“There are fans that love the classic romance tropes—enemies to lovers, the appeal of the rugged cowboy—and then you have trending themes on TikTok,” Mullick said. “Sports romance is one. Spicy romance is another.”

The Afterglow series is an example of spicy romance (read: forthright sexual content, but with relatable characters and an engaging plot). Launched in January as a direct response to TikTok conversations, Afterglow includes new titles like Manila Takes Manhattan and, for fans of gay romance, You Had Me at Happy Hour.