I have a confession: I love to read romance novels. I grew up surrounded by my mom’s collection. During college exams, I’d visit the podunk town library to rent a giant stack, garnering winks from the older librarians. I’ve been less dedicated to the genre in recent years, but my love for it resurged after meeting romance author Maya Rodale. We quickly bondied over all things media vs real life sex. Then I devoured her books. Then, I wrote this! Read on to learn about the benefits of reading romance novels and the one that brought me back into the fold.
Romance like you’ve never read before
IMHO, we’re living in the golden age of romance novels. There’s so many different sub genres and tropes to choose from. The genre is more diverse than ever—though we’ve got a long way to go. Plus, platforms like Booktok are bringing more people into the genre than ever.
One of my favourite things about Maya’s works are their modern slant. Think: heroine’s with agency (despite her novels being set in the early 19th Century), inclusion of LGBTQ characters, and super steamy sex scenes.
That’s why I was so excited to read her latest book, Lady Bridget’s Diary. It’s based on Bridget Jones’ Diary with a dash of Mean Girls. Basically, it’s everything I ever wanted to read in a romance novel.
Here’s the official description:
Lord Darcy is the quintessential Englishman: wealthy, titled, impossibly proper and horrified that a pack of Americans have inherited one of England’s most respected dukedoms. But his manners, his infamous self-restraint and better judgment fly out the window when he finds himself with the maddening American girl next door.
Lady Bridget Cavendish has grand—but thwarted—plans to become a Perfect Lady and take the haute ton by storm. In her diary, Bridget records her disastrous attempts to assimilate into London high society, her adoration of the handsome rogue next door, her disdain for the Dreadful Lord Darcy and some truly scandalous secrets that could ruin them all.
It was loathing at first sight for Lady Bridget and Lord Darcy. But their paths keep crossing…and somehow involve kissing. When Lady Bridget’s diary goes missing, both Darcy and Bridget must decide what matters most of all—a sterling reputation or a perfectly imperfect love.
Beyond immensely enjoying it’s wit, pop-culture shout-outs, and did I mention the steamy sex scenes?!, Lady Bridget’s Diary reminded me of all the benefits of reading romance novels.
Benefits of Reading Romance Novels
Reading romance novels help you escape
You know that when one of you is stressed, you both suffer. Romance novels are one great way to unwind, de-stress, and relax. When life feels uncertain, shitty or tense, their guaranteed happy ending + set formula help you get out of your head and escape into the fantasy of happy ever after.
This is the biggest reason I prefer Regency romance – the balls! the gowns! the euphemisms! the gents in tight breeches! *ahem*
Plus, the geeky, shy, quiet girl always wins, often by accepting, loving on, and being herself. If nothing else, Lady Bridget will inspire you to be yourself and tell society, and others’ opinions, to sod off.
Read more: How to Reconnect at the End of the Day
Romance novels help get you in the mood
Many people, especially women, experience responsive desire—they need sexy things to start happening before they feel in the mood. The good news? Those sexy things can start in your brain!
To create this explicitly erotic environment, think about sex more. Romance novels are one great way to do this! The sexual tension–nevermind the sex scenes themselves—keep sex at the forefront of your mind. This, in turn, helps you get in the mood more quickly!
Speaking of sexual tension, Lady Bridget and Darcy have it in spades. There’s clandestine kisses (duh), brooding looks (also duh), and when they finally get it on…let’s just say the book lover in you will swoon. 😉
Read more: 11 Ways to Get Turned on Fast
Romance novels let you experience foreplay throughout the day
These days, we all have beautifully full lives. The questions then becomes: how do you fit sex in with all your other responsibilities?
One way is to enjoy foreplay all day. That way, when you have alone time with you partner(s), your body is primed. It takes less time and energy to get into it, leaving you more capacity to just enjoy yourselves!
Read more: How to Increase Your Libido When You’re Too Tired
Here again, romance novels make it easy. Read or listen on your commute, your lunch break, while making dinner, or even while doing mundane tasks like data entry.
If the slow burn between Bridget and Darcy isn’t enough to get your heart racing, their rendezvous in the butler’s pantry will. And not only because of the aforementioned clandestine kisses. Those are fab, but it’s the dialogue that really gets you. For many, hearing their partner(s) express appreciation and desire for you is just as sexy sexier than any any new sex toy, tip, trick, position, or act. And believe me – Darcy does that particularly well.
Read more: How to Get Your Partner to Talk Dirty
Romance novels inspire new ideas
Whether you read romance novels set in 1820s London, outer space, or Times Square, they’ll include some sexy new idea for you to try. This is especially true of romance novels written recently where you see characters asking each other what they want and exploring what they like together.
So while you might not find yourself caught in rainstorm while riding in a curricule through Hyde Park, having a picnic in a secluded part of your favorite park is a fabulous date idea. You might not attend balls, but you can schedule a fancy date night somewhere besides your favourite neighborhood joint.
Want to uncover all of your desires?
0,So…You Think You’ve Tried It All?Romance novels help you have more intimacy, exciting, and fulfilling sex
And if that isn’t a good reason to indulge in one, I don’t know what is.
Want your own copy of Lady Bridget’s Diary?
Lady Bridget’s Diary was provided to me by Maya Rodale in exchange for an honest review. If you want to support Passion by Kait, then please do make your purchases via the affiliate links in this post.
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