Escape with this collection of can't-miss romantasy recommendations!
Ready to fall in love with magic, mystery, and mythical romance? Whether you're lounging by the pool or cozying up with your latest iced latte, this summer’s romantasy lineup has everything—enchanted kingdoms, brooding warriors, and slow-burn love that’ll make your heart race. If you're a fantasy fan who swoons over romance, these best fantasy romance novels should be at the top of your summer TBR. Perfect for readers who live for thrilling plots, dark romance, and heart-melting chemistry.
Follow the Summer Romantasy Reads Bookfinity list for bestselling romantasy book recommendations!
1. Behooved by M. Stevenson
This whimsical, mythrich romantasy follows a unicorn shapeshifter (yes, really!) and a reluctant heroine bound by ancient magic. With major fairycore vibes and an enemies-to-lovers twist, Behooved is ideal for readers who want a fresh take on magical creatures and slow-burn romance.
A charming slow-burn fantasy featuring a duty-bound noblewoman with a chronic illness, a prince who would rather be in a library than on a throne, and a magical ride through a world of cozy enchantment.
Bianca knows her duty comes before her heart. So when the threat of war looms, she agrees to marry the neighboring kingdom's heir. But not all royal weddings are a fairytale, and Prince Aric, Bianca's betrothed, is cold, aloof, and seems to hate her on sight.
As an unexpected romance begins galloping away with their hearts, Bianca and Aric must rely on each other to unravel the curse and save the throne.
2. Boudicca by P.C. Cast
Historical fantasy gets a bold, romantic twist. Warrior queen Boudicca reclaims her power in this fierce tale filled with rebellion, magic, and the kind of slow-burn romance that ignites hearts. Expect curses, sizzling attraction, and a heroine who fights for her people—and her heart. A great pick for romantasy fans who love historical flavor with their heat.
From P. C. Cast, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the landmark House of Night urban fantasy series, comes an epic, lusty, magic-filled romantasy about British warrior queen Boudicca. Perfect for fans of Sue Lynn Tan and Madeline Miller!
Inspired by the rich history of Boudicca's attack on Roman Britain, bestselling author P. C. Cast crafts an epic, mythic retelling of one of time's most legendary female warriors.
3. A Curse Carved in Bone: Book Two of the Saga of the Unfated by Danielle L. Jensen
Book two in the Saga of the Unfated amps up the danger and desire. Dark magic, vengeful gods, and a love that defies prophecy—this romantasy is intense, lushly written, and totally addictive. Don’t be surprised if you binge-read it in one night.
A shield maiden fights to break the shackles of prophecy--and to overcome the betrayal of the man who broke her heart--in this searing conclusion to the Norse-inspired fantasy romance duology that began with the bestselling A Fate Inked in Blood.
As war approaches, gods and mortals must choose their weapons. Yet the fiercest battle will be the one Freya wages within herself. With the magic of two goddesses burning in her veins, she must weave the threads of destiny to decide her own fate: Will she be the shield that protects her people or the curse that destroys them?
4. Dark Hope by Christine Feehan
Part of the beloved Carpathian series, this paranormal fantasy delivers vampires, ancient powers, and a romance that borders on obsession. It’s dramatic, steamy, and totally escapist. Perfect for those craving a darker, seductive fantasy.
Immortal passions rage as evil grows in this gripping novel in Christine Feehan's #1 New York Times bestselling Carpathian series.
Silke Vriese Reinders knows a war is coming. The demon slayer has seen it over and over again in the cards--and the battle won't just be for the survival of her remote village, but for all mankind. Silke knows the only way to win will be with the help of the Carpathians. A fact that fills her with trepidation, as she is fated to be the lifemate to one of the ancient supernatural warriors--bound to a complete stranger and responsible for his soul.
5. Enchantra by Kaylie Smith
This gem brings witchy vibes, magical academies, and a fiery love interest with secrets. Think A Discovery of Witches meets Crescent City.
Return to the world of Phantasma in this spicy, stand-alone romantasy, where seven immortal siblings are trapped in a deadly game of hide and seek . . . until one mortal woman changes the rules.
Welcome to Enchantra. There's only one rule: Never, ever trust your heart.
When Genevieve Grimm's mother dies, she's left with questions no one can answer--until she receives an invitation to Enchantra, a cursed palace in Italy, frozen in time and shrouded in strange fruit. So when the hostile and sinfully handsome Rowin Silver refuses to let her inside, Genevieve finds her own way in . . . only to realize her mistake.
After all, it was Rowin who taught her Enchantra's first rule . . . Never, ever trust your heart.
6. Enigma: A Dark Academia Romance by RuNyx
Dark secrets swirl through ivy-covered halls in this deliciously twisted romantasy. If you love morally gray characters and gothic romance, this one’s for you.
From New York Times bestselling author RuNyx comes Enigma, a twisted Hades and Persephone meets scorching dark academia romance―a tale of love and obsession between two rivals.
There are secrets she must uncover.
There are secrets he must keep.
Enigma is a sensual, epic love story for those who also crave the frightful, the puzzling, the suspenseful, the dangerous and the dark.
7. Firebird by Juliette Cross
The first of The Fire That Binds series, this story sizzles with elemental magic and forbidden attraction. Sparks literally fly in this high-heat fantasy romance.
House of the Dragon meets From Blood and Ash in this epic, scorching dark romantasy.
A conqueror captivated...
A witch prophesied to save them all...
An unforgiving world where dragons rule Rome.
Follow along as Julian and Malina navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn. Their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.
Firebird is an adult romantasy novel that contains dark themes, including slavery in Ancient Rome, which may be uncomfortable for some readers.
8. The Never List (Deluxe Limited Edition) by Jade Presley
This collector’s edition delivers not only a gorgeous package but also an enthralling romantasy story full of rebellion, hidden magic, and undeniable attraction.
They said the Choosing was a gift.
They never told me I was playing a deadly game.
"The sumptuous first book in the Never List series from Presley (The Veil of Blood & Magic) combines deliciously smutty romance with a surprisingly strong fantasy foundation.... This is Booktok catnip." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
9. The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
A lyrical and haunting story set in the Stonewater Kingdom. A tormented knight. A mysterious woman. A romance that glows with tenderness and shadows.
From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Gillig comes the next big romantasy sensation, a gothic, mist-cloaked tale of a young prophetess forced on an impossible quest with the one knight whose future is beyond her sight. Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Leigh Bardugo.
Sybil Delling has spent nine years wishing to be free of dreams. Like other girls who served at the cathedral, she is a Diviner, receiving visions from six mystical figures called Omens. These visions allow her to predict events, drawing people from all walks of life to hear their futures. As her time of service ends, a mysterious knight named Rodrick arrives. He is disrespectful and charming, showing little regard for her abilities. When her fellow Diviners start to disappear, she reluctantly seeks his help. The dangers outside the cathedral are great, and only a heretic like Rodrick can help her confront the gods who hold the answers.
10. Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
An enchanting tale of love, legacy, and war. With heartfelt romance, Shield of Sparrows is one that needs to be on every romantasy lover’s radar.
Shield of Sparrows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros--where enemies become lovers, monsters stalk a cursed realm, and a forgotten princess finds the strength to tear off her crown and become the warrior she was never meant to be.
★★★★★ "A riveting world, a twisty plot, and a smoldering romance. I burned through this epic romantasy." --K.A. Tucker, USA Today and international bestselling author of Fate & Flame series
11. The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson
Set in a fantastical court of secrets and betrayals, this is a story of political intrigue and forbidden love. Pearson fans will adore this romantic, poetic tale of power and destiny.
From New York Times bestselling author Mary E. Pearson comes a thrilling romantic fantasy full of dangerous fae, dark secrets, and addictive romance.
After losing both their parents, Bristol Keats and her sisters struggle to stay afloat in their small, quiet town of Bowskeep. When Bristol begins to receive letters from an "aunt" she's never heard of who promises she can help, she reluctantly agrees to meet--and discovers that everything she thought she knew about her family is a lie.
12. Order of Swans by Jude Deveraux
A sweeping romantasy from bestselling author Jude Deveraux. Order of Swans blends family legacy, hidden powers, and timeless romance in a richly woven magical world.
In this spellbinding, fantasy-rich romance, a woman is swept into a world where she has the power to alter fairy tales, and change a kingdom's destiny...
To Kaley Arens, a PhD student and expert in folklore, fairy stories have always had a power and an allure beyond mere entertainment.
In fairy tales, heroes and villains are easy to discern. In Bellis, nothing is quite as it seems. And though Kaley is discovering that she can change the outcome of the fairy tales she knows so well, her own story is unfolding in ways impossible to predict, with a destiny she could never have foretold…
13. Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Glamour, danger, and high-society secrets collide in this glittering tale of forbidden magic and elite romance. Think Throne of Glass meets Bridgerton.
In the first book of a sizzling dystopian romance series, psychic gifts are a death sentence and there are rules to survival: Trust no one. Lie to everyone. And whatever you do, don't fall for your greatest enemy.
"Dani Francis wrote the adult dystopian romance I've been wanting to read for the longest time. . . . I'm absolutely obsessed, and I need the next book in the series injected into my vein right now."--Ali Hazelwood, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bride
14. The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning
A mysterious manor, a haunting love story, and a girl uncovering ancient secrets—The House at Watch Hill is perfect for fans of gothic romantasy and atmospheric storytelling
#1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning is back with a gripping, imaginative, and seductive new series in which a young woman moves to Divinity, Louisiana, to inherit a large fortune and a Gothic mansion full of mysteries and ominous secrets...
"This book has everything! A witchy, sexy read that made me sleep with the lights on...Karen Marie Moning at her best!" – Sophie Jordan, New York Times bestselling author
15. Slaying the Vampire Conqueror: A Crowns of Nyaxia Novel by Carissa Broadbent
In this Crowns of Nyaxia standalone, a seer is ordered to kill the vampire conqueror she grows to love. With epic battle scenes, betrayal, and forbidden passion, Broadbent once again proves why she’s a #BookTok favorite.
From New York Times bestselling author Carissa Broadbent comes a standalone novel set in the world of the TikTok mega-hit, the Crowns of Nyaxia series.
She was commanded to kill him with a single strike to the heart. She didn't expect her own to betray her.
Sylina's orders are clear. The conqueror cannot live. But as the blood spilled by Glaea's tyrant king runs thicker, her connection with Atrius only grows stronger. A connection forbidden by her vows. A connection that could cost her everything.
16. Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis
A wicked sorceress. A secret identity. And a librarian who isn’t what he seems. This gaslamp romantasy delivers humor, longing, and political magic. This book is pure witchy delight!
In a Gaslamp-lit world where hags and ogres lurk in thick pine forests, three magical queens form an uneasy alliance to protect their lands from invasion...and love turns their world upside down.
"Stephanie Burgis is a fresh new voice and I can't wait to see what she does next." – Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author
17. This Vicious Dream by Stacia Stark
If you’re craving a dark fantasy romance with fierce heroines, brooding enemies, and heart-racing twists, This Vicious Dream is one of your can't miss summer reads. Stacia Stark delivers a story that’s impossible to put down. Ideal for fans of enemies-to-lovers and morally gray heroes—you’ll be hooked from the first page.
Once, I helped save a kingdom. Now, I'm trapped in a prison of thorns and nightmares.
My crime? Knowing the location of a power that could reshape the world-a grimoire I swore to protect with my life.
That secret is the only thing keeping me alive while my captors wait for me to break.
Until he arrives.
Beautiful. Ruthless.
Dark, inscrutable eyes. A dangerously wicked grin.