Let's talk about SEX

So I know this topic had been discussed on other blogs but I still wanted to devote an entire post to it here.  I am really hoping to get some feedback and start a conversation so please, please, PLEASE leave a comment with your thoughts on the subject.

Personally, I like sex in romance novels.  Sex is real, it happens, whether it's depicted or not.  For me it's an opportunity to see the characters at their most basic levels and gain a better understanding of them and their relationship, on a deeper level.  Plus, done right it's HOT HOT HOT and who doesn't love that?  It's fun to read.

Now, that's not to say I hate novels that don't include sex, or fade to black during those scenes.  I respect each authors decision to either include it, or don't.  But I will admit to finding myself disappointed when it's not included.

I've read comments on other blogs where people have said, "I'm okay with sex, as long as it moves the plot along."  I have to take it a step further and say that sometimes sex, even sex just for the sake of sex is okay.  Case and point:

Everyone knows there is A LOT of sex in 50 Shades (Unless you've been living under a rock.  And before you ask yes I have read other books but FSoG is widely known so I find it's helpful for examples).  Sometimes the sex moves the plot along or helps us understand the characters better, but sometimes, it's just sex (ex. I fail to see the plot in Christian getting Ana off in an elevator full of people... but damn it was hot).  But, at least in my opinion, it isn't the copious amounts of sex that has made 50 Shades a huge success.  It's a love story.

At the end of the day, that's why I read romance.  It isn't about gratuitous sex for the sake of gratuitous sex with absolutely no love or relationship, that's porn.  It's about the emotional connection between the characters and the love story,

What are your thoughts?  Do you skip past the steamy scenes or do you crave the sexy times between characters?

♥ Chloe

"The The Impotence of Proofreading," by TAYLOR MALI

REVIEW: Light to the Darkness by Alyne Roberts

Synopsis:

Natalie was kidnapped and held prisoner. She escapes and wakes up in the hospital only to learn the man that did this to her was not caught. Her life is in danger and she is assigned an officer, Lucas, to protect her. Natalie and Lucas are forced to be with each other at all times and feelings start to develop.

When other women start disappearing, Natalie's life spirals out of control. Natalie struggles with the nightmares, flashbacks and constant fear. Lucas makes Natalie feel safe again.

The two try to ignore the lust and feelings they have for each other to protect the case, and Natalie, but the attraction they have for each other is only growing. Will Lucas risk his job to be with her? Will the temptation be too much to resist? Lucas needs to decide if he can protect her and love her at the same time. Can Natalie heal from the tragic event that took place and ever live without fear?

 

Review:

***The author provided me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.***

I really enjoyed this novel.  Natalie is a strong, admirable character who strives to rise above the ordeal she's been through while dealing with her attraction to Lucas.  Lucas for his part is supportive and protective without being overbearing.
 

The author did an excellent job of building the relationship in such a way that I was convinced that even while recovering from such a traumatic experience Natalie could develop feelings for Lucas without it seeming unbelievable. I found myself rooting for them to have a happily ever after.  

The plot line is a good one, different than anything I've read in a while.  I enjoyed the action and how the characters responded to it.

There was a couple of typos.  Not enough to really be annoying but they were there.

Overall I definitely recommend Light to the Darkness.

Rating:  ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰

 

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When it rains it pours...

Hi there,

This is just a quick post to inform you of why I may be absent in posting for a couple of days...

I started this blog in the midst of writing my first novel.  I was at a point where I hated everything I had written (about 30k words) and was about throw it all out. 

So I started this thinking I could take my mind off of writing for a moment, connect with other writers and readers and try to find some inspiration to keep on going.

It worked and I've spent most of the last two days writing constantly.  I keep trying to make myself focus on reading so I can get some reviews up for you guys but I'm hesitant to stop writing because who knows when I'll catch a flow like this again... you writers know what I mean I'm sure.

I've reached a major milestone in my novel, though I still have a ways to go and I've even started a series of short stories that I hope to have out even sooner than that.

So please, just bear with me while I ride this wave and I'll be sure to get some awesome reviews out as soon as possible.

Thanks,

♥ Chloe

Bella Swan Bashers

I know this topic is like, so yesterday but I wanted to address this topic myself to see how others feel about it.

I have a confession to make:  I love Twilight.  Don't ask me why, I honestly can't tell you but it makes me smile :D Truly, I probably had a stupid grin on my face throughout 80% of those books like some deranged lunatic.  I love the movies too, even the first one which is absolutely cringe worthy. 

So now that I'm sure I've lost half of you, I'll continue...

The first thing I would like to address is the hatred of Bella as a character.  For anyone who is saying to themselves, "OMG, who could possibly hate Bella?" go to Google and type in 'Bella Swan aka Leading Idiot of Shame' (Yes, seriously).

There seems to be a consensus that Bella is a pathetic, bitchy, boring idiot.  While I agree that her character leaves a little to be desired I have a hard time understanding this absolute hatred of her.  Is she pathetic at times? Sure, but show me a sixteen year old who isn't at some point or another.  I read one comment that said she was bitchy because she was judgmental when she met a HOUSE FULL OF VAMPIRES.  I'm not going to even address that.  Is she boring? A little, but I'm inclined to believe that it kind of works for the story being told. 

I've also heard that she is a poor role model.  To that I say, we can't all be Katniss Everdeen.  Is Bella Swan the best literary heroine since Elizabeth Bennet? Obviously not.  But she is who she is, why all the hatred?

The other thing I'd like to address is her relationship with Edward that I've often seen described at abusive and unhealthy.  I suppose I can kind of see were that is coming from.  At least, I recognize the specific instances that are pointed out to make that argument.

I think that those who hold that belief are reading through an adults eyes with an adults ideals and sensibilities.  Teenagers by definition have their emotions running in overdrive. EVERYTHING is life and death with them.  They think the end of the world is not getting tickets to a Justin Bieber concert (teenagers still like the Biebs right? I have no idea, my kid is 5).  It seems fitting that in a story about teenagers for teenagers that every emotion would heightened.  My point is that maybe, just maybe, we are reading to much into it.  Please don't throw things at me.  :)

I can see the argument now: "It's because Twilight is geared for teenagers that this is cause for concern."  That doesn't really give teenagers enough credit.  I think most are smart enough to discern the difference between a happy and healthy relationship and one that isn't.  Besides, I think they are probably more interested in the dreamy sparkly vampire and the buff hot werewolf.

What do you think?  Do you love/hate Bella?  Is Edward abusive?  Do you think this whole post is irrelevant and not really care?  Talk to me people.

 ♥ Chloe

The Alpha Male

I love me an alpha male!  The protector, the man who takes care of his woman, the man that wants to posses his woman fully.  Something about the alpha male is completely alluring.  I am not alone in this, as the abundance of alpha males in romance novels shows.

This got me thinking...

Are we undermining the years and struggle of the feminist movement by being so drawn to these characters?

I consider myself a feminist.  Not in the bra burning, refusing to shave my armpits kind of way, but in the sense that I believe women to be equal to men in all ways.  I believe that if a woman wants to be a CEO of a Fortune 500, good for her, she should do it.  I also believe that if a woman wants to be a stay-at-home mom, good for her, she should do it.

So then why is it that I love these domineering, demanding alpha male characters?  In a way, it's a bit of a contradiction.  Though, I am sure my husband would say that as a woman it's in my DNA to be contradictory. :)  You have to feel for men.  On one hand we all want to be a strong, independent woman who doesn't need a man and on the other, we find these strong, dominating alpha males so sexy.

I would argue that it's subjective to the character.  When I read I find myself immersed in the characters to the point that I may find some things acceptable, sexy even, because the heroine does.  I view characters as people with their own needs and wants and what works for some people (characters) doesn't for others.  And that's okay.

I'm going to throw a 50 Shades analogy at you.  If it had been Kate who stumbled into his office, it's doubtful that we, as readers, would have found Christian Grey so sexy and irresistible, because Kate herself wouldn't have.  Ana and Kate are different people with different needs and wants, therefore they are attracted to different types of men.  Make sense?

Let me know your thoughts... Do you love the alpha male?  Why? Or do you prefer a kick ass 'I-don't-need-a-man' heroine?

♥ Chloe

REVIEW: Sweet Temptations- The Babysitter by Dark Inferno

Synopsis:

Richard Martin has spent his life trying to be a good man. He works hard, pays his taxes, loves his wife and has never strayed or cheated.

However he also has a secret, a sweet tooth, and the bonds of marriage and family are as savoury as roast beef.

And now, for the first time in his life, he found himself being tempted. Young and beautiful, she was a seductive vision of temptation, forbidden and unattainable, but never was anything so sweet as the forbidden fruit...

This is the first volume in Darkinferno's sizzling new series Sweet Temptations.

***This story contains descriptions of sexual content, for 18+ Adults only***

 

 Review:

***The author provided me with a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.***

This is a good short read.

The author does an incredible job in his descriptions.  Everything from the characters physical appearances to the setting of each scene is thoroughly detailed.

For an erotic short story it's hot without being overly graphic and distasteful.

I liked the fact that Richard is just your everyday man, navigating through the ups and downs of life.  He is relatable in that sense.

My critic would be that it has a relatively slow start.  Personally it was a little difficult for me to get into right away. (But then I've mentioned my short attention span before... SQUIRREL!)

Also, I would like to point out (since my blog  is about romance novels) that I am hesitant to call this novella a romance.  In my opinion doing so implies a love story.  This is the first in a series so it's possible the author may be going that way but as a stand alone it's not.

Rating:  ✰ ✰ ✰

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