Romantasy vs Fantasy Book with Romance – A Reader Perspective
Somehow I could not work on this post over the weekend or on Monday, so I am a bit late to this discussion post, but better late than never. The prompt, “What do you think of romantasy as a category? What makes something romantasy vs fantasy book with romance?”, is part of Fantasy with Friends: A New Discussion Meme at Pages Unbound, and the short answer is this: I do not mind romantasy at all, as long as the book delivers both fantasy and romance honestly.
Romantasy vs Fantasy Book with Romance
If you have known me for a while, you already know that fantasy and romance are my comfort genres. I love both, and naturally, combining them feels like the best of both worlds for someone who enjoys emotional stories as much as immersive ones.
I have seen readers fall very strongly on both sides when it comes to romantasy. Some absolutely love it, some avoid it like a cursed object, there is definitly audience divided in Romantasy vs Fantasy Book with Romance. For me, the label matters far less than whether I am reading the right book for my taste. I have read many kinds of fantasy over the years. I love epic fantasy that is deeply focused on worldbuilding and long character journeys or quests, like The Lord of the Rings. I also enjoy fantasy with little or minimal romance such as Harry Potter, Mistborn, The Winternight Trilogy, the Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo, and The Priory of the Orange Tree.
Then there are books where fantasy and romance feel genuinely balanced, where neither overshadows the other. Elizabeth Lim’s books fall neatly into this space for me. And yes, I have also read romance-heavy fantasy that I genuinely enjoyed and even loved, like The Folk of the Air by Holly Black, Bride by Ali Hazelwood, and most recently The Crowns of Nyaxia by Carissa Broadbent. I still have several romantasy titles on my TBR, but that said, not every romantasy has worked for me. Some were average, like Hunt on Dark Waters and Damsel, and some simply did not click, like The Lord of Stariel by A. J. Lancaster.
So, here is Reader Perspective basically what I think What makes something romantasy vs fantasy book with romance–
What Makes Fantasy With Romance Different From Romantasy
Fantasy with romance is usually more world and character journey focused. The world feels vast, layered, and older than the main characters or their romantic relationship. There are systems, histories, politics, and conflicts that exist independently of the romance. These elements raise the stakes. There are real costs and consequences that have nothing to do with love but everything to do with survival, power, belief, or duty. Romance exists, but it is usually subtle, quiet, or not center stage.
Characters in this kind of fantasy can survive without romantic subplots or intimate scenes. While we may see moments of connection, most of the time the plot is driven by the characters’ goals, the challenges they face, and the world itself. Characters have full lives outside their relationships, including friends, mentors, rivals, and responsibilities. At some point, they may choose to walk the same path, but the story does not depend on them being lovers.
For me, I enjoy all kinds of fantasy as long as it is well written. I do lean slightly toward fantasy with less or balanced romance, but that does not mean I avoid romantasy entirely. I simply have different expectations for how the romance is integrated.
What Makes a Good Romantasy
I often see fantasy readers dismiss romantasy, and I understand why. For me, the quality of a romantasy book depends entirely on how well the author handles both the fantasy and romance. Based on the romantasy books I have enjoyed, I do not want authors to compromise on worldbuilding or character depth. I want consistent themes, clear rules, political intrigue, and characters whose emotions feel earned and believable. The romance should matter but should also feel essential, not something that could be removed without affecting the story.
I also prefer romantasy that is less trope-dependent. The romance genre already has enough tropes, and I do not want romantasy to rely solely on them. Fantasy is a vast genre that offers endless creative possibilities, and romance should be thoughtfully blended, not dominate the story entirely.
What I want from romantasy is complexity. I want relationships filled with tension, danger, flawed decisions, and emotional consequences. I want payoff that feels earned. Whether the romantic arc ends happily or not, it should make sense within the world and its rules. For me, The Crowns of Nyaxia excels at this, especially in how the romantic resolution aligns with the world, the power dynamics, and the character arcs.
In the end, romantasy is not enemy. They serve different reading moods and expectations. As long as the writing is strong and the story knows what it wants to be, I am happy to read it.
What’s your opinion on this?
What Makes better romantasy for you?
What’s your favorite romantasy book?
Just in case you missed,,,
- Promise Me This (Circle of Vows Book 1) by Inaara Sheikh – romance with portrayal of Muslim family
- Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf – classic fiction that I admirable but didn’t enjoy
- January 2026 Wrap Up: Books, Life Updates, and Travel Plans
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Books Teacup and Reviews
Hi, I'm Yesha, an Indian book blogger. Avid and eclectic reader who loves to read with a cup of tea. Not born reader but I don't think I’m going to stop reading books in this life. “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
20 Comments
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aquavenatus
You said what I’ve been saying about romantasy for the last few years (thank you for breaking down the difference between the genre and the subgenre)! Even before it became popular, romantasy was gaining traction amongst the indie books market. Not to mention, authors such as Jacqueline Carey and Elizabeth Haydon were already popular.
While I’m glad some readers are enjoying romantasy, it should be known that there are numerous options to choose from; and, that pushing the subgenre onto younger readers is not the best idea.
Books Teacup and Reviews
I wouldn’t want to push just any one genre at any one no matter how popular they are. Thank you for stopping by. 😃
Sumedha @ the wordy habitat
I am on the same page as you on this! “What I want from romantasy is complexity. I want relationships filled with tension, danger, flawed decisions, and emotional consequences. I want payoff that feels earned.” — YES. Since you said that The Crowns of Nyxia excels at it, I immediately added it to my TBR. I’ll probably put off reading it until the final book is out but I’ll read it soon!
Books Teacup and Reviews
They are available on KU for us. I would suggest to start from the beginning and go in order with that. There are 3 duology and they connect and add to the world.
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paperbacktomes
While I do like reading romantasy, many authors just compromise plot for building the romance or vice versa. Another thing is that they are way too lengthy for some reason and it’s not even a standalone.
Books Teacup and Reviews
I wouldn’t mind length as long as authors don’t compromise in all important elements of romantasy.
Lashaan Balasingam @ Roars and Echoes
I’d definitely steer clear from “romantasy” nowadays. I just know it’s not something I look for, but I’m glad others can enjoy that category a lot nowadays ! 😀
Books Teacup and Reviews
Do you have any fav you read before? I don’t in general mind romantasy as long as they’re good.
Lashaan Balasingam @ Roars and Echoes
My favourite “fantasy with romance” is The Night Circus ! 😀
Books Teacup and Reviews
It is on my shelf. Definitely reading it this year
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Krysta
I love this take!
I have a feeling romantasy can get some negative pushback because it’s just so prevalent right now. That means publishers are pushing it out while it’s still trendy, so some quality control might go down for some books. Also, some people are likely feeling romantasy fatigue. But none of that means romantasy is inherently bad! It’s just a choice, as you say. And what any one reader feels like reading at any given moment!
Books Teacup and Reviews
Agree. Let’s hope we come across better romantasy more to spice things up.
kat
I love your distinctions between romantasy and fantasy with romance. It’s so nice and clear cut. If a romantasy has the elements you discussed, I think I’d be open to reading it. It’s been disappointing getting a relatively ordinary romance made interesting with fantasy elements. I’d love a complex story, too.
Books Teacup and Reviews
I recommend Crowns of Nyaxia. They are on KU or Audible for you I think.
Briana | Pages Unbound
I do agree finding the right balance between fantasy and romance is key! I wonder if I have higher standards there because I read a lot of fantasy. Sometimes I read historical romances and I am pretty sure half of what happens in those books isn’t historically accurate, and often it’s melodramatic, but somehow that seems part of the charm. In a romantasy, I just can’t get past it if things don’t make sense. Though I guess logic and “accuracy” are different things.
Books Teacup and Reviews
I absolutely enjoy historical romance even though half of things are not accurate and I agree all the drama is the charm. As for romantasy, for us major fantasy reader, are like work to find the right one becaue not all are good.
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