If your fantasy romance TBR is starting to feel like the same few books over and over again, this episode is for you. In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, Francesca shares five fantasy romances that helped pull her out of a reading rut and gave her some standout picks for the Romanceopoly 2026 reading challenge - Fantasy Theory prompts. Expect slow burns, fae, magical castles, epic fantasy vibes, sea gods, arranged marriage drama, hidden identities, and a few unexpectedly emotional moments along the way.
These are not all identical reads, and that is part of the fun. Some delivered richer worldbuilding, some worked better as palate cleansers, and all of them offered something different for fantasy romance readers looking beyond the usual viral picks.
In This Episode
Francesca talks about:
- the fantasy romances that helped revive her reading mood in early 2026
- how each book fits into the Romanceopoly 2026 reading challenge
- which books work best for readers who want slow burn romance, epic fantasy, or lighter worldbuilding
- standout five-star reads and a favorite surprise of the year so far
- why some “romantasy” titles may actually be better framed as epic fantasy with romance
Books Mentioned
1. Silver and Blood by Jessie Mihalik: https://rstyle.me/+egR2ElhBAtPG1k81rkgwFA
2. Crown of War and Shadow by J.R. Ward: https://rstyle.me/+V-ISGtxmrBvkrtFAGN4Gsw
3. Fated to the Frost King by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison: https://rstyle.me/+ODY3llanQwR4L7jnbwlZGQ
4. The Trident and the Pearl by Sarah K.L. Wilson: https://rstyle.me/+IYyBZyqLMbEq6qvBzKI0UA
5. The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino: https://rstyle.me/+2rSFZTHKMQ953m0_-gOhCQ
Fantasy romance does not have to mean only the biggest names making the rounds online. This episode is a reminder that there are plenty of underrated or less-hyped books that can still deliver on romance, magic, worldbuilding, and fit your reading challenges in really satisfying ways.
It is also a good episode for readers trying to get out of a reading slump, especially if you want books that range from immersive and emotionally intense to quick and easy palate cleansers.
Mentioned in the Episode
Which fantasy romances have fixed your TBR lately? And if you are doing Romanceopoly, what have been your best Fantasy Theory reads so far?
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