Romance has been part of storytelling since the Ugggh clan sat around the campfire in the Stone Age, and today the romance genre flourishes in many delightful forms.  But I think that historicals have something special that really says romance!    The dashing costumes are delightful even for those of us who would rather be shot than wear a corset.  The past is a great escape from everyday life.  We can return to times and places when Men were Men, Women were Women, and both probably needed a good bath.  *grin*  When we read historical romances, we aren’t thinking about the dark side of history.   My English ancestors were probably field laborers, but I read and write about lords and ladies, because it’s fun.    Of course, a certain amount of realism is required to anchor the story and give it emotional resonance.  Men who were raised with great wealth, power, and privilege run the risk of being arrogant jerks, which is why I so often torture my heroes.  It makes them better and more compassionate, so anything I inflict on them is for their own good.  Really.  Historical romance also allows for over-the-top plot elements like marriages of convenience,…