Stepping onto the scene as a why-choose romance author, I’ve been met with all sorts of generalizations and inquires like: “Why-choose romance is all spice and no plot, right?” or “When there’s more than one love interest, there’s no time to develop real connections between the characters” or “Why-choose romances are too niche and there’s no place for them in the mainstream market.”
After discussing these topics at length, I can confidently say I respectfully disagree with all the above sentiments. Of course, every reader is entitled to their opinion and should read what they love, but if you’ve ever been on the fence about picking up a why-choose, partly because of the above-mentioned statements, let me see if I can convince you otherwise.
Unearthing Complex Emotions and Dynamics
For me, why-choose romance — whether contemporary or fantasy — is a magical balance of summoning a multitude of characters with vastly different traits and figuring out the best way to weave them together in a complex relationship dynamic. Naturally, as with most romance stories, there will be intimate encounters with each of the partners since it’s a consensual polyamorous relationship, but it isn’t the sole reason for the story’s existence.
The spice is definitely a fun aspect of any why-choose novel, but I’ve also found just as much raw human emotion and turmoil during writing these stories as well. These complex emotions are naturally unearthed when there’s more than one love interest for the main character, and it sets the stage for some incredibly deep scenarios that never would’ve occurred had there only been one.
In The Never List, my most recent why-choose romantasy, there are four love interests for my main character, Rylee. Her story is set in a fantasy world where this type of relationship is normal and expected, and the connections formed between her and each prince are unique to the characters.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all — these characters are as different as they come, right down to their opinions on how best to rule their realm. It’s an incredible responsibility as an author to ensure each connection is fully developed between the main character and each love interest, and I took a ton of care when doing that for Rylee. Her bonds with each of the princes is unique and they each bring out a different version of herself. It’s quite thrilling to explore all the paths that these relationships take her on while also watching new pieces of herself unravel during the navigation.
Women Reclaiming Their Power
Another thing I love about the why-choose genre and why I believe it’s fit for the mainstream audience, is the empowerment for the female main characters. In The Never List Rylee steps onto the page as a strong, assertive, sex forward woman, but she’s not opposed to garnering attention from four immortal god princes either. She’s dynamic, both a powerhouse and a princess in her own right.
I think there’s something incredibly relatable about that experience, both being a confident woman and one who has needs that can only be met by a perceptive partner or few. Plus, there’s no toxic masculinity or jealousy when it comes to the relationship — there’s only enthusiastic consent, unflinching support, and passion. The focus is all on her and what she needs, desires and envisions for a better future.
It’s empowering, to say the least, and I think there’s nothing more universal right now than women identifying people claiming their power, their worth and their time. They deserve it, even if it’s in fantasy form. And who doesn’t need a good fantasy every now and then to help inspire our reality as we take on the day-to-day?