Kaily Hart’s Virtual Blog Tour: Erotic. Romance. Really!!?
Today I have the pleasure of welcoming author Kaily Hart to my blog, as she stops by on her virtual book tour to talk to us about how she feels about the erotic romance label. After her guest post, you’ll find a blurb and excerpt of her book, Picture This, which is now available at Ellora’s Cave.
Be sure to leave a comment for Kaily, as she’s giving away a goody tower to one lucky commenter who participates in the discussion during her blog tour!
Now without further ado, I’ll turn things over to Kaily.
—
I never thought much about a label for what I write. That was until I had to describe it in terms readily understood and generally accepted, and I found there wasn’t one out there that I was completely happy with. I do write hot, but ‘erotic’ is just too close to ‘erotica’ and I don’t consider what I write to be erotica at all. I write hot and scorching love scenes, but it’s never sex just for the sake of sex. It always develops the characters further or propels the story along in some way. And ‘romance’. It’s just such an old fashioned word and I do struggle with it a bit. To me, it has too many overlays from the days of the ‘bodice ripper’ type books and I don’t think it really reflects the intensity of feelings my characters have for each other. Who talks about having a ‘romance’ these days?
I write hot because I think intimacy and sex is an integral part of a developing relationship. For me anyway, leaving it out of a book would be like leaving out a huge part of the story. You can learn a lot about a person when they’re most vulnerable and how they interact, what they say and do during intimate moments, can really have a bearing on the story.
I spent a lot of time a few months ago coming up with a tag line for myself. It was an involved process where I wrote out several pages of words and phrases that I thought described my writing and my style. Of course, it had to be original and there are already some really great ones out there that are already taken. I settled on ‘Love… Steamy style.’. It still doesn’t fit 100% but I think it works for now and accurately represents what I write.
Ultimately, I write about deep emotional commitment, love, between two people and there’s no closing the bedroom door in my books. Of course, not all my characters actually make it to a bed. 
So, do you like the term ‘erotic romance’ or do you think there’s something better out there?
—
PICTURE THIS
Desperate and young, Jillian Moore did something she knew would one day come back to bite her in the ass. She’d posed nude. For money. Years later, and on the fast track to a successful career, she’s still haunted by her mistake. She can’t help but wonder when her past will catch up with her.
Samuel Steele is not short on female attention, but the women who warm his bed pale in comparison to the fantasy he’s created of the seductive temptress in the painting hanging prominently in his bedroom. A fantasy that has ruined his once-satisfying sex life. When he discovers that her exact likeness works in his building—works for him, in fact—things get interesting. Perhaps there’s hope for his sex life after all…
EXCERPT:
“Well, thank you for your time and for the information. It was very helpful.”
Not.
Jillian put the phone down a little harder than she’d intended. It slammed back into the cradle with a sharp crack that more than matched her mood.
Dammit.
It’d been sold, again, three months earlier. Private auction, anonymous bidder and there was no way for her to find out who’d bought it. All she knew for sure was that it’d been a man. It figured. Damn, she’d been close this time. Not that she would have been able to afford to make even one bid herself. It had opened at fifteen thousand and after some fast and furious bidding had finally gone for a cool seventy-five thousand—dollars. Jeez, she’d probably be paying off her student loans for another twenty years and some guy had dropped seventy-five grand on a picture?
Jillian sighed. She wasn’t even sure what she’d do if she could uncover the identity of the new owner. She’d kept telling herself she’d be able to buy it one day once she got established. She’d planned on it, she’d counted on it. It was why she’d tried her damndest to keep track of it for the past ten years. Her only hope now was that it would sit in some private collection, gathering dust and never see the light of day. Yeah, right. She’d never, ever been that lucky. All those years ago, who would have thought? Deep down though she’d known and it had plagued her ever since. When she least expected it, it was going to come back and bite her on the ass. She just knew it.
* * * * *
“Sam? Man, are you even listening to me?”
Sam couldn’t tear his eyes off her. The dark luster of her hair, the curve of her cheek, something about the shape of her body. It just now occurred to him, but he’d seen her around the building before. He’d noticed her legs he remembered, appreciated the toned lengths, the shapely calves and too easily imagined how they’d look wrapped around his waist or up around her ears. And her mouth. God, the things he’d thought about her mouth.
How could I have forgotten that?
As soon as the thought formed he knew the answer. He had a strict hands-off rule at work that he’d never broken, not even in his head. Until her. He’d made himself forget.
He watched her mouth curve into a smile and his dick twitched in immediate response. Something flared low and sharp in his gut. It was a sensation he didn’t think he’d ever felt before, at least without some form of specific and intentional stimulation.
“Who’s that?” he demanded.
“Who?”
He heard rather than saw Duncan’s puzzlement. He motioned across the expanse of the elegant lobby. “The woman there. Slim, dark hair, black suit. Talking to the blonde.”
“I thought you didn’t fuck around with the staff?”
Sam’s balls tightened in a rush. The explicit image he got was shocking. Not just because it was of her—on her knees in front of him while he fucked her from behind—but because he hadn’t been able to censor it, or control his body’s reaction to it. Sam shot him a glare. He was in no mood to be trifled with.
Duncan cleared his throat. “Ah, sorry, I think her name’s Jennifer, something like that. She works in Finance. Or maybe it’s Legal.”
“Jillian?” he managed to choke out. “Could her name be Jillian?”
“I…maybe. Why?”
“Last time I checked you were head of Human Resources, Duncan.”
“Jesus, Sam, we have over four thousand employees, two thousand in this building alone. I can’t personally keep track of all of them. I haven’t worked with her directly. She’s probably—”
“Find out. I want her file on my desk in ten minutes.”
“What’s got into you?”
Sam took a deep breath. “Schedule a meeting with her.”
“A meeting?”
“Yeah, with me.”
“You don’t know where she works or what she does in your company, but you want a meeting with her? Why?”
Sam felt the impatience he’d tried to contain roar through him. He wasn’t used to having his orders questioned and he sure as hell wasn’t used to explaining himself to anyone.
“Because I’m the fucking boss and I said so.”
—
How do you feel about the erotic romance label? Let Kaily know to be entered in her draw!
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July 16th, 2010 at 8:08 am
Thanks so much for having me here today! So, come on, tell what you think about the label ‘erotic romance’ and what it means to you when you hear it!
July 16th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Kaily does a great job of representing what we consider erotic romance. Her stories pack an emotional punch within a well thought out plot with that extra spice added to her love scenes. There is so much confusion out there about erotic romance versus erotica. If you want to know how erotic romance differs from erotica, pick up Kaily’s book. You’ll see
July 16th, 2010 at 11:04 am
I don’t like the erotic romance label. Sounds like there isn’t really a story just sex
July 16th, 2010 at 11:06 am
I think the erotic romance label is fine, after all, that’s what it is!
July 16th, 2010 at 11:09 am
I’m fine calling my work erotic romance among those who understand the industry segment, but out in the world I tend to say “really sexy romance novels.” To me that means I’m telling potential readers I fit into the romance world rather than the erotica world.
July 16th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Enjoyed reading the comments and the excerpt. The book sounds reallyigood and I have added it to my TBR list. I am always look9ng for new authors to read. Glad I surfed into this blog.
July 16th, 2010 at 11:16 am
Love-steamy style does spell it out. Great excerpt, definitely want to know what happens during and after Sam and Jillian’s meeting!
I have no problem with the term erotic romance. Erotic being more explicit sex and romance meaning there is an emotional relationship between the principle characters or one will develop in the story. Your take on the word “romance” looks at it’s origins and I think the average reader just thinks of it in it’s current context in terms of the literature. I could be wrong, but my friends and I seem to have the same perspective.
I consider the term romantica to be the same as erotic romance, just a less in your face term. For library books, I’d probably prefer a sticker which said romantica versus erotic romance on it, but since the covers and/or titles blow any illusions that it’s a regular romance, I suppose it’s silly to be concerned with a sticker. (My library system has a rather large collection of erotic romance. Go librarians!)
July 16th, 2010 at 11:16 am
I must admit, I think the term “erotic romance” can rouse the judgemental! Grrrr. Fortunately, I am not one of them. I typically read “sensual” but have read some erotic romance and, ahem, enjoyed it fully LOL. Of course emotion is downright important. Best of luck with the book. And I loved the excerpt! oxoxox
July 16th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Wow, that really is a good excerpt. You get a sense of both main characters without giving away anything major. Definitely makes me want to read more.
Erotic romance is not a term that bothers me. I think it fits a lot of what’s out there available on the market. I’m not big into simple erotica as it’s not emotionally satisfying. Adding the erotic elements to a good romance however is a winning combination.
The scenario you’ve built your story around is one that intrigues me. I wonder how many people are going to get bit on the ass in the future for the things they’ve posted on the web these days when everyone puts up pictures of just about anything. And, with no way to control what other people put up on their facebook or whatever pages, we can’t even control the pictures to begin with. It’s going to get more and more interesting as time goes by.
Great blog!
July 16th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Anyone who can say “Because I’m the fucking boss and I said so.” sounds good to me. I like where you say that it’s never sex just for the sake of sex Too many books labeled erotica (and many that aren’t) throw in sex scenes like a California Girls used to throw in the word ‘like’! If it fits, put it there. If it doesn’t fit, leave it out!
July 16th, 2010 at 11:46 am
I don’t mind the erotic romance. It tells me there is sex in the book, but a romantic story, also.
July 16th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Personally, I appreciate the label. If I’m looking for a book to read, I want to know it’s steamy enough for me. I remember reading my first EC book
and thinking “Yes, this is how romances should be written”.
‘Love… Steamy style.’ is perfect.
I write hot and scorching love scenes, but it’s never sex just for the sake of sex. It always develops the characters further or propels the story along in some way. – Again, why I read the genre.
I’m looking forward to reading your book.
July 16th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
I am fine with the label “erotic romance” because I read alot and I know it means more than just spicy sex. I absolutely loved the excerpt. Great way to end it. Got me all curious. LOL
July 16th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Means I have more to learn and I am definitely up to the challenge~ So honored to be invited for your special day! Thanks for the invite.
July 16th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Enjoyed the excerpt. Picture This was one I had on my Jas Jade wishlist.
Myself, I have no problem with the term erotic romance. I too believe it’s just that, a romance, usually with a happy ending and instead of the old style of writing where they pant, lust, and heave his turgid member (lol) you get the preverbial “7 Words You Can’t Say on TV” by George Carlin. The word erotic still raises a red flag to alot of our society who still believe that sex is dirty. We don’t do that or talk about it. Let’s be real, we all do it and it’s okay to talk about it. Get over it already. Most of the publishers are now using a “Warning! this book may contain, menage, BDSM, etc” So for those that don’t wish to read an erotic romance the warning is there. Be proud of what you are writing. There are a heck of alot of us out here reading it. Even those who cringe at the word erotic.
I do like the term “Romantica” that EC uses. It does take a little of the stigma out of it for some folks. But I still consider it a romance novel. That’s what it is descriptive sex scenes or not.
Keep up the great work, I look forward to reading more of your “Love…Steamy Style” romances.
July 16th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Sounds hot. And I agree about erotic romance. I have read thousands of romance books, and really enjoy those that have open bedroom doors and classy eroticism.
July 16th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
The phrase “erotic romance” does seem to carry with it a negative connotation that can be interpreted as, for lack of a better word, “smut”. This is, potentially, the public interpretation of romance novels that include elements of real sexuality. This interpretation likely comes from those who have never read one.
There is no real solution. Changing the terminology will still likely be met by the same stigma from those who won’t venture enough out of their comfort zone to read one. That having been said, a suggestion might be “intimate romance”, since it is really more about intimacy than just sex, or perhaps something as simple as “passionate romance”. “Love’s passion bound”? Whatever you call it, those who are confident enough and smart enough will read it.
July 16th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
It really does not bother me to read a book labeled “erotic romance”. Yes, it has hotter sex scenes, but it is still a romance to me. To me, it is more realistic than the fade away sex scenes.
BTW–great excerpt! I’m looking forward to reading that story.
July 16th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
I really like “Love…..Steamy Style”. Romantica, to me, is a better term than erotica, since it does tell me that it is a story with romance, a plot, and erotica.
I also really liked your excerpt and am going to get the book. I’m sure I’ll put you on my “must read list”, also.
I have fibromyalgia and stay at home, so I read A LOT! I generally read at least 1 book a day, more if I can’t sleep. I hate books that are just sex and no plot or romance. I usually just put them down instead of wasting my time reading them.
Good luck on your career, and thanks!
July 16th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I prefer erotic romance over erotica for some reason. I like the suggestions of passionate romance. Maybe spicy or amorous romance. Definitely romance should be in the name so that it’s known to be more than just sex.
July 16th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Thanks so much for the comments everyone! I’m overwhelmed by your responses here!
Aw, Grace, thanks. I try
I have absolutely nothing against erotica, it’s just not what I write or want to write. A relationship is at the heart of everything I create and I agree with many of the comments that ‘erotic’ is just too close to ‘erotica’ for some people. People who judge without really knowing. For those who understand the distinction, it’s probably fine and spells it out clearly.
Thanks so much to those who enjoyed the excerpt! And special thanks to those willing to try a new author. I hope you enjoy my book and look for future titles from me!
July 16th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I think the term “erotic romance” tells the reader to expect graphic sexuality, as erotic implies, geared toward women. as romance implies. Like Pamela G, Lisa Anderson, and Anne wrote, Romantica is a great term…which is why Ellora’s Cave copyrighted it. Unfortunately, I believe that means we can’t use the term as a general description outside of EC’s books.
Back to the term “Erotic Romance.” I prefer the directness of the word ‘erotic’ as it’s explicit like the sex in the story. I’m not out to lure sales by using softer terms at the cost of offending a reader. I want my reader to know the romance in my stories is sexually graphic.
Just my humble opinion.
Kaily, from your excerpt, I’m loving your hero already. Now I must go shopping.
July 16th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
OH WOW KAILY SIGN ME UP FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER AND ENTER ME FOR THE GOODIES! PUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
July 16th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
I know the difference between erotic romance and erotica, but not everyone does (though it really should be obvious) so I can see where there might be some confusion and misinterpretation out there. But then again, sadly there are a lot of misconceptions and prejudices against the romance genre overall. I personally like the “erotic romance” label because it’s accurate. Hot sex – reading and writing – is nothing to be ashamed of. :>]
~Lindy
July 16th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I like sensual, as opposed to sexual. It’s interesting to me what can set theinner fires burning without being overt, graphic, or x-rated.
July 16th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Okay, I acame over here to play when I should be writing but this is so much more fun. And I think erotic romance pretty much nails. it. I write it for the same reason you do-because I think it shows the intimacy of a relationship to its fullest extent. When I read a book, that’s what I want to see so it only figures that’s what I’d write. Oh, and the excerpt is great. I just bouight the book.
July 16th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
I’m totally fine with the label erotic romance because it describes what type of romances certain books are.
July 16th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Only recently, I’ve found out what the term means so I hope it doesn’t change. Erotic Romance or the word erotic in front of whatever genre it is helps me find books easier. I only wish that more bookstores would carry them.
lenikaye@yahoo.com
July 16th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
I like the term “Erotic Romance” in encompasses the roses & candies as well as the hot & steamy side…
Michelle B. aka Koshkalady
July 16th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Erotic romance differentiates a book from one that is erotic by the implication that it isn’t just a story about sex. I prefer a nice romance with sexual elements rather than one in which yu don’t care whether the main characters are in a romantic relationship or not.
July 16th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
I like the term…for those that look for it specifically(me!!!) and for those that have no interest.
Oh…my, oh…my! Does Picture This sound yummmmmmmy! It’s now at the top of my TBB list!! I really look forward to reading it.
Thanks Lacey, for having Kaily.
Have a Sunny Summer everyone!!
July 16th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Hi Kaily:
Picture This sounds like a really good read. I like the premise and the excerpt is really great.
I don’t have a problem with the label “erotic romance” as long as there is romance in the erotic. lol However, I also think writers have to find their own tag line or “persona” that they are comfortable with. I think “Love….Steamy Style”, is perfect. *g*
Congrats on the publication of Picture This, I’ll be sure and watch out for it.
July 16th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
I don’t like the term “erotic romance. ” Erotic sounds like sex-crazy, while romance sounds more like moonlight and roses. Erotic sounds like pornography. Romance sounds like sincere love, not a one-night stand.
July 16th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
I love erotic romance and don’t mind the label at all. When I see it I expect a hot love story. But not everyone loves the label even if it’s what they are reading or writing.
Great excerpt! I can’t wait to read it.
July 17th, 2010 at 12:22 am
Erotic romance tells me exactly what I can expect. It works for me.
July 17th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
I don’t mind the term. I do, however, agree with other posters that there is tendency to among some to view any book labeled as such negatively. So I do understand the publishers who use terms like “romantica” in order to increase sales.
July 17th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
I think the term has become a catch all for everything that has sex scenes. It doesn’t bother me, the books I read are so much more than the sex. I like the label that you “Love….Steamy Style”. I do know that over the last 35 years that I have been reading romance, the sexual content and graphic language has sure exploded in main stream romance fiction. I don’t think you can have an erotic romance category because the majority of the fiction books(historicals, paranormals, contemporary, mystery/thrillers, sci-fi) all have had a eye-popping explosion of sex. If asked 15-20 years ago if I would read what I read today, I would have blushed and said no way, I would have been uncomfortable with the graphic language and the sex acts written about. Thank goodness that, at 52, I have opened my mind and tried many different styles and genres of reading material. I have expanded my reading world tremendously and have found wonderful authors and books to enjoy.
So thank you to all authors who put words to page and create a world that I can revel in for a few hours! God bless you all!
July 17th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
I don’t see how any other label would be correct.
July 17th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
“Erotic Romance” can mean alot depending on the author. Personally, I like the idea of romance that is HOT! I look forward to reading “Picture This”.
July 17th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
More great and wonderfully thought out comments. Thanks so much everyone for participating and providing your thoughts. Certainly something that will garner more discussion that’s for sure. For those that indicated they would read my book, I hope you enjoy it!
Kaily
July 18th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
The term erotic romance is fine with me so is romance- steamy style. I thought of another description how about sizzling romance? I am 65 and didn’t used to like romance books I only read them when someone gave them to me and I had nothing else to read. However the last few years the writing style seems to have changed. The characters seem to be more real with more real emotions. I cry half way through some of the books even though I know it’ll have a happy ending. So now I read more of them. I definitely want to read “Classic Bitch” . If anyone complains about the erotic romance books then they haven’t read Redbook magazine because it also has erotic romance articles
July 18th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Erotica stand for a hot steamy romance. Both of which I love.
I hope you keep them coming.
July 18th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
I love Kaily’s comment ‘Love… Steamy style.’ That encapsulates her style completely if her excerpt is anything to go by. It is packed with anticipation and emotion, and I’ll be adding it to my TBR list.
Perhaps I’m mistaken, but my impression of the difference between erotic and erotica is the level of emotional inclusion in the story, other than lust.
I look forward to an emotional read, so would read a book labelled ‘erotic’ but hesitate to pick up one labelled ‘erotica’.
July 18th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Wow – I’m absolutely fascinated by the variety of responses we received. Sounds to me like most people who read erotic romance are perfectly content with that label (as am I), since it clearly demonstrates exactly what type of story they’re in for.
Thanks for sharing your book with us, Kaily, and best of luck with your new release!
July 18th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
very interesting interview and glad to hear that you don’t use sex just for the sake of it, I like when there is something deeper to the story than just sex. Hope you have a great summer.
question did you always want to be a writer and if not what else did you want to do?
July 18th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Erotic romance is a pretty good discriptive name but it is too general at times. When there is a loving relationship, I kind of like the tag Intimate Romance. It seems to tell me that there is more to the relationship than just sex. I do like the erotic romance tag better than just romance. You at least know it will be hot.
Thanks for the great excerpt and fantastic contest.
July 19th, 2010 at 7:17 am
I think the title says it all Kaily.Usally people just look for an Romance novel,but your books take it a step further.Erotic Romance books seem to keep me alittle more glued to the book.Romance Books make you feel apart of it,but Erotic Romance relly makes you wish you were apart of it.Keep up the great writing Kailey and keep being special.A new fan and just want to say,(your contest prizes seem to be the koolist.) Thankyou Christine