I love to relax with a romance novel: handsome heroes, gorgeous settings, conflict, and, of course, lots of sex. But the most appealing aspect of the the romance novel for me is the strong woman heroine. The women in romance novels aren't pushovers waiting nervously for some man to come along and rescue them. They're spunky women who do things. They may fall for the hero in the end, but they make sure it's on pretty equal terms and the guys love it.
The women in romance novels are excellent role models. Don't we all want our daughters to be secure in themselves and their careers before choosing the man of their dreams. Romance novels offer a guide for how to have your man and not lose your identity in the process.
In my novel, Summer's Story (available from Red Rose Publishing), Summer has two men eager to help herget her horse, Meadow, to the races. Rather than give up her independence, Summer trains Meadow herself. Once she's secure in her ability to handle the job, she teams up with the guys, but she never lets them rule her life.
I see this pattern in most romance novels. That's why we choose them. Who wants to be depressed? I want to see women as winners.
