Despite being the highest-selling genre in fiction, romance is often dismissed as shallow, unserious, or a “guilty pleasure.” But when we look at its history, impact, and cultural evolution, it becomes clear that romance isn’t just real reading. It's one of the most powerful forces in publishing. Today, we’re unpacking how romance became so popular, why it dominates the industry, and why it still struggles for respect.

Ever listen to an audiobook and wonder if YOU could do it? Ever written a book and wept at the cost to hire someone to narrate it for...