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Blank spaces cass lennox5/20/2023 However, in asexual romance fiction, non-aligned libidos are the norm and the characters must work together to understand each other’s sexual and romantic desires, and to co-create a new space in which all can thrive. In allosexual romance novels, a libido mismatch signifies an underlying physical or emotional problem to be overcome by one or more characters. Except for ace-ace relationships, these novels therefore tread unfamiliar territory in romance fiction because the sexual desires of the main characters are not aligned. This corpus study of sixty-five novels explores four approaches adopted by ace characters when negotiating romantic space in an allosexual world: an open relationship with an allosexual a closed relationship with an allosexual a polyamorous relationship with two (or more) allosexuals or pairing up with another ace-spectrum character. They must navigate as outsiders an allosexual (non-asexual) world where sexual attraction is deemed normal, and where ace-individuals are pitied, assumed to be unwell, or suspected of having survived sexual abuse. Abstract: Recent years have seen a surge in contemporary romance novels with ace-spectrum main characters who, despite not experiencing sexual attraction, still yearn for romantic and emotional connection and their happily ever after (HEA).
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