What is romance?

I think we can all agree that romance is subjective. The definition of romance may vary greatly from person to person. This said, everything you read beyond this point is purely my own personal view of what I consider to be romance. This should give you a good indication of whether or not you will enjoy my writing.

The very reason I became an author was because I couldn’t seem to find romance novels that were satisfying to me. Sorry fellas, but I’ve yet to find a male author who can write satisfying steamy romance scenes. It’s no fault of your own. Your brains are wired in such a way that render you incapable of this feat. That especially includes my favorite author, Stephen. Yes, he is the king of horror, but he’s horrid at romance. And I was surprised at how many fellow female authors bungle those scenes as well. I personally don’t want to read about the curly hairs of his armpits or the delineation of his ‘manhood’. Manhood? Really?

I have no desire to read something that is crude or vulgar. Use the C-word to define genitalia (female or male) during those love scenes, and you’ve lost me entirely. That’s porn, not romance. And God forbid, don’t throw the F-bomb in there. That’s just effing wrong.

Call me old-fashioned, but I believe those romantic scenes should be tasteful. In my opinion, metaphors and similes are perfectly acceptable.

He had become the raging river―ruthless, relentless, tossing her hopelessly, battering her body, forcing out hoarse cries.

A well-written love scene should be beautiful and passionate. I want to be left breathless. I want my heart to hammer, my face to flush. I want to need a cigarette when I’m through, and I don’t smoke.

I prefer to label my writing as erotic romance as opposed to erotica. Yes, it is intended for adults and I always let my readers know it contains mature content, but it is tastefully written.