In this Extra Credit episode of A Broad Sex Edudcation, we’re cozying up with the founders of Heartbound Bookshop, the first romance-exclusive bookstore in Orange County, California, to talk about how romance novels can double as informal sex education and why diverse love stories matter. We sit down with Jenika and Ayesha to explore how reading about intimacy, consent, and communication can teach us lessons formal sex ed often leaves behind. Together, they reflect on the emotional power of romance tropes, the importance of representation, and how books can help readers unlearn shame and rediscover pleasure.

Plus, stick around for a special Psychology Pop Quiz: Guess That Trope! — where we connect popular romance storylines to the emotional and psychological needs they fulfill.

💗 In this episode:

• The origin story of Heartbound Bookshop
• How romance novels model intimacy, communication, and consent
• Why representation and cultural specificity matter in storytelling
• The psychology behind popular romance tropes
• Romance recommendations to celebrate Filipino American History Month 🇵🇭

📍 Learn more about Heartbound Bookshop:

Website: heartboundbookshop.com

Instagram: @heartboundbookshop

TikTok: @heartboundbookshop