Ending Romance Novels

The ending of a novel is important. A reader has invested their time and probably some of their money to read the book, and they deserve a satisfying ending. This is especially true in romance novels, a genre where readers expect happy endings. If a reader is not satisfied when they finish the book, they aren't likely to choose that author's work again.

However, the ending in a romance novel can be a difficult balancing act. On one hand, the ending shouldn't be too saccharine, melodramatic, or sickeningly sweet, which may turn off many readers. At the same time, it shouldn't be stale, dry, or just told without emotion. I have read too many novels with both of these extremes.

The best romantic endings involve the two main characters and show their emotions. Loose ends should have already been tied up. Normally, what is going to happen to them in the future isn't important. The reader wants to be in the moment and feel the happily-ever-after along with the characters. There are exceptions, of course, but they should be rare, because of some other factor and not a random choice. In a nutshell, the ending should make the story worth the readers' time and money.

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