10 Slow Burn Romantasy Books You Need to Read

If you're the kind of reader who lives for glances that last too long, reluctant allies who definitely don’t care about each other (but do), and that achingly slow build toward a kiss that finally breaks you — this list is for you.

Slow burn romantasy delivers all the tension, all the longing, and all the magic. These books aren’t about insta-love — they’re about the simmer. The kind that takes chapters (sometimes whole books!) to reach a boiling point. And when it does? Absolute perfection.

So light a candle, pour some tea, and dive into 10 slow burn romantasy books that will ruin your emotional stability (in the best way).

1. The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

🧛 Vampires, deadly trials, rivals-to-lovers
Oraya is a human in a vampire king’s court, forced into an alliance with a mysterious warrior. What begins in distrust turns into something much deeper — and far more dangerous.

2. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

⚔️ Guard x Princess, forbidden love, hidden identities
Poppy’s entire life has been one of duty and silence — until Hawke enters the scene. Their relationship is a slow-burning fuse in a powder keg of secrets, power, and desire.

3. To Bleed a Crystal Bloom by Sarah A. Parker

🌹 Gothic fairytale, obsession, guardian x ward
A haunting Rapunzel-inspired story where love builds in stolen moments and unspeakable secrets. This one takes “slow burn” to the extreme — and it hurts so good.

4. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

🌊 Political marriage, trust issues, deadly secrets
She’s an assassin bride. He’s her target. But in the tangled mess of war, loyalty, and longing, something real begins to bloom — slowly, and beautifully.

5. A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker

🔥 Thief-to-princess, enemies to tentative allies
When Romeria is thrust into a magical world and framed for murder, her only “ally” is a brooding, dangerous prince. It takes time for trust to spark, but once it does? Fireworks.

6. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

🐉 Dragon academy, rivals to lovers, war college drama
Violet is thrown into an elite dragon rider academy — and Xaden is the last person she wants as a partner. Their romance is high-stakes, emotionally layered, and pure slow-burn gold.

7. Throne of Glass (Series) by Sarah J. Maas

🗡 Assassins, emotional growth, long arc romance
This series gives you the ultimate slow-burn. Several books. Multiple love interests. And a romance that builds alongside character development and war.

8. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

🌑 Dark magic, forbidden abilities, hidden feelings
Elspeth hides a monstrous secret inside her mind — and her only hope is a mysterious highwayman who isn’t what he seems. A gothic slow burn full of tension and secrets.

9. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

🖤 Fae politics, childhood enemies, tension-filled banter
Jude and Cardan are not friends. They’re rivals in a cutthroat fae court. But beneath the power plays and poison, something dangerous and tender smolders — slowly.

10. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

📜 War letters, hidden identities, soul-deep connection
Two rival journalists writing anonymous letters during a war between gods. Their romance builds on words, not touch — and it’s utterly devastating in the best way.