Rebecca Yarros is serious about romance.
The bestselling author, one of the most popular romantasy genre writers, is known for blending romance and fantasy in The Empyrean series, which includes Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm. While Fourth Wing is widely regarded as Yarros’ breakout hit, Onyx Storm is a record-breaking bestseller that cemented the writer’s place as one of the genre’s most notable stars.
In an interview on the Open Book podcast with Today Show co-host Jenna Bush Hager, Yarros shares the real person who has inspired all her heroes.
Rebecca Yarros Reveals Her Inspiration
The 44-year-old Washington, D.C., native is married to former U.S. Army pilotJason Yarros. The two met while he was serving in the Army and have been together for over two decades. The couple has six children, including a daughter whom they fostered and then adopted. In her conversation with Jenna Bush Hager, Yarros reveals her husband inspires all her heroes. She says:
“I love writing it because I get to fall in love over and over again. There’s always an element of the hero that comes from my husband. He just like sneaks in there every single time because he’s what I find attractive.”
Related: Two Oprah’s Book Club Picks Named Goodreads Good Choice Awards Finalists
From Real to Romance: Rebecca Yarros’ Career in Books
The mom of six initially began writing military romance novels starting in 2014. Widespread fame didn’t come until 2023 with Fourth Wing, when the writer shifted her focus into the fantasy-romance genre.
The writer struck gold with The Empyrean series, which hit a chord with readers and made her the darling of social media platforms like BookTok, creating viral success. Her stories often draw on personal experiences, including her military family background, which adds the emotional depth and relatability for which she’s known and her readers have come to love.
This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
