Women just can’t seem to get enough of Stephenie Meyer’s vampire-romance series, “Twilight.”

After the Aug. 2 release of “Breaking Dawn,” the final book in the series, women everywhere are running to the nearest Barnes & Noble to pick up a copy. Many are wondering, what has women gushing over these books?

One theory that springs to the minds of men everywhere is that it’s a love story, or in other words, chick lit. But the series may not be that simple to define.

The story follows teenager Bella Swan after her move to the town of Forks, Wash. Once there, she quickly falls for a gorgeous vampire. Enter the man who has millions of women drooling, Edward Cullen. Later in the series, a werewolf becomes an additional love interest for Bella.

“I’ve always had a thing for vampires,” Jessica Jennings, zoology senior, said.

Edward, though in the body of a 17-year-old, was born at the turn of the 20th century. Thus, the relationship between Edward and Bella is anything but normal.

“[It’s like] ‘The Notebook’ but with vampires,” Brooke Riley, University College freshman, said.

Like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, Edward and Bella’s love is forbidden by their two very different worlds. The vampire side of Edward is desperate to taste Bella’s blood, while his human side would do anything to protect her.

“It’s the ideal love story,” Sanaa Akbarali, psychology senior, said. “Every woman wants a protector who would give their life for them.”

One of “Twilight’s” newer fans, Akbarali said there is something fascinating about vampires.

“I like that [Meyer’s characters] are not definitely evil,” she said.

Jennings has read the entire series and said what she finds most appealing about the books are the characters.

“Bella is easy to identify with,” she said. “She’s awkward and not the prettiest one in the room.”

Some believe that “Twilight” would be just as captivating if there were no vampires at all. Cacie Thomas, University College freshman, said the story would hold the same emotion even if all the characters were human.

Others, however, insist that the fantasy background is what gives the story its appeal.

“I think it would be boring without the vampire/werewolf element,” Jennings said. “[Without them] we’d be watching ‘One Tree Hill’ or ‘The OC.’”

Many readers agree that the book would be nowhere without the relationship between an ordinary human girl and the ever-popular Edward Cullen. Perhaps this is why many men lose interest in the series.

“The story doesn’t sound interesting to me,” Daniel Vo, psychology senior, said. “A vampire and a girl? Well, maybe if it was a naked girl.”

Vo said his reading material of choice falls into the categories of suspense thrillers and autobiographies, but not so much romantic fantasy. He said he wasn’t sure if other males would develop an interest in “Twilight.”

“It depends,” he said, “[But] guys generally don’t like love stories.”