October 2025 romantasy new releases: Your TBR is about to get very full

Release date: October 7, 2025

Stephanie Garber's highly anticipated adult debut! Holland St. James has always believed magic is real, and when she tracks down the Watch Man who tells people when they'll die her world finally makes sense. Except he tells her she'll die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds the ancient Alchemical Heart. Racing against time through magical Los Angeles with a magnetic stranger who promises her sister sent him to protect her, Holland discovers everyone in this intoxicating world is lying to her.

Why you should read this: 

The queen of magical atmosphere is back with her first adult novel! Contemporary fantasy in LA with a ticking clock and a mysterious love interest? Yes, please.

Release date: October 7, 2025

Twins Thais and Thatcher are thrust into the deadly Trials of Ascension. Thais has hidden her ability to forge weapons from starlight, but when exposed, she's forced into trials she never wanted with one goal to kill Olinthar, King of the Gods, the father whose touch killed her mother. Bound to necromancer prince Xül as her mentor, sparks fly between the stubborn heroine and insufferably arrogant prince as ancient darkness threatens the divine realm.

Why you should read this: 

Divine trials with a revenge seeking heroine who can forge starlight weapons? Plus enemies to lovers with a necromancer prince? This is going to be epic.

Release date: October 7, 2025

The highly anticipated companion to Bride! Serena Paris, the first Human-Were hybrid, is orphaned, pack-less, and a target. With enemies closing in, she has only one option in Alpha Koen Alexander of the Northwest pack. His authority is absolute, and nothing will stop him from keeping her safe, even if she doesn't reciprocate his feelings. But power hungry Vampyres and Weres aren't her only threats.

Why you should read this: 

Ali Hazelwood's Were universe continues! Protective Alpha energy meets political intrigue in this paranormal romance that's going to consume you.

Release date: October 7, 2025

Sophia DeWinter, bound to her cruel uncle the Collector, discovers Killmarth College is her only chance at freedom. To gain entry, she must survive brutal trials called the Ordeals alongside other magic wielders. Teaming up with insufferably sexy botanist Alden Locke, she must hone her weak illusion magic and identify allies from enemies because hopefuls are being murdered between challenges.

Why you should read this: 

Magical college with death games, murder mystery, and steamy romance? This is dark academia meets deadly competition in the best way.

Release date: October 7, 2025

The Coven of Bones series continues! Beelzebub fell through the gate to Hell to save her life, and now he's caught under her spell and forbidden to touch but the only one she can trust. Together, they must make it through the Nine Circles of Hell to get back to Crystal Hollow, no matter what they lose along the way.

Why you should read this: 

Harper L. Woods taking us through the Nine Circles of Hell with forbidden love and a Lord of Gluttony under a siren's spell? This is going to be absolutely devastating.

Coven of Bones reading order:

1. The Coven
2. The Cursed
3. The Damned

Release date: October 7, 2025

A queer Gothic Cinderella retelling! Ella is a ghost, murdered at sixteen and trapped in her father's house. When she discovers how to untether herself and makes a bargain with a fairy charm seller for three nights of freedom, she can finally be seen, danced with, and touched. But you only know half of Ella's story.

Why you should read this: 

Freya Marske reimagining Cinderella as a gothic ghost story with queer romance? This is going to be hauntingly beautiful and completely unexpected.

Release date: October 7, 2025

A dark fantasy reimagining of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow where Katrina doesn't have to choose between Brom and Ichabod. Kat Van Tassel was meant to marry Brom Bones, but he vanished years ago. Now at Sleepy Hollow Institute studying witchcraft, she's drawn to new teacher Ichabod Crane. When Brom returns with amnesia and dark transformation, the trio faces The Headless Horseman and something even more terrifying.

Why you should read this: 

Sleepy Hollow retelling with witchcraft, a why choose romance, and threats beyond the Headless Horseman? This gothic fantasy is going to be deliciously dark.

Release date: October 14, 2025

The TikTok sensation Ever Seas series continues! Skadi met her husband-to-be with blades in hand on opposite sides of a battle. She lost, and the shadow elven king claimed his prize by marrying her off to fae prince Jonas to unite their kingdoms against the light elves. It's pure politics, and feelings won't come into play. Except Jonas makes not falling in love incredibly challenging. When new threats emerge, Skadi must choose to love her enemy or betray him to keep him alive.

Why you should read this: 

She tried to kill him so he made her his wife? This arranged marriage enemies to lovers with shadow elves and fae politics is peak romantasy chaos and TikTok knows what's up.

Ever Seas reading order:

1. The Ever King
2. The Ever Queen
3. The Mist Thief

Release date: October 14, 2025

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes a new series (note: this series was previously indie published and is now being traditionally published)! Former slave Tisaanah must complete an apprenticeship with reclusive fire wielder Maxantarius to join the Orders and save her best friend. But the Orders have cryptic intentions, war looms, and her growing feelings for Max could be their downfall or salvation.

Why you should read this: 

Carissa Broadbent starting a new series with a former slave heroine and reclusive fire wielder? The author who gave us The Serpent & The Wings of Night is back with more devastating romance.

Release date: October 14, 2025

When Prince Domhnall refuses to propose, heartbroken Princess Clía follows him to brutal military academy Caisleán Cósta to prove herself. Warrior Ronan promised never to lose focus, but he can't help being intrigued by the determined princess and her otter-like pet. As he trains her, war looms and hearts are tested.

Why you should read this: 

A princess infiltrating a military academy with an otter companion, a grumpy warrior who trains her, and a love triangle with her ex? This sounds absolutely delightful and swoonworthy.

Release date: October 14, 2025

Almost-mage Certainty Bulrush must transport magical artifacts to the dullest village around with brilliant, attractive overachiever Mage Aurelia. Between gossipy teapots, flaming swords, and an unruly catdragon, they discover the Guild's hoarded magic might do more good being shared. But magic is fickle, and attraction might spell trouble.

Why you should read this: 

Magical artifacts with personalities, academic rivals to lovers, and a catdragon companion? This cozy fantasy romance is going to be absolutely charming.

Release date: October 14, 2025

A year after transforming into a dragon, Tamsyn has lost Fell to the dangerous Crags and must survive among the dragon pride as an unwelcome outsider. Training under Fell's enigmatic brother Vetr, she forges herself into a warrior while their bond pulls at her and former friend Stig hunts her down, determined to destroy all things magic.

Why you should read this: 

Dragon shifter romance with a fierce heroine training to become a warrior? The angst of a lost love and the tension with a brooding warrior? This is going to destroy us.

Fire in the Sky reading order:

1. A Fire in the Sky
2. A Scar in the Bone

Release date: October 14, 2025

From the critically acclaimed author of The Dividing Sky comes this electrifying dystopian novel. In flooded former Miami, Eden infiltrates a Cruiser dating competition for heir Theo Desjardins, planning to break his heart and steal his money for the Marshes. But Theo isn't what she expected. He's handsome and surprisingly kind. Torn between mission and heart, Eden must choose between two identities, two loves, and two futures.

Why you should read this: 

Bachelor style competition meets climate dystopia with a tantalizing love triangle? This is going to be absolutely addictive.

Release date: October 21, 2025

The gods want her dead, but Hades will burn the world to save her. Our heroine is trapped in Tartarus, humanity's worst nightmare, facing twisted Titans in a divine death match where she's the cursed prize. To escape, she must survive horrifying trials and become something the gods never saw coming. But if she breaks free, so do the Titans, and the world will beg for the end.

Why you should read this:

Hades breaking every divine rule for his woman? The King of the Underworld going feral? This is peak touch her and die energy. 

The Crucible reading order:

1. The Games Gods Play
2. The Things Gods Break

Release date: October 21, 2025

A heart shattering sapphic romantasy of medieval folklore and love spanning centuries. Knight Vina and witch Simran are fated to fall in love and doom each other repeatedly across lifetimes. As they seek to break the cycle, a mysterious assassin targets tales like theirs. To survive, they must write a story stronger than fate itself.

Why you should read this: 

World Fantasy Award-winning Tasha Suri delivering sapphic medieval romance with reincarnation and fate defying love? This is going to be absolutely gorgeous.

Release date: October 24, 2025

When invaders from the North threaten ancient Ireland, mystical objects left by the Tuatha Dé Danann reveal themselves. Deidre, daughter of a king, and Kylin, son of a Northman, begin seeing visions of these powerful gifts. With a traitor among the Irish kings, they must work together using their newfound powers to defend their homeland.

Why you should read this: 

Ancient Irish mythology with mystical objects and visions? This epic fantasy romance celebrating Celtic heritage is going to be absolutely magical.

Release date: October 27, 2025

To take down the Iceheart Dynasty, Selena and her friends must turn enemies into allies. But the world holds more secrets than imagined, and tension within their group threatens to tear them apart. Victory requires sacrifice. Can they do what needs to be done without losing themselves?

Why you should read this: 

The fourth book in this epic fantasy series promises political intrigue, found family drama, and the kind of sacrifices that will probably make us sob.

Flame and Thorns reading order:

1. Empire of Flame and Thorns
2. Throne of Ice and Blood
3. Court of Lies and Deceit
4. Realm of Wind and Vines

Release date: October 28, 2025

The fourth installment in the viral Gods & Monsters series is finally here! Samkiel returns as the rightful heir, but his growing power, and the dark ancient force under his skin, threatens everything. When an ancient power calls to Dianna with messages of retribution, Samkiel embarks on a dangerous quest to the Otherworld to protect the woman he loves. Meanwhile, Nismera's thirst for power grows as she hunts Vincent and Camilla, and unlikely alliances form between gods and Ig'Morruthens to prevent reality itself from unraveling.

Why you should read this: 

If you're obsessed with Rebecca Yarros and Carissa Broadbent, this slowburn epic will destroy you in the best way. Gods dancing with monsters? Yes, please.

Gods & Monsters reading order:

1. The Book of Azrael
2. The Throne of Broken Gods
3. The Dawn of the Cursed Queen
4. The Wrath of the Fallen

Release date: October 28, 2025

The sequel to viral hit Blood of Hercules is here! Hercules is trapped in marriage with her two enemies, accidentally joined a cult, and Augustus and Kharon are trying to seduce her. When a dangerous prisoner escapes the Underworld and things spiral out of control, she's fighting in the Gladiator Competition to seize her power. Men are fighting over her, mysteries are unfolding, and she's had enough.

Why you should read this: 

Greek mythology meets gladiator competitions with morally gray alpha heroes and extreme enemies to lovers? This is pure chaos in the best way.

Villains of Lore reading order:

1. Blood of Hercules
2. Bonds of Hercules

Release date: October 28, 2025

A spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling featuring Princess Arabella and Felix Osiris, the Shadow Emperor. When he threatens her country unless she marries him, she discovers his empire is cursed and she's destined to set them free. As Felix teaches her to control her forbidden magic, hatred transforms into passion and she realizes she must break the curse or lose him forever.

Why you should read this: 

BookTok sensation Catharina Maura delivering a cursed emperor and forbidden magic? This Beauty and the Beast retelling is going to be absolutely devastating.

Release date: October 28, 2025

Princess Kadeesha, a warrior bound to marry the Hyperion High King, spends one last night of freedom with a dangerous stranger who's actually using her to trap the High King. When Malachi attacks her wedding, kills her father, and takes her hostage, they form a pact. She'll help lure the High King for his death, and he won't harm her people. But fae bonds are unbreakable and so might be their attraction.

Why you should read this: 

Enemies to lovers with a warrior princess and vengeful fae king? Political intrigue meets unbreakable magical bonds in this epic fantasy romance.

Release date: October 28, 2025

Anthropologist Marcella Gibbons is a dimidium, one half of a magical pair forever tied to rancher Max Middlemore. After cutting ties and swearing off magic, Max appears asking for help. Something dark is happening at their alma mater with one student dead and another floating midair and terrifying staff. To intervene, they must work together and confront centuries old origins of the disturbances.

Why you should read this: 

Second chance romance meets magical academia in rural New Mexico! Think dark academia with desert vibes and magical partnerships.