Since I discovered romance when I was about twelve, I’ve been a voracious reader. There’s something about the romantic journey and the growing intimacy between a couple that hooks me, and I’m a real sucker for a happy ending. Some people call romances trite and predictable, but I find the predictability comforting. I like knowing the couple will end up together, and I live for the moment when they admit their love for each other.
I like romances where the couple openly state their love and say the three little words—“I love you.” I’m not as keen on romances where the main couple end up happy-for-now and there’s a hint the relationship might not last. For me, it’s important the couple commit to each other. In all of the books I write, the featured couple admit their love and say, “I love you” because that’s the way I like it.
What about you? Do you need the main couple to state their love or are you fine with merely a happy ending and the implication that they love each other? Are the words important?
As someone who grew up without the words being said, I find it does make a big difference to have the words voiced. The real heart-felt words, not the fake Hollywood kind. So, yes, I like my story characters to DECLARE. :lol:
Flash 55 – Earthquake
One Single Impression – Running
I agree, it”s important to hear the words said. Actions that go with the words, such as commitment and loyalty, are important as well.
Interesting. While I do like the love to be there, sometimes it’s okay with me if it’s not said right away. Esp. if there is a saga and the h/h have more story to tell in the next book. But I love you is certainly important.
I’m like you…the couple has to state somewhere in the book that they love each other..but that is for stand alone books only…if it’s a series book, I don’t expect them to come out with the “I Love You” statement right away..I realize that they have to develope a relationship…but somewhere before the end of the series, there needs to be an “I Love You”.
Interesting…
As a woman, I want the words said to me, but as a reader, not so much.
As a reader I am absorbing an entire episode in their lives where their actions should speak for themselves. And if the actions show it, I don’t need to see the words. I’ll be feeling it.
I want the couple to declare their love out loud in the book before it’s ending. I read romance books for the HEA’s I don’t want to wait for three or four books to hear it either. I don’t like to read romance books that are series about the same couple if the series is about different couples then I really enjoy them.
I’m okay with ongoing stories leaving out the “I love Yous”. A lot of the time part of the tension of ongoing stories is the will-she, won’t-he commit so a declaration would spoil the conflict.
And yes, I definitely need the actions to match up with the words. I mean anyone can declare their love, but it’s their actions and emotions that bring color and meaning to the words.
Words are important but showing how you feel is even more important.