So, there seems to be a buzz over books that are “hot” or “not.” I’m not jumping into this fray because I don’t have the time, energry, brain cells, or patience to devote to it. However, because I can’t manage to walk away from contention, I think I’ll have to dip my toe into it.:[
Quite frankly, I don’t get it. :s I don’t get the references to pornography or lack of character development or lack of emotion. I’ve read pornography, I’ve viewed pornography and I’m well-versed enough to know the difference…and there’s a huge difference.
If someone doesn’t like the sex, then read the lines without it, but don’t dismiss the books with as having no merit. I like Steak-n-Shakes chocolate shakes. If someone is lactose intolerant, well, they shouldn’t order that chocolate shake…but don’t tell me it’s not any good. Especially not when sales figures reflect a whole slew of people buying up those chocolate shakes.
I dare say that a well-written book with strong character development, deeply emotional, touching on a wide variety of issues can…gasp…include sex. Not fade-to-black but real between-the-sheets or :d on-the-table sex. I’d like to think that’s what I offer readers with each book. But then again…perhaps I’m delusional.
Most of the people who don’t want to read it are the ones witching at the one’s of us who do. Ignore them. The best thing they can do it buy books they like and shut the poop up. I buy what I like and recommend good books. I’m less likely to tell someone that anyone’s book stinks, cause I think that’s very subjective.
Comment by Madison — May 18, 2006 @ 8:58 am
I enjoy reading a “good” book. Said book doesn’t necessarily have “sex” on every few pages. I’ve read many that had me laughing with tears coming down my face. I enjoy a good story and yes, a happy ending. I see and hear so much out there that is so depressing, to me, at times that I have to turn the TV off, I can’t take anymore. I enjoy reading a good romance book, it distracts me from life’s happenings and keeps me sane. I absolutely hate when someone will see me reading a romance book and just assume it’s “trashy”. So please, THANK YOU, for doing what you do and allowing me the opportunity to “get away”. :) I am not into porn, that’s all together something different and I have no wish to go there.
Comment by Ginger — May 18, 2006 @ 9:41 am
Madison, I agree completely on the subjectivity. Everyone has different tastes. And my reading interests are all over the place, depending on my mood. Ginger, I’m with you — sometimes I just need a break from the nitty-gritty “real world.” And I don’t need that spill-over into my fiction. I used to read Harlan Ellison (brilliant sci fi) but he just sort of fed my tendancy to depression and I had to give him up for my mental health. 8) 8)
Comment by Jennifer — May 18, 2006 @ 10:13 am
Jen,
I read books of all temps :), but what I love about your books, is that by the time I get to those “hot” scenes, I’m not reading sex, I’m reading about two people showing how much they care about each other (whether they’re capable of saying so yet or not). Whatever the steam factor, it’s love–between characters you’ve drawn deeply and sensitively–in every book so far–and I anticipate the same in every Jennifer LaBrecque to come! :)
Anna
Comment by Anna Adams — May 18, 2006 @ 2:34 pm
i love hot scenes so much :d
Comment by kim — May 18, 2006 @ 7:26 pm
Oh, Anna, thank you so much, especially because I think you are the queen of writing the complexities and subtleties of emotion so beautifully. Hey, when are you gonna sell that damn house and move back here?
Kim, I know what you mean. (y)
Comment by Jennifer — May 18, 2006 @ 8:54 pm
Being sick the past few days I’ve missed the majority of the hoopla on this issue, but just have to say that, like you, I just don’t get it. Blaze books, in particular, I think more realistically represent the true nature of romance. It’s that first spark of attraction, that all- consuming passion that ultimately brings couples together. The idea that Blazes aren’t romances based on the hot factor just boggles my mind. One hero, one heroine, no gratuitous sex. How is that NOT a romance?
Comment by Rhonda — May 19, 2006 @ 2:06 am
Well-said, Rhonda. (*) And I hope you’re feeling better.
Comment by Jennifer — May 19, 2006 @ 6:45 am