by Amélie Jervay | Aug 10, 2026 | Articles
Romantic fiction has treated sexually transmitted infections, STIs/STDs, unevenly over time. The subject matter has varied by subgenre, era and author intent. Today, you will read/hear the phrase “I’m clean” or “I’ll get tested” more often. Historically, any...
by Amélie Jervay | Aug 4, 2026 | Articles
Romantic fiction has come a long way from implicit, often unequal power dynamics and narratively glossed coercion toward much clearer, explicit depictions of consent, even though problematic portrayals persist in some subgenres and older works. In historical romances,...
by Amélie Jervay | Jul 27, 2026 | Articles
Reading romance novels can help improve your communication skills in a sexual relationship in several practical ways. Modeling emotional honesty Many romance novels show characters naming desires, fear, and boundaries, which normalizes clear, vulnerable talk with a...
by Amélie Jervay | Jul 20, 2026 | Articles
Reading an emotionally engaging romance novel can trigger the release of oxytocin for many people. The brain releases oxytocin during positive social interactions. Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. It works...
by Amélie Jervay | Jul 13, 2026 | Articles
Escaping into a romance novel works through several psychological and emotional mechanisms. Transportation: as a reader when you become mentally absorbed in the story world, you temporarily shift your attention away from real-life concerns. Identification and Wish...
