If you’re anything like me, you love a romantasy series that absolutely wrecks you—in the best, most unhinged way. I’m talking about the books that leave you staring at the ceiling, emotionally destroyed, obsessively searching for fan art, and rereading spicy scenes because your brain refuses to move on.
These aren’t just books. These are full-body experiences.
Also, If Fourth Wing ruined you like it did me, you need this romantasy list too.
So today, I’m sharing a list of best romantasy books that ruined me (and that you’ll thank me for later). These are underrated gems—some with wild plots, some with emotionally damaged love interests, and all with the kind of romance that makes your heartache in the best way possible.
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Vicious Bonds by Shanora Williams (The Tether Trilogy)
This one? Everything.
Written by a Black author, Vicious Bonds by Shanora Williams (The Tether Trilogy) blends an interracial romance with dark fantasy and addictive chemistry.
From the very first page, the dynamic between the characters hooks you in and never lets go. The male lead has that “I hate everyone but her” energy we all love—and trust me, he delivers. He’s broody, intense, and completely unhinged when it comes to the girl he’s tethered to.
Their connection is raw, complicated, and electric, with moments that’ll make you burn through the pages. I couldn’t get enough, flying through this series and desperately craving more the second I finished.
If you’re a fan of dark fantasy with a side of scorching romance, Vicious Bonds is easily one of the best romantasy books you’ve probably never heard of— but you definitely should.
Lady of Darkness by Melissa Roehrich
I think about Lady of Darkness by Melissa Roehrich a lot. Like, too much. There’s just something about it that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
This book kept me on my toes the entire time, constantly throwing twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The romance is intense—electric, even—and as the characters’ emotions build, so does the tension, pulling you deeper into the story with every chapter.
But it’s not just the romance that grabs you; it’s the wild unpredictability of the plot. You think you know what’s going to happen next, you start to get comfortable, and then—boom—the book laughs in your face and completely flips the script. It’s unhinged in the best way, keeping you constantly on edge and questioning everything you thought you knew.
Nothing is as it seems, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Rorich hits you with another jaw-dropping twist. It’s one of those rare stories where the intensity never lets up; every page is packed with tension, surprises, and moments that will make you rethink everything.
If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing, make your heart race, and leave you with an unshakable need to talk about it with everyone you know, Lady of Darkness is absolutely that book.
Shardless by Stephanie Fisher
This book was just different. In the best way possible.
From the very first chapter, Shardless grabbed my attention with its unique worldbuilding and intriguing characters. The world Fisher has created is unlike anything I’ve encountered before, and that’s what made it stand out so much. It’s not just another fantasy book; it’s a fresh take that challenges what we think we know about the genre.
The characters are layered and complex, each one bringing something new to the story, making it impossible not to get invested in their journeys. The premise hooked me right away, and I couldn’t put the book down, constantly wanting to see where it would go next. It had cozy, binge-worthy energy—perfect for a night in your reading nook.
What I really appreciated was how Fisher blends new, exciting ideas with a solid romance that’s impossible to ignore. The romance isn’t just there for the sake of it—it’s integral to the plot, driving both the emotional and narrative arcs forward. If you’re a fan of fantasy that pushes boundaries while still delivering a heartfelt, compelling romance, then Shardless is an absolute must-read.
It’s easily one of those books that deserves a spot on any list of best romantasy books. It’s a story that sticks with you, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Court of Blood and Binding by Lisette Marshall
Ah yes—another emotionally constipated man who hates everyone except her. And let me tell you, that’s absolutely my favorite type.
Court of Blood and Binding scratched that itch perfectly, delivering everything I crave in a brooding, complicated hero. The male lead is all brooding intensity, layered with tension and that “you’re different” energy that just hits.
There’s something so addictive about watching him struggle to hold it all together while slowly, bit by bit, opening up to her. The contrast between how he treats her and how he treats everyone else is so satisfying. He’s an intense menace to everyone in his orbit, but with her? He’s different.
The dynamic between them is electric, and you feel every moment of that push-and-pull. The energy? Immaculate. The angst? Off the charts. There’s a constant undercurrent of tension that will have you hanging on to every page, and trust me, it’s the kind of angst that makes you want to scream (in the best way). This book nails that perfect balance of raw emotion and suspense, and I couldn’t get enough.
If you love a tortured hero with a slow-burn romance that leaves you craving more, this book will hit all the right notes.
These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
This one is more YA-leaning in the writing style, but honestly, it was so fun I didn’t even care.
The plot is so addictive, I couldn’t put it down—even if the prose did feel a bit younger at times. The story has everything you want: fae, secrets, and, of course, love triangle drama that will keep you guessing. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loved how the romance added to the tension without overshadowing the larger plot.
It’s fast-paced and easy to binge, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need. What really stood out, though, was how fun it was. It’s not every day you get a story that draws you in with such a light-hearted energy, yet still manages to pack an emotional punch when it needs to.
It reminded me that the best romantasy books don’t have to be heavy or dark to be impactful—they just have to hook you, and These Hollow Vows definitely does that. If you’re in the mood for something that’s easy to dive into, full of twists, and with a romance that will make you want to keep reading, this book is the perfect choice.
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
This one had the perfect “he falls first” setup, and I’m here for it.
The heroine is super guarded and independent, which makes her such a compelling character. She’s not looking for help, certainly not from the male lead, but he’s all in from the jump, and it’s honestly a delight to watch him fall for her. Their dynamic is so addictive—he’s all in, but she’s not making it easy, and that tension creates some seriously intense moments.
There’s a bit of a kidnapping trope here, so heads up if that’s not your thing, but honestly, the chemistry between the characters is undeniable. From the first page, you can feel it crackling between them, making it hard to look away.
I haven’t finished the whole trilogy yet, but the first book had me completely hooked. It’s got everything I love—slow-burn tension, witty banter, and a romance that unfolds in such a satisfying way.
If you’re a fan of romantasy that mixes a bit of adventure with a lot of heart and heat, A Promise of Fire is one of the best romantasy books to start with. Trust me, you won’t want to put it down.
The Fairy Games by Michelle Madow
The Fairy Games by Michelle Madow is a quick duology that brings a Hunger Games-style twist with a fun magical edge.
It’s not super long or overly complex, which made it the perfect pick when I wanted something fast, easy, and downright enjoyable. Sometimes, you don’t need a sprawling epic to get lost in; you just want a story that grabs you and doesn’t let go, and this book does exactly that.
The romance is there, subtle but effective, and the chemistry between the characters adds an extra layer of depth to the action. Speaking of action, it’s thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat, while the stakes are high enough to make every moment feel intense and important.
The best part? It’s all wrapped up in a magical world that feels fresh and exciting. Honestly? The Fairy Games is incredibly underrated and deserves way more hype.
If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced read that gives you all the excitement of a high-stakes competition with a touch of magic, this duology should be at the top of your list of the best romantasy books.
House of Beating Wings by Olivia Weinstein
House of Beating Wings by Olivia Weinstein is so unique—I’m still reading it (yes, a year later), and I’m honestly enjoying every moment. Trying to read more this year too? Here’s what’s actually helping me finish books.
The world is rich, and the magic system is one of the most original I’ve encountered: people turning into birds! It’s a fascinating concept that adds a whole new layer to the story and keeps things feeling fresh.
What really sets this book apart, though, is how grounded and relatable the characters are, even in such a fantastical setting. They feel real—flaws and all—and their emotional depth adds so much to the story. You can’t help but get attached to them.
The humor is on point, giving the story a lightness that balances out the heavier moments. There’s a perfect mix of emotional highs and lows that keeps you hooked. Plus, the originality of it all makes it stand out in a genre that can sometimes feel repetitive.
If you’re looking for something outside the usual fae tropes, House of Beating Wings definitely deserves a spot among the best romantasy books. It’s got everything: magic, heart, humor, and a unique twist on fantasy that you won’t want to miss.
Final Thoughts: Let These Books Ruin You
If you love messy characters, intense romances, and fantasy worlds that consume you, these books are for you. And because they’re so underrated, it feels even better falling in love with them—like you discovered something magical no one else knows about yet.
These might not be the ones topping every BookTok list, but they deserve to be. Because at the end of the day, the best romantasy books aren’t just well-written—they’re felt in your soul.
So go ahead. Let them ruin you. Want even more chaotic romance energy? Check out my anime + book pairings.
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