Escape Reality! 10 Romantasy Books to Ignite Your Valentine's Day & Beyond!

New to Romantasy? Don't worry, here's your essential reading list. I've been lost in the pages of fantasy for, well, most of my life. Sure, I’ve dabbled in sci-fi here and there, but magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests have always been my true north. And honestly, a dash of romance always makes those adventures even better. It's what grounds them, gives them that human heart, you know?

Escape Reality! 10 Romantasy Books to Ignite Your ...

Romantasy, while certainly not a *new* genre, has exploded in popularity lately. Think dragons, destiny, and undeniable attraction. Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series basically dominated bestseller lists and Kindle charts last year. So, if you're ready to dive in and discover what all the hype is about, I've put together a list of some of my personal favorites, along with some recommendations from my colleague, Jessie Wade, another total romantasy convert.

Note: Some of the books listed are available on Kindle Unlimited, which is a handy option. And, of course, for those who prefer listening, audiobooks are pretty much always available too. Perfect for multitasking!

Speaking of the Empyrean series, it currently consists of three books, with Rebecca Yarros confirming that a fourth is on the way. The wait is on! A "Fourth Wing" TV series is also in development for Prime Video, which is exciting. And, surprisingly, a companion card game was even released last year. Talk about world-building!

Another series on my radar boasts five books already, with a sixth installment on the horizon – though the release date is still shrouded in mystery. I was particularly excited about the TV adaptation by Hulu, but unfortunately, that project was scrapped last year. Here's hoping someone else picks it up!

Now, let's talk about a classic. While definitely not the *first* romantasy, "Twilight" undeniably became a household name. The movies? Let's just say they had some… questionable moments. But the books? They're something else entirely. Stephanie Meyer's story of a high school girl falling for a vampire is surprisingly captivating, with a depth that the films completely missed. Honestly, if your opinion of "Twilight" is based solely on the movies, I urge you to revisit the books. The "Twilight Saga" includes five books: the first four novels told from Bella's perspective, and a fifth companion book from Edward's point of view. Whether you love or hate it, "Twilight" is something of a pillar in the romantasy genre.

The Nightborn Duet is complete with books one and two, and the Shadowborn Duet begins with book three. The final book in the Shadowborn Duet is slated for release in July 2026. The world is vast and immersive and it's worth a read if you want something new.

Finally, Jennifer L. Armentrout's "Blood and Ash" series is absolutely *packed* with action, adventure, and all the steamy moments we've come to expect from modern romantasy. But what really makes this series stand out is the unique fantasy world she's created, and how the spice level steadily intensifies after the first book. "From Blood and Ash" tells the story of Poppy, a girl caught between gods and mortals, whose role as a Maiden leaves her forbidden... Well, you can probably guess what happens next!