ABSTRACT
Romance novels, more often than not, boast an ‘alpha male’ as hero; for example, a burly and rustic cowboy, a desirable millionaire, or any number of other professions, ranging from lawyers and doctors to firemen. These novels, it seems fair to say, must have something to say about men and masculinity. For the Romance Writers of America, a romance novel consists of two parts; firstly, ‘a central love story,’ and secondly, ‘an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending’. The popular romance is, as the Romance Writers of America have noted, the largest portion of the book market, outselling mystery, both classic and science fiction, and even inspirational and religious books. Given the glorification of the male body, maleness, masculinity, and male sexuality in romance novels, it is somewhat surprising that critical studies of men and masculinities have yet to take a serious interest in these novels.
