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A Guilty Pleasure or a Ticket to a New World? How Romance Novels Save Female Sexuality

Let’s be honest. Female sexuality is a minefield of taboos, stereotypes, and awkwardness. Imagine a world where 50% of women never experience the joy of intimacy. This isn’t fiction—it’s reality. Half of the women in the U.S. (!) admit they don’t experience orgasms during sex. Fifty percent! This is more than an “orgasm gap”—it’s a chasm where self-esteem, relationships, and the joy of life vanish. And let me tell you: this should not be the case.

My name is Anna Baidachnaya, and together with my friend and business partner Elena Solovyeva, we decided something had to change. That’s how Tempt was born—a platform designed to help women rediscover their sexuality, reignite their desire, and shed the shame around their fantasies. Yes, it’s hot in here—and we’re loving it.

Why Female Pleasure Still Faces a Taboo

Let’s face it: talking about female pleasure is still considered awkward, unnecessary, or even inappropriate in many circles. But why? In a world that seems to celebrate openness and equality, why does this topic remain so loaded with stigma? It’s a question that kept coming up in our conversations and ultimately became the driving force behind the creation of Tempt.

As women, we’ve felt this firsthand. Elena, with her background in psychology, noticed how many women shy away from seeking sex therapy—even when it could transform their confidence and relationships. The stigma runs so deep that women are often reluctant to even discuss the idea, let alone act on it. Meanwhile, I, Anna, as a sociologist and mother of two, saw a different side of the issue. Between raising kids and juggling responsibilities, I’d experienced the societal expectation to put everyone else’s needs above my own—especially when it came to personal desires or intimacy.

The truth is, we’re conditioned to think that prioritizing our own pleasure is selfish or shameful. And that conditioning starts early, embedded in the stories we tell ourselves and each other. But here’s the thing: pleasure is not a luxury. It’s a fundamental part of our well-being, self-expression, and connection. This realization became the foundation of Tempt.

Through steamy, immersive romance audiobooks, we wanted to create a safe, empowering space for women to explore their desires.

Elena and I are both serial entrepreneurs with backgrounds in mobile technology. We’d built businesses, created apps, and designed engaging user experiences. But Tempt felt different. This wasn’t just a product or a business idea—it was something deeply personal. We knew we wanted to create a space where women could reclaim their sexuality and feel free from judgment, taboos, or fear. And not to be educated or lectured, but entertained! This should be a fun way to find joy.

The Magic of Stories: How Romance Novels Transform Lives

I’ve always been fascinated by the power of narratives to shape emotions and social dynamics. Elena and I knew that storytelling would be at the heart of Tempt. Through steamy, immersive romance audiobooks, we wanted to create a safe, empowering space for women to explore their desires. Whether it’s through fantasy, contemporary romance, or stories of rediscovery, these narratives invite women to see themselves in a new light—to feel heard, validated, and inspired. Research shows that stories have the power to help us articulate our deepest emotions, face our fears, and make sense of life’s challenges.

Erotica has always been at the height of female pleasures.


Romance novels are more than just guilty pleasures—they’re game-changers for emotional health. Thanks to user feedback, we’ve been able to validate this ourselves. We’ve taken steps to ensure that Tempt’s diverse library caters to a variety of preferences, offering stories that resonate with women at different stages of life and that everyone finds the perfect genre to meet their needs.

For instance, fantasy romance captivates single women seeking escapism, as it allows them to immerse themselves in entirely different worlds. This serves as a refreshing break from everyday life. The ability to choose genres that align with our users’ personal journeys ensures everyone feels seen and valued.

Contemporary romance appeals to women navigating postpartum challenges or raising young children. Parenthood often leaves little room for self-care, let alone intimacy. Women balancing work and family are drawn to relatable, uplifting narratives that help them manage relationships with their partners, foster personal growth, and rebuild the confidence to explore their desires again.

For women experiencing menopause, hormonal changes often dampen libido and self-esteem. Romance novels help reignite their desires, offering a supportive space to navigate this stage with renewed confidence.

Turning Fiction into Fire: Tempt in Action

Tempt provides those looking for fantasy many options.

Who hasn’t wished for a steamy romance novel to come to life? At Tempt, we’re here to tell you it’s a reality for thousands of women. Here’s the proof: we surveyed over 1,600 women, and 62% admitted they’ve brought scenes from our audiobooks straight into the bedroom. Yes, you read that right— these spicy stories are inspiring real-life adventures.

One user confessed, "I never thought I’d actually try that scene, but it completely reignited the spark with my partner." Another shared, "Tempt gave me the courage to finally talk about my fantasies, and my relationship hasn’t been the same since."

We know intimacy can be a tough topic—especially when it comes to openly discussing preferences. But avoiding the conversation often leads to dissatisfaction for both partners. That’s where romance novels come in, offering a playful, pressure-free way to explore desires. This renewed spark revives long-term relationships, reignites passion, and even gets newly engaged couples talking about fantasies they’ve never shared before.

And the results speak for themselves:

  • 86% of women said our audiobooks have improved their sex lives by enhancing intimacy with their partners.

  • 60% reported a noticeable libido boost. These numbers prove one thing: steamy romance novels are a game-changer.

Whether you’re sparking flirty conversations or rediscovering long-lost connections, Tempt is entertaining and empowering.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of bringing a little romance-novel magic into your own story, now’s the time. Your fantasies deserve the spotlight, and Tempt is here to make them happen.

Changing the Narrative

With every word, Tempt’s audiobooks transport you to a world where forbidden desires ignite, and long-forgotten emotions come alive. These aren’t just stories—they’re gateways to rediscovering yourself, your passions, and your power. Tempt is part of a cultural revolution, challenging the outdated norms that have held women back for too long.

At Tempt, we believe female pleasure isn’t shameful, dirty, or secondary—it’s essential. It’s a vital part of who you are, and it’s time to celebrate it unapologetically. Tempt is about doing more for yourself: embracing intimacy, creating deep connections, and finding true joy in your life. Each week, we bring you more than stories—we bring you the chance to feel beautiful and desired, stepping into your most romantic fantasies with confidence and freedom.

So, why wait? Your fantasies deserve a voice, your pleasure deserves to be celebrated, and Tempt is here to make it happen. Dive into our stories today and rediscover what you’ve been missing.


Author

Anna Baidachnaya is a co-founder and COO of Tempt, an entrepreneur driven by a mission to improve women’s sexual lives. Drawing from her personal experiences as a mother and sociologist, she is committed to reshaping how women connect with their emotions and intimacy, making pleasure and self-discovery accessible and empowering.