There’s a new craze sweeping the reading world…romantica. These aren’t your mother’s romance novels. They’re romance novels with a naughty twist, namely numerous and explicit sex scenes. The language is straightforward, with none of the usual romance novel euphemisms for body parts. You won’t find any “pearl”, or “flower” or “manhood” here-it’s cunt and cock in these books, with no apologies. And it’s not just plain-old vanilla sex either. Ellora’s Cave, one of the most popular romantica publishers, has these genres and themes listed, among others: Capture/Bondage, Menage a Trois or More, Gay/Lesbian and Ruebenesque. But unlike erotica, which generally consists of short stories that are often just porn, romantica novels are full-length, with attention paid as closely to plot and characterization as it is to the sex.
At the moment, romantica is mostly available online. Ellora’s Cave does publish some of their books, but the large majority of publishers use e-books. I don’t know if this due to the hesitancy of bookstores or book buyers. I’ve heard a few stories from people who work at bookstores that their managers, corporation, etc., don’t like the idea of having them for sale. Outright porn is fine, apparently, because it can be placed in the “sex and relationships” section, but something the hovers in a gray area between fiction and romance is a little too…risky. I personally think it has something to do with the fact that it isn’t “okay” for women to enjoy reading about sex. But my thoughts on our patriarchal society and it’s disdain for sexually liberated women are best left for another post. Needless to say, it doesn’t seem to matter how the books are presented, because people are definitely buying.
I am such a person.
Imagine this scenario: you pick up a romance novel. You’re honest with yourself-you’re not expecting Pulitzer Prize-winning work here. You’re just looking for an easy read, something nice to slip into like flannel pajamas. But the romances you’ve read in the past are so…dated. It’d be nice to read a story where the heroine wasn’t a complete idiot, who spends half her time quivering over how Lord Cucumberinhispants brushes against her sleeve while they dine with 95 other couples. And for once, OH GOD FOR ONCE, it would be nice to read a book where the heroine wasn’t an innocent and naïve virgin, or a widow whose husband was evil or abusive or gay or an evil, abusive gay. That’s where romantica comes in. It’s refreshing. It’s blunt. It’s fun in a way that traditional romance novels aren’t.
There are some really fabulous authors out there, one of which I’ll recommend for you. I also have these books, so if anyone wants to borrow one, let me know.
My favorite author is Shelly Laurenston. I love her writing. She writes about shape shifters (werewolves, vampires, dragons, tigers….just think of an animal and someone’s written a book about it, I guarantee it), which is super popular right now in the romance novel world. But the best part about her books are the main female characters. They’re awesome and ass-kicking, and they always always always have great female friends.
Here’s a little excerpt from Pack Challenge:
It was Angelina’s innocent “I had so much fun tonight” while they were driving home that Sara couldn’t take the pressure anymore.
“I’M A WHORE!” she screeched.
Miki hit the brakes of the white pickup, causing the vehicle to fishtail. It stopped in the middle of the deserted highway.
The three friends sat in the vehicle, not moving, not speaking. They stared out at the big star-filled Texas sky.
Miki, her hands still gripping the steering wheel, glanced over at Sara. “You’re not wearing any underwear, are you?“
Sara let out a strangled squeal and buried her hand in her hands.
Angelina and Miki burst out laughing.
“Bitches”, Sara muttered.
Shelly’s books Pack Challenge, Go Fetch! and Here Kitty, Kitty! are three in a series and I love each one of them. I also love To Challenge A Dragon, which has a sequel coming out May 16th. Seriously. Read these.
I think everyone who has ever loved romance novels but found themselves looking for something…more, should check out romantica.
