Dragons, dark lords, and doomed romances are leaving the pages of books and becoming a powerful catalyst for people’s intimate lives. With steamy “romantasy” sagas climbing bestseller lists, new research* from LELO—coninciding with the World Book Day on April 23rd—reveals how fantasy literature is fundamentally reshaping modern relationships, role-play, and desires.
The LELO ‘Fantasy Flames’ survey of over three thousand respondents from all over the world confirms the trend is blazing:
- Setting the Scene: A striking 31.13% of respondents have used a scene from a fantasy novel to set the mood for intimacy in real life.
- Role-Play is Reality: Over one in five (20.21%) admit they’ve engaged in fantasy-themed role-play, from knights and elves to fae royalty, inspired directly by books they’ve read.
- Fantasy Drives Commerce: 31.53% of readers have purchased adult products or accessories specifically to recreate a “romantasy” aesthetic.
- Influencing Expectations: Half (49.05%) say fictional lovers in fantasy books have somewhat or entirely (3.84%) influenced their expectations of a real-world partner, often seeking open-mindedness.
- Communication Catalyst: 34.58% report that reading fantasy novels makes them talk completely free about new desires or boundaries with a partner. An additional 27% say that books have allowed them to feel more free (but not entirely) to discuss their intimate lives.
- Safer Exploration: Nearly half (47.78%) feel that fantasy literature provides a safer space to explore sexual curiosity than other genres.
The power of fictional relationships is undeniable, with Forbidden Love (29.17%) and Fated Mates (18.25%) topping the list of tropes that most influence real-world romantic dynamics.
When asked which series they found most inspiring to act out, A Court of Thorns and Roses (22.90%) led the way, followed by Fourth Wing (12.90%) and Throne of Glass (9.15%).
With 60.75% of respondents believing that “Fantasy Flames” will continue to grow as a major trend in intimacy by 2027, LELO is positioned to help readers turn the page on their intimate lives and make fantasy a beautiful reality.
*Survey carried out in April 2026, with 3,305 respondents, aged 18+ worldwide.
Enjoy 15% off LELO.com with code VOLONTE15
