Now, this isn’t so much a book review as it is a thought on a book genre. So, most of what I’ve read this year has been young adult novels, which are generally fantastic and I love them. But over the course of the year I’ve found that I have sporadic bursts of romance novels. Where in I read anywhere between three and six romance novels in a row. And clearly I’m having one of the bursts now, I’m on book 3.
This isn’t a bad thing per say, but it does put me in a rather awkward position of desperately wanting someone to share my life with in a relationship-y kind of way. So, it doesn’t help when Army-Dude shows up and is moderately fantastic in the knee weakening kind of way.
BUT, this is not for my own personal feelings.
Over the summer, I posted a list of 10 things I’d learned about romance novels after a 5-book binge. I originally posted them on my tumblr, but here they are for easy reads:
1. They are decidedly unfair.
2. They give you unrealistic expectations in life.
3. Men are never how they are in the books.
4. They are extraordinarily addicting.
5. You fall in love every time.
6. There is always a moment of heartbreak, but they always manage to fix it.
7. A meddling family member/friend is always on hand to help them realize their love.
8. Happily ever afters are the norm.
9. That moment when you realize ‘love at first glance’ isn’t a thing in real life and your heart breaks a little.
10. You read, safe in the knowledge that the pairing you want will always happen no matter what and that restores, at least somewhat, your faith in love.
The thing about romance is you really get sucked into them and, well, the romance of the situation. And I for one, find it difficult to come out of it, which is why I probably spend a week binging on regency romances or cowboy heros.
Honestly, the list pretty much says everything I need to about romance novels, but I feel the need to defend them as well.
The tendency to dismiss the Harlequin novels as drivel and ridiculousness is moderately insulting, because regardless of what you think of them, someone put the time into writing them and coming up with a plot, no matter how… lacking they might seem. I imagine it’s similar to how I feel about “50 Shades of Grey” – which yes, I’ve read under my own volition.
To me, romance novels are an escape when I feel like I’m alone. Reading in general is always an escape, but when it comes to romance novels I can find love and feel in love and I just love that.
It’s a weak argument for sure, but there it is. I love feeling loved and romance novels make it happen for me as I continue my adventures in single-hood.
So, there you are. My study into romance novels. Any more thoughts? Let me know in the comments!
❤ Alissa
Blue Box Books Blog 
There was a time when there was NO way I’d read a romance novel. I thought they were badly written drivel filled with unrealistic notions. I’ve since come to realize that there are some true gems out there, that are well-written, have a wonderful plot, and keep me up reading all night. I think most people who read romance books KNOW they’re just a fantasy, just like reading other fantasy books. And that’s why I like them. What girl wouldn’t want a dashing, brooding duke to sweet her off her feet? It’s just a nice escape from reality. And I love falling in love with fictional characters.
I’ve found there’s a good variety of romance novels out there. There’s truly something for everyone not embarrassed to admit they read romance. Some are well-written and could stand against literary novels. There’s also a lot I find ridiculous. I like the happy ending aspect of romance novels. But I also like more realism than you find in the majority of them. So, that’s how I’ve written the two I’ve published so far. If you’re at all interested, I can gift you an ebook copy of one or both of them. Just visit my site (margaretofthenorth.wordpress.com) and leave a comment on any post or email me at eholychair at gmail dot com.