Why Do Women Love Romance Novels #romancenovels #romance

I haven't read a romance novel in years. I finally picked one up and fell in love just like I did back in the day. I'm not talking about smut, but romance, think Kathleen Woodiwiss and The Flame and the Flower, Ashes in the Wind. Oh my. True romance where it captured you in the gut. I started thinking about why I love/loved them and why I've read so many. Struggling through grief, I hadn't picked up a romance novel in years. 

I rediscovered that romance novels often provide an escape from daily life. They offer a world where emotions and relationships take center stage, and I could immerse myself in the highs and lows of love. Plus, they are idealized romantic relationships--where characters experience deep emotional connections, romance, and a happy ending. Nice!

I like historical romance because being an author, I know the person who wrote the book did at least superficial research on the era involved. I went to the Carribean because of Kathleen's books. I do plan on rereading all her novels. They deserve a second look.

Most women who read romance novels can experience the headiness of romantic love safely, without arguments and expectations, bypassing complications and disappointments of real life. They are fantasy come to life. No different than Disney movies for kids just more adult-like. 

One of the best parts of the romance novel is they always have a happy ending or at least a happy for now. The book does have to end so we don't see the part about raising infants under rough conditions. I mean, go to the Carribean. That had to be difficult. 

In addition, women can explore love and heartbreak, trust and vulnerability along with self-discovery even if the circumstances are different. They are universal themes that most women know and accept. I also loved the aspect that there are diverse representations of love. The pirate could get the countess or the countess the pirate. She even wanted to go live on an island with stifling heat and tons of rum. And raise children. Go figure. 

Romance novels also portray women as strong, independent, and powerful. I think I actually learned from them. No one was going to boss me around and if I wanted to be something larger than myself, I could be. After all, a countess married a pirate. 

Ultimately, the love of romance novels is a personal and individual experience, shaped by each person’s preferences and needs. But, in general, the emotional resonance, idealized relationships, and positive endings are big draws for many women who enjoy the genre. Myself included.