7 Essential tips on life and love from romance novels

Think romance novels are just for entertainment? Well, think again! There are plenty of solid life-lessons to be learned between the pages of your favorite romance reads. For example:

Animals know the REAL you
When animals don’t like you, you need to accept the possibility that you might not be a very good person. It’s a fact! Animals (and kids) are the best judges of character you’ll ever find in the real world. The same can be said for romance land. Don’t believe me? Check out Rachel Gibson’s It Must Be Love. The hero, Joe, has a parrot who hates all the women he brings home...until he meets the heroine, that is. Yep, that’s right: the bird knows Gabrielle is Joe’s soul mate before Joe does. (Which makes it sound like Joe’s an idiot, but trust us, he’s not. The bird’s just a really good judge of character.)

And on the darker side of romance, the dog and cat in L.E. Wilson’s Blood Submission knew Dante was a decent guy way before we did. Turns out they were right.  

(Note: you can check out our full review of Blood Submission here.) 
 
Love doesn’t discriminate
Just like in the real world, people from all walks of life fall in love. No matter what your quirks, flaws, or emotional baggage might be, there’s someone out there just for you. And just like in real life, it’s not only the perfect, Barbie-and-Ken-like couples that end up together in romance novels. For proof, check out the 11 most deliciously imperfect heroes and heroines in romance today. 

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One rotten apple doesn’t spoil the bunch
Having a bad experience with love (or many bad experiences) doesn’t mean you should give up on it altogether. For example, in the latest bestseller from Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, if the heroine, Bridget, had given up on love after tragically losing her husband, she would’ve missed out on a great (and very, very sexy) thing with Simon, the hilarious and hot British doctor who pulls a fish hook out of her ass at their first meeting in the ER. (It’s a long story. Just read the book. Trust us; you’ll love it)

Long-story-short: There’s a Simon out there for all of us, ladies. He might not be a British doctor, but he’ll be just as good for you.  

(Note: Stay tuned for our full review of Dear Bridget, I Want You, coming soon!)   

A good heroine can save her own damn self
Ladies, be masters of your own destiny. You don’t need a big strong man to save you. Don’t believe us? Ask any of the 12 most badass heroines in romance today. ‘Nuff said. 

Ladies first (and sometimes second and third and fourth)
Chivalry isn’t dead. At least, it shouldn’t be. Especially in the bedroom. Ladies first is a real thing, guys. Romance heroes know the score on that front. These guys don’t know the meaning of “one and done,” and they always make sure their ladies are, um, satisfied before they are. If you don’t believe us, check out the huge selection of our reviews. We defy you to find one that features a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am hero. Go ahead and take a peek. We’ll wait...  

Whatever you’re into, you’re normal
Are you into bikers? Heavily tattoed heroes? All things taboo? Whatever you’re into, it’s cool. You’ll find enough people just like you between the pages of your favorite romance novels to let you know you’re perfectly normal.

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You can’t judge a book by its cover
Just like it’s a terrible idea to judge people on appearance alone, we can attest to the fact that you’ll miss out on some great romances if you judge books by their covers. Take Nora Roberts’ The Witness, for example. This book is one of the best romantic suspense reads to ever grace my Kindle. The characters are complex and well-drawn, the plot is intricate, the pacing is perfect, the dialogue snappy and fun. But if I had to guess what it’s about by looking at the cover, I’d think it was...I dunno...a book about nature hikes? The story of someone who went to the woods to witness what went on at a remote fishing hole? Regardless, judging The Witness by its cover does it a great disservice. (Spoiler alert: It’s not about nature hikes and fishing holes!)

On a side note, I was able to convince the Design Dude to check out The Witness. Word on the street is that he's been very impressed so keep on the look out for his dude review soon. You can also check out our picks for some of the most awesome, trend-busting romance covers here.

What about you, folks? Learn any great life lessons from romance novels lately? Share with the class! We’d love to hear from you!

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