In a recent podcast interview with a dashing host, the host asked me,
Why do you write Romance? Which is women's fiction?
And so I got on my soapbox.
I explained that Romance isn't women's fiction. The genres are different and if you don't think so, your media literacy needs a good polish. The genre's can and do overlap but after my soapbox was all finished---I finally answered his question.
I write Romance for two, possibly selfish reasons. One of which is so I don't have to repeat myself when gay men ask me, "what are you looking for?"
My fiction back catalog will contain all different kinds of relationship exploration, from community care, to class acceptances and consent, to what having a loving relationship with more than one person is like. My Romance's don't shy away from tough questions and situations. Ableism. Abuse. Trauma. Neglect. Friends taking advantage of you. Affirmations and what that looks like. Complex questions about sex and boundaries. and, in my latest book, book bans.
I also examine internalized ableism, etc.
If you're new to Romance, I'd recommend Long Shot by Kenedy Ryan. It's a tough read, but I figure you need tough reads because you don't understand the genre anyway so I need to hit you with something tough.
For a lighter read, you should read Sick Kids in Love.