Bitchery reader SarahP wrote us and asked a very interesting question:
Before encountering SBTB, I read a romance novel now and then--a Georgette Heyer, a few early Loretta Chase regencies…
And since encountering SBTB, I’ve tried a few others. And I’ve noticed something. The men are big.
Now, I know you’re all about the mantitties. But all these heroes are so huge, so tall, their shoulders broad and their hips lean, the muscles of their massive thighs revealed by their alarmingly clingy trousers…
Meh. I don’t find huge all that sexy, and I bet there are other readers who prefer a sleeker profile. I ask, are there romance novels for those of us who prefer our heroes a little less...meaty? Not quite so… masterfully mantittiful?
Recommendations welcome.
Well, let it be said we are all about the mantitties, but mostly for their humor-quotient. I have a hard time believing that all these muscled bohunks running around historical romances really had the time and dedication to working out constantly to develop the described bodacious physiques. Most of the individuals I know of who carry that much muscle, keeping that muscle definition is nearly a full-time job.
Off the top of my head, I do know that Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ “Hot Shot” features a secondary romance with a really smart, really nerdy guy who is not all beefy and buff, and as I said in my reply to SarahP, I loved that secondary romance story, which started late in the novel, more than the primary protagonist’s romance.
So what doth the Bitchery say? What recommendations do you have for not-so-mantittied men?
Bitchery Reader Diving Belle has requested a rather broad area for a reading request, but it’s still worth exploring since, hey, she’s got a point. Women of Age in Romance can be hard to find sometimes:
Are there any authors/series that feature heroines who aren’t 18, or even 28? (Perhaps these woman could even be *gasp* in their 40s? I know, I know, but it is called fiction!)
As much as I love any juicy romantic yarn, it would be refreshing to read about Kickass Wimmen who weren’t born yesterday, or even the day before!
I hear that. So, what hawt older women do you know of in good romance novels? And more over, what did you like about the book?
Hello my frisky little kittens,
I got an e-mail from a reader who wants to know if there are any good romance novels featuring Black women and Asian men. Franky, I could only remember reading a couple of romances with Asian protagonists, period, and they were always paired with white people, so I thought I’d put the question to the very well-read and impeccably-groomed bitchery. Any titles come to mind?
Reader Nifty sent along this request:
Would you consider doing a little blurb on the Bitchery’s favorite erotica titles. And by “erotica” I don’t necessarily mean a really hot romance by XYZ author, but books that are practically porn, but written for women. You know the ones I mean. I’d love to add some titles to my porno box so I’m looking for recommendations. I’ve got no inhibitions when it comes to content.
I gotta say, I’ve read a lot more bad erotica than good thus far. The ones that aren’t outright awful have been...numbingly repetitive, like The Sexual Life of Catherine M., for instance. That said, Emma Holly’s earlier works like Personal Assets, Cooking Up a Storm and Ménage have worked quite well for me, though I’m not sure whether they qualify as erotica or erotic romance. I’ve also heard fantastic things about Hanne Blank, though I haven’t had a chance to read anything by her yet. I’m definitely interested in seeing what titles you bitches come up with, because YAY SMUT. Especially well-written smut. In other words: No images of salmon-like penises battering at the gates of the womb, please.
Cayrle wrote: Maybe the Bitchery should compile our own “official” list of the greatest love stories of all time. I can guarantee my list wouldn’t include as many books with less than happy endings.
Darn right. So - bring it. Leave your suggestions in the comments or, if you’re a happy lurker, email or your suggestions, and we’ll use Excel or something better to compile our own list. I’m not going to differentiate between romance novels in the modern conception (e.g. bodice rippers of the 1970’s and 80’s on through current offerings) and romantic stories from the Penguin Classics issue, because I think current romance can go toe-to-toe with “the classics.”
And if you disagree, please say so. Bring it on! Most Romantic Story Evah!
A website that reviews romance novels from a couple of smart bitches who will always give it to you straight. No bullshit. No gushing--unless the author really deserves it.
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