A Male Perspective on Romance Novels
Today, on Anatomy of the Male Mind, we have “Jack Russell” visiting, who’s going to give us his perspective on a romance
novel. “Jack” will pop in throughout the day to answer any burning questions you might have for him.
Meet Jack:
Age: 55
Region: Midwest
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Status: Married
Reading Preference: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Suspense/Action, Fiction
Tracey: Have you ever read a romance novel? If yes, what type (romantic suspense, romantic comedy, historical)?
Jack: I’ve only read two romance novels and they were categorized as romantic suspense. So it’s fair to say that my book choices don’t really lean toward the romance genre. I did enjoy both books, however.
Tracey: When you purchased the book, did you know it was a romance? If not, what drew you to the book (cover, back cover blurb, author’s name)?
Jack: No, I didn’t realize it was a romance. I was definitely drawn to the book by the cover, which is typical for me unless I’m in a store looking for a specific title or author. One of the romance novels was in a stack of my wife’s books. She is a huge fan of historical romance and it’s not unusual to find books in every corner and flat surface of our home. The cover didn’t look like her usual covers, which may be why I picked it up to take a closer look. The author’s name (female) and the title of the book filled the cover changing from black to red as the letters moved toward the bottom of the page. The last word of the title rested upon yellow and red flames. It caught my attention enough to read the back cover. The story-line seemed interesting. Homicide investigator teams up with an arson investigator to track down a serial arsonist murderer who ends up stalking the investigators — I couldn’t resist.
The other book I actually took off a carousel display of new paperbacks at a bookstore, not realizing it was a romance. Similar to the other book, the cover contained the author’s name (female) and the title of the book. The title was written in white letters behind a shattered opaque window on a background of pale blue/grey. The letters were very clear where the glass was missing and slightly blurry where the glass remained. The story-line on the back cover described a suspense plot that involved a female criminal prosecutor, an ex-police officer neighbor with a secret background and an unknown assailant who was attempting to kill the prosecutor. These are the types of stories that interest me when I’m in the mood for a suspense novel.
Tracey: What did you think of the male character in the book? Did the character act like a man would?
Jack: The male characters in these books were believable for the most part. They were portrayed as intelligent, determined men who also had a calm, softer side. However, I think they were more introspective about the developing relationship with the main female character than I think most men would be given the circumstances described in these stories. They certainly weren’t wimpy men, but I’m not sure a man who is focused on protecting and surviving would be in the right frame of mind to analyze a developing relationship. I believe this type of analysis is difficult enough for most men and normally happens after the relationship has matured. In other words, after sex moves a little further down the guy’s priority list. The two male characters in these books were in their mid-thirties. It did seem unlikely that they would have been able to intellectualize their emotions in the manner and detail described by the author. At the time I was reading the book, however, these thoughts were not a distraction for me.
Tracey: Rate your level of enjoyment (1-10, 10 highest).
Jack: I think a rating of 7 would reflect my enjoyment level.
Tracey: Tell us what you liked about the story and what you didn’t.
Jack: I liked the intrigue and suspense created by not knowing who the “bad-guy” was and what his motives were. I also enjoyed the action and pace of the story. The action was physical. In both books, the characters moved from one location to another in pursuit of, or being pursued by, the arsonist and assailant. The stories weren’t violent by most standards, but they did included physical confrontations and some gun-play.
In regard to my dislikes, you may expect me to say the parts of the stories that described the developing romantic relationships, but that wasn’t the case. Many of the fictional books I read include the development of a relationship between the main character and the opposite sex. However, sometimes these relationships never move beyond satisfying physical desires and sometimes the characters decide they’re not ready for, or they’re incapable, of entering into a committed relationship. The relationships don’t always end with “happily ever after.” For me, this unknown adds to the intrigue of a story.
Back to your question regarding my dislikes; I really don’t recall disliking any aspect of the books.
Tracey: You might not be familiar with romance subgenre lingo, but what do you think the difference is between a regular romance novel, erotic and porn? Is there a difference?
Jack: Great question. I should preface my response, though, by admitting that I know very little about romance novels. I believe my wife told me that romance novels require a happily ever after ending. If that’s the case, I would guess erotic and porn do not. In general, however, these terms have very different meanings to me. I believe romance is the means by which we express our love or significant interest in another person. It serves to draw two people together and creates and nurtures an emotional bond. Erotic, is the steamy physical expression of love or intense attraction, which culminates or nearly concludes with sex. For me, it implies the build-up of sexual tension created by the intense desire for physical contact. Erotic has an edge and heat with one or both partners focused on drawing out and intensifying the pleasure being given. Porn on the other hand, seems to only depict the visual or written rendition of sex with very little, if any, need for romance, intimacy or the build up of sexual tension. I think pornography is one of those things that is hard to describe, but you know it when you see it.
Tracey: Would you purchase another romance? Why? Please be specific.
Jack: I would read another romantic suspense novel with a similar plot to the two I’ve read. I didn’t feel as though those two stories focused more on the romance than the suspense and action of the plot. But your question was, “would I purchase another romance?” You turned up the heat with this question. The straightforward answer is, probably not. In my “guy mind,” “real men” don’t read romance novels. “Real” men don’t even linger in the aisles of the romance section unless they’re standing with their wife or girlfriend. I know that’s a huge stereotyping and sexist opinion, but the litmus test for most men in determining acceptable male actions or reactions is–would I tell my “guy” friends? How would they react to knowing? Would they say, hey that’s cool so do I? Or, would they beat me up with it every time we get together until the day I’m buried? I have no doubts over my “guy” friends’ responses.
Tracey: Have you ever set a book back down when you realized it was a romance?
Jack: Answering this question may also get me in trouble. I related earlier that the two romance books I read I only picked up because they didn’t look like romance books and because of the story pitch on the back cover. Other than those two books, I’ve not picked up any others because the cover or title usually makes them very recognizable as a romance book. In truth, if I had noticed the words “Romantic Suspense” written on the spine of the one romantic suspense book that I did purchase, I probably would have set it back down for two reasons. One, I would have second guessed my original belief, based on the storyline on the back cover, that I would like the book. Two, I would have felt awkward taking the book to the counter believing that the cashier would find it amusing, to say the least, that a man was buying a romance book.
I understand that my response to these last two questions may place me in poor light with your readers. I actually consider myself to be a progressive modern day male fully comfortable with the broad range and intersections of the male and female genders. And, in no way am I a “macho guy” but I have adopted the belief that romance books are written by women for other women with the intention of eliciting a woman’s emotional reaction to the romantic side of the story. Therefore, even though I enjoyed the two romance books I’ve read, my “guy” mind focused on the action and suspense of the story, not the nuances of the romantic relationship.
Tracey: In general, what do you think of romance novels? Why do you think romance novels hold the largest share of the consumer book market?
Jack: Actually, I’m very surprised by the statement implied by your second question. I didn’t know that romance novels held that title. They obviously have a broader worldwide appeal than I realized. In response to your first question; “In general, what do I think of romance novels?” I certainly think they merit an equal status in the literary world. I don’t consider them to be fictional stories less deserving of readers and fans. I believe good books touch something within us, stir emotions and evoke response and internal debate. Therefore, by virtue of their popularity, I would say that romance books are doing what good books do. Romance books, however, probably won’t be my first or second choice when I’m looking for a book to dive into, because my reading preferences lean toward different genres. I’m not going to say never though. I may, some day, pick up that one book or read that certain author that hooks me.
Thank you, Jack, for stopping by today! Okay, readers, it’s your turn to delve deeper into Jack’s male mind. Have fun!
Please join Kelsey on Friday to hear what Agent Lois Winston has to say about balancing the Writer and the Internal Editor.
(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...
Jack, welcome to RU! We’re so glad you could join us. I’m curious about what you believed the substance of a romance novel was before you ever read one.
Also, it sounds like you would read a romantic suspense again, if you liked the back cover blurb, as long as the cover didn’t convey to the entire bookstore that it was a romance, right?
Tracey, in truth I thought romance books were stories about men and women falling in love and living happily ever-after, without much substance in between. I must have developed that opinion from my first blush reaction to the book covers and titles; women in flowing gowns with bare shoulders, men with bare chests and great abs ( I’m hugely jealous of the great abs), and titles emphasizing passion, desire, secret rendezvouses, rogues and mistresses. And you’re right, as superficial as it may seem I wouldn’t buy another romantic suspense book if it had the obvious look of a romance book. Sorry, it’s a guy thing.
Hi Jack,
(love the pic)
I’m going to remember that litmus test- would I tell my guy friends? Boy, says a lot!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Interesting but not too surprising.
Kit
Not too surprising? hummm! Thanks for taking the time to comment Kit and best of luck with your writing.
Jack
Hi Jack…thanks for contributing! Always interesting to hear a guys point of view! I enjoyed reading your article and got a chuckle at your not buying a romantic suspense novel partially because the check out clerk might find it amusing. =)
If you were surprised by the fact that romance novels hold the leading share of the book buying market, can I ask what type of book you thought would?
thanks for your input today!
carrie
Carrie, my guess would have been what I call suspense novels, books comparable to those written by James Patterson, Jack Higgins, Dean Koonts, Harlan Coben and other authors. I have to admit, however, that I read a lot of these types of books and probably was predisposed to believe that I read the most popular books. I’ve just learned another lesson about making assumptions.
Jack
Hi Jack,
Thanks for sharing your perspective with us. I think that most women would agree with you that men are not that introspective about relationships until they are further into them, but romances are fantasy and most women love that strong sensitive guy.
You’re welcome Kathy. How about strong, sensitive and complex? If that works for women I’m one for three. Thanks for commenting.
Jack
Hi Jack. Thank you for being here today. I enjoyed your answers. If we do that peer-pressure thing can we talk you into reading another romance (that we choose) and have you report back? I promise we’ll pick one that is “guy-friendly.” LOL!
Hello Adrienne. I enjoyed the interview with Tracey and learned much more than I knew about romance books through the process. I think it’s only fair that I read another romance book that you choose and I would be very happy to report back. Could you do me one favor though? Please send it in a plain brown wrapping.
Jack
LOL. It’ll be our little secret!
Hi, Jack, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. LOVED your definitions of romance-to-porn! I totally agree with you! Well said! Wish the industry would use those gudelines!
Madelaine, based on your comment I would guess that you’re a writer. Thanks for adding your thoughts and good luck in the future.
Jack
What a terrible thing to do to a dog! Dress him in a colorful tutu! Often Jack Russells are taken on African hunts where they try to finish off a 2,000 pound kudu by latching onto the snout after the huge animal has been shot.
BUT, I look forward to more insights into the male mind.
Wes
Wes,
I agree with you! I believe the picture is a stock photo posted by the RU staff to introduce a little humor into the interview. My dog is a Boxer mix and I personally would never dress him in anything that I was unwilling to wear.
Best Regards,
Jack
Dear Jack–a wonderful interview! Love the get-up. It’s a shame men won’t darken the romance aisles of book stores, but I understand, that’s the way men are. Perhaps men could learn something by reading romance novels, but then, it’s difficult to change a man’s mind about anything much, if you don’t mind my saying so. On the other hand, when I’m writing, sometimes I ask my dh to review a chapter or a passage for some certain thing. Well, then, I learned he has his own definite ideas about romance and love. I’ve even changed a portion here or there, according to his advice. So, while you say romance is not your favorite thing, I do know you and all other men are just romantic push-overs underneath. We do love our men. Celia
Thanks for the comment Celia. You’re right. I know I’m a push-over for romance. Unfortunately we let the responsibilities and stress of daily life get in the way too often. I know I was the interviewee, but may I ask a rhetorical question, do you think women initiate romance often or are they mostly the recipient?
Jack
Howdy, Jack!
Sorry to be commenting so late! I enjoyed your interview and chuckled several times (especially since I’m currently living with a Jack Russell terrier that would take my arm off if I tried to dress her in luau attire
.)
My question is this: how would you feel if your wife marked a love scene passage in a romance and heavily hinted that she’d like to “try out” the action? Would your masculinity be threatened or would you think “hey, whatever works!”?
Thanks for being with us and tell your wife thanks as well!
Kelsey
Hi Kelsey, Wow! If other men are reading this, they will think I paid you to ask this question (lol). I would definitely be willing to play along. I believe masculinity starts and ends with how you feel about yourself. When the relationship is secure and the love is strong and the intimacy remains private there’s no reason to feel threatened. I also think that the “hinting” spouse or partner would need to trust the love and strength of the relationship enough to share the “fantasy” to begin with. I see a lot of win-win in this scenario.
Thanks,
Jack
Jack -
All I can say is I’m heading out to buy some bookmarks!
K-
Why am I not surprised! LOL. For those of you wondering, Kelsey writes amazing love scenes. We may have to have her do a post on the subject. Hmmm…
Kelsey, It just dawned on me that maybe my wife paid you to ask that question. When you go out for the bookmarkers could you pick up some highlighters for me. I like your thinking.
Jack
As I often write from first person in the male POV, this post was particularly interesting to me. Thanks for sharing, Jack.
Your welcome Linda.
Very interesting interview! I am now going crazy trying to figure out what those books were. My interest in mystery led me to romance, and I still like to read both. I think there is a fine line between mystery, suspense and romantic suspense. Think of Robert B. Parker’s Spencer books — those have a strong romantic element.
Jack – you might like some of these authors: Wendy Corsi Staub, Karen Rose, Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner, Allison Brennan, Lisa Unger, J. D. Robb, Jordan Dane and the like.
Thank you for the suggestions Becke. Perhaps I could give you a hint to help you identify the two books without making the RU staff nervous. You actually identified one of the authors in your list of suggestions. Does this sound familiar? “1, 2 I’m Coming For You — 9, 10 Start Running Again”? The initials of the other author are TTQ. Thanks again for the suggestions.
Jack
Question: Female romance writers usually have trouble making a guy character “sound and act” like a guy. What tips could you give on how to make a male character, in a romance, come across as perfectly believable?
Thanks for any tips you have!
Kate
This is a tough question Kate. I can’t offer any tips because I don’t read with the intent of analyzing the development of the book’s characters. I’m not a writer or even an aspiring writer. I could offer my opinion given a specific scenario, but there may not be a “one size fits all” approach to creating male characters. Your question would be a good question for a female author who has the know-how. Sorry that I couldn’t be helpful.
Jack
*sigh of relief* Thanks, Jack – mystery solved! I’ve also read the first book and I highly recommend that author’s most recently trilogy. I haven’t read the other author, but I know who you mean. I have that book in my to-be-read pile; I’ll move it to the top!
Jack,
If your workload gets too heavy advising on the male perspective, particularly our sensitive, caring sides, you can toss some requests my way. Possibly you agree that our needs are really very simple, and they are easily satisfied just by loving a woman as she was meant to be loved and cherished.
Wes
PS: How do I get my pic posted here? It’s not like me to ask; I’m really quite shy.
Wes – our primo web guru, Jeannie Ruesch, advised us to set up an account on http://www.Gravatar.com and upload a pic or avatar. Once you do that, it should associate your picture with the email address with which you registered. As long as you use that email address when you post on RU, the site should show your picture. Voila!
Best,
Kelsey
Thanks, Kelsey. Looks like it worked.
Wes
Great – nice looking horse! (And guy, of course…)
A post by Michelle Buonfiglio that our readers might be interested in based on Jack’s post today: http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Unabashedly-Bookish/Mantastic-Voyage-Guys-And-Romance/bc-p/342575.
Jack: You’re not the first guy to tell me that he doesn’t know what makes a man a man…he just knows when one isn’t. Ah…and they say us ladies are a mystery. I will search elsewhere for the secret.
In the meantime, thank-you for a wonderful discussion. I have enjoyed.
Kate
Touché Kate! It was a great comment. Good luck with your writing.
Dear Jack,
well, OK, here’s some reaction from a male, as yet unpubd, romance writer. I too read (and write) SF and Fantasy, plus historical and techno-thrillers. I got turned on to the romance genre by reading a historical by Roberta Gellis. I quickly read everything else she ever wrote, and was only disappointed once. The woman knows how to research and how to make it personal. I’ve never read a better depiction of the disastrous retreat to Corunna by Sir John Moore during the Napoleonic wars, or why the English aristocracy hated King John.
Don’t sound like romances? I assure you, they are. But I was quickly disabused of the notion that all romances are as meaty, because, of course, they aren’t. For me there has to be something to the story besides the romance, and something more than a thin crust, or it falls apart. But there are still plenty to choose from.
More than 2 sex scenes in a book bore me. Tastefully done, please. No pulsating anything.
I have no trouble buying a romance that has a lurid cover, and which ones don’t these days, as long as the blurb and the first few pages promise something intriguing.
I do concur with your assessment that men in modern romances are over the top sensitive and introspective, but that’s today’s romance, a bit of fantasy for the ladies, but there’s a bit of truth there too.
I remember, yea those many moons ago….
Bart,
Thanks for taking the time to respond. I think you may be the perfect person to help Kate McHughes who posted a request earlier. She asked for tips on making a male character, in a romance, come across as perfectly believable. I’ve never given much thought to defining what makes a man a man. If you can offer her some tips I’m certain she would appreciate it.
I have to admit that I’ve learned some things about romance novels by participating in the interview and blog that have made me curious. Thanks for helping me set aside some of my previous biases.
Jack
Terrific idea, Jack.
If Bart has time to pass on some words of wisdom, I am eagerly listening.
Thanks!
Kate