I’m often asked why I read category romance (i.e. books from Harlequin and Silhouette), and my reply is two-pronged: 1) since they were my introduction to the romance genre, category romance is my comfort read, and 2) I can read them from start to finish in a couple of hours.
But now I realize there is a third–and main–reason why I head to the category section of my local bookstore: Harlequin and Silhouette offer a wealth of contemporary romance that I’m not finding elsewhere on the shelves.
Don’t believe me? In the September 2008 issue of Romantic Times, there were 9 contemporary romances reviewed. That’s right: nine.
Sure, there are other sub-genres like romantic suspense and paranormal that are set in the present, but the suspense or paranormal element heavily influences the story. I like paranormal, suspense and mysteries, but contemporaries are my favorite. Why? Because when I read a contemporary, I want to read about my world.
True, my world doesn’t have any fun stuff like destined mates, magical intervention, or heroes who have extra anatomical parts designed to pleasure a woman. Then again, I’m also not racing against the clock to save mankind from a raving psychotic, alien forces, or a horrific curse, either (and aren’t you glad that job isn’t up to me!).
Love and relationships are tough in real life, and a contemporary romance reminds me that the struggle is worth it. In contemporary romances, I read about couples who have familar goals and shortcomings and who overcome the odds to be together. There is nothing more satisfying for me than to read about a happy ending set in today’s world. And that is why I read contemporary romance.
What about you?
“Love and relationships are tough in real life, and a contemporary romance reminds me that the struggle is worth it.”
Exactly. Wonderfully said. That’s why I read contemp romance, too. — That and because it’s part of my job, but I look at that as more of a “I get to do this because I have to for my job.”