How steamy novels influence readers beyond the page
This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.
ROMANCE NOVELS ARE FLYING OFF BOOKSHELVES AND ONTO NIGHTSTANDS AND NEW RESEARCH REVEALS WHO’S READING THEM – AND HOW OFTEN!
THE SURVEY OF 2,000 WOMEN, COMMISSIONED BY K-Y AND CONDUCTED BY TALKER RESEARCH, SHOWS THE AVERAGE ROMANCE READER IS PICKING UP A STEAMY BOOK TWICE A WEEK.
AND MORE THAN A THIRD – 38 PERCENT – HAVE IMAGINED THEIR REAL-LIFE PARTNER AS A CHARACTER FROM THE BOOK.
SIX IN TEN WOMEN SAY THEY READ SPICY NOVELS JUST FOR FUN, WHILE MORE THAN HALF TURN TO THEM TO ESCAPE AND UNWIND.
AND THESE STORIES AREN’T STAYING PRIVATE: HALF OF WOMEN SAY THEY TALK ABOUT THEIR ROMANCE READS WITH FRIENDS.
SO WHAT DO YOU THINK? ARE YOU TEAM PAPERBACK, E-READER, OR AUDIOBOOK? AND HOW OFTEN ARE YOU READING? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Research methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 women who read romance/erotic novels, half of whom are in a relationship, who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by K-Y and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Nov. 7 and Nov. 17, 2025. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.
To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.
Stories and infographics by ‘Talker Research’ are available & ready to use. Stories and videos by ‘Talker News’ are managed by Talker Inc. For queries, please submit an inquiry via our contact form.
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