If you need me, I’ll be living in the life of fantasy world for a while.

I don’t know about you, but a special thank you to Rebecca Yarros for setting the release date of Onyx Storm for the day after the inauguration. In today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world, books can be a lifeline- a sanctuary to escape reality and dive into enchanting new worlds. This weekend was a wild ride with booktok going dark for 12+ hours with the TikTok ban in the US, and we collectively mourned the app during that time. I don’t know about you, but Romantasy books have taken over my TBR and my Goodreads.

The Irresistible pull of Romantasy

Romantasy offers something unique, a perfect blend of emotional depth and fantastical escape. Whether you’re swept away by the star-crossed love stories from Sarah J. Mass or the political battle in Fourth Wing (sound familiar?) These books transport us far beyond our day-to-day worries. They let us fall in love, fight battles, believe in ourselves, explore new worlds, and escape our troubles if only for a little while. It reminds us that even in the most challenging circumstances, love and resilience can shine through.

The influence of Bookttok

If you’re not on Bookttok, you are missing out! BookTok is a sliver of TikTok that has taken over my life and made my TBR list even more unrealistic to achieve. Every other day, I find a new book boyfriend to fall in love with and a series to devour. It is home to established authors and up-and-coming authors who need your support, too. However, it is not without its faults. I’ll be spending the day reading the new Fourth Wing book Onyx Storm, and avoiding any spoilers online.

Finding the Balance in Escapism

As a mom, finding time to read, whether it’s physical, digital, or audio book, can be hard, especially when trying to balance work as well. A few tricks I have learned are to

• Set boundaries- sometimes we spend too much time reading when we should be doing other things like making dinner, don’t forget to keep doing life.
• Don’t give in to FOMO- I know it seems like everyone is reading 100-plus books a year, but go at your own pace and your own budget. The library is a major source that does not break the bank.
• Mix Genres- Don’t just stick with one genre; it’s a good idea to mix it up from time to time.
• Mix media – switch between audiobook, physical, and digital if it helps you get through a book or a few.
• Stay Social- find your community of booklovers and interact with them, and drag your friends along too.

So, grab your favorite romantasy novel, pour yourself a cup of whatever you need, and dive in, but remember to come up for air. The real world has its own adventures waiting for you, too.