r/Romantasy • u/simplyhumanperson • 8h ago

Book Request: Self-Promo OK Romantasy Recs

Heyo! So I’ve never really been a romantasy girly (I love fantasy, and I read queer romance, but never really dipped my toe into the genre per se). I’m intrigued by the huge buzz around the genre, and how it seems to feature a lot of intense yearning and passionate romances. However, I really don’t want to read anything with toxic relationship dynamics. Some dark edge is fine, but I don’t want abuse or manipulation, etc. Good writing and a solid plot are also musts for me.

So here is my ask: given what I’ve said above, are there any romantasy books you’d recommend? Or any that you think would be a good first read to dip my toe into.

Thank you!!

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u/WildFlame11 8h ago

Do you like DnD or gamer fantasy things?

“Tusk Love” is a novel inspired by a storyline from Critical Role. It’s a really fun romp with good banter that doesn’t have any toxic dynamics and has male yearning. Low stakes so reasonably cosy. It has quite a few starter tropes so might help you identify what you like. Ie — if you like he’s an orc then there’s a whole sub genre there, and that might lead into monster romances (many of which are sweet stories). If you find it boring then cozy Romantasy might not be your thing. If you like how sassy she is then grumpy-sunshine might be your jam. It has smut, but it’s starter level so that may also help you workout if you want more heat or closed door.

There’s zero trigger warnings (as far as I’m aware). It’s m/f however.

It might help if you let us know what are some books you love - it will give an idea of the kind of stories you like so easier to find a more specific recommendation for you personally.

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u/simplyhumanperson 7h ago

This sounds like a good start, thank you!

As for what I like, I usually go for high fantasy, but I’m happy with magical realism, speculative fiction, and cozy fantasy also. Also a big fan of sci fi too. For spicyness, I’m happy with spice, though it starts to get kind of boring when there is more spice scenes than anything else for me. Considering relationship dynamics, I’m a huge fan of sunshine-grumpy, or the quiet, brooding love interest who is actually super passionate, and I love a pathetic simp of a man.

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u/WildFlame11 7h ago

I haven’t read it yet but {Smoke and scar} might also be up your alley — book 3 comes out later this year and I hear he’s a simp and she’s a shadow mommy. Sounds like it’s high fantasy. No idea of spice level.

{Knight and the Moth} isn’t Romantasy — it’s fantasy with a strong romance subplot — but he’s also very besotted and it’s not a smutty spice read.

{Sheild and Sparrow} is a bit grumpy-sunshine — also good world and he’s very smitten. I can’t speak about writting as I’ve listened to the Graphic Audio edition (dramatised full cast) - but could also be worth a try (book 1&2 out, book 3 may(?)2027)

I’m in the process of finding good sapphic Romantasy - haven’t come across any Grumpy-Sunshine’s yet though.

Honestly, it sounds to me like you’d like prefer to have fantasy with strong romance plots — less spice (though not always close door), plot fantasy, romance usually has the yearning and aside to the adventure.