Why I Read Romance When the World Feels Heavy

Theresa Wilson
4 hours ago
4 min read

Dear Reader,

I read romance. Always have, always will. It’s my genre of choice, my constant companion, and the lens through which I process stories and emotions. But some days—especially the heavy ones—romance becomes more than entertainment. It becomes a quiet anchor, a space to slow down my racing mind, and a reminder that hope, comfort, and joy are still possible.

When Life Feels Heavy

Cozy setting with an open book, candle, flowers, and a camera on a table. Shelves of books in the background add a warm ambiance.

When I say “heavy,” I don’t mean the everyday stress we all face. I mean the days when my brain is going a million miles an hour, when emotional exhaustion weighs me down, and when depression and anxiety make even the simplest things feel impossible. On these days, reading doesn’t magically fix everything—but it helps. It slows the chaos, offering even the smallest reprieve.

Some days are darker than others—when I feel numb to almost everything, unable to feel joy, sadness, or even interest. On those days, even my favorite books may not spark an emotional reaction. Yet, I still reach for them. Knowing I once loved a story—or that I will again—creates a quiet tether. The act of opening the book itself is grounding, reminding me that even when my mind feels distant, there is still a connection to something meaningful.

Romance as Comfort and Hope

Romance books give me what other genres rarely can: happy endings, hope, and comforting predictability. I always know someone is going to get their HEA, and that certainty is grounding. On days when life feels overwhelming, that reassurance—this promise of resolution and happiness—is exactly what I need.

Cozy scene with a book, fuzzy socks, and a cup of tea on a shaggy rug. Warm colors create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Dark romances, surprisingly, can also serve as comfort—but in a different way. Den of Vipers, for example, has become a “dark comfort” for me. At first, that sounds crazy—how can an intense, high-stakes story be comforting? But reading it now doesn’t drain me; instead, it focuses my mind. One of the things I love about this book is how Ryder, Garrett, Kenzo, and Diesel, who initially try to intimidate Roxy, gradually see that she is just like them. That realization earns her their respect—and ultimately, Roxy realizes that while she thought she wanted to escape, she doesn’t really want to leave. She finally has everything she’s ever wanted: the freedom to be completely herself, and four people who love her for exactly who she is. This is just my perspective, but it’s what makes this book feel so powerful and comforting to me.

Of course, my ultimate comfort series is Highland Brides by Lynsay Sands. Currently 12 books (with another on the way hopefully!), I’ve probably read them all a dozen times. What draws me in every time is how each heroine is strong, clever, and capable. Many face threats—kidnapping, danger, or attempts on their lives—but they don’t sit around waiting to be saved. Some of them are the ones who save themselves, and only then do the men step in to finish the job. I love how the men respect the women’s abilities, take their opinions into account, and never try to stifle them or make them “behave like ladies.” Again, this is my view, but it makes me adore these stories even more.

My Favorite Tropes and Why They Matter to Me

Certain tropes just click for me—they feel comforting, exciting, or familiar in a way that suits my reading style and emotional needs.

I love plus-sized female main characters. Seeing characters I can relate to makes a story feel more personal, more fun, and sometimes even a little empowering.
I adore cowboy romances—there’s something about wide-open landscapes and slower, simpler lives that helps me breathe and escape at the same time.
I enjoy boss/employee romances for the tension, the push-and-pull, and the quiet thrill of complicated love.

These are the stories I reach for again and again, whether I need comfort, focus, or just a moment of joy. They aren’t universal truths—they’re my truths. They help me navigate heavy days and give me a little piece of happiness to carry forward.

The Aftermath of Reading

Cozy scene with an open book, hand holding a page, stacked books, and a candle on a window ledge. Sunflowers in a vase, rain outside.

How a romance makes me feel after reading depends entirely on the heaviness of the day. On truly dark days, I often feel nothing—and that’s okay. On slightly heavy days, I feel calmer, grounded, and more present. The story can gently lift me, keeping me from slipping further into darker mental spaces. This subtle effect might seem small, but it matters. Even just a few chapters of a familiar comfort read can act as a soft reset, helping me feel more in control of my emotions and perspective.

Reading for Myself

Sometimes, I feel like I should be reading something more serious or “worthwhile.” But I don’t. I read for myself. Romance—whether light, dark, high-spice, slow burn, or comfort—is what works for me. My reading exists for my joy, my mental health, and my escape, and it doesn’t need to meet anyone else’s standards. This is permission I give to myself every time I open a book.

Reassurance for Fellow Readers

If you’re reading romance while struggling, know this: it’s okay. You don’t need to hide it or apologize for it. If a story helps you cope, gives you hope, or simply slows your racing mind, that’s all that matters. Find your people—friends, online communities, fellow readers—who validate your love for the genre rather than nitpick it. Most people outside of romance simply won’t get it, and that’s fine. What matters is that you get it, and that it works for you.

Why Romance Matters in Heavy Seasons

Ultimately, romance in heavy seasons isn’t about distraction—it’s about care. It’s about stepping into worlds where hope wins, love triumphs, and endings are satisfying. It’s about allowing yourself to feel—or simply to exist in a safe, predictable narrative when your own life feels anything but.

For me, romance is comfort, focus, hope, and permission to feel. Whether it’s the chaotic intensity of Den of Vipers, the warm familiarity of the Highland Brides, or stories featuring my favorite tropes—cowboys, plus-sized heroines, or office romances—these books provide a pause, a breath, and a reminder that even heavy days can be survived.

If you’re reading romance during tough times, know that you’re not alone. What books do you reach for when life feels heavy? Are there comfort stories you revisit, or darker romances that help you focus? Share your favorites in the comments or on social media—I’d love to hear what keeps you grounded.