At what age is it suitable for teens to read romance books?

[Erica]

I really want to start reading romance books... I'm 15, and I consider myself mature for my age. (I know everyone says that, but I seriously do.) My mom has let me read books like Tom Clancy - Without Remorse, books by John Grisham, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, and etc. But I wouldn't mind something sappy so I have a quick little page turner in between heavier reads like ones I previously mentioned. She is very open with me about all things sexual, so I assume that she would be okay with me reading smut books. We have very honest conversations with each other, and she treats me like an adult. I really want to read books by Catherine Anderson. I'm wondering if you think that she is a good author to read? I have read excerpts of her books and I really like them. Please let me know what you think.

[Katie]

Catherine Anderson is pretty good, and her books are not very sexual in nature to be honest. I started reading romance novels younger than you, and I don't think anything is wrong with it. The only thing I would say is that romance novels did give me an unrealistic view on how guys really are...for example, most romance novels have a "bad boy" and a "good girl" who changes that said bad boy. As long as you can separate fantasy from reality in terms of romance, then all is well.