Can we talk? About sex? Seriously?
Now that I have your attention, let me say that as much as sex has stayed the same over the centuries, it has changed, in my opinion. Especially in the last five years.
I’m referring to sex in romance novels, of course. To say that the lines are beginning to blur is the understatement of the century.
I always thought I wrote sexy books, but I was careful in my twenty five-plus novels not to cross a line into erotica. Not that I object to erotica. I don’t. In fact, I read some of it. Recently, I read one that I can only describe as an OMG! book, and I mean that in a good way. Having said that, a number of years ago, when invited by a publisher to write for a new erotic line, I declined. Probably an unwise decision considering the hot market it has become. But I didn’t then, and don’t now, want to be labeled an erotic writer. It probably has something to do with being the mother of four sons and being embarrassed if they were to read my erotic sex scenes. That’s not to say I wouldn’t be just as embarrassed to have them read love scenes in my current books, especially if I were in the room. But that’s me.
However, this is where the story changes. I have noticed lately that regular romance novels are changing. Things that would not have been sanctioned even five years ago are accepted today. Forgive my bluntness, but I’m talking about multiple partners, menages, anal sex, swallowing, mild bondage, sex toys, intercourse with four-legged animals/men. I am not so much shocked as amazed that I could be so far out of the loop. Is this really a reflection of society? Is this what young people… heck, single people of any age…are doing today? I suspect the answer to that is a resounding yes. Think about it. There are famous scenes in “Sex in the City” that revolve around some of these very issues, including the famous “Golden Rain” one.
Having said all that, my latest book, VIKING UNCHAINED, has the sexiest love scene I’ve ever written in its opening chapter. Don’t get me wrong. It doesn’t involve any of the items mentioned above. But it is graphic. Why did I do it? Well, it just seemed to need to be written that way. I wanted an intense love scene between a husband and wife who are deeply in love and about to be parted.
This book is also the most poignant I have ever written. Watch this short book video at http://www.sandrahill.net or at http://www.YouTube.com under “Viking Unchained,” and you will see what I mean, especially the frames taken of the Arlington National Cemetery burial and of the rose atop the flag-draped coffin.
VIKING UNCHAINED is a contemporary time travel, the latest in my Viking Navy SEAL books (a loosely linked series that can be read out of order). In this book, Thorfinn is a fierce Viking warrior grieving for his lost son, Miklof. Lydia is a modern woman grieving for her dead Navy SEAL husband. Thorfinn shoots through time, one thousand years, and is convinced that Lydia’s son Mike is his own Miklof. Lydia thinks Thorfinn, who claims to be a time-traveling Viking, has been sent by her dead husband.
Thorfinn is tempted by the odd woman…especially when she chains him to her bed. Lydia is tempted by Thorfinn when he teaches her that there are some tricks only a Viking male has in his repertoire.
I hope you’ll try this book. Than let me know what you think about my sex…and the state of sex in the romance industry. I can be reached at shill733@aol.com or at my website www.sandrahill.net.
Sandra Hill (NYT and USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, including her latest VIKING UNCHAINED. Whether they be Vikings, Cajuns or Navy SEALs, whether they be historical, contemporary or time travel, the underlying theme is always humor…and sizzle.)
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