The best romantasy novels to read if you loved Onyx Storm
They’re a match made in genre heaven: the swooning emotions of romance and the expansive worlds of fantasy coming together in romantasy. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll tremble – but more importantly, you’ll FEEL. From enemies becoming lovers in the face of world-ending threats to fated mates bound by magical destiny, nothing says love like plotting together against a common enemy.
More and more of us are realising the pure escapist pleasure of romantasy. Stars of the genre include Sarah J Maas, author of 20+ bestselling novels including A Court Of Thorn And Roses (three out of the top 10 Spotify 2024 audiobooks are by Maas), and Rebecca Yarros, whose recent novel Onyx Storm is the fastest-selling book in 20 years. If you loved ACOTAR or Onyx Storm and are looking for your next romantasy fix, here are eight novels to add to your reading list…
Hungerstone by Kat Dunn
Hungerstone by Kat Dunn
10 years into a loveless marriage, Leonore, wife of steel magnate Henry, is facing another monotonous summer in the wilderness of the Peak District. On the couple’s first evening there, they rescue Carmilla, a hauntingly beautiful woman who withers during the day and awakens at night. As Leonore is drawn deeper into her guest’s orbit, she realises that her happiness might lie outside the confines of what her aristocratic education taught her to want. A beautifully written retelling of classic vampire novel Carmilla that explores how love and desire help us get to know ourselves better.
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
The Hurricane Wars and A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon
Thea Guanzon throws us into the thick of battle from page one, as Talasyn’s resistance group fights against the powerful forces of the Night Emperor led by Alaric, the imperial heir with power over shadows. Talasyn and Alaric are thrown into a political marriage of convenience in this Star Wars-inspired enemies-to-lovers novel, where the romance is as impeccable as the political intrigue.
Shadowed Moonlight by KC Harper
Shadowed Moonlight by K C Harper
Briar’s life and heart were torn apart when her werewolf boyfriend, Kane, left without explanation. Four years on, Briar is ready to move on. But when her brother is accused of murder, she calls on Kane to help investigate. Sparks fly as the old lovers team up to uncover the dark secrets of the city’s supernatural elite. A twisty urban romantasy featuring some crowd favourites: a strong female protagonist, an enemies-to-lovers plotline, lots of magic and adventure, and super-hot spice.
Starling House by Alix E Harrow
Starling House by Alix E Harrow
Opal is doing her best to raise her teenage brother when she gets offered a job too good to be true: cleaning Starling House, the dilapidated manor that looms over the old mining city of Eden. Every time she turns the key in the door, she faces a different floorplan, unexpected shadows and the mysterious Arthur, who might hold the answers to all Opal’s heart desires. A retelling of Beauty And The Beast, perfect for fans of gothic novels.
Paladin's Grace by T Kingfisher
Paladin’s Grace by T Kingfisher
Grace is a perfumer escaping an abusive marriage when she witnesses a failed murder in a dark alley and becomes prey. Stephen, a Paladin living a quiet life, is the knight in shining armour who rescues her. Both are middle-aged – something too rare in romantasy – and trying to make the best of the rubbish cards their world has dealt them. One to read if you like your romance served with a rising tally of severed heads!
Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco
Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco
Bridgerton – but with magic and dragons. Meet Gabriel, Prince of Gluttony and rake extraordinaire, and his nemesis Adriana, a journalist determined to investigate him. Yet when darkness threatens to engulf their kingdom, they have no choice but to unite to find their way through. Perfect if you like your romance anchored in unpredictable mystery, sparkling banter and next-level smut. This is part of a series of standalone novels, where each follows the romantic adventures of one of the seven princes of sin.
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
Dragonflight and The Dragonriders of Pern Trilogy by Anne McCaffrey
Lessa is an orphan dreaming of revenge until dragon rider F’lar encourages her to impress a golden dragon. Soon, the telepathic bond between Lessa and the Queen dragon is the only thing that can save their world from the destructive substance raining down everywhere. The strong link between Lessa and her creature isn’t the only thing worth saving – there’s also her blooming relationship with F’lar. The inspiration behind many romantasy bestsellers, Dragonflight is a must-read for fans of the genre and foreshadows Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Series and Sarah A Parker’s Moonfall duology.
The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H Rao
The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H Rao
Meneka is done with her life as an apsara – a celestial dancer. Instead of going to earth to seduce mortals who are threatening Lord Indra, she’s going to stay in Amaravathi with her beloved. Lord Indra promises to release her if Meneka fulfils one last impossible mission: exact Lord Indra’s revenge on the sage Kaushika. Unable to use her otherworldly magic on earth, Meneka trains as a yogi and in Kaushika’s ascetic ways. A sensual tale of love and self-growth anchored in Hindu myths.
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