Everyone loves a Cowboy Hero. But what about an Outlaw?

 

The romance subgenre of western romance has captured the hearts of many readers with its rugged landscapes, strong characters, and tales of love in the midst of adversity. Let’s face it, the wild west was just that. Wild! There was a lot to overcome and we love reading about heroes and heroines falling in love while dealing with the day to day danger of living in the wild west! Over the years, the genre has evolved on a journey from classic cowboy romances to the alluring world of outlaw romances. After all, who doesn’t like a bad boy, even back then? And we all love a good redemption story!

The classic cowboy romance is characterized by its focus on the values of loyalty, hard work, and integrity. We love reading about cowboy heroes who embody the spirit of the Old West, with their Stetson hats, lassos, and unwavering sense of honor. Heroines are often feisty, determined women who can hold their own in a rough and tumble world. And of course, it’s why many of us love to write western romance!

But in recent years, the western romance genre has undergone a transformation, ushering in a new era of outlaw romances. Unlike their cowboy counterparts, outlaw heroes can be morally ambiguous, even anti-heroes, and heroines may find themselves drawn to these enigmatic figures. This shift has opened up exciting possibilities for exploring complex characters and unconventional love stories. I was in a boxed set where all the heroes were outlaws of some kind that found redemption. It was fun to write and I wouldn’t mind writing more stories like that.

So, what is it about outlaw romances that captures the imaginations of readers? It's the allure of danger, the thrill of the forbidden, and the chance at redemption. Outlaw heroes often have a dark past or questionable motive, making their journey to love and redemption all the more compelling. Readers are drawn to the complexity of these characters and the challenge they present to traditional romance tropes.

Outlaw romances might involve forbidden love, and the irresistible pull of the unknown. The heroes in these novels may be outlaws by society's standards, but they often possess a code of honor that sets them apart. Heroines find themselves torn between their attraction to these dangerous men and their own sense of right and wrong.

The evolution from cowboys to outlaws has brought fresh perspectives and complex characters to the genre. This journey has allowed readers to explore the multifaceted world of love, redemption, and adventure in the untamed West. So, whether you're a fan of classic cowboy romances or you're ready to embrace the allure of outlaw heroes, there's a western romance novel waiting to sweep you off your feet!

So hurray for Western Romance! You can check out the anthology I mentioned here.

 

Until next time!

Kit