When Did Romance Become Synonymous With Smut?

When did romance become synonymous with smut? As spice ratings and thirst-trap marketing dominate conversations about romance, are we losing sight of what makes a love story compelling? We're exploring the distinction between high-spice romance and erotica, the pressure authors face to write beyond their comfort zones, and why every expression of romantic intimacy deserves a place in the genre. Because love isn't measured in chili peppers.