Favorite Romance Novel, H-m-m?

I don’t have a favorite romance novel.  Instead, I have many novels that are favorites.  I have two boxes of keeper books.  So if you are looking for ideas on what to read you won’t find it here, because I'd be hard pressed to choose only one!

I’m going to tell you what makes me love a good romance novel.  Whether it is contemporary, western, paranormal, time-travel, historical, steampunk or erotica, (yes, erotica can have a romance/love story too), all the genres have a few commonalities.

Here are five must haves:

1) You need two characters worth breathing life into.  Two people who are meant to be together, even though they may have no idea at the beginning of the novel.  Two people I will want to root for.

2) Then throw everything in their paths but the kitchen sink.  Show how they triumph over these challenges to grow in character and forge a strong relationship.

3) Anything worth having is worth fighting for and defending.  I really like the Knight in shining armor romance books.  Sigh!!  Historical or Contemporary!!

4) I like to read a romance that makes me pull for the Hero and Heroine. A book that makes me cry, laugh and maybe even clap for joy.  A book I don’t want to end, because I am loving the journey.

5) Romance novels reaffirm that Happily Ever After is possible.

The short version of what makes a romance novel, quote from Victoria Alexander.

Victoria Alexander (VictAlex@aol.com):
A romance novel is a story in which, in spite of all obstacles, the hero and heroine end up together.

And I’ll add, together and happy!

The romances that intrigue me the most are time-travels.  The heroine or hero ends up going ahead or back in time without the means of traveling through time again to reach their love interest. The authors come up with some very clever ideas for getting the lovers back together.


What are some of the things you like about Romance Novels, and what is your favorite romance genre?