In this Thursday episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we bring an academic lens to bookish culture, genre fiction, and the conversations shaping romance and romantasy today.

This episode is part of our Subtext Society series, inspired by The Subtext Society Journal.

Today’s discussion focuses on the article: “The Impact of Romance Novels on Real-Life Expectations."

This article interrogates the long-standing claim that romance novels give women “unrealistic expectations” about men, arguing instead that the genre often clarifies (not distorts) what readers actually want. By unpacking the appeal of romance novel MMCs, she reframes the conversation away from abs, wealth, and fantasy physiques, and toward emotional availability, respect, loyalty, and genuine desire. Drawing on pop-culture examples, therapy insights, and personal reflection, the article positions romance novels as a form of emotional exposure therapy: a safe space where readers can examine what triggers them, what heals them, and what healthy connection can look like. Rather than setting women up for disappointment, Sahlin suggests romance fiction can help readers recognize that asking to be cherished, listened to, and liked is not unrealistic at all—it’s foundational.

How to participate:

Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website.

The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

We’re thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We’re publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured.

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