I have heard it said: "You can't be too rich or too thin."  Obviously, the writers of such novels such as Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You take it to heart.  It has become another generic plot line that keeps repeating throughout these novels (and others like them by various romance authors). 

I will admit that I have read both of these and have even enjoyed the vicarious thrill of a hot, sexy, virile male who has the power to wow his chosen one...that is, the woman who falls head over heels over him, and him, her.  I will further admit that, as a genre, I like romance novels.

But... 

Aren't there any males who are tall, dark, handsome and not-so-well off? Maybe even middle class?  Or is that too much to ask?  Without the millions or billions the male protagonist has at his disposal, would this same man be just average? And not as hot and nor as able to make the woman orgasm over and over again?

Further, is it always necessary to have every character of any import only wearing expensive, designer fashions?  Or driving Bentleys, Mercedes, or other luxury vehicles?  And name-dropping all sorts of designer items especially shoes?

Half the time, I am oblivious to most of the designer names since I don't know what they are (or what they are supposed to represent) nor do I lust after them if I am even familiar with them. (I'm too frugal, but I digress.) 

I wonder, though, if this is a subtle 1% vs. 99% rub-your-face-in-it because frankly, most of us who are readers of this genre are in the 99% class of being in the middle to lower class.  Few of us will ever attain the status of these mega-millionaires; nor will we have the money to plunk down thousands on designer gowns and outfits that will be worn once or twice; or the jewels to adorn them; and the mansion(s) to spend a weekend here or a month there.

Yes, I realize that romances, historical or contemporary, are in essence the story of Cinderella and the prince falling in love despite some obstacle, and the happily-ever-after scenario is necessary, but what's wrong with a bit of realism once in a while? 

Oh, I forgot,  that's what the messy ponytail is for...the female protagonist being normal like us.