Episode 41 - Romantasy & the Alpha Appeal: The Popularity of Spicy Fantasy Books with Ashley Mariani
Why are so many of us drawn to “spicy” romance novels with powerful, dominant male leads—and what does that do to our expectations of our partners? In this episode we dig into the surge of steamy books, the psychology behind alpha-male characters, and the thin line between passionate fantasy and problematic behavior.
Our guest Ashley Mariani joins us to unpack:
- Why dominant characters are so appealing in romance fiction
- Ways these stories shape our views of intimacy, passion, and “fixing” partners
- The warning signs of coercion and control versus healthy, consensual dominance
- Practical tips for enjoying the fantasy without letting it set unrealistic standards
Whether you’re a lifelong romance reader or just curious about the hype, this episode offers a balanced, thought-provoking look at how books can both inspire and mislead our ideas of love, sex, and relationships.
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