Searching for something to fill the time between holiday events or (like me) procrastinate all those end-of-semester assignments? Look no further!
here are a couple of Book recs from my recent favorites!
1) The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Bridgette Knightley
He’s an assassin with a magical injury; she’s a healer specializing in the issue he’s dealing with. The catch? Their factions are sworn enemies – but due to … circumstances, they’re stuck with each other as they attempt to track down the elusive cure for his supposedly incurable condition. This one dragged me in right away with the perfect combination of banter, high stakes, and irreverent humor that makes it such a fun read, but I will warn you – book two isn’t coming out until July 2026, and trust me, I’ll be counting down the days!
2) Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling
A fun mix of fantasy, found family, and heist plot (with a simply fantastic reluctant allies to friends to lovers and steamy tension) – on top of that, the FMC has won my heart (when she loves pastries, books, knives, and dragons, you know I’ve found my new comfort character). This is the first in an ongoing series; I’m partway through my reread so that I can dive into book two (Wrath of Dragons, published July 2025) and already looking forward to the third, scheduled for release in September 2026!
3) The Hurricane Wars & A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon
Enemies to lovers AND forced proximity??? Sign me up! (Yes, I know – I’m predictable). This currently-two-book series is beautifully written (and the cover art? gorgeous!) and balances some complex themes and topics with dynamic characters and vivid imagery; if you like court politics, interesting magic systems, and fictional men with shadow powers, you’ve found your next read! Once again, book three is expected in 2026 :)
4) Phantasma & Enchantra by Kaylie Smith
I figured I couldn’t end this list without recommending at least one completed series, and this duology is one of my current favorites that I’ve read all year. Both deal with paranormal entities (a necromancer and a ghost, anyone?) and magical games and trials – with steamy romance, high stakes, and twists that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon, these are must-reads for anyone who wants a bit more darkness with their fantasy/romance combo.
If you would like to keep up with my romantasy reads, follow me on StoryGraph (@smoldragon27) or check out my older book rec article <3