

By Zoë
There are so many amazing spicy romantasy gems to read in this day and age, and I’m featuring a few that truly deserve the recognition they’ve earned. These books deliver exactly what they promise—blending romance and fantasy with varying levels of spice in an authentic and captivating way.
Past OwlCrate Romantasy Books Featured In The Adult Fantasy Subscription Box
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
Pub Date: 2024 | Series: Yes
Sub Genre: Bully Romance | Spice Meter: 🌶🌶
For fans of The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle and This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings.
Immortal Dark is a diverse dark academia fantasy known for its gothic atmosphere and Black vampires. This book was marketed as The Cruel Prince meets Ninth House, and I couldn’t agree more with this comparison. It’s no surprise how quickly it became noticeable on Bookstagram.
The story is primarily set within Uxlay University, a hidden world within a world, steeped in secrets and intrigue, and includes both cat-and-mouse and bully romance tropes and layers of betrayal upon betrayal.
Kidan, our protagonist, is a morally complex and compelling character . She is determined to achieve her goals, even at the cost of self-damage. Her journey epitomizes what it means to be pushed to the edge and face the choice of whether to fight or bend. She also has low-key OCD tics, which she uses to identify her feelings and calm herself, adding depth to her character.
"Sometimes, to survive, we must be made something entirely new."
― Tigest Girma, Immortal Dark
I found the writing style in this book engaging, and it was easy to fall into a steady rhythm while reading. The setting is picturesque, and the writing style creates a moody ambiance that enriches the dark academia narrative.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of power dynamics within society, especially focusing on some of the struggles Black women face. It highlights the challenges they must endure and how society often ignores or marginalizes them.
"I will fight to live."
― Tigest Girma, Immortal Dark
There are several quotes in the book that resonated with me, especially when considering houses as entities—perfect embodiments of our mindset. I truly believe that houses, in a way, are alive, and the magic system in Immortal Dark plays on this idea.
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
Pub Date: Aug 2024 | Series: No
Sub Genre: Gothic Fantasy | Spice Meter: 🌶🌶
For fans of The Thirteen Child by Erin A. Craig and Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright.
Lady Macbeth gained popularity for its gothic atmosphere and the feminine rage trope. The novel is a compelling exploration of identity and resilience, making it a must-read for anyone questioning their place in the world.
"Roscille used to think there was no state more powerless than one of forced silence. Of words that mean nothing, touch no one. But now she is a dog, commanded: Speak. Lie for your life. This is a castle of consequences. Every word had its echo."
― Ava Reid, Lady Macbeth
Through Lady Macbeth, Ava Reid showcases a profound and passionate intellect, masterfully illustrating the art of feminine vengeance. The pacing drew me in effortlessly, and the evocative writing captured dark gothic vibes. Well-rounded characters brought authentic intensity to their Shakespearean-inspired roles, compelling one to root for the morally gray character of the year, Lady Macbeth.
"All of these things she did as girl as a lady, as a finching foreign bride, as a witch with death-touched eyes, as Roscille of Breizh. She has believed herself an animal, simple, sharp-toothed, slippery like an eel. But she is both guilty and innocent, both girlish and wise, both witch and woman. Even the dullest creatures in cages dream of freedom. Their desires stretch and flourish, like a tree growing clever branches around the bars of a fence."
― Ava Reid, Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth isn’t solely about romance; rather, the romance serves as an important subplot. It’s primarily about the main character trying to take control of her life and seize her agency. Roscille is subtly non-binary, and while this is not explicitly stated in the story, it reflects my interpretation of her identity.
This story will resonate with those who have felt confined by societal expectations—a mirror reflecting outdated views on womanhood and the experiences of anyone living outside societal norms. This story is for you.
Other Spicy Romantasy Books (With A Lot More Spice)
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
Pub Date: Sept. 2024 | Series: Yes
Sub Genre: Grimdark | Spice Meter: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
I recommend that you check out the content warning guide provided by the author before reading this book.
For fans of Quicksilverby Callie Hart and Anathemaby Keri Lake.
Phantasma's recognition stems from having OCD representation , witty banter, and the irresistible personality of shadow daddy Blackwell. This detailed spicy romantasy is rich in chemistry between Ophelia and Blackwell, and I love that their romantic scenes always leave them satiated and yearning for more.
"Life is not measured in good or bad thoughts—it's how you treat the world around you despite them. All the people who only do good deeds because of what it might gain them in the afterlife are no better than those who indulge in a little sin every once in a while."
― Kaylie Smith, Phantasma
The story follows our protagonist Ophelia, a budding queer necromancer, who is on a quest to find her sister, Genevieve, all while navigating binding contracts and shadowy figures. Soon she finds herself in a magical competition with high stakes, and reality and illusion blur.
The story unfolds with perilous challenges and dangerous characters, as alliances shift and secrets unravel. As competitors confront their own demons and each other, the tension mounts, leaving one eager to uncover the truth behind the enchanting facade and the Grimm sister's family secrets.
"In a different life, in a fair one, I would've kept you until my eternal soul withered away to dust"
― Kaylie Smith, Phantasma
At its core, Ophelia’s struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder adds depth to her journey , highlighting the challenges and resilience of living with mental health issues. I really enjoyed the themes of self-discovery and empowerment that shone through as she discovered her true self and chose her own path.
The pacing throughout the story was steady, with perfectly timed reveals that kept me engaged and eager to find out more. The narrative wove a rich tapestry of intrigue, horroresque elements, romance, and suspense and beautifully emphasized the importance of consent, reinforcing healthy relationships amidst the chaos.
Phantasmais an engaging read that masterfully intertwines magic, mystery, and personal struggle . I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance books that feature magical competitions and shadow daddies.
When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
Pub Date: Jan 2024 | Series: Yes
Sub Genre: High Fantasy | Spice Meter: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
I recommend that you check out the content warning guide provided by the author before reading this book.
For fans of A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen and The Veiled Kingdom by Holly Renee.
When the Moon Hatched is known for resonating with readers and for the sassy personality of Raeve. Get ready to embark on a journey through grief, loss of autonomy, and the quest for self-discovery. When the Moon Hatched echoes the poignant words of Sarah A. Parker: "For those who feel small and quiet, spread those wings and roar." This inscription embodies the essence of the book's explorations within an epic fantasy realm .
"Survival's funny. Some wear it like a whisper others like a scream. Mine's a scorched skeleton of flame-forged rage that keeps me upright. Keeps me moving forward."
― Sarah A. Parker, When the Moon Hatched
Within this meticulously crafted world, three species of dragons and numerous imaginative fantastical creatures are an integral part of the world-building. The unique magic system is centered around elemental songs, each belonging to a distinct Creator. Elementals are those gifted with the ability to hear these songs, while the Nulls are those who lack this connection. There is a distinct separation between the Elementals and the Nulls, which adds conflict to the rich narrative.
Compelling characters emerge with rich backstories , including the protagonist Raeve, whose journey through trauma and self-discovery forms the emotional core of the narrative. As she grapples with her past, Raeve's path intertwines with other characters and despicable villains, adding layers of complexity to her quest for empowerment and voice.
"I’m not your secret. I’m your truth."
― Sarah A. Parker, When the Moon Hatched
When the Moon Hatched weaves a multi-perspective tale with a nonlinear plot, offering a medium-paced journey with staggered reveals and a satisfying plot arc. The detailed spice scenes in this book explore boundaries and communication in romantic, chemistry-rich relationships, which I loved.
This first installment of The Moonfall Series not only propels the narrative forward but also delves deep into themes of grief and empowerment. When the Moon Hatched deeply resonated with me, and I enjoyed reading it so much. The open-ended conclusion , marked by a significant reveal, left me eagerly anticipating the next installment, with the promise of further character development and story exploration.
Zoë is a queer, neurodivergent content creator, freelancer, and moderator for Words and Whimsy. She can often be found hanging out on Bookstagram, in the Nest, or in Words and Whimsy's Discord server. When she's not socializing online, Zoë enjoys collecting book quotes, curating her extensive home library, and savoring a mug of warm tea. She’s also a wife to a Master Elite Technician and MotoVlogger, and a mom to an amazing two-legged little one and two rambunctious large-breed dogs.
Zoë has had the pleasure of collaborating with incredible companies, including Caffeine and Legends, Unplugged Book Box, Wick and Jane, Twisted Retreat, Words and Whimsy, OwlCrate, Tandem Collective Global, BookSparks, and Hachette Book Group: Forever Pub.
Connect with Zoë on social media:
@the.reading.zoetic | Instagram
@Zoë | The Nest
@zoetic | StoryGraph
@Zoë | Goodreads
@the.reading.zoetic | Discord
Want to read more books in this genre? Join the waitlist for OwlCrate’s new quarterly Romantasy subscription, coming in Spring 2025!
Every 3 months, subscribers will get an OwlCrate exclusive edition of a signed, newly released hardcover Romantasy novel with incredible design elements. Plus, as a subscriber, you will get first access to beautiful limited editions of popular Romantasy books.

The Nest App
⚪️ The app is 100% free and all are welcome!
⚪️ Created for the bookish community and powered by OwlCrate!
⚪️ We have exclusive live events always happening in The Nest, so download the app and join the community today!
