Why we love a Bad Boy


There is an increasing trend in YA and NA romances featuring girls who fall in love with “Bad Boys”.  Readers want the dangerous, sex-driven boy who can’t live without their girl. The boy who finds lust and anger go hand in hand. The bad boy who isn’t afraid to tell the girl he can’t be without her even if that means hurting her over and over again. 
There is a reason why readers find this content so engaging. It is because readers love the bad boy redeeming arc. Psychologically our minds tell us that when a person treats us bad and then becomes nicer over time our relationship has grown, it has evolved. So, when the bad boy starts off as a rude, angry, ass then becomes the boyfriend who appears devoted to the girl, readers find it appealing material to read. There is also the fact that readers like to believe love can change a person, make them behave better. In an idealistic world it would be great if the serial cheater stopped cheating for the girl he just met. I personally don't mind the "bad boy" in romance unless there is domastic voilence or other seriously messed up things happening in the relationship.  

What are your thoughts? 

What do you like about bad boys in romance? 

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