Bonkbusters – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

Nothing screams sexy like Declan’s blue shirt matching his 1980s campervan. Disney / Getty

May 19, 2026

Rivals season 2: Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire drama shows good sex from a woman’s point of view

Amy Burge, University of Birmingham and Jodi McAlister, Deakin University

Rivals prioritises the female gaze when it comes to the bonkbuster sex scenes, explaining its enduring popularity among women.

Cleo Watson, a former aide to ex British prime minister Boris Johnson, launching her previous novel. Getty Images

June 19, 2024

Whips, adultery and a ‘Loin King’: what is it about Tory political players writing scandalous books?

Jodi McAlister, Deakin University and Amy Burge, University of Birmingham

Cleo Watson, former co-deputy chief of staff to Boris Johnson, was fined in the infamous “PartyGate” scandal involving gatherings held at government buildings while the United Kingdom was under a pandemic…

April 15, 2024

Bri Lee’s and Louise Milligan’s predictable first novels combine noughties feminist politics with the swagger of 80s bonkbusters

Liz Evans, University of Tasmania

The debut novels of two forceful, intelligent journalists are bold, brash stories of powerful women at the top of their game. One details a horrific sexual crime, the other ugliness in the art world.

August 27, 2023

Shopping, showjumping and a notorious goldfish sex scene: the bonkers world of the bonkbuster

Jodi McAlister, Deakin University and Amy Burge, University of Birmingham

An introduction to the sexy, scandalous world of bonkbusters – and why the 1980s phenomenon is enjoying a resurgence.

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