I refuse. As a fiction writer, I try to stay away from examples of truly bad writing (mostly because it upsets me). Hackneyed, formulaic plots and horrible prose don't do it for me.

Yuck, my friend gave me that "Twilight" book because everyone was raving about it so much. OMG, it drives me nuts! I'm the only one I know that doesn't like it. I can't imagine reading anything more romance-y than that!

i think they're so lame

Absolutely not. Although, in college my friend & I signed up her crush for a romance novel of the month club. It was hilarious to see him open up his package (wait, that might mean something else in this post) in front of his friends in the college mailroom. haha.

I like either someone getting murdered or someone making a fool out of themselves in the books I read, something believable.. i think I would just get my hopes up by reading a romance novel.

my aunt, when at her part time job in highschool, would read the first 15 pages and the last 15 pages of harlequin romances and move on to the next one

that's how predictable they are

i do enjoy chiclit and light reads, but this kind of book makes me insane

I used to sneak them out of my mom's room when I was about 12... I was a little curious

i'm more of a bell jar kind of girl, lol.

bluestar you are NOT the only one that hates the Twilight series...the prose makes me want to gag...and the main characters..I want to slap the girl and tell the guy he is a stalker

Well, I tried to. My BFF is obsessed with those novels and once gave me her favourite because "it's so good and romantic"... So, I gave it a try and I forced myself to read the first 10 pages. I gave up then; the writing was too poor as if I could have stand it any longer.

I read fanfiction, which sometimes comes really close to romance novels, but I try to pick well written, original and realistic pieces

Thank God, I was beginning to think I am crazy! LOL...gag!

I couldn't flip open a romance book even if it would save me.
They're a bit too much. The farthest I'll go is teen drama. Honestly.
That's it.

Romance novels should never be considered "literature". Danielle Steele, Nora Roberts and the like should not be allowed to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

Perhaps it's the feminist in me, but I find these novels cater all to pathetically to 1950's gender roles.

If you have time to read 300 pages of Harlequin nonsense, do yourself a favor and pick up something more substantial.

"Romance novels should never be considered "literature". Danielle Steele, Nora Roberts and the like should not be allowed to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard."

Amen to that!

LOVE romance novels, rip thru 2-3 a week. anything from modern to erotic, its amusing and since i'm not one to sleep well, thats what i usually do.

I've never read a true romance novel like the one in the picture, and I doubt I'd like it at all. I do enjoy some fluffy romance books though sometimes like Nicholas Sparks.

Nope and never plan on it.
It's not the stories so much as I just can't stand reading poorly written novels.

I do and the one pictured is a good one

Nope. Not my thang.

I work for several imprints that do romance ... I wouldn't knock it 'til you've tried it.

This is where I do my plug for Bertrice Small

btw ... I've read some that aren't actually poorly written ... I'm sure if these writers wrote in a different genre they would get more respect than being told they write lame "bodice rippers".

I read a little bit of everything. But, I love romance novels. What type depends on my mood. There is a wide range of choices when it comes to romance novels. I agree with bengalspice, there are some really talented writers in romance.

There is a big difference between "bodice-rippers" and Nora Roberts-type books. I couldn't handle most of the Harlequin world, but love love Nora Roberts books. They are my favorite guilty pleasure. It's the perfect escape for me.

I agree with bengalspice and liliblu.
Not all of them are poorly written and some are just plain fun.
I might even consider it a psychological study of the relationship between a man and a woman sometimes.

What I find interesting is that romance novels, which are predominantly written by women are automatically assumed to be poorly written, cliched/hackneyed or regressive to females, it tends to be a situation of judging something before really giving it a chance.

Mysteries can be extremely cliched as are fantasy, sci-fi and even certain forms of 'higher' literature should be burned.

But to each their own, personally I like romance novels, yeah some of them are terrible but on the flip side there are a lot of really enjoyable ones out there.

Though I have agree that Twilight reads like terrible fanfiction to me, but that's just one author and one side of the genre.

never, I'm not much of a reader but romance novels is not sometihng I would read. I like suspense/mystery or auto bios

Ok, without getting on a high horse, comments like many of the above do really annoy me. I love romance novels and am not afraid to admit it. Correction - I love WELL-WRITTEN romance novels. And there are a lot of them. Just because a book happens to fall into the romance genre does not mean that it's badly written or hackneyed or soppy or trashy, or any of the adjectives given to them by people who often have never even read one. (Or picked up one of the Mills and Boon paperbacks with a title like "The Sexy Tycoon's Secret Baby", which, admittedly, are often less than stellar reads!) Some of the best novels, the most beautifully written and genuinely memorable books that I've ever read were romance novels. Some of them were classics, some were texts that I read at university, a few were books that I've read for my PhD, but many of them were romance novels. Literary snobbery is incredibly irritating. People should read for pleasure and learning - and they shouldn't be judged on what type of book they get the most enjoyment from. I've read James Joyce, for interest, and I don't like his writing at all. And I'm not going to pretend that I do or read a "classic" that doesn't interest me just so that I can appear to have "classier" tastes.

Sorry for the mini-rant there. I just think there are so many stunning pieces of writing by romance novelists and it does those authors and their works no credits whatsoever to dismiss them as literary trash.

never read one. i was a literature major in college so i think i would be a disgrace to myself if i did. like someone said, i'm not too big on books that are predictable or follow a formula or books where the characters are flat and fit a mold. one semester in college i was taking a class in romantic literature (like the romantic movement of the end of the 1700s and first half of 1800s) and some guy i worked with asked me what i was reading so i showed him the cover of my textbook and he was like "my wife reads those too.. romantic novels". i was just like ummm well it's different but i didn't want to explain it so i was just like oh okayyy.

I said only sometimes, but it really depends on your definition of Romance Novel. I'm currently reading a series involving vampires that is actually violent as hell and full of fighting, but can be found in the romance section of the bookstore because of the relationship bits. It doesn't quite cross that "one toe over the ridiculous" line with me and the action keeps this moving.

So, I suppose I don't mind "Romance Novels" if they're well written.

I love romance novels!! I used to read them a lot, but haven't been able to lately b/c of school, homework, babysitting, etc.

bengalspice, I love Bertrice Small ... have you ever read Deceived? My hands down favorite romance novel

I used be be a trashy romance novel ADDICT, but a few years ago I really cut back. Just starting to get into it again, nice escape from reality!

Back in the day, ie. when I was in grade 7 and Sweet Valley High books just weren't cutting it anymore, I started reading my mom's and I'd read a book every day or two. My teachers were so happy I was reading but because of the nature of the book my mom bought me one of those book protector jackets... didn't quite work though since everyone still made fun of me

Taking issue with the romance genre has nothing to do with a real or imagined high-horse. I take issue with romance writers (both men and women) because they offer nothing of value to the literary world. They follow a pattern very similar to writers of "chick flicks" and soap operas: girl meets boy > girl and boy fight > boy saves girl from emotional/physical turmoil > girl and boy get back together.

I only hope that in the future, artists (writers, playwrights, musicians, etc) will offer their audiences something of greater substance.

I believe someone mentioned that romance novels written by women are criticized most. I would like to go on the record to say that 80% of my favorite authors are strong independent women who have not only created intellectually sound art, but have shaped contemporary literature.

I'm not a book snob. I read everything I get my hands on, good, bad, or indifferent.

See, but a lot of people here are saying they've never read a romance and won't because it's trashy and follow a formula.How do you know what's in a romance if you've never read one? That's what I'm taking issue with. Who are you to judge what's worth reading and what's intellectually sound. One romance novel I read had to deal with a parent who had to face the issue of whether or not to give birth to another child to save the first one. If she had the second baby, then basically it's only purpose in life is to be it's siblings donor, or not try and have her other child die. The hero was the man who had the right match or something like that to create said baby, don't know if it's accurate in anyway but I found it extremely interesting and the dilemmia itself caught me, my friends and I discussed it for a while and it created a heated debate.

I know other people who read romance for the people connection, it's like being able to view a part of someone else's life and when done properly [which a lot of them are] they can stimulate feelings and emotions etc. and that's what makes it an art.

"People should read for pleasure and learning - and they shouldn't be judged on what type of book they get the most enjoyment from. I've read James Joyce, for interest, and I don't like his writing at all. And I'm not going to pretend that I do or read a "classic" that doesn't interest me just so that I can appear to have "classier" tastes. "

Exactly. Literature isn't my cup of tea but I've read it [and enjoyed some] novels that fall under that category. On the same hand even if I don't like most literature I've rarely felt the need to go and express how much better romance/urban fantasy/sci-fi etc. is to it and never understood the urge other people feel to look down on romance as if they're better than it just because they don't like the genre.

I love people who claim they only read 'literature' like Jane Austin and Mary Shelley.

To quote one of my favourite bloggers and aspiring author:

"In her day, Jane Austen was a paperback romance writer. It is only distance and historical perspective on the value of her literary contribution that have ensconced her firmly in the annals of Penguin Classics (which are still, incidentally, available in paperback).

Mary Shelley arguably wrote the first paranormal novel. She wrote in a day when women writers were shunned and many were forced to use male psuedonymns to get published at all. Frankenstein is a work of astounding, entertaining genius but it is, at its heart, a paranormal novel rife with the kind of suspense that keeps the reader up for just one more chapter.

My point is this: today's paperback writer's are next century's literary classics. Only time and perspective will tell which authors endure to become a Penguin Classic. I don't mind at all if a reader prefers literary fiction to romance or paranormal. I do mind when someone is ignorant enough to compare today's romance and paranormal writers with yesterday's romance and paranormal writers and find us lacking because we use current idioms, settings, and situations. "

And on that note I am out, lol, because I'm getting all heated over something that's for my entertainment.

I love Romance novels. I read any i can get my hands on. I go through about 3 or 4 a week.

Absolutely not. I don't have much time to read, so when I do, I'd like to read something with more substance.

I was the first one posting, and I feel like clarifying something now:

I've read a ton of romance novels. I went through a yearlong phase where anything I could get my hands on, I'd read, and that included 4 (literally 4) moving-size boxes of various romance novels I'd inherited from a neighbor, as well as romance novels friends recommended, and etc. That is how I formulated my opinion of the genre as a whole.

Of course there are some good romance novel writers, as there are some good writers in any genre. But the vast majority of them in my experience happen to be not what I prefer to read, and therefore I don't read from that genre anymore.

I read them all the time when I was a youn teenager. It may have messed with my head. Anyhow I don't read them anymore. Bad writing and predictable plot, yes, but also too depressing for me. As in, it makes my own love life seem depressing.

I think the closest I've been to reading a romance novel is Nicolas Sparks novels. I'm not one for picking up novels with a cover of a Fabio clone and some half-naked woman with her nipple peeking out.

Also, for anyone who does enjoy romance novels or wants to give them a try, I highly recommend the site www.smartb*tchestrashybooks.com for reviews and often hilarious snark.

I wouldn't knock it all as badly written trash since I never read a page of romance in my life. After all, I'm a fan of horror and Kung-fu novels (it's a whole genre in itself in Chinese Lit), and people assume all of those are trash and never worthy of being called "literature".

Of course, that is based on the fact that there are a lot of crap being published in these genres. Don't read Dean Koontz. OMG, I forget which one I read, but it was the most cliche-ridden crap I have ever read, complete with strong, silent hero and violet-eyed people.

I don't read romance novels because the "love interest" bit is usually my least favorite part of whatever I'm reading/watching (even in the rare instances where I like the love interest part of the story, there has to be other stuff propping it up), so it seems like novels that focus much more on romance probably wouldn't be my cup of tea.

Also, being seen with most romance covers would make me die of embarrassment.

Jammi - I have read romance novels - which is why I have such a negative opinion of them.

"Romance novels should never be considered "literature". Danielle Steele, Nora Roberts and the like should not be allowed to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

Perhaps it's the feminist in me, but I find these novels cater all to pathetically to 1950's gender roles. "

I disagree with this, the Nora Roberts paranormal story was brilliant.
I am happy I read AND bought them.
That said, I do not read many, and will only if it has a paranormal side to it.

But hey to each their own. But I do find it interesting when people have such opinions. To me the joy of reading and writing comes in many forms and what speaks to me, clearly does not speak to all.

And I, am perfectly fine with that.

another that comes to mind.
J.R Ward
about the Black Dagga Brotherhood.
very interesting

I am not so secretly obsessed with Elizabeth Peters writes Victorian to Edwardian Egyptian archaeology mysteries with a bit of romantic intrigue. Swear it's not cheesy. She has a PhD in Egyptology from the U of Chicago and occasionally publishes scholarly papers on the field, but I'm sure she finds her Amelia Peabody and Vicki Bliss adventures much more amusing. Ramses's son is probably the world's most perfect man.

QUOTE "I take issue with romance writers (both men and women) because they offer nothing of value to the literary world. "

Not every book you read needs to be profoundly thought provoking. And that's precisely why I love trashy silly cheap romance novels. I read the harlequin ones, have about 100 of them, and get 4 new ones every month in the mail.
I don't read them for their intellectual or literary value...I have other authors that I read for those purposes. But when I can't sleep, or wanna lay by the pool with a fruity drink eyeing the pool boy, or at the beach with a cold beer watching the cabana boy adjust umbrellas, there is nothing better than a little romance escape. Sometimes I don't wanna "think" about what I'm reading...
Reading should be fun. It's an escape from everyday life into a different world.
The romance "novels" I read are at times ridiculous, and always predictable, and sometimes a bit smutty. My bf refers to them as "book porn"...SO. What's wrong with a little shameless escapism every now and then.
Poke fun, call me stupid or uneducated, even un-enlightened or silly for my choice of fluff reading material...I'm still going to read them and enjoy them. I'll tip my fruity drink to you next time I open one up by the pool.

I read them, BUT i have standards! You wont catch me reading a "bodice ripper" or some story about a widower with a heart of gold and a huge bulge in his pants....I read romance novels that have substance.

Best ones?

Charlaine Harris southern vampire series, the Merry Gentry series (erotica) sherrilyn Kenyon

I love to read many kinds of books, and I do like romance novels, as long as they are not over dramatic. Lisa Kleypas has great novels, I will read anything of hers.

just like any genre, there are good ones and bad ones. to each her own. i like all kinds of books so i've read a few that were good and a few that weren't. i don't really think, though, that you can just generalize and call the whole genre trash just because its not for you, or you didn't like some that you read.