If you’re anything like me, you crave romantasy stories that hit you right in the heart while sweeping you away into vibrant, dangerous worlds filled with magic, slow-burn passion, and characters who leap right off the page.

Well, get ready, because "The Never List" by Jade Presley and "Shield of Sparrows" by Devney Perry are the exact kind of emotionally immersive, wildly addictive books that remind us why this genre has taken over our shelves, and our souls.

Seriously!

Both releases come from Red Tower Books, and let me just say, this publisher is quickly becoming the name to watch in romantasy. They continue to deliver stories that are daring, emotionally charged, and wildly original. With these two standout novels, Red Tower has given romantasy lovers exactly what we needed: unforgettable characters, world-shattering stakes, and writing that cuts deep.

'The Never List' by Jade Presley

Let’s start with the one that shattered me in the best way. "The Never List." What begins as a mistaken identity turns into something much deeper when Rylee Gray, an outsider with her own hidden agenda, is thrust into the middle of a prophecy she was never meant to fulfill. She’s fiery, flawed, and brave in a way that feels incredibly real. Whether she’s facing down ancient magic, grappling with secrets she’s not ready to reveal, or navigating the intense attention of four devastatingly powerful god-princes, Rylee never backs down. She listens to her heart, even when it terrifies her, and that makes her unforgettable.

Each prince brings something different: raw power, aching vulnerability, controlled fury, and surprising tenderness. Together, they form a complicated web of desire, loyalty, and fate, and the “why choose” romance is handled with chef’s kiss perfection. The emotional stakes are just as high as the magical ones, and the spice-to-plot balance is absolute gold. You'll fall for each of them, and you'll fall hard. And the ending? Let's just say I stared at the wall for a while in pure, heartbroken awe.

Presley’s writing is sharp, sultry, and packed with soul. She’s an author who understands how to build tension, romantic and narrative, and twist it into something unforgettable. "The Never List" is one of those rare books that sinks its teeth into you and doesn’t let go.

"The Never List" by Jade Presley on Amazon

'Shield of Sparrows' by Devney Perry

And then there’s "Shield of Sparrows," a moody, slow-burn romantasy that took everything I love about the genre and made it feel new again. Odessa is a princess raised to obey, to kneel before gods and kings, to give her blood in the name of duty. But when everything changes, when she’s forced into a blood-bound marriage with a ruthless monster hunter and sent on a perilous journey across cursed lands, she doesn’t just survive. She awakens.

This is a story about transformation: how pain can become power, how being underestimated can become a strength, and how love doesn’t always arrive when or how you expect. Odessa and her brooding husband are at odds from the start, but the banter, the tension, the slow unfurling of trust and heat between them. Pure romantasy gold. Their journey from enemies to reluctant allies to something much more will keep your heart thudding.

The world itself is lush and richly imagined, from storm-tossed voyages to eerie forests where monsters wait in the shadows. Yet the magic never overwhelms; it enhances. The author gives you exactly what you need, when you need it, allowing you to soak in the wonder without getting lost in it. Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros will absolutely devour this book, and newcomers to the genre will find it an approachable and gripping entry point.

And yes… that cliffhanger? I gasped. Out loud.

"Shield of Sparrows" by Devney Perry on Amazon

Final Thoughts

What "The Never List" and "Shield of Sparrows" have in common is their fearless approach to story and character. They don’t just give us magic — they give us heroines who rise, romances that burn slow and hot, and stakes that matter. These are stories that speak to anyone who’s ever felt out of place, underestimated, or like they were made for something more.

Thanks to Red Tower Books, we’re seeing more of these complex, beautiful, and emotionally fierce stories on our shelves. These two releases are proof that romantasy isn’t just a trend, it’s a force. And if you’re looking for your next obsession, you’ve found it.

So, cancel your plans, grab a cozy spot, and dive into "The Never List" and "Shield of Sparrows." Your heart won’t be the same, and honestly, you’ll thank them for it.