It is hard to overlook the literary craze of romance novels in 2025. Attracting millions of readers worldwide and taking oveasy and romancer sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Goodreads, the Romantasy books trend has experienced an explosive rise in popularity. The romance book trend has become popular if you’ve seen book influencers gushing over morally dubious fae loves, enemies-to-lovers plots, and magical realms with tense, passionate romance.

Romantasy provides an unparalleled reading experience by fusing thrilling romance with the engrossing escape of imagination. In 2025, however, why is this genre reaching its zenith? Which books this year are must-reads, and what precisely constitutes a romantic novel? Let’s explore the intersection of fantasy that is sweeping bookstores and TBR lists worldwide.

What Is Romantasy? A Magical Mix of Fantasy and Romance

A work that gives equal weight to an epic romantic plot and a vividly imagined fantasy world is referred to as “romantasy,” a phrase that blends romance and fantasy. These novels frequently examine romantic tales that take place in the midst of otherworldly creatures, political intrigue, magical kingdoms, and old curses.

Romantasy books emphasize love, in contrast to standard fantasy novels, which could have romance as a subplot. The romantic relationship is frequently the emotional core of the entire narrative, not just one of its components.

Romantasy books are known for their high stakes worldbuilding, which includes kingdoms, rebellions, ancient magic, and intricate landscapes.

Slow-burning, intense love storylines that evolve across several volumes are known as emotional romance arcs.

Common clichés include arranged marriages, fated mates, forbidden love, and enemies of lovers.

Dual POVs: The heroine and hero’s points of view are frequently used in romance novels.

Strong female leads are self-reliant, self-determining women.

Characters that are dark and morally dubious: In particular, the enduringly popular “brooding love interest.”

To put it succinctly, romance offers readers everything: angst, action, magic, and sensual chemistry — all in one mouthwatering package.

The Romantasy Books Trend: Why Is It Exploding in 2025?

Although the genre has been around for a while, mainstream publishing will really embrace romance in 2025. Romantasy has evolved from a niche to the next big thing, with conventional publishers creating marketing tailored to the genre and self-published authors experiencing viral success.

1. The Power of BookTok and Social Media

Numerous romance novels have gained immense popularity thanks to platforms such as TikTok (also known as BookTok). These days, readers do more than just read; they also respond to narrative twists, produce visually stunning movies, and share their emotional breakdowns. Popular hashtags include #romantasy, #romantasybooks, and #bookrecs2025.

Videos with titles like ACOTAR or Fourth Wing frequently receive millions of views. Romantic novels are frequently propelled to the top of bestseller charts in a matter of days by influencers who enthusiastically review them.

2. Getting Away in a Crazy World

Real life is stressful, let’s face it. The need for escape—but not just any escape—is strong among readers. They are drawn to stories that offer them profound emotional connections and transport them to unearthly adventures. Both can be found in romance novels.

Readers can lose themselves in a world of dragons, fae courts, and magic systems while still enjoying a slow-burning romance with potentially disastrous consequences in a romance story.

3. Emotional Depth and Feminine Power

Strong, multifaceted heroines that are emotionally sophisticated, imperfect, and strong are common in the romance genre. These women are the tale, not just the props in male-dominated narratives.

Furthermore, romance novels’ emphasis on emotional growth, trauma recovery, self-worth, and love lends them a unique depth that appeals to a broad readership, especially female and LGBTQ+ readers who seek greater representation and complexity in fantasy literature.

Top Romantasy Books Dominating 2025

You only need to look at the best-selling novels and most popular releases of 2025 to get a sense of the full influence of the romance book trend. These novels can be found on shelves at Barnes & Noble, on TikTok feeds, and among the top 100 books on Amazon.

1. Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Flame and Shadow

Readers are drawn further into the fae world in the most recent installment of the ACOTAR universe, which is full of unexpected alliances, forbidden love, and political intrigue. Maas is still regarded as the queen of romance, and there is no denying her impact on the genre.

2. Carissa Broadbent’s The Serpent & The Starborn

With its darker themes, intense emotional tension, and the reappearance of cherished vampire characters, Broadbent’s sequel to her breakthrough book, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, has enthralled audiences.

3. Rebecca Yarros’s House of Gods and Monsters

With a new romantic series that combines dragon-riding academies with ancient tales and enticing romance, Yarros returns after Fourth Wing and Iron Flame revolutionized the genre. You may anticipate gut-wrenching cliffhangers and suspenseful pacing.

4. S.T. Gibson’s Frostborne Oath

A chilly, cursed country serves as the setting for this eerie romantic debut. This book, which has gone viral on BookTok, features gothic undertones and a romance between a mystery warrior and a heartbroken princess.

5. Carissa Broadbent’s Daughter of No Worlds (Re-released)

A 2025 special edition has breathed new life into this cherished independent game. It’s a favorite among fans in the romance genre because it has strong magic, a slow-burning romance, and themes of strength and healing.

Why Readers Are Obsessed: The Irresistible Ingredients of Romantasy

But why are these books so engrossing? Let’s dissect the fundamental components of the romance book craze.

1. Complex Worldbuilding

Readers of romance books are taken to vividly imagined worlds with kingdoms, mystical orders, lethal monsters, and intricate political structures. These universes have an extra degree of emotional closeness, but they are equally as detailed as any high fantasy book.

2. Romantic and Emotional Risks

Relationships are at the core of romance. The emotional stakes are quite high, whether it’s a heartbreaking slow burn spanning three novels or a sultry enemies-to-lovers arc. Readers become completely engrossed in how these love stories turn out.

3. Effective Tropes

Romanticism thrives on popular clichés:

• Enemies to lovers: Rivals turn into soulmates, sparks flying.
• Fated mates: Two characters are connected by a mystical bond, frequently with a twist.
• Found family: Characters develop close relationships that go beyond biological ties.
• One bed: Tension results from forced closeness.
• Sunshine x Grumpy: A lighthearted alternative to a melancholy romantic interest.

These cliches provide readers the suspense and reward they want.

4. Series Worth Watching

Romantic series frequently consist of several books, which enables readers to develop strong emotional bonds with the characters and plots. The slow-building romance, cliffhangers, and revelations keep readers turning the page.

How the Romantasy Books Trend Is Shaping the Publishing Industry

Not only has the romance book craze impacted readers, but it is also changing the way books are produced, promoted, and sold.

1. Conventional Publishers Going Above and Beyond

Prominent publishers have taken note of the increase and are making significant investments in romance. Fan art, custom edges, and bonus chapters are now included in pre-order campaigns, and new imprints and glossier cover designs are being produced.

2. The Growth of Independent Writers

Self-published authors have found great success in this area, and many of them are earning six figures thanks to services like Kindle Unlimited. Digital publishing’s accessibility has made it possible for new authors, particularly women, to produce daring, romantic fantasy tales.

3. Special Editions and Audiobooks

Those who enjoy romance adore immersive encounters. While special versions (with sprayed edges, unique artwork, and rare scenes) sell out quickly, audiobooks with two narrators, sound effects, and original background music are well-liked.

4. Adaptations for TV and movies

Additionally, romantic films will be released in 2025. Fans are finally witnessing the realization of their favorite love stories as Fourth Wing is being developed and ACOTAR is being given the Hulu treatment.

Upcoming Romantasy Releases in 2025 and Beyond

Wait if you believe that the popularity of romance novels is at its height right now. More diversity, darker, more complex storylines, and new subgenres are all contributing to the genre’s growth.

Books to Look Out for in Late 2025: Lexi Ryan’s Thorns of Midnight Deadly secrets, illicit passion, and dark fae.

Nisha J. Tuli’s Crescent Reign is a follow-up to her popular romance series.

L. R. Farren’s The Veil Between Us The debut was romantic and focused on cursed couples.

Growth of the Subgenre: Dark Romantasy: Gothic horror + romance (imagine necromancy and haunted castles).

Technology meets magic in sci-fi romance.

Queer love stories set in epic fantasy settings are known as LGBTQ+ romance, and they are rapidly expanding in both the YA and adult markets.

New to Romantasy? Here’s Where to Start

Don’t worry if you’re new to the romance book fad; it’s never too late to become a fan. The following are excellent starting points for new readers:

• Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses is a gateway romance trilogy that starts with a reworking of Beauty and the Beast.
• Danielle L. Jensen’s The Bridge Kingdom features warrior queens, slow-burning romance, and political intrigue.
• Carissa Broadbent’s The Serpent and the Wings of Night features vampires, hardships, and a heartwarming antagonistic relationship.
• Rebecca Ross’s Divine Rivals is a historical romance that combines wartime romance with poetic lyricism.

The Future Is Romantasy

The emergence of the romance book fad in 2025 signifies a significant change in the way we interact with and consume fiction. This genre isn’t only about romance or fantasy; it’s also about characters that stay with you long after the last page, emotionally charged narrative, and incredibly immersive environments.

One thing is certain: romance is here to stay, regardless of whether you’re drawn to it for the romance, the magic, or the suspenseful cliffhangers.

Therefore, if you haven’t already, pick up a romantic romance and get ready to be enchanted by a world that is both passionate and wonderful.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Romantasy Books Trend

Q: What age group are romantasy books for?
A: There are romantasy books for both young adult (YA) and adult audiences. Always check the content warnings and age rating.

Q: Are all romantasy books spicy?
A: Not all. Some are sweet and fade-to-black, while others feature open-door romance scenes. There’s a romantasy for every spice tolerance.

Q: Do I need to read fantasy to enjoy romantasy?
A: Not at all! Romantasy is often more approachable than traditional fantasy, especially if you love character-driven stories.

Q: Can I find romantasy books in Kindle Unlimited?
A: Yes! Many indie romantasy authors publish on Kindle Unlimited, making it a great place to explore the genre affordably.

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