March 7th, 2010 — 1 Star, A-C, ARC, Erotica, Guest Reviews, LGBT, Paranormal, Supernatural
by Isabel G.,guest reviewer
The main character is a mortician named Jake Marshall who lost his partner and is searching for someone new with whom to share the rest of his life. It is difficult for him to find someone who measures up to his expectations and is also understanding about his profession. However, things start to get complicated when a voodoo priest resurrects a cadaver laying at the funeral home where Marshall works. The corpse, turned walking dead, known as Mark Hartner, is fouler as a person than any smell a zombie could eject. The pain he caused many people, both physically and emotionally, is why he was brought back to life to suffer.
I began reading this book without any bias that it’s a gay/zombie themed story, which is not what I’m normally used to reading. However, I was willing to try something new and looking forward to an exciting erotic experience nonetheless. Unfortunately, the author does nothing to excite me as a reader neither with the story nor the erotica. Despite the fact that there are only 200 pages to this ebook it was an uphill battle trying to finish reading it. In the end, I could not. I found it to be unrealistic, tasteless, and there were details that were unnecessary and off-putting.
At one point the main character has a never ending ejaculation, in a dream like state, while having an orgy with people that died years ago. Oh, did I mention that it’s painful and not fully enjoyable for our hero? Yeah, as a matter of fact, most of the sexual encounters in this book are not enjoyable for the characters. It was just a bit much, in a way you really don’t want in an erotic read.
Something else that bothered me was that the main character claims to be searching for someone worth spending the rest of his life with yet he sleeps with several men after finding a guy he feels that way about. He seems more interested in sex with everyone versus what the author wants you to believe about him. Another thing that was longer than it needed to be is that the main character goes on and on describing the color of someone’s eyes and you feel as though the author just wanted to bulk the story with more sentences rather than giving the story substance.
I liked the idea of a voodoo priest being the reason a zombie was walking. The idea was unique, yet, the rituals were not what a reader expects nor does it make that religion intriguing.
Disliked: Most of the book for multiple reasons including but not limited to descriptions of licking outie belly buttons, balls dropping, saliva drenched chest hair, dry sweat licking of underarms, sex obsessed hero, necrophilia, rape scenes, etc…
If you’re attracted to any of the above mentioned then I guess there really is something for everyone! Personally, I do not recommend this book to anyone, straight or gay.
Rating: 1 Stars
Buy: For the Love of the Dead: Gay Zombie Erotica
Publisher: Ravenous Romance
ISBN-13: 978-1-60777-312-2
Copyright 2009
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance
Page: 202
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March 3rd, 2010 — 4.5 Stars, Book Review, Cinderella, Erotica, Historical Romance, J-L, Kings, Princes, Sheiks, Chiefs, Revenge
Once upon a time, in a land far far away a beautiful girl by the name of Mariella decides to find herself a husband. Not just any husband mind you – but one that will be rich enough to provide her with a sense of freedom. She would love to wake up in the morning whenever she wanted to get up, spend the day pursuing whatever she felt like pursuing, and live a relatively carefree life that up to now she has not had. To find the husband she desires Mariella attends the balls set out for Prince Teodor’s wife hunt.
Never in all her wild imaginings did Mariella expect to find herself kissing the confused but eager Prince. She wasn’t looking to elevate herself in society to the point where wealth became an obligation – and with all the other girls vying for his attention she hadn’t expected him to gravitate toward her! What’s a girl to do when the devilishly good looking Prince proposes? By switching roles – I mean the rules – of course!
In the Glass Stiletto you will find what I think is light D/S. They play with ribbons and take turns being submissive (Teodor more so than Mariella.) Beyond that there aren’t any kinks that I think could possibly be offensive to anyone. There are a few words used in these scenes I would have switched out – surprisingly one of them is sexy; for the setting and the time period I felt seductive would have been more appropriate. Still, it’s hardly enough to nitpick.
I really, really, enjoyed listening the narration of the Glass Stiletto. It made all the difference. The acting in the bedroom was wonderful and a wicked thrill. Kenley knows how to tell a steamy tale that is for sure! If you’re listening in your car, the story may just fog your windows it’s so delightfully naughty.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Buy the audio here!
Originally posted 2009-04-06 05:33:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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February 28th, 2010 — About
It has come to my attention that some readers of Love Romance Passion are unaware of certain features here. In case you also were unawares, I have compiled and shared them below.
Book Reviews:
You have the standard book reviews, but did you know that Love Romance Passion provides a space for guest reviews and advance review copies? You can submit your book reviews directly to me or through the submission form. Authors and publicists promoting review copies can email me at reviewromancenovel@yahoo.com with an inquiry. Learn more about review requests and Love Romance Passion's policies under advertising.
Movie Reviews:
Occasionally, I review movies. I tend to share the newest viewings, which can mean current theatrical releases. Just as I can't read all the romance books out there, I can't watch all the romantic movies. Readers are welcome to share their movie opinions through the submission form outlined earlier.
Interviews:
There are several types of interviews at Love Romance Passion. The first is the author interview, which you see the most of around here. Another form of the author interview is the Kiss and Tell blog series. Any romance or erotica author may submit an article to it by emailing me. Lastly there are the Between the Sheets interviews with professionals related to the romance industry, but aren't necessarily authors. So far Love Romance Passion has featured model and audio book narrator interviews; we would love to have you too!
Guest Bloggers:
Many guest bloggers here at Love Romance Passion are authors. I love having them here and I hope you do as well. I am always looking for guest bloggers, and you don't have to be an author to contribute.
Carnivals:
Carnivals are a newer feature. They come out every Sunday. I have three in rotation right now to which bloggers can submit related articles. They are: love of movies, author love , and romancing the novel. Currently offline as interest seemed to be small.
Reader Highlights:
A brand new feature that does exactly what it says, highlight readers who've made an impression on the blog: on the stage and behind the curtain.
Forum:
Love Romance Passion also has a forum for readers, authors, and bloggers. This tucked away feature deserves some attention! You can register here. Currently offline as interest seemed to be small.
Book Store:
This is an ebay run book store that helps readers find romance books in print and audio format. It's also a great way to contribute a little towards the running of this site.
LRP's Best:
LRP's Best is where I pull from regular circulation, the blog posts I find most interesting and fun to share with new comers and regulars.
On Youtube:
Love Romance Passion’s Youtube channel is under construction. I soon hope to use this feature to share with everyone videos from guest bloggers, authors, readers, and more. If you make a video and want it to appear on LRP's channel upload file to http://www.mediafire.com/ and email me the link.
On Twitter:
I am on twitter. I share links to contests and articles I am reading and enjoying from other blogs. You can find me at reviewromance.
On Facebook:
Love Romance Passion is on Facebook twice. First as a hobby group and second as a Network blog.
Originally posted 2009-06-25 20:45:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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December 4th, 2009 — 3 Stars, Blind, Book Review, D-F, Erotica, Friends, Gentry, Historic America, Scarred Hero, Soldier, United States of America, Virgin Heroine, Wartime
I recently finished the audio book version of the Land of Falling Stars. This Civil War erotica loosely brings to mind Gone with the Wind
with Rhett, Ashley, and Scarlett… only this time played out by Gavin, Jesse, and Sophia. Gavin and Ricochet were my two favorite characters. So scrumptious! (Gavin not the dog.) My least favorite was probably Sophia from the good guy team; she was so hot and cold and acted very childish on several occasions, which made it hard to like her. The story did include one of my favorite character flaws: blindness. Several yummy sex scenes occur throughout the blindness of Sophia.
Gavin returns to Arbor Rose with terrible, soul-wrenching news. He must deliver this news to his childhood love Sophia and he doesn’t know how he can do it. Haunted by what he’s done in the war, Gavin knows he faces censure at home not only because he chose to fight for the Yanks but also because he is Jesse’s murderer. It doesn’t matter if it was in the middle of battle and he didn’t know who he was aiming at – the outcome was the same. Jesse, Sophia’s fiancé, was dead by his hand.
Mistaking Gavin for another cruel heartless Yank, Sophia shoots him on sight only to learn it’s her childhood friend and protector come back from war. Horrified by what she’s done, Sophia races to his side and nurses him back to health. It’s been months and months since she’s heard from Jesse, and all the while she’s with Gavin she can’t help forgetting the perfect man her father found her for the scarred and imperfect flesh and blood man before her. Terribly confused by her attraction for Gavin, Sophia wavers and falls, then returns to teetering and vacillating and questioning with several relapses while trying to sort out her feelings for the man she was supposed to love and marry, and the man she can’t live without.
Rating: 3.0 Stars
Get the audio version here.
Originally posted 2009-03-21 05:33:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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December 3rd, 2009 — 3 Stars, Book Review, Counts, Marquis, Viscounts, Erotica, Great Britain, Kidnapping, LGBT, Regency, Rogues and Rakehells, S-U, Virgin Heroine
Looking to add some spice to your Regency romances? Try Sinjin by Julia Templeton! This erotica novel focuses on the main romance but you’ll also get to experience some other sexy scenes featuring the hero’s brothers and their current paramours. There’s a lot of sex some of which features a little voyeurism and a little ménage trios action. Additionally there is a tiny hint of lesbian interaction that stops at dirty talking and a kiss, in case that bothers you.
The Rayborne brothers are being forced to find brides by their mother. Sinjin being the eldest must find his bride before the summer is out and preferably at a two week house party their mother is throwing. Prepared for the worst, determined to be a martyr to give his brothers more time to sow their wild oats, Sinjin strides through the doors and is arrested by the sight of the beautiful Katelyn Davenport.
Katelyn is engaged to be married to a terribly wretched peer. He’s forty plus years of age to her just shy of twenty years, overweight, balding, and a bore. His strict views of propriety and womanhood are so imposing Katelyn can hardly imagine marriage to him. She’s determined to use this time away from him at the Rayborne house party to enjoy herself while securing for her sister one of the brothers. When Sinjin’s smoldering gaze lingers on her Katelyn dares to imagine a life spent with him… or at the very least his bed!
Rating: 3 Stars
Buy: Sinjin
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December 2nd, 2009 — Defining the Genre, Erotica
This post is in response to Historical Romance - How Much Heat is Too Much?
The original post is by Evangeline Collins, author of Her Ladyship's Companion
(releases in May 2009).
In the comments I explored what I thought made the difference between a sexy romance and an erotica romance and then I thought it deserved to be explored some more.
I agree with Evangeline that the lines are blurring but will the line ever disappear? My guess is not anytime soon.
How are sexy romance and erotica romance the same or merging?
Both types of romances can have vanilla or kinky sex. It can be explicit and it can be blush inducing… it can turn you on and rev you up. Yummy.
How are they different?
As I said it’s not so much anymore that the sex is there and is explicitly described; both types of romance write it and write it well. The main difference that I see is language. The diction between sexy romance and erotic romance are two very different types of words.
Sexy romance still uses in many cases the tame terminology romance has used since the beginning. I say tame because it’s many times wrapped in euphemisms. It's still polite.
Examples: cock, center, sheath, thrusting, pumping, bundle of nerves.
Erotica romance takes the words people use today and waves it like a banner. It’s not your mother’s romance in other words... pardon the pun. Modern/urban colloquial terms are the cornerstones of erotica.
Examples: cock (hey it’s versatile!), dick (even though old romances used it, it’s not used now in sexy romance [or if it is I haven’t seen it]), cunt, pussy, twat, fucking.
Wrapping up:
They are also different because erotica romance also has a history of ménage a trios/multiple partner sex. Same sex stories currently fall under erotica. Do I expect this to change? Yes and no. I expect the forbidden aspect will fall to the wayside and some sexy romances will start incorporating multiple partners/same sex. However, I doubt sexy romance which is firmly entrenched in romancelandia will ever buy into more than one soul mate at a time as romance’s cornerstone is the perfect match, the happily ever after.
How about you? Do you think the lines are blurring or have blurred all they’re going to blur?
Photo Credits: zenera
Originally posted 2009-04-05 14:15:55. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 28th, 2009 — Between the Sheets, Erotica
Welcome to the second article under Between the Sheets. Here we get to focus on going beyond the printed page to learn more about the industry, the parts usually forgotten by the time the product hits the shelves. Today’s special guest is Olivia Roland, narrator of Land of Falling Stars
. Please join me in welcoming her!
Q. -- How did you get started in book narration?
A.-- I started as a stage actor and learned of an opportunity recording books for the blind from a fellow actor.
Q.-- What's the audition process like for audio books?
A.-- You're asked to read segments from different genres (fiction, non-fiction) and submit a recording and will often do an audition to show your reading skills.
Q.-- Were you required to do anything special for the audition because it was an erotica novel?
A.-- No. We submitted material from a novel with a similar feel.
Q.-- What's your favorite part about narrating?
A.-- I love being able to use all the ranges of my voice, and to be able to put my training with languages and dialects and acting to great use.
Q.-- Did you feel strange narrating erotica at first?
A.-- I've recorded romance novels and historical romances for over a decade and they have many explicit sex scenes, so I was accustomed to some of the material when I began to read for Ravenous Romance.
Q.-- What other voice acting have you done?
A.-- I've recorded hundreds of commercials for radio and television, industrials and training videos. I have also recorded several PBS specials and have been nominated for two Heartland Emmy Nominations for Best Narration.
Q.-- And finally, why should people listen to audio books?
A.-- Audio books are magical to me because you get the advantage of hearing them read by an actor, but at the same time you create all the images and imagine all the people in your mind's eye all on your own.
You get the best of two worlds: an actor's voice and interpretation and your own power of creativity and imagination as you hear a writer's words. It's the best kind of escape, anywhere you choose to have it!
Thank you Olivia! It's been so good to talk with you. I couldn't agree more with why people should listen to audio books. They are definitely magical.
Photo Credits: bondiben
Originally posted 2009-03-25 05:33:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 12th, 2009 — About, Rape/Abuse
Why is spanking prevalent in older romances? I kid you not the hero gets upset then he takes heroine and bends her over his knee to end an argument. Is it supposed to be sexy? It just comes across as daddy issues gone wrong.
My recent read had such a scene and it was very jarring with the rest of the story. My take on spanking is that with the exception of erotica stories, the usual reaction from a woman should be “WTF is wrong with you? You’re not my father. Stay away!” as she runs from the guy.
I believe it was a tactic by the author to stop a seemingly childish argument from lasting longer. The point isn’t whether or not the argument was childish it is the reaction that of the hero that concerns me. Spanking comes across very controlling; it is after all a form of behavioral punishment.
Disciplinary spanking is often reserved for parent/child relationships. Sometimes it appears for non-sexual purposes in husband/wife relationships as a “part of their [couple’s] overall belief system in how a husband and wife should interrelate.” Even then it’s still between two consenting adults.
In the case of an older romance novel it appears to come about at the frustration of the hero. He simply snaps and surprises the heroine with this form of punishment. The scene is not consenting at all. The heroine usually struggles for release.
Was spanking a way to show off how alpha the hero was? Is this just another in a long line of heroes showing off their manliness in the wrong way? Should this type of hero be labeled spanking-alpha hero to go alongside his cousin rapist-alpha hero and his twin wife-rapist-alpha hero?
As far as I can tell it's not limited to just romance novels - take the picture shown above. Ricky Ricardio is spanking Lucy. Non-erotica romances today aren't filled with spanking heroes, so was this simply a sign of the times?
What are your thoughts?
Photo Credits: http://weheartit.com/
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October 12th, 2009 — About
@bookbinge: Dear Authors: I haven't met a man alive who thinks of nipples as "berries", ripe, pink, succulent or otherwise. Very distracting to read.
I saw this in my Twitter stream and decided to share my thoughts about it in far more than 140 characters.
Does it really matter what men think? Or more accurately, how they word things?
It’s not really men that read romance or write it. Sure, their numbers have raised in both aspects, but the person most likely reading a romance is a woman.
A sex scene is designed to reflect feminine tastes. It is meant to give us what we want and is written the way we would word things.
Ripe berries is of course a metaphor for erect tits. Both have their place. The first in mainstream romance, the second in erotica romance.
I suspect ripe berries and the like are found as they are in historical romances and in several contemporaries because they give the story a romantic slant. We get erect tits in real life, why do we want it in every one of our books?
In normal situations we’d slap a guy for saying or even thinking of our tits (unless it’s our intention to show them off). It’s crude and rude. Ripe berries is poetic and if you forgive the pun, sweeter. In a way it shows respect and manners, two things all heroes must show.
When it comes to the male pov in romance, it is supplanted in some ways by the feminine gaze. These ways are shown by word choices, actions, and expressed feelings. We are reading our fantasies, where do men fit in?
Well… that’s a bit obvious. Ahem. Evil grin.
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Photo Credits: http://weheartit.com/
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August 25th, 2009 — Author Interviews, Contests, Erotica, P-R
The following is a joint interview between Susan S. and myself with Devyn Quinn (DQ). Giveaway details at the end!
Susan: We were wondering, do you have any demons of revelation that guide you to write such great erotica? Is Remi hiding in a tome in your living room? LOL
DQ: I wish I had a few demons to help around the house and with the writing of books. <G> As it is, I have to manage things all by myself.
Susan: Some of your readers were disappointed with Morgan Saint Evanston's departure in The Price of Eternity
. Will he come back to Julienne in another time, world, or book?
DQ: I’m going to say right out that Morgan is alive and well, and will be back in The Challenge of Eternity. For those jonesing for a bit of Morgan and Julienne, they can get a glimpse of their future in “Sins Of The Night
”. 
Keira: What is your favorite part about being an author?
DQ: Chatting with readers and other authors.
Susan: Your writing takes us into dark erotica, for example the Kynn's need for blood, but you also balance your books with humor. They're not all gloom & doom, do you find it hard to strike that balance?
DQ: I can’t say I am known for humor at all. In fact, I find it very hard to write humor, so when it does come through in my writing I am absolutely thrilled. When I’m wearing my “doom” hat, I usually end up wreaking hell through my character’s lives.
Keira: From a reading standpoint, what is a secret guilty plot or character type that you love beyond reason?
DQ: I can’t help it, but I love a good forced seduction!
Susan: If you had to choose only one hero from all your books, who have you had the most fun creating?
DQ: Oh, hands down is Morgan Saint-Evanston. My manic-depressive, alcoholic assassin is absolutely the greatest character to work with. Morgan doesn’t care about manners, is insufferably rude and still manages to be a likeable bastard. He’s like that drunken uncle that the family whispers about when he’s not around.
Keira: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
DQ: Come by and visit me at www.devynquinn.com! There’s something for everyone there, including freebies and other giveaways.
Giveaway Details: Romantic Times gave 4.5 stars to Devyn's newest release Possession
, calling it, "a deliciously hot pageturner!" Devyn has graciously offered a copy here to one lucky commentator at Love Romance Passion. To be considered all you have to do is leave a comment about Devyn's new release, previous books, or ask a question! The winner will be selected on Saturday, August 29th, 2009. Good luck!!!
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June 1st, 2009 — News
This past month has been a blast! May was filled with reviews, guest bloggers, author interviews, and many fun articles covering a wide range of topics from TBR piles to romance heroes. I celebrated my blog's 1st year on the 26th with mantitty and twitter. Thank you everyone who commented and played because you made the day very special! Shared below is the month's highlights:
May's 11 Most Commented Posts:
May's Guest Bloggers:
May's Author Interviews:
May's Misc.:
What are the best Georgette Heyer Romances? Poll:
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April 13th, 2009 — 2 Stars, 3 Stars, Book Review, Comedy of Manners, Contemporary, Cursed Lead, Erotica, Friends, M-O, Paranormal, United States of America, Writer
What is Opposite Sex about? The following phrase captures the idea nicely: "It's like Freaky Friday
...with f*&!king!" It takes the fantasy one step further than What Women Want
where you can hear what the opposite sex truly think and let's you experience things from their perspective.
Do you believe body switching is viable? It’s an interesting idea. I picked this book because it explored the concept.
Monica Westwood narrated Opposite Sex smoothly and naturally. I had no trouble following when Taylor and Jasmine switched bodies… it was effortless to pay attention and keep up, which is always a good thing when it comes to audio presentation.
The preternatural events leading up to the body switching involve sex, wish verbalization, and a smidge of role playing. McQueen wrote it believably or as believable as it can be written. I wasn’t required to make a large leap of faith or stretch my imagination beyond the realms of all possibility.
I disliked the Zack/Jasmine friends to lovers theme. It’s personally not my cup of tea, but you like it then you will enjoy the ending tremendously. I would have preferred Taylor staying the hero instead of slowly losing ground as the hero throughout the novel. I’m of the mind if two strangers can create sex magic and literally jump bodies, that it has to be a once in a lifetime sort of deal and the reason it can occur is because they’re meant for each other. Soul mates in other words literally and figuratively.
If you shy from curse words, this is not the book for you.
Favorite scene: Jasmine as Taylor trying to pass off as the author at the (Sci-Fi?) convention. When it got time for her to join the panel on erotica in books it gets even better. I was laughing uproariously at her thoughts on the philosophy of sex in books.
Writing: 4 of 5 Stars
Personal Preference: 2 of 5 Stars
Narration: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Overall: 3 of 5 Stars
Buy the Audio Version Here!
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March 22nd, 2009 — 0.5 Stars, Blackmail, Contemporary, Erotica, Guest Reviews, J-L, Journalism, Mistress or Courtesan, Plump/Endowed Heroine, Politician, United States of America
By: Sasha Muradali, guest reviewer
Jamaica Layne’s “A Capitol Affair” is a underdeveloped, ghastly excuse for erotic literature that glamorizes sloppy, whorish women as independent, strong and calculated.
As a person who rarely reads romance, let alone erotica-romance, I was unimpressed and, at times, disgusted.
I initially thought this would be the story to bring me over to the juicy-side: a PR-girl, a Washington scandal, romance and drama.
From the frigid sex that overtly describe bodily fluids, to plot holes, to random characters pulled out of a magician’s hat (like Dexter, the hero’s estranged relative), “A Capitol Affair” is lacking in more ways than one.
It’s a wonder one can get through reading the first 50-pages without rubbing their chin in confusion and speculation.
Not to mention the fact that I highly doubt most public relations professionals (and Ms. Layne get it right, in politics, it’s called public affairs) would stoop as low as to sleep with a magazine editor for their kinky, slob of a boss.
It’s a very possible, just not probable story.
The plot holes and lack of continuity start at the very beginning when the heroine, Jasmine, a frumpy, overweight public affairs director not only says she is under-sexed, but she implies she’s not the most outgoing of women in that department.
She proceeds to relieve herself in the bathroom thinking of a man, Rodney Doyle, our hero, that she’s never met.
Said man, and subject of her infatuation, agrees to have a meeting with Jasmine to discuss her boss, Sen. Grayle’s, indiscretions.
Jasmine proposes sex to Mr. Doyle – a little out of the ordinary and out of character for a woman sex deprived and seemingly shy, I would think.
During this same meeting, Doyle offers Jasmine a drink, of which she refuses claiming she doesn’t enjoy the stuff.
Yet, we see a few pages down the line, and a date with Doyle later, Jasmine chugging two cosmos like a first-week freshman, boozed-sorority girl, fainting, feeling light-headed and ready to spread eagle for a stranger.
And since when was eating meat off someone’s body, like a dog to its bowl, sexy?
Just as I started relishing the feeling of the meat on my skin, however, Rodney leaned over and began to nibble tiny bites of the fillet. The meat moved slightly with each bite he took, creating damp feathery sensations that sent warm prickles all over my belly. He ate slowly and deliberately to maximize the pleasure the food gave us. When it was finally gone, Rodney lapped up the ginger sauce that had adhered to my skin; making sure to spread it around with his tongue so I could get the most of the tingling sensations from the raw ginger root. A wonderful melty feeling headed straight for my pussy.
Needless to say, I laughed, then cringed and Ms. Layne, ‘melty’ isn’t a real word.
As the novel progressed, I began to wonder if Jasmine had any self-respect at all or if Ms. Layne was simply trying to appeal her novel of sloshing juices to men, rather than women.
I won’t touch the ginger sauce sending electric shots through her body theme. But I will say, better she just screwed a ginger root and called it a night. I was waiting for our heroine to roll over like a dog in heat and howl.
The novel speaks for itself, and if erotica tickles your fancy, perhaps check out Lora Leigh or something published by LitErotica.
I don’t think even the wickedly adventurous Miss_Figg (and all you fan fiction junkies out there know who I’m talking about) would approve of this capitol mess.
You too can get involved at Love Romance Passion. Learn about our review submission guidelines and share with us your latest read. We would love to have you!
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March 18th, 2009 — Between the Sheets, Erotica
Between the Sheets is a play on words, not only referring to sex and the bedsheets but also to the pages of a book. This section of the blog is dedicated to going beyond the printed page to learn more about the industry, the parts usually forgotten by the time the product hits the shelves. Today's special guest is Rebecca Rogers, the narrator of The Maestro's Butterfly
, to talk about audio books... and more specifically erotica audio books.
How did you get started in book narration?
My family and I own a Renaissance Festival in Washington State. One of our vendors asked me if I had ever thought about recording audio books. I told her that it was a dream of mine. She happened to be one of the cover artists for a local audio book company and was able to get me an audition!
What was the first book you narrated?
My first book was Bound To Die
by Brian Lutterman.
What’s your favorite part about narrating?
I love performing and storytelling. Making a story come alive is like magic!
In your opinion, what is the hardest aspect of the whole narration process?
The most challenging aspect for me is doing the author justice. Not having direct contact with most authors, I have to use my best judgment when developing a character’s voice.
Did you feel strange narrating erotica?
No, I didn’t feel strange at all! It was new territory for me, admittedly, but I had a lot of fun with it. I also wanted to sound genuine. It was a challenge that quite often had me laughing!
What do you do to prep for a new narration?
Research is vital. Most importantly I need to KNOW the characters. I try to nail it the first take to minimize corrections. In order to do this I need to know my pronunciations, know when a character has an accent and be familiar with the setting.
Tell us about the narrating process after prep!
Most recently my process has been relatively solitary. I come to the studio with my water and apple slices having prepared several chapters for recording. I act as my own engineer, punching and rolling when I make a mistake. When my session is done I load my files onto a hard drive for my engineer. Once the engineer has listened and we’ve made any corrections we call it a wrap!
I really enjoyed your rendition of Maestro’s Butterfly, how did you decide on the character voices?
Thank you! Maestro’s Butterfly was especially fun for me. Vampires have intrigued me for many years. I pulled some inspiration from Anne Rice’s vampire Lestat who was also French and had a vicious side. I also enjoyed playing with lead characters who were so diametrically opposed to each other; strong/male/foreign/exotic vs. lost/feminine/naive/southern. Such fun!
Besides Maestro’s Butterfly what other books have you done, either for Ravenous Romance or other publishers?
For Ravenous Romance I have read The Brotherhood: To Slay or to Lay by Elizabeth Miette, Haunted Seduction
by Morgan James and Destiny's Jewel
by Rachel Kenley. With Blackstone Audio I have read Nancy Drew Girl Detective: Framed
by Carolyn Keene, Nancy Drew Girl Detective: Dressed to Steal
by Carolyn Keene, The Shiloh Renewal
by Joan Leslie Woodruff, Foul Play
by Tori Carrington, and many others.
And finally, why should people listen to audio books?
Audio books offer another level on which authors can reach their readers. Audio books are an exciting way to “hear” your favorite characters come to life. They bring you closer to the work.
Thank you so much Rebecca! It's been a pleasure to listen and to talk with you!
Photo Credits: Frederic della Faille
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March 5th, 2009 — Erotica, News
So today Jane from Dear Author came out and reviewed Knight Moves by Jamaica Layne. I have not had a chance to read the ebook yet, but I am understandingly sympathetic to the squicks being brought up. Clearly the novel is not going to be accepted or beloved by a majority of readers due to language choice and certain erm... acts.
The comments to Jane's posts are more enlightening as posters argue the merits of erotica, compare the language to other authors, and defend Layne from Jane's biased review. I'm about halfway through the comments and so far nobody has stood up for the book itself - which to me would make more sense for the hostility against Jane (by some commenters) because then she would be commenting negatively on somebody's personal choice of material to get off with.
As evidence by their about section Ravenous Romance strives to provide high-quality, sensual romance. They are looking to bring solid authors and stories to the table that turn you on and leave you emotionally satisfied at the end. Did Knight Moves do that? It doesn't look like it...
Of course what turns one person on is completely different from the next and can be seen as offensive and crass. I found Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty Novels
to be a complete turn off and they are well received if you give weight to the 4 Stars average from Amazon's 160 reviewers.
Written erotica is a tough nut to crack. It needs to be evocative and stirring. It needs take the romance novel deeper into the bedroom (or wherever!) and shed the euphemisms and pussyfooting without crossing the line.
Perhaps Ravenous Romance should consider following Samhain Publishing with warnings on their stories:
Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, D/s, light bondage, menage a trois, hot nekkid man-love.
What do you think? Does that sound like a good solution? It won't help with awful writing but it will help appraise readers of what they are getting themselves into before they commit to a purchase.
It's not all bad news though, epublishing and erotica are gaining momentum and recognition. Ravenous Romance's Holly Schmidt was interviewed at MobilizedTV. I particularly liked this portion:
Is there something about the mobile platform that made a good fit for erotica aimed at women?
I think it’s portable and discreet. The fact the reader can be sitting on the train and reading a dirty story and nobody knows it has an appeal.
ETA: Okay I'm all caught up with the comments from Jane's recent post and while Knight Moves is the primary focus, a couple of readers have come forward and pointed out other RR stories that are good including: Haunted Seduction by Morgan James, The Toast Bitches by Sandra Cormier, and Sex, Lies and Wedding Bells
. Like with print publishers, epublishers will have good reads and bad reads. It's not fair to judge all by one book.
You can get double your money with Ravenous Romance now by buying gift certifications in denominations of $25. They are calling it their stimulus package.
Also in Epublishing news B&N Buys Fictionwise for 15.7 Million Dollars.
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