Did Romeo + Juliet (1996) Turn Millennials Into Romance Readers?
Thirty years after Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, the aquarium scene, the soundtrack and Leo’s Romeo still explain why so many of us chase that all-consuming love story in books.
Romantasy Is Just Shakespeare With Magic
Every feud, ghost and swapped twin in romantasy came from somewhere. Here’s how 16 Shakespeare romantasy books compare to the plays they borrow from.
How J.R. Ward’s Dark Lover Changed Vampire Romance
Dark Lover almost stopped at book three. The story behind J.R. Ward’s vampire romance, from a three-book deal to the call that changed the genre.
The History of Vampire Romance Novels Before Twilight and Dark Lover
Readers wanted the vampire hero long before publishers believed in him. The history of vampire romance, from “no one wants vampires” to Dark Lover.
Who Was the Real Dracula? Vlad the Impaler and the Myth Everyone Repeats
Wass Dracula really Vlad the Impaler? The case for and against, who the real Vlad III was, and how a printing press turned a prince into a monster.
When Did We Start Romanticizing Vampires?
Earlier than you’d think, and it was us. How the vampire went from village corpse to book boyfriend, in four stages, from 1931 to BookTok.
The Origins of Shifter Romance: From Folklore to Fated Mates
The origins of shifter romance, from folklore to fated mates, indie publishing and the Bride effect that brought a new wave of readers in.
You Can’t Trademark “Hot Girls Read” (Cockygate Proved It)
Cockygate already proved you can’t trademark a common phrase, so the “hot girls read” trademark won’t hold either. A reader’s take on trademarking common bookish phrases, with the receipt from the OG.
15 Literary Character Types Every Reader Should Know
Not a lit class! 15 literary character types explained for readers who want better words to talk about the books they love. Start here.
What Is a Clinch Cover? A History of Romance’s Most Iconic Cover Style
What is a clinch cover? Explore the history of clinch romance covers, from vintage historicals and Fabio to stepbacks, shame, and their modern comeback.
