If you’re looking for a list of the most anticipated romantasy books of 2026, you’ve come to exactly the right place! In preparation for launching our first of our upcoming romantasy novels from The Legacy of Chandar series, I wanted to take a look at the eight upcoming, most-talked-about romantasy books around the web in a genre that has grown exponentially in the last decade.
The genre’s meteoric rise has been fueled by a perfect storm of factors. In fact, it has been so profitable that even traditional publishing houses have bought in, and in a big way. As a genre, romantasy can offer readers an escape into immersive worlds while also addressing themes of identity, personal empowerment, and love. In uncertain times, as these are, romantasy novels provide comfort and inspiration, making them particularly appealing to a broad audience. The readership range, especially for indie romantasy, has expanded from women aged 35-54 in 2013, to 18-54 today. That is incredible growth!
Romantasy is not just a trend; it is reshaping the publishing landscape, with many titles becoming bestsellers and driving profits for indie authors and traditional publishers alike. The Guardian says that fantasy romance book sales have gone up by an estimated 40% year-over-year. And according to Bloomberg, there are no signs of that slowing down. Bloomberg estimates that in 2024, Romantasy books achieved $610 million in sales, up from $454 million in 2023!
But if you reached this point and are asking “what is romantasy, anyway?” then let me fill you in. The most obvious explanation is also the most complete: romantasy is a subgenre in which uses romantic relationships, not to mention their emotional pay-offs, as the central plot in a fantasy setting. It’s similar to “epic fantasy romance,” which includes elements and themes that broaden the significance of the love story into “a love that can affect the fate of nations, or even worlds.” And is it ever HOT right now! That mix of “fantasy” and “romance” catalyzes both genres, offering readers an escape into immersive worlds with powerful heroines and emotionally resonant love stories.
So, without further ado read on for some of the best romantasy coming in 2026!
The Most Anticipated Romantasy Books of 2026
The Knave and the Moon by Rachel Gillig
The final installment in The Stonewater Kingdom duology, described as gothic romantasy with higher stakes and deeper mysteries than its predecessor. The Knave and the Moon is a dark gothic fantasy sequel about a morally gray knave and a moon-bound girl navigating deception, forbidden love, and prophecy in a shadowed kingdom. Release date: September 1, 2026.
The Last Thorn by Talia Hibbert
This is a debut romantasy from NYT bestselling romance author. The Last Thorn is a spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling set in an alternative post-civil war Britain, featuring a cursed hero who must form a soul bond with his enemy’s exiled daughter — or lose himself entirely to the darkness within. Release date: Summer 2026.
The Lion and the Deathless Dark by Carissa Broadbent
A brand new novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. Under an eternal night, the world has been ravaged by ten years of war between humans and vampires. Kyrene scrapes by as a bounty hunter, bearing a blessed sword from the goddess of justice. But in the wake of a devastating loss, Kyrene commits a crime that makes her a target for mortals and gods alike – and she is still desperate for vengeance. Release date: August 24, 2026.
A Forsaken Prophecy by Stacey McEwan
The follow-up to the NYT bestseller A Forbidden Alchemy, set in a world of high-class magic and gangster grit where a star-crossed couple must decide where their loyalties lie. Patrick, the last Alchemist, and Nina, the earth Charmer, confront betrayal and war between the Artisans and Craftsmen in a magical realm. Release date: July 14–21, 2026.
The Raven at the Ash Door by K.A. Linde
This is is the third book in the Oak & Holly Cycle series. Kierse McKenna battles an unbreakable curse binding her to a man she hates, seeking freedom with the relentless help of Graves, her winter god. Release date: June 16, 2026.
Fae & Alchemy Book 3 by Callie Hart
The third book in the Fae & Alchemy series by Callie Hart concludes the story of Saeris and Fisher as they confront shattered rules and intertwined destinies, and face the consequences of breaking the rules and fight to save their kingdom. Release date: November 10, 2026.
In the Wake of the Ruined by Kalie Cassidy
Imogen, a Siren queen, confronts a new monster while grappling with her bond to King Theodore and the challenges of her ancestral crown. Release date: July 7, 2026.
The next book in the ACOTAR series (ACOTAR Book 6) by Sarah J. Maas
I had to list this without knowing the title an unable to find a proper synopsis. However, as the ACOTAR romantasy series is probably THE most anticipated realease of 2026, I felt this list would be incomplete without a mention, at least. If you’re not yet familiar with the series, A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre, a mortal girl who kills a faerie wolf and is taken to the faerie lands, sparking a transformative journey. Release date for book 6: October 27, 2026. Bonus note: Book 7 due to be released January 12, 2027!
Why 2026 Is a Great Year for Romantasy Readers
I’m sizing up 2026 as the best year for romantasy yet! There are many new romantasy releases coming in 2026 and several highly anticipated sequels, too. From what I’ve read so far, this year’s selection of upcoming romantasy novels features powerful, relatable heroines, strange yet captivating storylines, and relationships that put the fate of entire worlds at risk. What’s not to love?
While you’re waiting for these titles to be published, the World of Menelon has two epic romantasy novels ready for you! Read Raven’s Tears first, and right away when you’ve finished you’ll be reaching for its sequel, Dead Man’s Trigger. Available through Kindle Unlimited right now—get your epic romantasy fix today!
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In a way, I like the re-branding of both the Romance and Fantasy genres into Romantasy. Having been a voracious reader from a very young age, I know that most Fantasy can also be dove-tailed into Romance if you expand the definition of what is romantic. Most people romanticize the Old West or the Gangster era of 1930s America.
The blending of the two genres serves to bring both into the light, which is a good thing. I will definitely have to start looking at authors who are new to me (all on this list, for example) and see about diving back into my old reading habits. 🙂
I wish the term “romantasy” had been in more common use when Michael and I wrote the Raven & Iris books in 2013 – 2015. I remember how we struggled to fit them into the pre-existing categories of either romance or fantasy. And I remember the anxiety that caused, because no matter which we chose, it never seemed “right.”
Fortunately, things change. 😄 As a romantasy author, I’m looking forward to expanding my reading into the genre a bit more widely. I’m thinking “The Lion and the Deathless Dark” may well be my next read. The third Fae & Alchemy book looks tasty too, but I’m not sure where I’d find time to read the first two.
How about you? What’s intriguing you in that list?