Now before you spicy book lovers get upset, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a spicy read, but sometimes Booktok and Bookstagram can feel a bit overwhelmed with spicy book recs because they’re so popular, and for those of us that generally prefer a little more plot and a lot less spice, it can be harder to find. So I’m here to share some of my favorite Romantasy books that still have a beautiful romance, but aren’t spice-forward. We can have the debate again about how Romantasy is actually Romantic Fantasy, aka Fantasy with a Romantic subplot and Fantasy Romance is a Romance written in a fantasy world, but I fear grammar lessons and literacy are at an all time low. Too snarky? Please don’t take it to heart. We’re all book lovers here. And I know sometimes phrases get commandeered to mean something else because they’re used so frequently. But it’s still a fun debate within the community. Now, some of these recs still have some spice, but it’s minimal, and some are FTB or no spice. I’ll try to call out which is which. Have a favorite romantic fantasy read you love that’s not listed below? Drop it in the comments and help BAMTP readers grow their TBR!

Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

One of my favorite romantasy duologies of ALL TIME. The writing is some of the most beautiful, and it reads a bit more like a historical fiction with fantastical elements. Part epistolary format (aka the romantic rivals are writing letters to each other), the yearning in these books is off the charts.

Pro Tip: There’s a gorgeous, limited edition with a slipcase that has beautiful artwork of book one. Fingers crossed they do one for book two as well!

Strange the Dreamer and Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

I thrifted these books years ago, and they were just sitting on my TBR shelf, waiting to be discovered. Let me tell you, I am KICKING myself for not picking these up sooner. The most gorgeous writing, and a beautiful, slow burn romance. Mostly FTB.

The Bridge Kingdom and The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen

This duology is always on my rec list for getting out of a reading slump. These are super fast reads (honestly, I wish they were longer), and while there is some spice, it’s not over the top. Book two is my absolute favorite! The books that come later in the series are much more spicy, so keep that in mind. But these first two can be read as a completed duology.

Pro Tip: These newly released trad published editions have gorgeous sprayed edges and fan art.

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

Another of my “get out of a reading slump” book recs. This book is perfect if you love Vikings and historical fiction vibes and low fantasy. Oh, and did I mention it’s an enemies to lovers romance?! Everything is FTB. I read this in one sitting.

Radiance and Eidolon by Grace Draven

A friends to lovers, arranged marriage story that is honestly so cute. There is some spice, but it’s earned and not over the top. There’s also a lot of action and political plots, so you won’t be bored at all. I believe these are still indie published, so if you’re looking for a new indie Romance author to discover, Grace Draven is one to add to your list!

All of Us Villains and All of Our Demise by Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman

If The Hunger Games was set in our modern world, but with magic. Now I know a lot of books get compared to The Hunger Games, and 99% of them fall short. All of Us Villains has a tournament similar to THG, but it’s between rival magical families. I absolutely loved the character dynamics in this story, and there are multiple romantic plots happening throughout. It’s a super brutal and tragic world. While I did feel like book two could have been tightened up a bit more, it’s still a fantastic completed duology to add to your TBR.

Dark Water Daughter by H.M. Long

Pirates? A Winter Sea? Some of the coolest creatures and magic? Plus, a will they, won’t they romantic subplot? No spice in this one, but lots of great banter. And if you lean heavy on wanting super cool magic systems, you’ll love this one. It’s now a completed trilogy, and I absolutely loved the first two books. Can’t wait to read the third!

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen

If you love snarky, clever characters as well as writing, this is the book for you. This is book one of a completed trilogy, and it’s hilarious, sad, and adorable all at the same time. There are multiple romantic pairings in this fantasy book, and no spice.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

One of the most romantic books, and one of my favorite books of all time. It’s all vibes and beautiful writing though, so if you’re reading for the vibes, angst, and beautiful prose, you’ll probably love this too. No spice.

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwaer

If you love the Regency era, but make it traditional faeries (the scary kind), and the most whimsical writing, you’ll love this Romantasy. This was such an easy five star read for me. Amazing grumpy sunshine vibes, and I loved the Pride and Prejudice vibes, but with the added element of a portal fantasy.

Have a favorite romantasy book that’s more plot over spice? Help the community out and share your book recommendation below in the comments!

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P.S. If you end up getting a copy of any books through an Amazon affiliate link above, you’ll be helping me keep this blog and newsletter free for readers. Thanks in advance for supporting a fellow bookworm! BTW, I will always disclose affiliate links when they’re present. :) Happy reading!

Love Plot Over Spice in Your Romantasy Reads? Here are 10 Standalones and Series with a Romantic Subplot, Little to No Spice, and Beautiful Writing