Whether you’ve heard it on BookTok or you're a self-proclaimed book dragon, hoarding all your precious titles, “romantasy” is the genre everyone is talking about. But what is it? And why has it suddenly taken over? Romantasy is the result of epic fantasy worlds colliding with deep, emotionally charged romance. Here at LoveReading we enjoy nothing more than diving into a mind-blowing quest while enjoying an enemies-to-lovers arc. Following a chosen one on their hero’s journey and watching as they find their fated mate too. And the sales show that we’re far from alone.

Fantastical stories where the hero fights gallantly, defeats the dragon, overthrows the empire and wins the heart of their love interest at the end have been around as long as stories have been told. What’s changed is not the story itself, but the label. No one was calling it “romantasy” then.

Is this relatively new label simply a shorthand that is beneficial for readers looking for the blend of romance and fantasy they love? Or has this type of story now got its own label to dismiss it from the wider sci-fi and fantasy genres now female authors are, rightly, having their share of the spotlight? In truth, it’s probably a bit of both.

I’m a woman who grew up loving Star Wars (which is romantasy - I declare I will die on that hill) with as much fervor as I loved fairy tale princesses. My Anakin lightsaber sat proudly next to my Padmé pistol, cape and my rather excessive number of tiaras. So it frustrates me that books that offer whole new worlds to discover, political systems to examine, friendships to forge and family to be found - as any brilliant fantasy should - get side-eyed and mocked because a (usually female) writer has also included a planned out and emotive, age appropriate romantic sub-plot - which may or may not include sex. 

And it’s worth remembering that within this so-called “genre” there is a wide spectrum - from YA romantasy to closed-door or fade-to-black romances - far beyond the assumptions often made about it.

I won’t stand on my soap box for long about why - now that brilliant fantasy books written by women are receiving the recognition they deserve - a dismissive term has been created to set these books apart. Partly because I assume I’m preaching to the converted already, and partly as it’s probably been said more eloquently already. 

Instead I will simply leave this stat that neatly highlights the double standards. The vastly different way these fantasy books are treated, depending on who is doing the writing: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros has 2 chapters (in a 648 page book) containing scenes of a sexual nature - credit to @thereallifebookreviewer for the closed door breakdown. Comparatively, A Game of Thrones by George R.R Martin (the first book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series) has 12 chapters (across 819 pages) where sexual acts are depicted. Credit to ASOIAFuniversity’s epic spreadsheet of the series. So can we please stop dismissing women writing occasionally about sex as porn, smut or - eyeroll - “fairy porn”? And while we’re at it, can we also stop pretending that sex hasn’t always existed in fantasy.

So, let's dive into a selection of some of the books you’ll find within the vast realm of romantasy fiction. Whether you want more books in the vein of Sarah J Maas or books to read after finishing Fourth Wing, we have plenty of titles that fit the bill and few more that might surprise you.

Dark and Moody Romantasy

Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing is probably the book that people will think of when you say “romantasy” so it hardly needs our help promoting it. I will say, I loved it, I think it’s great, I’m waiting with baited breath until the fourth book is released. The same can be said for Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR). What begins as a Beauty and the Beast retelling and evolves into so much more with a cast of feisty characters to welcome into your heart, we are sure that the long awaited forthcoming books in this series will be breaking records. The epic Throne of Glass series is a twisting mix of assassins, magic and power. While the more recent Crescent City series is a refreshing, enthralling mix of modern and fantasy. See also, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Carissa Broadbent, Callie Hart and Penn Cole.

The Deathless One by Emma Hamm is the definition of a moody and intense romantasy tale. Starting with one of the most enticing first sentences I’ve read for a while, we are thrown into a realm with a deadly plague and a Princess who will do anything for her people and her crown. Follow on with The Heartless One when you’re done. 

For readers looking to immerse themselves in a shadowy world brimming with magic, pick up Darker By Four by June CL Tan. Our Editorial Expert Liz Robinson describes it as “exciting and fascinating [...] a fabulously balanced fantasy tale of energy and darkness hand in hand with love and family.”

The scream I let out when I reached the end of Silvercloak by LK Steven! It’s an exceptional mix of magic with an undercover detective storyline and an irresistible enemies-to-lovers dynamic. I’m determined to be first in line for Turncloak’s release. 

If you’re looking for more Beauty and the Beast vibes after ACOTAR, check out House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau. It’s a dark and spicy enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance about a beautiful healer mage forced out of hiding and into the service of a charismatic but aloof fae lord.

Light and Whimsical Romantasy

If you’re wanting your romantasy served with a little more sugar, Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood may well be to your taste. The magic of love, found family and sweet treats are bound together in a pink and sparkly cosy read. Do check out Rewitched, also by Lucy Jane Wood. 

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer offers mischief and office melodramatics in a fantasy world that sees Evie Sage take the job of the Villain’s assistant. This is a quippy, funny story filled with mishaps, general mayhem and plenty of characters to steal your heart. There are two further books in the series already out with one more on the way. 

A witchy, modern day Pride and Prejudice meets Charmed can be found in Spells, Strings and Forgotten Things by Breanne Randall. LoveReading Reviewer Billy Lindon described it as a “YA romantasy about memory, trust, and being bound to a sexy evil magician”. If you are craving a low slow burn forbidden romance with banter in abundance, The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley will be the cure to what ails you. 

Fall in love at first bite with My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine. Cassie needs a new place to live but her new roommate is far from normal. Fredrick J. Fitzwilliam sleeps all day, talks like he walked out of a regency novel and is comically unprepared for the modern world. But there’s a spark between them and true love is at stake in this witty paranormal fantasy romance. 

Controversial Opinions on Romantasy

So, if romantasy is a fantasy story with a deeply compelling romance, what else fits the bill? I’ve already put Star Wars well within this category. It’s internet lore that Brandon Sanderson started to include romantic payoff in his storylines upon the request of his wife and readers. T.J Klune’s Under the Whispering Door offers a beautifully cosy fantasy story with a romance that breaks your heart and mends it multiple times over. It left me weeping. Travis Baldree’s Legends and Lattes offers high fantasy and low stakes as Viv the orc barbarian hangs up her sword and opens a coffee shop. 

Reader’s Tip - Hunting for Fairy Porn

As stated above, romantasy is the result of epic fantasy worlds colliding with deep, emotionally charged romance. And you can have that without explicit scenes. If only a small proportion of a book’s content is sexually explicit, describing it as “porn” in the way the term is often used feels far-fetched. But we appreciate that younger readers may need a helping hand in finding appropriate age related reading. There are many stories created for a teen / YA audience as well as those that use a fade-to-black approach. Holly Black's The Folk of the Air Series, Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzferald, Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series. Startup Hell by Caitlin Rozakis is a contemporary fantasy that pokes fun at the corporate world, mixing in soul selling with quotas and a closed door romance. Den of Liars by Jessica S. Olson is a YA romantasy that has a high stakes heist, bothers at war and a sizzling love triangle. Our Expert Reviewer Joanne Owen called it: "will leave romantasy lovers longing for the next instalment of this entertaining novel". You can also have a romantasy that only has a couple of intimate moments.

I think this is, in part, another example of the misogynistic dismissal of women’s writing within the fantasy sphere. That said, it doesn’t mean that readers aren’t looking for more explicit books. Or that there is anything wrong with seeking them out.

The issue is that, as everything becomes swept into one broad category with publishers and social media liberal use of popular buzzwords to gain traction, it can become increasingly difficult for readers to find exactly what they’re looking for. If you're wanting something that leans more towards the adult, keep an eye out for books that also feature in the genre of erotica or romantica and you won’t be left high and dry. 

Keep reading for more romantasy recommendations. If you’re looking to dive into a new read and choose to shop with LoveReading, not only will you get 10% off RRPs, you’ll be helping young readers discover the magic of books. 25% of your purchase can be donated to a school of your choice or, if you have no strong affiliation, money will go automatically into our funding scheme to help schools with disadvantage buy books for their pupils.