I tried, I really did... Romance novels are not my thing
By Faye
@FayeHazel (40230)
United States
July 16, 2017 1:03am CST
So recently I thought I would re-try the so-called "romance novel" genre. I won't name the book or author because the author is wildly popular and I wouldn't want to offend anyone who actually likes the book or author. Actually I mean no offense to you, if you so happen to like romance novels.
So - this romance novel had a mystery twist to it, - I thought it may be a good way to get into romance. Well it turned out to be mostly romance novel, only a little mystery. Additionally this was like 2 short novels about related characters in 1 book, another thing that I thought might help keep me interested.
Nope. No can do.
I think that romance novels are simply unrealistic.
In both books - the men are staggeringly handsome, and they both fall, truly, madly, deeply in love with the female -- on first site. The women, on the other hand are slow to warm up to the prospective Romeos. Becuase the would-be suitors have annoying habits like spending too much money on the women, or telling them that they'r ebeautiful too often. (No - I'm not kidding. Can someone please hook me up with a guy that has both of these "problems"? lol.)
So you guessed it - finally they are both in love - and in both stories the men presented some signs of unhealthy jealousy. Freaking out about the woman going to work because she may encounter another man. Uh, yeah... that's not healthy -- I wonder if a follow up was ever written - he would likely have her under house arrest.
I don't know. Maybe these books aren't supposed to be realistic. Maybe that is the fun of it.
I wish there were "real life" romance books written out there - that go like my dates in the past did. The guy holds your hand and talks endlessly about ow in love he is with his ex-girlfriend. Or tells you that you're ugly.... *sigh* Real life.
Photo: Mine
11 people like this
13 responses
@dodo19 (48182)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
19 Jul 17
@FayeHazel Sometimes the covers can be really nice. I agree. But still not always my cup of tea.
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
So true. Sometimes the covers on the paperback books are fantastic
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
That's cool too. Is that part of the appeal? That it isn't realistically written?
1 person likes this
@shaynas (5486)
• India
19 Jul 17
@FayeHazel May be, because they create such a positive, lovey dovey world, it feels nice to read and relieves the mind.
@Shavkat (141905)
• Philippines
19 Jul 17
@FayeHazel I agree. I really can't even flip pages in a fast pace.lol It is literally nosebleed for me.
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
Just not enjoyable..... for us, anyway
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
Now that you said that I remember one I read was set in 1600s Holland... that one I liked.... historical books are fascinating
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
Oh - those sound more exciting.... like every day people. That was another complaint of mine - how in these books sometimes it seems like everyone is supermodel good looks
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
@Kandae11 I suppose it might be more fun to write about someone extraordinary, too... :-)
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (57230)
•
19 Jul 17
@FayeHazel They probably think not many would want to read about a plain Jane female or a balding male.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
18 Jul 17
Seriously talked non stop about his ex girlfriend? What was he even thinking? I would have found another way home at once and never given them the time of day again. He had no right even trying to be in another relationship yet.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
Oh yes -- actually this has happened 3 times (3 different guys) with me. I agree. Try and patch it up if you're that stuck on her yet. Or if it's impossible - then don't date for awhile, until you get your feelings back to normal. lol. Men.
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
16 Jul 17
I've never been interested in that genre especially if it's the main plot. If it's part of a thriller or mystery then I suppose I can tolerate that.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
I agree, sometimes when they work in a mystery that makes it much more enjoyable
1 person likes this
@CookieMonster46 (13453)
• United States
16 Jul 17
i don't think you would offend anyone, i like books with more of a story to it , not just romance.. I just read Allie and Bea, and I liked it.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
Thanks! I'm always unsure if I'm being offensive or not, I know some people are pretty sensitive. Allie and Bea - I haven't heard of it - I might have to look it up
@CookieMonster46 (13453)
• United States
19 Jul 17
@FayeHazel This was a decent book , no romance, and I enjoyed it..
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
16 Jul 17
I hate when the plot is so predictable like girl meets boy, they can't stand each other, then they fall in love. I've never liked romance novels either. Have you read Embrace Me by Lisa Samson? It's a strange novel, but a different kind of love story.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
A different sort of love story you say... and strange! That sounds like something I make enjoy. Thanks! I'll look for it
1 person likes this
@Morleyhunt (21741)
• Canada
16 Jul 17
A romance novel was a quick read for me....now I like to read something with a little more substance.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
There is something to be said for those quick reads, too :-)
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
Is that part of the fun? The fact that it isn't realistic?
@shikharava (1838)
•
16 Jul 17
I agree, the romance novel genre is falling into too much implausible romantic plots. A quick read and you'll always find the guy to be rich and spoilt. Enter heroine. Hero falls head over heels on her, or vice versa. And then he corrects his mistakes or other things. Takes a liking to simple things like walking the girl to her home, instead of driving her to it. Ignores other more beautifully driven and strong female characters. And when you think everything's going well: Enter a rival. Both compete and ultimately the untimely rival leaves and the hero wins.
They (the romance writers) need to capture real life more. That is the whole point they're missing in their novels.
But there are a few writers who capture real life so beautifully in their stories. We need more writers like them
But there are a few writers who capture real life so beautifully in their stories. We need more writers like them1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
19 Jul 17
So true, you probabally just summed up the plot of 1000s of books right there :-) I'm sure you're right there are probably wonderfully skilled romance writers, too ...
1 person likes this
