1. Guaranteed HEA
Let’s be real, the world is a bit of a hellscape, and that’s just at the macro level. Our own day-to-day lives can also be filled with struggles and dark pasts. The thing about romance is that you KNOW it’s going to have a happily ever after or happily for now.
2. Safe space to explore
Do I want to be chased through a forest to be dicked down by a monster… no. But I’ll read about it! Romance gives the reader a chance to explore things in the safety of their own heads that they wouldn’t in real life.
3. Representation
I love that you can find a romance book for ANY gender, identity, or kink. If you want it, there’s something out there that’s definitely been written about it.
4. Genre run for and by mostly women
Romance is the ONLY billion-dollar-plus industry in the world run for and by mostly women. That’s an inspiring amount of women badasses creating content that other women want to read.
5. Connection
Romance brings folks together! There are so many virtual and physical book clubs that allow people to come together and feel heard and seen.
6. Mental health benefits
Who doesn’t have a reading routine? Maybe it’s before bed, maybe it’s while you’re traveling to work, but carving out time just for you is an important part of your self-care. Plus, reading also gives you all the feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin.
7. Escapism
Sometimes you just need to jump into a book to escape the world. I love the fact that there are so many genres and subgenres in romance. You want an alien romance? Someone’s got you. You want a mystery? Yep, that’s there too. The concept and execution of romance plots can be transferred to just about any type of story you want to read.
8. Processing trauma
Romance books can help readers explore dark themes and events from their real lives in a safe environment. If the FMC can get over an abusive relationship and learn to love again, it can give people the strength to leave their own bad situation, or at least start thinking about how they can.
9. Setting Standards
Not to talk down to the patriarchy, but main male characters in romance show women (and men) that it’s okay to demand healthy communication and respect. Everyone should strive for a Rhys, not a Tamlin.
10. Creativity fuel
I work with so many authors who have read a story that inspired them to write their own. Romance is a gateway for creativity and storytelling
What do you think? What other things make romance the best genre?