What assumptions and judgments do you make about romance novels and their readers?

I used to assume they were both shallow and low value for intellectual growth. Not sure I had much judgment, thankfully, and I no longer harbor these wildly wrong assumptions. I have attempted to explain on this blog and in conversations how and why I value this genre so deeply, so unexpectedly. I’m still processing, still allowing it to transform me in the best and most bonding ways, still seeking the words to express it all.

Sierra Simone has relieved me of that last burden. She has released her Misadventures collection in a new, single bound edition. It will be my fifth ever romance print purchase, all because of her Letter to Readers. In it, she explains the value of romance better than I ever could. I took screen snips of the Amazon text sample from the letter, to share here and document my endorsement. It just makes me beyond joyous that writers feel more and more brave, safe, and validated to express these deep, universally human stirrings. Their expressions resonate with, summon, and connect to that profound inner sense and knowing that our culture would sooner have us conceal and repress.
No more, we can say. BOOBS OUT, All In, Own It.

Onward, my friends. This is very healthy movement.