Articles & FAQ

 

Q: Is Erotic Romance the same as "Romantica?"
A: Yes. I’ve also heard erotic romance referred to as "romantic erotica." Even individual publishers go back and forth between these terms.
Q: What makes erotic romance different from erotica and sensual romance?
A: I suggest first reading my article entitled "Erotic Romance: Defining the Market" also on this website and then reading my more expanded answer below.
  • Erotica - sex is central. While the scenes are hot and filled with emotion, they may or may not include romance
  • .Sensual Romance
    - romance is central and includes HEA (Happily Ever After)
    - lots of sexual tension
    - explicit sex
  • Erotic Romance
    - romance is central and includes HEA
    - lots of sexual tension
    - explicit sex in greater frequency
    - erotically charged words are allowed such as cock, fuck, dick, clit
    - taboo themes are allowed such as the following:
    • Bondage (SECRETS 3, Jacobs; SECRETS 4, Holly& Morgan/ Paul; CAPTIVATED; Johnson & Devine, BODICE RIPPERS; Knight writing as Day, HIDDEN PASSIONS; Burke)
    • Spanking (SECRETS 1, Landon; SECRETS 7, Dubois; FASCINATED; Small)
    • Anal play (SECRETS 4, Holly; SECRETS 7, Dubois; CAPTIVATED, Small)
    • Voyeurism (SECRETS 4, Morgan/Paul)
    • Threesomes (SECRETS 4, Holly; CAPTIVATED, Small)
    • Kidnapping (CAPTIVATED & FASCINATED, Small)
    • Risking sex in public (SECRETS 3, McCall)
    • Sex with other than hero (SECRETS 1, Hamre; SECRETS 7; Knight; FASCINATED, Small)
    • Male is dominant or domineering Almost all (probably all) SECRETS, BRAVA , and ELLORA’S CAVE heroes are dominant males. The BLAZE & St. MARTIN’S heroes, while they may claim are "bad-boys," seem to be such nice guys, not domineering in any way, at least so far.

Note: While some of the Blaze books "play" with bondage, it is done in a politically correct way – either role playing or simply consensual. But in erotic romance, the character is bound against his or her will and gets aroused in spite of being mad as hell. This makes all the difference in keeping that erotic edge. (notice the "victim" is mad, rather than afraid.) Whether it’s erotic romance or erotica – as in Black Lace – the women is never "abused." If she is spanked, she’s mad rather than hurt and terrified.

*** I have not read every Brava, St. Martin’s, Blaze or Ellora’s Cave publications but I have read probably 75% of them and continue to read them regularly and SO FAR the above analysis seems to hold as of Nov. 2002. If I am wrong, I welcome correction. Please email me or leave a message in my guest book when it’s up and running.
Q: Are any other publishers besides Brava, Secrets, and Ellora’s Cave accepting erotic romance?
A: Yes, but the above are the most popular, prolific, and follow the expectations of a romance written for women by women. But for a list of the those publishers out there, refer to my articles page and read "Erotic Writing Research: Who’s publishing it?"

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