The LoreTrove guide

Best Romantasy Books to Read in 2026

A hand-picked list of the fantasy romance books worth adding to your trove — spanning series openers, slow-burn favourites, and the modern classics that define romantasy. Each pick includes the spice level, signature tropes, and why we'd put it on your TBR.

1. 1. A Court of Thorns and Roses

   Sarah J. Maas · ACOTAR · Series

   The romantasy on-ramp. Faerie courts, a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc, and the series that turned a generation of readers into romantasy obsessives.

   FaeEnemies to loversFated mates

2. 2. Fourth Wing

   Rebecca Yarros · The Empyrean · Ongoing

   Dragon-rider war college with morally grey love interests. Fast pacing, high stakes, and a sequel-hook ending you'll want to track in Release Radar.

   DragonsAcademyEnemies to lovers

3. 3. From Blood and Ash

   Jennifer L. Armentrout · Blood and Ash · Series

   Forbidden-romance pacing with a chosen-one heroine who actually wields power. High spice, deep lore, and a long backlist to binge.

   Forbidden romanceChosen oneVampires

4. 4. The Cruel Prince

   Holly Black · Folk of the Air · Trilogy

   Sharp political intrigue and the gold-standard enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Lower spice, but the tension is unmatched.

   FaeEnemies to loversCourt intrigue

5. 5. Throne of Glass

   Sarah J. Maas · Throne of Glass · Series

   Assassin heroine, sprawling worldbuilding, and a love triangle that pays off over a full series arc.

   Assassin heroineSlow burnFound family

6. 6. A Touch of Darkness

   Scarlett St. Clair · Hades x Persephone · Series

   Modern Hades & Persephone retelling. If you want morally grey love interests and the high end of the spice scale, start here.

   MythologyHades & PersephoneMorally grey