Why I Love Fantasy Romance (It's About the Feelings, Not the Magic)

If you've spent any time around me, you've probably figured out that fantasy romance is my favorite genre.

Give me dragons, cursed kingdoms, impossible quests, morally gray heroes, dangerous magic, and a romance that makes my heart ache. I'm in.

But here's the thing most people don't expect. The fantasy isn't actually why I love fantasy romance. It's the emotions it makes me feel along the way that I don't always find in other genres.

Fantasy Romance Isn't Really About the Magic

Don't get me wrong. I love an incredible fantasy world.

I want to discover new kingdoms, unique magic systems, creatures I've never seen before, and histories that feel rich enough to exist beyond the pages of the book. Worldbuilding is one of my favorite parts of reading because it allows me to step completely outside of reality.

But worldbuilding alone isn't enough.

If I don't care about the characters, the most beautiful fantasy world in existence won't keep me turning the pages.

Years later, I probably couldn't tell you every detail about the magic system in my favorite books. I might forget the names of kingdoms or exactly how a battle played out. What I never forget is how those stories made me feel.

I remember the heartbreak of losing a favorite character, the anticipation of a slow-burn romance finally paying off, and the satisfaction of watching someone become the hero they never believed they could be.

That's what keeps me coming back to fantasy romance. The world may draw me in, but it's the emotional journey that convinces me to stay.

I actually wrote more about how I fell in love with this genre in Why I Became a Fantasy Romance Author.

Why Reading Gives Me Something Real Life Doesn't

If you know me in real life, this might surprise you.

I'm pretty mellow. I'm the go-with-the-flow person. You won't see me getting angry very often, and I almost never cry. I'm usually the one trying to keep things light, celebrating everyone's wins, and reminding people that everything will work out.

Maybe that's just my personality. Maybe it's a trauma response. I honestly don't know.

What I do know is that I don't live on an emotional roller coaster, and I don't really want to.

That's why reading is so special to me.

When I open a book, I get to experience emotions that I don't often experience in my everyday life. I can fall in love, have my heart shattered, rage at a betrayal, mourn a loss, and celebrate an impossible victory, all from the safety of my favorite reading chair. For a few hundred pages, I get to live someone else's life, and somehow those emotions feel just as real.

That's something I don't think any other form of entertainment has ever given me quite the same way.

Books Let Me Feel Everything

Reading is completely different.

Every time I pick up a fantasy romance novel, I'm choosing to step onto that emotional roller coaster, and I couldn't be more excited about it. I know my heart is probably going to get broken. I know there will be moments that make me laugh out loud, characters who frustrate me to no end, and plot twists that leave me staring at the page wondering how I didn't see them coming.

That's exactly what I want.

Books give me a place to experience the full spectrum of emotions in a way that feels safe. For a little while, I get to live someone else's life. I celebrate their victories, grieve their losses, fall in love right alongside them, and somehow walk away feeling like those experiences were my own. When a story can do that, it stops being something I simply read and becomes something I truly lived.

That's the feeling I chase as a reader, and it's the feeling I hope to create as a writer.

How It Shapes My Writing

I think that's why I'm so intentional about the emotional side of my own stories. The fantasy world, the magic, and the romance all matter, but they're never the end goal. They're the backdrop for something much bigger.

When I'm writing, I don't think in terms of scenes or chapters first. I think about moments. What is going to make a reader pause? What conversation will they still be thinking about tomorrow? Which decision will have them arguing with the character instead of agreeing with them? Those are the moments I chase because they're the ones that make a story feel alive.

If someone finishes one of my books and can't stop thinking about the characters, or finds themselves smiling over a favorite scene days later, then I've done what I set out to do. Because to me, the best stories don't end when you close the book. They stay with you, lingering in your thoughts and your heart long after you've turned the final page.

If you'd like to step into my world of fantasy romance, Shackled is the perfect place to begin. Preorders are open now, and I can't wait to share the story with you.

The Stories We Never Really Leave Behind

Every reader has that one book.

The one you think about years later for reasons you can't quite explain. You may not remember every character's name or every twist in the plot, but you remember exactly how it made you feel.

Maybe it gave you hope when you needed it most. Maybe it shattered your heart before slowly putting it back together. Maybe it made you believe in love, friendship, or second chances a little more than you did before you opened the first page.

To me, that's the mark of a truly unforgettable story.

The fantasy world might be what first catches your attention, but it's the emotional connection that stays with you. It's why readers revisit favorite books, recommend them to friends.

That's the kind of impact I hope every story leaves behind, whether I'm turning the pages as a reader or writing them as an author.

Why I Write Fantasy Romance

When I sit down to write, I'm not chasing the next big plot twist or trying to dream up the most elaborate fantasy world. Those elements are important, but they only matter if there's a reason for readers to care in the first place.

I spend a lot of time thinking about my characters. What motivates them? What are they afraid of? What are they willing to sacrifice? What kind of person will they become by the time the story ends? If I can answer those questions honestly, the rest of the story starts to fall into place.

My hope is that readers don't simply finish one of my books and think, That was a good story.  I hope they close the book feeling like they've been somewhere, met people they'll miss,  and can't stop thinking about the characters a week later, that's the greatest compliment I could ever receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is fantasy romance your favorite genre?

Fantasy romance combines two of my favorite things: immersive worlds and emotional storytelling. While I love the magic, adventure, and worldbuilding, it's the emotional journey that keeps me turning the pages. The stories that stay with me are the ones that make me laugh, cry, hope, and fall in love alongside the characters.

Do you only read and write fantasy romance?

Not at all! Fantasy romance is my favorite genre, but it definitely isn't the only one I enjoy.

I read a wide variety of genres because every story has something different to offer. I've found incredible emotional journeys in other genres. Fantasy romance just happens to be the genre that consistently gives me everything I'm looking for in one package: immersive worlds, unforgettable characters, high stakes, and deep emotional connections.

As for writing, I won't be staying in one lane either. While fantasy romance will always have a special place in my heart, my first dark romance novel, Oleander, is already on the publishing schedule and is expected to release in 2027.

I'm excited to explore different genres while keeping the same focus on emotionally driven stories.

Why do emotional stories resonate with readers?

I think stories allow us to experience emotions from a different perspective. They let us celebrate victories, navigate heartbreak, and face impossible choices alongside characters we care about. Long after we've forgotten the details of the plot, we often remember how a story made us feel.

Does your love of fantasy romance influence your writing?

Absolutely. As an author, I focus on creating characters with real fears, flaws, and motivations. I want every relationship, challenge, and decision to feel authentic because those emotional moments are what make a story memorable.

Let's Talk Books

Now I want to hear from you.

What genre keeps you coming back? Is it fantasy romance, thrillers, dark romance, historical fiction, or something completely different? More importantly, why?

I'd love to know which book made you forget you were reading and completely swept you into its world. Leave a comment below or connect with me on social media. I'm always looking for my next unforgettable read.

And if you're looking for your next fantasy romance adventure, be sure to check out my books and join my newsletter for new releases, behind-the-scenes updates, exclusive content, and plenty of bookish conversations along the way.