Book Recommendations - YA Fantasy Romance (Romantasy)
- P L Jonas
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
This is embarrassing. I haven't posted since March of 2025!! Please forgive me if you've been wondering what happened. Well, I was busy reading, reading, reading as much YA and Adult Romantasy books I could.... because I was also writing, writing, writing a NEW YA Fantasy/Romance novel. Which btw, I finished and I'm in what's called the query trenches. Romantasy, Fantasy/Romance, and Romantic Fantasy has been the #1 top genre since 2020.
Below are my recommendations for Young Adult (YA) Fantasy/Romance or Romantasy that I've read in the last 12 months.
#1 Powerless (BK 1) by Lauren Roberts, current bestselling trilogy
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance, Romantasy
So glad I gave this first book a chance. Truly enjoyed the characters and the FMC Paedyn's story is rich and drew me in. A different kind of competition, called the Purging Trials, with a twist that sent me flying. I didn't see it coming and I love being surprised. This has magic! Though Paedyn is a non-magical person.
#2 Reckless (BK 2) by Lauren Roberts
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance, Romantasy
The second book in the trilogy is exciting and continues the story between Paedyn and the two Princes. She’s on the run with Kai, the Enforcer in hot pursuit, after the Purging Trials for her killing the King and you just have to read to the shocking twist ending.
#3 Fearless (BK 3) by Lauren Roberts
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance, Romantasy
I am currently reading this and it’s still good! Many times, the third book in a series can lose its steam, but so far, I’m in it to finish.
#4 The Selection by Kiera Cass
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
This is an oldie, published in 2012. I had it in my Kindle for two years and finally read it and was I pleasantly surprised. It’s a light, fun, romance set in a fantasy world where everyone is classified by a rating from the lowest of the classes to the more elite. I really enjoyed this light romance. There isn’t any magic in it, just a fantasy world with a prince and a similar plot to the Bachelor. The main character, America is a 5 and the prince of course is a 1. The series had 5 books that span 20 years.
#5 Sunrise on the Reaping (Prequel to Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins
Genre: YA Fantasy
Best book of series for me after Catching Fire, as it really tugged at my heartstrings. I shed quite a few tears towards the end. This prequel is Haymitch's story and he sure had it rough. Keep the prequels coming Suzanne. Love her writing!!
#6 LightLark (BK1 of Lightlark Series) by Alex Aster
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance, Romantasy
A slow start and I had trouble following the plot but it continued to draw me in until I was hooked. So glad too. Very unique storyline and the twisted reveal was riveting I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Definitely want to read the next book.
#7 Nightbane (BK 2 of LightLark Series) by Alex Aster
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance, Romantasy
This was a difficult book for me to get through. There were parts I liked and parts I didn't. Mostly I don't enjoy dual timelines or like in this book the before chapters then the present. I skipped over some before chapters. I understood the ending, but I didn't care for it. I don't think I'll read the next book.
#8 Skyshade (BK 3 of Lightlark Series) by Alex Aster
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance, Romantasy
So ... I wasn't planning on reading more of this series after Nightbane, but saw Skyshade hardback for only $6 on Amazon so I bought it. I gave it 3 stars because I found some of the writing and editing confusing or poorly done. And yet, there were parts of the book I did find exciting and interesting which kept me reading. I liked the characters MMCs Grim and Oro though, feeling sorry for them that they are in love with the conflicted Isla. But I was having trouble with the darkness of Isla as she grew into whatever it is she is growing into. This is a personal issue with me, I guess, in that I'm not particularly fond of female protagonists going completely dark. Towards the end of this book, desperately trying to finish, I found myself skipping ahead.
I don’t expect sex scenes in YA books. But there is in this book though it is YA. And the love scene at the end made me laugh out loud. I'm sorry, but that's what happened. It could have been done so much better. Sooooo, I am definitely NOT going to read BK 4 Crowntide.
My recommendation is, if you liked the first two books go for the rest. I’m difficult to please.
#9 Ash Princess (BK 1) by Laura Sebastian
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me turning the page. The love triangle between Theo's best friend Blaise and Prince Soren. Totally loved these relationships. A slow-burn romance through the series. I felt it could have been shorter and the narrative tighter but still one of my favorites.
#10 Lady Smoke (BK 2) by Laura Sebastian
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
Great second book to this series.
#11 Ember Queen (BK 3) by Laura Sebastian
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
The third book in the Ash Princess trilogy is a strong finish. Sebastian created wonderful complex characters, a unique magical world and her writing drew me in. I felt very connected to the main characters as I cheered them on in the final battle of Theo's quest to regain her throne.
#12 Mercy Markos and the Blades of Betrayal by Sally Gratz Garcia
Genre: YA Fantasy
What an adventure! I thoroughly enjoyed following twelve-year-old Mercy Markos as she learns how to wield her magic in a special school for Ara’Jaeons on a cloaked continent in the South Atlantic. Sally Garcia skillfully developed complex, fun, and scary characters, and wrote beautifully described scenes of the magical elements in this unique fantasy world. Portals, creative magic, and a prophecy are woven into plot twists and suspense, keeping me fully engaged as Mercy and her friends investigate a murder mystery from the past and how it’s connected to an attempted murder in the present. A must-read for young adults and adults, too.
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