Looking for Stand-alone Romantasy Book Recs

Okay so, I (20F) am trying to get back into reading and I’m looking for standalone romantasy recs.

I like slow burn and tension (physical and emotional) that develops over time, where the romance (and/or “spice”) feels earned and is woven into the story rather than rushed or used as the main hook. I’m totally okay with spice if it fits the narrative or if tension is built (like i mentioned i appreciate physical and/or intimate tension), but I don’t want smut without plot, nor do I want it to overpower any character development or world building.

I’ve run into this A LOT when trying to find fantasy, romance, or romantasy books and it’s exhausting. Its what led me to make this post. NOTHING AGAINST PEOPLE WHO ENJOY THAT, I DEF GET IT!! I just personally feel that I can get smut for free online; if I wanted just smut with little or no plot, I wouldn’t pay for a book.

Even when a book seems interesting, if it leans this way it feels like too much of a risk to buy when books cost $20-35 and all the bookstores near me are at least a 45 min drive.

I’m fine with dark or traumatic themes if that’s where the story goes, but I’m NOT interested in toxic or abusive behavior being framed as romantic. That’s another issue I’ve had while book shopping recently. Abuse marketed as “dark romance” or “spice” is not something I’m interested in. Actual morally gray characters are great; romanticized cruelty or manipulation isn’t.

I’m open to darker fantasy vibes or lighter, easygoing ones, as long as the storytelling is strong and the trope is enjoyable.

If it says anything about the writing I like, I really loved the Divergent series when I was younger (I still try to reread when I’m motivated enough). I know it’s more political dystopian than fantasy romance and not exactly what I’m looking for now. However, I loved the writing style and the way it built suspense and emotional stakes without rushing the romance or letting it overpower the plot.

Now I’m hoping to find something with a similar sense of strong storytelling, just fantasy rather than dystopia and with more priority and focus on romance.

(Books that are at Books A Million or Barnes & Noble are appreciated because those are the only big bookstores within a 2 hr radius, but if not it’s not a huge deal.)

Standalone only please!! I’m just back into reading and really don’t want to commit to a series yet. If the subreddit allows me I will link a Trop Tier List I made as well; so check the comments for that if you’d like. Thank y’all in advance!