R. Nassor may spend more time with books, tea, and ceramic mugs than recommended by professionals but it hasn’t failed her so far. Nassor has a MA in English Literature from Georgetown University, where she looked at the way medieval and early modern literature reappear in fantasy books today. She’s been writing about romance, fantasy, science fiction, and pop culture for quite a while, starting at Book Riot in 2020. She’s also written for Tor.com. You can follow her on Tiktok and contact her through her website.
From Sara Raasch and Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling authors of the Witch and Hunter duology, comes a lush and dazzling new romantasy set in the volatile and glamorous Scottish court, where a fae guardian of the realm falls in love with a charming Elizabethan spy—who could also be the key to her world’s undoing. Using secret codes, hidden messages, and a little bit of magic, both seeking to uncover threats to their own countries, Alyth and Sampson will have to work together to unravel a plot centuries in the making. Perfect for fans of Outlander, Powerless, and My Lady Jane.
In 2025, YA romantasy is having a moment. After all, who wouldn’t root for teens empowered to change the magical world around them with a partner to strengthen their fight?
Book Riot has covered romantasy extensively since the portmanteau combining “fantasy” and “romance” entered the scene. In truth, much of the momentum behind the genre originated in young adult books, an age category that often combined elements of fantasy and romance to great success. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, and Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas were all wildly popular even before YA romantasy was a semi-official subgenre.
I will say, one benefit of 2025 YA romantasy is the increase in diverse options for readers. Although YA, and publishing at large, is still largely white and straight, it is much more common to be able to find YA romantasy books with queer, BIPOC, or disability representation. The genre is the better for it.
There are simply so many excellent 2025 YA romantasy books to pick up now and put on your TBR. From debuts to the continuation of series, these young adult authors deliver fantastical worlds and swoony romance. I can guarantee you do not want to miss them.
Hit YA Romantasy
Between These Broken Hearts by Lexi Ryan
*Potential spoiler alert: this is a continuation of a series.*
In the conclusion to the These Hollow Vows series, both Jasalyn and Felicity will have to learn how to trust themselves and their partners if they want to dodge their fates. In eleven days, Princess Jasalyn will die, and her court will be forfeit if she doesn’t break her bargain with the fae king Mordeus. Although she will have to confront her deepest fears, Jasalyn will have Kendrick by her side, ready to help her slay her darkest demons. Shape-shifter Felicity disappeared from King Misha’s dungeons, but she will need his help if she wants to avoid a destructive prophecy.
Fateless by Julie Kagawa
Sparrow is determined to prove her place in the Thieves Guild by pulling off an impossible job in the city of the Deathless Kings. When the mysterious request came from the group that controls her guild, Sparrow knew she had to embark on the deadly mission, even if she had to team up with Raithe, a fascinating assassin she knew better than to trust. But if Sparrow, Raithe, and their fellow thieves want to survive their quest, they will have to quickly learn to work as a team if they want to survive the ancient forces that nip at their heels.
Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer
*Potential spoiler alert: second in a series*
The second book in the Forging Silver into Stars series follows the complicated aftermath of Tycho’s bargain with the magical scraver who saved King Gray. His budding relationship with Jax the blacksmith barely has a chance to develop when Tycho must leave the castle to serve as the King’s Courier. Jax is left behind working as a royal blacksmith in a foreign land without the ability to speak the local language. Callyn has also found herself working for the Queen and hiding her new magic at court. One thing’s for sure, Tycho, Jax, and Callyn must navigate their new strange circumstances if they want to survive the coming war.
Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi
Ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment, James Anderson is finally old enough to eliminate the island holdout protecting the last of the empire. At least, that’s what he thought. But when James infiltrates the island, he finds himself captured by the government and entangled with the shockingly beautiful assassin, Rosabelle Wolff. Rosa thought she knew what to expect from James, but his easygoing attitude has a randomness that even an advanced computer program couldn’t possibly predict. If all goes well, he might just make it out alive.
Oathbound by Tracy Deonn
*Potential spoiler alert: third in a series*
The third novel in The Legendborn Cycle continues to prove that sometimes we must challenge our oldest traditions and institutions if we want to survive. Torn from the Legendborn Order and her ancestral guides, Bree Matthews trains with an ancient enemy to gain control over King Arthur’s powers and her Rootcraft. But the dangerous bargain could cost her everything if she’s not careful. Meanwhile, Demonia has its hooks in Selwyn, and Nick is busy executing Bree’s and Sel’s rescue plan.
Love at Second Sight by F.T. Lukens
Before Cam Reynolds’s first premonition, he thought he was just a regular human sophomore going to a new school with paranormal teens. When he sees a teen girl being killed from the murderer’s perspective, he knows he must stop the crime before it happens. Although Cam’s family isn’t connected to the supernatural community, he has some help. Cam’s best friend, Al, is a witch, his crush, Mateo, is a werewolf, and his new paranormal manager is a well-informed human. Together, they might just be able to save a life.
Illusions of Fire by Nisha Sharma
Laila Bansal trains to protect the supernatural world with her adopted aunts every day before working at the family winery and attending school. It helps that they are immortal Rakshasi demons, but even with her family history, she could’ve never have imagined that the new boy in town, Karan, would try to decapitate her, changing her peaceful life forever. Determined to rescue his parents, Karan brings a deluge of immortal and mortal enemies bent on destruction. Laila hopes her training and one-liners will be strong enough to save the world in this Hindu-inspired Buffy-esque romantasy.
Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray
On the day Blaze was born, she summoned a catastrophic storm that killed thousands before her powers completely disappeared. Now she lives in hiding, in fear that one day her powers could return and destroy the world again. That is, until Blaze and her twin brother are invited to compete to become the next rulers of the empire. Thrust into the spotlight, she must learn how to control her power, her future, and her heart if she wants a chance at the throne.
Blood Moon by Britney S. Lewis
There is nothing more forbidden than the love between a vampire and a werewolf. Mirabella “Mira” Owens is a college student who comes to learn that the far-fetched stories of werewolves protecting her Kansas hometown from vampires are true. There were a few clues: Mira received an odd letter from her mother, found strange tracks on a hike, and was impossibly saved by Julian Santos, a mysterious, cold boy who managed to jump down a cliff to catch her. When the Blood Moon rises, Mira becomes central to an ancient war that has the chance to change the world.
Lady’s Knight by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Sapphic lady knights are all the rage this season, and this hilarious YA Arthurian reimagining will not disappoint. Gwen’s hidden a lot in her life: her attraction to girls, her blacksmithing, and her knightly ambitions. Lady Isobelle of Avington has always been on display, but this is the first time she’s ever been a tournament grand prize. Wanting more than anything to choose the person who will win her hand, Isobelle works with Gwen to help them both. Disguised as Sir Gawain, Gwen will win glory and Isobelle’s freedom…If the dragons don’t thwart their plans first.
These are some of the best 2025 YA romantasy books to pick up now and put on your TBR. If you are looking for even more excellent young adult book recommendations, you should try these New YA Romantasy Reads, these New YA Horror Novels, and The Biggest YA Books for Fall.
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