There’s a new genre on the block, and thanks to BookTok, it’s blowing up.
Odds are, you’ve heard of some sprawling fantasy series and you’ve heard of romance novels, but let us introduce you to romantasy books.
Fantasy romance has been around for a long time, but “romantasy” as a word to define the genre only started to spike as a search term in early 2023 — and since then, interest has only gone up.
So, what is romantasy?
Essentially, it’s a fantasy novel that uses romance tropes and storylines to further the plot. It encompasses all kinds of fantastical worlds with all kinds of creatures — faerie, dragons, vampires, werewolves, and more — with a prominent romantic storyline that is often — but not always — pretty steamy.
As summer turns into fall, there’s no better time to sink your teeth into the best romantasy series. Why? It’s getting dark earlier, spooky season is on the horizon, and with so many books, you can spend the dreariest and coldest months of the year escaping to one fantasy land over and over again.
Below, we rounded up 17 of the best romantasy books, including steamy romantasy books based on reviews from Audible readers.
Audible comes with a one-month free trial, so new users can try out the service with a book of their choice — including every book on this list.
About the book: When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world. As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.
Readers are saying: “A Court of Thorns and Roses” is a bestseller for a reason. I won’t lie to you, though when I saw that it was marketed for fans of George RR Martin, I almost skipped it. I’m honestly sick to death of everything being compared to Game of Thrones and I could slap the next person in my office whose cellphone blares out that theme song. Jennifer Ikeda was the perfect choice of narrator to bring this beautiful, heartbreaking story to life and I’m beyond glad I chose the audio version of this book … Bottom line: If you’re a lover of fantasy romance, but don’t want the romance to overpower the other elements, then go read this book already. Or listen to it, as Ms. Ikeda was an excellent narrator. shooing motion Go on!”
Audiobook narrator: Jennifer Ikeda | Run time: 16 hours and 7 minutes | Buy in Paperback
“A Court of Thorns and Roses“ series:
- “A Court of Thorns and Roses”
- “A Court of Mist and Fury”
- “A Court of Wings and Ruin”
- “A Court of Frost and Starlight”
- “A Court of Silver Flames”
About the book: 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail is forced to attend Basgiath War College where she undergoes intense training and relentless trials in order to become a dragon rider as a war rages on. She is smaller than most, with a weak and brittle body, and dragons don’t play nice; they incinerate anyone they don’t bond with. As the war continues and the death toll rises, Violet begins to suspect that leadership has some secrets of their own.
Readers are saying: “This is the first time I have read a book from this author, and let me say I will be continuing to read more! The characters, the richness of the world she created, and the adventure-filled storyline, had me riveted from the first moment I listened to it.”
Audiobook narrator: Rebecca Soler, Teddy Hamilton | Run time: 21 hours and 22 minutes | Buy in Hardcover
- “Fourth Wing”
- “Iron Flame”
- “Onyx Storm” — preorder, release date January 21, 2025
About the book: Every 100 years, the island of Lightlark appears to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. The invitation is a summons—a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood. The Centennial offers the six rulers one final chance to break the curses that have plagued their realms for centuries. Each ruler has something to hide. Each realm’s curse is uniquely wicked. To destroy the curses, one ruler must die.
Isla Crown is the young ruler of Wildling—a realm of temptresses cursed to kill anyone they fall in love with. They are feared and despised, and are counting on Isla to end their suffering by succeeding at the Centennial. To survive, Isla must lie, cheat, and betray…even as love complicates everything.
Readers are saying: “I picked up this book not knowing what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. I thought I had guessed the plot twist but was so far off (in the best way). It made the story even more exciting, in my opinion. This is a great read for people new to fantasy. It kind of reminds me of princess bride in some ways. There’s love, friendship, humor, curses, ‘magic’, and betrayal. It has all the good stuff to make you feel all the things. I couldn’t put it down. Definitely recommend!”
Audiobook narrator: Suzy Jackson | Run time: 12 hours and 57 minutes | Buy in Paperback
- “Lightlark”
- “Nightbane”
- “Skyshade” — preorder, release date November 12, 2024
About the book: Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya—the exceptional, the empowered, the Elites. The powers these Elites have possessed for decades were graciously gifted to them by the Plague, though not all were fortunate enough to both survive the sickness and reap the reward. Those born Ordinary are just that—ordinary. And when the king decreed that all Ordinaries be banished to preserve his Elite society, lacking an ability suddenly became a crime—making Paedyn Gray a felon by fate and a thief by necessity.
When Paeydn unsuspectingly saves one of Ilya’s princes, she finds herself thrown into the Purging Trials. The brutal competition exists to showcase the Elites’ powers—the very thing Paedyn lacks. If the Trials and the opponents within them don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for certainly will if he discovers what she is…completely Ordinary.
Readers are saying: “I haven’t left a book with this many emotions swirling since I read “ACOTAR.” The narration is beautiful. There is no smut and yet the romance aspect is heartbreakingly beautiful. I can’t wait for the next book. I wish I had held off almost because now my brain is nagging at me for how [Roberts] will resolve this. As long as in the end Kai and Pae end up together, I’ll be a happy girl. I don’t care if it takes ten books but give them a happy ending so I can live peacefully. I loved this so much more than I ever could have expected.”
Audiobook narrator: Chase Brown, Cecily Bednar Schmidt | Run time: 17 hours and 28 minutes | Buy in Paperback
- “Powerless”
- “Reckless”
- “Fearless” — preorder, release date April 8, 2025
About the book: Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night – until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.
Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved as an assassin to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.
As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion – one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.
Readers are saying: “This book held my interest from beginning to end. There were quite literally moments where I was holding my breath in anticipation of what was to come next. The story is riveting, it took a while to get all of the character names straight, but once I did, I was hooked. I will be reading book 2!”
Audiobook narrator: Elizabeth Evans | Run time: 27 hours and 50 minutes | Buy in Paperback
“Crescent City“ series:
About the book: Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.
When Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.
Readers are saying: “A unique twist on a common fantasy that leaves you breathless and writhing. I loved every bit of this book! Suspenseful and conquering story with emotional never ending surprises that keep you pulled in the entire time! This is a book I will probably listen to again and again with obsession once I get through the rest of the series!”
Audiobook narrator: Stina Nielsen | Run time: 19 hours and 46 minutes | Buy in Paperback
“Blood and Ash“ series:
- “From Blood and Ash”
- “A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire”
- “The Crown of Gilded Bones”
- “The War of Two Queens”
- “A Soul of Ash and Blood”
About the book: Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again… Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice.
Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she’s ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.
Readers are saying: “Need a break from complex storylines and exhaustingly long books? This is a great pallet cleanser. I didn’t come in expecting a masterpiece, just a fun love story. I came out pleasantly surprised. The storyline was entertaining and Lowe’s restrained addiction to the FMC was perfect. If you’re looking for a quippy read with some heavy tension, found family, and heartfelt romance, this is a great stop on your reading journey.”
Audiobook narrator: Thérèse Plummer, Will Damron | Run time: 12 hours and 47 minutes | Buy in Paperback
About the book: In a land without magic, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She has no love for the vicious king who rules from his throne of glass, but she has not come to kill him. She has come to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three murderers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she will be released from prison to serve as the King’s Champion.
Her name is Celaena Sardothien. The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. And a princess from a faraway country will befriend her. When her competitors start dying mysteriously, one by one, Celaena’s fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival—and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.
Readers are saying: “I read this book first as recommended for the “romantic” version of the series. I would say it was somewhat of a slow start for me – it feels like the building of characters and plot. The last 1/4 of the book really started to take off with some action and emotional connection to the characters. I can tell there is still a lot to be learned about the characters and I’m not sure who to trust just yet. Good promise of twists and turns, romance, continued character development, betrayal, and surprise.”
Audiobook narrator: Elizabeth Evans | Run time: 13 hours and 3 minutes | Buy in Paperback
- “Throne of Glass”
- “Crown of Midnight”
- “Heir of Fire”
- “Queen of Shadows”
- “Empire of Storms”
- “Tower of Dawn”
- “Kingdom of Ash”
About the book: The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.
But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival, Raihn. In a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love, Raihn may understand her more than anyone, but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall.
Readers are saying: “The synopsis intrigued me so I purchased the audiobook…but I didn’t really know what to expect. What a spectacular surprise to have been blown away by the story and the narration! I will recommend this to everyone I know who would appreciate a powerfully insightful fantasy.”
Audiobook narrator: Amanda Leigh Cobb | Run time: 15 hours and 4 minutes | Buy in Paperback
- “The Serpent and the Wings of Night”
- “The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King”
- “The Songbird and the Heart of Stone” — preorder, release date November 19, 2024
About the book: For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings…until she learns that the love of her life will marry another. Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.
But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game—and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy….
Readers are saying: This book left me wanting more in the best way possible. Each time I thought I had it figured out a new twist emerged. I went through a rollercoaster of hating and loving characters multiple times, back and forth. Fantastic read and great narration!
Audiobook narrator: Rebecca Soler | Run time: 10 hours and 3 minutes | Buy in Paperback
“Once Upon A Broken Heart“ series:
About the book: Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist. Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.
After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever. The bet does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows – and it’s forbidden.
Readers are saying: “I loved every moment of this book. I especially loved that I could tell that the author knows the origins of the myth, but found ways to make something new and magical with it. This is an old tale reimagined. Hades is a dark and broody club owner who rules the Underworld. Persephone, a young and naive college student studying journalism. Neither character was overdone for the sake of drama. The good and bad in each was believably balanced. As for the romance part of the story? It was the perfect level of steamy. Sometimes a romance becomes all steam and no sizzle, not this tale. There’s plenty of sizzle, the story, with a sprinkle of steam, the romance, to make you feel satisfied.”
Audiobook narrator: Meg Sylvan | Run time: 11 hours and 6 minutes | Buy in Paperback
- “A Touch of Darkness”
- “A Game of Fate”
- “A Touch of Ruin”
- “A Game of Retribution”
- “A Touch of Malice”
- “A Game of Gods”
- “A Touch of Chaos”
About the book: Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish, but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.
Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.
Readers are saying: “The story itself is very well written and captivates your attention from the first chapter but the telling of the story is mesmerizing. I have not always been a fan of audio books because I enjoy reading the words myself but this one could not have been any better. the characters came to life with the different voices and it kept me ready for the next word, next page, and next chapter. Highly recommend and worth the read over and over.”
Audiobook narrator: Nina Yndis | Run time: 15 hours and 16 minutes | Buy in Hardcover
- “A Fate Inked in Blood”
- “A Curse Carved in Bone” — preorder, release date May 13, 2025
About the book: Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost – even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.
Then, Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems….
Readers are saying: “First off, this was an extremely genius narration. The performance was amazing. The story was also well crafted and gripping from the start. I thought I could relax; listening to this story, but I was tense the entire time. So glad I can dive into part two immediately!”
Audiobook narrator: Marisa Calin | Run time: 12 hours and 6 minutes | Buy in Paperback
“Kingdom of the Wicked” series:
About the book: Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
As a huntsman of the Church, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. But when Lou pulls a wicked stunt, the two are forced into an impossible situation – marriage. Lou, unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, must make a choice. And love makes fools of us all.
Readers are saying:
Audiobook narrator: Holter Graham, Saskia Maarleveld | Run time: 14 hours and 13 minutes | Buy in Paperback
About the book: As an assassin for the rebellion group Fíur du Ath, Raeve’s job is to complete orders and never get caught. When a rival bounty hunter turns her world upside down, blood spills, hearts break, and Raeve finds herself imprisoned by the Guild of Nobles—a group of powerful fae who turn her into a political statement.
Crushed by the loss of his great love, Kaan Vaegor took the head of a king and donned his melted crown. Now on a tireless quest to quell the never-ebbing ache in his chest, he is lured by a clue into the capitol’s high-security prison where he stumbles upon the imprisoned Raeve….
Readers are saying: “I genuinely never thought I’d find another book that makes me feel as excited to read as the likes of “Throne of Glass,” “ACOTAR,” Harry Potter, the Empyrean Series, etc. but here we are. This book devastated me, surprised me, and intrigued me enough to lose an entire night’s sleep unable to put it down. And perhaps it gave me my new favorite book boyfriend.”
Audiobook narrator: Sarah Mollo-Christensen, Fajer Al-Kaisi | Run time: 20 hours and 12 minutes | Buy in Paperback
About the book: Calypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years she’s been collecting a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she’s received. Only death or repayment will fulfill the obligations. Only then will the beads disappear. Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He’s a man who can get you anything you want … at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects. But for one of his clients, he’s never asked for repayment.
Not until now.
Readers are saying: “I never write reviews. Usually just a five-star and move on. I LOVED this book. Binged it easily in two days. I loved the modern world mixed with the other world, I loved the mystery theme and the siren. The chemistry between the FMC and MMC. And the magical IOU’s. It was such a cool book and I’ve already recommended it to everyone I know.”
Audiobook narrator: Chelsea Stephens | Run time: 11 hours and 39 minutes | Buy in Paperback
About the book: Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful – and cruel – father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the faraway once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.
But this year Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.
Readers are saying: “I was loving this book from the first page. The excitement, the perils, the twisted and turns and whose fooling who was a great touch in the elusive but captivating tale of two desperate sisters trying to escape with their lives no matter where they seem to be.”
Audiobook narrator: Rebecca Soler | Run time: 10 hours and 6 minutes | Buy in Paperback
“Caraval“ series:
- “Caraval”
- “Legendary”
- “Finale”
- “Specatular” — preorder, release date October 22, 2024
About the book: this tale of passion and obsession, Diana Bishop, a young scholar and a descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript, Ashmole 782, deep in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. Its reappearance summons a fantastical underworld, which she navigates with her leading man, vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont.
Readers are saying: “This book series is one of my all time favorites. It’s intelligent, thrilling and very well written. Weaving science and historical facts into fiction is magical to me. This story pulls you in and takes you on a real journey with new and exciting characters. Every time I listen is as exciting as the first.”
Audiobook narrator: Jennifer Ikeda | Run time: 23 hours and 59 minutes | Buy in Paperback
- “A Discovery of Witches”
- “Shadow of Night”
- “The Book of Life”
- “Time’s Convert”
- “The Black Bird Oracle”
About the book: In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans is a safe haven after she’s forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent, Celine is quickly enraptured by the vibrant city becoming embroiled in the glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group’s enigmatic leader, Sébastien Saint Germain.
When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in Sébastien’s own lair—the second dead girl to turn up in recent weeks—Celine must battle her attraction to Sébastien and suspicions about his guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret.
Readers are saying: “The Beautiful” brought together some of my favorite reading aspects old New Orleans, vampires, romance, mystery, and action. While the storyline alone is entertaining and the descriptions vivid, some of the romantic aspects aren’t as believable.
However, the Audible performance by Lauren Ezzo is phenomenal and brought the story to an entirely new level. Her voice performance is so emotional and powerful that she fully brings you into the heat of New Orleans, the horror of murder scenes, and the heart crushing emotions of romance.”
Audiobook narrator: Lauren Ezzo | Run time: 13 hours and 9 minutes | Buy in Paperback
The Beautiful Quartet:
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Writer/Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping and New York Post’s streaming property, Decider. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on each streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. Prior to joining Decider and New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.