While the romantic fantasy genre has been around for decades, it’s seen a major surge in popularity—in huge part, thanks to #BookTok on TikTok—in the 2020s, coming into the mainstream more than ever. Long are the days when readers might feel embarrassed to read sexy novels; instead, fans have a deep pride for these stories, which often feature strong female protagonists, thrilling adventures, and addicting romantic relationships.
The question, at this point, remains: Where are the romantasy adaptations? Surely these titles would absolutely kill on the big or small screen. And while we’ve seen the occasional romantic fantasy movie break through (hello, Twilight!) this new era of the genre has yet to be brought to life for film or TV. Excluding A Court of Thrones and Roses—because we are all already so desperate for that adaptation—here are four romantasy books that need to be adapted ASAP.
- Fourth Wing (Empyrean series)
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia series)
- From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash series)
- Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment series)
Fourth Wing (Empyrean series)
- Author: Rebecca Yarros
- Number of books released: 3
- Adaptation in development? Yes
Right behind A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is one of the most popular romantasy books out there. The three-book series—with a fourth on the way—follow Violet Sorrengail, a student at a war college who, after becoming a dragonrider against all odds, falls for a man who should be her enemy, Xaden Riorson.
A Fourth Wing TV show has been in development from Amazon MGM Studios since 2023. While Michael B. Jordan, whose production company Outlier Society is attached, promises the adaptation is still in the works, we’ve yet to hear any updates on casting, filming, or release windows. As such, fans are keeping their fingers crossed that the show sees the light of day. It was reported at the time of the initial news that Yarros would serve as a “non-writing” executive producer.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia series)
- Author: Carissa Broadbent
- Number of books released: 4 (plus novellas)
- Adaptation in development? No
In an addicting story that can be described as The Hunger Games meets Twilight, The Serpent and the Wings of Night follows Oraya, the adopted human daughter of a vampire king. While competing in the Kejari, a historic tournament where the winner is granted any wish they want, Oraya makes life-changing realizations about who she really is and the man who raised her. She also falls for one of her fellow competitors, Raihn, a vampire who she should absolutely stay away from.
There are currently four books in the Crowns of Nyaxia series—with two on the way—consisting of duets following specific characters, along with standalone novellas. With such a rich, vast world already created, there’s so much to bring to life for a TV or film series.
From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash series)
- Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Number of books released: 6 (plus novellas)
- Adaptation in development? Yes
Another fantastic romantasy book series is Blood and Ash, which begins with From Blood and Ash. It follows a maiden named Poppy who’s had one mission all her life. Her world beings to crash around her, however, when meeting a guard named Hawke, who makes her question her duty and loyalty. There are currently six books in the series, in addition to novellas, and a seventh on the way.
In 2024, it was reported that Sony would be adapting a TV series based on Armentrout’s thrilling series, however, that’s the last we’ve heard of the plans. With multiple books, plus prequels and other spinoffs in the same world, there’s no shortage of content to adapt should Sony continue with development. It is not known how involved Armentrout is in the planned show.
Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment series)
- Author: Rebecca Ross
- Number of books released: 2
- Adaptation in development? Yes
Couldn’t get enough of Heated Rivalry or can’t ever deny a good enemies-to-lovers story? Add Divine Rivals to your TBR. The first series in the Letters of Enchantment series tells the story of journalist Iris Winnow, who, while trying to find her missing brother, unintentionally forms a magical connection with Roman Kitt, her rival at the newspaper she works at.
With two books in the series—along with a standalone prequel, Wild Reverence—Letters of Enchantment would be perfect for a limited series of movie trilogy. In 2025, it was reported that Paramount Pictures was developing a movie adaptation, with Sofia Alvarez (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You) writing the script. Author Rebecca Ross is said to serve as an executive producer.
We’ve yet to hear any other updates on the adaptation, but fans are keeping their fingers crossed it’s still in the works.