Romance is the most popular genre of books. Yet, it is perhaps the most criticised literary genre too. Many readers read nothing but romances. But many other readers never pick up a romance novel, believing it will have a stereotypical story and inferior writing. What is your opinion? Are romance novels worth reading, or best avoided?
Why are romance books considered inferior?
I think romance is one of the most delightful literary genres. Yet, in the past few years, it has fallen into disrepute. Many readers now consider Romance as an inferior fiction. It's 'just romance,' they say. There is a rising prejudice that romance books have poor writing and are mostly just about steamy scenes.
Well, if you browse through books on Amazon, there really is a flood of such books. Books that have nothing much besides the steamy hot scenes. But not all romance books are like that. And the genre of romance includes much more than erotica. In fact, it is the most varied of all literary genres.
So, what is a romance book?
In the academic sense, it is a fiction featuring mysterious, adventurous, or spiritual quest involving bravery and strong values. However, now a love story has become an essential part of romances. Now, a book cannot be called a romance if its focus is not on a romantic relationship. And a romance book must always have a happy ending. Because if the end is not happy, it will be a romantic tragedy, not a romance.
A romance book need not be just a love story. Romance is a vast and varied genre. It includes numerous subgenres like romantic suspense, historical romance, paranormal romance, gothic romance, contemporary romance, spiritual romance, and so on.
The value of romance books:
Romance books aren't necessarily cheap literature. A well-written romance novel can give as much pleasure as any other genre. Moreover, romance books give happiness. And as I wrote in the Author's Note of my book #JustRomance, anything that gives happiness cannot be worthless. It is only the quality of writing that makes the book good or bad. The romance genre has been popular since ages. In fact, many of our beloved classics are romances. Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre are prime examples. They are magnificent romances that have stood the test of time.
Do I read romances?
As a reader, I enjoy reading English classics best. I find them the most satisfying. (Check out my reviews of some great classics). Yet, I don't mind reading romance novels either. In fact, when I read a book that leaves me shaken, I deliberately look for a light romance to feel relaxed again.
That's what I've done as a writer too.
Love & Romance in my books
I have authored three novels until now. These are Dream's Sake, Lemon Girl, and You Came Like Hope. My latest book #JustRomance is a collection of short stories. But it differs from my novels in more ways than the story length.
My novels have beautiful love stories, but these stories revolve around serious social themes. My first novel Dream's Sake shows the fears and insecurities of physically challenged people. Lemon Girl is about crimes against women and victim-blaming. You Came Like Hope talks about the opposite side of the gender crimes - the fake cases. All three books have intense emotions and thought-provoking storyline.
But my fourth book is 'just romance'.
Why I wrote #JustRomance
After writing three intense books, when it was time to start on my fourth book, I felt emotionally exhausted. So, I decided to write something light and happy. And what can be happier than a romance? So, I decided, 'I'll write romance, just romance.' And that's what #JustRomance has, beautiful, heart-warming and happy short romances.
Even though the stories are 'just romances,' I've worked as hard on them as on my previous books. They have relatable characters and realistic stories. And I'm very proud of them. So, if you wish to read something tension-free and happy, you must check it out. It's full of love and smiles. Click here to preview #JustRomance
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