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.
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.
The “Problematic Classics” Bodice Ripper Book Club That’s About to Ruin Your Sleep
Ripped & Ravished is our bodice ripper book club where we read one vintage romance every two months with a podcast discussion for each. Here’s the full 2026 schedule.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss: The woman who made historical romance a blockbuster
The complete Kathleen E. Woodiwiss author guide for romance readers: her life, why she changed historical romance, what her books are like, and where to start reading her.
