Romantasy Books That Deserve Way More Hype — Beyond Just ‘Fourth Wing’ And ‘ACOTAR’

If you’re a romantasy fan, chances are you’ve already flown through the genre staples—ACOTAR and Fourth Wing. But here, we think it’s time to give some love to the hidden gems of romantasy—books that may not be all over BookTok but are just as magical and swoon-worthy. Whether you’re battling a reading slump or simply craving your next fantasy-meets-romance fix, these underrated titles deserve a spot on your TBR.

1. ‘A Fate Inked in Blood’ by Danielle L. Jensen

If there’s one book on this list you pick up, let it be this one. Set in a Norse-inspired world, the story centers on Freya, a fierce shield maiden who’s forced into marriage with a powerful Viking leader because of her magical abilities—all while battling a forbidden attraction to his son, Bjorn.

Bonus: the series is complete! The final installment, A Curse Carved in Stone, was released on May 13, 2025.

2. ‘One Dark Window’ by Rachel Gillig

Dark, witchy, and beautifully twisted, One Dark Window is a gothic fantasy steeped in tarot-like magic and slow-burning romance. Drawing inspiration from The Highwayman, this haunting tale follows a maiden forced to confront the monster in her head to protect her realm—only to find that true danger lies both within and without.

3. ‘The Witch Collector’ by Charissa Weaks

If you love enemies-to-lovers and elemental magic, don’t sleep on this underrated read. Raina wants revenge on the Witch Collector who stole her sister—but when things go sideways, she’s stuck teaming up with him to stop a bigger threat. Expect intense vibes, crackling tension, and a world you’ll want to get lost in.

4. ‘To Bleed a Crystal Bloom’ by Sarah A. Parker

Imagine Rapunzel, but darker, more twisted, and laced with aching emotion. This slow-burn romantasy tells the story of a girl cursed by her past and the enigmatic man sworn to protect her. It’s haunting, lyrical, and heartbreakingly beautiful in all the right ways.

5. ‘Daughter of No Worlds’ by Carissa Broadbent

If Throne of Glass hit you in the feels but left you craving more intense training arcs, deep emotional bonds, and rich worldbuilding—this one’s for you. Tisana’s journey begins in chains but transforms her into a force to be reckoned with. The slow-burn romance between student and mentor is powerful, mutual, and deeply respectful.

Best of all? It’s part of a completed trilogy.

6. ‘Riftbone’ by Parker Lennox and Bree Grenwich

Trust us—you’ve never read anything like Riftbone. It’s intense, emotional, and packed with political twists, forbidden love, and seriously cool magic. If you’re into adult romantasy with high stakes and even higher tension, this one belongs on your TBR.

7. ‘City of Gods and Monsters’ by Kayla Edwards

Think ACOTAR meets Crescent City, but with demi-gods, soulmates, and a murder mystery you won’t see coming. Add in a slow-burn romance that seriously burns, and you’ve got your next obsession. The cast is huge, the story’s intense, and the vibes are everything.

8. ‘The Divine and the Cursed’ by J.E. Reed

For fans of dark, immersive worlds where gods walk among mortals and love carries a deadly price—this one’s for you. The story centers on a cursed protagonist bound to a divine figure she both dreads and desires. Expect epic worldbuilding, agonizing choices, and a romance that’s as inevitable as it is forbidden.

9. ‘Filthy Rich Fae’ by Geneva Lee

Yeah, the title sounds super Wattpad, but don’t sleep on this series—it’s packed with drama, glamour, and all the spice you want. Imagine Gossip Girl set in a magical academy full of fae, forbidden romances, power plays, and political drama.

10. ‘The Third Ring’ by A.N. Horton

If you’re into complex magic and slow-burn romances that really pack a punch, this one’s for you. A girl from a broken kingdom has to survive a deadly power game—and along the way, she’s torn between loyalty and a forbidden love that sneaks up on her. Political drama and tough choices included!

Let’s try reading this book and live in your romantasy world!

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