The Reader's Report--Survey Results Are In!
Compiled by Barbara McCauley

The Winners

Crystal Broyles won the sparkling red shoe ornament.

Jennifer Yates won the black and white ornament

Patti Rueb won the Santa ornament

All winners also receive an autographed book. Congrats, ladies, and thank you to everyone for visiting my site and for answering the survey questions.

After gathering the answers of these twelve questions from readers around the world, there's no question about it: ROMANCE READERS ROCK. There's also no question that women (and yes, some men, too!) understand that books about loving relationships are good for the mind, the body, the soul, and of course, the heart. These readers dare to dream and believe in the power of love. My most grateful thanks to all of you who took the time out of your busy days to answer this survey.

QUESTION NUMBER ONE: What is your favorite, all-time, have to tell everyone, romance novel?

These answers were so varied and numerous I can't list them all! Several of you responded that you simply couldn't pick just one. I will list a few of the answers that were most often repeated.

“Gone With the Wind,” by Margaret Mitchell

“The Thornbirds,” by Colleen McCullough.

“ Wuthering Heights ” by Emily Bronte

“Whitney My Love” by Judith McNaught

“To the Ends of the Earth” by Elizabeth Lowell

“The Flame and the Flower,” by Kathleen Woodiwiss

“The Gift,” by Julie Garwood

“After the Night,” by Linda Howard

QUESTION NUMBER TWO: Do you remember the first romance novel you read?

45% of answers were, “I don't remember the title, but I was hooked.” Other replies stated, “I was lost to the world,” or “Loved the happy ending,” or “I couldn't wait to read the next one.” I think my favorite was, “Each one is like finding new friends who I really care about.” I know exactly what she means!

52% of readers remember the title of the first romance novel they read!

The number one book that readers said was the first romance novel they ever read was “Shanna,” by Kathleen Woodiwiss. ( This was the first one I read, too!)

The number two book was “Jane Eyre,” by Charlotte Bronte.

The third highest scoring answer was, “It was a Harlequin novel, but I can't remember the name.”

The authors most commonly listed as a readers first romance novel are: Victoria Holt, Georgette Heyer, Rosemary Rogers, Jude Devereux, Barbara Cartland, Bertrice Small and Danielle Steel.

QUESTION NUMBER THREE: How did you happen to read your first romance?

29% said they received their first romance novel from a family member. Of these 27%, I broke the answers down even farther, in order of most common: 34%--Did not specify relationship. 32%--My mom. 21%--My big sister. 12%--My grandmother.

One reader said, “I sneaked it from my cousin.” Two readers said they sneaked it from their big sister.

26% I don't remember.

11% A friend gave it to me.

10% I got it from the library.

8% I just bought it..

6% I was curious.

5% It just naturally grew out of my love of reading.

3% From a book club.

2% Misc. answers, including, “I won a copy on the web,” “A librarian suggested it,” (Everyone give a big cheer for librarians!) and my favorite one , “I found it in a drum in the barn.” Now that's a story!

QUESTION NUMBER FOUR: How many books do you read a month?

27% 2-4 books a month.

20% 4-8 books a month

17% 8-10 books a month

25% 10-20 books a month!

11% Over 20 books a month!!

One reader summed it up, “I simply love to read, I always have.”

You aren't alone, my friend!

QUESTION NUMBER FIVE: How many of the books you read are romances?

(“Are there any other kind?” several readers commented.)

50% of responses --100% of the books I read are romances!

35% “ “ 90 % “ “ “ “ “ “

11% “ “ 75% “ “ “ “ “ “

21% “ “ 50 % “ “ “ “ “ “

8% “ “ 35% “ “ “ “ “ “

12% “ “ 25% and less “ “ “ “

QUESTION NUMBER SIX: Do you read more or less than a year ago?

More —36%

Less— 32%

Same— 30%

Comments included, “I read less since having my two year old. I think you can figure out why.” I certainly can!

Also, my favorite, “There is so much bad news, it's good to read something about people and love.”

QUESTION NUMBER SEVEN, PART ONE: Why do you read less?

Time— 47% read less because of time.

Cost— 38% read less because of cost.

Other— 15% read less for reasons including more time on Internet, watching television, they feel the books are same-old and a few brave souls are even reading less because they are trying to write a romance. Go for it!

QUESTION NUMBER SEVEN, PART TWO: Why do you read more?

75% --More time (oh, what a wonderful thing!)

20% --More money (another wonderful thing!)

5% --Discovered lending library and e-books.

QUESTION NUMBER EIGHT: What would encourage you to read more?

42% --Lower Price

32%-- More Time

7%-- Different Format (Such as audio, ipod)

7%-- Better Books

6%-- Miscellaneous, including, more energy, bigger print, books more accessible and available and get rid of my computer.

My favorite reply: “If I had a nanny!” and my second favorite reply, “If I could get paid to read and not have to work.” I'm signing up for that job!

QUESTION NUMBER NINE: List three of your favorite characteristics in a hero.

The Top Three ( in order)

1. Sense of Humor
2. Strong
3. Rugged

Other top contenders were: Lone Wolf, Wealthy, Smart, Handsome, Sexy, Dominating.

A couple of my favorite comments.

”I love a strong, seemingly heartless man and he's silently burning for the heroine.” Sigh. Me, too.

“I want a man with a soft side that only the right woman can bring out.” Ditto that!

QUESTION NUMBER TEN: List three of your favorite characteristics in a heroine.

The Top Three (in order)

1. Feisty.

2. Independent.

3. Sense of Humor.

My favorite comment, “Heroine doesn't need a man, but she wants one.”

QUESTION NUMBER ELEVEN: Which three words describe the type of novel you enjoy most?

Top Three Answers

•  Humorous.

•  Sexy.

•  Emotional.

Other top answers were suspenseful, believable, exciting and fast-paced. (one clever reader made up her own word—actionated!)

Comments I enjoyed were, “I've always loved fairy tales.” (me, too) “A happy ending.” (yep, that's three words and pretty much says it all.)

QUESTION NUMBER TWELVE, PART ONE: Do you believe that romance novels can improve a woman's sex life?

This question generated the most enthusiasm and response of all!

76% said YES!

12% said no.

12% Misc., including, not necessarily, depends on who you're married to, hope so and can't hurt.

QUESTION NUMBER TWELVE, PART TWO: Do you believe that romance novels can improve a woman's marriage?

70% said YES!

15% said no.

15% were not sure.

Because this is the question that seemed to “spark” the reader, I would like to end by sharing several of the comments.

“It brings back some of the old fire you thought had died down…”

“I've read of things I would never have thought of myself.”

“Feeling good can improve every aspect of your life and a good romance novel can make you feel so good.”

“You betcha!”

“Yes. My husband loves my reading hobby.”

“I've learned a few tricks from the erotic romance books I've read.”

“YES. YES. YES!”

“Oh, yes.”

“It's been good for my sex life and my marriage.”

“Yes, by opening up my imagination.”

“Gives me ideas to spice up the bedroom.”

“Definitely. We're never taught about sex. Romance novels are like the primers.”

“Definitely yes!”

“Definitely. I am living proof of that.”

And there you have it, my fellow romance readers. I had a wonderful time with this survey. Like the books we all read, you made me laugh and feel good and touched my heart. Thank you all for sharing your thoughts with me.

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