To be fair, no one in the IWSG asked why I love romance. The actual specific question for this month was What do you consider the best characteristics of your favorite genre? But . . . I mean. Come on. We all knew SE was going to answer ‘romance! I freaking adore romance’ and come prepared with an entire listicle of what I consider the best characteristics of romance. With GIFs galore.
The co-hosts keeping us on track for October (and probably shaking their heads in gentle censure of my enthusiasm right now) are Tonja Drecker, Victoria Marie Lees, Mary Aalgaard, and Sandra Cox! Go give them a comment or like because they will deserve it after having to deal with my gif listicle today.
Without further ado: A List of Why Romance is the Actual Best Genre
- Because romance is defined by ending with a happily ever after.
Do you like to feel good after reading a book? Because I definitely like feeling good and smushy and satisfied after reading a book.
- Because real life sucks rancid rat fruit.
Have you seen reality lately? It’s like the Stranger Things writers teamed up with Stephen King and Michael Crichton to come up with the twists for this season. 0/10 do not recommend.
- Because the possibilities are ENDLESS
You want SciFi? There’s SciFi romance. You want a thriller? Lucky you, romantic suspense is an established sub-genre. Westerns? Got em. Time travel? Yes. Mafia, heists, or crime fiction? Goes without saying. Historical fiction? OH MY GOSH are there so many historical romances. So. Many. If you can dream it, romance can do it.
- Because there is A+ banter and tension between the main characters.
I LIVE FOR WITTY REPARTEE. It is one of my favorite things and it makes life worth living. (It should go without saying that Thor: Ragnarok was a revelation and I now firmly support anything Taika Waititi has a hand in writing.)
- Because it contains sexy bits, which life also sadly lacks
It’s not required to be a romance fan and love the spicy ones, but it sure does help.
- Because reading about relationships (and mistakes, and groveling, and forgiveness) creates empathy, and can give you some great tips.
Fabulous post! Reality really does suck rancid rat fruit, and romance is a wonderful escape.
And hooray for the gif listicle! It’s been a long time since I’ve read one, and yours is wonderful.
They’re one of my favorite things to create, too. Thank you!
Loved how you expressed your second point! It’s so so sadly true. You’ve convinced me that I need to read more romance. I do love happy endings. Happy October to you!
Oh good! Happy sailing on these seas 🙂
Great post and every one of them true. Stranger Things was a huge disappointment. Huge!
See you next month. 🙂
<a href=”http://emaginette.wordpress.com”> Anna from elements of emaginette</a>
Oh darn, I hadn’t caught up on the latest season and I was hoping for good things 🙁
Oh yes, I love me some witty repartee! I’m not a fan of romance as a solo genre, but I really like to see the peopley stuff mixed in to other genres and, obviously, that’s sometimes going to include romance and relationship stuff.
Two more things: Buttery Boots? OMG! And you have a great GIF game.
Thank you! Gifs are one of my *other* favorite things. Or perhaps my love language. I haven’t decided yet.
I like the fact that the romance genre is so versatile. And yes, I agree about your second point. Funny, but sadly depressing.
Best way I’ve found to deal with it is pure, escapist fluff. With liberal amounts of smut, but that’s my own personal preference.
I’m still laughing at your second point! Although I shouldn’t because it’s true.
We’re to the point where I’ve stopped experiencing the feeling of ‘surprise’ anymore. More like depressed resignation.
I agree with all your points on why romance is a good genre. For me, I prefer reading romances that also involve other genres.
Luckily almost all of them do. It’s awesome!