Romance Novels Like Pride And Prejudice Novels & Stories

At the bottom of the shelf, though, were a handful of romance novels—in English, no less. I pulled out a historical romance by a favorite author of mine. I hadn’t read this one, and I’d already finished the one romance I’d brought with me. I was a total bore and preferred to read printed books still. Probably because they smelled nice. If e-readers could let out a puff of new-book scent, though, I’d buy one in a heartbeat. “The Seduction of Miss Emily Morris,” Olivier read over my shoulder. “That rather gives the plot away, no?”

“Why have I never heard of this?” “I went there during summer holidays, since I needed money at that time. My father was just laid off, and my mother was down with leukemia.” Myka gave a self-deprecating smile. “Sounds cliche, doesn’t it? Most female leads in romance novels have the exact same tragic story as mine. They sell their bodies to get money for their family members, and then they run into domineering CEOs. “Unfortunately for me, I’m not you nor those female leads. I didn’t run into Kieran and Titus. I sold myself to an old man for money.

"I believe it has its own value. I've always had a passion for reading and writing." Grandma Ellie jumps in, eyes sparkling. "Oh, how wonderful! I love literature. Do you have a favorite author, dear?" I smile sincerely upon her excitement. "I'm quite fond of Jane Austen. Her insights into society and character are timeless." "Ah, a classic choice," Harold puts in, nodding appraisingly. "Pride and Prejudice is a masterpiece." Rebecca leans back in her chair, swirling her wine glass reflectively. "Personally, I find those stories a bit dull. All that talk of manners and marriage prospects. Don't you think, Pamela?"

"Well, sometimes I watch T.V. I like, well, love to read. So I do that a lot when I'm alone." "Like what? Romance, crime thrillers?" I shrugged. "Sometimes. I really like the classics. Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, George Elliot (who was a woman, by the way). I also like the Russians, like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. 'War and Peace' is amazing." "You've read 'War and Peace'?" "Yeah, twice. It's excellent." I cocked my head. "How about you, what do you like to read?"

I scoffed. "I love reading too. I mean I read novels and that's reading," I clarified and he chuckled. "The difference is, while you read novels, you recall because it's more about a boy and a girl. A prince charming and a princess and then the princess finds her prince charming and they live happily ever after, isn't that it?" He said and I shook my head in disbelief.

“The novel’s title is Shocking Shocked, and it tells the story of a guy who was electrocuted after disclosing shocking news?” I bit the bottom of my lip. “Well... It’s one of my favorite novels.” She slapped herself across the forehead. “Dainty! We should not read novels like these. I assumed you were interested in romantic novels, so I let you read books, and then I’ll know that you’re reading about terror and murder novels?!” My mouth was closed. What can I do if I’m not a fan of romance novels? Horror, mystery, and psychological stories are my favorite, and not romance. When I read a romantic novel, my whole body convulses. They simply do not appeal to me.

It was a shame the library didn’t take into account situations when a reader couldn’t return books due to health issues. I had to admit, my mother had good taste. I had read these books myself and especially loved Little Women and Dandelion Wine. I had always thought she preferred women’s romances — passionate dukes, charming princes, delicate ladies. Well, I was wrong, and apparently there was still a lot about her I didn’t know. I now had a rough idea of her taste, yet I couldn’t understand why I hadn’t asked which books she had already read and which she hadn’t.

"You like mysteries?" "Sometimes." "Better than romance novels?" My face heated. Had he seen me looking at that shelf? Had he been watching? "Much better," I said firmly. "Romance novels are... unrealistic." Something flickered in his eyes. Amusement maybe. "Are they?" "Yes. All that instant attraction and forbidden desire and enemies becoming lovers. It doesn't work like that in real life." "Doesn't it?" The way he said it—the slight emphasis, the look in his eyes—made my stomach flip.

He turned to answer something another person said, and she was left reeling a bit. Get it together, girl. This high school crush needed to go away. Maybe she should take a break from all the romance novels. The idea made a bit of her wither. Romance novels had gotten her through her divorce. They gave her hope for a better future. She got to escape her sad reality with each turn of the page. But Benjamin wasn't going to be like a character in a book. He was a real man with flaws and all. She'd do well to remember that her last fairy tale ending hadn't worked out so great for her.

Ruby sighed to keep her laughter at bay. Pride and Prejudice is certainly a good book. Ruby also enjoyed it, but it’s a romance novel. This was the first time Ruby had met a man—especially one like Ed—who willingly admitted to liking that book. “Precisely because it’s so different. I enjoy it. It’s simple. There is no need to burden my mind. Light and warm. It reminds me that sometimes people only need simple things to be happy. It's akin to a fragment of a captivating vision that you can perpetually cherish.