Why I Love Reading Romance Novels
Romance Novels and the Romantic at Heart
I started reading romance novels ever since I was 11 years old (or was it 10 years old?). Actually, I didn’t start with “romance” novels; I started out with those detective-type novels like the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. By the time I was 13 years old, I had already read a lot of Harlequin and Mills & Boon novels (with 100+ pages) and those Sweet Dreams novels that are for teen-agers and I already graduated to reading those thick pocketbooks featuring more pages and more complex romance stories (much to the chagrin of my parents who thought I was too young to read those “things”). In fact, some of my classmates credited me with introducing to them these romance novels (they also became addicted to reading romance novels, LOL).
Nora Roberts Novels
Julie Garwood Novels
As I grew older, I read more and more of this type of novels. I read other types of novels, those written by Dan Brown, John Grisham and the like but romance novels are simply the ones I look for when I go to the bookstore. Okay, call me a romantic if you like but… I don’t know, these are just the kind of novels that I really want to read. So why do I love reading them? Here are just some of the reasons why:
They’re My Escape from the Real World
Romance or not, I do recognize that these novels are purely fictional (although I’d love to think those happily-ever-after endings are for real). Maybe this is why I love reading them; they provide a short escape from the everyday problems and concerns I face. The happy endings I read can often put me in the good mood and after reading one; I’m ready to face the world again.
They Bring Me to Beautiful Places and Wonderful Eras
A lot of the romance novels I’ve read are contemporary and are based in the US or the UK. But I’ve also read lots of novels that are based on various locations (Paris, Athens, Rome, Australia) and I guess you can say I saw some of these places in my mind from reading these novels. Also, I like reading historical romance novels as these bring me back to other historical eras with their rich traditions and beautifully-dressed gentlemen and ladies.
They Helped My (Written) English
You can laugh about this or find it funny but romance novels taught me how to write well in English. These novels are written in very good English. In fact, I don’t remember reading one with misspellings or grammatical errors. I’m not saying that the other novels have a lot of errors but, personally speaking, romance novels really helped me a lot in this area.
Johanna Lindsey Novels
Judith McNaught Novels
Reading Novels – My Quirks
So these are the reasons why I love reading romance novels. Other than these reasons, I seem to have some quirks (unique or not) when reading these novels.
- I always, always read the summary at the back. In fact, if there’s no summary, I don’t buy or read the novel at all.
- I read the ending first. I know, I know, for a lot of people this is weird. I mean why would you read the end first? It spoils the fun and the suspense, right? But for me, the ending actually shows me whether the story is good or not. Plus it increases my curiosity as to why the ending was written that way.
- I read the novel in one go. I don’t know if I’m a fast reader or not. But I usually read those 100+ pages romance novels within one hour or so. The 200+ pages, I can read within 3 hours. I don’t put down the novel until after I have read everything. So I always limit my reading to the time I’m about to sleep or I’m already in bed. That way, I won’t get disturbed while reading.
- I always look for my favorite authors. This is somewhat boring and non-adventurous I know but I always seem to look for books written by my favorite authors. Johanna Lindsey, Jude Deverauex, Sandra Brown, Judith McNaught, Nora Roberts, Julie Garwood (thanks Duchess) – these are just some of them. Right now (and for the past three years), I’m buying and reading Nora Roberts books (to the endless teasing of my husband who always say “Nora Roberts again!”). I’m getting quite a collection of her books.
- Online reading. Okay what if I’m too busy and I can’t read one from cover to cover. Then I’ll go online to www.eharlequin.com and read their free online short romance stories. That means only one thing, if I don’t read one offline, I’ll definitely read one online =).
- I don’t like sad or “hanging” endings. I seldom encounter romance novels that don’t have a happy ending but when I do, I don’t read it at all. I mean these are my escape so why would I want to read another sad love story, right?
So there you have it. I hope you can relate to this hub (I know a lot of people who can’t). Drop me a line if you like reading romance novels. If you don’t, forget it. Just kidding. Drop me a line also why you don’t like reading romance novels. I look forward to reading your comments. Till then, happy reading!
Just Some of the Romance Novels I Own
- eHarlequin.com - For Women Who Love to Read
One of my favorite places to read short online romance stories.
Comments
I am currently writing a romance novel and I love reading them. It's a great way to wind down after a long day. Great hub!
I absolutely love romantic novels- and just completed a hub on why the romance genre will remain popular(in my opinion).
I began reading Harlequin Silhouette novels before I turned thirteen and I remain loyal to the genre still, however, I enjoy how it has crossed over to New Adult and Sci/Fi as well as other categories.
Hi emievil. Loved this post! Do you do book reviews? I'd love to have you review my romantic comedy 'She Likes It Rough.' It's not erotica; the title is tongue-in-cheek because the heroine is always making things so hard on herself. Let me know! Thanks and good luck with your writing.
www.gvrcorcillo.com
Glad to know that we are in the same boat sharing our favourite pastimes.
I really loved your list of the books. They were amazing! I too have a list of books that you must follow!
you are so right Romance takes u too places that you can only imagine and when u actually visit the places it feels as if you actually live there all your life. i cant do away with romance novels they are my greatest pasion
I like your article, very useful and inspiring. thank you.
I love romance novels too, and started reading them at age 10 - just like you! I've enjoyed a lot of the authors and writers you've listed. Thanks so much for this hub - it's always nice to find other romance fans out there!
I love reading romantic novel and you are write Judith Macnaught is definetely one of the best romantic novelist
Excellent hub1 I got lots of info here. Thanks.
Love romance movies, but Lifetime doesn't play as many anymore and Hallmark is not on my U-Verse. So i'm getting more into my books.
I am so with you on this! I started as young as you and read about the same speed you do. I love every second of those books. Reading anything is better than not reading.
- AUTHOR
Hey Leandraluv. I always love reading comments of fellow readers here. Thanks for your comment.
Oh I love this hub. I too am a big romance novel fan. I've read them since I was around the same age as you back in my early teens and haven't stopped. Right now in my apartment I have at least 20 romance novels lined up on the bookshelf. To me, nothing beats a romance! And my favorite author is Judith McNaught and book is Kingdom of Dreams.
- AUTHOR
Hi raceegirl. I've discovered Nora Roberts a little bit late like for the last 5 years only. I've read The Gallaghers Trilogy, the key trilogy, the trilogy about witches, and the one about vampires. I'm about to be finished with the Quinns and the Calhouns series. This doesn't count those individual novels that she has :). I'll try to read the other trilogies, I think I've already read one of the Dream novels.
Authors? Hmmmmm nobody is really similar to her but I like reading Johanna Lindsay, Sandra Brown and Julie Garwood (those that I featured here). :)
Thanks for the comment. It's really something to read comments from fellow romance novel lovers out there. :)
I love Nora Roberts and have read 3/4ths of her books. The ones I have't read, I have on my book shelf to read. They are so good and it's so hard to believe she writes so many so fast. If u haven't read "The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy" which include Jewls of the Sun, Tears of the Moon, Heart of the sea. Or "The Born in Trilogy"- Born in Fire, Born in Ice, Born in Shame, and "The Dream Trilogy- Daring to Dream, Holding the Dream, Finding the Dream....just suggestions...some of my favorite. Any authors u know similar to Nora? That I could read after I am done with Nora
- AUTHOR
Wow! I'm in the company of a future novelist :). I like reading Harlequin Mills and Boon. I'm a member of the eHarlequin.com club and that's where I get my readings from. I do hope they will buy your novel and when they do, please inform me so that I'll be the first in line to buy a copy :). Good luck.
Lovely write up... a lady after my own heart. I also read for pure escapism and when i start a book i love, i don't like putting it down until i'm done.
I write romantic fiction and one of my stories 'Lost Prince Reluctant Bride' was shortlisted for callback by Harlequin Mills and Boon when i submitted it for the New Voices competition 2010.
I am currently working on finishing the story and seriously pray they buy it.
- AUTHOR
Hey Romance Reader. I'm not comfortable unless I read them in one shot. I even go to sleep like 3 to 4 am just to finish 1 book!
I have to say that I am glad it's not just me who reads books in one shot! I was a little worried...and I totally agree with reading to escape...it's one of my favorite stress relievers.
Try Indonesian romance then. It is hard to find English translations except for a few. at least you can read the review on my hub.
- AUTHOR
I've heard of the other pseudonym of Nora Roberts but I haven't had the pleasure of reading her novels under J. D. Robb. Next time I go to the bookstore, I'll look those novels up.
LOL, I love Julie Garwood (knew I was forgetting somebody). I've already read some of her historical romance. Although if you ask me about the titles, can't very well remember them anymore (I'm bad at that). Thanks for stopping by Duchess. Glad to know I have a kindred spirit here.
I read this hub because I saw the Nora Roberts Picture, and I too am a big fan. I love romance for almost all the same reasons. I visit the used book stores quite often scouring for anything I haven't read by my favorite authors. I can't afford to buy new because I read so much.
If you like Nora Roberts, have you read any of her other work under the name J.D.Robb? These are written in the future. Quite different than the style she writes under the Name Nora Roberts.
Did you know that's not her real name? [Eleanor Marie Robertson]
If you love to read by authors, and from your list here, I would suggestion you give Julie Garwood a go. Her earlier work is historical romance. She has since started on more modern mystery types. Both are great.
- AUTHOR
Hi SweetiePie. I've thought of actually writing one myself but I think I am better off reading (and fantasizing LOL) rather than writing. I love that novel about Judith McNaught. You should read other of her novels too. Be warned, though, you will be up for a roller-coaster ride in your emotions LOL. Judith McNaught really writes heart-tugging emotional novels.
I have though about writing the romance novel for submission. Harlequin publishes four or five new authors a month, so it is always something to think about. In my teens romance novels actually helped my reading comprehension also. These are fun to read from time to time just to relieve stress. Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught was an interesting one that I read a year ago, or so.
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