Introduction: The Magical Rise of Romantasy

I remember the first time I picked up a romantasy novel. The way the pages practically vibrated with magic, the romance that made my heart race, and worldbuilding so immersive I could almost feel the dragon’s breath on my neck. That’s the power of romantasy – a perfect marriage of heart-pounding romance and fantastical worlds that transport you beyond the ordinary.

In 2025, the romantasy genre continues to dominate bestseller lists, BookTok recommendations, and reader conversations everywhere. As someone who’s devoured countless books in this genre, I’m thrilled to share this year’s most enchanting releases that combine swoon-worthy romance with magical adventures.

But what exactly makes a book “romantasy” instead of just fantasy with romantic elements? And which of this year’s releases deserve a spot on your already-overflowing TBR pile? Let’s dive into the magical world of romantasy together.

What is Romantasy? Understanding the Genre

Before we explore the best romantasy books of 2025, let’s get clear on what we’re talking about. Romantasy isn’t just any fantasy book with a kiss thrown in for good measure.

Romantasy refers to books where both the fantasy elements and the romantic storyline are equally important to the plot. Remove either component, and the story would fundamentally change. This distinguishes romantasy from traditional fantasy romance, where the fantasy setting might serve primarily as a backdrop for the love story.

What makes a good romantasy book? The best entries in this genre feature:

• Immersive world-building with magic systems, fantastical creatures, or mythological elements
• A central romance that drives character development and plot progression
• High stakes that challenge both the romantic relationship and the protagonists’ place in the fantasy world
• Character growth that’s influenced by both magical circumstances and romantic entanglements

In 2025, we’re seeing romantasy authors push these elements even further, creating stories that blur genre boundaries while delivering both emotional satisfaction and fantastical adventure.

Top Romantasy Books of 2025

1. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

The third installment in the wildly popular Empyrean series doesn’t disappoint. Building on the foundation laid by Fourth Wing and its sequel, Yarros continues to deliver heart-stopping dragon action alongside steamy romance.

What makes Onyx Storm stand out is how Yarros raises the stakes in both the fantasy and romance aspects of the story. The military academy setting evolves into a full-scale magical conflict, while the central relationship faces its most significant challenges yet.

If you loved the dragon-rider connection and found yourself swooning over the enemies-to-lovers dynamic in the earlier books, Onyx Storm delivers that and more, with additional worldbuilding that expands the universe in unexpected ways.

2. Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Jennifer L. Armentrout proves once again why she’s a powerhouse in the romantasy genre with Fall of Ruin and Wrath. This standalone novel (yes, you can jump right in without reading her other series!) combines political intrigue, ancient magic, and a slow-burn romance that will have you turning pages well past midnight.

What I particularly love about this book is how Armentrout balances the fantasy elements with genuine character development. The magical system is intricately tied to the protagonists’ emotional journey, creating a seamless blend of romance and fantasy.

The love story develops against a backdrop of impending magical disaster, with each romantic moment weighted by the larger fantasy conflict. It’s romantasy at its finest – neither element would work without the other.

3. The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon

Debut novelist Thea Guanzon makes a spectacular entrance into the romantasy scene with The Hurricane Wars. Drawing inspiration from Filipino mythology, this book offers a fresh perspective in a genre that has historically leaned toward Western fantasy traditions.

The romance between the storm-blessed heroine and the reluctant heir to an enemy kingdom evolves alongside a magical conflict that threatens to destroy multiple realms. Guanzon’s weather magic system is both beautiful and terrifying, serving as both metaphor and mechanism for the emotional turbulence of the central relationship.

What sets this book apart is Guanzon’s lyrical prose and the authenticity she brings to both the fantasy elements and the emotional core of the story. This is romantasy that feels both familiar and utterly new.

4. The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson

Julie Johnson’s debut romantasy novel has taken the genre by storm this year. The Wind Weaver combines elemental magic, ancient prophecy, and a romance that develops slowly but burns intensely.

The protagonist’s journey from reluctant magic wielder to powerful Wind Weaver parallels her emotional growth from distrusting loner to vulnerable lover. Johnson excels at crafting scenes where magical discoveries and romantic revelations happen simultaneously, creating powerful emotional resonance.

With its intricate magic system and emotional depth, The Wind Weaver stands out as one of the most promising new romantasy series of 2025.

5. Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan

Following the success of her Celestial Kingdom duology, Sue Lynn Tan returns with Immortal, a standalone romantasy inspired by Chinese mythology. This gorgeous tale explores the relationship between a mortal woman and an immortal being against the backdrop of magical realms and ancient feuds.

What makes Immortal unique is Tan’s ability to weave traditional mythology into a contemporary romantic fantasy that feels both timeless and fresh. The romance evolves naturally alongside the protagonist’s discovery of her own unexpected connections to the magical world.

With lush descriptions and emotional resonance, Immortal offers a perspective on romantasy that draws from non-Western traditions while delivering the emotional satisfaction and magical adventure that fans of the genre crave.

6. The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole

Dark romantasy reaches new heights with The Book of Azrael, where gods, monsters, and forbidden love create an intoxicating mix. Nicole crafts a world where divine powers and mortal desires clash, with the central romance serving as both catalyst and consequence of ancient magical conflicts.

This book stands out for its morally complex characters and the way it intertwines religious mythology with fantasy elements. The romance doesn’t soften the darker aspects of the story; instead, it heightens the tensions and raises the emotional stakes.

If you’re looking for romantasy that explores the shadows rather than the light, The Book of Azrael delivers with its unflinching look at power, divinity, and desire.

7. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Divine Rivals continues to captivate readers with its unique blend of journalism, magic, and rivals-to-lovers romance. Set in a world where words have literal power and competing newspapers serve as fronts for warring gods, Ross creates a romantasy that feels unlike anything else in the genre.

The central romance between rival journalists evolves alongside magical revelations that change both characters’ understanding of their world and their place in it. What makes this book special is how the magic system itself – based on writing and storytelling – reflects the emotional journey of falling in love.

With its innovative worldbuilding and emotional depth, Divine Rivals remains one of the most talked-about romantasy books of 2025.

8. Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Lauren Roberts’ Powerless continues to resonate with romantasy readers for its unique premise: in a world where everyone has magical abilities, what happens to those born without power? The romance between a “powerless” protagonist and a magically gifted elite student challenges both characters’ assumptions about worth, ability, and connection.

What sets this book apart is how it uses the fantasy premise to explore themes of privilege, ability, and self-worth, all while developing a romance that feels authentic and earned. The magical elements aren’t just window dressing – they’re integral to the characters’ journey toward each other.

With its thoughtful exploration of disability metaphors within a fantastical context, Powerless offers a romantasy experience that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Subgenres and Tropes in 2025’s Romantasy Scene

Enemies-to-Lovers Romantasy Books

The enemies-to-lovers trope continues to dominate the romantasy landscape in 2025, with books like Divine Rivals and Onyx Storm demonstrating why this dynamic works so well in magical settings. When characters are literally from opposing magical factions or kingdoms, the journey from animosity to affection becomes all the more compelling.

What makes enemies-to-lovers romantasy particularly satisfying is how the fantasy elements often serve as both the reason for the initial enmity and the catalyst for eventual understanding. Magical bonds, shared quests, or discovered truths about the fantasy world frequently force enemies together, creating the perfect conditions for romance to bloom.

LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance Novels

2025 has seen a welcome expansion of LGBTQ+ representation in romantasy. Books featuring queer characters and relationships have moved beyond tokenism to become some of the most celebrated entries in the genre.

Notable releases include:

• Quicksilver by Callie Hart – A sapphic enemies-to-lovers romantasy featuring elemental magic
• The Celestial Covenant by Madeline Miller – A gay romance set against a backdrop of Greek mythology and divine intervention
• Whispers in the Veil by C.L. Clark – A non-binary protagonist navigating both romantic relationships and political intrigue in a magic-rich world

These books don’t just include LGBTQ+ characters; they create fantasy worlds where queer identities are integrated into the magical societies, religions, and power structures, offering both representation and imaginative possibility.

Mythology-Inspired Romantasy Books

Drawing inspiration from world mythologies continues to be a rich vein for romantasy authors in 2025. Books like Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan (Chinese mythology) and The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon (Filipino mythology) demonstrate how mythological foundations can create romantasy that feels both familiar and fresh.

What makes mythology-inspired romantasy particularly compelling is how it often explores the relationship between mortals and divine or semi-divine beings, creating natural power imbalances and tensions that fuel romantic conflict. These books also frequently explore themes of fate, destiny, and free will – all powerful elements in both fantasy worldbuilding and romantic storytelling.

Adult vs. YA Romantasy: Choosing Based on Your Preferences

One question I’m frequently asked is how to distinguish between Young Adult (YA) and Adult romantasy, and which is right for different readers. In 2025, the distinction continues to blur somewhat, but there are still some guidelines to help you choose:

YA Fantasy Romance Recommendations

YA romantasy typically features:

• Protagonists in their teens or early twenties
• Coming-of-age themes alongside the romance
• Less explicit intimate scenes (though not necessarily less romance)
• Often (but not always) more accessible worldbuilding

Standout YA romantasy releases of 2025 include:

• The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson
• Powerless by Lauren Roberts
• Once Upon a Broken Heart series by Stephanie Garber

Adult Romantic Fantasy Novels with Mature Themes

Adult romantasy often includes:

• More explicit intimate scenes
• Complex political systems and worldbuilding
• Morally ambiguous characters and situations
• Themes that explore darker or more mature content

Notable adult romantasy releases of 2025 include:

• Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
• Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole

It’s worth noting that many readers enjoy both categories, and the distinction isn’t about quality or depth but rather about content and thematic focus. Some of the most sophisticated romantasy crosses these boundaries, appealing to readers regardless of the marketing category.

Comparing Top Romantasy Series: Which One Is Right for You?

Series	Author	Primary Fantasy Element	Romance Trope	Heat Level (1-5)	Series Status
Empyrean	Rebecca Yarros	Dragons, Military Academy	Enemies-to-Lovers	4	Ongoing (3 books)
Blood and Ash	Jennifer L. Armentrout	Vampires, Ancient Magic	Forbidden Romance	5	Complete (6 books)
Celestial Kingdom	Sue Lynn Tan	Chinese Mythology, Immortals	Star-crossed Lovers	3	Complete (2 books)
Serpent & Wings	Carissa Broadbent	Vampires, Fighting Tournament	Enemies-to-Allies	4	Ongoing (3 books)
Divine Letters	Rebecca Ross	Word Magic, Journalism	Rivals-to-Lovers	3	Ongoing (2 books)
A Court of Thorns and Roses	Sarah J. Maas	Fae, Seasonal Courts	Enemies-to-Lovers	4	Ongoing (5 books)
Kingdom of the Wicked	Kerri Maniscalco	Demons, Witches	Forbidden Romance	3	Complete (3 books)
The Invisible Life	V.E. Schwab	Immortality, Historical Fantasy	Slow-burn Romance	2	Standalone

This comparison can help you choose your next romantasy series based on the fantasy elements and romance dynamics you prefer. Whether you’re looking for high heat or subtle romance, dragon riders or demon lovers, there’s a romantasy series waiting for you.

New Romantasy Books Released in 2025

While we’ve covered some of the standout releases already, here are additional new romantasy books making waves in 2025:

1. Quicksilver by Callie Hart – A sapphic enemies-to-lovers tale with elemental magic
2. Shadow of the Fox Court by Elizabeth Lim – A Japanese-inspired romantasy featuring shape-shifters
3. The Last Spell by Rachel Griffin – Climate magic meets political intrigue in this eco-romantasy
4. Crown of Moonlight by Olivie Blake – A standalone romantasy about lunar magic and fated mates
5. The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec – Norse mythology reimagined with a central romance

What makes 2025’s romantasy releases particularly exciting is the growing diversity – both in terms of the cultural inspirations behind the fantasy elements and the types of romantic relationships portrayed. The genre continues to expand beyond its early boundaries, creating more entry points for readers with different tastes and interests.

Standalone Romantic Fantasy Books for New Readers

Not ready to commit to a series? These standalone romantasy books offer complete stories in a single volume:

1. Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan – Chinese mythology meets immortal romance
2. Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout – Political intrigue and forbidden magic
3. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab – A timeless tale of immortality and being remembered
4. Radiance by Grace Draven – A slow-burn arranged marriage between different species
5. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske – Edwardian England with magic and mystery

Standalone romantasy books are perfect for readers new to the genre or those who prefer the satisfaction of a complete story arc without waiting for sequels. These books deliver the full romantasy experience – magical worlds and meaningful romance – in a single, satisfying package.

How to Choose a Romantasy Book Based on Your Preferences

With so many romantasy books available, finding your perfect match can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate your options:

If you love specific fantasy elements:

• Dragons: Try the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros
• Fae/Faeries: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas remains a cornerstone
• Vampires: The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
• Mythology: Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan or The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
• Unique Magic Systems: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross (word magic) or The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson (elemental magic)

If you have favorite romance tropes:

• Enemies-to-Lovers: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
• Forbidden Romance: The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole
• Arranged Marriage: Radiance by Grace Draven
• Slow Burn: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
• Rivals-to-Lovers: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

If you prefer certain heat levels:

• Closed Door (minimal intimate content): The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson
• Moderate Heat: Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan
• Explicit/Open Door: Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout or anything in the Blood and Ash series

Remember that the best romantasy for you is ultimately about personal preference – there’s no right or wrong choice as long as you enjoy the blend of romance and fantasy the book offers.

Top Romantasy Authors of All Time

While we’ve focused primarily on 2025 releases, it’s worth acknowledging the authors who have shaped the romantasy genre and continue to influence its evolution:

1. Sarah J. Maas – Her A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass series helped define modern romantasy
2. Jennifer L. Armentrout – A prolific author whose Blood and Ash series represents some of the most popular romantasy books
3. Rebecca Yarros – Relatively new to romantasy but has made an enormous impact with the Empyrean series
4. Grace Draven – Known for standalone romantasy with nuanced worldbuilding and mature relationships
5. V.E. Schwab – Brings literary depth to romantasy with books like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
6. Raven Kennedy – Her Plated Prisoner series offers dark romantasy with complex themes
7. Rebecca Ross – Innovative worldbuilding sets her romantasy apart from the crowd
8. Sue Lynn Tan – Bringing East Asian-inspired romantasy to mainstream popularity

These authors continue to push the boundaries of what romantasy can be, expanding the genre’s appeal and literary significance.

Where to Find Free or Discounted Romantasy eBooks

Looking to explore romantasy without breaking the bank? Here are some reliable sources for free or discounted romantasy ebooks:

1. Kindle Unlimited – Many romantasy authors, especially indie writers, make their books available through this subscription service
2. BookBub – Sign up for daily deals that often include romantasy titles at steep discounts
3. Library Apps – Libby and Hoopla connect to your local library and offer romantasy ebooks for free borrowing
4. Author Newsletters – Many romantasy authors offer free novellas or discounted books to newsletter subscribers
5. Seasonal Sales – Major retailers run romantasy ebook sales during holidays and special events

Remember that supporting authors financially when possible helps ensure they can continue creating the romantasy worlds we love. Consider alternating between discounted books and full-price purchases of new releases from your favorite authors.

Top Romantasy Audiobooks Worth Listening To

Audiobooks have become an increasingly popular way to experience romantasy. These titles offer particularly compelling audio experiences:

1. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – The narration captures the wistful, timeless quality of this unique romantasy
2. Fourth Wing – Multiple narrators bring the dragon riders and their adventures to life
3. A Court of Thorns and Roses – The full-cast audio edition offers an immersive experience
4. Divine Rivals – The narration enhances the journalistic elements of this word-magic romantasy
5. The Book of Azrael – Dark and atmospheric narration complements this god-focused romantasy

Good narration can enhance the romantasy experience, bringing magical worlds and romantic moments to life in ways that feel intimate and immersive. If you’re new to romantasy audiobooks, these titles offer excellent entry points to the format.

Underrated Romantasy Books That Deserve More Attention

While bestsellers get most of the attention, these underrated romantasy gems deserve spots on your TBR list:

1. The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker – Japanese-inspired romantasy featuring Shinigami (death gods)
2. The City of Dusk by Tara Sim – A dark romantasy with four magical houses and forbidden relationships
3. A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker – Political intrigue and enemies-to-lovers in a dual-world fantasy
4. Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent – A slavery-escape narrative with slow-burn romance and magic
5. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen – Political romantasy with spies, arranged marriage, and seaside magic

These books offer the same compelling blend of romance and fantasy as better-known titles but haven’t yet received the same level of attention. They’re perfect for readers looking to discover romantasy beyond the bestseller lists.

How Romantasy Differs from Traditional Fantasy Romance

The distinction between romantasy and traditional fantasy romance continues to evolve, but in 2025, these differences have become more clearly defined:

Traditional Fantasy Romance typically features:

• Fantasy world as primarily a backdrop for the romance
• Romance that could largely function the same way in a different setting
• Fantasy elements that aren’t deeply integrated with the romantic relationship
• Primary focus on the emotional journey with fantasy as enhancement

Romantasy is characterized by:

• Equal importance placed on fantasy elements and romantic relationship
• Worldbuilding that directly impacts and shapes the romance
• Romance that couldn’t exist without the specific fantasy elements
• Magic or fantasy elements that often serve as metaphors for relationship dynamics

The best romantasy creates situations where the fantasy elements and the romance are so intertwined that neither would make sense without the other. This integration is what gives the genre its unique appeal and emotional resonance.

Which Romantasy Book Series Have Been Adapted for Screen?

As romantasy continues to grow in popularity, adaptations are increasingly making their way to screens both big and small:

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses – Currently in development as a Hulu series with Ronald D. Moore
2. Fourth Wing – Optioned for a major streaming platform with production set to begin in late 2025
3. From Blood and Ash – In early development as a potential TV series
4. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – Feature film adaptation in pre-production

While many romantasy adaptations are still in development rather than completed, the trend suggests we’ll be seeing more of our favorite magically-enhanced romances on screen in the coming years. These adaptations offer new ways to experience beloved romantasy worlds while potentially introducing the genre to new audiences.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Magical Romance

As we’ve explored throughout this guide, romantasy in 2025 offers something for virtually every reader. Whether you’re drawn to dragon riders or demon lovers, explicit heat or subtle romance, Western fantasy traditions or mythology from around the world, there’s a romantasy book waiting to sweep you away.

The beauty of this genre lies in its versatility and emotional resonance. Romantasy offers not just escape but exploration – of relationships, power dynamics, personal growth, and the magical possibilities that exist beyond our everyday experience.

I encourage you to try at least one book from this guide that calls to you, even if it’s outside your usual reading preferences. The most magical reading experiences often come from stepping into unexpected worlds.

What romantasy books are you most excited to read in 2025? Have you discovered any gems that didn’t make our list? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below – the romantasy community thrives on shared discoveries and passionate discussions about the books we love.

Happy reading, and may your next romantasy adventure be magical in every way!