Is Happily Ever After Really Unrealistic?
One thing critics complain about when it comes to romance novels is how “unrealistic” they are. These complaints (which almost always come from someone who has never actually read a romance) have even gone so far as to claim that reading about couples falling madly in love, having great sex, and living happily ever after could be damaging to a woman’s psyche!
Seriously, can you believe anyone can say that with a straight face?
The bizarre thing is that you don’t hear anyone arguing that detective novels are unrealistic, or that they give men unrealistic expectations of their ability to solve crimes. You don’t hear anyone claiming that reading tragic books where the main character lives a miserable life of unrealized potential, sends anyone down the wrong path.
It’s as though someone decreed that having an expectation that life would be sad and depressing is HEALTHIER than an expectation that life holds the promise of love and fulfillment.
Really—think about it. That is MESSED UP, don’t you agree?
I write romances in which people fall in love. Yeah, they’re prettier and richer than the average Joe and Jane. My latest book RULES OF NEGOTIATION, stars a millionaire CEO nicknamed “The Slayer,” who sports a set of six-pack abs, and has broad shoulders, jet black hair, and crystal blue eyes. I’ll give you that there aren’t a whole lot of guys like him hanging out in singles bars. But the rest of it? The fact that he meets a woman and falls madly in love with her? The fact that, having fallen in love, he’d sacrifice anything to keep her?
No way. Not unrealistic. I think people fall in love all the time. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the vast majority of people know what it’s like to fall in love. (Unlike solving mysteries and catching serial killers. I’m pretty sure most of us have never done that!)
What about the part where my hero and heroine have great sex? (And they do, I warn you. More than once. ;-) ) Well, I’m not touching that one, but suffice to say I don’t think that is unrealistic either.
And the happily ever after bit? People are fond of quoting a statistic that 50% of marriages end in divorce. Doesn’t that mean 50% don’t? My husband’s grandparents were married for 70 years before Grandpa passed away. His parents are still happily married. My grandparents were happily married. I’ve been married for fourteen blissful years, and I fall more deeply in love with my husband every day.
So it is unrealistic? If you ask me, it’s not.
But what do you think? Do you think happily ever after is possible? How about falling in love? (I’m not sure I want to invite comment on the other point!) Leave a comment and be entered to win a copy of RULES OF NEGOTIATION, so you can judge The Slayer’s realism for yourself! Please leave your email address so we are able to contact you. This contest will close on 3/4/12... Good Luck!!
About Rules of Negotiation
He let her make the rules…
NYC’s most eligible bachelor, Brit Bencher, is also known as The Slayer for his reputation in the boardroom…and the bedroom. And he’ll do anything to take care of his family, even seduce high-powered corporate attorney Tori Anderson in the hopes of getting her to reveal confidential information about one of her clients. But for the first time in his life, he finds he’s falling for a woman.
…and then he started to break them.
After juggling the demands of her career and the stress of caring for her ailing mother, Tori Anderson doesn’t have time for relationships—but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to feel like a woman. When Brit offers a no-strings attached fling, it sounds like exactly what she needs. But what will she do when Brit decides he won’t take “one night stand” for an answer? When Tori uncovers his lies, will he lose his chance with her forever?
About Inara Scott
Inara Scott is a writer, lawyer, teacher, mother, and coffee-addict currently growing mold in the beautiful (but rainy) Pacific Northwest. Inara also writes for teens in her paranormal young adult series The Talents. Inara firmly believes in magic and fairy tales, and doesn’t think happily ever after is the least bit unrealistic.
Inara loves to hear from readers; you can find her on Twitter (@inarascott) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/inarawrites) far more than is healthy. For email contact information, event schedules, her blog, and much more, check out www.inarascott.com.
Hi Inara!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely I believe that happily ever after is possible... although I have yet to find mine, I still believe that it can happen:) I am definitely adding Rules of Negotiation to my wishlist... can't wait to meet The Slayer:)
yadkny@hotmail.com
I definitely believe falling in love is possible. However, it's the staying in love that takes work and time and trust. A relationship that endures and grows in time is so wrothwhile in providing happiness. Your book sounds like a great read and I think many people will be able to connect with it.
ReplyDeleteCambonified[at]yahoo[dot]com
I think happily ever after is certainly possible, I think falling in love is possible, and I also think that if romance novels are unrealistic, it's because "realism" isn't all it's cracked up to be. I have no interest in the riveting chapters of a relationship wherein a couple determines who is going to be in charge of cleaning the toilet. I'm not interested in reading about the couple going grocery shopping and debating the merits of frozen versus canned vegetables or getting all excited because they have coupons to use. Those are "realistic" elements but they don't make a good story! I have plenty of real-life realism, more than I could ever want- it's when I want something different that I turn to a book. Thanks for offering the giveaway!
ReplyDeletewhatbookisthat@gmail.com
HEA is real. I am happily married for more than 20 years and I love him more every day. As far as the other thing, I do think books that base the whole relationship on sex are unrealistic. But, it's a lot of fun to read. I don't think reading romance has damaged me but I have only been reading them for about 4 years so maybe it will damage me soon! jepebATverizonDOTnet
ReplyDeleteI believe in finding love and having a HEA. Depending on the couple, anything is possible. This story sounds great! Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway! Id love to read your book! :)
ReplyDeleteshadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
HEA is possible in real life, I haven't found it YET though.
ReplyDeleteIt fun to read.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I believe HEA in real life is eventually possible. Sometimes you have to go through a lot of frogs before you find the right person. Book sounds amazing. Can't wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletee.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Enjoyed reading the comments. I am always looking for new authors to read. I would like to read yours.
ReplyDeleteI think happily ever after is possible in real life. I enjoy reading about them in books.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I definitely believe in happily ever after. I fell in love with my husband at first sight at the age of 18, married him a week later, and have been very happy for the past 36 years. So I am living proof that it can happen.
ReplyDeleteayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net