OnlineBookClub.org

Let me explain, I am not a cynic, I do believe in love. But I'm not so sure I believe it in books these days.
With my new ereader I was incredibly eager to amass as many books as I could to enjoy for the winter. I went onto Bookbub for the discounted/free e-books that they had in their database. And I selected one interest as "Romance" and although I was hesitant and dubious of the results, I looked into their synopsis and read the online reviews and downloaded what I believed to be something suitable to my liking. However, about 50-75 pages in, I had encountered so many issues with it, that I quit the book altogether. I realize that length is not nearly enough time to accurately judge the novel itself, but I could not get invested in characters who were altogether completely unrealistic. They had no grounds for character, their backstories were rushed and provided no discernible justification for how they were molded into their personalities. The way the characters interact are very inorganic and forced. I feel as though this is merely the author placing himself/herself into a world they created, which I don't entirely disagree with, but there has to be room for the reader, as the reader is involved in the story as well. Every so often I would roll my eyes at unrealistic characters doing unrealistic things.
So tell me, do you believe the Romance genre has become a facet for wish fulfillment, or are there some out there to give me hope? If the latter is true, please list them, as I am eager to have faith in this genre once again.

There are some well... awful romance books out there. However, I've found many that touched me on a deep level and even brought tears to my eyes at the depth of emotion the characters brought out in me. I'm personally a big fan of romantic suspense, so some of my favorites are JD Robb's "In Death" series, Suzanne Brockmann's "Troubleshooter" series, and Linda Howard's "Cry No More." If you like less intensity, sex scenes, and language, I'd recommend Kristen Higgin's "My One and Only." Every single one of these books had me feeling so tied to the characters that I teared up reading them.

Try these. None of them will disappoint.

I think that the romance genre is all about wish fulfilment. I find it to be the ultimate escape. With other genres I'm completely unable to relate, or it's too far fetched, or it relates too much so it isn't an escape. Romance is just right. I read all kinds including paranormal, and most of those are completely out there, but they still have romance. The romance (or sex if I'm reading erotica) is something that I can always understand, and either relate to or dream of having. Even when I can relate to the romance there are still aspects that I can wish for, like a tattooed man, or a muscled one, or a love that spans the ages. There is this one author I like, C.M. Owens, who writes paranormal romance. Some of the stories, and the things that happen, are unbelievable, but the stories themselves are well written. They draw you in, and keep you captivated throughout, even when it's a series or trilogy.

I think the tone of romance books have changed over the years. Many of the older romances from the 70's-90's involved to characters who instantly "like" or "fall in love" with each other, then an event occurs that invokes a major conflict between the main characters for about 90 percent of the book until they finally resolve their issue and live happily ever after. Now I think romances have less conflict in them and don't invest in the characters as much. It seems to be more about the sex than the relationship, but that is just my personal opinion. However I cannot say that I read romances for the realistic aspect, but for the "feel good aspect." One of my favorite series is "The Night Huntress" series by Jeaniene Frost. It is categorized as urban fantasy, since the main plot is not the romance between Cat and Bones, but there is definitely a lot of romance incorporated in the books. I think the author does an excellent job of developing her characters and their relationship over the course of a 7 book series. As far as older romance authors whom I enjoy are Johanna Lindsey (her older books more than her new ones), Julie Garwood, and Judith McNaught.

I would also like to point out that many of the e-books that are free/on sale are being self-published and may not have been checked over by real editors. Some authors seem to think that the only thing they need an editor for is grammar/spelling issues, but editors are REALLY there to be devil's advocates! A good editor will point out cliches or pacing problems and help the author perfect their novel, not just fix it.

So I guess what I'm saying is, the more money you spend, the better the product? There are a few hidden gems out there in the bargain bin though, so don't lose hope!