Romantasy Fan? Read These 6 OG Classics That Started It All

Love, danger, and magic collide in these iconic reads that shaped a generation of fantasy romance...long before the hype.


By Kayleigh Donaldson   |  Updated January 27, 2026

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Romantasy is so hot right now! BookTok has helped to elevate this subgenre to the top of the bestseller lists, with authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros leading the way. But romantasy has existed long before its current explosion in popularity.

Back in the day when it was called urban fantasy or paranormal romance, it offered many of the same thrills that romantasy readers now crave. Here are six classic titles from the pre-TikTok days that deserve your attention.

Kushiel's Dart Book Cover


Romantasy plus dark romance plus epic political intrigue equals one of the most gripping and eye-opening series in all of fantasy. This one is not for the faint of heart (watch out for its many trigger warnings relating to non-con and violence), but it’s addictive nonetheless.

Phèdre nó Delaunay is a courtesan blessed with the ability to experience pain and pleasure as the same thing. She falls head-first into a courtly battle for power where her talents in the bedchamber make her an unexpectedly prepared spy.

Dragon Bound Book Cover


Book 1 of the Elder Races Series




Did Fourth Wing whet your whistle for dragons? Thea Harrison has you covered with her Elder Races series.

Pia Giovanni is half-human and half-Wyr, part of a supernatural race hidden from the outside world. After being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, she's captured by the most feared of all Wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre. Rather than kill her, he claims Pia as his newest treasure.

Daughter of the Blood Book Cover


Book 1 of the Black Jewels Series




The Black Jewels saga has been one of fantasy’s most underrated series for too long and more than deserves rediscovery by today’s romantasy readers.

For years the realm of Terreille has been falling into ruin thanks to its succession of cruel and corrupt queens. But change is in the air as a prophecy reveals the coming of a new Queen who will be more powerful than any before her. She's not only a Queen: She's a Witch.

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The Winter King Book Cover


Book 1 of the Weathermages of Mystral Series




If you love Danielle L. Jensen or Grace Draven then you deserve to be introduced to C.L. Wilson's Weathermages of Mystral series. The worldbuilding is as dense as the romance is heated.

Wynter Atrialan wants his revenge on the king of Summerlea, and he'll do it by claiming one of his beautiful, beloved daughters as his bride. He's not prepared for Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, the black sheep of her family who is sentenced to wed him as punishment. Instead, they inspire storms of intense passion in one another that could tear their respective lands apart.

Slave to Sensation Book Cover


Book 1 of the Psy-Changeling Series




The Psy-Changeling series is one of the most intricately built fantasy worlds in all of romance. The Psy possess intense psychic powers but must reject all of their emotions. Changelings are animal shapeshifters who sit at the bottom of the social ladder. They’re on the verge of war. For Psy Sascha and Lucas of the Darkriver Leopard Pack, falling in love is forbidden. And yet...

Magic Bites Book Cover


Book 1 of the Kate Daniels Series




The husband-and-wife team behind the powerhouse that is Ilona Andrews offer great ass-kicking urban fantasy for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and modern romantasy alike.

Kate Daniels is a mercenary of the magic world, cleaning up after mages and monsters. When her guardian is murdered, she must find the killer amid a power struggle between two of Atlanta's most powerful magic factions. It's all just another day's work for Kate, but then there's Beast Lord Curran, who is very scary and very alluring...

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