The Best Fantasy & Romance Books to Read Right Now: My July Wrap-Up & Honest Reviews

Looking for your next unputdownable fantasy, romantasy, or romance read? July turned out to be one of my absolute favorite reading months of the entire year.

From dark high-fantasy worlds and binge-worthy romantasy to steamy small-town cowboy romances, my July lineup had a little bit of everything, including a few unexpected 5-star surprises and a couple of rare DNF (Did Not Finish) titles.

If your TBR (To Be Read) pile needs an upgrade, here is my complete, honest recap of what I read in July, ranked by what blew me away, what lived up to the hype, and what missed the mark.

Books That Exceeded My Expectations

These were the standout stars of the month, the books I couldn't put down and will be recommending to everyone for the rest of the year.

Road of Bones by Demi Winters

• Genre: Epic Romantasy / Norse Mythology

• Vibe: Slow-burn, immersive worldbuilding, high stakes.

• Why You Should Read It: If you love rich, Viking-inspired fantasy with a brooding hero, complex plot twists, and romantic tension that keeps you flipping pages late into the night, this is an absolute must-read.

Grab The Road of Bones on Amazon

Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance

Vibe: Gritty, enemies-to-lovers, dystopian, morally grey characters.

Why You Should Read It: If you're looking for a dark, action-packed fantasy with high-stakes tension and a fiercely strong heroine, Daggermouth delivers in every way. The atmospheric writing and dangerous chemistry make it an absolute page-turner that completely steals the spotlight.

Grab Daggermouth on Amazon

A False Start by Elsie Silver

• Genre: Small-Town Cowboy Romance

• Vibe: Brothers best friend, age gap, redemption arc.

• Why You Should Read It: Elsie Silver owns the cowboy romance genre for a reason. A False Start delivers top-tier banter, deep emotional stakes, and a swoon-worthy hero that will easily make your top-tier book boyfriend list.
  
  Get A False Start on Amazon
  
  

  Books That Met My Expectations

  These popular titles had high expectations going in, and they definitely delivered on their promises.
  
  

  

  Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

  • Genre: Romantic Suspense / Small-Town Romance

  • Vibe: Heart-wrenching, protective hero, fast-paced drama.

  • Why You Should Read It: Devney Perry delivers emotional depth; Shield of Sparrows went above and beyond. The chemistry is electric, and the suspense element keeps you hooked from chapter one.
    
    Check Price for Shield of Sparrows on Amazon
    
    

    

    Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

    • Genre: Epic High Fantasy / YA Fantasy

    • Vibe: Emotionally devastating, triumphant, high stakes, masterpiece conclusion.

    • Why You Should Read It: As the grand finale to the Throne of Glass series, this book delivers every single payoff you've been waiting for. It is an absolute emotional rollercoaster packed with breathtaking battle scenes, deep character arcs, and unforgettable loyalty that makes every single page worth it.
      
      Buy Kingdom of Ash on Amazon
      
      

      

      Crown Me Dead by Liv Zander

      • Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance / Dark Romantasy

      • Vibe: Gritty, atmospheric, morally grey, intensely dark.

      • Why You Should Read It: If you thrive on dark, atmospheric fantasy with morally ambiguous characters and heavy angst, this one is for you. Be sure to check your trigger warnings first, but for readers who love high-tension, deliciously dark romance, it delivers an unforgettable ride.
        
        Find Crown Me Dead on Amazon
        
        

        

        Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score

        • Genre: Contemporary / Small-Town Romance

        • Vibe: Childhood rivals, elite angst, explosive chemistry, top-tier banter.

        • Why You Should Read It: Lucian and Sloane’s story is the ultimate blueprint for top-notch enemies-to-lovers. The tension between them is electric, the small-town backdrop is cozy yet chaotic, and the deep emotional payoff makes it impossible to put down.
          
          Grad Things We Left Behind on Amazon
          
          

          

          The Gold Rush Ranch Series (Off to the Races, A Photo Finish, The Front Runner) by Elsie Silver

          • Genre: Contemporary Cowboy / Equestrian Small-Town Romance

          • Vibe: Bingeable, stubborn heroines, protective alpha heroes, horse racing.

          • Why You Should Read It: I binged this entire horse-racing series back-to-back because Elsie Silver’s writing is pure addiction. Packed with fiercely independent women, swoon-worthy protective heroes, and vivid small-town settings, it’s a series you’ll want to devour in one sitting.
            
            Shop the Gold Rush Ranch Series on Amazon
            
            

            The DNF (Did Not Finish)
            

            

            Final Offer by Lauren Asher
            While I usually love Lauren Asher's Dreamland Billionaires series, this one just didn't hit the spot for me this month. The pacing felt a bit off for my current reading mood, but many romance readers still swear by Cal and Alana's story!
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            

            What Was Your Favorite Read This Month?

            I’d love to know what you’ve been reading! Which book did you love most in July, or which one of these should I prioritize next? Drop your recommendations in the comments below!
            
            Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!