I bet most guys wonder: Do women actually expect this to happen in their lives?

I must admit, I have been reading my fair share of this category of books lately. I always have, but more so recently.

Of course, I have been reading them for the purest of reasons - my focus is on common themes running through the genre.

The plots are similar: Most female protagonists have been single most of their lives or had short-lived relationships that lacked fireworks. Then one day, this man walks into their lives, whether he is who they had envisioned themselves falling for or not. In all senses of the phrase, he rocks their world completely.

I believe women read these novels to escape. If we are in a relationship, we are probably reading them for pure entertainment. They help us imagine how life can be every once in awhile. Or the novels provide suggestions on how we can spice up our relationships.

If the woman reading is single, there could be a few reasons why she is indulging herself with these books. She might be reading so she can have a sense that someday it'll happen for her. Maybe, one day, Mr. Right will walk into her life and shake it up like she'd never expected.

Then again, she might be having a cynical moment and is reading them merely to laugh, because there would be no way in this world or any other that this would actually happen to someone.

Or maybe, just maybe, women are reading these girly books because we don't want to put much thought, if any, into the story line. For me, at least, it can be exhausting to read thought-provoking book after thought-provoking book. Sometimes, my mind needs a vacation, and these books are just the ticket.

Then again, I think there is that hopeless romantic in most women, so men might want to take note. Maybe they should tear the front cover off or wrap it in brown paper, but men should try reading one of these novels. They could end up understanding the female psyche a little more than they ever expected.

• Amy Gaisford can be contacted at ames22581@yahoo.com.