Romantasy, the intoxicating fusion of romance and fantasy, has captured the hearts of readers of all ages worldwide. With sweeping love stories, grand gestures, life-or-death scenarios, trademark “spicy” scenes, and the promise of hours of escapism, this genre is more popular than ever. Though Urban Dictionary has a definition for Romantasy dating back to 2008, it wasn’t until Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series (originally published in 2015) went viral on #BookTok in 2020 that the sub-genre skyrocketed in popularity. 

In addition to Maas, another notable name has muscled its way into the For You Pages of BookTokers around the world – Rebecca Yarros, whose captivating novels like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame have become instant hits after being published in 2023. As we approach the highly anticipated release of Yarros’ third installment of the Fourth Wing Empyrean series, Onyx Storm on January 21, 2025 (available for pre-order now!) libraries have a golden opportunity to meet reader expectations by curating collections filled with both Yarros’ works and complementary readalikes. 

Why Libraries Should Invest in Romantasy 

In 2023, these standout (steamy) stories brought in $454 million in sales and were projected to hit $610 million in 2024 according to Circana. Romantasy isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a genre with staying power. If those numbers don’t make your heart flutter, then here are other reasons why it’s worth prioritizing: 

  • Crossover Appeal: Romantasy transcends generations, appealing to readers with its universal themes of love, adventure, and self-discovery. 
  • Diverse Themes: The genre offers something for everyone—action-packed battles, swoon-worthy romances, and complex characters navigating morally gray dilemmas (and morally gray love interests). 
  • Engaged Readers: Fans of romantasy are known for their…voracious reading habits, making these books a surefire way to boost circulation stats. Give the people what they want! 

Current Sale Opportunities 

Now is the perfect time to enhance your library’s romantasy offerings, as Rebecca Yarros’ audiobooks are currently on sale for up to 25% from now until January 31. This presents an excellent opportunity to stock up on her titles while allocating additional budget for related readalikes. By acting now, you can provide patrons with a well-rounded romantasy collection that caters to both new fans and seasoned readers. 

Psst…If you’re really looking to beef up your romance section, then you should explore the All Access Romance Collection, a simultaneous use collection features hundreds of titles across a wide range of romance genres – including romantasy! 

Interested in all-access collections? Share your interest and learn more or shop the collection now. 

Recommended Readalikes for Your Collection 

To complement Rebecca Yarros’ works, consider adding these popular romantasy titles to your shelves. They share similar themes and elements that fans are sure to love: 

The Deer and the Dragon by Piper CJ: A high stakes, mythologically inspired adventure following a gifted (or cursed, depends on who you ask) hero who can see angels and demons and is consequently plunged into a centuries-old war. 

Shop the ebook and audiobook in Marketplace 

The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko: Whimsical fairytale vibes with a mysterious twist where we ask ourselves, “What if instead of avoiding the riverbank where the crocodile lives like we’ve been told to, we go directly to it and start asking some serious questions about why this mansion we’re working at is so creepy?” 

Shop the ebook and audiobook in Marketplace 

The Empress by Kristin Cast: Personally, I hate when I go to a tarot shop after a hard day and find myself in a different world/dimension, but our hero in this book seems to be making the best of it. Ft. Spicy scenes, fake marriage tropes, and spellbinding adventures galore.  

Shop the ebook in Marketplace 

A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair: If Fae, assassins, slow-burn romantic antics with morally gray characters and epic struggles against tyranny are your thing, then this book is for you and your patrons.  

Shop the ebook and audiobook in Marketplace 

While romance tropes and fantastic worlds are a common thread, each of these stories brings something tantalizing to the romantasy readers repertoire. By including these titles in your catalog, you can create a comprehensive romantasy collection that keeps readers coming back for more.  

How to Promote Your Romantasy Collection 

Once you’ve built your romantasy collection, the next step is to ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Here are a few ways to promote these books: 

Host Themed Events

Organize book clubs or discussion groups centered around romantasy. Bonus points for offering refreshments inspired by the books’ settings! (Examples for Fourth Wing fans: Cheese Dain-ish, Iron Squash Soup, Brennan-a Bread – iykyk). Read here how author and blogger Tam Francis shares how they put together this stellar Fourth Wing book club/dinner party that we all wish we were invited to.

Partner with Local Groups

Connect with fandom groups or cosplay communities to host special events like themed trivia nights or character costume contests. If you’re looking for inspiration, Dragon Con in Atlanta, Georgia is packed with dedicated fans ready to show their appreciation for their favorite fantasy realms! 

Group in medieval costumes. Photo by Jacob Evans

Create Eye-Catching Displays

Feature Rebecca Yarros’ books alongside recommended readalikes in high-traffic areas of the library, like this great display that Cuyahoga Falls Library put together.

Book display featuring romantasy titles

Leverage Social Media

Share staff picks, memorable quotes, or fun graphics to highlight the genre and specific titles, like this one posted by Romantasy author @piper_cj on Instagram for The Deer and the Dragon. 

Meeting Reader Demand 

As romantasy continues to dominate bestseller lists and book club discussions, libraries have an incredible chance to meet growing demand. By curating a collection filled with Rebecca Yarros’ works and complementary titles, libraries can attract new patrons, engage existing ones, and cement their status as a go-to destination for readers looking for magic and romance. Don’t miss the opportunity to captivate your community with the enchanting world of romantasy—start building your collection today! 

About the author: Gabriela is a lifelong reader, houseplant addict, and literal tree-hugger. She graduated from Baldwin Wallace University in 2017 with a double major in Business Administration and Theater and has used both daily ever since. She lives in the Cleveland area with the Mendicino Menagerie (two rambunctious kids, two dogs, three cats, a lot of fish, and one sometimes-grumpy man) and can and will launch into a tirade about how much she loves them so, you know…watch out for that.