Erotic Romance Novels: Superior to Mystery and Fantasy Novels? The Evidence is In!

Girl reading erotic romance bookAs most of you know, I write in a variety of different genres.  But which one is the “best”?  Hard to know, right?

Do my Julie Kenner books win?  Suburban fantasy like my Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom books? Paranormal romance like my series of superhero romances?

Or maybe the dark, paranormal romantic suspense books that I write as J.K. Beck?

Or does erotic romance win the toss?  Books like my current book, Release Me, written as J. Kenner?  

According to today’s guest blogger, Release Me wins big.  Read on to find out why!


Did you know that the most popular genre of fiction is romance? I was kind of surprised. I know I love it, but I figured mystery or fantasy would come out on top. While they didn’t rank first, they still came in as second and third.

E.L. James Fifty Shades of Grey coverHowever, thanks to books like Fifty Shades of Grey, which actually won the UK Book of the Year for 2012, romance novels continue to rank as number 1.

So as an attempt to keep our favorite books in the coveted spot, I developed this tongue and cheek list of the top seven reasons why reading a romance, specifically an erotic romance novel, is better than reading a mystery or fantasy novel.

7. Reading an erotic novel can help you start talking dirty in bed, whether it just inspires you or you read pages from the book to your partner. Reading a mystery novel can teach you all of the words to your Miranda Rights, which can sound really sexy if said while you’re riding your partner.

6. Erotic novels can provide you with new role playing ideas for your bedroom, while a fantasy novel can teach you new ways to interact with life on other planets, you know, for when you go on that summer vacation to outer space.

5. Reading an erotic novel can help you refocus on your attention on your relationship and therefore improve it, while reading a mystery novel can help you become paranoid and skeptical about your partner’s whereabouts.

4. Getting into a great erotic novel can help you learn about yourself, whether it be about what you want in the bedroom or how to get yourself off (because hopefully, it’s making you do a lot of that.) A fantasy novel, despite their tendency to contain sex scenes, is less likely to lead you to Adam & Eve for a little personal fun.

4. Reading an erotic novel is the female equivalent of watching porn, since women are turned on mentally and men are turned on visually. Reading a mystery is the female equivalent of watching Elliott Stabler (of SVU), which ok, let’s be honest, that’s like watching porn, too. I suppose we’re even there.Elliott Stabler Law & Order SVU

3. Erotic novels can put you in the mood, which means you’re more likely to have sex and sex helps you sleep better. So if A + B = C, then erotic novels can help you sleep better. Mystery novels on the other hand can freak you out and cause you to do anything but sleep.

2. Romance and erotic novels have been found to actually make people happier, because they tend to have happy endings, whereas fantasy novels are far more likely to make you worry about a giant asteroid destroying our planet.

1. Reading an erotic novel can put you in touch with your sexual side, while reading a mystery novel can help you tap into your serial killer tendencies.

So, if you were thinking about picking up a mystery novel next, think again. Think about your well-being, your relationship, and your sleeping habits. They all lay in the balance of your next read. Don’t mess it up!


So, readers, what do you say?  Is today’s guest right?  Does erotic romance win?  What’s the best genre out there in your mind?


P.S. - Book two of my Stark Trilogy -  Claim Me - debuted at number 2 on the New York Times bestseller list, and is now entering its fourth week on the  USA Today bestseller list! And Complete Me comes out July 30.  WOOT!  

(And if you missed book 1, Release Me, grab your copy now!  I'm thrilled that it's now in it's 12th week as a USA Today bestseller!)

P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy! XXOO

--J.K.


 

Introducing Red Door Reads … and a celebratory price reduction!

Red Door Reads logo I’m thrilled to announce the launching of Red Door Reads.  We’re a group of authors who have banded together to highlight some of our books for readers!

I’ll be featuring my indie-pubbed books at the site (backlist and new indie releases), and it’s a great place to go to see on one easy page what I have available … and also to discover new-to-you authors and books!

In celebration of the launch, I’ve set up a price reduction for all my indie titles to 99 cents for Kindle and Nook!   The following titles are only 99 cents through this weekend.  Enjoy!

 
 
 


P.S. - Book two of my Stark Trilogy -  Claim Me - debuted at number 2 on the New York Times bestseller list, and is now entering its fourth week on the  USA Today bestseller list! And Complete Me comes out July 30.  WOOT!  

(And if you missed book 1, Release Me, grab your copy now!  I'm thrilled that it's now in it's 12th week as a USA Today bestseller!)

P.P.S. And why not scroll down and share the post? After all, sharing is sexy! XXOO

--J.K.


Ode to Kate: A Demon Hunting Soccer Mom song!

Carpe Demon by Julie Kenner bestselling paranormal mommy lit on the kindleMy demon hunting soccer mom books are feeling lonely with all the posts about Release Me this month!  So I thought they deserved a little love!

I’d I originally posted this little demon hunting ditty written by a fan years ago back when I was on blogger. But it’s worth repeating!

Demon Tune!

(To the tune of Itsy, Bitsy Spider …)

The icky, yucky, demon
Came from the depths of hell
Bringing along with him
The most godawful smell

In stepped the demon slayer
With her can of Raid
And poof went the demon
Looking most dismayed

Clever, huh? Thanks to Adrienne Merl!California Demon by Julie Kenner bestselling paranormal mommy lit on the kindle

And don’t forget, Carpe Demon and California Demon are both still priced at their holiday sale price of only $2.99, and The Demon You Know (a demon-hunting soccer mom short story) is only 99 cents!

Get yours now!

Blog Hop! Week 24 of The Next Big Thing

“Ninety-nine percent of the wives and moms in the country will identify with this heroine. I mean, like who hasn’t had to battle demons between car pools and play dates?” Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author


This blog hop is like a game of tag. One author posts and tags a few other authors who link back to their website the next week and tag five new authors. If you follow the blog hop long enough, you’re bound to find some books you’ll love!

I was tagged by Niecey Roy. You can learn more about her book Fender Bender Blues on her website www.nieceyroy.com.

This blog hop includes ten questions to help you learn more about an author’s current book or work in progress:

1: What is the title of your book?

I literally just uploaded the digital re-release of CARPE DEMON to the various sites (Amazon, Nook, Smashwords)!!

(I also have a brand new book, RELEASE ME, coming in January!  But this hop is All About Demons)Cover to J. Kenner's Release Me - erotic romance coming January 2013

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?

I don’t usually know the answer to that, but this is one book that has a very specific origination.  I was trying to think of an idea for my next romance series, and I wanted to do something paranormal, with alpha males (I know, how unusual, right?).  I figured the men could be demon hunters (I wanted non-vamp heroes).

At the same time, I was trying to come up with a chicklit idea … but I was a new mom and wanted to do something other than the struggling 20 something.  Like, maybe, a soccer mom.

Ponder, ponder …

And then bam! The two ideas smashed together like a Reese’s Peanut Cup:  A demon hunting soccer mom.

And, woot!  Kate Connor was born!

3: What genre does your book fall under?

(sub)urban fantasy.  Or paranormal mommylit

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I think Reese Witherspoon or Jennifer Garner or Jennifer Aniston for Kate would be awesome!  As for Stuart … dunno.  For Allie, Miranda Cosgrove would have been great, but she’s too old now for a 14 year old.  Hmmm

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A retired demon-hunter turned stay-at-home-mom is called back into action when a demon crashes through her window, disrupting the tidy suburban life she’s built.

6: Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

The book was originally published by The Penguin Group (Berkley for trade paper and Jove for mass market).  I’m excited to be doing the digital re-release!

The film and audio rights are still repped by my agency (and the book is in development as a feature film with 1492 Pictures!  Heard good news recently, so fingers crossed!

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

It wrote fast!  About three months.

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

At the time, the book was pretty unique.  Folks have said I started the paranormal mommy lit genre (if there is such a thing)!  Out there in pop culture land, it’s like Buffy the Vampire Slayer … but grown up!

9: Who or What inspired you to write this book?

See above, about how I came up with the idea.  Basically, my life inspired me.  New mom … all those parent-related demons!

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

I’ve been thrilled by the fan and reviewer reactions to the book (and the series).  Here are some awesome reviews.

“I LOVED CARPE DEMON. … It was great fun, wonderfully clever.”—Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author

“This book, as crammed with events as any suburban mom’s calendar, shows you what would happen if Buffy got married and kept her past a secret. It’s a hoot.”—Charlaine Harris, New York Times bestselling author

“I welcome the novels that decide to be utterly over-the-top and imagine paranormal and superhero lives for their chick- lit heroines. Take Carpe Demon …” —Detroit Free Press

“Sprightly, fast-paced . . . readers will find spunky Kate hard not to root for in spheres both domestic and demonic.”—Publishers Weekly

“Smart, fast-paced, unique … a blend of sophistication and wit that has you laughing out loud.”—Christine Feehan, New York Times bestselling author

“Tongue-in-cheek . . . fast pacing and in-your-face action. Give it a try. Kate’s a fun character and keeps you on the edge of your seat.”—SFReader

“Ms. Kenner has a style and delivery all her own . . . fun and innovative . . . [Carpe Demon] shouldn’t be missed.”—Fallen Angel Reviews

“You’re gonna love this book! A terrific summer read with lots of humor and crazy situations and action.”—Fresh Fiction

“This book was so much fun to read. I highly recommend this exceedingly entertaining read!”—Midwest Book Review

“A fun netherworld thriller that readers will treasure.”—The Best Reviews

“A+ … I am very ready for the next installment in Kate Connor’s life.”—The Romance Reader’s Connection

“Kenner scores a direct hit with this offbeat and humorous adventure, which has an engaging cast of characters. Car pools and holy water make an unforgettable mix.”—Romantic Times

Here is a list of authors who will be joining the hop for week 25 on December 12th. I hope you’ll visit their blogs next week and learn more about their books. Maybe one of them will become your new favorite author!

1 Alexa Bourne

2 J.P. Smith

3 Cheri Williams

4 Julie Ortolon

Check ‘em out!

And don’t forget about my holiday contest!

For the rest of this month, you can use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate! (if the widget is wonky, try refreshing the page)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“My name is Kate Connor … and my second adventure is on the Nook!”

Status

“My name is Kate Connor, and I’m a Demon Hunter.

It feels a little odd saying that. For the last fifteen-plus years, I’ve been a retired Demon Hunter, my hunting responsibilities traded for the equally dangerous, if not as dramatically compelling, duties of a stay-at-home mom to my teenager and toddler. And no, I’m not exaggerating the danger factor of mommy-dom. Infiltrating a nest of vampires at dusk might be a tad on the treacherous side, but it’s nothing compared to telling a fourteen-year-old that she’s not allowed to wear eyeshadow. Trust me. I know of what I speak.”

Yes, yes!  I’m so psyched!  Kate and California Demon are now on the Nook!  Check. It. Out.