10 Reasons to read romance

I started reading romance in high school. Both my grandma's had stacks, bags and bookcases full of different romances and I was fortunate enough to share a passion with them. It wasn't weird to swap books.  It was a unique situation where I could chat with my grandma about the characters, the emotions, the ending, and the quick escape into another world. I am a huge fan of lists. I make them all the time and as I'm making my way into the romance-writing world, I decided to create a list of the top 10 reasons I (and others) should read romance. 

Because romance is more than just "smut." 

1. Who doesn't like a good romantic comedy or chick flick?  Only with books, you can read at your own pace, whether it takes a week or three hours.
2. It's a field where typically women write for women. It's empowering and amazing. #girlpower
3. A book is more satisfying than watching a film. This might be just my opinion, but hey, I'm allowed. I prefer to picture the characters in my head. 
4. Romance gives the scrooge-iest person the feels. Most people assume the story is "will she get the guy?" but there is SO MUCH MORE. 
5. The escape. The brief moment of escaping reality and enjoying the life of characters. The best books are ones that stay with you days, weeks, months after you finish. Looking at you, Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. 
   
6. Who doesn't love love? 
7. There are a variety of genres available. Mystery? Regency? Suspense? Thriller? Cozy? Romantic Comedy? New Adult? Historical? Sci-fy? Time travel? Steampunk? Young adult? Etc. There are stories upon stories for the perfect genre you love. 
8. Authors come from any and all backgrounds. Some of my favorite authors were teachers, lawyers, producers, scientists, or professors before they became a full-time writer. Their experiences help create real-world issues and all readers find something they can relate to in the stories.  
   
9. Book boyfriends. They are a real thing and they are great.
   
10. And finally, Happily Ever Afters. They are the best. The romance genre is known for having a satisfying ending and who doesn't love a good ending?