2025’s Hottest Romantasy Books: In-Depth Reviews, Spiciness Ratings, and Honest Reader Verdicts
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Welcome to the Golden Age of Romantasy
If you thought 2024 was big for fantasy romance, buckle up. The 2025 romantasy scene is a feast for the senses, brimming with dragon riders, fae courts, enemies-to-lovers slow burns, and tropes that hit you right in the feels. Whether you’re a seasoned romantasy reader or new to the genre, this year’s lineup has something for everyone.
I spent weeks binge-reading the most buzzed-about releases (yes, my TBR is basically a mountain now), rating their spiciness, strengths, and weaknesses, so you can skip the duds and fall headlong into the magic. Ready? Let’s jump into my top reviews for 2025’s most anticipated romantasy novels!
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Onyx Storm (The Empyrean #3) – Rebecca Yarros
Summary & Review
If you haven’t met the dragon-riding cadets of The Empyrean series yet, stop reading and grab book one. For veterans, Onyx Storm picks up with a vengeance—think heart-pounding aerial battles, betrayals, and a romance that burns as hot as dragonfire. Yarros doesn’t hold back: there are plot twists, emotional gut punches, and stakes that climb with every chapter.
Spiciness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Moderate. A few open-door scenes, lots of longing, and tension for days.)
Our Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Strengths: Fast-paced action, satisfying slow-burn romance, vivid worldbuilding.
Who Should Read: If you love dragons, complex political intrigue, and romantic tension that will have you yelling at the pages, this one’s for you.
Get it here - Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Fearless (The Powerless Trilogy #3) – Lauren Roberts
Summary & Review
The much-anticipated conclusion to a fan-favorite trilogy. Roberts weaves together rebellion, betrayal, and a romance you’ll root for. There’s real emotional weight here—characters you’ve grown attached to make impossible choices, and the ending is both gut-wrenching and hopeful.
Spiciness: 🌶️🌶️ (Low to moderate. More emotional intimacy than explicit scenes, but the chemistry is palpable.)
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Strengths: Rich character development, deep emotional stakes, satisfying series finale.
Who Should Read: Anyone who enjoys slow-burn romance, political intrigue, and character-driven stories.
Get it here - Fearless by Lauren Roberts
Gild (The Plated Prisoner #1) – Raven Kennedy
Summary & Review
A unique, dark take on the Midas myth. Gild is gritty, unpredictable, and deliciously addictive, with a heroine who grows in power and confidence. The romance here is complicated, sometimes toeing the line between tension and toxicity.
Spiciness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (High. There are some very steamy scenes and plenty of adult content.)
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Strengths: Unique world, bold voice, daring plot.
Who Should Read: Dark fantasy fans who want edge, spice, and a heroine breaking her chains.
Get it here - Gild by Raven Kennedy
Spark of the Everflame (Kindred’s Curse #1) – Penn Cole
Summary & Review
This debut is full of lush prose, a beautifully imagined world, and a magical bond between star-crossed lovers. There’s a gentle unfolding of both romance and magic—perfect for those who like to savor their stories.
Spiciness: 🌶️ (Low. Sweet and slow-building, with most of the steam reserved for later in the series.)
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Strengths: Lyrical writing, heartfelt romance, strong worldbuilding.
Who Should Read: Readers who love gentle, emotional build-ups and magic that feels truly magical.
Get it here - Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
Photo by Ravi Kant: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-book-pages-2877338/
Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy #2) – Callie Hart
Summary & Review
This is the book for fae fans who crave danger, secrets, and sizzling forbidden love. The alchemy twist gives the world a fresh, unpredictable edge. Expect high drama, cunning rivals, and romance that practically sizzles off the page.
Spiciness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Moderate to high. Tension-filled scenes, some open-door heat.)
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Strengths: Clever magic system, dynamic character chemistry, fast pacing.
Who Should Read: Fans of the Fae, clever magic, and high-stakes forbidden romance.
Get it here - Brimstone by Callie Hart
The Knight and the Moth (Stonewater Kingdom #1) – Rachel Gillig
Summary & Review
A gorgeously written, atmospheric debut full of political scheming and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance. The court intrigue is as satisfying as the blossoming romance.
Spiciness: 🌶️🌶️ (Low to moderate. The longing is intense, but the romance is a slow, slow burn.)
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Strengths: Richly drawn setting, complex characters, deliciously slow tension.
Who Should Read: Lovers of court politics, lush prose, and enemies-to-lovers romance that simmers for chapters.
Get it here - The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Enchantra (Wicked Games #2) – Kaylie Smith
Summary & Review
The stakes are higher, the magic is darker, and the romance is even more intense in this much-awaited sequel. Twists and betrayals abound, and the main couple faces temptations that threaten everything.
Spiciness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Moderate. Open-door romance, high tension, and emotional fireworks.)
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Strengths: Unpredictable plot, dynamic main couple, explosive climax.
Who Should Read: Fans of high drama, passionate romance, and magical showdowns.
Get it here - Enchantra by Kaylie Smith
The Rose Bargain – Sasha Peyton Smith
Summary & Review
A deeply emotional story about sacrifice, hidden magic, and romance that blossoms in the shadows. Smith’s writing is evocative, and the relationships—both romantic and platonic—feel authentic.
Spiciness: 🌶️🌶️ (Low to moderate. Tender moments more than steamy scenes.)
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Strengths: Emotional depth, nuanced characters, powerful themes.
Who Should Read: Readers who want to FEEL all the things, and love stories about bargains, sacrifices, and hope.
Get it here - The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
A Language of Dragons – S.F. Williamson
Summary & Review
A totally fresh take on dragons, this one features linguistic magic, mysterious legends, and a slow-growing romance. The world feels ancient, the secrets deep, and the stakes genuinely high.
Spiciness: 🌶️ (Low. The focus is more on adventure and worldbuilding than steamy scenes.)
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Strengths: Unique magic, engaging adventure, fascinating lore.
Who Should Read: Lovers of dragons, ancient mysteries, and slow-burn romance.
Get it here - A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson
Fate of the Five: Veil of Vasara (Fate of the Five #1) – Niamh Rose
Summary & Review
One of the strongest indie debuts of the year. Think chosen family, queer romance, and prophecies gone wrong. It’s epic, emotional, and brimming with twists.
Spiciness: 🌶️🌶️ (Low to moderate. Romance is central but not explicit.)
Our Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Strengths: Diverse cast, high emotional stakes, fresh take on fantasy tropes.
Who Should Read: Fans of queer romance, found family, and epic fantasy adventure.
Get it here - Fate of the Five by Niamh Rose
The Vampire Castle in the Sky (Tales from the Faraway North #2) – Iris Lake
Summary & Review
An enchanting, gothic fae romance set in a snowbound castle. Eerie, magical, and atmospheric—perfect for curling up with on a stormy night.
Spiciness: 🌶️🌶️ (Low to moderate. Some tension, a few swoony scenes, lots of longing.)
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Strengths: Evocative setting, strong atmosphere, haunting romance.
Who Should Read: Fans of gothic vibes, wintery magic, and fairytales with a dark edge.
Get it here - The Vampire Castle in the Sky by Iris Lake
Honorable Mention: A Dance of Thorns and Petals by Brandon Rohrbaugh
How We Rated Spiciness
🌶️ - Fade to black or light tension
🌶️🌶️ - Some on-page heat, mostly emotional/romantic
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Several steamy scenes, moderate spice
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - High spice, open-door romance, explicit content
Final Thoughts: 2025’s Romantasy Books Are a Reader’s Dream
This is truly a golden year for romantasy. Authors are raising the bar, offering us greater diversity, deeper emotional arcs, and more bold magic systems. Whether you’re here for dragons, fae, or heartfelt found families, you’ll find a new favorite on this list.
So, what’s next for your TBR pile? One thing’s for sure: whatever you choose, prepare for late nights, emotional hangovers, and a serious case of bookish bliss.
FAQs
Q1: Which book is the spiciest?
Gild stands out for heat, while most others balance emotional romance with a few steamy scenes.
Q2: Which has the strongest worldbuilding?
Onyx Storm, Spark of the Everflame, and A Language of Dragons all shine for imaginative settings.
Q3: Are there queer romances?
Yes! Fate of the Five: Veil of Vasara and several others offer wonderful LGBTQ+ representation.
Q4: Which book is best for new romantasy readers?
Onyx Storm is high-action and immersive, while The Rose Bargain is more character-driven—either is a great entry point.
Q5: Where should I start if I love slow-burn romance?
Try The Knight and the Moth or Moonlit Shadows for tension you can cut with a knife.
