Six Reasons Why Readers Love Fae Romance and Romantasy Books
- Tabitha Day
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 22
Whether it’s an inter-species love story between a human and a fae, or a seductive tale of fae courtship and alliance, fae romance has become one of the most popular genres to read (and write!) in Book World. Here are my six spicy takes on why readers love fae romance and why they find them so delicious.
Fae Are Hot
They’re naturally gorgeous. They don’t have to spend hours at the gym comparing their biceps with their gymbro buddies, boiling skinless chicken and sculling back gluggy protein drinks. Yet their abs look as if they’ve been carved with a sculptor’s knife, and they’re fit and strong enough to slay a dragon and then carry their current obsession up several flights of marble palace stairs to make long, long, long hours of love. They always look like your ultimate fantasy and they don’t have to put in a speck of work to do it.
Fae Are Dangerous
Yes, there’s a world of difference between a creepy irl stalker who won’t take no for an answer, and a fictitious, gorgeous fae who would rip creepy stalker’s head off if they looked at you in the wrong way. There’s a reason the ‘touch her and die’ trope is so, so swoony popular. It’s like having your own attack dog who is utterly—and only—loyal to you. Down, boy.
Fae Are Sex-Tastic
Why is this? Did they take lessons? Or is it because they’re so in tune with the elements around them they know instinctively what to do to create pleasure? They can make you purr like a cat in the sunshine, they can thrill you like a wild storm overhead, and they can soothe you like a warm spring day. Best of all, their favourite pleasure is giving pleasure. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Fae Have Special Powers
Some have wings (mid-air shenanigans, anyone? My book ‘Betrayal of the Sword’ has a spicy scene set above the clouds!) Some can transform into other animals or creatures. Some can summon the elements, some can read minds, some can turn invisible. Special powers—much like having tons of money or being a drummer in a famous band—are something we covet, something we wish we had ourselves. And if we can’t have it, being with someone who does is the next best thing.
Fae Live In An Enchanted World
It’s the ultimate travel destination! Who wouldn’t want to go to a fairy tale land? Winged horses, centaurs, and elves. Forests that sparkle with fairy light, awe-inspiring palaces with spires and turrets, rustic villages with taverns and brawny blacksmiths, and cottages with honeysuckle and roses growing around the window frames. Of course, you may have to overlook the dank dungeons, foggy marshes that swallow up unsuspecting travellers, blood-thirsty dragons, and evil mages bent on revenge, but hey. That’s what travel insurance is for, right?
We do Not Live in an Enchanted World
The world we live in is fraught, noisy and scary. It’s overwhelming to keep up with the headlines. And maybe it’s just me, but my social media algorithms are showing me far fewer cute cat videos and far more horrifying political shenanigans than ever before. No wonder we’re all looking for an escape to somewhere, anywhere else! And if it's on the arm of a gorgeous fae - so much the better.
Why Do Readers Love Fae Romance? What's Not to love?
If you love fae romance as much as I do, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter and get your free e-copy of my novelette, ‘Capture of the Sword’. It’s an enemies-to-lovers fae romance with just a hint of spice.
Love, Tab xx
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