Let's Discuss "Fiction vs. Fantasy", but remember that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
LESSON 150: Balancing fantasy, reality, and experimentation
"I read erotic literature of the romance genre,"
said no one ever.
"Oh, which smut book are you reading this week?"
said too many people.
There's gotta be a better middle ground. Just like video erotica (a.k.a. porn) and R-rated movies, they all have their place and are great aphrodisiacs as long as they are used appropriately and don't interfere with meaningful relationships. Let's liberate and de-mystify interesting sex, shall we?
But wait, can we talk about book-shaming for just a minute? Yes, it's a topic near and dear to my heart.
I've read books that range from young adult "courting" stories that are sweet and endearing to full on erotica with multiple partners, juices everywhere, octopus-tentacle-intercourse with futa-slave demon orgies. (Not all in the same book... yet.) I'm not ashamed of it. Some are extremely hot and steamy, others are corny and go over the top and don't do it for me. It doesn't matter how freaky you get, good writing is still good writing. But if you start describing someone's schlong like a 'pillar of fortitude' and I'm gonna laugh my tushy off.
Let's get one thing clear... ROMANCE BOOKS HELP US DISCOVER OURSELVES. Without having fictional situations and relationships to read about, we may never venture outside of our limited vanilla lives. How would you have known you loved mint chocolate-chip ice cream if you had never seen a menu of flavors before? (Word of the day: "Plethora")
Guys and gals alike, embrace the romance books. Don't judge! Break out of the mindset that romance books are smut. Sometimes people just need to read something different to see if it's something that makes them happy, or gets them hot and bothered. What might be one person's favorite book could be someone else's "Meh" book. Not everyone loves mint chocolate chip (shocking, I know) so don't assume that all books are too romancey for your taste.
You'd be surprised how great the writing is within romance books. You might also be surprised to find that the cover of a book doesn't necessarily tell you how saucy the inside is, either. Get out there and try something new. You might find a new trick to add to your bedroom routine that is a game changer.
On the other hand, you might find something that just gets your engine started but you don't have to copy in bed. Remember this is FICTION, and what works out for characters in a book might not work the same in your own life. Just because I read "In the Arms of Love (Futanari Loves Octogirl Book 1)" doesn't mean I have a thing for octopus sex. But if the writing is sensual enough and gets me worked up for a hot night with the hubby, then it was worth reading the book. I'm not going to make myself feel guilty for it or question my sexual preferences because the author writes a great steamy scene. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, people. Don't make mountains out of molehills. (insert all the other catch phrases here.)
FOLLOW UP!
So here is your homework for the day! Go find something steamy out there and try it out. Take yourself out of your comfort zone and try something different. Or better yet, try an anthology. Don't know what that is? It's a collection of stories by various authors all in one book. Usually a Kindle version, which is WAY cheaper than buying 20 paperbacks. There's even a bunch of authors who give away one book for free just so you can test out if you like their writing or not. What are you gonna lose? Most Kindle romance books are cheaper than that birthday card you just bought for your coworker that went into the shred-it bin.
If you're not sure where to start, I have some GREAT suggestions for you!! Click on some of these and see if anything tickles your fancy! Comment below if you found one that you think should by shared, too, and I'll occasionally add a new post with more book suggestions for you others to try!
CHECK THESE OUT: (Yes! These are all in MY Kindle!)
Love Me Always Anthology
Grab your copy here: https://geni.us/Luvmealways
It’s all in the name of love… Get lost in nineteen African American romances filled with passion, desire, and love. This collection includes short reads ranging from sweet to sensual, to dark and addicting.
These dirty alphas and sassy heroines will keep you up until long past your bedtime. Believe us, there is something for everyone in this anthology.
Creative Credits:
Photographer: CJC Photography (http://www.cjc-photography.com)
Model: Kevin T.
Cover Design: Dar Albert from Wicked Smart Designs
Note: This collection contains material for mature readers (18+ and older) only.
The publisher’s proceeds from Love Me Always will be donated in their entirety to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Please note that Love Me Always is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NAACP.
Contributing Authors:
Peyton Banks, LeeSha McCoy, Ally Vance, Theresa Hodge, L. Loren, E.S. McMillan, Sade Rena, Tami Lund, Barb Shuler, Marie Long, ML Preston, Ava Mallory, Gwen Knight, Reina Torres, Amanda Faye, Cara North
Please consider donating directly to the NAACP Legal Defence Fund: https://bit.ly/3cuZnrl
Blog Tour Sponsored by: Paging Through The Days Promotions
(http://pagingthroughthedays.blogspot.com / https://facebook.com/pagingthroughthedays)
Queen of the Throne: A Romantic Comedy
by Shari J. Ryan
Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRECHP1
**A Romantic Comedy Novella ** (If you aren’t a fan of real life toilet humor...skip this one ;) )
Have
you ever sat down in front of an incredibly hot man, ran your stiletto
covered foot up the side of his leg, then felt a rumbling erupt in the
pit of your stomach? A rumble so fierce, you were forced to clench
harder than you even thought you were capable of clenching.
Slumber Party (Single Moms Unleashed Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Honey Chanel
Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CQB259K
When recently divorced Celia Porter drops her daughter off at a friend's house for a slumber party, she didn't know her plans for the night would change. A powerful storm rolled in, making it too dangerous to drive home. The single mom hosting the party suggest she stay the night. Little did she know they both had a few thoughts on what they could do to occupy their time.
The Erotic Adventures of Kitten and Big Daddy Magic 1: The Kittening (Steampunk Paranormal DD/lg BDSM)
by Bryce Calderwood
Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FG70RWC/
In a world of steampunk technology and paranormal powers, a sleeping girl is left by her frightened parents in the care of the only person who can protect her: a mage. Abandoned and frightened, she looks around his Gothic mansion and is accidentally caught in the crossfire of a magical spell!
The spell changes her into something not exactly human, something a little more... feline. She grows cat ears and a tail and becomes an adorable and sexy cat girl! Her new body is sexually insatiable. Only a man of great Dominance combined with a warm, caring heart can give her the satisfaction and discipline she really needs.
Does her new protector have what it takes? He has needs, too, and they discover they may be perfect for each other in the most delightfully dirty ways!
Corsets & Quartets
by Mercy DeSimone
Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Corsets-Quartets-Mercy-DeSimone-ebook/dp/B087Z8JMLM
Ready for a modern girl’s road to unconventional romance after 40?
It starts with:
- Over 40, BBW trying to find balance
- DILF Veterinarian into some heavy petting
- Yummy Chef who knows how to turn up the heat in the kitchen, and
- Sexy Rock Star trying to find his rhythm
When Real Life challenges you to write your own story...
Josie always dreamed of following in Jane Austen’s footsteps. Instead, she’s surrounded by snarky queens, sullen teens, and stuck in a retail job that’s sucking her dry. With her dream of a writing career and her professional life at a standstill, her best friend suggests (ok, nags) that what she needs is to turn up the heat with some new inspiration... especially if that includes filling her dance card with more than one sexy, eligible man at a time.
Could it be that maybe a modern girl needs a Quartet to thrive? Here’s what happens when Josie decides that she’s not such a plain Jane after all….
Corsets and Quarts is a medium burn, unconventional romance meant for readers 18+, where sometimes the best relationships are the ones in which we don’t choose to settle for one love.
Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Book 1)
by Phoebe Alexander
Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YCMBSFQ
A billionaire undercover boss.
A single mom who’s totally off limits.
Temptation never looked so sweet...
Cy Sweet has always been the black sheep of his family, which is probably why he was chosen to go Undercover Boss in Sweetopia, his family’s theme park. Enticed by his father’s bribe, he dons an apron to serve pastries in Cotton Candy Castle, one of the park’s most popular attractions.
He’s tempted to blow his cover when he meets The Red Velvet Queen. Sure, she’s a costumed character and the jewels in her crown are fake, but she’s absolutely breathtaking. His desire only grows when he invents a baker’s dozen reasons to visit her every day…enough visits to discover her sweetness comes with a side of spice.
But they’re both in disguise. The Queen is actually single mom Jolie Cox, who relentlessly struggles to make a living for herself and her sons. And Cy is actually her boss, not to mention heir to the corporate empire she despises.
What will happen when their identities are finally unmasked?
Clever as the Devil
by Judith Anderson
Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1720777802
Kimber Cassidy is a beautiful, brilliant and sexy plus-size young woman, who's determined to follow in her late father's footsteps, a police detective in the midwestern town of East Alton. While she mourns the tenth anniversary of her father's death in a nearby bar, a chance encounter embroils her in a murder investigation of Calvin Dunbar. Soon, it becomes obvious that things are not a clean cut as they appear. Was Calvin murdered, or did he commit suicide? Why was there a falling out with a close friend? And what was the mysterious research that Calvin was doing? When another dead body is discovered and she finds herself coming under increasing suspicion of police detective, Lou Matthews, Kimber races against time to clear her name and figure out who's a cold-blooded killer!
