romantasy books that are actually good ❤️⚔️

[@laplace3945]

She's like, am I right ladies? And I'm like sitting here, 30+ male.

[@mintbrownieangelfish-6114]

You're awesome dude, like what you like. Nothing wrong with that.

[@orangemc9358]

22M here, we're allowed to like romance as well! It's not, like, a major part of life or anything.

[@Grace-ju1gp]

Honorary girlypop 🎀

[@ViktorLoR_Mainu]

Boymoder

[@juliaostlund9360]

In the clurb we all fam

[@nesgdn]

an angel is born in heaven every time a book girlie posts a new video after i’ve had an ass day at work

[@snehapradhan5591]

so true 😭

[@coconut_tree06]

fr😅

[@thewiseowl8804]

Quit your job right now.

[@BordGorl]

My car needs repairs and the server to do my hw on has been down since yesterday. Ass days all around 🍑

[@samu-chan]

must be nice to be the book girlie posting, literally the easiest job

[@chanelhutchison4813]

The way I am studying and looking for book content to soothe my fragile mind and Book leo drops a new video

[@PeaNutttyyy]

Ikrrrr

[@missurmeaning]

Sameeee

[@ananya6094]

No bc same

[@kejeso8736]

Me.

[@elixtirr2611]

It’s hilarious that we are all studying and struggling for mental clarity lmao. I just finished a practice quiz for my lab practical exam today. It’s getting to be that really busy time in the middle of the semester 😅 I wish everyone good luck in their studies!

[@monriatitans]

0:00 - Tea Preparation Into 0:23 - Title - Romantasy book recommdations 0:29 - Intro 2:17 - Book 1: "The Serpant & the Wings of Knight" by Carissa Broadbent 5:31 - Book 2: "One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig 7:31 - "Book" 3: "Cruel Prince" series by Holly Black 10:09 - Book 4: "To Kill A Kingdom" by Alexandra Christo 12:27 - Book 5: "Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" by Sangu Mandanna 14:17 - Book 6: "Uprooted" by Naomi Novik 16:49 - Book 7: "Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross 18:11 - Book 8: "Bitterthorn" by Kat Dunn 19:49 - Book 9: "Encyclopedia of Faeries" by Emily Wilde 21:30 - Book 10: "Bride" by Ali Hazelwood 23:41 - Recommend Books Please! 25:01 - Outro

[@lisapoe888]

But if fantasy is over romance in the book it’s really just normal fantasy🤔

[@sullyrane653]

A hero, thank you

[@Not_Evan8]

ate them up frfr

[@ricarda4787]

Bless your soul

[@elphie93]

You're the real MVP

[@lu__libros5015]

You nailed it at adding what amount of fantasy/romance has each book 🙂‍↕️ also, I love how this is a kinda of continuation of your previous video

[@yearningforpetrichor]

Having a cup of tea at the start of your videos really works because I always get a cup of tea to sit and watch with like we're having a catch-up 😅

[@hornbeam7131]

100% It's like you just dropped in for a cuppa and are having a conversation. And after I have had a relaxing cup of tea, feel relaxed and my TBR somehow got longer.

[@viivi2001]

the graphics you drew for showing the romance-fantasy and the spice scales are so cute!

[@bac-ef9lv]

I just got home, and I'm exhausted, slightly wet from the rain, and hungry, but my mood immediately lifted as soon as I saw a new vid from The Book Leo. (Also, Leonie, if you happen to read this, thank you so much for always bringing joy into so many people's days, and just for being your lovely, amazing self!!) 💕💕💕

[@elia212]

Love the way Leoni's science background comes through when she talks about book recommemdations Presenting the facts w/o biases and expressing her opinions later? Showing small bars to determine fantasy/romance predominance? Giving spice ratings? I love these videos so much

[@wocketywack]

Gideon the Ninth!! Heavily leaning on the fantasy end of the spectrum but with a pretty hard-hitting enemies to lovers plot line. Completely obsessed with the whole Locked Tomb series!

[@valeriegiguere4010]

I looooooove Gideon the Ninth!

[@ZhariaTheFury]

Gideon the Ninth is DEFINITELY NOT romantasy in any way shape or form.

[@SashaS-s2z]

@@ZhariaTheFury And yet, after reading it, the main thing that makes you feel things is the romance (and suffering).

[@wocketywack]

​@@ZhariaTheFury Okay so not in the sense of what we associate with the label but it is definitely fantasy (bone magic and sword fighting for days) and the romance aspect of it is soul-crushing so I'm throwing it out there. (Or I may just be looking for any excuse to recommend it because it's my fave)

[@samanthahart3497]

I started One Dark Window because of your recommendation Leo, and let me just say THANK YOU!!! I’m almost done with book 2 and I’m absolutely obsessed. I’ve been talking about it to everyone in my life.

[@maeveshorten530]

Omg same I read the two cause of her and I’m dead it’s the best

[@ameliedavis5940]

I just finished it and I need to watch other people talk about it! Reading the finale, I felt like I had a fist around my heart (very dramatic i know). Thank you leo!!

[@msaor7782]

The trilogy “the bear and the nightingale” of Katherine Arden, it’s mainly fantasy but the romance is “french kiss” but it’s like the foundation of the books. It’s a medieval/russian retelling of some traditional tales of eastern europe, it’s amazing!! I mean the male interest is winter himself hehe 🩷🩷

[@KiraKiera]

Rebecca Ross's "Elements of Cadence" duology (River Enchanted/Fire Endless) are easily my favourite romantasy. It focuses heavily on the characters and their relationships, but the fantasy world is also really well developed and interesting.

[@kristenjaoui3819]

This is a great recommendation! It is definitely more heavy on the character and world development with a sprinkle of just the right romance. Do you have any other recommendations for this kind of book?

[@tinaj9143]

I would recommend Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (I was surprised you didn't mention it along with Uprooted). I LOVE it. It actually has two very subtle romance plotlines that only really 'manifest' at the end of the book. Great video and looking forward to reading some of your recommendations! 😍

[@MC-lm7de]

YES Spinning Silver! I liked it better than Uprooted, actually--I think the writing and themes were more interesting

[@noatingey6249]

Spinning Silver is one of my all time favorites 😭😭 it’s soo good!

[@debratiberti9310]

If you can, listen to it. The audio version of Spinning Silver is amazing. 5 star amazing

[@brandi6862]

I love Carissa Broadbent's first series wayyyyy more than Crowns of Nyaxia. War of Lost Hearts trilogy (Daughter of No Worlds). Though it doesn't have the grumpy female lead that you prefer! The male lead is definitely the grumpy character. The relationship building is just so beautiful, definitely not insta-love. You become really emotionally invested in the past trauma of the characters and it's lovely how the romance and develops and the main characters grow to love and support each other :)

[@cupofkeyshae]

I agree. Crowns of Nyaxia was underwhelming for me ( I adored Six Scorched Roses though). Preferred her first series!

[@sunbee3]

came here just to say this!! War of Lost Hearts in my opinion is miles above Crowns of Nyaxia!

[@emilyf4178]

This is one of my all time favorite reads and I read it as one of my first ever romantasy books!

[@Mimlou]

Oh!! Good to know! I’ll have to read her other series then as I really enjoyed the first 2 books of Spark ❤

[@Abby-jc2hp]

when you mentioned romantasy where the girl is grumpy and the boy is sunshiney, my first thought was "a far wilder magic" by Allison Saft! it definitely falls more on the romance end of the spectrum, and it's a beautiful character study

[@MsGloomyLamp]

Yes, I think Leo might like it, it's quite different from other romantasy novels out there.

[@Maplefrostu]

I love grumpy girl / sunshine boy romances, I’ll have to add this to my list!

[@yours1ana]

I LOVE HOW U RATED THE AMOUNT OF ROMANCE AND FANTASY! thats always the main thing i look for whne picking a new book but its hard to tell sometimes just from amazon reviews. tysmmm

[@stellatsilia]

The second Emily Wilde book is even better than the first, and has the romance turned up a notch

[@stephaniepinet8766]

I fully agree! I loved both, but the second one 👌

[@dallasinwonderland96]

things what I can here to say!

[@zuzu7308]

no sabía que había un segundo libro 😱 omg

[@dbx132]

Just yesterday I was looking for romantasy books that are actually good, but didn't know how to find them. So this is perfect timing!

[@allielesko4543]

If you pile it when the girl is more grumpy and the boy is more sunshine, you should read six crimson cranes. It is dislike to lovers and can understand why they like each other. The romance isn't a huge part of the plot, but it is also a beautiful fairy tale book

[@lasagnange]

Love love love this book! It’s in my top reads ❤

[@asol_62]

it's my favorite elizabeth lim book! i agree so much :)

[@amandatyler]

This is what I needed to convince me to read The Cruel Prince and One Dark Window, they both have been collecting digital dust on my Kindle for ages. Thank you for this! ♥️

[@me.justme.613]

No one ever talks about the "An Ember in the Ashes" series by Sabaa Tahir. I'm really picky about romance books and I *need* a good plot with interesting well written characters and conflicts that drive the story forward. I loved the 3 of the 4 books in the series that I've read. (I haven't gotten around to reading the final book because of having to wait so long for it to be released and then because I struggle with finding motivation to re-read books, especially series) But I highly recommend it!

[@dariaslyvka7313]

I've heard a lot of good things about this book! I think I should give it a try

[@Merve77772]

I also recommend The Scorpio Races for November, very atmospheric, very eerie, and very romantic in my opinion

[@sternentalerswald]

It's one of my favorites and I didn't even think about it! Thanks mentioning it!

[@margaretbigler9790]

Also one of my favorites!!

[@weronikastomporowska6608]

You should read Little thieves! It's a fairytale retelling, it's more focused on the fantasy aspect and the characters are well developed before they fall for each other. Also the main character Vanja is basically a female version of Kaz Brekker

[@TriforceLiz]

Both couples in that book are really REALLY cute.

[@ChrissyM]

Love this book!. I so rarely see it mentioned either. Sequel is also great. My favourite couple!

[@valentineboudaud1887]

Strange the dreamer is a YA romantasy IMO, more romance focus than your typical high fantasy and soooo well written. The romance is so sweet and wholesome !

[@Legendofzellybelly]

I took your recommendation for Uprooted from a previous video, and I have to say, I LOVE IT! What a great book. I really enjoyed the characters and the world they inhabit. It was so interesting and magical, and it pulled me right in! I absolutely love grumpy wizards, so I really loved the Dragon. Agnieszka was also a really great character. This gave me very Howl's Moving Castle (the book, not the movie) vibes. Great recommendation, thanks so much!!

[@myrtje_5780]

Uprooted is one of my fav books! If you liked it, I would recomend one of Naomi Noviks other books, spinning silver. that books is in a very similair vein and as well written as uproooted was. Another book that you would probably like a lot is The Winternight trilogy by Katherine Arden. This series is set in an fairy-tale Medieval Russia where old beliefs and stuff class with the rise of Christianity. It is written in an very athmospheric way, and i love the myrhology in it. The romance (and the barly any spice) is an underlying plot to the fantasy and world-building, which I love soooo much. It is however a bit of an dark fantasy with some very unbearable vilains and messed up dynamics of the time period, so I dont know if you are looking for that. The first book can feel a bit slow, but every books gets better and better. There is a reason it is one of my favorite books and i have reread teh last one at least 7 times...

[@Clem-s15042]

Hey Leoni! I just wanted to thank you for recommending One Dark Window in one of your previous videos, because I've read the duology this summer and I had an amazing time, and it felt so comforting reading fantasy again. (I haven't read a lot this year and it was mainly thrillers. Which I also enjoy obviously.) Anyway, thanks a lot, amazing discovery! 💜

[@bambuu_]

The Serpent and the Wings was the first romantasy I actually found very good (world building, characters, plot, everything seemed just right). Most romantasy books I've read are a let down in one of those so it was a huge, very pleasan surprise!

[@larr4960]

"Daughter of No Worlds" trilogy by Carissa Broadbent is such a great books! I loved to read it ❤ The first book is more romance centered, and it's sooo adorable 🥰, I have never read such cute and warm relationships development. My huge recommendation)

[@squidwardtentacles7144]

Oh my gosh! It's on my tbr! I hope I love it too!

[@kazville_]

an ember in the ashes is a romantasy enemies to lovers with they try to kill each other vibes (although i dont think they actually do). i've only read the first book but i heard the other two are even better :)

[@Enno-q3v]

A deadly Education and the trilogy is a must read romantasy! It is my absolute favorite! So well written! ( plus grumpy,strong female main character)

[@cameronstanley2621]

Seconded!

[@vitamins]

Really loving the leaves in the background, such a vibe

[@cupofkeyshae]

My favorite romantasy so far has been the Red Winter Trilogy by Annette Marie (inspired by Japanese mythology, major Inuyasha vibes), Villains and Virtues series by AK Cagianno (romantic comedy-esque) and Once Upon a Broken Heart series by Stephanie Garber (very whimsical!). I also loved Peaches and Honey by R. Raeta ✨ P.S. you should read The War of Lost Hearts trilogy by Carissa Broadbent, I preferred it over the Crowns of Nyaxia series!

[@Meowmix1501]

The red winter trilogy is so underrated. I adored it 😍

[@cupofkeyshae]

@@Meowmix1501it’s such a hidden gem!

[@hrsh9929]

Omg I so rarely hear people talk about the Red Winter trilogy, even though it's so good!!!

[@milunamiflor]

i will never get tired of recommending you Once Upon A Broken Heart, and this video gives me some ground as to why I think you would like it. I think I've said this before, but the book it's not perfect. it's just that it is truly amazing how the fantasy plotlines in the book revolve around romance itself and stories and how the stories change with time and the idea of true love and it feels like a fairytale. love moves forward the plotline but it's fantasy, not really focused on the main character romance, but how love moves them, how searching for it changes the entire course of the story

[@MsUdontknowmee]

Yeesss, I love the twist on romance in these books, and it's an example of a couple that has so much chemistry without actually acting on it and losing that spark

[@anothermoon8894]

I recommend "Radiance" by Grace Draven. It's an older book, more on the romantic side, they start off as friends because of political marriage and their relationship and love is believable, which makes the spicy scenes at the end of the book sooo good!

[@Kezia.bucher]

Yes loved radience i loved how they actually found each other repulsive in the beginning haha

[@mayarasampaio9667]

Love this one too!! Such a great book ❤

[@dorotaurbanska6654]

Great recommendation! I loved the continuations too.

[@pamelaj2879]

❤ that book!

[@kaycalmasmr3]

I was just binge watching ur old videos. So, excited to watch this!

[@trixiasharmaine]

we know we can always count on you for book recs!!! 💖

[@missxhoney]

Without having read "bride", it sounds as if it had started out as a twilight fanfic where Bella and Jacob got together. After Bella was turned 😂

[@nnuraix]

The AUDACITY that I have an exam tomorrow and I am watching this shows how much I love her videos🙌💝

[@nadilovesbts]

thanks for the recs!! here are some of my recent romantasy reads: - violet made of thorns - Gina Chen: a royal diviner and the prince who hates her for it (dark) - The house witch - Delemhach: a male witch becomes the royal cook and meet all kinds of people (humorous, cozy) - The will and the wilds - Charlie N. Holmberg: a forbidden forest and a deal with a mythical creature (dark) - This blood that binds us - S.L. Cokeley: human/vampire romance in college (lighthearted + dark)

[@jessicasaccone7608]

I love The Will and the Wilds! I've actually been thinking lately that I want to re-read it. I've never seen anyone else mention it, so I'll take that as a sign to pick it up again. 😁

[@MayonnaiseMustard]

I loved The House Witch! It was more cozy but I found it so adorable ❤

[@toverbus1]

I think there's a chance you would like Paladin's Grace. I really fell in love with that book and series. It's about a paladin who's god has died, so it's kind of rough going for him, he's also a berserker so he is scared to have feelings that are too big (love, lust), which is pretty difficult if you're falling in love. The female protagonist is a perfumer that is just very in her own world but also has her dark demons. Their characters feel just really fleshed out and I think they really are very convincing as a couple. They're also both older protagonists, and that's sooo refreshing. The rest of the series is also nice, but paladin's grace is the best.

[@heather9130]

I've had this on my TBR for a while as a fantasy. I didn't know it's also romance. I'll have to bump that to the top of the list. Also older protagonists, sign me tf up. The main issue I've been having lately is protagonists feeling like a bummer for the entire story, so that's why I haven't picked it up yet. It's great to explore trauma, but I need some levity sprinkled in. T_T

[@readbyjordyn]

I love this series so much, especially the first one, such great fantasy elements and I loved the characters. Laughed out loud a lot too, it’s really charming!

[@aurallium6]

If you like T. Kingfisher and graphic novels, Digger is so so so so good.

[@mayarasampaio9667]

Yesssss, indeed!! I'd say that's my perfect romantasy, for sure ❤

[@Gelbes_Opossum]

I recently read a lot of Kingfishers books and I love the Saint of Steel Series a lot, was about to recommend it myself xD there are so well written and relatable characters who fall for each other. I also liked Swordheart by T. Kingfisher a lot which plays in the same land and the story develops into a similar direction as the saint of steel books! I found Swordheart particularly funny and loved the quirky side of the characters

[@souths.5065]

I recently read Reign & Ruin by JD Evans, which was FANTASTIC. It follows the daughter of a Sultan who is trying to succeed her father's throne, but she has to navigate around his worsening dementia, contend with ruthless political rivals to secure her succession, and try to restore the balance of magic in the world. The romantic interest is the prince of the neighboring enemy nation as they try to form an alliance, and the slow burn, political maneuvering, and magic system is SO INTRIGUING. I flew through this book in a single night I was so invested. And it does have a decent amount of magical spice towards the end!!

[@oksnariel]

yes!! so good

[@isabellareyes8557]

OMG yes I recently read it and it’s great !

[@isabellas5447]

I recommend tamora pierce books :) her books are more about the fantasy with romance that happens in the background 🤩

[@pallavikrishnan8660]

Leo per day keeps my stress at bay❤❤❤(I rewatch your videos every single day)...Hmm my most prominent recommendation would be Lovely War by Julie Berry. I would also like you to read As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfah Katouh. Both of these stories have a slight magical element to it and the former is really romance heavy. The latter is just a personal favourite and is not as focused on the romance but definitely worth it!❤

[@Ash95_12]

I would consider His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman to kind of be a romantasy because, despite it being mostly plot and philosophy driven, the romance gradually builds as the characters get older and is even more prevalent in the third book 🙌🏾 It's one of my fav romances ive seen written. Also The Raven Cycle i guess could lowkey be a romantasy but it also has a lot to do with found family and the plot in general ^^

[@CherryMoonMaiden]

I adore His Dark Materials, must reread! 😊

[@Ash95_12]

@@CherryMoonMaiden it really is!! I also want to re-read it someday ^^

[@lemongiirl]

just wanted to say that I read The Fifth Season because it’s recommended so much here and I loved it so so much, it has become my favorite book and I probably wouldn’t have read it if it weren’t for this channel (I’m halfway through the last book and I never want the series to end)

[@risuwolf]

The way you explained the romance of the 'Folk of the Air' trilogy, not coming until book two reminded me of something I saw about 'All for the Game.' It said that it's a slow burn, but you don't realize that until the second time you're reading through the series. The first time, you're just reading through, thinking it's a mafia/found family story, and then all of a sudden, in book three, Andrew hits us with *that* line, and we're just as confused as Neil

[@katelyn-wp1eu]

nailed every single rec! I'd suggest checking these out in the same vein: - the familiar by leigh bardugo (fantasy w/ romance) - lady macbeth by ava reid (fantasy w/ romance) - the phoenix keeper by s.a. maclean (romance in a cozy fantasy world) also your living room looks so cute and cozy! can't wait for a house tour

[@iron_paws]

Love the recommendations! We tend to have similar tastes. My favorite series of "romantacy" is Villains and Virtues. The romance is definitely the driving factor throughout all their adventures but the fantasy and world building is so good! Feels like a D&D adventure.

[@MsUdontknowmee]

I'm obsessed with Villains and Virtues, because even though the plot was all over the place (purposefully so) like a D&D adventure, the characters were sooooo good! And I could not get enough of our main couple 🥹 I'm all about vibes and that series delivered

[@emilycuneo42]

You're so good at explaining books in a way that lets people know whether the book is for them! An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson is one of my favorites, and I really think you would like it! The fantasy and the romance are both important. There are creepy and weird fae! It's ultimate autumn vibes! It's by the same author as Sorcery of Thorns, but I think An Enchantment of Ravens is the better book of the two.

[@WhiningMoon]

Fun book tip especially if you like cruel prince: forest of dreams and whispers by Kathrine Macdonald (YA and therefore only a little spicy) I loved this book so much and keep recommending it. And if you’re up for a weird with horror elements romantasy I’d recommend: a bone in his teeth by Kellen Graves, which is very adult and spicy, please look up the CW. 😊

[@Random-Saurus]

My sleep addled brain was confused before I finally saw that the "fantasy/romance" slider and title are mirrored. With the heart being underneath "fantasy" and swords under "romance".

[@BarbaraBoholm]

Leonie first i just have to say i love your cozy home,your mug collection and taste in furniture,so inspiring!!! And thanks for the book content,a few of them will be on my tbr for sure🦇🦇🦇🐿🍁🍂🫖🥧🍵☕🕯📓🖋📚

[@shaky_beef]

leonie you have brightened up my entire afternoon with your upload, thank you!! 💓

[@Theralex]

You seriously never disappoint.

[@Not_Evan8]

was literally wanting this after the last video

[@brechtreintsema8969]

The Winternight trilogy by Katherine is such an underrated folklore inspired fantasy with one of my favorite slow burn romances ever! Wouldn't call it actual Romantasy but the love interest is a very interesting portrayal of... death himself? And both characters are very well written and imperfect and the whole vibe of this trilogy is just so good!

[@KelseyMG6121]

I personally think you would really like the Powerless series! I know you don't like most popular books, however it is an AMAZING enemies to lovers. It's a dual narrative, so you can understand both characters feelings very well. In my opinion it is an equal amount between the fantasy and the romance. There isn't much spice I'd say, but there are a few scenes in Reckless - it's nothing a young adult couldn't read though. If anyone can add anything, I would really appreciate it... I'm not the best at explaining things. ♡♡

[@megan9825]

I can’t wait to dig into these recommendations! I read the cruel prince and the remainder in the series, excellent books!

[@larissards]

Can Night Circus be considered a romantasy? There's romance and there's fantasy, but I'd say it's more vibes than either one. I don't know if the romance works on its own, but the concept of this couple is so perfect that I don't even care

[@BellaSasso]

I recommend for you to read the Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb. It’s very fantasy forward with a romance in the background. I think you’d fall in love with this trilogy!

[@miriam.bonastre]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS 😭 I really needed this. I'm the same as you, I like the concept of fantasy + romance, it's something that should be appealing to me. But every time I tried to read one of the most famous ones I cringe intensely and can't even finish it. I'll try reading The Cruel Prince now 👀

[@mai_cello]

Sameee

[@cabicabi4636]

This new hair of yours is so aesthetic fr

[@alina_0711]

I really really enjoyed the Duology of “Dance of thieves” and “vows of thieves”. Good plot, not really spicy but the romance of the main characters is so wholesome and of course it’s enemies to lovers but they grow together and it’s so fast to read :)

[@malitahirahman999]

Hi leo! You can give Graceling a try. Highly recommend A very secret society of irregular witches. Specially to those who enjoyed House on the cerulean sea. Two of my favourite videos.

[@LittleBrownToast]

this video popped up right after i've been talking about how so much romantasy is JUST romance in a vague fantasy world! i've always enjoyed romance if its either a side plot or just as equal as the fantasy plot, and i've always loved your recommendations! funnily enough a lot of these books have already been on my tbr shelf!! thanks for the motivation to pick these up as my next reads

[@anaelkuperwajscohen9601]

So excited for this video!!! I feel the same way about romantasy and I immediately added every book you recommended to my tbr, thank you!

[@lasagnange]

I am also fantasy lover myself, and am looking to get even deeper into that genre than I am. I love your channel and feel like we have some similar tastes when it comes to character types, tropes, and themes. These books are a few I would recommend you try out, they are some of my favorite reads! Graceling series - this is one of my absolute favorites, I recommend it to everyone. The first two books are the best, but I enjoyed the last 3 too, just not as much. Six Crimson Cranes - this is a retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ story The Six Swans, but with a mixture of east Asian folklore, magic, curses, demons, and a hint of wholesome romance. When I tell you I LOVE this book -- I l o v e it. The sequel is not as good, but wraps up the story well. The prequel however, Her Radiant Curse, was so good. Such a beautiful tale about sisterhood, sacrifice, and self-love. Spin the Dawn - This duology is by the same author who wrote SCC, but this is a Mulan retelling, where instead of disguising herself as a soldier, she disguises herself as a tailor except she can sew with ✨ magic ✨ This one is an enemies to lovers, but not in an intense way where they want to kill each other lol. The sequel was great, I personally enjoyed it despite the emotional rollercoaster it took me on 😅 My heart would be so full if you give these a try and let us know what you think! I am so glad I found your channel, it has reignited my love for reading during the mental/emotional slump I’ve been in for most of the year. So, thank you for the time and effort you put into these videos and I can’t wait to see more! 🩵

[@dorotaurbanska6654]

The romance in Uprooted works because there is no wierd power dynamics between Agnieszka and Dragon despite age diffrence and housing situation when they start to fall for each other. Her power is of completly diffrent kind, she is very strong and driven while making some normal teenage mistakes and assumptions. They are the opposites that attract each other to create something that is stronger than they can be separate.

[@Icedragon248]

2 book recs, both more fantasy than romance. 1. To a Darker Shore by Leanne Schwartz. Cute, no spice, I really liked the setting and the diverse characters. Priory of the Orange Tree. Slow building Sapphic romance with dragons and different POVs and stories.

[@irenemartos1756]

Soo good Priory of the Orange Tree. Fantasy is awesome and the romance i didnt know it was sapphic and I was getting the hints thinking "it justs me or is they really like each other..?", it was even better to not know, I enjoyed it more.

[@eliza.the.earthling]

Thanks for the detail Leonie - I’m not into contemporary romances and I’m always sceptical about picking up books labelled as fantasy ft. romance in case they’re just TOO romantastical for me 😂

[@zoeys2685]

you NEED to read the raven cycle. literally changed my life in the best way possible. don’t go into it expecting a good plot it is literally just about phenomenal characters

[@larissards]

She has a video saying that she dnf the raven boys because she was reading it in dutch and didn't truly feel the book and that maybe she should try reading it in english... but it's been years and I don't think she ever tried again 😭 It's one of my favorite sagas and it's sooo her kinda of vibe, so I hope she gives it another chance one day

[@readbyjordyn]

I think the plot is also really strong, you just have to commit to not understanding what is going on for basically the whole things haha, but the reveals are so well done and it’s worth it!

[@kristagallitelli]

I have heard this come up like 8 times in the last week. Taking this as my final sign 😂

[@black-aliss]

I'm in the middle of The Raven King right now, I'd say the plot is actually fantastic too. But it's... unconventional? A bit scattered and abstract, but that's why you have all the great characters tying it all together. And the prose! Brilliant.

[@foxhedgehog1027]

okay all i have to do is get through the next few hours of work & then a couple hours of classes & then i can come back. it’s a little treat to look forward to!

[@sofiemoon1304]

thanks for the vlog, Leonie! ideal for autumnal atmosphere🍁

[@Playingbyheart]

Yumi and the Nightmare painter by Brandon Sanderson. It's a YA book, with a body switch trope, kinda enemies to lovers. It has a very unique worldbuilding, and magic system.

[@squidwardtentacles7144]

You might like "One For My Enemy" by Olivie Blake. The fantasy element isn't really intricate and can get convoluted, but the enemies to lovers in there is top notch. Still chasing that type of feeling of enemies to lovers that book gave me. The writing MADE that book as well. There are alot of great quotes in there.

[@lunawarren6913]

you should read india holton’s “the wisteria society of lady scoundrels”!!! it’s such a funny, light romantasy that’s definitely romance first, but it’s got lady pirates and flying houses and thievery and enemies to lovers and it’s just so much fun-it got me giggling and blushing and kicking my feet. as the nyt book review put it: “Holton is having as much fun as the English language will permit - the prose shifts constantly from silly to sublime and back, sometimes in the course of a single sentence.” i’m on book 2 of the series and loving all of the new characters!!!!

[@sirens990]

I think I can see you having fun with The Book of Azreal (Gods and Monsters series). I’m on the third book and I love it so far. I know it’s not a masterpiece or anything close but I have pretty much abandoned the ACOTAR series for it and I’m really enjoying the series so far 😄 FYI, this series is not completed.

[@scribbled_landscape]

Yay, you gave a really good insight into the books. I think the little bar that represents the focus is great. Thanks for the recommendations. Keep up the good work!👍

[@team_free_will2.0]

The Prison Healer is a great romantasy series, the focus is more on the fantasy side but the romance is also done really well

[@megelizabeth9906]

you’re my favorite youtuber 🤍 i always come to you for book recs, cozy vibes, and relaxing. thank you. 🤍

[@kristagallitelli]

We have the same taste and after I finish The Name of the Wind, I am going to need a good romantasy palate cleanser. This was perfect timing! I wish I could read One Dark Window for the first time again.

[@dorotaurbanska6654]

Why would you read The name of the Wind? Those books break hearts.

[@kristagallitelli]

@@dorotaurbanska6654what do you mean?

[@dorotaurbanska6654]

@@kristagallitelli that the trilogy will never be finished. The story was developping very slowly and there is no way of creating one book that would show how Kvote became king killer and have the same level of writing.

[@CherryMoonMaiden]

Oh dear, do you know that we have been waiting over 10 years for Patrick Rothfuss to finish his most excellent trilogy!!! I hope that doesn’t ruin it for you. We can only pray as to when it may be completed 😢

[@cross7won]

Can you do more book-breakdowns? I love going through it together and your thoughts, it's really fun. Also, the apartment looks lovely!❤

[@Almabalee]

I know Brandon Sanderson is not known for his romances, but his worldbuilding, yet I found that in many of his novels, the romance is very nicely built, heartwarming interaction. If you haven't read, I'd recommend "Tress of the Emerald sea", "Yumi and the nightmare painter", "warbreaker" and maybe "elantris" (i guess in this order for romance?).

[@nicolemikaelson8493]

You've probably heard of it but I think you would like Once Upon a Broken Heart. It has that inexplicable element that makes romantasy books bingeable and addictive

[@learnthinkgrow1337]

Completely agree with this, although I wish it remained a duology instead of it being turned into a trilogy. My all time favourite romantasy books are the first two books in Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Cruel Prince series and To Kill a Kingdom

[@nicolemikaelson8493]

Yeah, I thought I was the only one who didn't like The Queen of Nothing. The ending and the snake thing just threw me off. And for ACFTL, the reason I loved it so much was Jacks and he was either absent in the book or didn't have his unique charm at all

[@manonvo8615]

Yeeesss I agree. I'm now reading The Cruel prince and I feel like the pacing is very similar to once upon a broken heart. And also the vibe kinda. Its so different... but also kinda similar??

[@aileendelaney658]

I think you would really like Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder! Definitely more fantasy than romance but the character development & relationship/tension buildup between the two main characters is so good!!

[@hoeforau6087]

I would honestly fully recommend the FuryBorn trilogy by Claire Legrand! It’s high fantasy with very morally grey main characters and dual pov, and just a bit of spice… I’d give anything to read it again for the first time!

[@freyahartas6022]

The Binding by Bridget Collins, the title makes it sound super spicy but it is actually about (magical) book binding lol and the romance is so wholesome 🥲

[@247heaven]

i literally just watched your video essay on romantasy books and was thinking about what good romantasy novels there are so thank you for this video

[@TriforceLiz]

I'm gonna throw T.Kingfisher's Swordheart as well as Bryony and Roses out there- lovely little standalones and they're both quite hilarious as well! I really shipped the characters, which isn't commonplace for me with a lot of the romantasy books I've read.

[@badfaith4u]

Thank you for explaining the romance fantasy ratio in each book. I loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Bride, and Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries (currently reading its sequel). The enemies to lovers trophe is my favourite.

[@lizanderson6503]

I just finished A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches last night and it was so whoelsome! I can see what the hype is about and I would agree it isn't really fantasy, more so magical realism and contemporary romance, but super sweet and cozy nonetheless.

[@manonvo8615]

I agree that calling Emily Wilde a romantasy is a stretch. And I loved not knowing there would be a sprinkle of a romance when I went into it, cause it was so surprising😹

[@iseabra84]

I wish more people knew about Peaches and Honey, by R Raeta. A beautiful slow burn ❤️ Another 5 ✨ for me: The War of Lost Hearts trilogy, Half a Soul, and a River Enchanted duology.

[@cupofkeyshae]

Peaches and Honey was one of my favorite reads of the year!

[@noellewaldschmidt7366]

I never read any other Cassandra Clare books, but I LOVE the Chain of Gold trilogy - definitely has a YA fantasy feel with a subplot of romance, but the world she builds is so cool.

[@martamassucco2703]

A discovery of witches, it's a fantasy series were the romantic plotline is essential. Also the protagonist is in her late twenties, something i always appreciate. Very little spice, but its soo good There is also a tv series that follows the first three books, pretty nice

[@alyssareece201]

the cruel prince is SO INCREDIBLY GOOD and underrated in my opinion… so glad you covered this one!

[@thatgirlnextfloor]

what i feel would makes a romantasy great if it gives believable explanation on the fantasy part and creates great tension or longing for the romance part. because fantasy seriously can get away with a lot of things.. oh they're soulmates, their magic is bonded, like sure! i believe it let's go!!! they really can put in whatever reason for the conflict and attraction since there's a fantasy element they just have to make it believable. so I like it when the story really leans into that and it makes sense.

[@lumi3951]

I know it's not usually considered romantasy but might I suggest Six of Crows (& Crooked Kingdom)? When I went into the book I kept thinking "wow, these characters have so much chemistry and I really ship them, but people always say it's just found family no romance" so I was really surprised to find out the book actually has 3 main couples! And while it's at least 90% heist/fantasy with a little bit of romance, it has my favorite book couple ever. The tension and chemistry are just perfect. And because it's from different POVs, there is subtle romance in basically every chapter, whether it's the character thinking about their own love interest or observing things about the other couples. I'd say the fantasy-romance scale is similar to Cruel Prince!

[@__Anna__166]

She read these books and even recommended :)

[@jocelyntrishell]

I liked The Prison Healer series a lot! A good fantasy with a strong romance secondary plot. Also, the Conquerers Saga was surprisingly good and I still think about it a few years after finishing it.