10 New Romantasy Books That Will Keep You Up All Night

Let’s be honest: our "To Be Read" piles are already tall enough to be a safety hazard, but 2026 is coming for our heartstrings anyway. If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent more time staring at your bookshelf than your bank account lately—and honestly? No regrets.

The Romantasy lineup for 2026 is looking... well, soul-shattering in the best way possible. From dragon-sized sequels to the return of the Shadowhunter world, here are the books we'll be making our entire personality this year.

1. The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker

• The Vibe: High-stakes dragon riding and massive emotional damage.

• Why we’re screaming: If you survived the cliffhanger in When the Moon Hatched, I salute you. We’re finally heading back into this world of grief and magic. It’s the kind of book that requires a box of tissues and a very cozy hoodie to hide in.

• The Details: View The Ballad of Falling Dragons on Goodreads | Pre-order The Ballad of Falling Dragons Here

• Wear the Trope: Pair your reading session with our Basgiath War College Tee for that "don't talk to me, I'm mourning a fictional character" look.

2. The Last King of Faerie by Cassandra Clare

• The Vibe: Darker Fae politics and childhood friends who definitely shouldn't be "just friends."

• Why we’re screaming: Ty and Kit. That’s it. That’s the tweet. The Shadowhunter world is getting a fresh, darker coat of paint, and we are ready to be hurt again.

• The Details: Add The Last King of Faerie to your TBR on Goodreads

3. Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry

• The Vibe: Small-town magic that feels like a warm (but slightly dangerous) hug.

• Why we’re screaming: This series is perfect for readers who want that cozy, "magic in the air" feel without losing the spicy romance. It’s atmospheric and moody.

• The Details: Pre-order Rite of the Starling on Amazon | Check the reviews on Rites of the Starling on Goodreads

4. The Swan's Daughter by Roshani Chokshi

• The Vibe: A lush, lyrical fairy tale that feels like a fever dream.

• Why we’re screaming: Roshani’s prose is basically poetry. This is the one you read when you want to feel like a woodland queen living in a haunted castle.

• The Details: Order The Swan's Daughter on Amazon | Check the reviews for The Swan's Daughter on Goodreads

5. Mother of Death and Dawn by Carissa Broadbent

• The Vibe: Epic, world-ending stakes and a love that’s worth the war.

• Why we’re screaming: The conclusion to Tisaanah and Max’s story is finally here. I’m not saying I’m going to cry, but I’m also not not saying that.

• The Details: Order your copy of Mother of the Death and Dawn on Amazon

6. Release Me by Tahereh Mafi

• The Vibe: Dystopian angst with a side of "Who did this to you?"

• Why we’re screaming: The Shatter Me universe is the gift that keeps on giving. Mafi has a way of writing yearning that actually makes your chest ache.

• The Details: Add Release Me to your TBR on Goodreads

7. Broken Dove by Dani Francis

• The Vibe: Psychic powers, training arcs, and "I hate you but I’m literally tethered to you."

• Why we’re screaming: If you loved Powerless, this is your 2026 obsession. It’s fast-paced, romantic, and very, very binge-worthy.

• The Details: Pre-order your copy of Broken Dove on Amazon

8. Half City by Kate Golden

• The Vibe: Dark Academia, but make it magical and slightly toxic.

• Why we’re screaming: Rival academies? Check. Forbidden magic? Check. A love interest that is definitely a "red flag" but we love him anyway? Double check.

• The Details: View Half City on Goodreads

9. Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward

• The Vibe: Gritty high fantasy with a brooding king who needs a nap and a hug.

• Why we’re screaming: Ward is branching out from paranormal into high fantasy, and it’s as dark and delicious as you’d expect.

• The Details: Add Crown of War and Shadow to your TBR on Goodreads

10. Untitled (ACOTAR #6) by Sarah J. Maas

• The Vibe: Chaos. Pure, unadulterated fandom chaos.

• Why we’re screaming: Look, whether it’s Elain, Azriel, or a literal sentient rock, we’re going to be at the bookstore at midnight. This is the Super Bowl of Romantasy.

• Wear the Trope: Don’t show up to the release party underdressed. Our Velaris: City of Starlight Tee was basically made for this moment.

Let's Chat!

My 2026 TBR is already out of control. Which release are you most prepared to lose your mind over? Are you Team Dragon or Team Fae this year? Drop a comment and let’s talk tropes!