I love romance. And hate when books are labeled as such without one sexually tense moment or a heated kiss.
Thats not to say that my romances have to have sex... they don't. The House on Tradd street comes to mind. A wonderful ghost story in which I can't wait for the sequel.
But when I'm half way through a novel and I've no idea who the hero is I wonder how on earth it was labeled a romance?
Okay... I'm venting. Mainly because I have to finish said novel for a review. UGH. It's a good book, but not a romance. UGH....
13 comments:
I totally know what you mean! That drives me crazy. And I agree with you about the sex. I like reading and writing hot sex, but some of the sexiest books I've read keep it behind closed doors. It's the chemistry and tension, whether the actual consummation occurs on the page, that make a romance great. Good luck finishing your book!
Thanks, Helen. I have to and what makes me nuts is that normally I finish a book in 2 - 3 days tops. I've been reading this for over a week. UGH
I agree. It's the sexual tension and chemistry that make a romance no matter how much actual sex there is or isn't. It sounds like the book may be boring, Catherine.
It isn't boring, Kaye. Just not a romance. If it takes me more than 3 days to read it's not a romance. The time line is my baromiter (sp) sorry. Not sure how to spell that one and too lazy to look it up. grin
People expect certain things from a book labeled a romance, and when we don't get them, it's very disappointing. My sympathies. Good luck finishing.
I don't think I've ever had that happen to me. I mean I've come across romance books without sex and some of those are great. The Commander's Desire by Jennette Green is one of those. It was also one of the best books I've read. I think I'd be pretty mad if I got a miss labled book though.
Ugh - I do like to know who the hero is when I start reading a romance! And I agree, I don't need scorching sex on the page (although I certainly enjoy reading and writing about it!!) so long as there's sexual tension... and plenty of it!!!
Catherine,
So tell me... when this happens does your review reflect that the story isn't romance? (so other readers can make an informed decision?)
Aithne
Hey Aithne,
You betcha'. My reviews are honest. I'll tell the reader the strong points of the book and go on to say why it isn't a 5 star rating... ie. Not a romance in MHO. Don't get me wrong... the book is good! sigh... but no romance in sight and I'm on page 170. ugh
Hi Catherine! Just stopping by after seeing your post on the RJ loop. I haven't been to CTR too much recently. No time. But I get the loop in Daily digest, so it's easier. See ya!
Julie
Believe me, ladies, one of the hardest things to do as an editor of romance is to reject a well-written, compelling story simply because it's not a romance!
But our readers and other authors trust us to publish only romance, and so we must.
The upside is I know the story will find a home.
Just in case any of you are wondering... Lori is an editor for the Scarlet line at TWRP. And I can personally say she is KICK ASS in her job! Love ya! I'm so happy she read my query for Kilt Worthy.
You're not the only one. (big grin)
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