Beyond the steamy scenes, how do our favorite romance novels talk about sexual wellness? Are you tired of problematic language like "clean" or "dirty" when discussing sex and STIs in books? Today on We Read Smut, we're diving into the nuances of consent, communication, and ditching judgmental language around sexual health with Jillian of Only One Bookshelf. Join us for a frank and insightful conversation that will change how you think about sexual wellness in fiction and real life.

Jillian Carmichael is a virologist and romance enthusiast who rejects the notion that scientists must be always be serious. After growing up in evangelical purity culture and marrying her college sweetheart, Jillian promptly deconstructed and spent 6 years getting her PhD studying herpes. Yes, THAT herpes. Taking a big risk for her postdoctoral endeavors, Jillian, her spouse, and their two kids moved to a tiny apartment in NYC... 8 months before the COVID pandemic. Those hectic early pandemic days working as a virologist in NYC prompted her to search for an outlet of joy, and that's how she discovered romance novels. Now, Jillian and her family live outside DC and she spends her free time reading, going on family adventures, running, and advocating for science (especially public health and infectious disease) to anyone who will listen.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Why using terms like "clean" or "dirty" to describe sexual health or intimacy in romance novels is problematic and stems from purity culture.
• The importance of consent in romance and how positive examples in books can equip readers for real-life conversations.
• How romance novels can serve as valuable educational tools for sexual health, covering topics often missed in formal sex education or misrepresented elsewhere.
• The critical need to destigmatize STIs like herpes and HIV, moving away from portraying them as character flaws in fiction.

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BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert (Amazon)

A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah Weatherspoon (Amazon)

Bottle Rocket by Erin McLellan (Amazon)

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters (Amazon)

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid (Amazon)

Tough Guy by Rachel Reid (Amazon)

Almost Love by Anna P (Amazon)

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

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