History of Feminism
In reply to the discussion: Porn & Pop Culture: A deadly Combination [View all]seabeyond
(110,159 posts)you do not know, nor do i, what happens in the story per that description. granted, i have not read all romance that ever existed. i read all types of books. i stopped reading romance decades ago for the reason you stated. that is not a part of any of the books i have read the last decade, when i picked up books again. i can pick up a book from mystery and see no difference from the supposed romance section. koontz, child, sanford all has as much of relationship and romance in their books as the romance. and i know this cause i have read about every one of those three authors books.
negger, jd robb, hoag, and many more.... all mystery, all the same.
http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/18-FE2-AllieBoniface.html
These were the books responsible for the term bodice ripper, as their paperback covers tended to feature a scantily clad, young woman in the clutches of a powerful hero. The heros rape of the virginal heroine (who ultimately fell for him by the end of the novel) was a mainstay of these stories, along with fighting, kidnapping, and the predictable storyline of a domineering man, winning the heart of a passive, young woman.
For many people, this stereotypical image of the romance novel has stuck. But the industry has made remarkable changes in the last few decades. Yesterdays bodice ripper has been replaced by 21st century stories with smart, savvy heroines, sensitive heroes, and complex plots. Jennifer Colgan, who writes sci-fi and paranormal romance, observes, The heroine in modern romance has more to do than swoon at the sight of male anatomy and play coy, and her journey is more involved than merely the cradle-to-altar beeline it was years ago. Heroes are expected to have more going for them than good looks, overflowing family coffers, and domineering personalities.
Jessica Faust, an agent for BookEnds, LLC, blogs regularly about the romance market. She goes one step further in describing the shifts shes seen and talks about the merging of genres thats happening industry wide. No longer do mysteries remain on the mystery bookshelf, or fantasy on the fantasy shelf, she says. Now, readers will see romance bookshelves filled with fantasy, mystery, and even horror romance stories. Theyll also see books in series, where the storyline doesnt end happily ever after until the final book.
Its true. Whether youre looking for an inspirational love story, vampire romance, or a kick-ass heroine who triumphs over a serial killer, youll find something to please your fancy. Seeking a spicy erotic tale or a sweet historical set during the Civil War? You can find all that and more in the romance novels of the 21st century.