As a reader and an agent, I am on the hunt for commercial romantic fiction, specifically for BookTok hungry new adult/20+ markets. I want books with romance at the very heart of the narrative. Messy, cheesy, heartbreaking, relatable, I want the characters and their story to engross me completely and have me reaching for it time and time again.

When it comes to romance books, I’m looking specifically for a few different types:

I love books that lean into the classic romance tropes. Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, childhood sweethearts, forced proximity…you get the picture. I am on the lookout for books that lean into these tropes, but provide a new spin on the traditional story. I’m especially looking for books in the new adult, 20+ somethings market. Notably, LGBTQIA+ rom-coms and BookTok classics like Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus Series or Elena Armas’ The Spanish Love Deception.

I’m also keen to explore the spicier end of the BookTok universe. I love to read books that advocate for healthy adult relationships, both emotionally and physically. Tessa Bailey’s Hook, Line and Sinker was an instant hit for me. I really liked the blend of emotional depth and physical intimacy that felt poignant yet fun. I want books that offer a sex-positive outlook for readers and that are representative of all voices and sexual orientations. Above all, I’m looking for escapism, butterflies, and a healthy dose of spice.

I will always have space for a romantic fantasy, or “romantasy” series on my list. Something that transports my mind to richly imagined worlds, but keeps those romantic relationships at the core of the story. Sarah J Maas and Jennifer Armentrout do a brilliant job of balancing this across their respective books. I also love the desert settings of Rae Carson’s Fire and Thorns Series and Danielle Jensen’s The Traitor Queen. I’m also on the hunt for anything sea-faring/mermaid related and fated mates romances. I want books that strike the perfect balance of romance, pace, action and world-building, with series potential. Importantly, I look for strong, diverse, brave and relatable characters in these settings. People that feel like both a friend, a champion and an ally. *NB

It’s important to note that whilst I love YA fantasy, as an agent, I am looking for books with 18+ characters.

Other books and writers that I enjoy and epitomize my wishlist include:

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas

The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy

The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter

The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas

The Love Hypothesis by Ally Hazelwood

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Kulti by Mariana Zapata

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Full submission guidelines can be found on our website, www.darleyanderson.com/submissions.

*NB: I am looking for romantasy fiction, so if you feel your book doesn’t lean into classic romance tropes of the genre, then I am not the right agent for you. I am not looking for science fiction or dystopian novels. For all YA fantasy, please check out our wonderful team at the Children’s Agency for more details.