an illness and magic that doesn’t work. Plus, no one knows she exists. And when the Gods select her to train as a Valkyrie at Featherblade, she’s almost positive they’ve made a mistake. Everyone else except Kain, a disgraced fire-fae Valkyrie, does as well. Unknowingly, she has the key to his revenge, and if he discovers her secret, it won’t just be her life that’s in danger. And for Maddy, the only thing harder than becoming a Valkyrie is conquering her fascination with Kain.
What readers are saying: “This was so good! I was unsure if I’d get invested in such a short fantasy book but I was immediately sucked in. And the cliffhanger at the end of this book?! There are games and trials, there’s a magic Valkyrie academy and such a satisfying slow burn. I highly recommend this one! But let me reiterate that nothing is missing in this!!! I loved it so much!
The first in the Sacred Stones trilogy, A Dawn of Onyx follows Arwen Valondale as she is taken prisoner by the most dangerous kingdom on the continent. While captured, she’s forced to use her magical abilities to heal the soldiers of the merciless Onyx King. Working with another prisoner may be Arwen’s only hope at freedom, but unfortunately, he seems to take pleasure in uncovering Arwen’s deepest fears. To escape enemy lands, she’ll have to deal with back-stabbing royals, dark magic and vicious creatures. But dormant power lies within her, and if she’s able to harness it, she may be able to save her life and her heart.
What readers are saying: “Wow, Kate! What an introduction to our Shaddy (shadow daddy) Kane & Stabby FMC Arwen! I’m a big fan of world-building and a little more of a complex setting, and Dawn of Onyx did not disappoint.”
Ready to be enchanted by a new world of Fae? Dive into the first installment in Lexi Ryan’s series. Brie doesn’t want anything to do with the fae. In fact, she hates them so much she’d rather starve on the street than take their help. But when her younger sister is sold to the Unseelie King, she’ll do whatever she has to do to get her back—including making a deal to steal three magical objects. To access the court, Brie poses as a potential bride for Prince Ronan and finds herself falling for him quickly. Not willing to let her feelings get in the way, Brie accepts help from another group of Fae who have their own agenda. As Brie gets close to their leader Finn, it’s difficult for her to resist his charms. Now, caught between her feelings and two dangerous courts, Brie must discover who is going to be loyal to her and her mission to return her sister home.
What readers are saying: “I devoured this book. I’ve only read Lexi Ryan’s romances previously, and I’m so glad I picked up her fantasy series. This was incredible. I loved Abriella and her journey through both the Mortal and the Fae worlds. I also am a sucker for a love triangle, and this one was done incredibly well. I thought the world Ryan created was stunning, and I liked all the info about each of the fae courts. Definitely a top-tier romantasy read.”