Best fantasy romance books that will consume your entire weekend and leave you questioning reality.
TL;DR/Quick Overview: These top romantasy recommendations blend addictive fantasy worlds with swoon-worthy romance, featuring everything from dragon riders to fae courts. Whether you're craving enemies-to-lovers tension or fated mate bonds, these books provide escapism with varying spice levels to match your mood.
Romantasy: the addictive blend of romance and fantasy. It has officially taken over bookshelves, social media, and our collective hearts. With sales increasing by 40% year-over-year and dominating bestseller lists, these books offer the perfect escape featuring fae, monsters, royals, fated mates, political intrigue, and reluctant heroes and heroines.
Top Recommendations: The Best Romantasy Books to Binge-Read
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
- The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen
- Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
- Rule of the Aurora King by Nisha J. Tuli
- Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli
- Tale of the Heart Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
- Shield of Sparrow by Devney Perry
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Enemies to lovers
- Fated mates
- Chosen one
- Dragons!
- Political intrigue
- Military academy setting
- Morally gray love interests
- Found family
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
- Continuing the Fourth Wing journey
- Political intrigue and war
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Second chance romance
- Found family loyalty
- Power couple dynamics
- War: magic, dragons vs wyverns
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
- Arranged marriage
- Political intrigue
- Assassin heroine
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Morally complex characters
The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Second chance romance
- Kingdom-threatening conflicts
- Character arc
- Strategic warfare elements
Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
- Fae court politics and magic
- Powerful heroine discovering abilities
- Mystery
- Elemental magic systems
- Survival (think Hunger Games)
Rule of the Aurora King by Nisha J. Tuli
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Tropes: Read if you like…
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
- Fae court politics
- Forbidden magic
- Power dynamics and trauma healing
Blurb:
When Lor escapes the Sun King, she's thrust into the icy kingdom of the enigmatic Aurora Prince, Nadir, who suspects her of hiding powerful secrets. Forced into an uneasy alliance, their chemistry is as dangerous as their enemies, leading to a wild quest for a legendary artefact.
Why I recommend: This installment escalates the action from book one, deepening the spicy romance while expanding the magical world and lore. Lor and Nadir's dynamic is enthralling, especially for fans of high-heat, enemies-to-lovers slow burns.
Can it be read as a standalone? No. This is book two of the Artefacts of Ouranos series. Reading Trial of the Sun Queen first is crucial.
Get it here: https://amzn.to/41qeVt2
Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
Tropes: Read if you like…
- Love so strong, it withstands the test of time (like Claire and Jamie on Outlander)
- Multiple POVs
- Found family
- Twists, betrayals, and healing
Blurb:
Lor is on a journey of real healing, emotionally and magically, as she and Nadir face not only their enemies but their own haunted pasts. Expect danger, slow-blooming trust, and some of the spiciest moments in the series.
Why I recommend: Unputdownable! Character growth is front and center, with compelling side characters and a plot that refuses to slow down. Each book in this series adds new depth, and Fate of the Sun King is no exception. I'm so proud of Lor and her family's growth (started from the bottom, now they're here!).
Can it be read as a standalone? No. It must be read after Trial of the Sun Queen and Rule of the Aurora King.
Get it here: https://amzn.to/41tbyS1
Tale of the Heart Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5/5) - I'll be honest, I feel like there are scenes I want them to just get on with it and focus on the war and the plot instead. Lol!
Tropes: Read if you like…
- Mysteries unraveling
- Epic conclusions
- Found family
- Fated mates, high-stakes quests
- Multiple timelines and perspectives
- More survival competition
Blurb:
The series concludes with Lor and Nadir's final showdown against the Aurora King (and some colossal and surprising enemies). As their love and world hang in the balance, Lor must master her heart magic and choose her fate. Expect plot twists and a satisfying payoff for long-time fans.
Why I recommend: After the dark tunnel that Lor had to go through (our brave girl!), this book finally shines as the light at the end. This conclusion is rich in plot and emotionally bold, neatly tying up the series' main mysteries and romances. You experience everything from action and intense magic to deeply personal growth.
Can it be read as a standalone? No. You need the full series for maximum feels and context.
Get it here: https://amzn.to/45V27w2
Shield of Sparrow by Devney Perry
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Tropes: Read if you like…
- Reluctant queen and arranged marriage
- Enemies to lovers, witty banters
- Hidden identity
- Magical world treaties
- Bookish heroine turned fierce warrior
- Protective MMC
- Slow burn
Blurb:
Odessa, thrust into a marriage she never wanted to save her kingdom, must become a fighter, a queen, and maybe a spy. Her training, guided by the mysterious Guardian, offers all the classic enemies-to-lovers angst and monster-fighting action you crave.
Why I recommend: A delicious blend of fantasy, magical treaty, mystery, and slow-burn romance, with surprises and memorable side characters. Ideal for fans of world-building and transformation. Many twists, some predictable, others mind-blowing. Devney Perry has a way of keeping me hooked from start to finish (oh, and patience for internal monologue helps).
Can it be read as a standalone? Technically, yes. Because there's no sequel on the horizon (as of this writing), but it ended in a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, so I'd be standing by for book 2.
Get it here: https://amzn.to/47gF4hB
In Summary: Top Romantasy Book Recommendations
FAQs: Best Romantasy Books
- Currently dominates BookTok and bestseller lists.
- Appeals to both fantasy and romance readers
- Gateway book for new romantasy readers
- Strong character development and worldbuilding
- Maximum spice level with explicit content
- Enemies-to-lovers with high tension
- Adult content warnings recommended
- Popular among readers seeking steamier reads
- Combines romance and fantasy genres
- Driven by social media communities
- Appeals to readers seeking escapism with emotional depth
- Creates devoted fandoms and book communities
- #1 New York Times bestselling author
- Multiple successful fantasy romance series
- Published in thirty-eight languages
- Credited with popularizing modern romantasy
- Higher spice levels and intimate scenes
- Complex political and social themes
- Mature character development arcs
- Often feature established adult protagonists
- The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson. A retelling of the classic Rapunzel fairy tale, this book follows Rapunzel's journey of faith and character development. Dickerson is known for writing Christian fairytale retellings that explore themes of faith and romance.
- A Crown of Chains by Erin Phillips. A romantic fantasy that serves as a retelling of the biblical story of Esther.
- The Lady of the Haven by Betty Thomason Owens. Jael, a healer, uses her skills and deep faith to save a mortally wounded prince, William. Pursued by danger, their paths and destinies become intertwined in a strange land.
- The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson. The fifth book in Dickerson's Hagenheim series, this is another of her clean fairytale romances.
- Maire by Linda Windsor. In this medieval romance, the Christian male lead marries the non-Christian female leader of a rival clan. The story explores how she comes to see his faith as a source of strength rather than weakness.
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