Ashlyn Chase | Do Romance Novels Have Value?

Because I’m a romance writer, you can probably guess my answer to the question, “Do
romance novels have value?” Of course I believe they do! I suppose if I were strictly mercenary
I’d still say something to the effect of, “Well, duh. It’s a multibillion dollar business that
outsells all other genres.”

But my feelings go much deeper than that. You see, I get fan emails saying things like, “Your
sense of humor got me through a difficult time.” Or, “I know I can count on your books for an
uplifting ending. I need that right now.” Even my own story begins with a similar experience.

I was raised by intellectuals. I had never read a romance novel, yet I was taught to think of
them as “trash” and far beneath anyone with a brain. That’s the very definition of prejudice. I
prejudged a whole industry without investigation.

Then my life took a challenging turn. My parents became terminally ill at the same time. As an
RN, I was able to take care of them so they could remain at home as long as possible. It was
one of the most difficult things I’ve ever taken on. Fortunately, another nurse handed me a
book and just said, “Here. Read this.” I’m glad I didn’t know it was a romance novel, or I would
have politely refused it.

Before I forget to say this, thank you, Diana Gabaldon, for writing Outlander, and thank you,
Pat Rugg, for loaning it to me. That book was my guilty pleasure. When my parents were
sleeping or had visitors, my nose was in that book. It was a welcome distraction from the
harsh reality of taking care of the people who had taken care of me—and sometimes in the
same way. Feeding them, helping them to the toilet, making sure they got their medication and
every other issue that needed to be dealt with. Watching the two people who had been my
lifelong stalwart supporters crumble and die was emotionally devastating.

Yes, a romance novel got me through it. The interesting thing is that I didn’t realize I was
reading a romance novel until I was well into the sequel! It was extremely well written with
complex characters and a situation that required inner strength to overcome. I was
transported to another world. What a gift!

My parents were my last patients. I had to take some time for myself and went to work in a
garden center, breathing in the fresh air while watching green things grow. It was a nice
antidote…and so was writing.

I wanted to pay it forward, and I thought I could begin to do that by writing what I now loved to
read. I must say that my first novel was pretty bad, but it still had value as a learning
experience. I had to learn how to write—to walk before I ran—and I learned from experienced
authors.

We know that what we write isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But for those who need a little
love and hope in their world we romance writers try to offer something toward that end. I love
what I do. Writing romance helps me to express my creativity in a way that nursing never
could. Writing has been as good for me as I hope my books have been for others.

So, yes, naysayers… Romance novels have value. A lot of value if you count the many authors
like myself who receive thankful emails every day. It’s okay not to like romance. It’s not okay to
prejudge and condemn the genre as having no value.

For those who still think of romance novels as “Bodice rippers” or “Damsels in distress”, think
again! Our heroines are tough, smart, and sexy—equal to their heroes.

In More than a Phoenix I had two brothers who were best friends, roommates, and worked in
adjacent fire houses—meaning they oftentimes backed each other up. As close as these
brothers were, their paths to romance were worlds apart.

Unless you’re one of the millions of readers who already love the genre, I hope you’ll take a
chance on romance. The only rule is, a romance must have an uplifting ending. Who can’t use
one of those?

MORE THAN A PHOENIX by Ashlyn Chase

Phoenix Brothers

What do you get when you take Two phoenix shifter brothers Throw in one powerful witch And one...monkey shifter?

Mallory Summers is losing it. She's discovered she can talk to dead people—and she might be able to shift to monkey form. Firefighter Dante Fierro knows the quirky beauty isn't crazy—just supernatural. But what would she think if she knew his secret?

Hothead Noah Fierro has his own sparks flying with gorgeous ER doctor Kizzy Samuels. While the attraction is mutual, so are the supernatural secrets. With this much sizzle going on, how do you not get burned?

Fighting fires is easy... Finding love is the hard part.

Phoenix Brothers series: Hooked on a Phoenix (Book 1) More Than a Phoenix (Book 2)

Romance Paranormal | Paranormal Romance [Sourcebooks Casablanca, On Sale: September 25, 2018, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 978149264552 / ]

Buy MORE THAN A PHOENIX: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Powell's Books | Books-A- Million | Indiebound | Ripped Bodice | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR

About Ashlyn Chase

Where there’s fire, there’s Ash

Ashlyn Chase describes herself as an Almond Joy bar. A little nutty, a little flaky, but basically sweet, wanting only to give her readers a satisfying,entertaining experience.

She holds a degree in behavioral sciences, worked as a psychiatric RN for several years and spent a few more years working for the American Red Cross. She credits her sense of humor to her former careers since comedy helped preserve whatever was left of her sanity. She is a multi-published, award-winning author of humorous erotic and mainstream romances.

She lives in beautiful New Hampshire with her true-life hero husband who looks like Hugh Jackman with a salt and pepper dye job, and they’re owned by a spoiled brat cat.

Strange Neighbors | Flirting with Fangs | Boston Dragons | Phoenix Brothers

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK

Comments

21 comments posted.

Re: Ashlyn Chase | Do Romance Novels Have Value?

You certainly took a winding road to your romance writing career. Even with
librarians, romance doesn't get the respect it deserves. I was the children's
librarian in a small county library. I ordered the romance books. No one else
would admit to reading romance. Oddly enough, they read Nora Roberts, J. D.
Rob, Diana Gabaldon, and many more who are romance authors. As with
anything else, there are good and not so good practitioners of the trade. It has
always been case of finding the good ones and spreading the word.
(Patricia Barraclough 12:52pm September 28, 2018)

i love romance books always been my favorites
(Vickie Couturier 6:30am September 28, 2018)

I've never thought there was anything wrong with reading
romances. Sometimes you just need the escape of a sweet
story. Good luck with your new book!
(Mary Songer 5:17pm September 28, 2018)

I prefer books that end with the sense that "they lived happily ever after." Just listen to the world news and you hear too many sad stories. A romance book helps me to escape to a more upbeat side of life.
(Anna Speed 12:31pm September 29, 2018)

Romance novels are one of my favorite genres along with
cozy mysteries which has romance, of course. I like to
see what entanglements the couple gets into and then how
long it takes to get straightened out. Reading romances
is better than watching RV because you get to fill in the
blanks and read between the covers and maybe know what
lines are going to come out of the main characters mouths
before uttered.
(Alyson Widen 1:23am September 29, 2018)

PNR is my favorite but if the book sounds good I will read it.Love the cover and can't wait to read!!
(Jennifer Beck 7:50pm September 29, 2018)

I read romances because they always end well. I need all the
happy I can get
(Melanie Rosen 11:43pm September 29, 2018)

I could not agree more that they have value and a great deal. Books are like friends and I go to certain ones when I need them. they are all romances.
(Debra Guyette 7:28am September 30, 2018)

I'm a romance lover, especially PNRs!
(Jana B 1:47pm September 30, 2018)

I love the idea of a monkey shifter, and dragons are always
fun. I've read romance novels since I was 13, because I love
a happy ending and enjoy the journey the characters take to
get there.
(Janie McGaugh 4:49pm September 30, 2018)

Ooh I really like the sound of this book... love paranormal romances.
(Colleen Conklin 6:12pm September 30, 2018)

I have two failed marriages behind me and I'll freely admit I never had much romance in my life. I started reading romances in my late teens and I'm now 66. I don't care who knows that I read romance books. I actually read all kinds of genres so I've pretty much got everything covered. Books have always been an escape for me, from a lousy childhood to lousy marriages. So I owe a great deal to authors like you who have kept me sane over the years. I always enjoy your books and they have a place of honor on my keeper shelves.
(Linda Henderson 7:17pm September 30, 2018)

Thank you for sharing your story. Love his TATTTOO! Perfect for the series.
(Debra Wolsleben 9:48pm September 30, 2018)

I read many genres, but romance is always on my list. It has gotten me through dark places and brightened good places.
(Sharon Mitchell 9:59pm September 30, 2018)

I love reading romance novels because they always have a happy ending.
(Linda Hall 10:13pm September 30, 2018)

I started reading romance in high school. I love Outlander too.
(Cynthia Cook 11:41pm September 30, 2018)

Romance novels are my favorites ones,this sounds like a
really good read for me
(Vickie Couturier 5:45am October 1, 2018)

I'll read anything as long as it has romance, any genre of
romance but romance none the less.
(Maria Dalmau 6:28am October 1, 2018)

If romance novels don't have value, why do so many of us read
them? Romances have gotten me through many rough times in my
life.
(Glenda Martillotti 12:16pm October 1, 2018)

If there isn't a happy ending whether in book or movie it
makes me feel irritated and let down.
(Amber Niebaum 2:15pm October 1, 2018)

I HAVE HEARD OF WOLF, DRAGON, AND BEAR SHIFTERS. THIS UNIQUE TO HAVE A MONKEY SHIFTER. SOOUNDS LIKE IT COULD BE A FUN READ WITH A SERIOUS TWIST.
(Diane McMahon 2:28pm October 1, 2018)

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