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It seems like every few months, a book subgenre pops up out of nowhere, demanding all of our attention. Of course, I willingly give mine for about a year until the next trope takes over. There was the dystopian craze of the early aughts, the ACOTAR-fueled shadow daddy trend, and now, it’s obvious we’re in the middle of a sports romance renaissance. While I love hopping onto these bandwagons along with my fellow readers when they arrive, I’ve grown more curious about what’s on the way out—and what book trends will replace them. And who better to ask about the next big thing than the people actually writing them?
Not only are authors the ones delivering these book trends, but they’re also penning our next obsession before we even know of its existence. So, I tapped some of our favorite authors to figure out which book trends we should keep an eye on and which ones are already dwindling. Here’s what they said, along with the books they recommend picking up now if you want to get ahead of the next big book trend.
Sports romances are dividing authors
The subgenre on everyone’s lips was a surprisingly divisive one for authors. On the heels of Heated Rivalry and Off Campus, it’s pretty clear that audiences are hungry for more hot men “playing” sports on our screens. As C.C. Dador, author of Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights and Merry Ex-Mas, pointed out, “recent excitement around the NBA finals and the World Cup shows how sports can bring people together, so why not a romantic situation?” However, before those shows took over our timelines (and far too much mental real estate), some authors thought the trend was slowing down.
Tessa Bailey, author of It Happened One Summer and Catch Her If You Can, told me in a conversation that inspired this whole article that she thought sports romances were on the way out. Grace Reilly, author of Yes, Chef, might have agreed with Tessa a few weeks ago, but now isn’t as sure. “Before the Heated Rivalry and Off Campus TV shows, I would have said sports [romances are on their way out], if only because of sheer volume—but now, I don’t know. Readers will always be hungry for athletes,” she said.
Grace Alexander, author of The Lowe Job, thinks we’ll continue to see the genre explore new sports. “The Winter Olympics are asking to be explored. I am also waiting patiently for someone to write an incredible F1 romance that takes off. Please. Pretty please,” she said.
As the first openly trans player in professional baseball, Gene has nearly everything he’s ever let himself dream of—that is, until Luis Estrada, Gene’s former teammate and current rival, gets traded to the Beavers, destroying the careful equilibrium of Gene’s life.
Recommended by Mason Deaver
An emotional, slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine, queer romance about grief and found family, between the new star shortstop stuck in a batting slump and the reporter assigned to (reluctantly) cover his first season.
Recommended by Mason Deaver
When a fierce rivalry between two professional wrestlers heats up beneath the spotlight, neither man can fight the attraction burning between them, in this steamy sports romance.
Recommended by Mason Deaver
A steamy sapphic romance with a fantastical twist about two bitter tennis rivals who realize they are reluctant soulmates.
Recommended by Mason Deaver
Want more book recs? READ: Goodreads Just Released Their Top Books of the Year So Far, Here’s What Made the List
Paranormal romances are on the rise
Twilight girls, rejoice. Many authors flagged that supernatural and paranormal romances are on the rise. “Subgenres like paranormal romance and romantic suspense have been around for ages, of course, but I wouldn’t be surprised if things got really experimental,” Lauren Okie, author of Tropesick, said. “I think everything is up for grabs: structure, unreliable narrators, plot twists—all while keeping that covenant of a satisfying, romantic ending.” Julie Olivia, author of If It Makes You Happy, agrees that vampires are back big time. “Additionally, paranormal romance feels like it’s getting bigger. Especially vampires. Media like Sinners, AMC’s Interview with the Vampire, and Twilight’s multiple anniversaries (with nostalgia) feel like they’ve gotten people really invested again,” she said.
She’s not alone. Plenty of authors also brought up that paranormal, along with dystopian romances, are definitely back. “I feel like I’m a teenager again and I love it,” Grace Reilly said of their return. What, a few years ago, felt like a completely out-of-the-box idea is being embraced now more than ever. “When I first got the idea for my lovestruck wraith, I thought I was crazy. No one would be interested in Death as a love interest, right? But just look around now,” said Emily Rath, author of Pucking Around and Devour Me. For some, like Elizabeth Agyemang, author of Divine Oaths, paranormal romances are old favorites finally coming back around again. “Growing up, I was obsessed with gothic literature and paranormal romances, and that really inspired Divine Oaths, so it would be great to see these subgenres have another resurgence,” she said. Whether you’re typically a horror girl or not, we’ll all be turning to stories that are slightly spookier but just as swoonworthy.
An unsuspecting heiress with a target on her back must enlist the protection of a vampire whose wealth and secrets rival her own, in a brand-new paranormal romance series from New York Times bestselling author Elena Armas.
Recommended by Grace Reilly
A stay-up-all-night, smart, spicy romance following a doctor who finds herself falling for an alluring, much-younger man with a deadly secret.
Recommended by Grace Reilly
Dáinn the Devourer has spent the last 200 years of his undead life reluctantly bonded to a dark witch, doing her dirtiest work. Sent on a job to Burr Island, Dáinn is forced to devour the soul of a rival witch, Dáinn is eagerly devouring the witch when he’s abruptly stopped. By a human no less. With one word, Birdie Rhodes does what no being has ever done: she takes his breath away. Now the witch, the wraith, and the human are set on a path that could lead to their destiny…or their ruin.
Recommended by Emily Rath
Darcy Moore is tired of death. Which would be fine…if she wasn’t the Grim Reaper. Gabriel Aetos is determined to protect his corner of the world like his angel wings depend on it. When Darcy shows up to Gabriel’s faded old bar, she is hell-bent on outrunning her reputation as a villain. But Gabriel is convinced that Darcy is as deadly as it gets. And if protecting his people means staying close—very close—to this rogue reaper, then that’s exactly what he’ll do.
Recommended by Emily Rath
A jaded grim reaper and a woman who wants another chance at life give ‘til death do us part a new meaning in this paranormal romance from bestselling author Jenna Levine.
Recommended by Emily Rath
Heading on vacation soon? READ: Our Book Club Found The Perfect Summer Beach Read
Cross-genre, niche stories are the next big thing
If you’ve perused any book communities, you’ve probably noticed genres getting nicher and nicher. While people used to describe their tastes with a general “thriller” or “romance” label, you’ll now see people throwing out subgenres like “dark academia” and “female rage books.”
Grace Reilly thinks that audiences’ cravings for a niche read are part of why her novel, Yes, Chef, appeals. It gets specific about the restaurant industry in a grounded, well-researched way. As far as what specific microtrope will trend next, C.C. Dador predicts second-chance romance and holiday romances—especially with a speculative element like a time loop. Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Extracurricular, added that it’s not always about completely new tropes but rather unique spins on ones we know and love. “I think readers will always be happy to see familiar tropes with a subversive spin, or a combination of tropes presented in a fresh way,” she said.
While genres are becoming more niche, there is also more overlap than ever between those genres. “I’m also intrigued by cross-genre romance,” C.C. said. “Of course, romantasy is here to stay, and horrormance and dark romance seem to be captivating readers as well.” Lauren Okie agreed. “Over the next couple of years, I expect to see more romance novels subvert tropes, surprise readers, and pull elements of other genres into their work,” she said. Caty Rogan, author of Kissed by the Gods, agreed. “I think sci-fi romance is continuing full-steam ahead, and I could not be more excited about this trend,” she added.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brynne Weaver comes a wickedly delicious new series where dark romantic comedy meets thrilling suspense—and where falling in love can be a killer.
Recommended by C.C. Dador
A down-on-his-luck chef and a determined social media maven strike a reluctant deal to bring a beloved restaurant back to life.
Recommended by Grace Reilly
The hunt for fossils—and love—is on in this steamy, STEMinist romance about two opposing paleontologists who join forces to prevent a fraudulent dinosaur discovery, but accidentally dig up feelings for each other along the way.
Recommended by Grace Reilly
King Calai is all too willing to provide the Gods their sacrifices. Human sacrifices. When he requests a willing female to warm his furs for the duration of his stay in her village, his selection falls to Starling. All she can do is pray to the gods that she survives the night…
Recommended by Grace Reilly
Ready to challenge yourself? READ: The Everygirl Book Club’s Summer 2026 Reading Challenge
Demand will continue for high-stakes and cozy books
It’s no surprise that the world is absolutely insane right now, and something authors have noticed is that people either want to lean into that insanity with high-stakes suspense novels or completely escape into cozy worlds. If you’re looking for relatability, a disaster novel, even if it’s just an emotionally disastrous one, feels pretty dang relatable right now.
“I think that we’re going to be seeing a lot of ‘mess’ on the market in the next few years,” Lauren Okie agreed. “I’m not predicting that polarizing tropes are going to blow up, but rather that authors are going to push the boundaries of beloved conventions to create nuanced, highly fraught situations that are ripe for great storytelling.”
When it comes to cozy books, Grace Reilly put it perfectly, saying readers are opting for cozy stories that are almost like a balm for everything going on right now. No matter what camp you fall into, escapism or relatability, you’ll notice more books trending toward one of those two extremes.
A cozy, queer fantasy about the mortifying ordeal of being known by your totally platonic best friend and the epic quest that might force you to confront the truth.
Recommended by Grace Reilly
Two childhood neighbors, connected by a shared tragedy, unexpectedly reunite to ghostwrite a love story for a reclusive author. Spending the summer at her secluded Hamptons estate, they soon discover that dozens of classic romance tropes, including the ones they’re crafting on page, are mysteriously playing out in real life.
Recommended by Grace Reilly
Romantasy may be on its way out
With a fan base as passionate as this one, I’ll admit I’m a tad nervous to be the one to deliver the news that authors think romantasy‘s relevance is fading. But you’ll be happy to know that a changing genre doesn’t necessarily mean the disappearance of one.
Grace Reilly noted, “I’ve noticed a desire for those fantasy elements in a romance-focused standalone, where there is sure to be an HEA and payoff by the end of the book.” Mason Deaver, author of I Wish You All the Best, agreed, saying every genre ebbs and flows, but audiences do seem to be tiring of the same romantasy tropes. “It does make me wonder what else is on the horizon, like are we going to go deeper into some sci-fi romance?” they said. “Or are we swinging the other way and going full into contemporary or historical? It’s so fun to speculate.” As for the trends they want to see more of, they’re dying for more queer romances, just like the rest of us.
Emily Rath noticed a similar sentiment from readers while on her book tour. “This isn’t necessarily a trope, but I just spent a month on tour all across Europe, and the one consistent thing I heard from readers across five countries is that they are all positively sick of fae stories,” she said.
Though all of these authors note that romantasy isn’t gone for good, the genre will continue to evolve, and after a few years, we’ll surely all be fae-obsessed once again.
Despite their observations and theories, almost every author was sure to note that trends will always come back around. And even if a trope is “out,” the right story is always going to find a way to be told. “Authors bring to the table who they are, and so I think it’s almost impossible to get tired of a certain trope, so long as it’s been crafted in a way only a certain writer could pull off,” Lauren Okie said.
After years of assuming she was a beta, Baby’s entire life is about to turn upside down. With her heat on its way, she needs to find a pack, a nest, and alphas she can trust. The Late Night Howlers have given up hope after years of waiting for an omega to choose them. Until one sweet woman takes a chance on them. When a rival MC comes sniffing after Baby, her safety is put at risk, and the Howlers may be torn apart forever.
Recommended by Emily Rath
From the day Ivy was born, her future has been set in stone: Marry Crown Prince Cillian, become his queen, and produce an heir. As an omega, yearning to find a pack of alphas to satisfy her every desire is as natural as breathing. As a princess, however, such a dream is out of the question. But fate seems to have plans for her that involve not only my betrothed but also his two best friends: Oran, a passionate, brooding nobleman, and Sloan, a rugged, charismatic gardener.
Recommended by Emily Rath
A sexy Hades-inspired gay rom-com, in which the former god of the Underworld turned grumpy funeral director must find a loophole in the Immortal Retirement Act that banished him to Earth, until the florist next door begins to unravel all his carefully laid plans.
Recommended by Mason Deaver
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Lauren Blue, Associate Editor & Book Club Co-Host
As an Associate Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives, from must-read books and behind-the-scenes interviews to beauty products she can’t live without. When she isn’t sitting in an AMC watching the latest buzzy release, she can be found scouring Goodreads for the perfect pick for The Everygirl Book Club. There, she co-hosts discussions with members, debating plotlines, fancasting characters, and, of course, tossing in her own recommendations.
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Products included in graphics linked within the article. Feature graphic images credited to: Amazon MGM Studios | Off Campus
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