Great books are hard to find. It is even more difficult to find books that capture your heart and never let you go. Most of the time, you stumble over them without warning. But behold, I’ve heard your prayers. Here are my five 5-star-rated romantasy books that are worth your time that will keep you awake at night – coming from someone who is easily disappointed.
Disclaimer: This is a blog entry including personal opinion. I just want to inspire and share my experiences with you, not force you to read something. If you’re curious of who I am, you can read all about me on my author page.
Romantasy books that are worth a 5-star-rating
📚 1. Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
(Kindred’s Curse, #1)
Diem Bellator seeks to escape her isolated village life, but her mother’s sudden disappearance propels her into the dangerous, high-stakes political intrigue of the god-like Descended royalty. To protect her family and mortal kind, she must navigate a world of hidden secrets, a growing civil rebellion, and a complex connection with the crown heir.
Why I gave Spark of the Everflame 5 stars:
The dialogue, the tension between the characters and the strong and whitty female main character are the reason this book engraved itself on my heart.
Why you would love it:
- The MMC is a mix of Rhys and Cassian from A Court of Thorns and Roses
- Enemies to lovers with extreme hot banter
- Female Empowerment
Verdict: Read it if you love a great enemies to lovers and can’t quite decide between Rhys or Cassian.
Click the link to open up the book on Goodreads:
Spark of the Everflame by Penn ColeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has engraved itself on my heart. I LOVED IT.
View all my reviews
📚 2. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
(The Folk of the Air, #1)
After being whisked away to the treacherous High Court of Faerie as a child, mortal Jude fights for acceptance and power while clashing fiercely with the cruel Prince Cardan. As palace intrigue spirals into deadly civil unrest, Jude must embrace her own capacity for bloodshed and forge a risky alliance to save her family and the kingdom.
Why I gave The Cruel Prince 5 stars:
It delivers an addictive, high-stakes fantasy driven by a fiercely ambitious mortal heroine and a deliciously toxic enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Packed with sharp political intrigue and constant betrayals, it’s an amazing book to delve into. (Chapter 26!!! omg)
Why you would love it:
- It’s a dark, slow-burn romantic rivalry
- Flawed, Morally Grey Characters
- Masterful Writing & magical atmosphere (lyrical, poignant, and tragic)
Verdict: Read it immediately. If you love high-stakes fantasy with a fiercely intelligent heroine and a brutally slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic, The Cruel Prince is pretty much essential reading. Just make sure you have the sequel (The Wicked King) nearby, because that cliffhanger ending does not play around.
Click the link to open up the book on Goodreads:
The Cruel Prince by Holly BlackMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
such a good slow buuuurn
View all my reviews
📚 3. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
(The Shepherd King, #1)
In a mist-locked kingdom infected by dark magic, Elspeth Spindle joins forces with a treasonous royal captain on a perilous quest to collect twelve magic Providence Cards and cure the realm. To survive the journey, she must rely on the Nightmare—an ancient, dangerous spirit trapped inside her head that protects her while steadily taking control of her mind.
Why I gave One Dark Window 5 stars:
I loved the hilarious bickering and witty personality of the Nightmare, along with the captivating romance between Elspeth and Ravyn. The devastatingly emotional ending brought me to tears and made me immediately order the second book.
Why you would love it:
- It’s a dark, lushly gothic fantasy-world
- a unique magic system and a high-stakes quest
- eerie tension and witty banter with a deeply touching love story that will leave you desperate for the sequel.
Verdict: Don’t judge this book by its cover. It delivers an unforgettable mix of dark gothic magic, hilarious internal banter, and emotional heart-wrenching twists. Grab a copy immediately, but make sure you have book two ready for the moment that devastating ending hits.
Click the link to open up the book on Goodreads:
One Dark Window by Rachel GilligMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had my concerns about this book because I judged it by its cover. Fatal error. I loved it.
View all my reviews
📚 4. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
(Once Upon a Broken Heart, #1 ; Caraval-World)
Desperate to stop the love of her life from marrying someone else, Evangeline Fox strikes a dangerous bargain with Jacks, the charismatic but wicked Prince of Hearts, in exchange for three kisses. However, she quickly discovers that bargaining with an immortal carries perilous consequences as Jacks pulls her into a scheming plot that will lead either to ultimate happiness or total ruin.
Why I gave Once Upon A Broken Heart 5 stars:
Even though Jacks acts as the cunning villain throughout the story, his magnetic presence and complex dynamic with Evangeline completely win you over. Despite knowing his dark past from the Caraval series and his attachment to Donatella, you can’t help but fiercely root for a romance between him and Eva.
Why you would love it:
- Jacks’s Irresistible Redemption Arc: Despite disliking him in Caraval, his charm and complexity in this book completely turn your opinion around and make you adore him as a lead.
- Masterful Villain Dynamic: You might love that Jack remains true to his dark, villainous nature, making the unpredictable ending feel both fitting and wildly exciting.
- An Unstoppable Ship: Even with the daunting odds and his history with Donatella, the magnetic chemistry between Evangeline and Jacks has you completely hooked and rooting for them against all hope.
Verdict: I’m giving this book a well-deserved five stars because Jacks’ irresistible villainous charm and his electrifying dynamic with Evangeline made it an absolute read-of-the-year favorite for me.
Click the link to open up the book on Goodreads:
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie GarberMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I rarely give books five stars but with this one I said “fuck it- it’s worth it”.
View all my reviews
📚 5. The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
(Dangerous Damsels, #1)
Victorian lady and secret crime sorority thief Cecilia Bassingwaite finds her pleasant life upended when the ruthless Captain Morvath plots to destroy her society of flying, tea-drinking female scoundrels. To save her aunt and the women who raised her, Cecilia must team up with Ned Lightbourne, a dangerously charming hitman who was originally hired to kill her.
Why I gave The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels 5 stars:
I found this book absolutely adorable, hilarious, and packed with electric romantic tension. Cecilia and Ned’s dynamic is so charming that I couldn’t help but fall completely in love with them.
Why you should read it anyway:
- Enemies-to-Lovers & Hired Assassin Tropes: You’ll adore the witty, high-stakes banter between a prim lady thief and the handsome assassin assigned to kill her.
- Whimsical & Satirical Writing Style: The prose effortlessly blends dry, cozy Victorian etiquette with absurd fantasy humor and sharp comic timing.
- Themes of Female Empowerment & Found Family: Beyond the romance, it’s a delightfully fun celebration of rebellious women, found family, and proving your worth against overbearing expectations.
Verdict: I give this book a glowing recommendation because its delightful blend of cozy Victorian humor, flying houses, and irresistible romantic tension made it an absolute joy to read.
Click the link to open up the book on Goodreads:
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India HoltonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
So cute, so funny, and filled with tensiooon. READ THIS
View all my reviews
Final thoughts to the books that are worth 5-stars
- Spark of the Everflame
- The Cruel Prince
- One Dark Window
- Once Upon a Broken Heart
- The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
Looking at all five books, it’s clear I love clever heroines, dramatic slow-burn tension, and dangerous, morally grey love interests.
Rating a book 5 stars isn’t about whether it’s “literary perfection”—it’s totally subjective and just comes down to how much fun you had reading it. If a story gave you butterflies, made you laugh, or had you frantically ordering the sequel, that’s an automatic 5-star win in my book.
Books are subjective. What’s a 1-star for me might be a 5-star for you. And that’s beautiful. The reading world is big enough for all our hot takes.☕
