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.)
****Remember to leave a comment to be in the running to win a copy of this book! Good luck!
I am a few books behind in her Viking books but anytime I think of them they make me smile. The humor in them is great. I can’t remember which one it’s from but the one that has orgas-him and orgas-her in it (or however it was spelled) OMG…I laughed my butt off with that book!
I met Sandra Hill at RT this year, at the signing! WOot!
Thanks for having this contest!
I havent had the pleasure of reading your books, but i surely will be checking them out and fixing that soon… they sound wonderful. I like a wide variety in reading so i like to know that there is romance, and then theres erotica.. yes i read it all…even inspirationals.. im personally glad that not all authors are following in the same direction, i think that it keeps us readers on the hunt for good books…this one surely is going on my list.
I love Sandra’s Cajuns and Vikings. The cover on VIKING UNCHAINED certainly sizzles! As for the higher level and wider variety of sex in regular romances, I have to agree. And I’m okay with that as long as it ‘fits’ the story. It’s the books that are one sex scene after another with no rhyme or reason to them that I prefer not to read. Great post, Sandra!
Like Jolene, I haven’t read any of Ms Hill’s books yet, but I do like Vikings and time travel.
Perhaps our attitude towards sex in romance novels has changed some in recent years, but there are enough readers with a broad variety of tastes–from sweet hand holding to full out kink–that not one style/sub genre is in true peril of ‘going out of style’
Best of luck with the release!
O, I love Sandra Hill. Met her at RT…what a wit she has! Try her “Cajun” men, too, ladies. They are super, super books! I don’t know if she’s written the book for the devlish nephew yet but I am definitely getting that one!
I have a few of Sandra Hill’s older novels, but nothing recent… This book sounds great, so I guess I will have to go look for it! 🙂
I have read a few of Sandra Hill’s older books but I haven’t read any of her new ones. They sound really good.
Great post, Sandra! And one that hits home for me every single time I sit down to write.
I love your books! Although I just can’t make up my mind which I like better – the Cajuns or the Vikings!
~ Melissa
*raising hand* Can I have both? *G*
Hey Sandra! I absolutely love Vikings. There is just something about those guys that give me the tingles. 🙂 And if you throw in time travel and great sex scenes, boy that is totally the book for me!! Thorfinn sounds fabulous.
I have to say that I agree with you on sex scenes becoming more descriptive and, ahem, inventive. Personally, I think it is because there are more paranormal and erotic romances out in the market.
I will never forget the humor in your book Truly, Madly, Viking. Have been a fan of your books since.
Sounds like a great read!
Hi Sanda. I love your books. Your new book sounds great.
I can’t wait to get and read this book! It looks and sounds great! I love her books.
I have read all of your Viking books (excerpt Viking Unchained) and loved each one. So many times I would laugh out loud while reading one because the humor is great! Your books always leave me feeling good when I finish them. I am going to read Viking Unchained as soon as I can get my hands on a copy! 🙂
Count me in! I haven’t read any of Sandra’s books, and I would like to read a Viking book.
Great post, Sandra. Please enter me. Nice book cover. Have a Happy 4th.
I’d love to read this book, Vikings are special…
Hi Sandra,
My very good friend is a HUGE fan of yours. She has passed along to me almost every single one of your books. I haven’t been able to even start the time traveling Viking Series. (Read the Cajun series and love it!)
But I am so thrilled to know that even though Unchained is part of a series, it can be read by itself, b/c I am going out TODAY to buy it.
Great post!! And I am looking forward to reading Viking Unchained
Wow, I’m a little behind on the Vikings! This latest sounds amazing! As for the state of sex, I do agree that sex has gotten more explicit even in romances that aren’t categorized as erotica or erotic romance. I’m not sure that’s necessarily a good thing–I don’t always want to have quite so much intimate detail 🙂 Not that I consider myself prudish–I do think that sex is part of real life and also a critical part of romances, but I guess I don’t necessarily want it all spelled out all the time. Sometimes I’m OK with fading to black 😉
Never read any of her books but they sound great. Love the cover for this one!
Wow, what an intriguing and sexy storyline! The cover is fantastic! 🙂
Welcome Sandra! I have not read any of your books which is something I will have to remedy soon. As for the sex scenes I guess as some say variety is the spice of life. To each his own.
I know sex has changed in books. Mostly for the better but occasionally for the worst.
Oh, count me in! I love Viking books!
I’m all for more sex in books, as long as it’s written with emotion and fills a role in the story. I haven’t read a Viking story in some time. Yours sounds wonderful.
Sex is expected in romance books today. There are so many genres to choose from that I think everyone’s sensibilities are covered.
I love your books! The Cajun series: Renee & Feng Shway Just love your sense of humor!
Vikings: I found The Blue Viking & The Very Virile Viking recently.
SEALS Hot &Heavy Down & Dirty WOW!
I raise my hand for your newest Viking Unchained!