‘Billionaire’ Fiction

~ beetleypete

One of the most disturbing trends in fiction, as far as I am concerned, is the popularity of so-called ‘Billionaire Romances’.
Here are some examples, found online.

As you can no doubt tell, these are novels about handsome young billionaires, and the women who try to be their lovers, or succeed in capturing their hearts. The men on the covers are buff, handsome, and suitably stubbly. They present the ideal modern-day package of manhood, as long as that comes with having billions of dollars or pounds in the bank too.

Until recently, I didn’t even know that this was a so-called ‘Literary Genre’. (Pause for laughter at that)

What sad society has to become so low, as to create a genre for women who fantasise about a relationship with someone because they are a billionaire?

And the cover photos are telling.

Here are the photos of some real male billionaires, to compare.



See the difference?

Personally, I find this to be the thin end of the wedge. Such a popular fiction genre, based on wealth, and cover photos of male models.

Read a real book!

Let me know if you think I am wrong. Or if you agree with me.

59 thoughts on “‘Billionaire’ Fiction”

  2. When I first came across this post, the preview provided me with the title, the photos of real billionaires, and the first line of your post: “One of the most disturbing trends in fiction, as far as I am concerned, is the popularity of so-called ‘Billionaire Romances’.” My first impression was that someone had written a romance novel about Donald Trump…disturbing indeed!

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  3. Pingback: 8 Great Fiction and Writing Blogs – Penstricken

  6. Love your writing, Pete! “… and the women who try to be their lovers,” You hit the nail. Lol Its so true, and at least nothing else as modern fairy tales. You do not need much money driving a big car or own a castle. You also need the money to beware it for the future. Michael

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  10. Amazing how shallow we have become isn’t it Pete? I should have written Fifty Shades of Gray in stead of wasting my time here! Maybe Fifty Shades of Gray Hair about am old S&M couple in their 70s? 🙂 Besties

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    1. ‘Granny Sex’ is a huge market now, Frank. When I was researching my serial ‘Benny Goes Bust’, I was staggered! Perhaps that swingers retirement community you wrote about could provide some excellent background material? 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  12. I am thinking we should take a crack at a “Naked Came the Stranger” type of literary fraud by writing individual chapters on an entirely “new” kind of literary genre: billionaire women, with the cover decorated with a select photo of Edy Williams or Uschi Digard in their prime. I am a champion of equal opportunities for women.
    -Benjamin Disraeli

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  13. Aren’t they just the new “Mills & Boon”? Not to be taken seriously? Just easy escapism from, let’s face it, a pretty miserable world right now. (Unless you are a billionaire of course!)

    But yeah..not my cup of read

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    1. I didn’t read Mills and Boon, but I’m sure it wasn’t all about billionaires, John. 🙂
      It’s the ‘wealth factor’ that I find obscene about this new ‘genre’.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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    1. The cover photos are one thing, I agree. But ‘literature’?
      It’s like all the old ‘Mandingo’ stuff my Mum used to read. And she didn’t even like black people that much, apparently!
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  15. Well, I’m going to be the odd one out here, but as a romance writer/reader I think it’s more about the escape than any basis in reality. The billionaire trope is a type of Cinderella story (how would you feel if you won the lottery and got the man/woman of your dreams at the same time?)
    Romance isn’t meant to be taken seriously- it’s more about feeling good by the end of the book- happily-ever-after 🙂

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  16. Thanks for the chuckle, Pete. I don’t have dashing looks or money—but I do have a couple of great dogs. Ha-ha! That’s the go to move for guys like us, Pete. Have a fabulous Sunday!

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  19. I read romances when I was younger and gave them up when I was in 8th grade. Poor writing and a predictable plot line were their downfall. I can’t imagine much has changed. However, I would much rather people read a trashy novel as opposed to nothing at all. There is the hope they will graduate to something more literary.

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  20. I will simply say I do not have enough years left to give this ‘genre’ a go. I have a funny story about romance cover models, which I will write about at some future date.

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  22. I don’t think you’re wrong. I’ve never understood the concept of the genre. Love the photos comparing the real ones to the ones on the book covers – those photos would dampen any fantasies of romance!

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  24. What a fun post! I had no clue this sort of book even existe. I can’t stand romances and pot boilers, my light reading is crime (at worst, a cozy mystery). As for the real billionaires, really not tempted…

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