4 Reasons to Read Romance Novels: A Review of Lady Bridget’s Diary

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, getting “you go girl” winks from the older lady librarians. I’ve been less dedicated to the genre in recent years, but my love for it resurged after meeting Maya Rodale (and quickly bonding over all things romance novels and real life sex).

Hers is Regency romance like you’ve never read before.

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 you 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. Source

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 sexy reasons to read romance novels. Why? They help you have more intimate, adventurous, and fulfilling sex. Here’s how.

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.

Romance novels help get you in the mood.

The majority of women experience responsive desire. You need sexy things to happen first and then you get in the mood. The good news? Those sexy things can start in your brain!

To create this “erotic environment,” think about sex more. One great way to do this? You guessed it – read romance novels! The sexual tension and sex scenes put sex on your brain before it happens, helping 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. 😉

Romance novels let you extend foreplay throughout the day.

One of the top tools I give my clients are ways to have fit great sex into their beautifully full lives. Since people with vulvas need 10-40 minute of foreplay, that means finding ways to make it part of your day. So when you do have alone time with your sweetie, you’re body is already a little primed to get it on.

It’s easy too: read romance novels on your lunch break and your commute. Thank goodness for audio and e-books, eh?

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 women, hearing their partner express their appreciation and desire for you is just as sexy sexier than any new toy, trick, or sex position. And believe me – Darcy does that particularly well.

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 (sexy times optional but encouraged). You might not attend balls, but you can schedule a fancy date night somewhere besides your favorite neighborhood joint.

To summarize:

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? Click here to treat yourself.

Your Partner in Passion,

Kait xo

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.