The romantasy genre has taken over social media by storm. Today, we’re talking about all of the books you need to add to your bookshelf and to your to-be-read, or TBR, list.
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You might be thinking, “Did I just read that correctly? What in the world is ‘romantasy?’” Romantasy is the combination of the genres romance and fantasy. This new category has taken over the BookTok and Bookstagram communities, and I’m here for it.
Romantasy has created fandoms and influencers, and has given brand-new authors, as well as established ones, the ability to make writing their full-time job. This genre has helped some writers land contracts with traditional publishers, expanding their audience, reach and influence.
Whether you’re looking for a romantasy book to read at the beach or one to read on your next road trip, I’ve got you covered with the best romantasy book recommendations. Some of you may have heard of them since they’ve gone viral, whereas others are from first-time authors who are well on their way to making a name in the romantasy space.
Independently published books
I have had the pleasure of reading some truly amazing books this summer, including a few advance reader copies, or ARCs. Two of them are listed below: “Oaths & Vengeance” as well as “Child of Shivay.” Also, of the authors featured, three are debuting their first books. All of these completely blew me away, and a few of them I stayed up until 3 and 4 a.m. to finish reading because I couldn’t put them down.
‘Child of Shivay’ by JR Cathers
“Child of Shivay” is an epic fantasy set to break the current genre trends in romantasy and redefine the lines between love and betrayal. JR Cathers has crafted something truly original, a story of self-discovery written with deliberate prose that forces the reader to question the weight of a decision. This book is an epic unveiling of propaganda and how our lives are defined by every choice we make. Launching Oct. 16, 2025, this stunning debut, written in rural North Idaho, is being hailed as the next big thing in romantasy.
‘Blood & Betrayals’ by Jeanette Rose & Alexis Rune
Jeanette and Alexis met completely by chance in an online book club and became fast friends, which quickly led to them being inseparable. They first wrote a Hades and Persephone retelling, but soon were inspired to delve into the dark and mysterious world of dark academia. They enjoyed sprinkling spice, murder mystery and found family into “Blood & Betrayals,” which quickly became their heart book.
The book’s characters are messy, complex and wildly imperfect, but that’s what makes them so lovable and relatable. “Blood & Betrayals” will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, but remember, neither Rose nor Rune will pay therapy bills for trauma inflicted by their writing.
‘The Sky Called Her Home’ by B.J. Wilde
B.J. Wilde is an Australian romantasy author whose debut novel, “The Sky Called Her Home,” launches readers into a richly woven world of prophecy, politics and cosmic magic. Following Elyssara, a heroine torn between survival and destiny, and Kael, the brooding warrior bound to her by fate and choice, the story blends lyrical prose with edge-of-your-seat tension, a love that endures and a found family readers will ache to fight beside. With themes of fate versus free will, immersive worldbuilding and a fated romance that spans a trilogy, Wilde’s work is perfect for fans of “The Plated Prisoner” series and “Quicksilver.”
‘In the Blood’ by Kristen Cari
Kristen Cari is the author behind “In the Blood,” the first in the four-book romantasy series, “The Forgotten Fae.” Kristen lives in Milwaukee, Wis., where she’s a family photographer, a wife and a mama to a 3-year-old daughter and two rowdy dogs.
“In the Blood” follows Marigold, the future Queen of Aurelius, as she falls into a world of faeries who have been cursed. She lives in a society similar to Regency-Era, “Bridgerton,” but quickly finds herself in a tropical world more like “Vampire Diaries” meets “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” After being rescued by three faerie Princes, she discovers a world of magic, love and betrayal. Did I mention there are dragons, unicorns and even a shadow daddy?
‘Oaths & Vengeance’ by Susan Illene
Aella is a powerful half-elf, half-druid in her 30s, trapped for much of her life by an evil uncle who uses her rare portal magic for his own gains. When her young cousin develops a deadly illness, her family’s greatest enemy is the only one with the means to cure the girl. Aella will have no choice but to secretly marry and ally with a dangerous dark-elf, Darrow, who will open her eyes to the underbelly of the vicious fae world and some uncomfortable truths kept from her.
“Oaths & Vengeance” is written by Susan Illene. She is a former combat veteran and Arabic linguist who has settled down with her husband and two sons to live a semi-peaceful life. The author enjoys gardening and annoying her children with her sarcasm.
Books that recently went traditional or will in the near future
These books have been making headlines and have been popular across TikTok and Instagram. They’ve recently been traditionally published or will be in the near future, and you can expect to see them at your major bookstores.
‘On Wings of Blood’ and ‘The Bond that Burns’ by Briar Boleyn
Briar Boleyn used to teach high school students in the Canadian Arctic. But after writing her first romance novel in 2021, she quickly turned to writing full-time to support her growing family of demon-hybrid children. She’s recently gone traditional with her series “Bloodwing Academy.” “On Wings of Blood” was traditionally published earlier this year, with the second book scheduled for release this November. The third book in the series is expected to arrive in March 2026.
‘Metal Slinger’ by Rachel Schneider
“Metal Slinger” was traditionally published on June 17, 2025, and shocked the entire Booktok community with its insanely out-of-the-blue plot twist and cliffhanger. Many of us are still surprised by it and are in desperate need of book two, “Light Wielder,” which is scheduled to be published in May of next year.
‘Dire Bound’ by Sable Sorensen
“Dire Bound” is written under the pen name Sable Sorensen, who are two good friends and fantasy fangirls, who teamed up to write books that feature strong heroines, spicy romances and the never-ending fight between those in power and those who would defend the weak and vulnerable. Recently, traditionally published on Aug. 26, 2025, “Dire Bound” was their debut novel. Book two is set to be published on May 5, 2026.
‘The Wolf King’ and ‘The Night Prince’ by Lauren Palphreyman
Scottish countryside, castles, men in kilts and werewolves, what more can you ask for? Book one, “The Wolf King,” is set for traditional publication this November, and book two is scheduled for February of next year.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a feral reader looking for new book recommendations or you’re trying to fall in love with reading again, give one of these a read. Just don’t blame me when you add a few more books to your never-ending TBR.
Lara is a registered dietitian nutritionist, food photographer and avid reader. She recently started a book blog, What Lara Reads. Follow for all the book recommendations.