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I was just speaking the other day with a woman about all the different kinds of books she loved reading, however, she didn’t like romance novels. Some people have a very negative view of these romances, which I can understand. Way back when, romances were filled with stereotypical characters, damsels in distress and dominant alpha males. Speak in a deep voice when you say that! Women were always called, fiery, feisty and foxy. Men were strong, silent, and seething with raw power and anger. I’m really getting into this post now. : )
Things have been changing in the romance industry for a couple of decades. The industry isn’t forcing authors to write in such strict terms anymore because they have to appeal to a wide range of audiences. Let’s face it. Now a days, women cannot be bothered to pretend that they are that damsel in distress. The fantasy just doesn’t fit well anymore. Romance novels have been coming out with stronger heroines, who all have unique life views and personalities of their own and the science fiction romance is growing ever more popular. Lots of romances still have elements of classic female in need, man to the rescue stories but if you’ve ever had a chance to compare them to much older romances from say the seventies you’ll be surprised to find just how much things have changed.
Male characters are still very similar in some ways to the ‘dominant alpha male’ stereotype. I think some guidelines on Harlequin.com even request that authors model their male heroes after this ideal. Today’s male character is much less likely to pull a Neanderthal and drag a woman back to his man cave.
I can be found reading the occasional romance too. They are very much a ‘brain candy’ for me, but I haven’t been as bad about it lately.