Every year, She Reads reaches out to readers to discover the books that they thought were the best of the year! This year we had over 8,000 of you cast your vote and the results are in. In our roundups of all the Best Books of 2024, we’ll include the number one book, chosen by you and some favorites from our professional book loving editors. We hope this reading year was as wonderful for you as it was for us!

Best Romantasy of 2024: Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

When Ophelia’s sister vanishes, her only hope is to enter Phantasma—a deadly contest in a haunted mansion where the prize is a single wish. To win, she must survive nine perilous trials through sinister corridors, grand ballrooms, and ruthless rivals. As the house spawns new horrors each day, Ophelia’s resolve is tested—until a mysterious stranger, Blackwell, offers his help in exchange for 10 years of her life. Though she knows she shouldn’t trust him, Ophelia is drawn to the shadowy figure, their growing connection as dangerous as the trials themselves.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Blending the enchanting world of fantasy and the passion of romance, this year’s romantasy lineup crafted a genre all its own. From secret identities  and magical zoos to mystical libraries and fae-filled realms, these stories offered epic world-building and unforgettable storytelling. Taking readers from the everyday into realms of wonder and danger, here are just a few of the titles that left readers spellbound in 2024.

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

When the celestial tombs of the Creators’ long-dead dragons begin to fall, the world’s balance is thrown into chaos. Raeve, an assassin for the rebellion Fíur du Ath, survives in the shadows—until a rival bounty hunter delivers her to the Guild of Nobles, who make her their pawn. Kaan Vaegor, driven by grief and vengeance, killed a king, claimed his crown, and now searches for clues about his lost love. His path leads him to Raeve, where hidden truths surface, intertwining their fates in a story of danger, betrayal, and destiny that could reshape their world.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Faebound by Saara El-Arifi

Yeeran, a seasoned elven warrior, and her sister Lettle, a diviner seeking glimpses of a brighter future, have always lived defined by their roles. But when Yeeran makes a fatal mistake that leads to their exile from the Elven Lands, the sisters find themselves wandering the uncharted wilderness. There, they stumble upon the long-lost fae court, unseen for a millennium. Torn between their loyalty to each other, their elven heritage, and the seductive allure of the fae, Yeeran, and Lettle must navigate a treacherous new world that will challenge their bond and reshape their destinies.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

In the third installment of the Crescent City series, Bryce Quinlan finds herself stranded in a foreign world, desperate to return to Midgard. Her urgency is driven by the knowledge that her mate, Hunt Athalar, is imprisoned in their enemy’s dungeon. With both their lives—and the future they’ve fought so hard to build—hanging in the balance, Bryce and Hunt must navigate a treacherous web of uncertain allies and relentless foes Can they overcome impossible odds to reunite and protect the world they hold dear, or will their struggle end with the Asteri claiming everything they love?

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

Freya dreams of being a warrior and escaping the monotony of her life as the wife of a man she despises. Her wish is granted when one day he betrays her and she is forced to reveal her hidden identity as a shield maiden. Blessed with goddess blood, Freya has the power to deflect any attack, a magic foretold to unite the nation. Recognizing her destiny, her husband assigns his son, Bjorn, to be her protector and oversee her training. Yet as Freya and Bjorn grow closer, forbidden feelings begin to emerge, leaving Freya torn between her heart and her duty. In risking her own fate, she may jeopardize the future of the entire nation.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli

Rebellion is brewing in Aphelion, and Lor is marked for death by the Sun and Aurora Kings. She’s no stranger to survival, but the web of lies and betrayal surrounding her destiny pushes her to the brink. Armed with the stolen Heart Crown, dangerous knowledge, and a prince who stirs both her long-buried magic and her guarded heart, Lor is on the run. With everything to lose and even more to gain, she must decide if the risk is worth claiming the future she’s always dreamed of.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

Librarian Kiela and her loyal spider plant companion, Caz, have spent the past decade safeguarding the magical tomes of the Great Library of Alyssium. But when a revolution engulfs the library in flames, Kiela and Caz flee to her secluded childhood island. There, she takes a daring risk—using the magic within the tomes to open a secret spell shop and rebuild her life. With Caz by her side and an overly curious yet charming neighbor in tow, Kiela embarks on a cozy, heartwarming journey of magic, community, and self-discovery.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean

Aila’s dream of saving phoenixes becomes reality when she lands her job as head phoenix keeper at a renowned zoo. Tasked with rescuing the critically endangered Silimalo phoenix, she faces mounting challenges: a poacher attack threatens her plans, her awkwardness around the charming dragon keeper Connor complicates things, and her only hope of success lies in teaming up with Luciana—the insufferably perfect griffin keeper who also happens to spark feelings Aila can’t ignore. Caught between rivalry and unexpected romance, Aila must navigate passion, peril, and high stakes to save the phoenixes she’s always loved.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble