Romance is the most popular type of fiction in contemporary literature, containing much more explicit sex than in any other mainstream genre. The novels do not necessarily portray weak women subjugated by men, but the 90 percent female readership participates in a virtual reality, which other fiction genres fail to focus upon.

Words and music are said to excite and turn on women more so than visuals. Explicit romantic erotica aimed at women can not, and should not be considered pornography. Women do not like to admit that they enjoy romance novels, but studies have determined that there is nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, romance novels have increasingly found their way into women’s studies and literature classes at various universities.

A good romance novel has, at its base, a conflict or challenge that must be overcome by either hero or heroine, and it’s getting there that’s half the fun. Most popular romance writers know how to craft a novel that incorporates action, character building, suspense, mystery, and yes, even a little sex or a lot, but that depends on personal taste.

A romance novel can be filled with hot and steamy scenes or gentle persuasions that cause readers to fall in love with heroes while the heroine stumbles around, blind as a bat, to all his good qualities. On the other hand, many a novel heroine waits impatiently for the hero to get it through his thick, stubborn head that she loves him.