Romance has been part of fantasy stories for a long time, from fairy tales to Emma Bull’s 1987 book, War for the Oaks, which draws on Irish mythology. The genre known as “romantasy” has recently gained remarkable popularity, with US book sales expected to reach nearly $1 billion by 2025. Social media platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram have helped boost interest in this genre. As more readers enjoy these stories, people are discussing what makes them so attractive. Some believe that the romantic and steamy moments in popular romantasy books are the biggest attraction, while others feel that focusing only on the “spicy” aspects ignores the detailed worldbuilding, intricate characters, political plots, and emotional depth.
Bestselling author Tricia O’Malley, who is known for her Mystic Cove and The Enchanted Highlands series, shared her thoughts on why romantasy is captivating for many readers in an interview with Bored Panda. O’Malley’s latest book, A Taste of Magic, released on August 25, 2026, is the second in The Scottish Charms series, featuring the MacGregor witch sisters in the magical village of Briarhaven, Scotland. This book includes themes of family, sisterhood, and rekindled romance as Lyla MacGregor reunites with her former high school boyfriend, Rabbie Barclay, on a reality TV show called Bewitching Bake Off. Early reviews have described it as a great fall read, with some readers noting its appeal for fans of Practical Magic.
In the interview, O’Malley explained that the term romantasy has broadened over time to include various themes like paranormal romance and magical realism, which she believes works to the genre’s benefit. She enjoys how the genre can cover a wide range of topics, from dragons and realms to witches running small-town shops. O’Malley mentioned that her love for fantasy comes from the “sense of possibility” it presents. She recalled enjoying stories that blend magic with the real world, citing A Wrinkle in Time as one of her favorites growing up.
O’Malley also discussed how merging her interest in fantasy with romantic elements felt natural since both genres are about exploring possibilities. She enjoys taking familiar settings, relationships, and everyday issues and adding a touch of magic. O’Malley mainly writes cozy romantasy, often set in charming small towns. This genre has become popular among book influencers, especially for reading lists in the fall and winter. She explained that small-town settings provide a blend of comfort and escape, allowing readers to return to familiar places and characters while discovering new stories.
This approach gives readers a sense of returning to a community where they recognize the shopkeepers, neighbors, and local stories, making the characters feel like friends. O’Malley expressed that there is a special charm in returning to the same world in multiple books while still finding new experiences. What do you think makes romantasy so appealing?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Dinara Luz