Hi friends!
Ooooh today we are talking about my favorite book genre: romantasy. Yes, I need a lot of romance in my fantasy novels. I find that a lot of people who are afraid of fantasy can start here and then tend to become hooked. It happened to me!
What is romantasy?
It’s exactly as it sounds: the genres fantasy and romance blended together. Both of them have equal weight in the story. It makes for (usually) a much more spicy and intriguing read.
Worldbuilding in the fantasy genre can be confusing and overwhelming for some, but I find that a romance plotline helps to keep me interested and keeps things compelling.
If you are afraid of the genre but want to start somewhere, I think the below are the best romantasy books for beginners and are a great jumping off point. Some of these are super popular romantasy books and there are some books to read if you love ACOTAR (I know there are a lot of you here!) If romance isn’t your thing, then these may not be for you. But if you are anything like me and love a good love story… dive right on into this romantasy book list. Here are my top favorites.
Most Popular Romantasy Books
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas – Surprise surprise, right? We are starting with the #1 popular romantasy book and gateway series for many of us. Most commonly known as ACOTAR, this is an ongoing series that has captured the hearts of thousands and thousands of us. Stunning worlds, compelling storylines, and the most lovable cast of characters. Spice-levels increase as the series goes on and does not disappoint. UGH! I can reread and reread and reread over and over and over again. I am forever obsessed.
The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros – If you are a book person at all, I think you’ve probably heard of the book that took bookstagram from storm. The first one in the series is Fourth Wing (and is probably the one you know off the top of your head). I am here to tell you that the hype is very real and every bit worth it. It reads like a blend between Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and Divergent. There are dragons… and just trust me, you want to read a book with sassy dragons.
Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas – More Maas because she is the romantasy queen. This is an urban fantasy with a large cast of characters. Out of all the books here, this one has the most info-heavy world building and can be a bit slow to start but once you find your groove, it is soooo satisfying!
From Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout – This is my second favorite series to ACOTAR because it is so damn sexy and clever and wicked. The writing is fun and makes me laugh out loud at times. Plus, the mains are fiiiire!! Extra spicy as the books progress.
Flesh and Fire series by Jennifer L. Armentrout – A companion series alongside From Blood and Ash, this series is beautifully intertwined and should be read alongside to avoid plot-holes. Another great cast of characters.
Fae & Alchemy series by Callie Hart – The first book in this series, Quicksilver, quickly rose to the top of all romantasy book lists. What a compelling, fast-paced, and sexy story! Our FMC is so sassy and our MMC is the moodiest ever. This series also has one of my supporting male characters of all time.
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas – For transparency, I am still not finished with this series but plan to get back into it eventually. I read the first four and fell in love with the cast of characters. I will be honest, of all Maas’ books, this is my least favorite series and I have trouble staying hooked. I am not quite sure why. I think it has to do with too many POVs and the writing style. BUT I do really love the characters and the forest setting is gorgeous.
Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti – This is a very long, but completed series. Buckle up, because this is one hell of a ride… I laughed and cried… and kept crying… and wanted to throw the book across the room. I really can’t begin to describe the emotional rollercoaster that is this series but holy character development. I fell in love with this world.
Easy-to-Read Romantasy Books
The Powerless Trilogy by Lauren Roberts – This is not a spicy romantasy, so that may be a plus for some of you. Even without the spice, this series captured my heart and was still unbelievably sexy!! Kai Azer is one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time.
Kingdom of the Wicked series by Kerri Maniscalco – Taking place in Italy, this series is so delicious. Gorgeous language surrounding setting and food and a whole lot of mystery and romance. I was literally hungry every time I picked it up. This series overall feels very easy to follow and they are not super long, either.
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider – I went into this one completely blind and fell in love with the characters and storytelling. It is very easy to read and has a crazy twist I never saw coming. I can’t wait for the next book.
Beasts of the Briar series by Elizabeth Helen – I started this one for fun because it was marketed as a “why choose” romance with a Beauty and the Beast retelling theme. I didn’t know what I was in for. This series consumed me a long while. Love all the characters and the storyline and writing gets better each book. This one is very spicy, just a heads up.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross – This reads like a historical romantasy and it is just as it says… divine. Just gorgeous writing and a enemies-to-lovers storyline that hooked me immediately. This is a duology and is complete.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab – A standalone, I think I can include it on this list. It may not be your typical fantasy, but it is mystical and beautiful all the same. It will forever be one of my favorite books. It can be a little slow-going at first but once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. The writing is luscious.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood – This is a quick romantasy featuring werewolves. If you love alpha males and Twilight for the werewolves, then this should be your next read! It’s a fun and sexy one, for sure. There is a second in the series, as well.
Once Upon a Broken Heart series by Stephanie Garber – This was a romantasy with a fairytale kinda vibe. It was sweet and innocent compared to a lot of others on here, so this may be a good tame one to start with. The writing is easy and the pacing is quick.
Other Romantasy Books Worth Checking Out
There are others that I have enjoyed and are worth noting:
- Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
- Caravel by Stephanie Garber
- Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
- A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jenson
- The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
- Silver Elite by Dani Francis
- When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
- Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco
- Parallel and Intersect by Elizabeth O’Roark
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner (not romance but wonderful for beginners)
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
- Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
- Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- A Touch of Darkness by Scarett St. Clair
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
✨If you love romantasy as much as I do, you may like 150 Romantasy-Inspired Baby Names.
If You Loved ACOTAR, Read This
If ACOTAR is truly your end-all-be-all, then these are the romantasy books/series you should prioritize from the above.
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (series)
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout (series)
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (series)
- Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas (series)
- Powerless by Lauren Roberts (series)
- Quicksilver by Callie Hart (series)
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent (series)
- Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole (series)
- Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco (series)
📌Save this romantasy book list for later!
If you love all things cozy and bookish, you may also enjoy:
- 100 Cozy Girl Aesthetic Items You’ll Love (Ultimate Cozy Lifestyle Guide)
- The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Cozy Girls in 2026
- How to Reach Your Reading Goal This Year
- 25 Cozy Hobbies for a Relaxing, Aesthetic Life
