Meryl Sawyer
pointed out that man's best friend is a dog, yet diamonds are a
girl's best friend. As she says, "it just goes to show you the
intelligence gap between the sexes!" All joking aside, romance
readers love to find animals in their books. Quite a few authors
have even devoted series to their favorite pets. Whether they are
cats, dogs, ferrets, horses, rabbits, pigs or hedgehogs, the animals
in the romances we've recommended are friends, substitute children
and matchmakers. Whether they offer humor or pathos to a story,
these furry, feathered or finned friends contribute sincerity,
honesty and emotion to any story!
Animals often play a
significant role in novels. Characters in their own right, they add
humor or emotion to a story in a clever or poignant way. Dr.
Doolittle wished that he could talk to the animals, but that
wouldn't have been necessary with some of the romances listed
below–more than a few of these animals on this Recommended
Reads do talk! Whether you're a cat, dog or horse person, you'll
find all of these romances utterly charming…and you may even
find yourself becoming a ferret, shark or mongoose admirer!
What's The Appeal?
When W.C. Fields quipped "that any
man who doesn't like children and dogs can't be all bad," he was
reacting to those scene-stealing little critters. Who can blame him
for not wanting to share the limelight? He's right! No one forgets
an animal when it has been added to a good book!
Often, an animal
will enhance the character of a hero or heroine. They give the
character someone to talk to. Sometimes, animals are a perfect foil.
Just think of all those miserable lonely "bad boy" heroes. What
would they ever do without their dogs? Or, try to imagine a witch
romance without a familiar (traditional black cat or not…)
Romance isn't the only fiction that features animals that play an
integral role in the plot. You name the genre–mysteries,
Westerns, fantasy, sci-fi (even horror) and plenty of memorable
animal stories will come to mind. Why? Animals enhance the emotional
level of a book. They are often attributed with characteristics that
humans are uncomfortable expressing.
And they can be so funny!
Who will ever forget Johanna Lindsey's flatulent cat, Jayne Ann
Krentz's dog that walks around carrying his dog dish or Rachelle
Nelson's alcoholic horse.
Romances offer animals a special
role–that of matchmaker. They unearth a secret (sometimes a
bone) that brings a couple together.
A few books feature the
animal's point of view, a fascinating and unusual way to tell a
story. The talented author who makes a reader experience a dog's
heightened sense of smell adds a new and unusual dimension to
romance (especially in the shape-changing stories).
Most of us
like animals, have pets or have had them. Our pets are silent and
loyal. They love us no matter what (as long as we provide food,
warmth and security). Be they lions, tigers, or bears–Oh,
my!–animals can add joy to any story!
-Kate Ryan
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