“Romantasy” is a rising subgenre that combines fantastical tales with romance, and it’s becoming wildly popular among millions of readers for its use of tropes like enemies-to-lovers, love triangles, and other spicy scenes set in new worlds.
Authors like Rebecca Yarros, Sabaa Tahir, and Sarah J Maas have achieved significant commercial success with their books taking social media by storm. And romantasy is particularly well-suited to audio, as rich world-building is brought to life even more through a narrator’s performance. From chart-toppers to trending reads to underrated picks, we have brought together a list of page-turning romantasy audiobooks to make sure you’re not late to the party.
Chart-Toppers: Bestselling Romantasy Audiobooks
Fourth Wing
“It’s hot dragon school summertime! This wild fantasy delivers with deadly dragons, bitter rivalries, treachery, and steamy interludes! If you want engaging escapism, give this first novel in the Empyrean trilogy a ride, then [order] the next novel in the series, Iron Flame”
— Mike, A Great Good Place for Books
View the audiobookAlso check out the dramatized version adapted from the novel, produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects, and cinematic music!
Legends & Lattes
“Cozy mysteries are a huge subgenre, but have you heard of cozy sci-fi/fantasy? If you’re new to the trend and could use something rich and sweet to warm you up, this story of a warrior orc named Viv who decides to pursue her dream of opening a cafe in a city that’s never heard of coffee is a gentle, affirming read. I especially enjoyed the community that gathers around the coffee shop – oddball customers included – the intrigue, and the romance.”
— Megan, Underground Books
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From Blood and Ash
In From Blood and Ash, Poppy, a chosen Maiden, grapples with her duty to usher in a new era while yearning for freedom. As she encounters a new guard, Hawke, desire complicates her fate amidst a kingdom facing rising darkness. Highly praised by AudioFile, the narrator “Nielsen employs a wide range of inflections, from the warm, breathless tone of the heroine to the appealing accent of Hawke, the love interest, combining them in the sensual scenes they share.”
View the audiobookAlso check out the dramatized version adapted from the novel, produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects, and cinematic music!
An Ember in the Ashes
Set in a brutal Rome-like world, An Ember in the Ashes is a fantasy debut that follows Laia, an orphan fighting for her brother’s life, and Elias, a soldier seeking freedom. Their intertwined destinies will reshape their empire’s future. With its masterful duo narration, the audiobook was AudioFile’s Earphones Award Winner.
View the audiobookOn the Rise: Trending Romantasy Audiobooks
Assistant to the Villain
Evie Sage takes a job as an assistant to a notorious villain, managing unexpected office duties and her crush on him. As she uncovers sabotage threatening his empire, she must balance loyalty and attraction in a darkly comedic adventure. This is a fantasy novel blended with humor and romance that will have you laughing every other moment on audio.
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Caraval
The story follows two sisters escaping their cruel father to join a legendary game. Scarlett must find her kidnapped sister, Tella, within five nights in a world of love, heartbreak, and magic. Caraval was selected to be the best audiobook of 2017 by Publishers Weekly, as they describe “Actor Soler’s lively narration swiftly draws listeners into the magical spectacle at the center of Garber’s YA novel”.
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Kingdom of the Wicked
“This series follows Emilia, a Sicilian witch, who is trying to uncover the mystery behind her sister’s death. Emilia accidentally conjures Wrath, one of the Seven Princes of Hell, and they form an unlikely alliance. This book is fun, dark, sexy, and frustrating (in a good way). Full of demons, witches, and Catholic brotherhood this is a wild ride of a series.”
— Anna, Underground Books
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A Marvellous Light
“Whip smart historical fantasy with one of the most unique and clever magic systems around. A centuries-old mystery threatening to unravel magical society and upset a deeply entrenched balance of power. A beautifully drawn and diverse supporting cast of friends and foes alike. And, as if that wasn’t enough, top it all off with some of my favorite things: a yearning-filled love story, and some truly marvelous sex.”
— Sarah, Powell’s Books
View the audiobookDiscover New Favorites: Underrated Romantasy Picks
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
“A cozy fantasy full of found family and warm and fuzzy feels, with a grumpy/sunshine romance and the perfect pinch of spice, starring an own-voices lead supported by a diverse and lovable cast of characters-this book’s got all the (potion) ingredients for a read as spellbinding as it is mood-elevating. A must-read for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea and especially those who wished it had better representation! “
— Megan, Underground Books
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Foul Lady Fortune
In 1930s Shanghai, an immortal assassin Rosalind and her husband Orion pose as a married couple to investigate an unusual series of brutal murders. Of Emily Woo Zeller’s portrayal of Rosalind, AudioFile says: “Especially strong, with her voice perfectly matching the character’s world-weary nature to a tee. Zeller keeps the performance intense and engrossing throughout this fast-moving story.”
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Champion of Fate
Aristene are mythical female warriors who guide heroes to victory. Raised by the order, Reed must shepherd her hero, Hestion, to glory or face expulsion. Their growing bond forces her to choose between her hero and her order. Kendare Blake herself mentioned the story is “very allies-to-lovers-to-absolute trainwreck”, giving more dynamics to the love plot.
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The Jasad Heir
This Egyptian-inspired debut follows a fugitive queen, Sylvia, to bargain with her enemy in order to resurrect her scorched kingdom or risk leaving it in ashes. Their deadly game forces Sylvia to choose between her hidden identity and her people’s future. “The type of mythological and romantic tale you would bargain your last breath for… A book that coils you into its serpentine grasp,” says Observer.
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Listen to Romantasy audiobooks with Libro.fm
From chart-toppers to trending reads to underrated picks, we have brought together a list of page-turning romantasy audiobooks to make sure you’re not late to the party.
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