Blog Hop "Erotic Vs. Porn"

I recently blogged about the difference between erotic romance and pornography and I’m posting the question again with a few additions because it’s an interesting question.

As a writer of erotic romance I often see knowing looks on the faces of others when I tell them what I enjoy writing. I notice a lot of heading nodding and smirking. I’ve often watched in slight discomfort as the “Wow, I thought she was such a nice lady…” expression melted right off their face and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it except explain myself.

Men can be especially bad about jumping to the wrong conclusions. A few immediately assume erotic-romance must fall into one of two categories “silly women’s romance” or “porn for women” and they say so. “Oh you write porn, I never would have guessed.” Or “Oh, that silly woman’s stuff? Maybe I can pose for your next book cover?” (Then they actually pose)

 I often feel honor bound to explain that the vast majority of well-crafted erotic romantic fiction deserves its own category and it’s not silly or pornographic.

Porn is lonely. It doesn’t foster tender feelings or look for common ground between partners. It’s a purely physical focus. It’s about bodies meeting—not souls.

If souls don’t meet in a story, it’s not a satisfying romance.

Erotic romantic fiction focuses on the sexual side of emotional bonding. Souls meet and bond through the physical act of love. Erotic romance has a heart and the partners involved care about each other and grow to love each other.

In my opinion emotional intention is the big difference between porn and erotic romance. Erotic romance incorporates strong feelings for the other. The other partner’s thoughts and welfare matter before, during and after any sort of sexual activity, even something as innocent as a kiss.

Pornography doesn’t care about those involved in the act or ask about their feelings afterward and to my eyes, is not the least bit romantic.

Erotic romantic fiction is about exploring love through the physical sensations and emotions associated with sex.

In erotic romantic fiction (if not always in real life) sexual exploration must lead to a caring mutually beneficial relationship. Love and respect must exist between the fictional partners or else the story simply doesn’t work as romantic fiction.

The erotic part of the story has to be honest, emotionally engaging and trigger a physical reaction in the reader or else it doesn’t work as erotic fiction.

An author of erotic romance has to seek a delicate balance between love and lust that oscillates between the panting, crazed, call of the wild and the highest, selfless expression of sacred love.

When it all comes together the result can be some very memorable, soul-thrilling erotic romance.

The boundaries get pushed to the limits with erotic romantic ménage. The balancing act gets far more complicated. Multiple fictional partners equals multiple emotional entanglements and everyone needs to be included in the heart circle or else it’s not a romance, it’s just erotic. If the partners are simply enjoying sex and don’t really care about each other (gasp!)—it’s porn…

Many authors handle the mixed emotions of ménage beautifully and have written some stunning love stories that can leave us all wondering “what if that could work?”

Where do you draw the line between the erotic and pornographic?

Happy holiday Hobbit, end of the Mayan world, extravaganza to you and your loved ones!

XXOO Kat

Reviewing Vixens Highly Recommends Claimed By Dragons!

This is what Vixen Vivian at the hot new review site review site Reviewing Vixens had to say about "Claimed By Dragons"

Review:

This is book 2 in the Bag of Tricks Series. I have not read Book 1 and normally that deters me from reading a series out of order, but this book can easily stand alone.

Jael is a commitment-phobe longing for romance and love. She is enthralled by the intense Roarke and the shy Kypton, coworkers who seem out of her reach.

Jael gets a once in a lifetime chance to go to Africa to photograph wildlife and it's there that the real adventure begins. She encounters come wildlife of her own, complete with steamy M/M/F action.

This book has plenty of heat and some action to boot. I recommend this book and will be going back to read Book 1!

  5 kisses = Holy mother! I need a cold shower

 4 Whips= Excellent read - highly recommended

Thank you Vixen Vivian!

November 20 2012

http://reviewingvixens.webs.com/apps/blog/show/20197822-claimed-by-dragons-by-amber-skyze-katalina-leon

Book Devotees loved "Claimed By Dragons"

Jet at Book Devotees had this to say about "Claimed By Dragons"

Review

 

 

There aren’t many dragon themed reads out there which is just one element that makes this read unique and interesting.  Sometimes I find with books that are written by two authors the read can be jumbled and a little mismatched in places, but this was done brilliantly. The characters were so well written and the story flowed in a way that you didn’t feel overwhelmed with what was happening and allowed you to enjoy the storyline.

 

I loved Roarke and Kypton, they balance each other out so perfectly. Roarke the alpha, protective and stubborn one, with Kypton being the more sensitive and gentle soul, together they are dynamite. Jael is a strong and determined character which I quite liked, her willingness to follow her heart and not willing to give up or settle for anything but when she feels deep down is right for her, which worked out perfectly, her indecisive ways leading her to happiness in the end.

 

I would have liked to see the moment Roarke and his mother reunite, it would have been such a special moment to read but other than that I greatly enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a read that is both steamy and a little adventurous then this jus might be a read for you, especially if you are looking to expand your reading into something with dragons. I will definitely be looking into more works from these authors.

 

 

 

 

Rating: ««««

The Examiner gave Claimed By Dragons 5 Stars!

This is what Examiner reviewer Acquanetta Ferguson had to say about  "Claimed By Dragons."

In this second installment, I really like the concept of the story. It is completely different from book 1 which was heavy in Greek myth and vampire lore. This second book is about shape shifters who are not only lovers but who must hide who they are from the world all while looking for their third.

I couldn’t believe how fast this book grabbed my attention. While the idea of paranormal dragon mates was truly interesting this book was very much a mmf erotic love story. It is not for the faint of heart.

The world building, which is something I always enjoy, was truly fantastic and quite believable when it came to the legend of the dragons. I love when writers think outside of the box and actually work it just right.

I loved almost everything about this book, with the exception of the bad guy. He was typical of this type of character, someone who will stop at nothing to kill what he perceives as an abomination. There are no grey areas with this character, just black and white. Seriously with how the story was moving a long I would have preferred a less clichéd bad guy.

But that is a small issue, and more on personal preference. This book is highly recommended to read. It is also no slouch in the erotic dept., either. There were times I felt that I needed a fan on to cool my eyes, at what I was reading. Again a much better read than book 1, but the first book was good too.

I give this book 5 stars. What do you think?

Erzabet's Enchantments gave "The Strix" 5 Stars!

Erzabet's Review

5/5

Overall:

If you enjoy books with a historical and contemporary flair, then give this one a whirl. Witches, gladiators, blood, curses, betrayals and of course, some sexy vampires with attitude problems. I loved it. When the book opens up, we are in the past as a priestess tries to find her calling. It comes in the form of blood and fire. Next, we are in the present, wandering the streets of Salem. I am a sucker for witch stories, especially in Salem. 

I loved the flow of this story and the imagery. You can smell the arena, the gladiators and feel the anguish of the characters. The dialogue is spot on and the erotic scenes are super hot. I hate giving too much away, but if you enjoy an adventure that crosses time, curses, vengeance, hot sex and some hotter vampires, then this book is for you. There are some elements of f/f erotica and anal play, but that only made the story even hotter.

Molly's Reviews loved Claimed By Dragons!

Molly said:

My Review:
This is the second book in the Bag Of Tricks series, but the first that I have had a chance to read. These ladies are super talented and have hooked me from the start of this incredibly written novel. It’s filled with intense passion, characters that steal your heart and a plot line that will hook you instantly. I love m/m romance, and this one is a wonderful addition to my ever growing list of wonderful m/m romance novels!

Roarke and Kypton…..oh.My.God. I so would love to be near those sexy dragons! The passion was rolling off of them and I could definitely feel it! They are mates and powerful dragons. When they offer Jael, their beautiful co-worker, a photo shoot opportunity like no other, she takes it on. But,after a steamy,passion menage and excitement, secrets are exposed and lives are in danger. It’s up to the sexy mated dragons to save Jael.

As Jael learns the truth about her sizzling co-workers, the danger increases, both to their lives….and her heart. Will it be enough to be claimed by these sexy dragons? Or will true love escape her?

If you love hot m/m action, sexy photo shoots, waterfalls and danger, this is a 4 Book worthy novel just for you! Filled with shifters, erotic passion and amazing twists, you’ll get lost among the pages and by the end, you’ll wish you had more instantly! While this is the second book in the BoT series, it was not confusing, and is easily read as a stand alone. I am highly addicted to these authors work now, and I am looking forward to reading more! Great job, ladies!