Romantasy Rising: The Explosion of a Genre and What’s Next | Book Lounge Season 1 Episode 9

Romantasy is everywhere right now — and we’re diving deep into the magic, monsters, and swoon-worthy romance fueling its meteoric rise. In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe sits down with three of the biggest names in the genre — Jennifer L. Armentrout, Olivia Rose Darling, and Katee Robert — to talk about how romantasy took over bookshelves, why it resonates with readers, and where it’s headed next. 

Then Meara shares romantasy recommendations to load up your TBR.  

Plus, in a Libby Life exclusive, our guests play a rapid-fire round of Romantasy Trope: Love It or Hate It — with some delightfully unexpected answers. 

Articles Mentioned in the Intro & Episode:

• https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/what-is-romantasy-anyway

Guest Host Recommendations:

Meara 

• Metal Slinger - Rachel Schneider 

• Lore of the Wilds - Analeigh Sbrana 

• Sorcery of Thorns - Margaret Rogerson 

• Bring Me Your Midnight - Rachel Griffin  

• Devils Like Us - L.T. Thompson 

Joe  

• Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon – Ann Mare 

• Captive Prince – CS Pascat 

Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts:

Segment 1: 

• Jennifer L. Armentrout - Website

• Olivia Rose Darling - Website

• Katee Robert - Website

Segment 2:  

• Meara - Links

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Title 

00:00:16 Intro 

00:06:12 Segment 1 – Jennifer L. Armentrout, Olivia Rose Darling & Katee Robert 

01:14:47 BREAK – Libby Tip: Early Return Reward! 

01:18:04 Segment 2 – Romantasy Recs with Meara 

01:49:01 Outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

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