-rated. For most people, this rating denotes graphic sexual content in a film. Romance doesn't have a ratings system like movies, but anyone looking for steamier fare knows to check out erotica or erotic romance (they are different! Erotica has a lot of graphic sex scenes, but the emphasis is not on the relationship between the characters, and there may or may not be a happily ever after ending. Erotic romance focuses on the relationship between the characters with lots of graphic sex scenes, and because it is a romance, we get a happily ever after.)
For this letter, I thought I'd spotlight a few erotic romance authors. I don't normally read much in this sub-genre, but there are a few people I really like, and who write this type of story very well indeed.
First up is
Cara McKenna. Her book, Willing Victim, should be required reading for anyone trying out this genre. It does a nice job of showing the journey of Laurel, and how her life turns around after meeting Flynn. For his part, Flynn has a lot of emotional growth once he gets involved with Laurel. A good read all around!
Next is
Megan Hart. I picked up her book, Switch, because the back cover blurb was intriguing. A woman mistakenly receives notes meant for the apartment upstairs. They contain instructions--some innocent, some not--and she starts to follow them, just to see what it would be like. The story really gets interesting when she meets the intended recipient of the notes, and finds herself very attracted to him.
Finally, I want to mention
T.L. Watson. Her first book,
Hands-On Therapy, is out now, and it's really good. I hope she writes faster, because I really want to read her next book!
That's all from me for today. Do you read erotica or erotic romance? Did I leave out your favorite author? Tell me about it in the comments!
I have to admit beside laughing at a few romance novels when I was twelve, this is not a genre I have really read. I read the Dresden files and books like that which has scenes in it form time to time. Still I don't know much about books where sex is the focus.
ReplyDeleteBrandon Ax: Writer's Storm
Hi Brandon,
DeleteIn a traditional romance, sex is not the focus of the plot, but rather serves to further the relationship between the characters. In some romances,there's no sex at all. It's only when you get into erotica or erotic romance that the sex takes center stage in the book.
I notice you didn't include E.L. James Fifty Shades of Grey series. I read the first one and didn't care for it much. In fact, I rarely read erotica. I prefer my mystery and suspense. :)
ReplyDeleteI never read the 50 Shades books. I read a free sample, but didn't go beyond that as it didn't grab me. These usually aren't my regular genres either, but I will follow good writing, wherever it takes me :)
DeleteI typically don't read in this sub-genre either. Not against it but it isn't for me...if I decide to give it a shot, Switch sounds decent enough.
ReplyDeleteLike every other genre, there's good books and bad books...
DeleteI never knew there was a difference between erotica and erotic romance. Thanks for explaining it. :)
ReplyDeleteBack when I wrote romance, I always gravitated toward the sweet ones, but the sexy ones sold. I tried writing the steamy ones, but it never felt quite right. I always pictured my mom reading it!
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely a skill to writing steamy scenes well! :)
DeleteI was wondering what you were going to do for X - great job! I also didn't know the difference between erotica and erotic romance, although it makes perfect sense :)
ReplyDeleteThis post is brought to you by spur-of-the-moment desperation! :)
DeleteLady, you do know my TBR list is 150 deep, right? How dare you add to it! (Thank you, thank you!)
ReplyDeleteMwah ha ha! :)
DeleteI'd second the recommendation for T. L. Watson!
ReplyDeleteSwitch sounds really intriguing.
Let me know if you give it a try!
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