8 Romantasy Books You Need To Read In 2026

Romance gives us butterflies. Fantasy gives us wonder. Romantasy—the electrifying fusion of romance and fantasy—gives us both, wrapped in magic, danger, longing, and unforgettable love stories. In recent years, romantasy has exploded in popularity, captivating readers who want high-stakes worlds and emotionally rich relationships in equal measure. Below is a list of 8 Romantasy books you need to read in 2026.

1. Radiance – Grace Draven

Radiance offers a refreshing and emotionally mature take on romantasy through an arranged marriage between two vastly different species. Brishen and Ildiko initially find each other physically unattractive, yet treat one another with kindness, humor, and respect. Their relationship evolves naturally from friendship into deep love, emphasizing emotional connection over instant desire. Grace Draven’s writing highlights mutual support, communication, and trust, making this romance feel authentic and deeply satisfying. Radiance stands out as a gentle yet powerful story that proves love grows strongest through understanding and acceptance.

2. Fourth Wing – Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing delivers a high-adrenaline blend of dragons, deadly trials, and forbidden romance. Violet Sorrengail is forced into an elite dragon-rider academy where survival is uncertain and weakness is fatal. Despite her physical limitations, Violet relies on intelligence, resilience, and courage to endure brutal training. The romance is intense and charged with danger, shaped by power struggles and deep mistrust. Yarros crafts a gripping story that balances action with emotional depth, making Fourth Wing a standout romantasy novel that redefined the genre for a new generation of readers.

3. Daughter of No Worlds – Carissa Broadbent

Daughter of No Worlds is a richly emotional romantasy that prioritizes character growth alongside epic storytelling. Tisaanah, a former slave determined to claim her magic and freedom, forms an unlikely partnership with Max, a weary war hero. Their romance develops slowly through mutual respect, shared trauma, and hard-earned trust. Broadbent’s strength lies in her exploration of healing, resilience, and ethical power. The world-building is intricate without overwhelming the narrative, making this novel a deeply satisfying romantasy for readers seeking emotional depth and meaningful relationships.

4. The Cruel Prince – Holly Black

The Cruel Prince explores ambition, cruelty, and desire within the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Jude Duarte, a mortal girl raised among immortal beings, refuses to accept powerlessness in a world that despises her humanity. Her relationship with the cruel and charismatic Prince Cardan is volatile, manipulative, and emotionally complex. Rather than a traditional romance, the book offers sharp psychological tension and moral ambiguity. Holly Black’s dark, folklore-inspired world-building makes Faerie both enchanting and brutal, proving that romantasy can be as ruthless as it is romantic.

5. These Hollow Vows – Lexi Ryan

These Hollow Vows embraces classic romantasy elements while delivering fast-paced drama and emotional stakes. Abriella enters the treacherous world of the Fae to rescue her sister, only to become entangled between two rival princes with opposing goals. The romance is intense, filled with longing, betrayal, and impossible choices. Ryan keeps the plot moving with high tension and sharp revelations, ensuring the emotional consequences feel real.

6. King of Battle and Blood – Scarlett St. Clair

King of Battle and Blood is a dark, sensual romantasy centered on an arranged marriage between a human princess and a feared vampire king. Isolde enters the union expecting brutality, but instead finds a complex ruler bound by duty, prophecy, and forbidden desire. The romance is intense and unapologetically passionate, balanced by political tension and supernatural lore. St. Clair excels at creating emotionally charged dynamics where love and power are inseparable. This book is ideal for readers who enjoy high spice, morally gray characters, and romance forged in danger.

7. The Bridge Kingdom – Danielle L. Jensen

The Bridge Kingdom delivers a slow-burn romantasy driven by political strategy and emotional conflict. Lara is raised to be a weapon, trained to infiltrate and destroy a rival kingdom through marriage. When she weds King Aren, she expects cruelty but instead finds honor and restraint. The romance develops through trust, shared hardship, and moral reckoning rather than instant passion. Jensen’s tightly woven plot and realistic emotional pacing make the relationship feel earned. This book stands out for readers who appreciate intelligent heroines and romance shaped by difficult choices.

8. Shadow and Bone – Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone introduces readers to the richly imagined Grishaverse, where magic, war, and destiny collide. Alina Starkov discovers she possesses a rare power that could change the fate of her world. As she trains under the enigmatic Darkling, romantic tension grows alongside ambition and temptation. The romance explores the seductive nature of power and the cost of surrendering autonomy. Bardugo’s atmospheric writing and morally complex characters elevate the story beyond a simple love triangle, making this book a foundational romantasy that rewards careful, emotionally invested reading.

Conclusion

Romantasy isn’t a trend—it’s a testament to our desire for stories that blend imagination with intimacy. The eight books we’ve shared here represent the very best of the genre, each offering a unique take on love in extraordinary worlds.