Looking for your next romantasy obsession? This curated list of 25 exceptional fantasy romance books spans every subgenre, from epic high fantasy to contemporary magical romance. Whether you're craving morally gray love interests, powerful heroines, or swoon-worthy romantic tension, these books deliver unforgettable reading experiences that have captivated millions of readers worldwide.
Epic High Fantasy Romance
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas
Subgenre: Fae Romance
Heat Level: Steamy
Why Read: The series that launched a thousand BookTok videos follows Feyre's journey from human huntress to powerful High Fae. With complex world-building, multiple love interests, and intense romantic relationships, this series remains the gold standard for modern romantasy.
2. From Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Subgenre: Chosen One Fantasy Romance
Heat Level: Steamy
Why Read: Poppy's destiny as the Maiden takes unexpected turns when she meets the mysterious Hawke. This series combines prophecy, ancient gods, and swoon-worthy romance with plot twists that will leave you gasping.
3. The Cruel Prince Series by Holly Black
Subgenre: Enemies-to-Lovers Fae Romance
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: Jude and Cardan's toxic yet addictive relationship defines enemies-to-lovers perfection. Set in the treacherous faerie courts, this trilogy masterfully balances political intrigue with romantic tension.
4. Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
Subgenre: Epic Fantasy with Multiple POVs
Heat Level: Steamy
Why Read: Celaena's evolution from assassin to queen spans multiple books and romantic relationships. This series offers complex character development, intricate plotting, and satisfying romantic conclusions.
5. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Subgenre: Dragon Fantasy Romance
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: This standalone epic features multiple romantic storylines across different kingdoms threatened by dragon attacks. Perfect for readers who want complete stories without series commitments.
Contemporary Fantasy Romance
6. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Subgenre: Historical/Contemporary Fantasy
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: Addie's 300-year curse of being forgotten by everyone she meets creates a hauntingly beautiful romance across centuries. This standalone novel perfectly blends historical and contemporary elements.
7. The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Subgenre: Portal Fantasy Romance
Heat Level: Low-Medium
Why Read: January discovers magical doors to other worlds while uncovering family secrets. This lyrical standalone combines beautiful prose with interdimensional romance and diverse representation.
8. The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
Subgenre: Historical Witch Fantasy
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: Three sisters reunite to bring witchcraft back to 1893 New Salem. This feminist fantasy weaves suffragette history with magical sisterhood and romantic subplots.
9. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Subgenre: Historical Fiction with Romantic Elements
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: While not strictly romantasy, this beloved book explores love, ambition, and identity through Hollywood's golden age. The romantic revelations will leave you breathless.
10. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Subgenre: Gothic Horror Romance
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: Noemí investigates her cousin's mysterious illness at a decaying English manor in 1950s Mexico. This atmospheric standalone blends gothic horror with romantic intrigue.
Dark Fantasy Romance
11. Hunt on Dark Waters by Alexandra Rowland
Subgenre: Pirate Fantasy Romance
Heat Level: Steamy
Why Read: Evelyn accidentally kills a man with magic and gets kidnapped by a vampire pirate crew. This standalone offers swashbuckling adventure with steamy romantic tension.
12. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Subgenre: Dark Magic Romance
Heat Level: Medium-Steamy
Why Read: Elspeth hides her infection from dark magic until she meets mysterious Ravyn. This series starter combines tarot-inspired magic with morally complex characters.
13. Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Subgenre: Comedy Dark Fantasy Romance
Heat Level: Low-Medium
Why Read: Evie becomes administrative assistant to the local villain in this hilarious take on dark fantasy romance. Perfect for readers wanting humor with their morally gray love interests.
14. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Subgenre: Villain Romance
Heat Level: Steamy
Why Read: Alessandra plans to seduce the Shadow King and kill him, but feelings complicate her scheme. This standalone delivers on its promise of villainous romance.
15. Caraval Series by Stephanie Meyer
Subgenre: Magical Circus Romance
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: Scarlett enters the magical game of Caraval to save her sister, encountering dangerous performers and mysterious love interests. This trilogy creates an immersive carnival atmosphere.
Diverse Mythology Romance
16. The Poppy War Series by R.F. Kuang
Subgenre: Military Fantasy Romance
Heat Level: Low-Medium
Why Read: Based on 20th-century Chinese history, this series follows Rin's journey from war orphan to powerful shaman. The romantic elements complement the intense war narrative.
17. The Gilded Ones Series by Namina Forna
Subgenre: West African-Inspired Fantasy
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: Deka discovers she's part of an ancient race of warrior women in this series inspired by West African mythology. Features strong female relationships and romantic subplots.
18. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
Subgenre: South Asian-Inspired Fantasy
Heat Level: Medium-Steamy
Why Read: Malini and Priya's forbidden romance unfolds against a richly detailed world inspired by Mughal India. This sapphic romance offers beautiful prose and complex political intrigue.
19. She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
Subgenre: Chinese Historical Fantasy
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: A reimagining of the founding of the Ming Dynasty featuring a woman who takes her dead brother's identity. This duology offers unique perspectives on gender, power, and love.
20. The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Subgenre: Court Intrigue Fantasy
Heat Level: Low
Why Read: Half-goblin Maia unexpectedly becomes emperor and navigates court politics with kindness and determination. While romance is subtle, the character development is exceptional.
Young Adult Romantasy
21. Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
Subgenre: Russian-Inspired Fantasy
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: Alina discovers her unique power in a war-torn world inspired by Imperial Russia. The Darkling remains one of literature's most compelling morally gray love interests.
22. Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard
Subgenre: Dystopian Fantasy Romance
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: Mare discovers she has powers despite being Red in a world where Silvers rule with supernatural abilities. The series explores themes of revolution alongside romantic tension.
23. Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi
Subgenre: Dystopian Fantasy Romance
Heat Level: Steamy (later books)
Why Read: Juliette's lethal touch makes her both weapon and prisoner. The series evolution from dystopian to full fantasy showcases impressive character growth.
24. An Unkindness of Magicians by Kat Howard
Subgenre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Heat Level: Medium
Why Read: Sydney enters the Turning, a magical competition in modern New York, seeking revenge. This standalone offers fresh takes on contemporary magic with romantic elements.
25. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Subgenre: Contemporary Fantasy Romance
Heat Level: Low
Why Read: Linus investigates a magical orphanage housing extraordinary children. This standalone delivers comfort, found family themes, and gentle romantic development.
How to Choose Your Next Romantasy Read
By Heat Level
Low: Focus on romantic tension and emotional connection
Medium: Some explicit content with emphasis on relationship development
Steamy: Explicit romantic scenes integral to character development
By Length Commitment
Standalones: Complete stories in single books
Duologies: Two-book series with satisfying conclusions
Longer Series: 3+ books allowing deep world-building and character development
By Subgenre Preference
Fae Romance: Courts, immortality, and otherworldly politics
Contemporary Fantasy: Magic in modern settings
Dark Fantasy: Morally complex characters and intense themes
Diverse Mythology: Non-European cultural influences and fresh perspectives
Building Your Romantasy TBR
Start with 2-3 books from different subgenres to discover your preferences. Mix standalones with series beginnings to avoid overwhelming commitments. Consider alternating between high fantasy epics and contemporary fantasy for variety.
Join online romantasy communities on platforms like Goodreads, Reddit, or BookTok to discover new releases and get personalized recommendations based on your favorite reads.
Final Thoughts
These 25 romantasy books represent the best the genre offers across all subgenres and heat levels. Whether you're drawn to epic fantasy worlds, contemporary magical settings, or diverse cultural mythologies, this list provides starting points for countless hours of romantic escapism.
Remember that personal taste varies significantly in romantasy. What one reader considers the perfect enemies-to-lovers arc, another might find frustrating. Don't hesitate to DNF (Did Not Finish) books that aren't working for you – with so many amazing options available, life's too short for books you're not enjoying.
Happy reading, and may you find your next book boyfriend or girlfriend in these magical pages!
