Erotic romance is not erotica.
Since I have been researching this industry I have learned so much, but one thing I found interesting is the confusion of subgenres. This is mostly because of inappropriately shelved items and misinformation on the internet and reviews. The subgenres of romance are no different. Possibly one of the biggest misconceptions is the difference between erotic romance and erotica. In fact, erotica is not necessarily romance at all. Today I am going to try to make things a little a clearer so you be sure to get the kind of books you are intending to and correctly shelf your own writing.
Erotica: Literature or art intended to arouse sexual desires.
Erotica is here for one reason: to arouse the reader. That’s it. The goal is to be as hot as possible. Anything that is not of a sexual nature is usually in the background and not focused on. If there is a romantic relationship, the feelings and emotional development of the characters is rarely explained in depth and in my experience, just assumed. A lot of times these kind of stories are shorter than your average novels and sometimes only a couple chapters worth of pages. Basically, it’s literary pornography. Don’t expect to be emotionally effected by these types of stories as there is rarely enough detail and build up for that type of reaction.
Erotica example 1: “RAMOLOGY- 30 Carnal Doctor Encounters” by: Various authors
Description: They’ve got a PH.D in going DEEP! And they’re certainly not afraid to use it in this 30 story collection…
I actually had to search for one that was not named like a porn…clearly I didn’t succeed, but I wanted to give you a clear example. There are other books though, that kind of ride that line and I think that is where the confusion really begins.
Erotica example 2: “Under Mr. Nolan’s Bed” by: Selena Kitt
Description: Leah and Erica have been best friends since just about forever. Leah spends so much time with the Nolans that she’s practically part of the family. When the girls fins something naughty under Mr. Nolan’s bed, their strict, repressive Catholic upbringing makes it all the more exciting as they begin their sexual experimentation. Leah’s exploration presses deeper sand eventually she finds herself in love for the first time, torn between her best friend and Mr. Nolan.
I’ve read this book, and liked it, but this is one that adds to confusion. While there is a story line, it’s only there to support the sex scenes. There is supposed to be a romantic relationship there, but it just kind of happens. I would say this is definitely your higher quality erotica as opposed to example 1.
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Erotic Romance: Stories written about the development of a romantic relationship through sexual interaction. The sex is an inherent part of the story, character growth, and relationship development, and could not be removed without damaging the storyline.
This is where most of the books I read fall into. Books like "50 Shades of Grey" novels by E.L. James , "The Dark Duet" by C.J. Roberts, and the "War" series by K. Webster all fall into this category. While there are erotic and sexually explicit scenes, the story’s main focus is on the relationship and character development. However, sex is usually a detrimental part to the storyline. Erotic romance is just like every other novel in that the point is to effect the emotions of the reader. Arousal just happens to be one of the emotions that is evoked, but it is far from the only one or the most prominent.
Erotic Romance example 1: “Torn” by: Carian Cole
Description: He’s loved me since the day I was born. He’s taken care of me, He’s awakened me. Tor. My father’s best friend. Fifteen years older than me, he’s always been my protector. The one I should never, ever want. But I was born to be his.
She’s always loved me. She’s shattered me. She’s healed me. Kenzi. My best friend’s daughter. I held her the day she was born, and I never let go. She’s forbidden to me. But she’s the only one that really gets me. We’re slowly being torn apart by everything we love. Everything we want. Everything we desire. And now I want the only thing I can’t have…I want her.
I have not read this book yet, but I really want to. Clearly this book is about the relationship and the sexual aspects are there to enhance the story and add to the reader’s experience. Notice how any part of the sexual aspect isn’t mentioned in the description as opposed to the erotica examples. I personally though, think that covers like this make the confusion worse. Since the story is not primarily about sex, I feel there should be something more substantial on the cover. There are plenty of people that would disagree with me on that though and say they like the sexy covers.
Erotic Romance example 2: “The Dark Light of Day” by: T.M. Frazier
Description: Homeless, sleeping in a junk yard, and on the run from a system that has failed her over and over again, Abby meets Jake, a tattooed blue-eyed biker with secrets that rival her own. Two broken souls that can’t be healed, they can’t be saved. Abby and Jake have to decide if they can accept the darkness not only within one another, but within themselves.
If they can accept each other for who they really are they might learn that love isn’t always found in the light.
This is more my preference when it comes to covers and this book was actually one of the ones responsible for getting me into the genre. I stayed away from the sexy covers like the plague when I first started reading romance and as you can see, the description does not mention sex. If sex is mentioned in the book description of erotic romance, it is done so subtly.
Nothing is worse than expecting a romance and get a sex story or wanting a hot quick read and having to wait two chapters for any action. On the flip side, if you inappropriately shelf your book, you could be losing potential fans and followers.
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