Top 10 Books Every Romantasy Fan Should Read

Originally from South Africa and now tucked away in the Hampshire countryside, Marilize Loxton writes fantasy stories, enjoys long walks with her lively Cocker Spaniel, and indulges a candle habit that could rival a small apothecary. She’s a marketer by trade, an author by heart, and a firm believer in the magic of readers finding each other online.

Hi, I’m Marilize Loxton, author of A Wish So Deadly, an enemies-to-lovers romantasy book that published with Scholastic in March 2026. I’m delighted to be guest-blogging for The Works, and excited to have you (the reader) here with me!

I can’t remember the first time I heard the term “romantasy” being used to describe romantic fantasy books, but I do remember seeing readers across the world debating whether or not it could stand on its own two feet as a genre (or subgenre, rather). That was a few years ago, and I think it’s safe to say that romantasy books are here to stay!

As a big romantasy reader myself, I think there’s something magical about stories that give us sweeping fantasy adventures and heart-aching romance wrapped up in one unputdownable package. Give me political intrigue, forced proximity, impossible choices and characters who fall in love at the worst possible moment any day.

My love for romantasy books runs so deep, in fact, I ended up writing one myself. A Wish So Deadly contains all the things I adore most about the genre: a heroine willing to burn the world to save her sister, a deadly magical tournament where smiles are sharper than knives and a brooding male character with far too many secrets. He’s the man who ruined her life, yet somehow he’s the only person she can trust. You can expect the one-bed trope (not once but twice, because I simply love it that much), a tending-to-her-wounds scene, and so much yearning your heart is guaranteed to ache by the end. But enough about my book. I think I’ve proven my romantasy credentials, so trust me when I say these ten books are absolute must-reads.

Marilize Loxton's Top 10 Romantasy Reads

The first six books on this list are newer discoveries that completely stole my heart. The final four are beloved favourites that helped shape my love of romantasy long before the genre exploded into the phenomenon it is today.

(Of course, I can’t very well include my own book on this list. But I can shout about the fact that The Works is releasing a gorgeous sprayed-edge edition of A Wish So Deadly! If any of the books below sound like your kind of read, there’s a very good chance you’ll fall in love with my enemies-to-lovers romantasy too.)

1. Thorn Season, by Kiera Azar

Set in a kingdom where magic users are hunted, this glittering court fantasy follows Alissa, a noblewoman hiding a deadly secret while navigating romance, intrigue and betrayal. Sharp, twisty and utterly addictive, this is one of my favourite recent reads. Plus the sequel, Sharpest Court, arrives in October 2026.

2. This Monster of Mine, by Shalini Abeysekar

This ancient Rome-inspired romantasy has murder investigations, political scheming and one of the most compelling morally-grey love interests I’ve read in years. Sarai is determined to uncover the truth behind her attempted murder, but working alongside the terrifying Judge Kadra forces her to question everything she thought she knew. The sequel, This Blade of Ours, releases in June 2026.

3. Blood Beneath the Snow, by Alexandra Kennington

A princess without magic, a deadly competition for the crown and an enemy general capable of tearing souls apart, make for an unforgettable read. Revna’s determination to save those she loves, even at enormous cost, had me hooked from the first page. The sequel, Gods Beneath the Ice, is available now.

4. When the Tides Held the Moon, by Venessa Vida Kelle

This stunning historical fantasy set in 1910s Coney Island is unlike anything else on this list. Featuring a blacksmith, a captive merman, found family and a deeply moving love story, it’s beautifully written and full of heart. The lush atmosphere and unforgettable romance stayed with me long after I finished reading.

5. Our Infinite Fates, by Laura Steven

Imagine remembering every past life you've ever lived and knowing the same person kills you in every single one. That’s the premise of this breathtaking story of reincarnation and love that refuses to die. This book had me thinking about it for weeks afterwards.

6. Phantasma, by Kaylie Smith

A deadly magical competition inside a haunted mansion? I’m there. Phantasma delivers a gothic atmosphere, dangerous bargains, demons, and a hero who is equal parts charming and suspicious. The sequel, Enchantra, is already out, with Daemonica coming soon.

7. The Cruel Prince, by Holly Black

No romantasy list would be complete without The Cruel Prince. Jude and Cardan remain one of the greatest enemies-to-lovers pairings ever written, and if you somehow haven’t read this series yet, now is the time. The sequels, Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing, are already out and the box set is available from The Works.

8. Cinder, by Marissa Meyer

This clever Cinderella retelling blends fairytales and fantasy with science fiction to create something deliciously unique. Cinder is a brilliant heroine, Prince Kai is impossible not to love and the wider Lunar Chronicles series only gets better with every book.

9. Graceling, by Kristin Cashore

Graceling gives readers a fierce heroine while pairing unforgettable romance with incredible world-building. Katsa’s journey of self-discovery, alongside Prince Po, remains just as compelling as ever. Better still, there are five books in the Graceling Realm series to dive into.

10. Shatter Me, by Tahereh Mafi

With devastating powers and one of the most iconic love triangles in YA fantasy, Shatter Me became a modern classic for good reason. Juliette’s journey from isolated prisoner to powerful heroine is unforgettable, and the series delivers plenty of romance and angst along the way. Aside from the six books available in the main series, you can also pick up a 4-book companion novella set at The Works.

Your Next Read

There you have it. If any of these books earned a place on your TBR, I have a feeling A Wish So Deadly might be right up your street too. Pick up your copy of the exclusive The Works sprayed-edge edition in-store from 29th June!