Top 10 Romantasy Books 2025: The dragon fire is still burning. Chaos is still being brewed in faerie courts. And with fervent swoons, political intrigue, and magic-infused romance that won’t go away gently, the royal halls of romance are resounding louder than before. The romantic comedy genre has not only endured but flourished in 2025. Once a specialized combination of romance and fantasy, it has now transformed into a cultural force that dominates social media feeds, bookshelves, and fandom imaginations.
Romantasy has clearly established itself as the literary sensation of the year, from emotionally raw narratives and ethically dubious loves to big fandom battles on TikTok and visually stunning edits that go viral in a matter of hours. Romantic fantasy now makes up more than 46% of BookTok’s fantasy content, and sequel pre-orders frequently reach one million copies far in advance of their publication dates. There has never been a greater need for romantic fantasy.
Here is your go-to list of romantic novels for 2025, regardless of whether you’re an experienced reader or you’re just starting to get into this world of enchanted kisses and bloodied crowns. In fantasy, where danger and desire coexist and love may be the only thing worth dying for, these ten books (plus one hidden treasure) are redefining what it means to fall in love.
1. Onyx Storm (The Empyrean #3) by Rebecca Yarros
Nobody could have predicted the tidal wave that would hit the lethal dragon-riding world of Fourth Wing when Rebecca Yarros first revealed it to us. She has reclaimed her position as the queen of contemporary romance with the release of the third volume, Onyx Storm.
As Violet Sorrengail sets out beyond Navarre’s failing magical wards with a secret that could ruin everything she’s achieved, the story gets off to a fast start. Relationships break down beneath the dragons that battle in the sky. Her love interest, Xaden Riorson, delves into progressively darker magic, threatening to destroy their shaky partnership. Tension, treachery, and difficult decisions are all part of the novel’s emotional heart.
The majority of readers laud the novel’s emotional rawness, despite some critics claiming the middle section lags with “filler” sections. Memorable punches are delivered by Tairn’s scathing sarcasm and Andarna’s devastating departure in the second half. And the cliffhanger at the wedding? Fan theories are going crazy as a result of it.
Onyx Storm is an experience rather than just a book. This book is widely used, from midnight releases to TikTok edits that use Halsey’s “Lilith.” This is a must-read if you enjoy morally complicated heroes, fire-breathing creatures, and love that defies fate.
2. Fearless (The Powerless Trilogy #3) by Lauren Roberts
The Powerless Trilogy has captivated the romantic audience more than any other series. Lauren Roberts wraps up the story with Fearless, which is already shattering pre-order records and igniting social media countdowns.
The narrative centers on Paedyn and Kai, an enemies-to-lovers couple whose romance has been as acerbic as it is compassionate, set against the backdrop of a collapsing monarchy and growing insurrection. They now have to decide between survival and submission, between love and leadership. After being written off as “Ordinary,” Paedyn assumes her position of authority, and Kai must bear the unachievable burden of regaining a tainted crown.
Fearless strikes a delicate balance between intense romance and political anxiety, which is what makes it so captivating. Bookstagram is flooded with fan art of their trademark “dagger-and-thorns” style, and Roberts has hinted at a “happily ever after or die trying” finale, which has only served to fuel the fandom’s already raging emotions.
Fearless will leave you speechless if you enjoy slow-burning romance, royal betrayals, and heroines who don’t wait to be rescued.
3. The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
With its lyrical style and subdued gothic charm, Rachel Gillig’s The Knight and the Moth stands out in a sea of fast-paced romance. Gillig’s comeback delves deeply into atmospheric romance with prophetic visions, decaying cathedrals, and a knight who has no patience for fate. Gillig is well known for her eerie novel One Dark Window.
Tormented by visions, Sybil, a Diviner, must manage a perilous partnership with Rodrick, a knight who doubts everything she stands for. Their trip unfolds with gradual, aching beauty in a world where omens are currency and girls disappear into mist. Instead of blowing up in a show, the relationship simmers with tension.
This book, which has been called “ACOTAR meets Bridgerton,” demonstrates that romance doesn’t always have to be loud to be effective. Readers seeking romance with a hint of fear have been captivated by the candlelit tension, and Pinterest boards were destroyed when the book’s cover fell.
This is a gothic treat, ideal for people who like velvet-draped hallways over dragon dungeons.
4. A Curse Carved in Bone (Saga of the Unfated #2) by Oisín Fagan
Don’t believe that Norse mythology could get any more sultry. A Curse Carved in Bone by Oisín Fagan is a spooky, exciting romance set amid ancient curses and icy fjords etched with runes.
The narrative centers on Bryn, a former misfit who becomes embroiled in a war-torn tale. Bryn’s grudging alliance with a warrior wounded by warfare blossoms into a romance motivated by mutual survival as alliances change and blood pledges are made in fire and bone. We’re not in a romantic relationship. “We’re survivors” has turned into its fandom’s catchphrase.
Fagan uses a lot of Norse folklore and symbolism in his worldbuilding. The characters are brutally honest: love is a curse you choose to live with, not a remedy. Although Bryn’s hugs and angst-filled gazes are more emotionally fulfilling, many liken her emotional journey to that of Kratos from God of War.
Fans who prefer their romance with ice, blood, and no sugar will enjoy this one’s grim tone and intricate dynamics.
5. Gate to Kagoshima by Lily Chang
Gate to Kagoshima is a cultural celebration rather than merely a tale. With its rich Japanese history and stunning visual narrative, Lily Chang’s romantic tale of a Kitsune fox spirit and a devoted samurai has swept over the romantic genre.
The novel, which is set in a setting influenced by the Edo era, intertwines themes of identity, duty, and love in opposition to social norms. The warrior and the spirit’s forbidden passion turns into a beautiful reflection on change and sacrifice. The song “I’d burn the gates of heaven for you” is already well-known on BookTok.
Chang pays flawless attention to cultural details. Every element exudes creativity, from the watercolor paintings in the book to the washi-paper map inserts in limited editions. Readers concur with R.F. Kuang’s description of it as “a gentle heartbreak wrapped in myth.”
This is what adult fantasy books would be like if Studio Ghibli produced them. Editions are selling out in a matter of minutes, yeah.
6. Alchemised by S.A. Reid
Combining intellectual rivalries, LGBT romance, and magical mishaps results in Alchemised, a great indie masterpiece. This book, which was self-published yet became quite popular, has found its main readership among people who enjoy lovable, untidy characters in an academic atmosphere.
Sparks practically fly when an alchemy student unintentionally forms a supernatural relationship with his adversary. With a pansexual protagonist and investigations of both literal and emotional magical entanglements, the resulting love triangle defies convention. It’s intelligent, real, and seductive.
Beyond the page, this has become a grassroots phenomenon thanks to Reid’s #QueerBookTok participation and viral bookbinding reels. Alchemised demonstrates that passion (and effective marketing) can overcome traditional publishing gatekeeping, as evidenced by its stellar reviews and average Goodreads rating of 4.64.
Fans of A Deadly Education who were hoping for more romance and representation will find both in plenty in this novel.
7. Rebel Witch (The Crimson Moth #2) by Kristen Ciccarelli
What is the result of combining religious trauma, a dictatorship that burns witches, and animosity between lovers? The Heartless Hunter’s spectacular follow-up is Rebel Witch. This time, Ciccarelli isn’t holding back, offering incisive commentary beneath engrossing narrative.
In order to achieve justice, Rune, the disobedient witch protagonist, employs strategies as sinister as those of her adversaries. She has an alluring and destructive relationship with Gideon, a witch-hunter who has become a hesitant ally. Fans went crazy on Twitter when the sentence “I’d fall for you in every universe” appeared in a leaked chapter.
The Rebel Witch does not recoil. It forces readers to face challenging subjects before rewarding them with intense tension and a pivotal revolution. And admirers? As a sign of togetherness, they are actually getting the crimson moth tattooed.
This one is a fiery mix of emotion, suffering, and politics. This is your next fixation if Serpent & Dove left you craving more revolt.
8. Accomplice to the Villain (Assistant to the Villain #3) by M. Nikolic
Workplace comedy combined with a fantasy romance? Sure, please. The trilogy that transformed dark rulers into love heartthrobs with HR problems is concluded with M. Nikolic’s Accomplice to the Villain.
From handling homicidal spreadsheets to dealing professions of unwavering adoration, Evie, the hesitant secretary to a feared villain, experiences a transformation. Fans have been pleading for confessions, sacrifices, and some genuinely insane office banter, and the final episode finally delivers. The villain declares, “I burned cities for you,” and 2 million TikTok duets concur that this is lovely.
Nickolic’s writing is heartwarming and funny, with witty twists on traditional clichés like villainy with office perks and forced intimacy in a lair. This is the solution to the question of what The Office might look like if swords were used.
9. The Primal of Blood and Bone (Blood and Ash #6) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
It would be impossible to discuss romance in 2025 without mentioning Jennifer L. Armentrout’s groundbreaking series. The romance in The Primal of Blood and Bone is more intense than ever, the stakes are god-level, and fans are giddy with anticipation.
Casteel and Poppy return with ancient powers to face forces outside of their world, and yes, Armentrout tweeted with delight that Poppy is wearing trousers this time. The internet was broken by this detail alone.
The fan base is still among the most loyal in the genre. “Who did this to you?” is still the most frequently cited romantic remark, and weekly conversations document spicily charged events like sports statistics. Every chapter contains heart-stopping situations, betrayals, and gods.
This series never lets you down if you’re looking for mythology with a romantic twist.
10. Sea of Evil and Desire (The Deep Saga #1) by Tori Bissell
Sirens. pirates. Oceans cursed. Nobody anticipated the dark romance debut of Sea of Evil and Desire, but now nobody can put it down.
A human captain and a siren queen are engaged in a perilous and alluring struggle of wills in Tori Bissell’s undersea epic. On TikTok, dark romance lovers have made “drown for me, darling” their official tagline. The consent dynamics are well-written, the landscape is gorgeous, and the emotional depth is surprisingly deep.
Already, fanfiction is flourishing. Over 4 million people have viewed ASMR edits and POV films with ocean themes. With each eerie chapter, Sea of Evil and Desire draws us in by appealing to our worst impulses and fears.
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Hidden Gem: The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
As anticipated, poet Ocean Vuong’s debut fantasy work is poetic and heartbreaking. It is just stunning how a young homosexual prince in rural Vietnam falls in love with a forest spirit in The Emperor of Gladness.
There is no way to classify this book. Vuong creates a story where nature, memory, and love all poetically intersect by fusing magical realism with Southeast Asian mythology. Critics refer to it as “lyrical brutality,” in which each syllable is exquisitely carved.
For those seeking more literary depth in romance, this is a must read.
The Water Trend in 2025 Romantasy
These days, it’s more than just fire and air. The most common metaphor in 2025 romance is water. Whether the dream-rivers in the Sea of Evil and Desire or the cursed waters in The writers are delving into aquatic symbolism in There Are Rivers in the Sky. Time is symbolized by rivers. Trauma is found in oceans. Emotional rebirth is symbolized by storms. Water is a symbol of both rebirth and destruction in a time of climate uncertainty.
Why These Books Are Dominating 2025
- Trope Innovation: Tropes are being reimagined in everything from villain workplace rom-coms (Accomplice) to scholarly rivals (Alchemised).
- Diversity Matters: Disability representation (Onyx Storm), BIPOC-centered fantasy realms, and queer leads are no longer uncommon—they are now valued.
- Community Involvement: Author livestreams, aesthetics competitions, and TikTok duets keep fans actively engaged.
- Escapism 2.0: We desire magic in an uncertain world, but we also want love to triumph, despite the efforts of dragons and curses to prevent it.
In the words of novelist Sarah Emmer:
Romantasy isn’t fantasy with kissing. It’s armor forged from hope—proof that even in fire, we find connection.
Your Romantic Toolbox for 2025
- Preserve Your Money: Reserve early because library digital holds for large items are held up for more than three months!
- Go Beyond the Book: Podcasts that examine every detail include Bookish Brews and Fantasy Fangirls.
- Avoid the Overhype: For a gentler approach, read The Knight and the Moth if you’re put off by modern fantasies that are overly slang-heavy.