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Guest Blogger: Gabriella Hewitt
By Nancy Lindquist | July 20, 2007
Today we have a guest blogger, author Gabrielle Hewitt! I am so excited to be swapping blogs. My Torn Bodice Blog can be read at Gabrielle Hewitt’s Site.
Sexy. Sexier. Sex.
Ever since I picked up my first romance at 16, I admit I have been hooked. Each year I grow bolder in my reading. Craving more than a simple kiss or a tentative touch. Lately, I have been stepping into territory that would make my mother cringe (she loves French movies – so you know she can take a good deal of nudity and sensuality).
I guess the trouble I have with it all is what is considered romance and what is considered porn. Sure, I have heard what is considered taboo and no way would I ever read something that has someone doing Fido. Yet, just last month I devoured a book that had more wolves mating than on National Geographic. Okay, maybe the paranormal world is different. Still it wasn’t anything different than any other paranormal story yet it had been given a huge warning about graphic sex, graphic language, alpha male domination, violence, flying buses, slaughtering of pigs, and references to Katrina, etc. You get the point.
Honestly enough with the warnings! When I read paranormal romance I expect violence, shape-shifting, nudity and some animalistic sex scenes. Otherwise it’s not much of a paranormal romance.
Hence, when the publisher asked if we wanted to put a warning on my upcoming novel, I declined. Why? Because it is a romantic suspense. Of course of there is going to be violence, graphic talk and sex, lots of it. It comes with the territory of writing a thrilling romantic story with suspense and action. Duh!
So, now I have to turn to the rating system of publishers. They are all so confusing. What is considered hot on one site is merely mild by another’s standards.
Seriously, come on with ratings. I mean with ratings like Saucy. Spicy. Red Hot. Cajun Fire. One Feather. Two feathers. Blaze. E-rotic. Whatever…you get the picture.
Truth be told, I honestly could care less about the ratings. This is romance! Okay, yes there are some who like sweet romance but if I wanted sweet I would be picking up Boons and Mills. Sorry but I’m shopping the big boys who aren’t afraid to mention sex toys.
To me it all boils down to the story. If the story looks good and sounds plausible, or it comes recommended by another author or friend, then I am so there. Romance has to be at the heart of the story. Not really into wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am, but occasionally there are some good authors who make pure erotic fiction beautiful and fulfilling. Nancy Linquist, Sasha White, and Maya Banks are shining examples of good erotic fiction.
Personally, I couldn’t write it. Just wouldn’t do the genre justice. Sure I read it and I am not ashamed to admit it. I guess all I really want is a good read. I can look past the naughty talk and the graphic sex if at the heart is a damn well written story that rings with an awesome voice and great plot.
Agree? Disagree? I’d like to know what you think about ratings and warnings. Do they work for you?
Come over and visit me sometime at www.gabriellahewitt.com
July 20th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
I have to admit, for the most part ratings don’t mean a dang thing to me… I like all sorts of books, everything from the ‘OMG, can they really put that in print?’ to the tearjerkers… and if you can combine the two then I’m soo there.
I think the only time I can honestly say that I paid attention to the rating was when I picked up some of Joey W. Hill’s NATURE OF DESIRE series. Yes I admit it.. I’d never seen an X rating out of Ellora’s Cave so I HAD to read them and I gotta tell you they were HOT and emotional and I felt like I was a changed person by the time I finished reading ICE QUEEN and MIRROR OF MY SOUL. I have to agree with you about both Maya Banks and Nancy Lindquist’s books, they’re great from emotionally while containing some seriously hot erotic scenes. Charlene Teglia’s WILD WILD WEST is right up there too… it hasn’t been released yet but OMG, I could feel my body tingle just from the dialogue in that book!
So the answer is No, I don’t pay attention to ratings for the most part, but I have to admit I get a kick out of reading Samhain’s ratings/warnings…some of them are just downright funny and original
July 20th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
I agree Samhain has some pretty funny warnings.