I'm much too practical for Romance Novels

[Moxie]

My life has been stressful for the past few months. I decided I needed some brain candy to help me drift off to sleep at night so I bought a cheap romance novel off of Amazon and downloaded it to my phone.

 

It's fine. The writing isn't terrible, the story is ok. Two people who are trapped on an island, shock, fall in love.

 

All I can think is "it's been a week without a shave, she looks like a gorilla by now" and "all that nekkid time on the beach is going to lead to some unfortunate sunburns and sand in bad places". Plus, I'm getting a little tired of his "member" that must have magic powers based on the way she is turned on by it. Seriously, no one is that talented.

 

Are there any realistic romance novels or do I need to try harder to shut off my brain??

[Dandelion]

LOL. :lol:

 

I've never read a romance novel in my life, so I'm no help. I just thought your description was hilarious, so I had to chime in to commend you for that. :D

[Jean in Newcastle]

I much prefer mystery "cozies" for my brain candy for that very reason.

[PinkyandtheBrains.]

I bought Outlander by Diana Gabaldon years ago in the romance section. While time travel is not realistic, the rest of the novel (and remainder of the series) are not always cozy and while there are romantic scenes they aren't the focus. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the Outlander novels have been moved out of romance because they aren't really romance novels.

 

 

I guess that was a long winded way of saying, "No, you won't find realistic romance novels."

 

 

*ETA I do occasionally like romance novels because they aren't realistic. I have enough real life daily.

[Rosie_0801]

You could try Sarah Addison Allen's 'Garden Spells.' It's cute and isn't Mills and Boon. Not sure I'd want a realistic romance novel. Not sure I can even imagine such a thing. Girl meets boy, boy proposes fabulously, she wears a great frock at their wedding, he bravely goes out at midnight during a downpour to fetch the shortbreads she so desperately craves...

[Moxie]

I bought Outlander by Diana Gabaldon years ago in the romance section. While time travel is not realistic, the rest of the novel (and remainder of the series) are not always cozy and while there are romantic scenes they aren't the focus. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the Outlander novels have been moved out of romance because they aren't really romance novels.

 

 

I guess that was a long winded way of saying, "No, you won't find realistic romance novels."

 

 

*ETA I do occasionally like romance novels because they aren't realistic. I have enough real life daily.

 

 

I tried to read this once. I got to the spanking scene and was pretty turned off. I'm all for a little hanky-spanky between consenting adults. That was closer to assault.

[Dana]

There are really poorly written romances. There are also good ones.

Nora Roberts is pretty good.

I enjoy Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

 

For historicals, I've just found Sarah MacLean.

Julia Quinn is fun.

I like Mary Balogh.

 

Just like any genre, you've got good ones and poor ones. Styles change over time too. I'd be very leery about reading romances from the 80s.

 

If you have an ereader, your library may have books you can check out. Makes it easy to try one and stop reading if it's dreadful (I did that last night with a book that was just unreadable).

 

Good luck finding something you enjoy!

[PinkyandtheBrains.]

 

 

I tried to read this once. I got to the spanking scene and was pretty turned off. I'm all for a little hanky-spanky between consenting adults. That was closer to assault.

 

I laughed when I read this. This has happened often. There are long discussions on book forums about that one scene. The author has explained it in context before. I really enjoyed the series and wasn't put off by the scene because it was in context and part of the story. How they move on from that scene helps the characters develop. But although initially marketed as romance, the series as a whole really is not romance in any traditional sense.

[sparrow]

Another vote for Julia Quinn and adding Eloisa James and Loretta Chase to the suggestions. Smart and funny writing, but definitely straight-up romance. Philippa Gregory is good for fluffy historical fiction.

 

Sometimes it helps if you find a certain subject/theme/type of romance you like. I'm a sucker for tortured heroes and less than perfect looks. This website can help you find a subject that may interest you: http://likesbooks.com/lists.html

[OnTheBrink]

Nora Roberts is at least believable, for the most part. I like some of her supernatural/romance trilogies.

[Stacia]

All I can think is "it's been a week without a shave, she looks like a gorilla by now" and "all that nekkid time on the beach is going to lead to some unfortunate sunburns and sand in bad places". Plus, I'm getting a little tired of his "member" that must have magic powers based on the way she is turned on by it. Seriously, no one is that talented.

 

:smilielol5:

 

(Yeah, that's pretty much how I feel about the one or two 'romance' novels that I've ever read. It's really just not my genre. Brain candy for me does not = romance. Have you thought about trying fantasy or something fun/funny rather than a romance novel? The Iron Druid series is a fantasy novel that fits the bill for me. Sure, it's got a hunky protagonist & a couple of sexy scenes, but it is mainly fantasy & action. Much better than a standard romance, imo.)

[Momma2Many66]

Try Jennifer Crusie's Bet Me, it's a very funny romance and very well written.

[Georgiana Daniels]

If you were turned off by the spicy parts, try sweet romances! There are tons of them out there that keep physical details off-stage.

 

If you were turned off by the fact that you knew they would fall in love, then look outside the romance genre. Romance is defined by the hero/heroine falling in love by the end of the book. The surprises are about how they overcome the obstacles to get there. Love stories (where you don't really know if the hero/heroine WILL end up together) might be more your thing.

[J-rap]

I've never read a romance novel, but when I need a relaxing escape, I read a light-hearted mystery. Something along the lines of the Mrs. Pollifax series or the #1 Women's Detective Agency series. I've also enjoyed the Maigret series and the Inspector Gideon series.

[Moxie]

If you were turned off by the spicy parts, try sweet romances! There are tons of them out there that keep physical details off-stage.

 

If you were turned off by the fact that you knew they would fall in love, then look outside the romance genre. Romance is defined by the hero/heroine falling in love by the end of the book. The surprises are about how they overcome the obstacles to get there. Love stories (where you don't really know if the hero/heroine WILL end up together) might be more your thing.

 

I'm not turned off by the naughty bits just the exaggeration. No two people are so good together that they turn into a quivering mess every time. Once in awhile, it would be nice to read, "she fell asleep in his arms, not quite satisfied but content that there would be another chance tomorrow". It would be nice if they had to work for it a bit, does that make sense?? But I suppose that wouldn't sell very well. I am finding myself rolling my eyes more then anything.

[sparrow]

I'm not turned off by the naughty bits just the exaggeration. No two people are so good together that they turn into a quivering mess every time. Once in awhile, it would be nice to read, "she fell asleep in his arms, not quite satisfied but content that there would be another chance tomorrow". It would be nice if they had to work for it a bit, does that make sense?? But I suppose that wouldn't sell very well. I am finding myself rolling my eyes more then anything.

 

I'm an eye-roller, too!

 

I would give Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series a try and I highly recommend Eloisa James' When Beauty Tamed the Beast (a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, naturally ;) ). They all have nice build-ups and flawed characters :).

[Word Nerd]

The last book I read with strong romantic elements included werewolves, vampires, and warlocks. Realism isn't my goal when reading steampunk. ;)

[hillfarm]

A couple of years ago, my then 12yo dd was just starting to become interested in romance. She watched a movie about an ice skater. At one scene at the end, the love interest comes driving down the road on a zamboni to smooth the surface of her pond at home for her to skate. I looked over to see how my dd would react to the climactic scene. She said, "Are you kidding me? Could he really be dumb enough to take a zamboni out onto the ice before checking the thickness to be sure it wouldn't fall in?" I knew then that she wouldn't be much on the printed romance genre...

[Baseball mom]

BJ Daniels -- mystery romance

 

[DianeW88]

Pamela Clare - Her I-Team series. Based on her life as an investigative reporter. Love her books. They are spicy though.

 

Monica McCarty - Historical Scottish romance. Highlanders in kilts. Need I say more?

 

Julie James - Smart, funny heroines. Her books make me laugh out loud.

 

Rachel Gibson - Love her hockey series.

 

Julie Garwood - The QUEEN of historical romance. Don't read her modern stories. They don't come close.

 

Now, mind you, I read these for escapism and when I'm lying on a chaise lounge at the pool in the summer. They are not great literature, and they will not train your mind well. ;) But they are fun!!

[LucyStoner]

The real deal is a great way to relax, de-stress and drift off to sleep. Just saying.

[Erin]

I like the Stephanie Plum novels for brain candy, personally.

[Mom in High Heels]

LOL, you are practical. I kind of think the same thing too, especially in historicals. How could her legs be so smooth? Don't they ever have their periods? It's weird.

I tried the Outlander series and HATED it. It wasn't the time travel, it was the characters.

 

Julia Quinn's Brigerton series that's mentioned above is quite good for brain candy. I also like Jude Deveraux, Amanda Quick and especially Trisha Ashley. Trisha Ashley's books are sweet and romantic.

 

Try her Winter's Tale (3.79 for Kindle)

 

 

A charming romantic comedy about a hard-up single mum inheriting a stately home - and a host of headaches. The perfect novel for curling up with during the long winter nights. Sophy Winter is not your typical Lady of the Manor. When she unexpectedly inherits Winter's End - a crumbling mansion in the beautiful Lancashire countryside - it seems like all Sophy's prayers have been answered. But the house is decrepit and its eccentric inhabitants are a nightmare. And once it is discovered that Winter's End played host to a young Shakespeare, the entire village of Sticklepond becomes curious about Sophy's plans, especially charming Jack Lewis. But is he really smitten by Sophy...or her newly-acquired cash? Meanwhile, Sophy's gorgeous head gardener Seth is the strong and silent type. But does his passion bloom for anything beyond the horticultural?

[Heather in Neverland]

LOL, you are practical. I kind of think the same thing too, especially in historicals. How could her legs be so smooth? Don't they ever have their periods? It's weird.

I tried the Outlander series and HATED it. It wasn't the time travel, it was the characters.

 

Julia Quinn's Brigerton series that's mentioned above is quite good for brain candy. I also like Jude Deveraux, Amanda Quick and especially Trisha Ashley. Trisha Ashley's books are sweet and romantic.

 

Try her Winter's Tale (3.79 for Kindle)

 

 

A charming romantic comedy about a hard-up single mum inheriting a stately home - and a host of headaches. The perfect novel for curling up with during the long winter nights. Sophy Winter is not your typical Lady of the Manor. When she unexpectedly inherits Winter's End - a crumbling mansion in the beautiful Lancashire countryside - it seems like all Sophy's prayers have been answered. But the house is decrepit and its eccentric inhabitants are a nightmare. And once it is discovered that Winter's End played host to a young Shakespeare, the entire village of Sticklepond becomes curious about Sophy's plans, especially charming Jack Lewis. But is he really smitten by Sophy...or her newly-acquired cash? Meanwhile, Sophy's gorgeous head gardener Seth is the strong and silent type. But does his passion bloom for anything beyond the horticultural?

 

Ugh. I hated the Outlander book, too. Dreadful.

 

I agree with the Garden Spells suggestion. Great book. Also, Sarah Jio's book called "The Violets of March" was wonderful!!

[Laura Corin]

All I can think is "it's been a week without a shave, she looks like a gorilla by now" and

 

Some men like their women furry. Stubbly might be less fun though.

 

I always find myself going back to Jane Austen and Dorothy Sayers when I need some literary romance.

 

Laura

[Joyofsixreboot]

The last book I read with strong romantic elements included werewolves, vampires, and warlocks. Realism isn't my goal when reading steampunk. ;)

Yep, I go to a novel where the whole thing is impossible. For (not sweet) romance I like the Blood Dagger Brotherhood novels by J.R. Ward. Lots of unbelievable sex but, hey, they're vampires.

[Down_the_Rabbit_Hole]

I live in the real world. I read to escape it and I never read a romance looking for good literature or reality. Some of my favorite authors for romance (some a little beyond that):

Robin Schone (not her newest book)(super spicy)

Amanda Quick (mild)

Nora Roberts(mildish)

J.D. Robb(mildish)

Lora Leigh(spicy)

Linda Howard (medium)

Shayla Black (Spicy)

Shannon Mckenna(super spicy)

Sandra Brown (mildish to medium)

Nalini Singh (mild)

J.R.Ward (medium)

Amy J. Fetzer (mild)

AnnMarie Mckenna (medium)

[Parrothead]

I'll just add Stephanie Laurens to those already mentioned. Her work is similar to that of Julia Quinn.

 

If you go with Quinn start with the Bridgertons. I just this week read the first three books she wrote, and one can really see how her writing matured. Not that the first was truly bad. But it might put one off reading the rest.

 

Fern Michaels is another author who is pretty popular.

[stripe]

I don't think the love scenes are supposed to be realistic. I keep seeing studies about how many women are unsatisfied. I don' think they want to read romances where the woman is tired from standing up all day long, her breasts are leaking, and she has a recurrent yeast infection, the guy really should go get Viagra but keeps putting it off, or has bad breath, or the whole act take 30 seconds and then he falls right to sleep. That sounds horribly depressing, and certainly is not escapist if that is one's real life.

 

Personally my problem is books with promiscuous characters. I keep thinking, but aren't they going to get an STD? I was reading Phryne Fisher books, and she hops around all over the place, and nary a disease in sight? She does use a diaphragm, but other than that historical detail (they're set in 1928-9), she seems to be immune to gynecological worries.

[Down_the_Rabbit_Hole]

I don't think the love scenes are supposed to be realistic. I keep seeing studies about how many women are unsatisfied. I don' think they want to read romances where the woman is tired from standing up all day long, her breasts are leaking, and she has a recurrent yeast infection, the guy really should go get Viagra but keeps putting it off, or has bad breath, or the whole act take 30 seconds and then he falls right to sleep. That sounds horribly depressing, and certainly is not escapist if that is one's real life.

 

Personally my problem is books with promiscuous characters. I keep thinking, but aren't they going to get an STD? I was reading Phryne Fisher books, and she hops around all over the place, and nary a disease in sight? She does use a diaphragm, but other than that historical detail (they're set in 1928-9), she seems to be immune to gynecological worries.

I always wonder how the guy can whip it out and add a c*ndom all at the same time while still doing all the touchy stuff to the female, add that to the but-wait-there's-more action through the night...this to me is akin to super hero status. Realistic, no way, but fun to read.

[Aslana]

What kind of novels are you into?

 

Just plain romance (like someone upthread said--spicy, super spicy, etc..)

Realistic romance

Total and complete escapism romance (inconceivable!)

Do you like to add a little out of the box type stuff (spanking--which isn't assault; BDSM, kink, etc...)

Do you want to really escape and throw in improbable (paranormal, specific time period?)

 

I don't read romance. When I hear the word romance, I think Harlequin (not like the stuff we've discussed in the other thread, but like the 80's stuff--boy meets girl, boy is kind of a jerk but girl falls for him, Jane Austen kind of stuff with sex scenes thrown in). I don't like romance because I don't like all the childish words--member, the act, etc... If I'm reading that stuff, I want what it actually is, kwim?

 

Plus, romance is just badly written, IMHO. Many of the books we were talking about in the now removed thread are all repeats of the same--wash, rinse, repeat. Over and over. No wonder they are free. There are some established writers out there who write under pseudonyms that produce some excellent stories--but the content may not be your cup of tea if you don't like certain acts that can be done in the bedroom.

[sparrow]

LOL, you are practical. I kind of think the same thing too, especially in historicals. How could her legs be so smooth? Don't they ever have their periods? It's weird.

I tried the Outlander series and HATED it. It wasn't the time travel, it was the characters.

 

Julia Quinn's Brigerton series that's mentioned above is quite good for brain candy. I also like Jude Deveraux, Amanda Quick and especially Trisha Ashley. Trisha Ashley's books are sweet and romantic.

 

Try her Winter's Tale(3.79 for Kindle)

 

 

A charming romantic comedy about a hard-up single mum inheriting a stately home - and a host of headaches. The perfect novel for curling up with during the long winter nights. Sophy Winter is not your typical Lady of the Manor. When she unexpectedly inherits Winter's End - a crumbling mansion in the beautiful Lancashire countryside - it seems like all Sophy's prayers have been answered. But the house is decrepit and its eccentric inhabitants are a nightmare. And once it is discovered that Winter's End played host to a young Shakespeare, the entire village of Sticklepond becomes curious about Sophy's plans, especially charming Jack Lewis. But is he really smitten by Sophy...or her newly-acquired cash? Meanwhile, Sophy's gorgeous head gardener Seth is the strong and silent type. But does his passion bloom for anything beyond the horticultural?

 

I liked Outlander quite a bit, but I have issues with the author, and I see Claire (in Outlander) as an extension of the author. I'm in a constant state of gritting my teeth and thinking "get over yourself" when reading the Outlander series and I can't pinpoint if I'm directing it at Claire or Diana Gabaldon!

 

There are a lot of Gabaldon fans who don't like Sara Donati's Into the Wilderness because they compare it to Outlander (Jamie and Claire even make a cameo in the book). I really liked it. It's supposed to be a sequel to Last of the Mohicans and our hero, Nathaniel, is the son of Hawkeye. I couldn't help but picture Nathaniel looking like Hawkeye in the movie Last of the Mohicans. Reading a book and picturing Daniel Day Lewis in buckskins is not a bad thing :svengo:.

[TravelingChris]

Another one here who doesn't read romance novels. Again, like some others, my idea of romance novels are Harlequin. When I was a kid, I had a friend who read tons of them, just like her mom. I never understood the appeal. I think I have read about five in my 43 years of reading. Only about one or two of those were my idea to read, just as a trial. The other three or four were book club selections in one of the many book clubs I have been involved with over the years. At least one was because the author was a fellow member of the Officer Wives Club where I was also a member. That one was better written but still not my style.

 

I read mysteries and thrillers. But unlike some of the others here have said, I can't ever turn off my brain and I always am thinking of something more than just the plot or the characters. I have read a few dumb mysteries but they have to have something else in them, like great descriptions of meals or something else that attracts me, other than a simplistic story line. Then I focus on that aspect. However, most mysteries I usually read are ones that get me to think and sometimes to act on those thoughts- like do further investigations on the internet for something that interested me. On the other hand, thrillers tend to be dumber, IMO. I do read some and they do generate some thoughts but I can't usually remember much about the plot.

[Dana]

I do not understand the allure of romance novels. Borrrring.

 

When I want brain candy I tend to turn to science fiction or horror.

 

I absolutely used to agree... then I got into them :)

 

What I like about romance is the happily-ever-after. It is unrealistic - but I know how the book will end when I pick it up. We won't have a dystopian future or an ending that twists. They're popcorn books - good for cheering me up when life is a bit out of control. Some people will have comfort movies or tv shows (As Time Goes By for me). I pick up a book by an author I trust & I know I"ll have a couple of hours with characters I'll enjoy and they'll end up together at the end. No suspense... it's the journey.

 

It's also been interesting reading romance over the last twenty years (oh my, I'm getting older) and seeing the shifts in the genre over the years - just like you can see how styles change over the years in mystery, SF, fantasy. Some authors do use euphemisms ("member" is a good one... just tosses me right out of the book) but that's changed over the years. There's much less "purple prose" nowadays :)

 

It may just be a genre you never get into, but if you want to try one sometime, check out some of the authors mentioned - and the library is the best place to start!

 

As for unrealistic, I had my husband read the first JD Robb book (Nora Roberts writing - futuristic police procedural mystery/romance). He only read the one & his comment was that Roarke is Batman :) Kind of accurate. Still fun escape for me!

[Dana]

 

Another thing I enjoy is comedy. I love a book that can make me laugh a lot. If it combines comedy and science fiction..whoa heavenly. That's why I love the HItchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

 

My personal library is divided into genres... I've got science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and romance. The classics & young adult stuff is separate for my son & for school. I really dislike Harlequins (although some of the Nora Roberts ones are readable).

 

IF you try a romance sometime, go with Julia Quinn, Eloisa James (she has a PhD in English & works as an associate professor), possibly Mary Balogh (I'm thinking the Slightly series).

 

I actually highlighted a couple lines from Sarah MacLean's One Good Earl Deserves a Lover that made me laugh out loud when reading it. And then bought one of her books since the library doesn't have it available yet.

 

If you don't try any, that's fine too. There are a lot of books out there in a lot of genres that are good.

I don't read horror typically. I get some of the eeeww from some mysteries (John Sanford in particular). I don't have any interest in that changing :)

[Aslana]

I do like horror, mysteries (hardy boys and agatha christie); but I don't care for comedy. I do like Sci-Fi too. And at one point, I did so love my VC Andrews books.

[LibraryLover]

You could try Sarah Addison Allen's 'Garden Spells.' It's cute and isn't Mills and Boon. Not sure I'd want a realistic romance novel. Not sure I can even imagine such a thing. Girl meets boy, boy proposes fabulously, she wears a great frock at their wedding, he bravely goes out at midnight during a downpour to fetch the shortbreads she so desperately craves...

 

 

I'm a sucker for a Southern setting. ;) I have enjoyed all of Allen's novels.

[LibraryLover]

When I want brain candy I tend to turn to science fiction or horror.

 

So no fan fic for you? lol

 

Nora Roberts <cough cough> has a serious of 'futuristic' (although not science fiction) novels about a female police inspector, and her rich bad boy & hottie Irish husband. They are incredibly violent, but the protagonist, Dallas, does get it on with hubby Roarke between blood baths. Roberts writes these as J.D. Robb. She has written around 30 of these In Death books. So you know each one is a gem. ;)

[Galatea]

 

 

I'm a sucker for romantic Southern genre (is that a real category?). I have enjoyed all of Allen's novels.

 

 

I would call Sarah Addison Allen's books Magical Realism in a Southern setting. I've enjoyed all of them. They have some romance but they aren't Romance.

[TravelingChris]

I am just glad that as I have gotten older, some things I have read been erased from my mind= V C Andrews is one of those. I think I read it when I was around 13-15?? It was before 10th grade anyway because I know it was before I moved. So I guess 37 years ago or so. I can remember it was trash but not really much about it. I can't complain much about the trashiness of what my kids read- oldest, nothing- he actually read respected SF.; middle- Star Wars novels; youngest fantasy- which may not be trash but I wouldn't know- but I know she rejects about half of the books she takes out of the library.

[LibraryLover]

I would call Sarah Addison Allen's books Magical Realism in a Southern setting. I've enjoyed all of them. They have some romance but they aren't Romance.

 

 

Yes. Magic Realism. You have to edit. lol I changed my post. Truth be told, I am pretty much a sucker for novels taking place in the south, written by Southern women. Prince of Tides would have been better if not written by a guy. ;)

 

The obsession started years ago with Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. If It Hadn't Been for Winn Dixie is one of my favorite children's novels. It's gold.

 

Chances are, if the title is long, I'll like it. ;)

 

PS I read Gone with the Wind when I was 11. Fannie Flagg simply fed the addiction. :)

I highly recommend Connie Willis' book "To say nothing of the dog", which is sweet time-traveling science fiction in the spirit of P.G. Wodehouse. Because it is kind of historical fiction, you can pretend that it isn't the brain candy that it is.

[stripe]

I do not understand the allure of romance novels. Borrrring.

 

When I want brain candy I tend to turn to science fiction or horror.

 

Maybe we could combine the two with romance. That would be when the guy removes his pants and there's a big old sore....ha ha

[bobbeym]

If you truly want realistic romance, I highly recommend the inspirational Jewel Trilogy by Hallee Bridgeman. There are 3 novels plus a novella that comes after book 1. All are available individually for Kindle or Nook, or on paperback if preferred. She also has an anthology that includes all 4 stories into one.

[I.Dup.]

Why do so many women like romance novels? Obviously they are hugely popular. Does it help with one's own teA life or is it used for self brewing or....? It seems if someone doesn't have a very satisfying teA life that romance novels would make it worse, but maybe it helps turn a woman on and help with teA with her husband? Anyone know?

[Dana]

It's a story.

Why do so many people like action movies?

Why do people like mysteries?

[Pawz4me]

For pure escapism I like post-apocalyptic books. It doesn't mean I want the world as we know it to end, or that I'm a survivalist or anything like that. And when I read a murder mystery it's definitely not because I'm considering doing somebody in or becoming one of those people who (in books or movies) is always finding themselves in the midst of a mystery that needs solving. Sometimes we like certain genres at certain times just . . . because.

[sparrow]

Why do so many women like romance novels? Obviously they are hugely popular. Does it help with one's own teA life or is it used for self brewing or....? It seems if someone doesn't have a very satisfying teA life that romance novels would make it worse, but maybe it helps turn a woman on and help with teA with her husband? Anyone know?

 

 

It really doesn't have anything to do with teA for me. I like to read about relationships between people. I like to smile when I read something that reminds me of dh. I enjoy reading historical books because I've always felt out of place in modern times. I like to remember those feelings when a relationship is new and I like to read how the relationship changes.

 

Heck, half the time I barely skim the teA parts. I know how that stuff works, ya know what I mean? ;)

[HRAAB]

I've never read a romance novel, but when I need a relaxing escape, I read a light-hearted mystery. Something along the lines of the Mrs. Pollifax series or the #1 Women's Detective Agency series. I've also enjoyed the Maigret series and the Inspector Gideon series.

 

This is what I do. If I want some romance how about Harriet Vane and Lord Peter Wimsey (that's my kind of romance) or the Amelia Peabody series.

[Aslana]

Why do so many women like romance novels? Obviously they are hugely popular. Does it help with one's own teA life or is it used for self brewing or....? It seems if someone doesn't have a very satisfying teA life that romance novels would make it worse, but maybe it helps turn a woman on and help with teA with her husband? Anyone know?

 

 

Uhh, teA and self brewing are what I think they are? If so, then yes, it has everything to do with sex. Everything. And absolutely nothing to do with my sex life. That's perfect as it is. Why read them? I like the spice. But then again, I'm not opposed to many of the things some would be.

 

Does it happen often? Nope. In fact, quite rare that we watch or read this stuff. But when it does, well, we like the spice that goes with it. :D