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?
Related posts:
March 5th, 2010 at 4:58 am · Link
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.
Flash 55 – Earthquake
One Single Impression – Running
March 5th, 2010 at 5:27 am · Link
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.
March 5th, 2010 at 8:45 am · Link
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.
March 5th, 2010 at 10:48 am · Link
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”.
March 5th, 2010 at 11:08 am · Link
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.
March 5th, 2010 at 11:12 am · Link
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.
March 5th, 2010 at 1:17 pm · Link
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.
March 5th, 2010 at 1:18 pm · Link
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.
March 5th, 2010 at 4:57 pm · Link
Words are important but showing how you feel is even more important.