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There's just something about summer that makes me want to devour swoon worthy fantasy books by the stack. Maybe it's the sunshine, maybe it's the iced coffee, or maybe it's just my year round obsession with morally grey men and magical drama reaching its seasonal peak. Either way, I've built the ultimate summer romantasy TBR, a mix of spicy new releases, addictive series starters, and backlist gems I can't stop thinking about.
If you're looking for fae courts, dragon shifters, vampire wars, cursed princes, or just a touch (or a lot) of angst and forbidden romance, this list is stacked with fantasy romance books I cannot wait to read this summer.
Wait, what's a TBR?
TBR stands for To Be Read. It's basically a curated pile of books you fully intend to read soon, even if your actual reading schedule is more "chaos and vibes" than a neatly planned list. For me, a seasonal TBR is part wishlist, part mood board, part reminder that I will never actually get through my entire backlog. But that won't stop me from trying.
1. Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
A forgotten princess. A cursed realm. A monster hunting husband she didn't ask for. This slow burn romantasy has enemies to lovers vibes, ancient treaties sealed with blood, and gods who are not messing around. Oh, and it's already being made into a movie, so you know things are about to get dramatic.
Why it's on my TBR:
It's blowing up right now and I've got FOMO. Cursed lands, forced proximity, and a grumpy warrior boy? Count me in.
2. Enchantra by Kaylie Smith
Seven immortal siblings. One cursed palace in Italy. A deadly game where only one can survive and a mortal girl who crashes the party and pretends to be married to the most dangerous brother of them all. Enchantra is a spicy, standalone romantasy set in the same twisted, magical world as Phantasma, and this time the stakes are even higher. Fake dating meets survival games? Yes. Please.
Why it's on my TBR:
I just finished Phantasma and had way too much fun. The trials were wild, the romance was A+, and now I'm dying to see what kind of unhinged chaos Kaylie Smith cooks up next. Also, Rowin Silver sounds like my exact type of problem.
3. Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Psychic powers are illegal, rebellion is brewing, and Wren Darlington just got herself captured by the enemy and thrown into an elite military training program. Oops. But it might actually be the perfect chance to take them down from the inside, if she can survive long enough to do it. Add in a ruthless (and ridiculously hot) commanding officer who's way too interested in her secrets, and you've got betrayal, danger, and tension for days.
Why it's on my TBR:
Everyone's buzzing about this one and I need to know why. Dystopian vibes + forbidden powers + enemies to lovers? Say less. I'm in.
4. Direbound by Sable Sorensen
Direwolves. Deadly trials. A common girl is thrust into royal chaos, bonded to a wolf who wants nothing to do with her, and caught between a dangerous prince and a cold hearted instructor. Meryn never wanted to be part of the Bonded, but when her sister is kidnapped, she'll risk everything to save her, even if it means surviving a brutal competition, faking it at court, and navigating a castle full of secrets (and bitey politics).
Why it's on my TBR:
It's giving touch her and die, who did this to you, found family, fated mates, vampires vs wolves, do I need to keep going? Also, everyone says the banter is top tier and I am so here for it.
5. The Lies of Lena by Kylie Snow
Magic is outlawed, Mages are hunted, and Lena has spent her whole life hiding what she is. But when a charming weapons trainer and a sheltered crown prince both step into her life, at very different times, everything changes. Secrets unravel, years pass, hearts break, and fate starts pulling some seriously twisted strings. This is the kind of dark romantasy that promises forbidden love, painful betrayals, and a slow descent into chaos.
Why it's on my TBR:
Everyone says this one's easy to get into and absolutely wrecks you. I've been seeing it everywhere and I'm ready to feel things (and probably scream at my Kindle).
6. City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards
Humans don't usually survive long in Angelthene, a city crawling with vampires, witches, demons, and bounty hunters with magical Sight. But Loren's about to test her odds after a kidnapping gone wrong pulls her into the orbit of Darien Cassel, leader of the Seven Devils and the kind of dark, dangerous protector who gives off major "touch her and die" energy. Now she's racing to save her best friend, uncover a supernatural conspiracy, and not fall for the scary hot guy with a violent reputation and a secret soft side.
Why it's on my TBR:
Urban fantasy owns my whole heart and this one is giving everything I love. Spooky city, slow burn romance, protective MMC with edge. Let's go.
7. Amid Clouds and Bones by Ella Fields
She's a half fae princess. He's a Seelie prince with a reputation for cruelty. Their marriage? Completely arranged, totally unwanted, and about to get very complicated. Between power plays, dragon drama, and sizzling enemies to lovers tension, this standalone romantasy delivers high heat and high stakes, and just when things start to get good, fate throws her straight into enemy territory. Love that for her.
Why it's on my TBR:
Standalone + fast paced + spicy = my ideal summer read. I'm ready for the angst, the games, and the hot fae chaos.
8. On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn
Bloodwing Academy is full of powerful vampires, deadly secrets, and one very annoyed half fae dragon rider who's so over it. Medra never asked to be betrothed to a hot, arrogant vampire with a superiority complex or to be thrown into magical competitions where losing might get her killed. But between uncovering her powers, dealing with highblood politics, and trying not to throttle her enemies to lovers fiancé, she might just burn the whole place down. (With dragons. Eventually.)
Why it's on my TBR:
It's giving messy, magical, and addicting in the best way. I'm here for dragons, chaotic academy drama, and a story that's not trying to be perfect, just entertaining. Sign me up.
9. Empire of Flame and Thorns by Marion Blackwood
A deadly trial. A rebel fae girl. A ruthless dragon shifter who's supposed to ruin her chances but might just ruin her sanity instead. Trapped inside the Seelie Court, Selena's only shot at freedom is winning the Atonement Trials—but first she has to outwit her enemies, survive magical showdowns, and try not to fall for the infuriatingly hot commander who wants her to fail. Basically: chaos, betrayal, and dragons.
Why it's on my TBR:
Fast-paced, full of trials, and DRAGONS. I've heard this one's unputdownable and I'm ready for the rebellion, the tension, and the drama.
10. Riftborne by Parker Lennox & Bree Grenwich
Fia Riftborne has spent two decades as an outcast in a city that wants her gone, but when her dangerous powers erupt, she's given one choice. Join the Sidhe Guard or die. Too bad the man delivering that ultimatum is General Laryk Ashford, aka tall, cold, and 100% trouble. With a rising darkness threatening the entire realm, Fia might be the key to survival, if she doesn't fall for the man who could destroy her first.
Why it's on my TBR:
Enemies to lovers and a strong female lead? Yes. But also? X-Men energy, magical rebellion, and actual female friendship in romantasy?! Inject it directly into my TBR.
11. A Kiss of Iron by Clare Sager
Kat's broke, desperate, and suddenly tangled in a dangerous court filled with secrets, shadows, and sharp smiles. Her new job? Spy on the mysterious fae lord known as the Night Queen's Shadow. No big deal, except he's hot, ruthless, and way too good at messing with her head (and her heart). As desire tangles with duty, Kat finds herself in a high stakes game where one wrong move could mean betrayal or a very messy happily ever after.
Why it's on my TBR:
Shadow magic? Check. Morally grey fae love interest? Double check. One bed?? I am weak. Add in a spy plot and I'm already obsessed.
12. House of Bane and Blood by Alexis Menard
In a city split by bloodlines, magic, and scandal, Camilla Marchese is forced to marry her rival to save her family's legacy. Nico Attano may be dangerous, broody, and infuriatingly hot, but he's also her ticket out of debt if she can help him stop a serial kidnapper before the streets erupt in chaos. Political scheming, forbidden romance, and deadly secrets collide in this Peaky Blinders meets Grishaverse fantasy with mafia vibes and magical stakes.
Why it's on my TBR:
Bloodlines, politics, secrets, and a morally grey husband situation? I didn't even hesitate. This sounds like the messy power struggle of my dreams.
13. Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
Tisaanah has survived slavery, betrayal, and heartbreak, and now she's coming for justice, armed with magic and sheer will. To rescue the friend she left behind, she must become an elite Wielder but first she has to train under Maxantarius, a fire wielding recluse with a tragic past and zero patience. The world is on the brink of war, the Orders are playing games, and Tisaanah might be the only one brave (or unhinged) enough to burn it all down if it means saving the ones she loves.
Why it's on my TBR:
Badass heroine? Check. Gorgeous world building? Check. Completed series I can binge without waiting years for the next book? Absolutely yes.
14. White Horse Black Nights by Evie Marceau
After twelve years locked away, Sabine is sold off to marry a cruel high lord, but her real problem might be the grumpy, brooding guard who's escorting her there. With fae magic flickering to life, talking animals, and ancient monsters stirring at the edge of the kingdom, Sabine finds herself caught in a world of secrets, danger, and forbidden feelings. Oh, and the guard? He might just be the only one who sees the real her, which is definitely not ideal when you're planning your escape.
Why it's on my TBR:
The cover? Stunning. The vibes? Immaculate. Talking to animals, hidden identities, and a bodyguard I will absolutely fall for? Yeah, I need it now.
15. Wrath of the Dragons by Olivia Rose Darling
A fierce queen bonded to a flight of dragons. A demon king with revenge in his heart. A political marriage between two fated lovers who definitely don't trust each other. In this high stakes sequel to Fear the Flames, Elowen and Cayden must navigate warring kingdoms, strategic alliances, and a love that's as dangerous as it is inevitable. There's blood on the throne, fire in the skies, and feelings no one is ready to admit.
Why it's on my TBR:
Dragons. War. Slow burn tension between two reluctant royals who can't decide if they want to
16. Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano
Damien Bloodthorne is a dark lord on the brink of fulfilling his destiny. Destroy the realm, unleash his inner demon, be very evil. Enter Amma, a sunshiney little thief who accidentally gets magically chained to him and refuses to shut up. Now Damien is stuck dragging this tiny chaos gremlin across the land while trying (and failing) not to develop a soul. It's grumpy/sunshine, demon edition, and it's as hilarious as it is heart melty.
Why it's on my TBR:
Funny romantasy is my weakness. Give me a broody, chaos powered villain and a bubbly menace of a heroine and I will absolutely devour it.
17. The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman
On the eve of her arranged marriage, Princess Aurora saves a werewolf—and ends up kidnapped by a brooding alpha who believes she's the key to ending a brutal war. Taken deep into the wild north, Aurora finds herself caught between two worlds, two species, and one dangerously forbidden connection. With war brewing and loyalties shifting, the real question is: does she still want to be rescued?
Why it's on my TBR:
I've heard nothing but glowing things about this one from my fellow romantasy lovers. Wolves, tension, and forbidden love? Say less.
18. Stalked by Seduction and Shadows by Maggie Sunseri
Scarlett is used to being desired, but never like this. Rune, the ancient vampire lord who's been watching her from the shadows, is done pretending to keep his distance. When Scarlett ventures into a city ruled by feuding vampire clans to save her sister, she becomes the hunted in more ways than one. Possessive obsession, deadly politics, and shadowy magic collide in this dark, steamy, and completely addictive fantasy romance.
Why it's on my TBR:
Two words: vampire obsession. This one's been everywhere on Bookstagram, and I'm ready for morally grey chaos, shadow powers, and a very intense antihero with a stalking problem.
19. Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen
Four cursed fae princes. One awkward bookworm. Zero chance of keeping her heart out of it. When Lark trades her freedom to save her father, she ends up trapped in a magical realm with four beastly fae, each of whom must find their fated mate to break the curse. Her mission? Help them fall in love. Just, y'know, not with her. Except oops, they're all hot, the vibes are immaculate, and one of them might want to keep her forever.
Why it's on my TBR:
Reverse harem? Fated mates?? Touch her and die and enemies to lovers??? It's giving chaos and I am so ready to fall in love four times over.
20. A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden
When Arwen offers herself in place of her brother, she expects imprisonment, not a castle full of secrets, shadowy royals, and a dangerously charming king who wants her to use her rare healing magic for his war. Trapped in the Onyx Kingdom and surrounded by deadly forests and darker politics, Arwen must survive betrayals, unlock her hidden power, and try not to fall for the one man she definitely shouldn't trust.
Why it's on my TBR:
Morally grey king? Check. Secret powers, forbidden feelings, touch her and die energy? Check, check, and check. I'm fully ready to spiral.
Summer reading, but make it romantasy
Whether you're lounging poolside, hiding inside with the AC blasting, or curled up on the couch pretending it's fall already, these romantasy books are here to deliver dragons, drama, and just the right amount of emotional destruction.
Have you read any of the ones on my list? Are there any I need to add before summer's over? Let me know over on Instagram @read.romantasy or just scream with me about morally grey antiheroes. Either works.
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