The Romance Reader Book Tag

Good morning bookworms!
Given we are currently in the week of Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be appropriate to do this tag. I saw is on Lili’s Blissful Pages last year. However, I’m not entirely sure how interesting this is going to be for you guys, because I don’t really read novels from the romance genre. I do read cute YA contemporaries that have some romance in them and the occasional adult drama/chick-lit with romance, and also fantasties that have blisteringly raunchy scenes though, so that’s where you’ll probably see a lot of my responses veering towards! So, let’s get started!

1. WHAT AGE DID YOU START READING ROMANCE NOVELS?

I would probably say my very early twenties. I do remember I received Monday’s Child by Louise Bagshawe for Christmas when I was twenty, and that likely started me along that path. (It definitely made me read everything by Louise and her sister Tilly, anyway.)

2. IF YOU COULD PICK ONE HERO TO MEET FROM YOUR FAVOURITE ROMANCE NOVELS WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

I don’t know how most people rate ‘heroes’, but for me a hero is someone who stands up for their rights and what they believe in, no matter the cost. They are always there for their friends, and can pick themselves back up off the floor when they get knocked down. So in that thread, I would want to meet Lindsay Davidson from Back After the Break by Anita Notaro. Lindsay is a true fighter.

3. WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ROMANCE AUTHORS AND WHY?

I love a writer who can turn believable enemies to begrudging respect, and then into believable lovers. The key word here is ‘believable’. There has to be a catalyst for each step, and the dialogue has to be right as well. For that reason alone, I have to that my favourite author who does this, likely doesn’t classify as a romance author, but just happens to write fabulous conflicts, relationships and smutty scenes. Oh, and it’s C.S. Pacat who wrote Captive Prince.

4. WHAT IS A FAVOURITE ROMANCE NOVEL TO RE-READ?

I don’t know that I have a favourite as such, as I haven’t re-read any of them for years, but Shall We Dance? by Maggie Alderson always makes me smile and cry simultaneously.

5. WHAT BOOK WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO A NON-ROMANCE READER?

Do Not Disturb by Tilly Bagshawe. It’s funny and light, and has a little bit of an enemies to lovers trope, but it’s not slow burn, and the banter is witty. Also, it’s about the hotel business and that’s just fun as well.

6. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE: CONTEMPORARY, SUSPENSE, OR HISTORICAL AND WHY?

Definitely contemporary – although if fantasy were as option I would pick it just as quickly. I’m not really a historical or suspense reader, although I have read from each. However, if I was to pick a favourite from historical it would be The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons.

TAGGING

Tags to everyone who is looking to do something for Valentine’s Day this week! (Let me know in the comments if you’re keen and I’ll tag you.)
Short and sharp today. Until next time, happy reading! ??