3 Reasons Romance Novels Are Worth Our Time

I’ve been a romance author since 2010, and since that time I’ve heard some disparaging comments about the romance genre. A few of the most common ones are that the books are “trashy,” “the stories are all the same,” or they are “predictable.”

If you happen to subscribe to any of these negative opinions, I’m about to tell you why you’re wrong and why romance novels are worth our time.

1. Romance novels provide an essential break from everyday life and stress

In a society that prioritizes productivity, psychologists insist that taking a break is essential to maintaining good mental health. Breaks prevent burnout, improve mental clarity and creativity, and improve our overall well-being. Since not everyone can afford to fly off to another location or book an appointment at the spa, we have to find ways to incorporate down time into our lives, and a romance novel is one way to do that.

Through the use of well-crafted prose, authors transport readers to different settings and cultures, situations, and other time periods. They write stories with compelling plots and characters to keep readers engaged, immersing them in the book world and blocking out the stress and anxiety of the real world.

In my June 21st release, Bruno, Marissa is a professional matchmaker who is supposed to find a wife for Bruno, a billionaire chef and entrepreneur. Instead, the couple ends up falling for each other.

A Goodreads reviewer had this to say: Hope this comes out on audio really soon. This is my new “happy book” to reread or re-listen to multiple times.

Thinking romance novels are trashy—aka lacking in good taste or worthless—is a mistake. We all need breaks. Breaks from our jobs, the chaos of family and loved ones, and the daily grind of a fast-paced world. Reading a romance novel provides an escape or mental vacation, and frankly it should be part of self-care.

2. Romance novels offer reading variety

Anyone who says romance novels are all the same has obviously never spent time in the romance section of a bookstore or browsed the category online. There’s something for everyone.

There are a wide range of subgenres and categories. Historical romance, for example, which could include the Regency era, the Victorian era, medieval China, or Highlander novels—to name a few options. I write contemporary romance, which deals with modern relationships, but I also write romantic suspense, which combines romance and thriller or mystery aspects to keep readers on edge. There’s LGBTQ+ romance, inspirational romance, Amish romance—and the list goes on and on.

The settings are as varied as the subgenres and categories. Small towns, big cities, fictional worlds, foreign countries, and other planets all play a role in influencing character growth, addressing social issues, and crafting the story narrative. You want it, romance has it.

Diverse characters are also rampant in romance novels. We can find books with disability representation, neurodivergent characters, same sex relationships, and characters of different races and ethnicities.

In Bruno, Marissa is a Black heroine paired with a Hispanic hero who comes from a Black and Hispanic blended family. Here’s what Bruno says when Marissa initially interviews him about whether or not he wants children with his future wife.

“I would want to have children within a year or two of marriage, early enough in my life to enjoy activities with them. Frankly, they’ve practically been mandated by my parents,” Bruno said.

Marissa heard dry humor in his voice and smiled. “Parents can be very demanding in that area.”

“Particularly Black and Latino parents.”

She frowned, surprised.

“My stepmother is Black and has been asking for grandchildren for some time,” he explained. “My father is no better. I’m the second oldest in my family, therefore the pressure is intense. We’re a family of nine with seven kids.”

Her eyes widened. “That’s a large family.”

Bruno laughed. The sound took her breath away. His laugh was sexy, and that smile was dangerously seductive. Wow.

3. Romance novels provide hope

I’ve never heard anyone complain it’s unrealistic that mysteries get solved or that the bad guys lose in a thriller. Yet I’ve often heard how unrealistic it is that romance novels end with the couples in a committed relationship. Skeptics find the happily ever after ending to be “predictable.”

Watching characters overcome problems within the book and arrive at a happily ever after is one of my favorite things about romance novels. I want all the drama in a romance novel. In between the relationship struggles, layer in the family conflict. Give me social issues. Give me career challenges.

A well-written story will have you experiencing all the emotions the characters do—excitement, sadness, heartbreak, and joy.

There’s a scene in Bruno when reserved, play-by-the-rules Marissa finally lets her hair down. She’s in California with Bruno, having attended the James Beard Awards with him. At her request, Bruno lowers the top on his Ferrari.

“Woo-hoo!” Marissa flung her hands in the air.

Bruno looked at her. Laughter on his lips and in his eyes. She sighed happily as the sports car cruised along the roads in the light nighttime traffic and the cool breeze washed over her. The wind whipped her hair into disarray, but she didn’t care.

She felt amazingly free and light-headed after attending two afterparties where delicious food and drinks were served. Though she should be tired, she was high—buzzing, as if she’d had plenty to drink when in fact she hadn’t had any alcohol at all.

The majority of the excitement came from being on the arm of the man beside her.

As with any romance, there are problems for Marissa and Bruno to overcome, but romance novels are a safe space. No matter what unique challenges the characters experience on those pages, we know in the end the relationship will work and they’ll end up together.

Conclusion

Romance novels are not trashy, all the same, or predictable. Often overlooked, they offer an escape from the stress of daily life. They offer reading variety through different subgenres, characters, settings, and storylines. Finally, they offer hope that past hurts and challenges can be overcome.

They’re worth our time, and anyone not reading romance novels is missing out.

About the Author

Delaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of more than 50 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, and dozens of romance short stories. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not busy reading or writing, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale. To get sneak peeks, notices of sale prices, and find out about new releases, join her mailing list. And enjoy free stories on her website at delaneydiamond.com.

Website: delaneydiamond.com

Newsletter: https://geni.us/DDNews

Facebook: facebook.com/DelaneyDiamond

Instagram: @delaneydiamondbooks

Twitter: @DelaneyDiamond

About Bruno:

Sparks fly between a matchmaker and her billionaire client, blurring the lines between love and professionalism.

Entrepreneur and acclaimed chef Bruno Santana is tired of the dating scene and reluctantly hires matchmaker Marissa Liburd to help him find a wife. As he embarks on a series of dates, none of the women measure up, and he quickly realizes why. Despite Marissa’s professional demeanor, he’s increasingly attracted to her and drawn to her warmth and personality during their consultations.

Marissa, a single mom juggling the demands of her career and son, faces an unexpected challenge. She’s captivated by Bruno, who embodies everything a woman could want. He’s successful, good-looking, and very wealthy.

Dating clients is strictly forbidden, and Marissa grapples with the intense chemistry simmering between them—aware that giving in could jeopardize everything she’s worked hard for—her reputation and her livelihood.

Get your copy: Amazon Kindle | Paperback | Signed Paperback