Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Requited, and Little, Brown Ink brought the heat this fall with an exclusive online event that reminded us why romantasy continues to dominate the shelves. I had the pleasure getting to know more about these upcoming reads at LBYR, LIVE: Fall-ing for Romantasy, a virtual gathering on Crowdcast that introduced some of the most buzzworthy 2026 voices in the genre.
It wasn’t just a sneak peek, but it seemed to be a celebration of bold storytelling, fresh perspectives, and the kind of escapism readers crave as the days grow shorter.
Here’s a deeper look at the star titles that were showcased:
DIRE BOUND by Sable Sorenson (the powerhouse duo Eliza Phillips and Annie Paige-Stone)
Imagine the grit and survival instinct of The Hunger Games colliding with the adrenaline-fueled flight and romance of Fourth Wing. This spicy, page-turning romantasy throws readers into a brutal competition where alliances spark, betrayals sting, and passion burns even in the most dangerous of places. Sorenson’s knack for weaving danger and desire into a nonstop ride ensures this one will be flying off shelves.
THE WICKED SEA by Jordan Stephanie Gray
Dark magic brews as mermaids clash with warlocks in this sultry enemies-to-lovers tale. The Wicked Sea doesn’t shy away from tension, whether it’s battles at sea or smoldering glances across enemy lines. With lyrical prose and atmospheric worldbuilding, Gray creates a world where desire is as dangerous as the waves themselves. Readers of Leigh Bardugo and Shelby Mahurin will find themselves swept under quickly.
LOVE ME TO DEATH by Toonimated (Julian Jauregui and Tara Mueller)
A runaway Webtoon hit, now reborn as a lushly illustrated graphic novel. This story is equal parts gothic and romantic, following a necromancer, the bride he resurrects, and her all-too-alive groom. The triangle isn’t just messy, but it’s deliciously addictive. Toonimated’s signature art style heightens the stakes, with visuals that capture both the eerie mood and the aching humanity of a story where love refuses to stay buried.
NEVER EVER AFTER by Sue Lynn Tan
Known for her Celestial Kingdom series, Tan has already proven she can captivate readers with myth and magic. Now she reimagines Cinderella in a way that’s powerful, defiant, and full of fire. This isn’t the story of a girl waiting to be saved, it’s a reawakening of what happens when a heroine takes control of her own destiny.
Fierce, lyrical, and emotionally resonant, Tan’s take gives new life to a beloved tale.
DREAM BY THE SHADOWS by Logan Karlie
A haunting blend of Beauty and the Beast and Labyrinth, this romantasy is rich with mood and magic. Shadows blur into dreams, secrets flicker just beyond reach, and romance blooms against a backdrop of enchantment. Karlie, a New York Times and Indie bestselling favorite, has a gift for balancing swoon-worthy romance with deeply immersive worlds, and this novel is no exception. Fans who love gothic fairytales laced with yearning will find themselves utterly transported This fall, romantasy isn’t just a trend, but it’s a movement, and these books promise everything from fierce heroines to shadowy lovers, from illustrated gothic triangles to retellings that ignite.
Get ready to be spellbound well into 2026! So, brew a cup of tea, curl up under a blanket, and set aside space for these upcoming novels. Happy reading!
