Romance: Love it...or not! What is a romance novel?

​Simply put, a romance novel is a love story between two people who are separated by conflict and tension until the ending, at which time they reach a mutually satisfying conclusion, or the “happily ever after” ending, ​which ​we all love. Generally speaking, romance novels have nearly perfect characters. The ​prominent character​ is often courageous, willful, but always alluring.  The protagonist is commanding, fearless, ​but ​mostly ​just the perfect lover​.
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At some point in the story, the two main characters meet and share a palpable love connection. It is the actual love story that propels the storyline forward. On their journey of love, however, there are always conflicts, another common denominator in romance novels. This keeps the ​two ​
lovers apart as we travel with them throughout the story. These conflicts must inevitably carry huge consequences for both characters, thus creating suspense and drama, ​and ​in turn perpetuating the curiosity of the reader, resulting in, you guessed it, the page-turner​.

So why does one ever finish reading a romance novel, if one already knows the ending?  The hook is in “how” the lovers overcome the obstacles to reach their utopia. Plus there's something comforting in knowing that, while there's risk involved, ultimately, we'll all end up happy - the lovers and the readers.

That’s what keeps 85% of all readers out there coming back for more romance, in all genres, shapes and sizes.  

Love it, or not...romance is here to stay!