If you are an active member of Booktok or Bookstagram – then you must have heard the new buzzy word “romantasy.” Be it commercial bookshops or Netflix series, fantasy romantic stories are topping the charts around the globe, and clearly, people love them.

But the question is, why? It is simple. These stories have the perfect mix of romance, fantasy, and just enough hotness to keep things sizzling.

Ask yourself, who wouldn’t be captivated by epic quests, elemental magic, and relationships burning with passion, tension, or even heartbreak? The best romantic fantasy stories continue to thrive because they offer readers an immersive escape from their everyday mundane lives. So, let’s explore this subgenre in detail and check out some tips from top ghostwriting services that will help you create the perfect and catchy story.

Key Takeaways

1. What is Romantasy: It is a perfect blend of romance and fantasy, where romantic relationships drive the plot within fantastical settings.
2. Is it a new genre? No, it’s not. Although this sub-genre has recently begun trending on social media, the term “romantasy” first emerged in 2008.
3. Tropes: From enemies to lovers to fake relationships, our blog discussed every trope in detail and why they are loved by readers so much.
4. What makes romantasy so irresistible: The magical and immersive world of fantasy, combined with romance and themes of passion, tension, and triumph over obstacles, keeps readers engaged.
5. Role of good storytelling: Tropes are essential, but originality lies in how they are executed. Writers must use their unique voices to stand out while embracing these beloved elements.
6. Tips for writing engaging romantasy: Get expert tips on writing morally gray characters, using special moments like first touches, and creating emotional impact in your romantasy.
7. No Awkward Sexual Encounters: We will help you write steamy scenes that flow naturally, feel authentic, and focus on the character’s chemistry and mutual consent.

Romantasy – A New Subgenre!

Do you know that if you google “romantasy definition,” you will not even find a Wikipedia page that would outline elements of the genre?

So, what is romantasy?

Romantasy, or romantic fantasy, is basically a sub-genre that has a fantasy world setting, and the romance element is the driving force of the plot. These stories are not new, and so is the term. According to a Guardian article, the term “romantasy” first appeared in Urban Dictionary back in 2008. However, it is only recently that this genre has been gaining popularity.

 

While searching for this subgenre, you might come across famous books like Sarah J. Maas’ popular “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, which has been quite recently released. However, you’ll be surprised to know that this genre became a favorite among readers back in 2005 when Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” (the first paranormal romance service featuring werewolves and vampires) took the world by storm. Then another series, “The Mortal Instruments,” was released by Cassandra Clare in 2007. The former has 160 million copies sold worldwide, while the latter has sold 36 million copies.

It is safe to say that these stories are becoming more popular because of the stories but, more importantly, because of the spicy tropes they have.

“What is trope?” you might ask.

For readers, tropes are more than just a fun aspect of the romantasy genre—they’re often the reason readers keep coming back for more. Many readers have their own favorite tropes, and when a book features these themes, it feels as if it was made and written just for them. So, if you’re a writer looking to make your way in the romantasy world, you’ve got to get comfortable with these tropes. Learning how to perfectly write them into your stories can be a game-changer for you.

Fan Favorite Tropes

Are you wondering, “There are already so many books on these tropes; how am I supposed to use this and stand out?” Don’t worry; it’s a common problem that every writer might encounter.

It is important to remember that you cannot escape the trope. There are only so many ways to write the best romantic fantasy books, and readers are hungry for these tropes. They can never get enough of this. However, to stand out, you need to make these tropes unique through your writing and voice.

Having said that, let’s explore some of the most common and beloved tropes that are enough to compel people to buy books. This intense love for these tropes also leads to adaptations into popular series on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.

1. Enemies-to-Lover

We are starting the list with the most loved trope in romantasy – enemies to lovers. This trope is pretty self-explanatory. This basically starts with both main characters hating each other really to the point where they despise one another. But with time or because they have to work on a common goal, they have to spend time together, and slowly, gradually, they begin to develop romantic attraction. This trope has the slow burn that readers love. Seeing or reading two opposing characters, who were always in conflict, succumbing to their feeling and finally falling in love, is just magical.

Oh boy! Just the thought of it makes us smile and blush—don’t you agree?

With over 10 billion views on enemies to lovers’ hashtags on Booktok, it’s safe to say that the spicy push-and-pull dynamic with slow, layered, and complex romance really keeps readers hooked.

While there are many well-written examples of this trope, such as Pride and Prejudice or The Hating Game, the one that lately took Instagram and TikTok by storm is Julia Quinn’s character, Anthony Bridgerton. In the book The Viscount Who Loved Me – he passionately says, “You are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires”. Confessing his love to Kate Sharma after relentlessly hating and plotting to get rid of her.

2. Fated Romance

“Meant to be,” “We were connected by an invisible thread,” and “Universe knew we were destined to be together” – this is another most loved trope where the characters are written in a way that they were destined to end up together. In this trope, it is believed that there is a binding force that makes romance inevitable and destiny.

A well-known example of this trope is Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, where Bella Swan and Edward Cullen’s romance is portrayed as fated, almost as if they were meant to be together by forces beyond their control. “And so, the lion fell in love with the lamb” – this line reflects the idea of fated love through its juxtaposition of two archetypal opposites—predator and prey falling in love.

3. Forbidden Love

Another trope that people love reading is forbidden love. This is when, in romantasy, characters are kept apart because of societal norms, magical curses, or political divides. This trope basically reminds people of the universal appeal of “love against all odds.”

A great example of this is The Mortal Instruments, where Clary and Jace are initially forbidden because they are led to believe they are siblings. This creates an intense and forbidden attraction between them. The subtle touch, sweeping glances, the longing, and the strong desire to be with one another. But later, ending up together reminds people that, eventually, love conquers all.

4. Marriage of Convenience

Readers absolutely love it when characters are thrown into situations where they are in close proximity and stuck in love-hate situations. They don’t want to get married, but they have to because of political gain, financial stability, or family obligation rather than love. Over time, they may develop genuine feelings for each other.

In “My Lady Jane,” Lady Jane Grey is married to Guildford Dudley for political reasons. Initially, they are strangers, and their marriage is purely for convenience. However, as the story progresses, they grow closer and fall in love, turning their arranged marriage into a real partnership.

5. The Fake Relationship

Readers absolutely love it when characters are thrown into tense situations and when there is a chance of love blossoming from somewhere unexpected. Fake dating is something like that, where characters start a fake relationship for mutual benefit but eventually end up falling for one another.

A great example of this in romantasy is “The Duke and I;” Daphne and Simon are forced to spend a lot of time together due to their “fake” courtship, which naturally leads to their deepening emotional connection. Their physical proximity, especially in socially constrained situations, creates moments that have built up tension and passion. This is the trope where even though the “love” started fake, it evolved into a passionate and undeniable attraction. The tension and build-up often result in intense dialogue like, “I burn for you.”

Tips for Writing Best Romantic Fantasy Plots

1. Opposites Attract

Readers do not like it when the characters have the same personality. It takes away the spark. When writing romantic fantasy, many experts, such as the best ghostwriting companies, suggest using the opposite attract theme.

Keeping both characters different from one another gives you space to add drama and build tension. The opposite part is a great way to show conflict between your characters, but then later on, you can add the similarities they have that bring them together.

2. Keep the Fantasy Narrative Strong

Yes, romance is the driving force, but you simply cannot ignore the elements of fantasy. Romance and love might be the central aspects of your book, but it is important that you thoroughly build upon the fantasy world you are creating.

Always remember that your romance in such novels is supported by the fantasy elements you input; if they fall flat – the entire novel will, too. Whether you are talking about vampires or building a shadow world, witches, witch hunters, fairies – whatever fantasy element you add–it should be written and incorporated seamlessly through your narrative.

The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare masterfully blends romance with a richly detailed fantasy world. The Shadowhunter society (which mundane cannot see), centered around the Institute, is brought to life with unique elements like runes that grant strength or heal wounds. The book also discussed key artifacts like the Mortal Sword and the Shadowhunters’ ties to angelic and demon blood to heighten the stakes. The inclusion of Downworlders—werewolves, vampires, and fairies—adds complexity, creating a layered, immersive world that enhances both the romance and the adventure.

3. Use Your Cards Wisely

As a writer, in romantasy – you have the following cards such as “first touch,” “first kiss,” “romantic confession” card, and more. The key is to use them wisely. These cards are basically moments that are building blocks of the romance, and using them at the right time is crucial to maintaining the emotional payoff.

According to many professional ghostwriting companies, the key is to make sure there is enough emotional and narrative tension to support the characters. You must engage readers and create anticipation. For example, the first touch should not happen too soon; let the characters yearn, as this keeps readers hooked.

Similarly, the first kiss could come after a heated argument or an intense situation where the chemistry that has been bubbling under the surface ends up in a passionate kiss. Make sure you use these cards strategically throughout your book or series. Make sure. You do not waste the emotional weight they carry.

4. Gray Morality

Honestly, the days are over when villains were just purely evil, only wanting to kill for no reason—we didn’t know their backstory, their motives, or anything. And heroes were just good with no depth.

Today’s readers prefer flawed heroes who experience ups and downs, facing challenges similar to those of everyday people. They also appreciate anti-villains with empathetic motives that add complexity to the story. These villains have complicated reasons for what they do and often think their actions are right, which makes the story more interesting and unpredictable.

They may switch sides or reveal a more relatable aspect, which can challenge the main character’s beliefs. At the same time, the heroes can also make questionable choices that mix up and blur the line between what’s right and what’s wrong. This adds depth to the story and makes their relationships more emotionally complex.

5. Flat Secondary Characters

Yes, people are always absolutely invested in the main characters, their challenges, the story, and the dynamic of will-they or wont-they, but this does not mean that you could ignore the side characters. Remember, the story you are writing is part fantasy. It is important to use side characters to introduce different subplots that complement the main story, making the world feel larger and more dynamic. These subplots often reveal hidden layers of the world or main plot.

To make the best fantasy romance plots, make sure the side characters have their own arcs and motivations. For example, in The Mortal Instruments, characters like Simon, Magnus, and Alec are rich in development. Simon, who begins as Clary’s close friend but turns into a vampire, struggles with his new life and how it affects his friendships. Magnus is charming, witty, and flamboyant, and his character takes a turn when he gets into a relationship with Alec. Alec’s journey includes coming out as gay, which he shares with Clary’s brother – Jonathan (spoiler alert, he is the main villain of the series.)

These characters bring more emotion and complexity to the story, making them important rather than just side characters.

6. Add Conflict

A good story needs conflict to keep it interesting. Conflict drives the plot and helps characters grow by showing their strengths, weaknesses, and values. When a main character faces challenges and finally resolves them, especially in their relationships, it creates a satisfying ending for readers.

Conflict can take many forms; it doesn’t have to be violent or abusive. There are two main types: external conflict and internal conflict. For example, in A Court of Thorns and Roses:

• External Conflict: Feyre (the protagonist) is forced to live in the Spring Court after killing a faerie in the woods, bound by a treaty. Her romance with Tamlin is threatened by the danger of Amarantha (villain – external conflict.)
• Internal Conflict: Feyre struggles with her own biases and fears toward faeries as she was raised to hate and distrust. She starts to have feelings for Tamlin, but those feelings conflict (internally) with her belief, which is that faeries are deceptive, dangerous, and oppressors of the human community.

7. Alternate Tension and Release

“Perhaps too much of anything isn’t good, even if it’s love.” While this line resonates with those who have experienced a breakup, it also applies to romantasy novels. It’s essential to strike a balance between action-packed fantasy sequences and the emotional moments shared between characters.

Too much of either can overwhelm and disengage the reader. To ensure that the reader does not get bored or frustrated, it is important to alternate between tension and release.

Let’s take a look at what tension and release really are.

Tension: This could be a physical confrontation or a trial that threatens the characters’ survival or goals.

Release: After the confrontation, characters can sit in peace, talk, and open up about their emotions and vulnerabilities.

8. Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice

Romantasy combines the sweetness and everything nice of love with the excitement of fantasy elements, but what does “spice” mean in this context?

The term “spice” is used to refer to the steamy scenes between the romantic leads. Recently, these scenes have become a common feature in many romantasy novels. While they are common, they are not essential to include. It ultimately depends on the writer’s choice to include explicit scenes or keep the narrative clean.

However, if you decide to include such scenes, there is a specific strategy you should follow.

Maintain a Perfect Balance

Writing sex scenes is a challenge. A challenge of balancing physicality and emotionality. It’s important not to overwhelm the reader with excessive details or actions that could slow down the story. The key is to write it in a way that allows readers to use their imagination to fill in the blanks.

People are Not Looking for Actual Sex

When writing steamy scenes, it’s important to remember that readers are not looking for explicit content alone. What they really want is the sexual tension and development of the relationship. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid forced or awkward interactions between characters. If the story doesn’t necessitate these scenes, it’s better not to include them just to increase sales.

Read Well-Written Scenes

Let’s start with the euphemisms that are in the market for different body parts. Yes, there is no debate; do not include them. Such words or cliches can destroy your scene and might even make your reader cringe. Before writing, it is important to read some of the best-written sex scenes. When reading them, think about what you love about them and what you would do differently.

Build Intimacy Over Physicality

Building intimacy over physicality means focusing more on the emotional connection and trust between characters. Instead of just describing their physical interactions, actions, or gestures, write more about the small, meaningful moments.

It could be a glance, a gentle touch, or the moment when characters break free from their yearning phase. For example, when describing a kiss, it’s essential to convey the emotional feelings of the characters involved. Show this gesture as a sign or declaration of love, representing the overcoming of the barriers or walls they have held up for so long.

Reveal More About Characters

Do not waste these steamy scenes on mere physical details. Instead, focus on adding depth and complexity. These moments provide an excellent opportunity to reveal more about your characters’ emotional states. During these scenes, they can open up, be vulnerable, and make confessions—all of which can help advance the plot.

End Note

The sales for romantasy novels were expected to reach $610 million, up from $454 million in 2023. This upward trend suggests that this genre’s popularity will continue to rise in 2025. It’s no surprise that these books have captivated readers and gained significant attention on social media. With BookTok offering reviews and Instagram users creating reels about them, it’s clear that more and more people are drawn to this genre. We hope our detailed guide has helped you understand the surge in popularity and provided expert tips to help you write a spellbinding novel that will leave readers in awe.

FAQ’s

What are the must-read books for someone new to romantasy?

We are glad you asked this. Here are some top recommendations:

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
2. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
3. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
4. Furyborn by Claire Legrand

Can romantasy stories work without a traditional ‘happily ever after’?

Absolutely! The top ghostwriting services suggest ending romantasy novels on a hopeful note, like giving reassurance to readers that their beloved characters are together. However, this does not mean that you do not have the opportunity to leave the ending on a bittersweet note or open-ended conclusion. Such endings leave a more solid emotional impact on readers.

What aspects of a romantasy novel can professional ghost-writing companies improve?

Ghostwriters are great at writing interesting love stories, building detailed fantasy worlds, and creating engaging conversations. They can also help improve the flow of the story, create relatable characters, and enhance the main themes.

Can ghostwriting services assist in publishing?

Yes, ghostwriting services can really help with publishing. Professional ghostwriting companies work on your manuscript to make it perfect and ready for submission. Companies like BookQuill also provide extra publishing support, such as formatting, cover design, and marketing assistance. This will help your book stand out and shine in the crowded and competitive industry.

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About Author

Hi My name is Micheal Adams, When I am not watching horror movies and helping my kids with homework or reading my favorite fantasy/supernatural novels – I’m writing to guide aspiring authors. I focus on exploring and simplifying both the technical aspects and the often-overlooked details of book writing and publishing so I can empower new writers to climb the Amazon bestseller list and connect with more readers.