When I first started writing my current novel, it was in third person, limited, following the female lead as she flailed through the story (her words, not mine.) After receiving beta feedback, I switched it to first person, still in the female lead’s perspective so there was no illusion that I might go into any other character’s head. The story is Celeste’s.
It’s interesting to me how varied the opinions are on POVs in romance novels. I’ve read both that readers hate third person and that they love and expect it. I’ve also read that readers prefer first person because it allows them to feel immersed in the plot, but some say they dislike it because it limits things. First person has even been called “easy.”
In my experience, it isn’t easy to write in first person. I like being able to play with all of the toys in the box, so focusing on just the feelings and thoughts of one character is challenging. It’s more fun to write, though.
Third person seems like the more traditional POV. The classics generally use it. The story being told is presented clearly and all of the important angles can be reached. This can make a story a little more boring and distant.
First person, present tense is the devil, in my opinion. I don’t want to feel like I’m reading a choose-your-own-adventure story. I know a lot of people these days like it, but it feels almost too informal to me. I want my novels to tell me a story, not make me feel like I’m telling it. I don’t want strange men touching me.
I can imagine it if I want to, but when I read I feel him/his… in novels, it mostly makes me feel grossed out.
Anyway, that’s just my perspective.
Sara Mazariegos 