BOOKS

Romanticizing your life? Been there, done that. Making your life a full-on romantasy? Now that's next level.

So how do you live life as a romantasy? It means making even the little things (your space, your extracurriculars, your mindset) feel totally magical. And it's easier than you think, especially when you've got the right read to inspire you...

Taking a page out of our new fave YA book from bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz, we're infusing a little fairy-tale fun into our every day (no glittery ball gown required...but if you've got one on hand, it's def encouraged). 

1. Build your mini kingdom

@cottondolly

Every gal needs her own personal kingdom and if you’re anything like the newly crowned queen MJ Robertson-Rodriguez from The Encanto's Curse, you'll strive to make your realm the best it can possibly be. Since you're likely not IRL royalty (yet!), might we recommend constructing an enchanting book nook in lieu of a castle? 

That one empty corner in your room has been begging for a makeover: Add a plush rug, an armchair (or shall we say your throne?) and *all* the throw pillows your heart desires (channel the wondrous world of Biringan, MJ's mystical home, with dreamy pastels and fairy-approved florals).

The finishing touch? An adorned vintage mirror to catch a glimpse of your regal reflection. 

2. Summon your squad

@thenatureofpages

Even a headstrong romantasy heroine like MJ needs a core crew to help her conquer curses, heal heartbreak and, oh yeah, defeat the mythical monster that's terrorizing her home.

Our tips for building a loyal crew that'll back you up in any sitch? Don't be afraid to start a convo with someone completely new—whether it's your neighbor, lab partner or that cool upperclassman on the track team. By expanding your orbit, you make space for unlikely-yet-awesome connections (our fave romantasy trope).

You may meet some new besties—or in MJ's case, a potential love interest (!). Bottom line: It doesn't matter if you're battling an age-old prophecy or just struggling with number 3 on the bio HW—branching out of your comfort zone can help you assemble a crew who will ride for you 24/7.

3. Embark on a quest

@kellyprincewright

No romantasy is complete without a high-stakes quest, right? But DW, we’re not sending you to Mount Makiling for monster-hunting just yet (although rumor has it that's where MJ is headed...). 

Your adventurous challenge (should you choose to accept it) is to head to that dreamy café you've been eyeing, order your fave latte and treat yourself to some extra cold foam before grabbing a window seat to enjoy some you time. Or, to hit up that thrift shop and set out on a mini "treasure hunt" for the cutest accessories. Or, to finally audition for that solo at the spring concert (even if the thought scares you, at first!).

Find an activity that fills your cup and dive in headfirst. Trust, life feels much more like a romantasy when you're spending time on what you really love. 

4. Embrace your inner queen 

@chazlyn.yvonne

Achieving a royal amount of confidence is easier said than done...but we know you've got what it takes to ditch the self-doubt and unlock your inner majesty. 

Don a dress worthy of a fairy ball, pen some pump-up Post-it notes to paste around your house/locker/mirror, queue that playlist that makes you want to dance like nobody's watching or pick up a female-centered empowering novel (bet you can guess our rec!). Incorporating these feel-good habits into your daily routine can help you own your power, even if you don't have a literal crown. Now that's what we call a happily ever after.

Snag your copy of The Encanto's Curse by Melissa de la Cruz here!

Calling all bookworm babes! More ~novel~ inspo, right this way...
📕 How to annotate books with your besties
❤️ We're setting you up on a Book Blind Date—here's which read is your perf match
📕 5 literary classics you need to revisit

Slider image: @kellyprincewright

by Allie Nicoletti | 3/4/2025