Recently I decided to pick up the first book in a very popular series that I've heard rave reviews about for years. I was super excited to check it out and had honestly felt remiss for not doing so sooner. So, I started reading it. It was good. I got even more excited. I get to about page 60 in the book, when the main character (a woman), meets the secondary main character (a man). The man comes to the woman's house in the middle of the night (they have never met before), enters her house without her permission, and then she becomes instantly aroused, throws herself at him physically, and they get busy in her living room.
Wait, what??
Yeah, I hope that's what you're saying. Because what rational, intelligent woman would instantly desire to sleep with a complete stranger who has broken into her house? It doesn't matter how hot this man is. I would find a weapon and bash that a**hole's head in. No stranger better come into my house at any time of day without permission and expect a welcome reception, let alone sex.
What is up with this? How is this okay? I am very disturbed by the extreme sexism here, not to mention this book is written by a woman. I've of course heard of this tired plot in bad romance novels, but this is a popular fantasy series. Or, perhaps it's technically paranormal romance, but I thought those were a little more intelligent and were supposed to have strong females leads. Now, don't get me wrong, I love some romance and bedroom action in my books. But not if it makes women look completely moronic. Not to mention, a slow build to the booty scenes is so much more satisfying anyways. If they hook up right away, where's the tension? Oh, that's right, it fell off with that chic's panties.
So, pipe up here - where do you fall on the romance spectrum? Are you okay with home invasion stranger sex (and if so, why?)? Or are you like me and prefer a liberal dash of intelligence and non-degradation of women with your nooky? I want to hear from the guys, too!
Okay, I'm off the soapbox now.... hope you're having a good weekend :)
Um... I want to know what book that is because I haven't heard anything about anything like that. That sounds about like creepy, stalker Edward watching what's her name sleep at night, though.
ReplyDeleteAnd, actually, that doesn't sound like romance at all. I don't know what it does sound like but not romance. I don't understand why women write that kind of stuff. Honestly, it gives guys the idea that that really is what women want, and, even if that is what that woman is fantasizing about, I don't think she ought to be broadcasting it.
Thank you! Yeah, it's not really romantic to have your home invaded by a stranger. And I sincerely hope that most women are not fantasizing about that kind of encounter.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds uber-creepy to me. And not one bit realistic. Even if a hot girl broke into my house, I'll pulling out my sword and calling the police without question.
ReplyDeleteOkay, now I want to know which series. I can't remember reading anything like that, but I sometimes don't pay attention to the nuances of stuff. That does sound kinda creepy, though. Sure he wasn't casting some kind of spell or had a hold over her that made her forget common sense? Hot vampire vibes or something?
ReplyDeleteI'm with you- I'd grab a gun.
ReplyDeleteAlex - yes, women stalkers are dangerous, too! Excellent point.
ReplyDeleteBeth, I read a couple more chapters, hoping there was some reasonable explanation, but no. Maybe later they will elaborate further, but I have plenty of other books I want to read without this kind of crap. I'm not going to even bother finishing it.
Heck yeah, Summer! I'm not a big gun fan usually, but a situation like that certainly calls for it.
Not so much something I'd believe would happen. Not sure why the writer went that way, but it's probably not a book you'll forget. But sadly, not one you'd want to read again either.
ReplyDeleteYeah, not a fan of home invasion/stranger sex. I write romance, I read romance, and I will put down a book and never pick it up again if it is in the tiniest way the type of story where she said no, but her body said yes.
ReplyDeleteHow about giving a clue about what the series is, so I could figure it out with a bit of research?! I'm so curious. It's creepy to be sure, but I'm wondering why some of the rave reviews liked it so much. Of course it's one of those taboo fantasies that I'm sure some women have, but is kind of not good to promote, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteUrgh, that sounds super-creepy! I can't believe some of the horrible behavior that gets passed off as 'romance'.
ReplyDeleteIt drives me mad!
ReplyDeleteWhat was the series?
Alright, everyone keeps asking - it's Black Dagger Brotherhood.
ReplyDelete^I've never heard of it, but yeah, that's creepy. I don't mind some "our eyes met across the room, let's do it!" if it's not totally OoC. I also like tensionand buildup. But this is creepy and all sorts of gross from the way you describe it. Sadly, men asserting themselves over women and women going "oh, okay!" is something I completely expect these days from PNR. =\ Goes back to Twilight for me.
ReplyDeleteHome invasion stranger sex . . . LOL. I'm not sure I'd be totally into that. But, I hear it's unwise to ever say "never" so I better leave the door open, or at least unlocked?
ReplyDeleteIt's a scary thought as to how this might influence young people and their perception of a healthy relationship.
ReplyDeleteSadly, this isn't an uncommon fetish with both men and women, it has nothing to do with sexism.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the reasons that I avoid anything dubbed a "romance" at all, even when it comes second to "fantasy". It just seems that slapping the word "romance" on anything gives the author free reign to include all sorts of graphic and/or freaky sex and there's no other warning. Stuff like this should be labeled erotica, in my opinion. You want to write about sex? Fine, market it to the people who obviously want to read about sex.
What you're describing does not sound like romance to me. :)
ReplyDeleteWTH??!! Yuck!!
ReplyDeleteYikes! Just what in the world have you been reading?
ReplyDeleteHi, Alexia. I haven't been by in a while, so this was a great post to visit. I loved the rant - and you we're well within your right to do so. Stay on that soapbox for as long as you want, my friend. Preach it!
-Jimmy
Hildred, I'm with you on instant attraction - just so long as it isn't after someone has broken into my home :)
ReplyDeleteSteven, I think you're operating under the assumption that if a woman crept into your home uninvited, you could subdue her if you chose not to have some sort of hot hookup. That may not be the case. And of course, if you leave your doors unlocked, you may just get robbed :)
Angeline, you are SO right about what this tells young people. It's really upsetting.
Sarah, I'm not even protesting the sex, or immediate attraction to someone, simply the ridiculousness of wanting to instantly have sex with someone who broke into your house.
DL and Jamie, ditto!
James, thanks! Everyone needs a good rant once in a while :)