The Rise of Romantasy: From Niche to BookTok Sensation
Welcome to Mom Needs a Chapter! Dive into the enchanting world where romance meets fantasy in today’s hottest subgenre: romantasy. 🪄❤️
Whether you’re a longtime fantasy fan or a romance lover looking to explore new realms, this post will guide you through the evolution of romantasy and share my top must-reads.
Popular Romantasy Series
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Growing up, I never really enjoyed fantasy. Dragons, magic, and made-up worlds just didn’t appeal to me—at least not at first. It took me until adulthood to finally give the genre a try, and once I did, I was completely hooked! There’s something irresistible about escaping into a world where anything is possible and love conquers all, even in the face of sorcery and political intrigue.
A Brief History: When Fantasy and Romance First Met
Long before hashtags and viral videos, fantasy and romance existed mostly in separate corners of the bookshelf. Authors like Anne Rice introduced us to erotic vampire tales that thrilled and scandalized readers in equal measure. Her Vampire Chronicles were considered taboo by many—romantic fantasy was very much a niche market.
It wasn’t until cultural phenomena like Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer on television, and HBO’s True Blood that fantastical romance truly broke into the mainstream. Suddenly, teenage girls (and grown-up book lovers too) were clamoring for stories where love stories intertwined with magic, monsters, and myths.
Why We Can’t Get Enough of Romantasy
Today’s romantasy fans expect intricate worldbuilding, epic stakes, and characters who are more than just their romantic arcs. We love:
Morally grey, brooding love interests who keep us on our toes.
Fierce, powerful heroines who challenge tyrannical regimes and shape their own destinies.
High-stakes plots where the fate of kingdoms—and hearts—hang in the balance.
These elements resonate because they turn the classic romance formula on its head: our heroines aren’t damsels in distress; they’re dragon-slaying, spell-casting forces of nature.
My Top Romantasy Must-Reads
Below are my top 5 favorite romantasy series—complete with brief summaries and my signature spice ratings! 🔥In my next blog post I’ll review a long list of romantasy series…stay tuned!
Spice Level Guide
1 — Sweet & Subtle: Flirty tension, kisses, and fade-to-black scenes. Just a hint of heat.
2 — Lightly Flirty: Suggestive moments, heated kisses, and a little steam — but the door mostly stays closed.
3 — Medium Heat: On-page steamy scenes that balance sexy and emotional. Just enough to make you blush but still leaves a little to the imagination.
4 — Hot & Heavy: Multiple detailed steamy scenes, lots of physical chemistry, and very little left to the imagination. Definitely NSFW reading.
5 — Scorching: Explicit, frequent, and blazing. These books bring the heat hard — you’ll need a fan (and maybe a cold shower).
by Sarah J. Maas
Summary:
Feyre, a mortal huntress, is dragged into the perilous world of the Fae as payment for killing a wolf. There, she finds herself entangled in court politics, ancient curses, and a fierce, enigmatic High Lord.
Spice Level: 4/5
Delivers plenty of spice alongside its epic fae intrigue.
Best Book Of Series:
A Court of Mist and Fury
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Summary:
Poppy, the Maiden, is destined for a life of seclusion and purity—until the day's end when she meets Hawke, a golden-eyed warrior with secrets of his own. Their chemistry ignites as darkness threatens the realm.
Spice Level: 5/5
Turns up the steam with bold, intimate scenes.
Best Book Of Series:
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
by Rebecca Yarros
Summary:
Violet enters the brutal world of dragon riders at the Basgiath War College. With a sickly body and unwilling heart, she must rely on her wit—and a certain deadly instructor—to survive.
Spice Level: 3/5
More of a slow build, balancing action and moderate heat.
Best Book Of Series:
Fourth Wing
by Jennifer Armentrout
Summary:
Katy’s life changes when she meets her new neighbor, Daemon Black—and discovers he’s an alien with incredible powers. Their enemies-to-lovers ride is out of this world.
Spice Level: 2/5
The Lux series plays up the sweet, alien‑enemies‑to‑lovers vibe with lighter spice.
Best Book Of Series:
Obsidian
by Sarah J. Maas
Summary:
Assassin Celaena Sardothien is offered freedom if she wins a deadly contest to become the king’s champion. High-stakes magic, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance await.
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Slow burn that balances action with heat.
Best Book Of Series:
Queen of Shadows
Join the Conversation!
Romantasy has come a long way—from a taboo niche to the hottest trend in romance fiction. I’d love to hear from you: what are your favorite romantasy series? Drop your recommendations in the comments below!