In honor of February a.k.a. the month of love, here are 5 things I love about Romance novels.

1. Romance novels are, by nature, character-driven which means there is usually a lot of character growth. In the beginning, characters have problems that need solving, as well as a ‘fatal flaw,’ some flaw in their personality that prevents them from being truly happy or feeling peace. By the end of a well-written romance, this fatal flaw is overcome and has even become a source of strength. That gives us readers hope that, in spite of (or perhaps because of) all our imperfections, we can be happy, too.
2. Witty banter is an element in all my favorite romance novels, with verbal thrusts and parries that reveals characters’ wit, intellect, sense of humor, and shows a great deal about their personalities. It often is a way for the characters to bond, not to mention it creates those deliciously fun sparks between characters. Many of those witty banter scenes are funny, and I love a book that can make me laugh.
3. Swoon-worthy moments occur in all my favorite stories as the hero eventually says or does something really sweet and romantic that leaves me swooning–or at least, sighing–along with the heroine. For a romance to work, the chemistry must be present, which can happen a number of ways, but the tender moments where the tough hero exposes his vulnerable heart and reaches out to the heroine is one of my favorite parts.
4. Sensory-rich kissing scenes are another must for a great romance. If the kissing scenes are too short and vague and devoid of sensory details, it feels sterile. A good kissing scene uses all five scenes as well as affects the characters’ hearts. The hero and heroine may and usually do struggle in the development of their budding romance even after that first kiss, but they are not quite the same after the kiss which propels the story and the romance plot forward.
5. Happily ever after is crucial to a romance. Let’s face it; if romances don’t have a happily ever after, it’s not a true romance. If they part ways at the end, the story is a different genre–it might be women’s fiction, adventure, suspense, mystery, etc.  but not a true romance. If one of the characters dies, it’s a tragedy. Included in that happily ever after is the villain getting his just desserts and the heroes achieving their goals, in addition to finding love together. Readers of romance, including me, expect and demand a happily ever after that helps us to sigh, smile, and have hope for the ever-desireable “love conquers all” long after we finish the book.

Did I miss something? What’s your favorite part about romance novels?