10 Best Romantasy Books To Read Next If You Loved Your Last Five-Star

Like many other fantasy readers, my obsession really took off curing COVID and I was forced to discover a new hobby before I went insane. Three kids, a husband, and a dog sequestered to their home for the foreseeable future was sketchy at times, at best. Then ACOTAR entered the chat. When it first popped into my instagram feed I was skeptical. I mean, I'm a 40-something mother of three. Why in the world would I enjoy a fantasy book? Well my friends, I couldn't have been more wrong. I was obsessed from the first page and ended up finishing the series in two weeks. After that I was hooked.

I've since read over 500 fantasy books and am always hunting for my next five star read. Over the course of my reading, I have discovered what makes a top tier fantasy book.

• Characters you can't stop thinking about
• Romantic tension and yearning
• Immersive world-building
• High stakes…think political turmoil, prophecies, arranged marriages, etc.
• Engaging pacing of the plot
• Emotional DAMAGE

These are the ingredients of a memorable romantasy read that have you scrambling for either the next book in a series or standalone. And don't get me started on an unfinished series….ugh, the wait is torture (looking at you Sarah J. Maas). Below I've highlighted my top 12 romantasy books I've had the pleasure of reading.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

This is an obviously choice. Who doesn't love dragons, high stake competitions, and a broody, dark, handsome MMC love interest? What fostered my love of Fourth Wing, much like other readers, was that Rebecca Yarros gave us a unique romantasy book we didn't know we needed. Violet's, our FMC, determination throughout the book to establish herself as a serious dragon rider, in the face of skepticism from pretty much everyone, had us vehemently rooting for her in every scene. The obvious secrets Xaden held throughout the book was both enticing and suspenseful. Who doesn't love a bad boy? We were given action, excitement, yearning, heartbreak, and a cliffhanger that had us throwing the book across the room. Epic romantasy series everyone should read.

The Esprithean Trilogy by Parker Lennox & Bree Grenwich

I cannot say enough good things about these books and these authors. They are masterful with words. While Riftborne, the first in the series, was sometimes slow to get through, the pay off in the next book, Duskbound, was WELL worth it. OMG. This series is setting up to be epic. A powerful outcast. A mysterious Sidhe general. A kingdom on the brink of ruin. To save her world, Fia must embrace the magic she's spent a lifetime hiding. While not part of the trilogy but definitely connected, The Ascended was my favorite book of 2025. The ending had me throwing the book across the room. I love being blindsided by plot twists and these authors got me good.

The Legacy Series by Melissa K. Roehrich

Melissa is an auto-buy author for me. I'll read anything she writes. I started with her Lady of Darkness series (also amazing), but the Legacy series is by far my favorite. This is a darker fantasy romance book series. In a world where Fae are bound to serve powerful heirs, Tessalyn is chosen to serve the mysterious Heir of Endings. As dragons soar and ancient secrets emerge, she must fight fate, forbidden desire, and a darkness threatening the realm. We have pure feminine RAGE in this series. Each book gets spicier and you go back and forth loving and hating the MMC(s?).

The Ashen Series by Demi Winters

I was late to the party with this one and I'm kicking myself. A woman on the run. Viking mercenaries. A deadly road. As monsters and assassins close in, Silla must choose between survival and the forbidden love that could cost her everything. This norse-inspired romantasy has a host of loveable characters. As the series moves forward, we get other side characters that become more main characters. I love this addicting series.

The Legends of Thezmarr Series by Helen Scheuerer

This was another series I slept on and I'm regretting it. A woman trying to fight against the patriarchy in proving she can be a fierce warrior. A mentor that pushes her to train while also pulling at her heart. This series gets better with each installment. Epic battles, tons of action, yearning and major betrayal that has you kicking your feet.

The Flame and Thorns Series by Marion Blackwood

I devoured this series. As we all know, I loved Fourth Wing, so why wouldn't I gravitate towards a book with dragon shifters? This series also got better with each installment. All five books are out and the series is completed. A deadly competition. A secret rebellion. A ruthless dragon commander. In the fight for freedom, the greatest danger may be falling for the enemy…YES PLEASE!

Souls in Ruin (The Southbound Series) by Jacqueline White

This is dark and enraptures you from page one. A blood-bound marriage. A captive princess. Two dangerous men. In a kingdom ruled by betrayal, refusing to kneel may be the deadliest choice of all. This is a love triangle and you will need to check your trigger warnings before proceeding. This book makes you FEEL so much. I love Mireille's strength and resilience. The ending cliffhanger will have your jaw on the floor.

The Bloodwing Academy by Briar Boleyn

What else is there to say about this popular book series. It's amazing, captivating, it's Harry Potter meets Fourth Wing, and a perfect series for romantasy lovers. In the vampire-ruled realm of Sangratha, half-fae Medra Pendragon fights to survive Bloodwing Academy's deadly competitions while uncovering dragon secrets and resisting her growing attraction to the arrogant vampire Blake Drakharrow. Are we Team Blake?? I think so…I don't know. Guess you'll have to read!

The Artisan Trilogy by Stacey McEwan

With two books out and many of us waiting on pins and needles for the third installment, this trilogy is epic! This is Peaky Blinders with magic. After discovering a devastating secret about magic, Nina and Patrick are torn apart by war. Years later, they're reunited on opposing sides, forced to choose between loyalty, love, and the future of their world. This series is full of tension, yearning, secrets, unique magic system, betrayal, and trust issues. The side characters are just as endearing as the main ones. If you're looking for a different type of romantasy read, look no further.

The Realm of Beating Hearts Series by Eva Simmons

This one is slept on and not talked about enough. I received this as an ARC edition and gobbled it up. When Elorie unknowingly revives a powerful Fae heir, she's thrust into a war between rival kingdoms where her untamed magic—and her heart—could determine the fate of the realm. I loved the drawn out tension between Wilder and Elorie. The pacing and plot progressed perfectly and we ended on a cliffhanger!

This list is always subject to change we get more amazing works from authors. For now, these are my most memorable. I hope you get a chance to read them. I've linked the featured books below!