Romance has always been a large part of the fantasy genre, as even the most iconic works of high fantasy can't resist sprinkling a little love into the plot here and there. However, the subgenre, romantasy, has introduced readers to an exciting new world full of tension, intrigue, and plenty of magic that serve to uplift the central romantic relationship readers can't help rooting for. Though the most famous additions to the genre, like A Court of Thorns and Roses, need no introduction, there are some overlooked romantasy novels that deserve just as much recognition.

Many of the most popular romantasy works go viral on BookTok, a platform that's exposed readers to many exciting and overlooked titles. New authors, or those who didn't start out in the fantasy sphere, have been trying their hand at romantasy with resounding success. The best romantasy books of 2024 demonstrated that the appetite for this genre is only increasing and that romantasy should be taken seriously as a genre that reignites a love of reading in many audiences. Just because the romance element takes center stage doesn't mean these writers skimp on world-building or intricate magic systems.

10 City Of Gods And Monsters (2022)

Written by Kayla Edwards

Though the House of Devils novels aren't a finished romantasy book series yet, Kayla Edwards has many more installments planned. The first of the series, City of Gods and Monsters​​​​​​, introduces us to Loren Calla, the protagonist of the series and relatable lead character who gives readers insight into Edwards' fantastical world. Darien Cassel, the darkly magnetic love interest in City of Gods and Monsters, might drive Loren up the wall at times, but that doesn't mean she can resist his charms.

As sparks begin to fly between Loren and Darien, the pair delve into the most dangerous corners of their city, where the supernatural is commonplace. Though it doesn't take long for the reader to root for Loren and Darien to it their feelings, there's also a platonic relationship worth engaging with. Loren is ultimately driven by her love and loyalty for her close friend, which is what leads her to team up with Darien in the first place. This helps to balance the darkest moments in City of Gods and Monsters.

9 A Kiss Of Iron (2023)

Written by Clare Sager

Most readers familiar with the romantasy genre are well-versed in the different mythologies surrounding the Fae. Though every book series takes a different approach to this race of magical human-like creatures, there are some similarities they all share. Almost always devastatingly gorgeous, magical, and indescribably powerful, the heroines of romantasy stories find themselves falling in love with Fae more often than not. A Kiss of Iron is no exception to this rule, as Kat is drawn into the web of Bastian Marwood.

A Kiss of Iron also incorporates elements of kingdoms and court life, as Kat must navigate the tricks and traps of being a noblewoman while she struggles with her growing feelings for Bastian. Though Clare Sager's book series, Shadows of the Tenebris Court, is a little darker and more dangerous than other romantasy works, this is what gives it its edge. Following Kat and Bastian on their journey, each installment of the series raises the stakes and makes the connection between the characters more irresistible.

8 Daughter Of The Drowned Empire (2022)

Written by Frankie Diane Mallis

The most recent addition to the Drowned Empire series, Warrior of the Drowned Empire, was one of the biggest fantasy books coming out in February 2025. However, none of this would've been possible without the first book in the series, Daughter of the Drowned Deep, which was Frankie Diane Mallis' debut novel. Following the story of Lyriana Batavia, a young woman with immense magical power who lives in a society controlled by a forbidding emperor, Lyr's only hope of survival suddenly rests on the shoulders of a man who could be the love of her life.

Rhyan Hart, the powerful warrior Lyr turns to when she must train to the emperor's tests without magic, has held Lyr's heart for many years.

Rhyan Hart, the powerful warrior Lyr turns to when she must train to the emperor's tests without magic, has held Lyr's heart for many years. However, being in close proximity for so long sparks a new phase of their relationship that readers will fall head over heels for. With aspects of forbidden romance and high stakes of the life-changing battle looming in the background, Daughter of the Drowned Deep has everything required to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

7 Phantasma (2024)

Written by Kaylie Smith

Love and death go hand in hand in Phantasma, Kaylie Smith's dark romance that makes the audience and characters question who they can trust. However, for Ophelia, the heroine of Phantasma, there isn't much of a choice about who to rely on. She needs to use all the help she can get in the dangerous game, as the lives of her sisters are on the line, and making it out of the titular competition won't be easy, even with the assistance of Blackwell, another contestant.

From the minute Ophelia and Blackwell cross paths in the gothic manor Phantasma is set in, it's clear that there's something different about their connection. They both attempt to keep their secrets close, but there's no way they can get through Phantasma's many challenges alone. For a romantasy story with an edge and plenty of spice, Phantasma delivers on every front and keeps us rooting for Ophelia to get her wish and the guy in the end.

6 Court Of Blood And Bindings (2022)

Written by Lisette Marshall

Lisette Marshall's Fae Isles series is a fun addition to the Fae canon, as the protagonist, Emelin, has some powerful magic of her own. Though she finds herself lost and confused within the Fae world, Emelin s the ranks of strong female characters in fantasy books. Creon, also known as Silent Death, is a dangerous love interest to have, but Emelin can't help letting her guard down for this handsome and deadly Fae. The pair slowly begin to trust each other and see how their powers fit together.

Marshall has discussed how her work was inspired by ACOTAR and other romantasy works with Fae elements, making it the perfect follow-up for those waiting for the next installment of some of these epic series.

Marshall has discussed how her work was inspired by ACOTAR and other romantasy works with Fae elements, making it the perfect follow-up for those waiting for the next installment of some of these epic series. The fifth book in the Fae Isles series, With Wing and Claw​​​​​​, is expected to be published later this year and will explore new perspectives within the world of the Fae Isles. Fortunately, all of the books that directly explore Emelin and Creon's story are available to read.

5 Bride (2024)

Written by Ali Hazelwood

Though Ali Hazelwood is best known for her realistic fiction, she takes to the fantasy genre wholeheartedly in Bride, the vampire-werewolf romance that cemented her place as a romantasy writer. The protagonist, Misery, is a vampire with many human-like tendencies who enters into a political marriage for the benefit of her people as well as herself. Her husband-to-be just so happens to be Lowe Moreland, a werewolf Alpha who is willing to marry Misery for similar reasons.

While the relationship between Misery and Lowe is a significant reason to read Bride, both of them are fiercely loyal to their families and loved ones, creating further complexities in their characters. It's easy to fall in love with Misery as a person– or vampire– and care deeply about her happiness, whether this is with Lowe or not. It's because of this connection to Misery that we become invested in her budding romance and hope that Lowe is the man he seems to be.

4 Your Blood, My Bones (2024)

Written by Kelly Andrew

Intertwining fantasy, romance, and horror turns out to be a perfect combination in Your Blood, My Bones. Kelly Andrew delves into the dark and slightly gory world of Wyatt, a young woman who's the last in the line of her mysterious family, who has been keeping an unbelievable secret from her. This is where Peter, her childhood friend, enters the picture, making Wyatt question her family's legacy and wonder how the two of them could possibly build a relationship after their shared past.

Their romance might be tragic, and the ending of Your Blood, My Bones might break your heart, but that doesn't mean the journey isn't worth going on.

Your Blood, My Bones leans more toward young adult fiction rather than adult. This means the romance doesn't venture into as spicy or explicit territory as some of the other titles. However, this doesn't make the connection between Wyatt and Peter any less powerful and compelling. Their romance might be tragic, and the ending of Your Blood, My Bones might break your heart, but that doesn't mean the journey isn't worth going on.

3 Daughter Of The Moon Goddess (2022)

Written by Sue Lynn Tan

The author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Sue Lynn Tan, draws from Chinese legends and folktales to craft the story of Xingyin, a young woman who must hide her gifts and save her mother. Since her family is at odds with the Celestial Emperor, Xingyin must go on the run and hide her identity, but this ends up bringing her closer to the imperial family. When she begins honing her magical powers alongside the emperor's son, Xingyin can't suppress the feelings that stir between them.

As a duology, The Celestial Kingdom weaves a tight, complex, and lushly romantic story that the reader will be unable to put down from beginning to end. Expertly using the majesty and historical significance of the legends it's in conversation with, Daughter of the Moon Goddess is entrenched in lore and world-building, which sets it apart from some romantasy titles. Due to this, Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a great choice for fantasy readers looking to dip their toe into romance.

2 Daughter Of No Worlds (2020)

Written by Carissa Broadbent

Also known for her follow-up series, Crowns of Nyaxia, Carissa Broadbent first rose to prominence with The War of Lost Hearts books. Daughter of No Worlds is the first installment of the trilogy, which chronicles the story of Tisaanah, a young woman who escapes her terrible fate and s the Orders, an organization that will give her the power she needs to fight back. Her quest for power leads her to Maxantarius​​​​​, a formidable ally who might have everything she needs to save her friends and win her heart.

The depth of the connection between Tisaanah and Maxantarius is what might take readers by surprise, as the pair have much more than chemistry. There's a sense of understanding and slowly built trust that makes their relationship all the more believable and creates a satisfying payoff when they finally it their feelings. As their relationship deepens and the stakes of Tisaanah's mission ramp up, there's little question that Broadbent cements herself as a strong voice within the romantasy genre.

1 To Bleed A Crystal Bloom (2021)

Written by Sarah A. Parker

Sarah A. Parker's To Bleed a Crystal Bloom shares elements with classic fairy tales like Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel​​​​​​ but isn't afraid to be much darker and more romantic than that. Orlaith, the protagonist of To Bleed a Crystal Bloom​​​​​​, begins the story sheltered and terrified of the outside world, but she comes a long way by the story's end. Rhordyn, the mysterious man who's been protecting her all these years, refuses to let her in, making Orlaith all the more desperate to find out more about him.

As the Crystal Bloom series progresses, Orlaith comes into her own and realizes what's important to her, adding depth to the romantic tension that drives the story forward. The dark fantasy elements also do a great job of capturing the reader's attention, but the intense dynamic between Orlaith and Rhordyn is the source of the narrative's biggest twists and turns. In To Bleed a Crystal Bloom, Parker puts her characters in tough positions and dives headfirst into dire circumstances.