20 Best Romantasy Books to Read in 2025
The Romantasy genre currently has BookTok in a chokehold. And I ain’t mad about it— give me all the creative worlds, magic systems, and swoon-worthy MMCs. Oh— and badass, strong FMCs too of course 😜
Here are 20 of the best rated books that beautifully blend romance and fantasy and are sure to be a good time.
1. "A Court of Mist and Fury" by Sarah J. Maas
This is the second book in the ACOTAR series— and mine and many others absolute favorite. Feyre Archeron navigates the treacherous politics and passions of the faerie realm, balancing her newfound powers with a complex romantic entanglement.
This is like the OG #booktok craze series, and honestly one of the books that got me back into reading novels.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, found family, powerful heroine, fated mates
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (explicit scenes)
2. "The Serpent and the Wings of Night" by Carissa Broadbent
In a world where vampires and humans coexist, a forbidden love challenges societal norms and ignites a rebellion. From the first few pages of this book, I was immediately intrigued with the FMC and storyline.
Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the vampire king, has spent her life proving she belongs in a world that sees her as prey. When she enters a brutal tournament to secure her survival, she’s forced to ally with the deadly and mysterious Raihn. But as the competition grows more treacherous, so do her conflicted feelings. Dark, emotional, and action-packed, this book delivers an epic romance and intense tension.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, competition for power
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶 (some explicit content)
Bonus— you can enjoy this book on Kindle Unlimited!
3. "The Bridge Kingdom" by Danielle L. Jensen
Lara has been raised in isolation, trained for one mission: to infiltrate and destroy the Bridge Kingdom by seducing its ruler. But as she gets closer to King Aren, she realizes the truth is far more complicated than she was led to believe. Torn between duty and love, she must decide where her heart truly lies. Perfect for those who love strategizing heroines and slow-burn tension.
This series is 5 books and they are all out! That means you do not have to wait years for the sequel— I feel like that is my all-too-real struggle lately having 392758 series unfinished.
Tropes: Arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, slow burn
Spice Level: 🌶🌶 (moderate)
(Also— completely unrelated to the plot, these book covers are stunning)
When human princess Ildiko and Kai prince Brishen enter into a politically arranged marriage, neither expects attraction—especially since they find each other utterly unattractive. But as they spend time together, their partnership turns into a deep and genuine love, proving that beauty is more than skin deep. A beautifully written slow-burn romance with heart and humor.
Tropes: Arranged marriage, friends to lovers, slow burn
Spice Level: 🌶🌶 (moderate, some explicit content)
5. "From Blood and Ash" by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Poppy has always been destined for a life of solitude, hidden away as the Maiden, a symbol of purity. But when she meets Hawke, a dangerously charming guard, her carefully controlled world begins to unravel. As dark secrets emerge, she’s thrust into a war between gods and monsters—one that forces her to question everything she’s been taught.
Everything in this book is so good— seriously, the book has an amazon rating of 4.6?! Need I say more.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, hidden identity, chosen one
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (explicit scenes)
"The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
Jude has spent her life trying to prove herself among the immortal fae, who see humans as lesser beings. When she catches the eye of the cruel and arrogant Prince Cardan, she’s pulled into the dangerous politics of the faerie court. But in a world where deception is survival, falling for her greatest rival might be her biggest mistake.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, political intrigue, morally grey love interest
Spice Level: 🌶 (mild)
7. "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
In a brutal empire where defiance means death, Laia risks everything to infiltrate the military academy training the empire’s deadliest soldiers. Elias, one of its most elite students, secretly dreams of freedom. When their paths collide, their forbidden attraction could change the fate of the world. A thrilling tale of rebellion, sacrifice, and star-crossed love.
Tropes: Forbidden love, rebellion, slow burn
Spice Level: 🌶 (mild)
"The Wrath & the Dawn" by Renée Ahdieh
Each night, the cruel Caliph of Khorasan takes a new bride—only for her to be executed by morning. When Shahrzad volunteers to be his next bride, she has only one goal: vengeance for her slain best friend. But as she unravels the truth behind the king’s actions, she finds herself falling for the very man she swore to hate.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, slow burn
Spice Level: 🌶 (mild, romantic tension)
Katsa has been gifted—or cursed—with the ability to kill. Serving as her uncle’s enforcer, she lives a life of violence until she meets a warrior who challenges everything she knows. Together, they uncover a deadly conspiracy that could change their world forever. A tale of self-discovery, adventure, and romance.
Tropes: Slow burn, forced proximity, strong heroine
Spice Level: 🌶 (mild)
"The Shadows Between Us" by Tricia Levenseller
Alessandra has a plan: seduce the Shadow King, marry him, then kill him and take his throne. But as she grows closer to the mysterious ruler, she realizes he may be the only person who truly understands her ambition. A dark, seductive fantasy with an anti-heroine you can’t help but root for.
Tropes: Villain romance, anti-heroine, morally grey love interest
Spice Level: 🌶 (mild, fade-to-black)
"Serpent & Dove" by Shelby Mahurin
Lou is a witch in hiding, and Reid is a witch hunter sworn to eradicate her kind. When an unexpected twist forces them into a reluctant marriage, their hatred soon gives way to something neither of them expected. A deliciously addictive romance filled with magic, humor, and tension.
Tropes: Forced marriage, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶 (explicit scenes)
"The Priory of the Orange Tree" by Samantha Shannon
In a world on the brink of war, Queen Sabran IX must conceive a daughter to secure her lineage and prevent an ancient dragon from awakening. Meanwhile, Ead Duryan, a mage in disguise, is secretly protecting the queen while uncovering a deeper conspiracy. Across the sea, a dragon-riding warrior embarks on a perilous journey that could change the fate of their world. This standalone epic fantasy delivers courtly intrigue, complex female leads, and a sweeping sapphic romance.
Tropes: Found family, slow burn romance, dragon riders, political intrigue
Spice Level: 🌶 (mild, fade-to-black)
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Bryce Quinlan’s world shatters when a brutal murder takes everything from her. When she’s tasked with investigating the crime alongside the brooding fallen angel, Hunt Athalar, tensions—and sparks—fly. As they uncover dark secrets, their bond deepens, but the cost of truth may be more than they can bear. This book delivers epic romance, action, and an addictive blend of fantasy and mystery. This is the first of 3 books in the Crescent City series.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (explicit content)
To Bleed a Crystal Bloom by Sarah A. Parker
Orphaned and trapped in a gilded cage by her enigmatic guardian, Orlaith has spent her life under lock and key. But as she starts questioning the secrets of her past, she’s drawn deeper into a dark and twisted romance where desire and danger collide. This is a beautifully written, hauntingly intense story perfect for those who love possessive love interests and lush prose.
Tropes: Guardian/ward romance, dark fantasy, age gap
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶 (some explicit content)
When a kingdom on the brink of war calls for heroes, Iris and Roman—two individuals bound by fate—find themselves entangled in a dangerous game of political deception and passionate longing. With lush world-building and a romance laced with tension and betrayal, this book is perfect for fans of Onyx Storm craving courtly intrigue and star-crossed love.
This is the second book after Divine Rivals— so obviously start with that one. Both are great!
Tropes: Forbidden love, political intrigue, slow burn
Spice Level: 🌶 (mild)
The Bird and the Sword" by Amy Harmon
Lark has been silent since childhood, when her mother’s final spell stole her voice to protect her from a kingdom that fears magic. But when she’s taken captive by the brooding King Tiras, she soon discovers her words wield immense power. As she struggles to trust the man who holds her prisoner, a slow-burning romance unfolds amidst a war threatening their land. This beautifully lyrical fantasy blends romance, magic, and fate in a way that will captivate readers.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, hidden powers
Spice Level: 🌶🌶 (moderate, mild explicit scenes)
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
When Freya, a fierce shield maiden, is forced into a political marriage, she soon discovers her fate is bound to an ancient prophecy. Caught between duty, forbidden desires, and the weight of destiny, she must embrace her strength or risk losing everything. A gripping Viking-inspired fantasy romance with exhilarating action and slow-burning passion.
Tropes: Forced marriage, forbidden love, warrior heroine
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶 (some explicit content)
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
Talasyn, a soldier with light magic, has spent her life fighting against the ruthless Storm King and his heir, Alaric. But when their powers collide, the two enemies are forced into an uneasy alliance, navigating a war filled with betrayal, tension, and undeniable attraction. A beautifully crafted enemies-to-lovers story with an unforgettable slow burn.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forced alliance, forbidden romance
Spice Level: 🌶🌶 (moderate)
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
In a kingdom where magic is forbidden, Elspeth harbors a secret—a monster lives inside her mind, granting her forbidden power. When she joins a rebel prince on a dangerous mission, their growing attraction could either save or doom them both. A dark, atmospheric fantasy with a deeply compelling romance. Read my full review on the series here!
Tropes: Dark magic, forced proximity, reluctant allies
Spice Level: 🌶🌶 (moderate)
These books will deliver all the magical worlds, slow-burn romance, and thrilling action you crave. Whether you love enemies-to-lovers tension, court intrigue, or sweeping love stories set against epic battles, this list has something for every romantic fantasy fan.
Which of these books have you read, and which are you adding to your TBR? Let me know in the comments!
Kae