How do romance novels keep readers hooked?

For centuries, romance novels have offered readers a popular source of entertainment. The ultimate escapism, they were once relegated to a hidden drawer or concealed under a pillow, but readers are now proudly reading the genre in public. The more uncertain and chaotic the world becomes; the greater the draw of stories with a guaranteed happily ever after, and worlds where love overcomes all obstacles. BookTok, the reading niche of TikTok, is populated with romance recommendations. As romance novels fly high on the bestseller lists, we ask why - and how - these novels keep their readers voraciously engaged and returning for more.

Intrigued? Click on to learn why readers have fallen in love with romance novels again.