Under overcast skies threatening rain, a vibrant crowd of women flocked to Romancing The Novel in Paddington for a ‘book crawl’ celebrating romance novels. This genre, historically deemed less worthy, has surged in popularity, with sales more than doubling between 2019 and 2024, revealing a changing narrative on the significance of romance fiction. According to Nielsen BookScan, Australians collectively spent over $50 million on romance novels last year alone, as the genre has grown at an impressive annual rate of 49% in recent years.
At the heart of this rejuvenation are events organised by Annabel and Eliza, who chose to conclude their book crawl at a romance-focused store, reflecting its growing appeal among attendees who expressed eagerness to support local, female-owned businesses. The owner of Romancing The Novel, Scarlett Hopper, a romance author herself, credits the rise of BookTok—the TikTok community dedicated to books—for the increased visibility and demand for romance literature, effectively dismantling a long-standing stigma associated with the genre.
This cultural shift is both uplifting and empowering, with Hopper asserting that the genre has always held value, and women are now reclaiming the narrative around romance. She has experienced significant sales success since opening her store in September 2024, with loyal clientele travelling considerable distances to immerse themselves in the world of romance literature. This trend isn’t unique to her store; Caitlyn, the owner of A Thousand Lives in Yarra Valley, noted a considerable rise in consumer spending on books despite cost-of-living pressures, again showcasing a desire for community engagement within bookstores.
In Bowral, author Kat T. Masen opened Books Ever After, propelled by her novel’s viral success on social media, attracting both local readers and notable attention from Netflix. Reflecting on her growth, Masen highlighted that her presence on TikTok helped her store thrive and maintain a strong customer base. The rise in interest rates has ignited a local spending spike, further affirming the resilience of brick-and-mortar bookstores.
Sales data indicates that romance remains among the fastest-growing fiction genres. The trend emphasizes a broader resurgence in physical book purchases, with many readers preferring the in-store experience, even amid financial strains. The passion for physical copies is evident, with some readers buying multiple editions of beloved titles.
The romance genre’s revival is significant for both its readers and the community ethos it fosters. With another event already planned for June, the enthusiasm surrounding romance novels shows no signs of waning, marking a transformative era for the genre in Australia’s literary landscape.