New preference unlocked

A coworker loaned me a book earlier in the week. It was a "thriller romance", and though I have always hated romance novels, I agreed to read it because I like this coworker and didn't want to make her feel bad.

Well.... I finished the book in three days lol. It's no masterpiece and definitely not gonna change anyone's world, but it was pretty entertaining, and though it was basically like reading a soap opera, I liked how easy it was to read, and of course I got a kick out of the spicy scenes. 🤣

So yeah, I guess I'm a bit of a romance fan now. I ordered 2 romance novels to give the genre more of a try. I get obsessed with things, so I started studying the different tropes in romance books, and I seem to be drawn to the following:

- forced proximity (where the two main characters are forced to share a space)

- cinnamon roll male main character (the opposite of an "alpha" dude)

- plus sized female main character

- 'He falls first'

- 'He takes care of her'


I don't believe romance or "love" exist in real life, so reading romance is kind of like reading fantasy for me. A cute little escape that doesn't require me to think too hard (normally I read the most dark, intellectual, existential literature I can find, so it's nice to give my brain a break).

Any recommendations appreciated!