Why More Men Are Reading Romance Novels: The Surprising Self-Care Trend You Didn’t See Coming
It turns out that more men are getting cozy with a good romance novel these days—and it’s not just a guilty pleasure tucked behind a more “manly” book cover. Romance novels have evolved beyond the Fabio-adorned, galloping white stallion covers of yesteryear, and a surprising number of guys are embracing this literary genre for its emotional depth, compelling characters, and, let’s face it, some healthy escapism as part of their self-care. This quiet but steady trend you may not have heard about was brought on by none other than the pandemic. These readers have always existed as part of the consumers of the romance genre, but the pandemic triggered something of a pivot that’s stuck.
The pandemic saw a surge in book reading in general, and romance novels were no exception. NPD BookScan reported a 24% increase in romance book sales during the first year of the pandemic (2020). A surprising number of new readers drawn to romance during this time were men. According to a 2017 survey by the Romance Writers of America (RWA), about 18% of romance novel readers were men. Though there are no current survey numbers, publishers in the romance novel space all agree that the number has significantly grown, with one estimating it to be closer to 30%.
What Defines Romance from Other Genres?
Readers in this space generally cite two rules a book must meet to qualify as romance. First, the story centers around the relationship (and its development) of 2 or more characters. Any personal character development is secondary to the relationship development, though one often has to happen for the other to occur. And the second is that the book or series ends in a committed, positive relationship—what fans affectionately call a “Happily Ever After” (HEA) ending. In some modern romances, especially in serialized formats, you might get a “Happy For Now” (HFN) ending, where the relationship is in a good place, but the future may still be uncertain. No tragic or unresolved endings here!
Some of the Reasons Why this Pandemic Phenomenon is Sticking Around
1. Subverting Gender Stereotypes
Many of these stories subvert traditional gender norms. Whether it’s discovering vulnerability or engaging with emotional experiences, men are seeing relationships and emotional intelligence in a different light. According to the Romance Writers of America (RWA), around 82% – 90% of romance authors are women, so male readers often get a women’s perspective on these and other topics that they wouldn’t otherwise get. The genre offers a refreshing take on human connection, which appeals to men looking for more than action or crime dramas.
2. Romance with a Twist
Not all men are picking up your classic bodice-ripper. There are many subgenres within romance, and they’re drawn to those with elements of sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, or even thrillers. Books that blend romance with action or adventure (think spy romances or supernatural love stories) are gaining ground. It offers that emotional payoff but still satisfies the need for suspense and intrigue.
3. Audiobooks and E-books Make it Easy
Platforms like Audible and Kindle have made it much easier for men to get into romance novels without worrying about judgment. Audiobooks, in particular, are popular, with men choosing to listen to romance novels during commutes or workouts. About 30% of male readers consume romance novels via audiobooks, making it easier for them to fit reading into their schedules. Plus, it’s discreet.
4. Romantic Plots with Male Leads
Romance novels are evolving to include male perspectives, and men are connecting with stories where male protagonists play a central role. Female authors write some of these perspectives, but male authors make up about 10%–18% of romance writers (though this number fluctuates depending on the subgenre). These books often explore emotional growth, overcoming obstacles, and building relationships—not so different from the journey many men experience in real life.
5. Book Clubs and Online Communities
There’s been a rise in online communities and even book clubs where men share and discuss romance novels. These spaces allow men to talk about the emotional impact of the books, and some are even discovering that reading romance novels has strengthened their own relationships. Reddit’s r/romancebooks has seen a massive surge in members, many of whom are men asking for recommendations on where to start.
6. Positive Mental Health Impact
Men are finding that romance novels offer more than just entertainment. The positive portrayal of love, conflict resolution, and emotional vulnerability can have a therapeutic effect and help men process their feelings and navigate relationships better. It’s a no-cost therapy session with a happy ending and a great alternative to doom scrolling on social media. Turning off the screens and turning to reading to seek comfort or distraction during a stressful time is a healthy way to give yourself self-care.
How to Get Started?
If you’re interested in giving romance books a try, you can do it with relatively minimal investment:
- Download the Kindle app to your phone,
- Head over to romance.io, a great website for searching based on tags to find books that interest you,
- Lurk on r/romancebooks for other recommendations,
- If you have a library card, download the Libby app to access thousands of free digital books through your library. You can import your borrowed books to your Kindle app.
So, if you’ve ever thought romance novels weren’t for you, it might be time to think again. With everything from supernatural love stories to spy thrillers, and a healthy dose of emotional growth and relationship wisdom, there’s something for every guy looking to mix up his reading list. Plus, with the rise of audiobooks and e-books, diving into a romance novel has never been easier—or more discreet. Who knows, you might even find a little self-care and stress relief tucked between the pages. After all, who doesn’t want a happy ending now and then?
