Sharing Thoughts about Books with Others (STBO) discussion

Please share your personal answers to this question in this topic. Thank you.

Here let me start.

Romance warms my heart. It's a good escape from the hassles of everyday life. It is anything that makes your heart beat a little faster. Romance is simply the relationship between two people who are in love (or are falling in love, as the case often is with romance novels).

Romance as a genre covers A LOT of area. There is contemporary romance, historical romance, fantasy romance, romantic suspense/thrillers... You will be able to find a love story for just about any time period or topic you like. Since you like mystery and suspense thrillers already, it might be a good idea to look into a romance novel that falls into that category. I have fifteen or twenty authors that I follow pretty religiously from all over the spectrum. Some authors write really steamy love scenes, but not all. Again, you will be able to find some great authors and stories for whatever level of steaminess you like.

As a reader of romance I get to visit another couple for a little while. I get to see what obstacles they have to overcome to be together and how their love strengthens as a result of those obstacles. Romance novels that are done well have you constantly rooting for the hero and heroine. Romance novels that are done REALLY well throw in a mix of other emotions as well: frustration, happiness, sadness, and ultimately joy when they find their well-deserved happily ever after.

Romance to me is basically the meaning of life, and so it’s clear why a lot of the most popular books are based on it. However, one of the most romantic books I’ve read was 1984- I liked that it wasn’t a typical love story, because no love story is, and I liked that Winston and Julia’s relationship was based on sacrifice, passion and realism.

I re-read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, and I can post another answer here just using stream-of-consciousness. Romance to me is love, adventure and relationships but especially humor! When I read a good romance I experience travel to another time and location and possibly a different culture! It's definitely an escape. I'm a sucker for a good love story. If it's a good story, it leaves me happy.