5 Reasons Why I Read Romance (And You Should Too!)

Romance has been one of the top selling genres in fiction for several years running now. Here's five reasons why:

1. We're Groomed From an Early Age to Believe in Fairy Tales.

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Let's talk about Disney princesses, shall we? No matter how demure or fiercely independent, they all have one major thing in common: They got their happily ever after and there was usually a prince along for the ride. As little girls, we're taught to believe in the HEA. To strive for it. And that's okay. It's called GOALS PEOPLE! Who wouldn't want to be happy if given the choice?

2. Reading Is One of the Best (and cheapest) Forms of Escapism.

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Let's face it: Sometimes life sucks. Sometimes you need to get away from this crazy world we live in. Have you had an unusually hard day at work? Are your kids being unappreciative assholes? Did you find yet ANOTHER grey hair? (%$#&!) No matter your reason, we all need an escape sometimes. Unless you're swimming in money like Scrooge McDuck, you probably can't fire up the private jet at a moment's notice. Stephen King once said, "Books are a uniquely portable magic." If you ask me, truer words have never been spoken. With the invention of e-readers, books are more accessible than ever. I have a reading app on every device I own. I love that I can pick up a novel at any given time. On your lunch break at work? No problem. Standing in a long line at the bank? No problem. Waiting for your kids to finish soccer practice? Again, no problem. Whatever your chosen device, your book is ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU. It doesn't matter if you have five minutes or five hours, getting lost in a story will help protect your sanity. Trust me.

3. Book Boyfriends Are Better.

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Okay, let's get real for a moment. Even if your significant other is the hottest, most loving person you've ever met, chances are, he has flaws. We wouldn't be human beings if we didn't. But flaws aren't always sexy. I'd bet money that you'd have a hard time finding a hero in a romance novel who passes gas every time he eats broccoli. Or belches the alphabet after two too many beers. What about those of us that have to deal with snoring ALL NIGHT LONG inches away from our face? (Yes husband, I'm talking to you!) C'mon ladies, that shit's not sexy and you know it! Part of the fun in reading romance is fantasizing about the hero sweeping you off your feet. Having a bevy of fictional babes at your disposal doesn't mean you're not perfectly happy in your relationship. That's why they call it a fantasy!

4. Variety is the Spice of Life.

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No, the phrase itself is not new. But the world of romance is. Long gone are the days of bodice rippers with Fabio gracing the cover. Okay, technically you can still find those, but they're not what's dominating this billion dollar industry. There are countless sub-genres available with no end in sight. (The list above is only a small portion) Do you fancy reading about a billionaire CEO? Or maybe being seduced by a vampire? How about getting frisky with a gorgeous hockey player? Perhaps a panty-dropping rock star? Looking for some hot male-on-male action? Whatever you're in the mood for, there's a good chance you can find it. You can even choose your heat level. In the world of romance, bedroom scenes range from the good ol' fade-to-black that leaves the dirty stuff to your imagination up to fully visualized sex and everything in between.

5. Sense of Community.

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Last, but certainly not least, is the sense of community that you'll find. Romance readers are hands down, the most eclectic group I've ever seen. It doesn't matter how young or young-at-heart you may be. It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. It doesn't matter what your sexual orientation is or what you do for a living. This community will welcome you with open arms because we all love the HEA. Go to a book signing and you'll see what I mean. When I penned my first novel, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. I will never forget my first book signing or the first time I attended a romance novel convention. My jaw hurt from smiling so hard. Bloggers, readers, and fellow authors are truly some of the greatest people I've ever known. Countless friendships have been formed across the globe. Seeing such a diverse group united by a common interest has restored my faith in humanity. Being a part of this world has inspired me to be a better person. To fight for a better world and make my own HEA. Are you skeptical? Pick up a romance novel and find out for yourself. I promise you'll never look back. I certainly haven't.