Romance in YA books

I came across this discussion idea from Blankslatersreads post called “What I Wish I Saw More of in Young Adult Books“.  She mentioned how she wished there was less romance in young adult books. Thus, it inspired me to write my thoughts on this topic.

I never really thought about how popular romance was in books until reading her blog post. I agree with her. It would be nice and refreshing to read more stories without the romance. Sometimes books seem to add in romance because that’s what the author thinks a reader wants even if the romance doesn’t tie in with the story what so ever.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a slow burning romance. I love getting little butterflies in my tummy because of a sexy love interest. I love watching the relationship grow and develop and mature. However, sometimes with love comes those dreadful love-triangles and insta-love. Neither are realistic.

Insta-love is not love, it’s lust. 9 out of 10 times in real life, the “insta-love” with fizzle out and is barely ever replaced with love. Insta-love makes me want to gag. It’s so annoying when a character is described as a loser and has never had a boyfriend then bam she’s in a relationship and they’re head over heels for each other. To me, it makes the characters less likable do to the immaturity and how naive they are to their actions.

Again, I do love romance so very, very much; however, I wish it wasn’t such a vocal point in books that don’t necessarily need it. What do you think? Yes to more romance or no?