The hottest trend in fantasy novels – in fact the hottest trend in publishing overall – is fantasy romance or romantasy. These stories take place in worlds with dragons, faeries, vampires and werewolves but the driving plot is romance with a guaranteed happy ending. For many fans of traditional fantasy novels, the fact that romantasy exists may be surprising news. But romantasy is a cultural and economic juggernaut. Dartmouth professor Marcela di Blasi and cultural critic Kayleigh Donaldson explain where romantasy came from and how it became so popular. Fantasy authors C.L. Polk, and J.D. Evans talk about why they came to romantasy and how fans have had to create their own spaces. And Katherine Zofrea gives me a tour of The Ripped Bodice, a romance bookstore with an ample fantasy section. Plus, we hear readings by actress Tanya Rich.

In the episode, we heard about some of the most famous romantasy authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros. Professor Marcela di Blasi is working on a non-fiction book about BIPOC romantasy authors, and she also recommends these books.

• Anna Marie McLemore’s When The Moon Was Ours
• Zoraida Cordova's Hollow Crown Duology
• Analeigh Sbrana's Lore of the Wilds
• Kimberly Lemming's That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon
• Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes series
• Gabriela Romero LaCruz's The Sun and the Void
• Mikayla D. Hornedo's Blood and Brujas
• Claire Legrand’s Lightbringer trilogy.

Today's episode is sponsored by ShipStation, Henson Shaving, TodayTix and Babbel.

• Go to www.shipstation.com and use the code IMAGINARY to sign up for your free 60-day trial.
• Visit www.hensonshaving.com/imaginary and enter IMAGINARY at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. You must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.
• Go to TodayTix.com/imaginary and use the promo code IMAGINARY to get $20 off your first Today Tix purchase.
• Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/imaginary

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices