What is Romantasy? A Guide to Romance Meets Fantasy Literature

If you've spent any time on BookTok, in a bookstore, or talking to readers lately, you've probably heard the term "romantasy" thrown around. Maybe you've seen the viral videos of readers sobbing over Fourth Wing. Or noticed the explosion of books with dragons, fae courts, and swoon-worthy warriors dominating bestseller lists.

But what exactly is romantasy? And why has this genre taken over the reading world?

Let's break it down—because if you're new to this magical world of romance meets fantasy, you're in for an incredible ride.

Romantasy 101: The Basics

Romantasy is a blend of two beloved genres: romance and fantasy. It's not just a fantasy book with a romantic subplot, or a romance that happens to have a magical element. True romantasy gives equal weight to both the romantic relationship and the fantastical world-building.

Think epic quests, magical powers, mythical creatures, and political intrigue—all while two (or more) characters fall deeply, passionately in love. The romance is central to the plot, not just a side story. And the fantasy elements aren't just window dressing—they're integral to the conflict, character development, and emotional stakes.

In short: romantasy is where love stories meet magic, and both matter equally.

What Makes Romantasy Different from Fantasy Romance?

Here's where it gets a little nuanced. You might also hear the term "fantasy romance," and while they're closely related, there's a subtle difference:

• Fantasy Romance: Romance is the primary focus. The fantasy world exists to serve the love story. Think paranormal romance or urban fantasy where the relationship drives the plot.

• Romantasy: Both romance and fantasy are equally important. The world-building is complex, the stakes are high, and the romance develops alongside epic adventures, battles, or quests.

That said, most readers (and even publishers) use the terms interchangeably these days. The important thing? You're getting a love story and an immersive fantasy world. Win-win.

Why Romantasy is Exploding Right Now

Romantasy isn't technically new—authors have been blending romance and fantasy for decades. But in the past few years, it's become a cultural phenomenon. Here's why:

BookTok Made It Mainstream

TikTok's book community (#BookTok) has over 200 billion views, and romantasy dominates the conversation. Readers share their favorite spicy scenes, emotional reactions, and book recommendations—and romantasy delivers on all fronts. The genre's combination of emotional intensity, escapism, and heat makes it perfect for viral content.

Readers Want Escapism with Emotion

In an uncertain world, readers crave stories that transport them somewhere magical while still delivering deep emotional connection. Romantasy offers both: you get to escape into a world of dragons and magic while experiencing the vulnerability, tension, and passion of a love story.

Strong Female Characters Are Having Their Moment

Many romantasy novels feature fierce, complex heroines who aren't waiting to be saved—they're wielding swords, mastering magic, and making their own choices. These characters resonate with readers who want to see women (and non-binary characters) as powerful protagonists in both love and adventure.

The Spice Factor

Let's not dance around it: romantasy often includes explicit, steamy content. And modern readers aren't shy about wanting that. The genre embraces sexuality as part of the story, not something to hide or fade to black. Sound familiar? At Fantasy Gifts, we've been celebrating pleasure and sexuality for over 30 years. Romantasy readers are our people.

Popular Romantasy Books to Start With

If you're new to romantasy, here are some of the most beloved series and standalones that define the genre:

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

The book that launched a thousand BookTok videos. Feyre is pulled into a magical fae world, and the romance (hello, Rhysand) is as epic as the world-building. This series has everything: political intrigue, found family, morally gray love interests, and plenty of heat.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Dragon riders. A deadly war college. A slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance that will wreck you. This book became an instant sensation for good reason—it's addictive, emotional, and impossible to put down.

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Forbidden love, ancient prophecies, and a heroine who discovers her true power. This series is packed with action, twists, and a romance that will have you screaming at the pages.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Dark fae politics, mortal girl raised among the fae, and a deliciously complex enemies-to-lovers romance. Holly Black's writing is lush and sharp, and this trilogy is a masterclass in tension.

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

A standalone romantasy perfect for readers who want a complete story in one book. A girl plots to marry the Shadow King and kill him—but of course, feelings get complicated. It's dark, romantic, and utterly satisfying.

Radiance by Grace Draven

If you want a slower-burn, more traditional fantasy romance, this is a beautiful choice. An arranged marriage between two people from different species who learn to love each other despite their differences.

Key Elements You'll Find in Romantasy

Not sure if a book counts as romantasy? Here are the hallmarks:

✨ Immersive fantasy worlds: Detailed settings with their own rules, magic systems, politics, and cultures💕 Central romance: The love story is a primary plot driver, not a subplot🔥 Emotional and physical tension: Slow burns, enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love—and often explicit scenes⚔️ High stakes: Quests, battles, prophecies, or political intrigue that threaten the characters and their world👑 Complex characters: Morally gray love interests, fierce heroines, found families, and characters who grow🌈 Inclusive representation: Many modern romantasy books feature LGBTQ+ characters, diverse identities, and varied relationship dynamics

Romantasy Tropes You'll Love (or Love to Hate)

Part of the fun of romantasy is the tropes—those beloved story patterns that keep us coming back for more:

• Enemies to Lovers: They start out hating each other... until they don't.

• Fated Mates: Destiny says they're meant to be together (whether they like it or not).

• Morally Gray Love Interest: He's dangerous, powerful, and maybe a little unhinged—but he's soft for her.

• Chosen One: She's destined to save the world (and fall in love along the way).

• Found Family: A ragtag group of misfits who become each other's home.

• Forbidden Love: Their love is dangerous, illegal, or impossible—which makes it even more intense.

Who is Romantasy For?

Romantasy is for you if:

• You love fantasy but want more focus on relationships and emotion

• You love romance but crave adventure, magic, and world-building

• You want escapism that still feels emotionally real

• You're not afraid of spice (many romantasy books are very steamy)

• You want to see strong, complex characters navigate love and danger

• You're looking for inclusive, diverse love stories in magical settings

Romantasy might not be for you if:

• You prefer contemporary, realistic settings

• You're not interested in fantasy elements like magic, mythical creatures, or alternate worlds

• You prefer closed-door romance (though there are some fade-to-black romantasy options!)

Where to Find Romantasy in South Jersey

If you're ready to dive into romantasy, we've got you covered. Our romance bookstore at Fantasy Gifts Turnersville carries a curated selection of romantasy novels—from the viral BookTok favorites to hidden gems you won't want to miss.

Fantasy Gifts Turnersville 5101 Black Horse Pike, Turnersville, NJ 08012(856) 228-7002

Browse our collection, ask our staff for recommendations (we're readers too!), and take advantage of our used book buy-back program—because once you start reading romantasy, you're going to need a steady supply.

Final Thoughts: Why Romantasy Matters

At its heart, romantasy is about possibility. It's about imagining worlds where magic is real, where love can conquer darkness, and where characters find strength in vulnerability. It's escapism, yes—but it's also deeply human. The emotions, the longing, the connection—that's all real, even when the dragons aren't.

And in a world that often feels overwhelming, there's something powerful about stories that remind us love is worth fighting for—whether that fight involves swords, spells, or just opening your heart.

So grab a book, get comfortable, and prepare to fall into a world where anything is possible—including the kind of love that changes everything.

Happy reading, South Jersey. We'll see you in the stacks. 📚✨