Issues in Romance–Thoughts?

Contrary to the opinions of some, romance novels aren’t all the same. There are many different subgenres for a start, and many different authors with many different writing styles within each sub genre. My chosen specialty is contemporary romance and within that subgenre there is something to please every reader, from those who enjoy light sweet comedies to darkly erotic journeys. I’ve written sweet stories and very, very sexy stories. I’ve also written books that are issue driven.

By now you’ve all probably heard about Angelina Jolie’s decision to have a preventative double mastectomy because she carried a mutation on the BCRA 1 gene. My menage a trois (MMF) novel Erica’s Choice had the heroine dealing with this same gene mutation and the resultant high-percentage threat of contracting cancer. I never set out to write about that issue, and if I’d known where the book would take me I probably would have chickened out and not written it that way! But when I sat down to put pen to paper this whole breast cancer issue just came out. Once I’d started down that road, I couldn’t stop.

It took a long time for me to get that book as right as I could, and when it was accepted for publication I spent the subsequent months believing not many people would buy it because of the subject matter it dealt with. I was pleasantly surprised to find the book was much better received than I thought, and that the BCRA gene mutation storyline hasn’t turned readers off (as far as I’m aware). It makes me wonder if romance novels are the ‘pure escapism’ many claim they are, or if many readers are happy to explore real and complex problems, problems that real people face in life, along with their ‘escapist’ romance.

So what do you think? Do you believe romance should be pure fluffy escapism or do you like to read books that take on gritty issues?

Erica’s Choice:

High school teacher Erica Shannon isn’t a one-night stand kind of girl. Pair that with an aversion to relationships, and she’s resigned to no love life at all. Then one horrifying discovery propels her off her take-no-risks path, and into the arms of the stars of her midnight fantasies.

When his friend and fellow firefighter threatens to make a move on Erica, Corey figures he’d better get over the notion that she’s way out of his league—fast—before he has to get in line.

Griff never thought he’d get the chance to introduce Corey to the combustible delights of multi-partner play, until he senses the sheer volume of sexual energy surging beneath Erica’s repressed exterior.

A blazing night of passion has unexpected consequences. Corey is surprised to discover the woman of his dreams, and that he doesn’t mind sharing her—or himself—with Griff. But Griff finds his heart pulled down a romantic path he vowed he’d never venture again.

Erica? She’s got a problem on her hands. Hold two, hardwired-to-rescue firemen at arm’s length—and away from her heart—until she’s fought and won a battle that may well destroy her.

You can read an excerpt from the first chapter at my website, where you’ll also find buy links (or go straight to Amazon or Samhain).

Cheers,

Sami

What Sami’s Been Up To

So what have I been doing lately? The most significant thing I suppose is not going to RT (boohoo). But I am over my distress now that all the other girls have returned and things are normal again.

I’ve been writing, of course. Currently working on a sexy rom com style book and struggling with plot. I always struggle with plot so what else is new? Doing some revising at the moment and hoping to be done with the draft of this one soon.

I’ve also been doing edits on Unforgettable Summer, my next Samhain release which is due for release on the 26^th of November. Down to the final line edits AND I’ve seen a draft of the cover which looks absolutely AWESOME  (thanks to our own Valerie Tibbs). I hope I’ll be able to share that soon.

Unforgettable Summer is a follow up to Moonlight Mirage, book 3 in the Bandicoot Cove: The Wedding trilogy that I wrote with Jess and Lexxie. While Moonlight is not technically a menage, there are some hot voyeuristic scenes involving the book’s hero, Mitch, his love Hayley and Hayley’s friends-with-benefits, Ty Butler. In the end Ty had to bow out so Mitch and Hayley could have their HEA, but he left an impression on me so I had to write his book.

If you want to get to know Ty a little before Unforgettable Summer comes out, you can meet him in Moonlight Mirage:

Two years ago, Hayley Bryant left Australia on a round-the-world odyssey that changed her life, and her attitude. After that, coming face to face with the man whose rejection sent her packing shouldn’t affect her at all, right?

Except there’s one thing that hasn’t changed—her former boss Mitchell Wood makes her burn as hot as ever. The difference is, Hayley’s now a grown woman who knows how to get what she wants, and she wants Mitch. Trouble is, she hasn’t come to her friend’s wedding alone. Her very sexy friend with benefits, Ty Butler, might pose a problem.

Business was always Mitch’s first love…at least until he hired his little sister’s friend as an intern. Pushing her away was the right thing to do, but now his sister’s wedding has Hayley re-entering his life—and the empty place in his heart. Soon he’s acting less like the consummate workaholic and more like a man crazy in love. But Hayley’s “plus one” is an unexpected obstacle.

Fortunately, Mitch has never been one to shy away from a little competition

You can checkout an excerpt from the first chapter at my website.

Cheers,

Sami

 

It’s Cherry Poppin’ Time

Well folks, it’s my first time. My first time of having the International Heat blog all to myself for the entire week. I have a few things to chat about and hopefully we’ll have a little fun. I promise to be gentle with you.

photo from modelmayhem dot com

Maybe

Sami

The Tale of RT (in pictures)

Presented without comment: photos from RT.

Forgot How to Write Sex

Those who were at the 2013 RT convention probably had to, at some point, listen to me talk about the non-Lila book I’ve been writing. I was supposed to have it done before the conference, but that didn’t happen. In fact, Mari Carr and Lexxie Couper both took one look at what I had left in my outline and grimly informed me that I had weeks of writing left (and damn it they’re right).

Tonight I was working on the book’s one and only sex scene, and I had no idea how to write it. I’ve never written sex for a non-erotic book before and I was totally stumped. How descriptive should it be? What words would these characters use to describe body parts, positions and sex events?

While describing my writers block to my Farm Boy he got that helpful look he gets when I say I have writers block. As he headed towards me I had to throw a pillow at him and yell “Stop!”

When he looked at me like I was nuts I had to explain that these characters are more than a little damaged, the fact that they’re having sex is both awesome and weird, and just generally it’s not the same as when other characters get their freak on. His brand of help, though usually appreciated, in this case would lead to me needing therapy.

-Lila

Zombie Night

Last night was the vampire/zombie ball. Lexxie Couper, myself, my husband and Rhian Cahill’s husband went all out.

Zombies checking Facebook.

Rhian Cahill and her zombie.

Guest RT blogger – Mr.C #RT13

Kansas City is my second RT with my wife Rhian Cahill and….OMG….two things have happened for the first time in my life…(1) I saw snow falling, this does not happen in Sydney….but more importantly (2) Ellora’s Cave added a Cave Women Model to there dance team…thank you Patty…:)

As an RT convention husband I have various roles, assistant/runner/ alcohol carrier/IT consultant/lunch organiser/slave (no ladies not that type…I wish) but my primary function is to make sure the Rhian’s promo table is full all the time and her EVERY wish is undertaken with a smile…..

Being this is my first blog ever, I will keep it short partly as I need to go and get the International Heat girls another drink from the bar…..I suppose with a group like this it isn’t such a bad gig but I do need to have a talk about the pay

Girls give your boys a treat and show them the attached photo…..cheers from Kansas City…..Mr.C