From Mills and Boon to BookTok:
How We Went from Coy Covers to Confident Smut
There was a time when the raciest thing you’d find on a bookshelf was a Jilly Cooper novel with a horse on the cover or a well-thumbed Jackie Collins tucked discreetly behind the family photo frames.
And then, of course, there were the Mills & Boon paperbacks, those pastel-coloured portals to passion that seemed to multiply in every nan’s and mum’s bedside drawer.
I can’t help but remember spotting those Mills & Boon covers as a kid, all smouldering gazes and improbable embraces. The men looked like they’d just stepped off a yacht, shirts billowing in a wind that didn’t exist, while the women clung on as if gravity had suddenly stopped working. It was equal parts intriguing and hilarious, a secret grown-up world hiding in plain sight. I’d sneak a peek at the blurbs and wonder why everyone was always “torn between duty and desire” or “unable to resist his commanding presence.” It sounded exhausting.
Those covers were suggestive but safe, like a wink across the room. They promised passion without ever really showing it. Compare that to today’s romantasy juggernauts and you’ll see just how far we’ve come.
The difference? Back then, the spice was implied. Now, it’s practically a genre requirement, and readers aren’t shy about it.
The Rise of BookTok and the Spice Renaissance
Fast forward to today, and the game has changed. BookTok, has turned reading into a global phenomenon. Suddenly, it’s not just acceptable to read romantasy novels packed with spice, it’s celebrated. Series like A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) and Fourth Wing aren’t just books; they’re cultural events. Readers proudly champion their love for a cheeky bit of book smut, swapping annotated copies and TikTok reactions with zero shame and maximum enthusiasm.
“What’s fascinating is the shift in attitude. Where once these stories were whispered about or hidden behind demure covers, now they’re front and centre, with bold marketing and unapologetic fandoms. It’s not just about romance anymore, it’s about empowerment, escapism, and a collective confidence that says, “Yes, I like dragons, magic, and a healthy dose of spice. And I’m telling the world about it.””
So, what am I reading, you ask? Well, obviously I’m writing this article because my interest has been piqued… I’m working my way through Onyx Storm: dragons, drama, and enough tension to power a small city. But my favourite bit of book porn so far? It’s got to be The Serpent and the Wings of Night, it’s a banger (quite literally in places).
Why This Matters
This isn’t just a trend; it’s a cultural shift. Romance and romantasy have become spaces where readers explore identity, desire, and agency without apology. The old stigma around “trashy novels” is fading fast, replaced by communities that celebrate joy and connection. And honestly? I think my nan would have loved BookTok. She might have raised an eyebrow at the fae warriors and dragon riders, but she’d have appreciated the confidence behind it all.
And that’s the beauty of it: whether it’s a billionaire in a linen shirt or a brooding fae warrior with a sword the size of a lamppost, one thing hasn’t changed, we love a good escape. The only difference now is we’re shouting about it on TikTok instead of hiding it under the mattress. Long live the dragons, the daggers, and the smut. Nan would have been proud (secretly of course)