December 2025 romantasy releases: New fantasy romance books to read

Release date: December 2, 2025

Norse mythology meets college dark romance in this explosive new series opener. When the gods aren't dead but merely sleeping in mortal bodies, one woman raised as her ruthless father's blade is sent to Endir University to steal back Mjolnir, the legendary hammer. But Aric Erikson, the enemy's heir, wasn't part of her mission. Cold, dangerous, and absolutely off limits, he's the one person she can't afford to fall for. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance and a war brewing between awakening gods, the spark between them might just be the fuse that ignites everything.

Why you should read this: If you love enemies to lovers tension set against a mythological backdrop with college dark romance vibes, this one's for you.

Release date: December 2, 2025

The enemies to lovers tension continues in this second installment of the City of Fantome series. Seraphine Marchant has retreated to a remote haven with her Order of Flames, plotting to eliminate shade magic with lightfire. But destiny, and assassin Ransom Hale, keep pulling her back to Fantome. As rebellion stirs in the kingdom and a dangerous prince rises to power, Sera and Ransom are forced to work together by royal decree. Their conflicted hearts face the ultimate test as an ancient prophecy unfolds that could change Valterre forever.

Why you should read this: Perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Caraval who crave lush world building, magical intrigue, and slow burn romantic tension that builds across the series.

The City of Fantome reading order: 

1. The Dagger and the Flame
2. The Rebel and the Rose

Release date: December 2, 2025

The reigning queen of romantasy delivers ten original love stories featuring fan favorite couples from the Shadowhunter Chronicles. From Jace and Clary learning that love can save or destroy the world, to Will and Tessa's Parisian honeymoon gone sideways, to Simon and Izzy's hilarious urban demon hunt, this collection spans time and storylines across Clare's expansive universe. Featuring Anna and Ari, Emma and Julian, James and Cordelia, and more beloved pairings, plus a sneak peek at The Wicked Powers, the grand finale trilogy.

Why you should read this: A must have for Shadowhunter fans who want more time with their favorite couples. Whether you've been with the series since the beginning or fell in love with a specific pairing, this anthology is a love letter to the fandom.

Release date: December 2, 2025

The fourth novel in the Lightlark Saga continues Isla Crown's fight against her dangerous ancestor, Lark. Having leapt into the unknown, Isla finds Skyshade nothing like she anticipated, survival alone will take everything she has. Meanwhile, Grim and Oro refuse to abandon her, even if working together means confronting their history of betrayals. The key to Isla's return lies close to her heart, but facing her most powerful enemy yet will require reconciling her past to forge her own future.

Why you should read this: With over three million series copies sold, this saga continues to deliver the secrets, deception, romance, and dark thriller worthy twists fans have come to expect. If you've been following Isla's journey, you won't want to miss where it goes next.

Lightlark reading order: 

1. Lightlark
2. Nightbane
3. Skyshade
4. Crowntide

Release date: December 2, 2025

In the aftermath of revolution, the country of Avon has issued a dark decree that candidates for the first presidential election must kill the former monarch of their home province. Callum, son of the dethroned king, is determined to be in the running, but committing patricide requires help from Lady Caterine, a Gifted courtesan at La Puissance who can manipulate emotions through pleasure. Their undeniable connection complicates everything, especially when a darker force threatens to ruin Avon's future forever. Sacrifice and betrayal await.

Why you should read this: This is dark, politically charged fantasy romance with a unique magic system and high stakes intrigue. For readers who want their romantasy with sharp edges and morally complex characters.

Release date: December 2, 2025

Contractor Tess Covington's life turns upside down when a trip to the Denver ER reveals she's not sick, she's a late presenting omega wolf shifter. With her family's finances on the line and a TV contract at stake, she can't abandon her renovation job. Too bad the lodge's owner is alpha wolf Hunter Barrett, who's sworn off omegas after getting his heart broken. Forced proximity, rising heat, and undeniable chemistry make avoiding each other impossible. But with their fling having an expiration date, they're playing a dangerous game with their hearts.

Why you should read this: Lana Ferguson brings her signature steamy style to shifter romance with all the tropes we love, fated mates tension, forced proximity, grumpy sunshine dynamics, and sizzling heat. Perfect for readers who want their romantasy with fangs and fur.

Release date: December 2, 2025

The explosive conclusion to the Nytefall trilogy is here. After a devastating betrayal, Star Maiden Astraea races against time to break the curse imprisoning her lover, Nyte. To save him, she may have to ally with darkness itself, or her enemy. As daylight fades and the realm crumbles, Astraea and her companions must retrieve the Maiden's broken key, the only weapon capable of killing the wrathful gods determined to rule the mortal world. Dragons will fly, gods will clash, and star crossed lovers must decide whether to yield to fate or make their greatest sacrifice.

Why you should read this: This is an epic, emotional finale with everything, dragons, vengeful gods, and a love story that defies the heavens.

Nytefall reading order: 

1. The Stars are Dying
2. The Night is Defying
3. The Dark is Descending

Release date: December 4, 2025

After the devastating arena events, Lyriana Batavia faces a world where her soulmate Rhyan Hart has become a soulless akadim. Named a traitor by the Empire, Lyr is hunted by every soldier in Lumeria, but she's not entirely alone. Auriel, Rhyan's former incarnation, has mysteriously appeared, determined to help whether she wants it or not. As Emperor Avery Kormac's cruel regime implements mandatory vorakh testing and Morgana and Aemon amass an akadim army, a centuries old secret is about to be revealed, one that will alter the fate of the Empire forever.

Why you should read this: The Drowned Empire series continues to deliver gut wrenching emotion, complex political intrigue, and a romance that transcends lifetimes. This installment raises the stakes higher than ever.

Drowned Empire reading order: 

1. Solstice of the Drowned Empire
2. Daughter of the Drowned Empire
3. Son of the Drowned Empire
4. Guardian of the Drowned Empire
5. Lady of the Drowned Empire
6. Warrior of the Drowned Empire
7. Traitor of the Drowned Empire

Release date: December 4, 2025

Kalypso has plenty of anger, starting and ending with the spiky purple demon who rescued her from the Dreadmoor. Trapped in the demon realm and separated from her sister, she's lost her purpose. Until she finds Ozirax, a demon warrior whose simmering rage mirrors her own. He needs her cooperation to earn his promotion and she needs to survive the Dreadmoor's dangers. They've both learned to sharpen their defenses, but when passion blurs the lines of fury, can they walk away with their hearts intact?

Why you should read this: Enemies to lovers with two spiky, angry characters who are perfect mirrors for each other? Yes please. This cozy spicy monster romance delivers found family vibes and queer representation alongside the slow burn tension.

Falling for Demons reading order: 

1. How Not to Court Your Human Captive
2. How Not to Charm Your Human Colleague
3. How Not to Woo Your Human Warrior
4. How Not to Tame Your Human Tease

Release date: December 5, 2025

In New Found Haven, mercy is weakness, the masked elite control everything, and love outside your social ring means death. Greyson Serel is the perfect heir, publicly. Privately, he's tangled in secrets that could topple the regime. When he's forced into a political marriage, his bride turns out to be Shadera, a mercenary who was sent to kill him. Her bullet missed; now she's trapped as both prisoner and wife. Their union is a battlefield, not a love story. But as secrets emerge and betrayals fester, they must decide to annihilate each other or burn the city down together.

Why you should read this: Dark dystopian romance meets true enemies to lovers in this Hunger Games meets Handmaid's Tale mashup. Political intrigue, forced marriage, and revolution make this a gripping start to a duology.

Release date: December 11, 2025

Bright, bubbly Brioni thinks being trapped in the demon realm might be the best thing that ever happened to her, but something's missing. Something deviant. Enter Ragnar who is gruff, grumpy, growly, and gray. The beastkeeper lost his magic and color long ago, and with them his civility. Brioni's sugary sweetness and relentless teasing are everything he's looking for in a mate, but he'd rather give her friendship than ruin everything by becoming the monster he believes he is. Too bad Brioni is determined to win every part of him, horns included. After all, trespassers will be punished.

Why you should read this: Brat meets grumpy demon beastkeeper in this cozy spicy monster romance. If you love sunshine heroines who refuse to give up on their growly love interests, plus found family and steamy tension, this is your next read.

Falling for Demons reading order: 

1. How Not to Court Your Human Captive
2. How Not to Charm Your Human Colleague
3. How Not to Woo Your Human Warrior
4. How Not to Tame Your Human Tease

Release date: December 17, 2025

The king is dead, but Havlands remains in turmoil. With invading Fae forces threatening the fractured realm, Elessia and her friends race to unite shifters, Fae, and humans. But as Elessia grapples with her deadly new powers, she and Merrick discover a devastating truth that the price of her gifts may force them to abandon their friends to face war alone. Journeying to Vastala for answers, they leave their companions to navigate brutal politics where bonds are tested, loyalties shift, and fate comes calling.

Why you should read this: The Compelling Fates Saga reaches its conclusion with high stakes, found family dynamics, and the epic romance readers have been following from the start.

Compelling Fates Saga reading order: 

1. A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly
2. A Promise so Bold and Broken
3. A Bond so Fierce and Fragile
4. A Fate so Dark and Delicate

Release date: December 30, 2025

Warren University hides dark secrets beneath its ivy-covered prestige, forbidden magic built on the sacrifice of its most prized students, and a secret society that will do anything to keep their power burning bright. Freshman Ellory Morgan feels an unsettling sense of déjà vu from her first day, growing more sinister with time. Despite all logic, she knows she's been here before. If she can't convince brooding legacy student Hudson Graves to help her recover memories that slip away as if by magic, she may lose herself for good.

Why you should read this: Dark academia meets fantasy romance with sharp social commentary in this spellbinding debut. Perfect for fans of Babel and A Deadly Education who want romance woven into their magical academic intrigue.

Release date: December 30, 2025

Hope becomes torment in this sequel to A Touch of Gold and Madness. After Chrome's devastating devolution into an Infernal, Gray takes her place as Elemental queen, guiding her people through dangerous magical territory while Kinetics hunt them. Desperate to restore Chrome to the man she loves, Gray accepts help from unlikely allies. Meanwhile, Chrome serves the ancient Tempest queen Celaena, but in moments of lucidity, he remembers one overpowering desire for Gray, his queen. Nothing will stop him from ensuring she rules in darkness at his side.

Why you should read this: Morally black antihero meets resilient queen in this dark fantasy romance dripping with malice. If you loved the first book's intensity, the stakes only get higher here.

Celestials of Arcadia reading order: 

1. A Touch of Gold and Madness
2. A Shade of Chrome and Malice

Release date: December 30, 2025

In a Roman inspired world ruled by merciless vampires, Arvelle's life in the dangerous Thorn district changes forever when a vampire appears at her door. Faced with an impossible choice, she makes a magical vow to kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by a god. First, she must survive the Sundering, a deadly arena where only the strongest earn a place in the emperor's guard. When the man sworn to protect the emperor turns out to be someone from her past, Arvelle must ally with him and the emperor's sadistic son to uncover a conspiracy about her own mysterious powers.

Why you should read this: From the author of Kingdom of Lies comes a slow burn romantasy with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and vampire political intrigue.

Release date: December 31, 2025

Disaris jin Gheza's rare gift for code breaking makes her a target for a conquering army and fanatical cult alike. To evade capture, she must cross perilous territories and sorcerous borders to rescue her sister and stop a goddess bent on world destruction. Traveling by her side is the battle mage called the Moon Raven, Bron, once her best friend and lover, now an uneasy ally with a death bounty on his head. Bound by memories and a connection they thought broken, they must outrun a deadly tracker, save a kingdom, and crush a savage deity without dying in the attempt.

Why you should read this: Grace Draven delivers epic fantasy romance at its finest with second chance love, high stakes adventure, and the lush world building she's known for. A tale of loyalty and longing that will sweep you away.