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What is romantasy, really? Host R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis) breaks it down in two parts. From Sarah J. Maas’ big ACOTAR release‑dates news, reader reactions from the Love Y’all Book Festival and insights from the Romance Fantasy Spectrum author panel - there’s plenty of common and differing opinions.

Follow us on Instagram @mustluvromantasy for panel pics!

The excerpt from the Love Y’all Book Festival Romance Fantasy Spectrum author panel features:

• F.T. Lukens
• Ehigbor Okosun
• Nia Davenport
• Rebecca Ross
• Sasha Peyton Smith

Natalia Hernandez was also on the panel but not featured in the clip.

The authors share the difference between fantasy romance, romantic fantasy, and “textbook”romantasy — and why the stakes of falling in love can matter just as much as saving the kingdom.

R.J. also gives a mini lesson on the origins of fantasy romance and the romantasy term; her definition of what romantasy is; a list of tropes and the books that pulled her into the genre.

• Romantasy blends romance + fantasy as co‑equal forces — remove one, and the story’s emotional core shifts.
• Readers define it differently, from “magic + transformation + love” to “give me swords, monsters, and a romance subplot.”
• Authors see romantasy as a spectrum, with fantasy‑forward, romance‑forward, and true 50/50 hybrids.
• Tropes are essential, including enemies‑to‑lovers, slow burn, fated mates, found family, and magical bonds.
• Romantasy has deep roots, from early sci‑fi/fantasy writers to paranormal romance to dystopian YA.
• The genre is thriving, thanks to BookTok, Bookstagram, and readers who know exactly what emotional ride they want.

Additional research from the Sci Fi Fantasy Writers Association article: "Romantasy: An Old Genre with a New Name" by Rosemary Jones.

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