The Romance Reader Book Tag

Apologies if you’re sick to death of Valentine’s Day related posts (considering I did post 3 themed posts: My Favourite Female Protagonists , The Valentine’s Day Book Tag and My Favourite Book Couples ) but I saw this one on Hannah’s blog and knew I had to give it a go!

I have no idea where this tag started but, as someone who reads a lot of (and loves) romance (novels, real life romance has been pretty lacking so far 😂), I knew I had to give this one a go.

What age did you start reading romance novels?

I can’t pinpoint exactly but it must’ve been in my teen years. I read a lot of light, teen/YA Fiction which always somehow had an element of romance to them. I also definitely fell into the Twilight trap even though – looking back now – they weren’t the best books I’ve ever read!

If you could pick one hero to meet from your favourite romance novels who would it be and why?

This is a tough one! If we’re going off books I read when I was younger, I’d definitely say Michael Glass from the Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine. I don’t know if it really counts as a romance – considering the fact it’s urban fantasy – but I think he was definitely one of my earliest “book crushes”.

If we’re talking more recent books, then I’d have to say Max from The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa. I’m a massive fan of the enemies to lovers trope and Sosa couldn’t have picked two better characters to see this trope through. I know – despite myself – that if Max existed in the real world, I’d definitely fancy him so I guess that’s a pretty obvious choice for this question! 😂.

Who are your favourite romance authors and why?

Wow, that’s a tough question! Probably far too many to list but I’ll try. I think if you asked teenage-me this question, I probably would’ve said people like Meg Cabot and Cathy Cassidy. Then, I probably would’ve said Jennifer Niven because her romance is both fluffy and cute and aware of real issues that can affect couples and relationships.

Fast forward to now, and I’d probably say people like Paige Toon, Dolly Alderton, Holly Bourne and – more recently – Holly McCulloch and Lizzy Dent. I think Dolly Alderton and Holly Bourne write romance that truly hits the nail on the head, there are tender, fluffy moments but there is definitely an air of reality to the relationships. Paige Toon’s romances are just extremely readable, gorgeous escapism with a little twist here and there. Holly McCulloch and Lizzy Dent are debut authors whose books feature extremely relatable heroines and a cast of characters who feel as though they could be plucked from real life.

What is a favourite romance novel to re-read?

I honestly don’t re-read books! Aside from at uni, when you had to know a text inside and out (so reading texts two, three, four or more times was practically required!), it’s not something I do. I think, if I had to pick one to re-read, it’d have to be Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton. It’s not necessarily a romance novel- as it’s more of a memoir/biography – but I love the way Alderton talks about romance in it.

I’ve tasked myself with picking this book back up every few years to see how it resonates with me. At the minute, though I’m single and cynical, so much of the book strikes a chord with me and it’s one of those books I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget.

What book would you recommend to a non-romance reader?

As Hannah says in her post, it depends what sort of romance you’re looking for. If people gravitate towards for example historical fiction usually, but wanted a taste of romance, I’d probably say the Bridgerton series of books would be a good place to start.

I’d definitely suggest having a look on the Kindle app (or wherever you get your books from) because there’s so much there I think there’s definitely something for everyone – even those of us who are new to romance.

I think the one thing I’d say is start light. Don’t tackle something like Fifty Shades of Grey because- I’m pretty sure – that’ll put you off. Find a light, contemporary romance (maybe from someone like Paige Toon or Giovanna Fletcher) and you’ll be hooked, I assure you!

Which is your favourite: contemporary, suspense, or historical and why?

I don’t tend to read historical romance – or historical fiction in general (The trauma of A-Level History has tainted the subject a fair bit!) – but I have read the odd suspense before.

You only have to read reviews on this blog to know my favourite kind of romance – and I guess genre in general – is contemporary. I think it’s because they capture so many emotions. One moment you’re angry, the next you’re crying, the next you’re happy as the couple comes together. I think I used to love fluffier romance novels but now – as I actually grow up (a bit) – I’m finding myself reading more (and enjoying) books with more realistic romances and characters.

So that’s it, my answers to the Romance Reader Book Tag. I’m not going to tag anyone but definitely feel free to attempt this tag if you want to – it’s a good set of questions to really get you thinking.

What would you have picked for each prompt? Let me know!

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