Guilty Pleasures discussion

seriously....The Anita Blake series has been around forever...its one of the best created series...why has it not been made into a movie series or even a tv show?? It has soo much to offer!

I completely agree with you, but i think its because there's too much sexual innuendo in it. But, who knows?

Lol well in twilight i think she was hot to trot in too many books and they still did the bed and feather scene...besides maybe hbo will take it up. i swear theres boob in every series... lol

I guess it would be too similar to that Sookie show now. But then again, I agree that HBO sure wouldn't hesitate much to add another vampire sex show to their schedule.

So there might still be hope, because obviously the series must have a large, and devoted, fanbase to have endured that long already.

I think that, compared to the Sookie books, LKH's are a *lot* more sex filled so I'm not sure if they would be able to show it all. To me the majority of the sex scenes do move the plot along (Richard getting angry over a lot of them for example, helping to protect Asher from Bella Mortes people when they visit etc) and as such they would need to stay in.

But I do think it odd that Sookie got picked up when LKH didn't - expecially as LKH now has the graphic novels as well!

There is quite a bit of sex in these books, especially the most recent ones. They could make them into porn movies? Lol.

Maybe cause LKH doesn't want to take her work that far like others have. I mean yes there have been many a book turned into a movie or a show. But I think that has a lot to do with how far the author personally wants to go with it. And as far as I've read or heard through the grapevine, LKH has never mentioned wanting her books to go that far. Not even in a manga or other creative directions really.

Chelsy wrote: "There is quite a bit of sex in these books, especially the most recent ones. They could make them into porn movies? Lol."


LOL I would totally watch those! Arg haha.

Carina wrote: "I think that, compared to the Sookie books, LKH's are a *lot* more sex filled so I'm not sure if they would be able to show it all. To me the majority of the sex scenes do move the plot along (Rich..."

I agree :)

I reallly like the first 10 books.

The later books, Laurell embraces erotica and dubious consent stories. Some of her partners are even underage. I just don't see that being something producers will want.

She has produced graphic novels and they aren't really that popular.

For the record, I really loved her books before she went that direction.

I did too. There was more meat to the books before the sex completely took over.

Serene wrote: "I reallly like the first 10 books.

The later books, Laurell embraces erotica and dubious consent stories. Some of her partners are even underage. I just don't see that being something producers w..."

I have heard she lost her TV deal because she was difficult and too controlling. ScyFy or FX (cant recall) was going to do a series of Anita Blake and it fell through.

I enjoyed the books until the munin and ardure showed up. For my tastes, I don't think there is too much sex, just too much STUPID sex. It is almost always about power struggles.

It would quickly go from a TV show about Anita to a TV show about Edward. He is, by far, the most interesting character in the series.

Ricotn wrote: "It would quickly go from a TV show about Anita to a TV show about Edward. He is, by far, the most interesting character in the series."

I agree! I always look forward to the books where he plays a big role.

I don't mind sex, just some of the stuff she did in the later books crossed a line for me. The ardeur and munin seemed like a silly plot device to force anita into sexual situations. I don't like my characters to be sexually forced. Or to force themselves on others either.

A applaud Hamilton for not shying away from sexual taboos. However, I think the ardeur and munin have stolen the beloved character Anita and replaced her with this sex-driven succubus that interrupts the plot to force sex on others. It's become ridiculously distracting and annoying.

I'm all for a woman having a few lovers if she chooses. But 1) Anita's metaphysical ties have turned her into a sex slave of sorts, which I don't care for, and 2) There are just too many men and too many sex scenes to keep up with. Her affairs are chaotic rather than erotic.

I could have hung in there if the ardeur had lasted only a few books. But it's gone so far that Anita has changed too much to go back. It mirrors real life, I suppose. Though, in real life, what happens when we or our friends change too much or go too far? We say goodbye and go our own ways. That's what I feel has happened with me and Anita. I wish her well, but I haven't read the last few books, and probably will not read anymore unless a HUGE change is on her horizon. Even then... It's not the same, and that makes me sad.

The Anita Blake series will always be a huge powerhouse in the genre. And Hamilton's writing is fabulous. But the reasons above are probably why it would not do well as a tv or movie series. Too much, too far, too late. That doesn't translate to a wide audience.

Reading these messages have totally made me want to read Guilty Pleasures again. And now Hit List is at the top of my to-read pile. I only hope there aren't a hundred men for me to wonder, "Have I read about him before, or is he new?" Well, other than the obvious usuals, that is.
I guess Anita IS like an old friend. I always make time for friends...even when their actions have pissed me off to no end. :)

Anita Blake was my introduction to the paranormal genre - I loved her character at the beginning; straight talking, no fear, kick ass! But it was the erotica that put me off as it left very little plot to the stories. When I read soewhere that Ms Hamilton advised those who didn't like where her books were going to stop reading them, I took her advice. It's a shame beacause I haven't found a female character as good as Anita since. And I think its this obsession with Anita's sex life that puts off the film companies - even True Blood focuses mainly on heterosexual, monogamous sex.

The series is just too sexual for the mainstream. The only way I see this coming to life is if Showtime does a series to compete with "True Blood" on HBO, but I don't see that happening.

Because it would be porn, perhaps? Especially the later books

Mini is right that there was going to be a TV series, but it didn't work. I don't know if LKH had anything to do with it falling through, but she did mention on her blog that the cancellation of the deal was a good thing because she'd be worried about letting go of control.

-Elizabeth Reuter
Author, Demon of Renaissance Drive

Also, possibly due to market saturation. There have been quite a lot of vampire books/movies/shows released of late.

I have LOVED each and every LKH book that has come out for the past 10 years. Some more than others of course. Personally, I think leaving the characters in my imagination would be the best thing for me. I have seen her graphic novels and the way they protray Anita, Jean Claude, etc....does not compare and takes away from the very thing I love most about reading her books. I love to reread these books and drown myself in them...it would not be the same at all.

I'm thinking Interview With The Vampire. Jean Claude would be like Lestat. I'd love to see it on the big screen, or Showtime.

Guilty Pleasures audiobook is one of my most played and loved. But I gave up on the series, I think I got a little ways into Flirt and just totally completely permanently lost interest in seeing where the series was going.

Recently I restarted the series and at the end of one of her books she wrote she became a role model for women's sexuality. I was like, "Seriously?". How is forced or coehersed sex the pinnacle for female sexuality? The power struggle / sex is played out in the Merry Gentry series also, with multiple partners forced on her by the wicked queen.

Really she said that Mini? As I've stated plenty of times before, that LKH was one of the first adult authors I read as a late teen transitioning out of some of the more juvenile YA books I used to read. And to hear her being so cocky like this just makes me feel bad for reading her. And yes the same situation of having a forced harem in the Gentry series is what made me quit that one too. I don't get why the author thought that to be supremely sexy. When even her own main characters were wondering at how the hell they were going to let so many of the men go and let them have their freedom as there just wasn't that connection there.

Yeah, it's rather strange to think of Hamilton as a spearhead of sexual liberation (*giggle*).

I found the trend of sexual abuse in her novels rather off putting, and not in a good way so. I din't read it far enough to see if this is true but by the end (of my reading the series) I started to get the impression that she was more and more headed towards writing rape fantasy.

Audrey wrote: "seriously....The Anita Blake series has been around forever...its one of the best created series...why has it not been made into a movie series or even a tv show?? It has soo much to offer!"

movie or tv wouldn't be the same

This series would make a good porn skinamax series after Obsidian Butterfly....I started reading this series for the kick ass heroine (now give ass heroine) and fantastic storylines (now skintastic storylines). I'm sorry but I used to buy these as the hardcovers came out but at $30 each I can wait till the $8 paperback comes out - since Obsidian I have only liked Hit List and somewhat liked Flirt (although a short Merry the Fiary in Flirt would have been better for the price of a hardcover)- will spend my $30 elsewhere sorry but I can get porn cheaper and more of it for the $30.......this author used to be a automatic day of release buy for me - not anymore.

Here is the quote in the afterward of The Laughing Corpse kindle edition...

"I didn't plan to be a spokesperson for women's sexuality."

I think there are issues being played out in her writings over and over. It started with the first book when she first meets the master of the city and describes her physical form as breastless. It's a childs body but she is 1000 years old. It carries over with the smaller fae in the Merry series. And when you throw into the mix the heavily coerced sex along with constant power struggles, it just sorta points to some childhood trauma, in my most humble opinion. Abused kids are keenly aware of power and how little control they have over their own bodies.

Power struggles just bore me. Which is one of the reasons BDSM sex holds zero interest for me. The Black Dagger Brotherhood series goes into the BDSM and forced sex a lot. It doesn't offend me, it just doesn't move me at all. But everyone is different.

That's deep Mini. Honestly I read these sort of books for enjoyment/interest. I've never delved that deeply. Unless of course there is a repetitive them like you were mentioning Mini. Which I did notice with the Mona Lisa series by Sunny. She has tons of rape situations that come up in like every book and it is really weird. So I do see what you are talking about though.

They were going to make a TV series out of these books but if I remember correctly they took too long to get it sorted and L.K Hamilton withdrew the rites or something. I think these would make a wonderful T.V series, it has the whole cop aspect which is so popular right now, as well as vampires, necromancy and of course the sex part. All in all I hope they do eventually turn it into a T.V show, though they wouldn't work as movies I don't think.

I've read the first two books and there is pretty much zero sex in them. I am not a prude but reading these replies make me not even want to continue. I don't mind sex scenes but if the sex scenes are taking over the story or are "stupid" or there are too many then I am not even going to bother. I have read the Sookie Stackhouse series and think that LKH is a better author all around. The Sookie books has about as much sex as I want in a book. I prefer a story. I can have sex myself, I don't need to read about it ad nauseum.

yup, there is alot of sex.....and i'm no prude.... Doesn't bother me at all.... I have read every anita blake and will continue to do so.... I enjoy them....If you don't like the sex,,, then don't read them...... quit bitching about it.....no one is making you read them for gods sake...

Denise wrote: "yup, there is alot of sex.....and i'm no prude.... Doesn't bother me at all.... I have read every anita blake and will continue to do so.... I enjoy them....If you don't like the sex,,, then don't..."

I don't really think it's the amount of sex that strikes a bad chord with most readers. It's that the character has changed so completely that readers are left wondering where she went and who this alien version of Anita is. I'm all for a major downfall, personal changes, and power struggles. Though, only because it makes redemption that much sweeter. But what does Anita's future hold, I mean, other than a form of slavery? Each spark of hope is extinguished for every Anita book that leaves readers wondering why she has stopped progressing.
I'm disappointed, but I'm not bitching. I currently have two Anita books on my shelf that I can't wait to read. However, having put so much emotional energy and time into Anita and her plight, I really want to see something good come her way (not in the form of men).

Think I'll keep reading since I did enjoy what I've read and if I like it I'll keep going and if I don't then I'll stop.

What has interested me is the story and I hope that the story continues to interest me and that the sexual aspect of the story doesn't over power LKH's fine writing skills. I don't want to feel disappointed that Anita has turned into a completely different person.

Stacey wrote: "Think I'll keep reading since I did enjoy what I've read and if I like it I'll keep going and if I don't then I'll stop.

What has interested me is the story and I hope that the story continues to ..."

You said it so much better than I did. It's like watching a good friend fall downhill and not get back up. Regardless, Anita is an amazing character and Hamilton is an even more amazing writer. I just want a little satisfaction, damn it. :)

Blakely wrote: "Denise wrote: "yup, there is alot of sex.....and i'm no prude.... Doesn't bother me at all.... I have read every anita blake and will continue to do so.... I enjoy them....If you don't like the se..."

If you have read the other posts, then you are aware that others are "bitching" which I don't get... If someone does not enjoy a book that they pick up, why don't they put it back down?? its like changing radio stations or turnning the channel on the TV..

Blakely wrote: "Denise wrote: "yup, there is alot of sex.....and i'm no prude.... Doesn't bother me at all.... I have read every anita blake and will continue to do so.... I enjoy them....If you don't like the se..."

Exactly Blakely - the character changed SOOO much you hardly see the old Anita anywhere....I mean the one from Obsidian and before...sex does not bother me as I read MANY titles from Ellora's Cave, Samhain Publishing, and Siren Publishing - it's the change in the main character Anita, she used to be a strong take no shit character, now she seems to be a weak pooper scooper. My mother and father read this series too, it's not just me disappointed in these books - which is why we made the decision to get the next in paperback and leave the hardcover's alone. These days when every penny counts I'm not spending $30 on a hardcover for a title that the chances are higher I will be disappointed in the story, when I can get three other paperbacks which chances are WILL NOT disappoint my parents and myself.

Denise wrote: "Blakely wrote: "Denise wrote: "yup, there is alot of sex.....and i'm no prude.... Doesn't bother me at all.... I have read every anita blake and will continue to do so.... I enjoy them....If you d..."

If I spend the money on the book - I'm going to read it. It is NOTHING like the TV - with TV you are spending so much on ALL of the channels on your cable network, with a book you spend the money on it - THATS IT you can't change the print for another - and with a movie same thing I spend the money on it I'm going to watch it all the way through at least once.

Denise wrote: "yup, there is alot of sex.....and i'm no prude.... Doesn't bother me at all.... I have read every anita blake and will continue to do so.... I enjoy them....If you don't like the sex,,, then don't..."

I just think that it's sad for the series that she decided to go that way with it, Anita used to be fun pulp style writing in the beginning; clearly I enjoy over the top violence more than over the top sex scenes.

I agree, if I pay for a book (especially a $30 hardcover) I'm going to read it..

Denise wrote: "Blakely wrote: "Denise wrote: "yup, there is alot of sex.....and i'm no prude.... Doesn't bother me at all.... I have read every anita blake and will continue to do so.... I enjoy them....If you d..."

Of course people are bitching about Anita Blake. I've done it. I also bitch about my friends when they agitate me, but I can't quit them either. ;)

That just means that Hamilton wrote a damn fine character.

Good question. I would totally watch this if it were a show. Would like it if they did a Sweep series too.

Llwells wrote: "I agree, if I pay for a book (especially a $30 hardcover) I'm going to read it.."

If I pay that much and don't read it, I'm at least going to make out with it. :> Okay, I wouldn't go that far.

Also, if I paid $30 and it sucked I'm gonna say it sucked.....but I enjoyed the first half of Kiss of Dead, it was the second half that was just bad and I felt brought the book down a couple of levels. Gonna move this series on over to paperback or try to get from library...

i'm telling u! like they need to catch the hell up cause it would be one of the best t.v show/ movie series of all times.

Audrey wrote: "seriously....The Anita Blake series has been around forever...its one of the best created series...why has it not been made into a movie series or even a tv show?? It has soo much to offer!"

They've tried before but Hamilton holds on to a lot of the rights and is a bit controlling I've heard about anything attempting. Based on an article I read I think this is more of the issue so a lot of people gave up.

I think another part of why is because the later books make a lot of people uncomfortable. I have heard this series called porn over & over. Many people claim to have quit reading. I have continued to read but comments posted really attack this series.

IFC had the rights at one point but from what got passed around at the time, they couldn't come to a consensus on script or casting so rather than doing it wrong, they opted to not do it at all which I applaud.