My Top Romantasy Books (2023)

I'll come right out and say it: I adore the romantasy genre—the perfect blend of epic world-building, fantastical worlds, and swoon-worthy romance that makes it impossible to put the book down.

Although some might not always admit it...aren't these the books you always gravitate towards? The ones you'd like to bring on vacation? Or spend a Sunday devouring?

Forget the Next Great American Novel, I want enemies to lovers. I want fiery, sword-wielding heroines. And brooding, morally gray heroes.

So, I'm going to share my top 8 romantasy books that I've read in the last few years.

These are in no particular order.

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

ACOTAR might not be the most original recommendation on my list, but I can't not talk about it.

Like many of SJM's books, I think it takes a little patience to get to the phase where I literally CANNOT stop reading—book 1 is not my favorite in the series. But it's worth the wait.

This series covers so many great romance tropes:

• A complex political system that's actually interesting to read

• Enemies to lovers

• Who did this to you?

As far as spice, it takes a while to get to (thanks, Sarah Maas), but I'd give it a 4/5 on the spice scale. 🌶️

2. The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy

I'm a sucker for a good retelling. While I'm a little worn out on retellings of Beauty and the Beast and Little Red Riding Hood, I think retellings can be so fun.

Gild by Raven Kennedy certainly doesn't disappoint. This series is a reimagining of the story of King Midas and his gold touch power, and follows the story of a totally lovable heroine that you can't help but root for.

3. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

Didn't I just tell you I love retellings? Well here's another one that has such a fresh take.

A Touch of Darkness follows Persephone, goddess of spring, who has recently moved to New Athens in hopes of living a normal life as a journalist.

This was such a good hook for me and really told the Hades x Persephone love story in a totally new way.

And bonus! There are more books by Scarlett St. Clair in this series to binge when you're done.

4. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Jennifer Armentrout is one of my hands-down favorite romantasy authors. This was the first book I read by her and I completely fell in love.

From Blood and Ash has it all:

• Stab-happy heroine who finds her voice

• Dark and stormy male lead

• An incredibly captivating and imaginative world

• Delicious romance!

I can't recommend this book highly enough. I usually think it's difficult to tell a vampire story from a fresh perspective, and this series knocks it out of the park. And there's some great spice 🌶️

5. A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

This series is YA, but it made my list as a romantasy because I literally sobbed by the end of this series. I think books that can make you cry are rare and should be treasured (also shoutout to Sarah Maas' Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood).

Cluess has an incredible imagination and this romantasy trilogy take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Naturally, it's not spicy, but it packs an emotional punch!

6. A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

The Kingmaker Chronicles series has so many fantasy romance tropes that I like.

Pantheon of Gods? Check.

Forced proximity? Check.

Badass heroine? Check.

A storyline that just gets more complex with each book in the series? Check.

7. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

This book got me so frustrated, I almost chucked it across my living room.

I wanted to shake the protagonists a fair amount while reading, but this series ended up being wildly satisfying. And that's partly because it's just an unbelievably gorgeous book. The world Jensen built is stunning. I found myself missing it once I finished!

I highly recommend The Bridge Kingdom if you're ready for an edge-of-your seat romance.

8. A Married to Magic Series by Elise Kova

This is a very fun collection that doesn't really need to be read in a particular order (but I do recommend the order Kova shares on her website).

I've read all three books that are current out (there's more to come!). They each take place in the same universe but focus on a completely different couple. They're all very fun, but A Dance With the Fae Prince might be my favorite because I'm OBSESSED with faeries at the moment.

What Are Your Favorite Romantasy Books?

There are SO many more books that I have loved that didn't make this list. But I want to know what other books you like and recommend in the romantasy genre—drop them in the comments!

And if you want to learn more about my romantasy series set in the world of Faerie, I'd appreciate the support.