The captivating hybrid genre of 'romantasy,' which skillfully blends romantic narratives with fantastical elements, has recently surged in popularity, dominating literary discussions and sales charts. This widespread appeal is evident across various platforms, from online communities like BookTok to prominent retail displays, even influencing broader cultural trends such as baby names. Recognizing this burgeoning interest, Goodreads editors have compiled a definitive list of the genre's most beloved titles, based on user engagement metrics like reviews and 'read' counts. This compilation serves as an indispensable guide for both devoted followers of romantasy seeking their next immersive escape and curious newcomers eager to explore this enchanting literary landscape.

Among the highly celebrated works, Rebecca Yarros's Fourth Wing stands out, having significantly shaped the contemporary romantasy scene. This inaugural novel in the Empyrean series plunges readers into the perilous world of Violet Sorrengail, a young woman training as a dragon rider amidst constant danger and blossoming romance. The series's immense success is underscored by the staggering 1.2 million ratings for its latest installment, Onyx Storm, on Goodreads, with three of the top four most-read books of 2025 belonging to this series. Other notable mentions include Rachel Gillig’s breakout duology, One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns, and her latest offering, The Knight and The Moth, praised for its unique magical system. Further enriching the genre are Callie Hart’s Quicksilver, known for its dynamic, often contentious, romantic leads, and Sarah A. Parker’s When The Moon Hatched, which redefines dragon lore with an imaginative premise where deceased dragons transform into moons. The enduring influence of Sarah J. Maas is also clear, with her Crescent City series, particularly House of Flame and Shadow, earning a place on the list for its modern fantasy setting filled with diverse magical beings. Additionally, Carissa Broadbent’s The Serpent and the Wings of Night offers a thrilling vampire-centric narrative, while Danielle L. Jensen’s A Fate Inked in Blood draws inspiration from Norse mythology, presenting a tale of destiny and power. Recent additions like Devney Perry’s Shield of Sparrows and the charming The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna continue to captivate readers with their fresh storylines. Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s humorous Assistant to the Villain and Heather Fawcett’s enchanting Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries showcase the genre's versatility, offering lighter, yet equally engaging, adventures. Penn Cole’s Spark of the Everflame delivers an immersive fantasy with a compelling romance, while Kaylie Smith’s Phantasma provides a spooky, gothic twist on the genre. Finally, LJ Andrews’s The Ever King brings a pirate-themed romance to the high seas, and Dani Francis’s dystopian Silver Elite presents a gripping narrative reminiscent of The Hunger Games, blending action, psychic abilities, and a captivating power struggle.

The burgeoning 'romantasy' genre exemplifies the boundless creativity within storytelling, proving that imagination knows no limits when weaving together compelling love stories with expansive, magical worlds. These narratives often explore themes of courage, resilience, and self-discovery, demonstrating how characters overcome immense challenges through determination and the power of connection. Engaging with these stories not only provides an escape into extraordinary realms but also encourages readers to embrace daring adventures and believe in the transformative potential of both love and perseverance in their own lives.