I love Romance.


I love Romance because its many sub-genres means that I can always find the perfect book for my mood. I read almost all of them (sorry paranormal fans, I've just never been able to get into it). Historicals, thrillers, contemporaries, etc.


I love Romance because it makes me laugh. Kristen Higgins, Jennifer Crusie, and Lani Diane Rich immediately spring to mind. They, and other smart writers, know how to make me laugh & still bring depth to their characters & story. Because life isn't always serious. Because falling in love can be a little ridiculous even while it is completely wonderful.


I love Romance because it makes me cry. Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Julie Ann Long, and Julia Quinn are all writers who just pull at my heart every time I read one of their books. There is something cathartic about crying for a character...I'm crying at least a little for myself, because I remember when I felt like she does. In that moment, I am completely invested in the story. I won't be able to stop reading until I get to the end, to her happy ending, and know she'll be okay.


I love Romance because it sweeps me away. No matter the setting or the story, I love getting to know the characters and their stories. I can't tell you how many times I've looked up from a book only to realize that it's 2am & I have stayed up 3 hours later than I intended to so I could finish the book. I just can't help myself when I find a great book.



I love that Romance has so many great books within it. So many incredibly intelligent female authors writing smart stories for us to read & love. Although they may not get the respect they deserve from much of the general population, we the readers all know how amazing they are. They are also slowly changing the minds of many a critic. Three years ago, USA Today ran a huge article entitled "Scholarly writers empower the romance genre." (I'm trying to attach a link, we'll see if that works....)


Finally, I love Romance because I can rely on it for a happy ending. For some reason, writers in the 20th century seemed to decide that a happy ending wasn't an option. Which is why as a teenager, I found myself burnt out after reading "contemporary classics." I would suffer along with those characters for an entire book...only to end on more suffering. Not only was I left unsatisfied, but I was also depressed. Maybe that is more realistic (though we could argue that), but as an escapist reader, that is not the experience I wanted when I purchased a book. Then I picked up a Romance my mother had left lying around & I never turned back. Romance always takes me to a good place. As stressful as my life can be at times, I know I can rely on Romance to give me a great experience.


Why do you love Romance?