The once formulaic romance novel, in which all the action happened in sidelong glances and behind closed doors, has gone explicit in new and racier books by old stalwarts like Harlequin By Dan Thanh Dang sun reporter June 21, 2006
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Kim Bender summed it up best for me in the closing: "Innuendo is just fine by Bender, who figures her ability to fill in the blanks is more than enough."
We keep exposing more and more. That takes the fun out of imagination. There was nothing more erotic than Fay Reye (spelling) in "King Kong."
Thanks for the link. Interesting, informative read!
As a mere male may I just observe that anticipation is, usually, far better than realisation. A glimpse of stocking-top is far more sensual than full frontal nudity (and so often sensuality gets confused with sexuality)
I just finished reading another book that might interest some of you: "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" by Mark Hadden, an award-winning British author. It's been heaped with praise from all over.
It is written through the eyes of a 16-year old autistic child named Christopher. Hadden's insight brings the reader a little humor (the chapters are only prime numbers so you're on chapter 87 but on page 52), a little mystery (who killed Mrs. Shear's dog Wellington), and a great family drama. There is some swearing, but it is true-to life and just a smattering when necessary to the story.
It takes a bit to get involved, but once you get the hang of it, it is fascinating and rewarding to read.
Having worked in a mostly male environment (engineering), some men use the brain in their heads most of the time, but there are many that appear to only use their other brain. Some projects can only be described as a variant of "mine is bigger than yours".
I've read "romance" novels since I was a young teen and my cousin Sue introduced me to their forbidden delights. With all that "research" (giggle), I think I can safely say that the more "erotic" stuff has been out there for decades. You just had to know who to read and what to look for - certain authors were racier than others and the "code words" (romances involving models had plenty of information for the prurient as did a historical series or two).
As for the paranormal stuff, the Count Saint-Gremain has been around since the late 70's. And don't forget Dark Shadows - the 60's vampire soap opera.
And the "futuristic romances" - lots of the early "pulp" science fiction is filled with aliens and heaving breasts; it was just aimed at men.
I think the real change is that the publishing houses aren't keeping the releases under wraps anymore. They've been there all along, just not in your face. That is the real change.
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