I recently asked this question on social media . . . .
What do you love most about reading romance novels?
The responses were numerous and fascinating! They fell into clear categories so [imagine me channeling the voice of a Family Feud host,] “The top six answers are on the board!”
Happily Ever Afters
“I love reading about people finding love and making their way to a happily ever after.”
“I love the happily ever after!!”
“I love knowing the ending will be a happy one.”
This was by far the most popular answer readers gave. Romance readers are right to expect and value this aspect of romance novels because a HEA is foundational to the romance novel genre. Readers begin a romance novel with the understanding that the author will deliver a HEA. If a novel has romance in it but ends tragically, that book does not fall into the romance novel genre.
Emotion
“Feeling those butterflies and falling-in-love feelings!
“It reminds me of the sweet feelings that kicked off mine and my husband’s now 25 year old romance”
“The feel good emotions”
“I love the warm fuzzy feeling I get from romance novels.”
Romance novels should pack an emotional punch. From an author’s perspective, making a reader feel is a very difficult thing to do. But so worthwhile.
Escape
“I read Christian romance books to relax and enjoy”
“Life is stressful enough without reading about it!”
“When I need a break, I’d rather dwell on happy thoughts than fill my head with anything else.”
“It’s my escape.”
Romance readers want their novels to sweep them away and take them on a “mini vacation” to another place. They count on these books to provide rest, a treat, a break, enjoyment.
Watching the relationship evolve
“Rooting for the budding romance throughout the story.”
“I love love. Getting lost in a story and falling in love with the characters while they fall in love with each other.”
“Seeing how they end up together – overcoming all the obstacles.”
“I love experiencing the journey of falling in love again through the characters!”
Romance readers find joy in experiencing twists, turns, challenges, conflicts, and uncertainties right alongside the hero and heroine.
Hope
“They remind me that there is still hope in wholesome and unselfish love!”
“It’s a delight to read about the joy and hope they experience even in the midst of obstacles.”
“They bring me joy.”
“They give me hope that love is real and powerful and can be shown in many different ways.”
The best romance novels bring readers encouragement because they show characters who sacrifice for one another. Who are courageous. Who are noble. Who put love before selfishness.
Smiles
“They make me laugh”
“I love the witty banter!”
“It is good medicine, making me laugh out loud at the situations characters get into.”
Not all wonderful romance novels include humor. But that aspect is greatly appreciated in the novels that do because we all treasure things that add smiles and laughter to our day.
What do YOU love most about romance novels?
Dani and I are currently offering a giveaway to celebrate our new releases! Two winners this time. One will win paperback copies of Rocky Road and One Wrong Move and a bracelet. The other will win paperback copies of both books and hand lotion. Entry box below!
Becky Wade
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All of these are great reasons to read romance. I’m going to focus on HEA and building a relationship. Knowing there will be a HEA doesn’t ruin the story, because it’s all about the journey. A romance novel can still be a compelling story with drama, mystery, and suspense. I was once completely upset when I finished a book by an author I had read frequently, but this time didn’t include a HEA. I really felt betrayed.
Thank you for exploring and posting all of these reasons to read romance. And thank you for the giveaway! Cheers!
“Knowing there will be a HEA doesn’t ruin the story, because it’s all about the journey” I completely agree! Romance novels are all about the journey!
So much fun to see their answers. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us 🙂
I’m all over the happily-ever-after and hope, for sure.
Me, too!
Me, too! Those are the things I love about Christian romance. Great list! Ahhh.
It’s wonderful to take a step back and celebrate the genre we love. 🙂
So fun to see those comments, Becky. I agree with your readers. My answer probably falls under the hope category, but what I love about romance novels is the idea that love truly is the most powerful force on earth. It leads to connection, forgiveness, sacrifice, and the most satisfying joy we will know this side of heaven. God is love, and true love (whether manifested in romance, family relationships, friendships, or compassion extended to strangers) allows us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.”
“what I love about romance novels is the idea that love truly is the most powerful force on earth” YES!! Romance novels depict that in a unique and powerful way because when we read them we “become” the characters to a degree. So we experience love’s power afresh with each great book.
I have read Christian fiction books, as well as others, for many, many years. I check the posts of the good ones that post online and find me lots of books. Thanks for your service, along with the many other authors.
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading our books!
For sweet, clean romance – EVERYTHING!
I love it for all the reasons listed above. If two people aren’t finding the HEA, I am out! 😜
What I love about Christian romances is that they are founded on a greater love—the kind of love that was willing to go to the cross for our sakes. Romance novels in the secular market can have all the elements readers love: humor, character development, emotive writing, a happily-ever-after. But what I think distinguishes Christian romance from the rest is that the relationship between the hero and heroine is founded on a love that is even bigger than theirs. It always remind me of the verse that says “we love because he first loved us”, and to me, it makes the romance even more real and special!