Tag: fantasy

Romantasy: Why We’re Falling in Love With Fantasy Again

Fairy courts, enchanted gardens, impossible love stories and heroines stepping into worlds far beyond their own.

There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about falling completely under the spell of a book.

Long before our shelves became filled with contemporary love stories, romance and fantasy were natural companions. Fairy tales gave us enchanted castles, mysterious princes, forbidden forests and true love powerful enough to break a curse. Gothic novels sent heroines wandering through ancient houses and windswept landscapes. Legends have always intertwined adventure with love.

Today, that same desire for enchantment has been given a very modern name:

Romantasy

A blend of romance and fantasy, romantasy combines the escapism of fantasy with the emotional pull of a love story. Magic, faeries, dragons, kingdoms, curses and other worlds might provide the setting, but somewhere at the center of it all is the very human desire to love and be loved.

And thanks in no small part to BookTok, romantasy has become one of the defining literary trends of the moment.

Once Upon a BookTok…

BookTok — TikTok’s enormous community of readers — has transformed the way books become cultural phenomena.

Instead of simply reviewing novels, readers create mood boards, dress as characters, debate fictional relationships and collectively partake in the worlds they have discovered.

Romantasy seems almost designed for this kind of storytelling.

Elaborate gowns. Candlelit castles. Faerie princes. Dragons. Roses. Swords. Forbidden kisses. Enemies who might become lovers.

The genre offers endless opportunities to turn reading into an entire aesthetic experience.

Perhaps its popularity also reveals something deeper about what many readers want right now: escape without sacrificing emotion.

We can disappear into another century, enter an enchanted court or watch dragons fly across the sky while still experiencing recognizable emotions of longing, heartbreak, courage and falling hopelessly in love.

If you’re curious about stepping into the genre yourself, these are a few enchanting places to begin.

🌹 The Cruel Prince — Holly Black

For anyone who likes their fairy tales beautiful but slightly dangerous, The Cruel Prince is irresistible.

Human Jude Duarte grows up among the immortal faeries of Elfhame, where beauty and cruelty frequently exist side by side. At the center of her complicated world is Prince Cardan — arrogant, captivating and initially one of Jude’s tormentors.

The relationship between Jude and Cardan has helped make the series a favorite among romantasy readers, although The Cruel Prince leans more heavily toward fantasy, political intrigue and the complicated rules of the faerie world than some of today’s romance-first novels.

Read it for: Faerie courts, enemies-to-lovers tension, morally complicated characters, gorgeous darkness and a heroine determined to claim her own power.

🎀 The Rose Bargain — Sasha Peyton Smith

Imagine Bridgerton — only England is ruled by an immortal faerie queen.

That is the premise behind Sasha Peyton Smith’s The Rose Bargain.

In an alternate Victorian London, every citizen is granted the opportunity to make one bargain with the faerie queen. Naturally, every magical gift comes at a cost.

When Ivy Benton enters society in 1848, her family’s fortunes have faded and her sister has already suffered terribly because of her own bargain. Then the queen announces a competition for the hand of her faerie son, Prince Bram.

Winning his hand could save Ivy’s family.

There is only one slight complication: Prince Bram’s rakish brother, Emmett.

What follows combines glittering balls, courtship, gowns, faerie magic, dangerous bargains and increasingly vicious competition. It feels like the darker fantasy cousin of a Regency or Victorian society romance — where finding a husband might literally be a matter of life and death.

For anyone drawn to the ultra-feminine side of fantasy, this one is particularly irresistible. The flowers, gowns and courtship rituals aren’t simply decorative. They exist alongside ambition, danger, sisterhood and the realization that beautiful things can conceal very sharp thorns.

Read it for: Victorian romance, faerie princes, debutante season, gorgeous gowns, dangerous bargains, royal competition and Bridgerton with a dark fairy-tale twist.

🥀 The Rose Garden — Susanna Kearsley

The Rose Garden represents a softer and more traditional side of romantic fantasy.

After the death of her sister, Eva Ward returns to the Cornish house where they spent their childhood summers. But the old house appears to contain more than memories. Eva begins slipping into eighteenth-century Cornwall, where she encounters Daniel Butler — a man separated from her by centuries.

Part historical romance and part time-slip fantasy, The Rose Garden has all the ingredients of an old-fashioned romantic daydream: Cornwall, an ancient house, roses, history, mystery and a love capable of transcending time.

It isn’t quite the swords-and-faeries romantasy dominating BookTok, but it belongs on this list as a reminder that romantic fantasy can also be quiet, atmospheric and wonderfully nostalgic.

Read it for: Windswept Cornwall, old houses, historical romance, gardens and the feeling that another world might be waiting just behind an ordinary doorway.

🎀 Barbie: Dreamscape — Alex Aster

One of the most interesting new additions to my fantasy bookshelf is a heroine we already know extraordinarily well: Barbie.

Alex Aster’s Barbie: Dreamscape takes the iconic character beyond the familiar perfection of her pink world and sends her into a fantasy adventure filled with unfamiliar lands, uncertainty and self-discovery.

I wouldn’t classify Dreamscape as traditional romance-led romantasy in quite the same way as some of the other novels on this list. Instead, it belongs beautifully beside them as part of the wider resurgence of feminine fantasy — stories in which traditionally feminine aesthetics can coexist with adventure, bravery and complicated heroines.

And there is something delightfully 2000s about seeing Barbie enter the fantasy-book era.

Read it for: Pink fantasy, adventure, female self-discovery, nostalgia and a heroine discovering that happily ever after doesn’t necessarily mean having a perfect life.

🏰 A Court of Thorns and Roses — Sarah J. Maas

It would be almost impossible to discuss modern romantasy without mentioning A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Sarah J. Maas’s series has become one of the foundational titles of the contemporary romantasy phenomenon, combining faerie realms, danger, romance and recognizable fairy-tale influences.

If Beauty and the Beast was one of the stories that first made you fall in love with enchanted castles and mysterious men, there are familiar echoes here — although the series develops into a much larger and decidedly more adult fantasy world.

Read it for: Faerie courts, fairy-tale inspiration, sweeping romance, elaborate fantasy worlds and a heroine whose story grows far beyond its original premise.

💌 Divine Rivals — Rebecca Ross

For something gentler and achingly romantic, there is Divine Rivals.

The novel follows rival journalists Iris and Roman in a world affected by a war between gods, with magical letters creating an intimate connection between them.

Compared with some of romantasy’s darker or more overtly sensual blockbusters, Divine Rivals offers yearning, correspondence and emotional intimacy.

There is something almost vintage about its romanticism — proof that fantasy romance doesn’t need to lose tenderness to feel exciting.

Read it for: Magical letters, yearning, rivals-to-lovers, vintage atmosphere and beautiful romantic melancholy.

⚔️ Quicksilver — Callie Hart

Readers who want the darker, more adult side of contemporary romantasy might find themselves drawn toward Quicksilver.

Fae fantasy, alchemy, danger and a much steamier romantic dynamic place it firmly within the more adult corner of the genre.

It also demonstrates just how broad the romantasy umbrella has become. The genre can contain the dreamy romanticism of Divine Rivals and the dangerous faerie politics of The Cruel Prince just as easily as darker, more sensual fantasy romance.

Read it for: Fae, alchemy, enemies-to-lovers energy and a darker fantasy atmosphere.

Why Romantasy Feels So Right for This Moment

Perhaps romantasy’s success shouldn’t surprise us.

Modern life is extraordinarily practical. Our days are filled with screens, calendars, notifications and endless little responsibilities. There is something wonderfully rebellious about opening a book and deciding that, for the next few hours, magic is real.

A forest might be enchanted.

A rose garden might lead somewhere unexpected.

A beautiful bargain might come with a terrible price.

A letter might find the person you were meant to love.

And a girl underestimated by everyone around her might discover that she is far more powerful than anyone imagined.

Romantasy takes many of the things women have historically been told are frivolous — romance, gowns, flowers, fairy tales, longing and beauty — and places them alongside courage, ambition, danger and power.

Maybe that is part of its magic.

These books aren’t necessarily asking us to abandon reality. They remind us that imagination, romance and wonder still have a place within it and alongside our increasingly technologically advanced societies.

And sometimes the most grown-up thing we can do is allow ourselves to believe in fairy tales again.

The Rosy BVM Romantasy Reading List

🌹 The Cruel Prince — Holly Black
🎀 The Rose Bargain — Sasha Peyton Smith
🥀 The Rose Garden — Susanna Kearsley
🎀 Barbie: Dreamscape — Alex Aster
🏰 A Court of Thorns and Roses — Sarah J. Maas
💌 Divine Rivals — Rebecca Ross
⚔️ Quicksilver — Callie Hart

Pour a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy your chosen portal!

The Art of Romanticizing Daily Life: Folklore, Nature, and the Beauty of Shabby Chic Living

In a world that moves at an astonishing pace, there is something quietly revolutionary about choosing to slow down and notice beauty. Romanticizing daily life is not about pretending life is perfect. Rather, it is about finding wonder in ordinary moments and creating a life that feels rich with meaning, charm, and intention.

For me, that journey begins with three things I deeply cherish: folklore, nature, and the timeless elegance of shabby chic style.

Finding Magic in the Everyday

As children, many of us believed that magic existed just beyond the edge of the woods. We imagined fairies hidden among wildflowers and stories whispered by the wind. Somewhere along the way, adulthood taught us to focus on schedules, deadlines, and practicality.

Yet folklore reminds us that enchantment never truly disappears.

Whether it is reading old fairy tales by candlelight, collecting vintage storybooks, or learning the legends connected to a local landscape, folklore encourages us to see the world through a lens of curiosity. It reminds us that every forest, lake, and garden carries stories waiting to be discovered.

The sea stars in the ocean and the stars in the sky…

Perhaps the most beautiful part of folklore is that it invites us to remain wonder-filled, regardless of age.

Reconnecting with Nature

Nature has a remarkable ability to return us to ourselves.

A morning walk beneath flowering trees, a picnic on a sunny afternoon, or simply tending to a collection of roses on a balcony can transform an ordinary day into something memorable. The natural world teaches us patience, seasonal rhythms, and the beauty of imperfection.

When I feel disconnected from nature, I find comfort in stepping outside and observing small details—the shape of a blossom, the movement of clouds, or the gentle sound of birdsong.

These moments may seem insignificant, but they are often the very experiences that make life feel meaningful.

Romanticizing life is not about grand adventures every day. Sometimes it is as simple as drinking tea in the garden and watching the sunlight dance across the petals of a rose.

The Timeless Charm of Shabby Chic Style

Shabby chic style perfectly complements this way of living.

With its weathered furniture, soft florals, delicate linens, vintage treasures, and lived-in elegance, shabby chic celebrates beauty that has a story. Unlike trends that prioritize perfection, shabby chic embraces character and history.

A gold locket tucked inside a jewelry box. A stack of well-loved novels with worn pages. A delicate floral vase discovered at an antique shop.

These objects carry memories and invite us to create homes that feel warm, welcoming, and deeply personal.

Shabby chic reminds us that beauty often lies in things that are cherished rather than flawless.

Creating Your Own Enchanted Life

Romanticizing daily life does not require a castle, an elaborate wardrobe, or a perfectly curated home. It begins with intention.

Read books that inspire wonder.

Collect flowers from your garden.

Visit antique shops and search for treasures with stories to tell.

Keep a journal of beautiful moments.

Learn the folklore of your region.

Watch the sunrise.

Light a candle while preparing dinner.

Listen to the rain against the window. Slow down a little bit more.

These small rituals transform ordinary days into memorable ones.

At its heart, romanticizing life is about cultivating gratitude for the beauty already surrounding us. It is choosing to see wonder where others see routine. It is finding joy in nature, meaning in stories, and comfort in homes filled with character and charm.

Life may never become a fairy tale (and that is quite alright), but it can become something equally beautiful: a collection of ordinary moments treasured deeply enough to feel extraordinary. Perhaps that is the most resonant life experience possible.

✨ A Tale of Two Vanities: Inside the Worlds of Princess Ariel and Ursula/Vanessa ✨

There’s something enchanting about a woman’s vanity. It’s more than just a surface, it’s a sacred space. A reflection of her desires, her rituals, her magic. And in the “kingdom under the sea,” few vanities are as iconic or contrasting as those of Princess Ariel and Ursula, the Sea Witch (and her glam alter ego, Vanessa).

As someone who treasures beauty as both an art form and a personal ritual, I recreated both vanities using real items from my collection, and the results are as dramatically different as the characters themselves. Whether you resonate more with Ariel’s innocence or Ursula’s unapologetic glamour, one thing is clear: both are expressions of feminine power.

🐚 Princess Ariel’s Vanity: A Dreamer’s Garden Beneath the Waves

Ariel’s vanity would feel like stepping into the softest chapter of a fairytale. Surrounded by sunlight shimmering through ocean currents, the entire space would glow in iridescent pinks, soft seashells, and trinkets collected from her adventures. Think delicate, romantic, and overflowing with heart.

On Ariel’s Vanity:

  • 🌸 Flower Knows “Shell’s Jewel” Collection in Pink
    Imagine compacts shaped like clamshells, blushes in the softest corals, and lip glosses that feel kissed by sea foam. This line captures Ariel’s softness, whimsy, and love for all things beautiful and rare.
  • 🌿 Faux sea grass accents & pearl-encrusted details
    Use small touches like shell dishes and pearl hair clips to evoke the atmosphere of her grotto… a place where everyday items are turned into treasures.
  • ✨ Delicate perfumes and translucent shimmer powders
    Ariel wouldn’t want heavy scents. I imagine she’d love light florals or watery notes that mimic a breeze across the water.
  • 🪞 A soft pink mirror and pastel hairbrush
    She may call it a “dinglehopper,” but her brush is definitely part of the ritual. This is a place where Ariel prepares not just to be seen, but to feel like the best version of her evolving self.

The Vibe:
Ariel’s vanity is soft, youthful, and full of promise. Every item tells a story. It’s where she gets ready to explore a world bigger than she’s ever known, and perhaps even where she learns that beauty is just another form of bravery.

🖤 Ursula/Vanessa’s Vanity: A Stage for Power and Seduction

Now step into darker waters. Ursula’s vanity isn’t about sweetness, it’s about spell work. When she becomes Vanessa, her entire beauty game transforms into a masterclass in confidence and allure. Every item on her vanity is curated, intentional, and undeniably dramatic.

On Ursula/Vanessa’s Vanity:

  • 💗 The Nautilus Necklace
    This infamous piece doesn’t just hang — it radiates. I styled it as a centerpiece, echoing its power to hold Ariel’s voice and command attention. It’s more than jewelry; it’s a symbol of Ursula’s belief that true power is not given, it is claimed.
  • 🧴 Vintage Besame Perfume
    Nothing says timeless seduction like a rich, vintage scent. Vanessa wouldn’t spritz, she would dab behind her ears with precision. Her scent would linger in a room long after she’s left it.
  • ✨ A Gilded Gold Mirror
    Sleek, antique, and undeniably regal. This mirror reflects not just her beauty but her calculation. She studies the world through it. Her makeup is drama-forward: vampy lips, bold eyes, sculpted cheeks.
  • 💄 Deep plum lipsticks, smoky eyes, and perfumes in black glass bottles
    These items evoke the enchantress archetype — sensual, confident, and always in control. There is no hesitation in her ritual. Every swipe of color is a declaration: I own the room.

The Vibe:
Ursula’s vanity is sensual, commanding, and luxurious with an edge. It’s where magic meets glamour, and where softness is replaced with sultry strategy. Vanessa doesn’t hope to be seen, she orchestrates it. To craft your own vanity spaces, which are not solely focused on the beauty products you might use, get creative with your treasures and how you place them! The idea is that you evoke what you know gives you joy.

🪞 Vanity as a Mirror of Identity

What I love most about comparing these vanity concepts is how they speak to two very real sides of womanhood. There’s the tender young woman who dreams and collects pieces of her future self… and the formidable woman who has learned how to wield her voice.

Some Days, I’m Ariel.
I want softness, sweetness, and a glowing blush that makes me feel like a daydream. I want to surround myself with the comfort of pretty things and gentle rituals.

Other Days, I’m Vanessa.
I want a perfume that leaves a trail, a red lip that speaks boldly, and the confidence to say exactly what I mean… or nothing at all.

And you know what? Both are beautiful. Both are real. And both deserve a place at your vanity.

  • 💖 Which vanity speaks to you today? Are you Ariel, Vanessa, or a little bit of both?

#VanityDiaries #FlowerKnows #BesameBeauty #ArielVsUrsula #HyperfeminineVibes #VintageBeautyRevival #SeaWitchGlam