In this State of the Field episode, Amy and Sarah discuss the rise and popularity of romance fiction. Why is it so popular with female readers and authors? Why now? What are audiences getting from this genre that they don't get elsewhere? How has it become so successful? And is romance fiction the solution to the increasingly-divisive discourse of contemporary gender politics?

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Credits: The Historical Romance Review is written, recorded and produced in Meanjin/Brisbane, on the unceded land of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera and Turrbal peoples.

Editing: Sarah Brain

Cover art and branding: Sarah Brain and Amy Way

Original artwork: Caitlin Adams @caitlin_a_art

Original theme music: Jonny Barahona @jonnyenvivo

Sound support: Zac Costa

Recording equipment: John Board

Thank you to everyone who continues to support this project with their expertise and enthusiasm.