I like romance, but I don’t like romance. Do you see the problem? Well, I have also found the perfect solution.
For a while there, I was really into Young Adult Paranormal Romance. The evidence is all over this blog and Goodreads, but I got tired of it pretty quick for the same reason I tired of chick flicks: there is one story. After a few (dozen) books, I recognized a definitive formula to all romance novels (they literally teach it at RWA conferences) and it just wasn’t for me.
Thing is, I still like love stories. I have a certain level of romantic in me that refuses to be denied. Despite an affinity for military history, Machiavelli, and Clausewitz, I am still a girl. It’s just bloody hard to find a love story I like.
Have long adored hardcore action stories, but I never wanted to be the hero’s girlfriend, I wanted to be his lieutenant. The one who survives to the end, saves his sorry hide when he gets in a fix, then ends up taking his place to outwit the Lannisters, defend Troy, or drive the Narens from Lucel-Lor, or lead the Rohirriam.
The solution to wanting a surprising, action-filled storyline that examines a wide array of relationships besides romantic (but still includes romance!)? For me it was—what else?—Epic Fantasy. The Tyrants and Kings series by John Marco had the perfect level of romance. Same with the Shadowmarch books by Tad Williams, Morgan Rhodes’ Falling Kingdoms and the Mistborn trilogy.
I especially appreciate how people in Epic Fantasy are a lot quicker to figure out when their romance isn’t worth causing the apocalypse—unlike people in some genres. *coughcough*
So if, like me, you crave complicated storylines, complex characters, and some swooning on top, allow me to suggest your local bookstore’s Epic Fantasy section. (In a wholly objective and unbiased manner, of course.)
Inkspelled Faery 
Or, if you mostly want to forgo the romance, but MIGHT (but not necessarily) want a hunk thrown in every once in a while for old time’s sake, try urban fantasy. The story line is supposed to be the focus – with kick-butt heroines and high action, great magic and the fate of many resting in the hands of the few, urban fantasy is a much-welcomed change from romance. I adore urban fantasy (and epic fantasy, too). Leave out the dewy eyes and wasted pages filled with dripping, predictable romance. Give me the unpredictable, please.
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“Thrown in for old time’s sake,” LOL. That’s one way of looking at it. 😉 And YES PLEASE to the unpredictable.
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Ha, ha, I so agree. I live in the epic fantasy section, and it’s why I wrote my stories in the first place — to have strong female characters who lead the action, with a little romance thrown in along the way. 🙂
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So it’s NOT just me! Love it when that happens.
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To me romance is an element I add to flavor my story and that’s it. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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Like wasabi: condiment, not the entree. 😉
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I think any time the whole story revolves around romance, you’re bound to get bored. I read a ton and several genres, but my favorite stories tend to have a mix of romance in the background. Barbara Hambly’s Silicone Tower series was one of my favorites from way back in the day.
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Exactly! Otherwise, it’s just emotions and sex and crying in the rain until the couple realizes love was there all along.
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