Fresh Fiction Blog | J. Lynn, (aka Jennifer L. Armentrout)

Unless you live in a cave or a nunnery, you've heard of the recent rise of a certain erotica series, maybe even jumped in and read to see what everyone and their mother is talking about. Erotica with BDSM isn't anything new. Neither is any form of romance that's heavy on the naughty bits or includes whips, chains, and bears—oh my! The same could be said about Twilight—vampires, forbidden love, and general teen angst weren't anything new when Twilight took the world by storm. But what Twilight did was take something old and spin it into something fresh. It also got millions of people of all different ages picking up and reading what is classified as a young adult book. It had huge cross-over appeal. No matter what, you have to respect that.

Right now, erotica novels are perched on that invisible line, about to cross over into mainstream. While it's been something that millions of people have read and have been reading for years (it's kind of like porn: everyone has watched it while very few admit to it), why is it suddenly becoming more acceptable? Housewives all across the nation, who may not have picked up an erotica book before or would not have admitted to it, are now publically devouring erotica and sharing it with their book clubs.

So why—why are women reading so much more of it now? Is it really just because one series has become popular or is there a need for it—a need that's always been there?

No. Not a need for whips and blindfolds, even though I suppose there is an urgent need for that in the world today, but erotica novels or even romance novels heavy on the sex are wish fulfillment—which isn't any different from any other novel you may read. It just has more sex—graphic, detailed sex. When you pick one up, you are transported to a world where there's usually a man who wants to fulfill every one of your sexual fantasies—a man who is a true alpha male. Dominant. Controlling. Usually the proud owner of a righteous six pack and as hot as the ten circles of Hell. And he's usually as rich as sin, too.

A dominant male is most women's secret fantasy—not the stalker kind of male—but the kind who is determined to prove the myth multiple orgasms do exist. And hey, who doesn't want a man who dispels that myth on a regular basis? The alpha male is the one who wants to and can take care of you. When presented with male characters like that, there's usually a panty dropping crisis.

But it's more than just wanting to escape with some naughty, naughty fun times. With the rise of young adult novels and with more women between the ages of 18-25 reading, they are looking for something more... risky. Something that captures both the intensity of first love—first heartbreak—but involves characters in their early twenties. Characters who still have a lot of growing to do, and readers love character growth. It's a burgeoning market. Older readers, and even some of the younger ones, are looking for stories that do have more sexual themes to them. They're searching for something that fills the gap between YA and adult.

One of the most common requests I get after someone has read one of my YA novels is: "Why isn't this novel for adults?" Or my favorite question: "Why can't he be in an adult novel?"

Does that mean those YA novels are lacking? Absolutely not. There are no boundaries in YA as some people assume. However there is a level of appropriateness when it comes to sexual content. Those readers who are searching for more... just want more.

There is a need for hot books. Heck, as a writer of both YA and Adult, there's a need for me to write it. I like blurring the lines between the two. I also like the idea of alpha males popping up in both my YA and adult series. Well, my YA series usually feature what was coined by a lovely blogger as a "baby alpha male." Hey, they don't grow on trees, you know.

So if you ever wonder why my adult series feature hot scenes, alpha males, and heroines that represent that age group, it's because I feel there's a need for it.

And yeah, I also just like writing it. What does that 80s song say? Some like it hot.

Comment below and win a copy of J. Lynn's TEMPTING THE BEST MAN

Comments

You made some interesting points in your blog and I am looking forward to reading your book. I hope you have a great day.
(Chelsea Knestrick 6:01am May 4, 2012)

Hot!! Just not too hot!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:51am May 4, 2012)

very hot love the cover of the book. me personally i love when
the main couple bicker first then fall inlove because it makes
the book so interesting to read
(Denise Smith 8:23am May 4, 2012)

whoa! *fanning myself*!!! I have to admit that I am one of those "secret-behind-the-scenes* readers of erotica - well, I have recently begun to read more of these stories.

Yes, your blog has raised some very interesting points about the evolution of this genre - thank you for sharing this with us and for the opportunity to win your book! I have read some of your other books in the past and LOVED them - so I know that this is a super one, as well.
(Felicia Ciaudelli 9:13am May 4, 2012)

I have been reading erotica for YEARS! I started out in middle school reading the red cover Harlequin books that mistakenly got shipped to our school's library LOL and never looked back! Once I discovered erotica, those little read paperbacks were too tame. So thanks to you and other authors like you for def filling a much needed niche market. glad to hear its getting larger! LOL
(Angie Lilly 9:18am May 4, 2012)

Thanks for the chance to win. Your interview was very
interesting.
(Mary Hay 9:45am May 4, 2012)

I have to admit I haven't read any of your books but this one sounds great - and could be the start of my catching up on all the others. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. Great luck with it.
(Nancy Reynolds 10:37am May 4, 2012)

Think this is going to be a scorching read.
(Janice McElroy 11:50am May 4, 2012)

We have to get the ideas for our fantasies somewhere - thanks
for adding some fuel to those fires.
(Diane Sallans 3:36pm May 4, 2012)

Thanks for a great post! Amen to all of that :)
(Erin Fender 3:49pm May 4, 2012)

Thanks for the post. If I like something I am pretty vocal about it but I am not one to judge others for what rocks their world either as long as everyone involved is legal and happy with it. That said, I also hate when people jump on a thing because everyone else is doing it. That is just my itty bitty 2 cents worth. Tempting the Best Man is one on my list to pick up though.
(Patti Paonessa 5:03pm May 4, 2012)

Enjoyed reading your post, Jennifer. I haven't read any of your books. I agree with you completely. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
(Linda Luinstra 5:07pm May 4, 2012)

I read the 50 shades series after all the press and was really surprised. I think the writing itself was not great but something about it was compelling. But it is definitely not to everyone's taste.
(Pam Howell 5:46pm May 4, 2012)

As long as Ya books stay YA appropriate there isn't a problem. I was a
children's librarian and had to be very careful about what i put in the YA
collection. Admittedly I live in an overly conservative area, they kept stealing
our Harry Potter books and Twilight didn't fair much better, but there is still a
line that should not be crossed. A student or parent should feel confident a
YA book at the library will be "safe and appropriate." If they want to heat
things up, they can check out something from the adult section. They do and
parents approve. It is a matter of "truth in labeling" more than anything
else.
(Patricia Barraclough 6:11pm May 4, 2012)

Honestly, the whole coverage of the Grey series has been driving me nuts. You would think it was the most exciting thing ever. I have been reading these books for years (though I haven't read THE series) and there are some really great authors out there. I also read a lot of YA. I have loved how the YA market has really grown in the last few years. I am hoping that both of these are examples of more people reading more books!
(Jennifer Beyer 7:12pm May 4, 2012)

I love reading YA books. This book is definitely hot and I wouldn't mind reading it.
(Kai Wong 10:55pm May 4, 2012)

I loved the interview and as the mother of a 9yr old girl I agree with a lot of what you said. I have been an avid reader for years (including erotica) and my daughter is also a huge reader. So far she isn't looking for romance in the books she reads, at least not the main plot isn't, but I can see that changing in the near future and I really do believe that the YA books need to be "G" rated.
(Denise Boyd 11:28pm May 4, 2012)

I love hot reads, but I have also enjoyed a few YA novels... I look for the characters to find their HEAs after their journey through the book...
(Colleen Conklin 2:12pm May 5, 2012)

Sounds really good!! Thanks for the chance to win!
(Natasha Donohoo 4:25pm May 5, 2012)

In all the years of reading books, I have to honestly say that I've never read a book of your genre. There were a couple that I tried to read a couple of years back, and I couldn't even tell you who wrote them, but I have to say that the book itself was so sloppily thrown together content-wise, that it made me laugh out loud, instead of enjoy it. I couldn't even finish the book!! I think the Author was on a time constraint to get their next book out, and threw their story together to get it out!! I know my choice of wording is a bit off, and sort of goes with what we're referring to, when you think about it, but you get my drift. I would like to try a book of this genre that I would enjoy, and perhaps find as another facet to my reading personality. I like the tease to the cover very much, and am sure I'd like the book very much as well. Thank you for your spin on the genre. You shed a quite different light on it.
(Peggy Roberson 6:48pm May 5, 2012)

good post; glad I am not the only one that quietly reads these books. thanks for the draw!
(Barbara Studer 8:03pm May 5, 2012)

I've been reading some erotica, haven't ever read your books so like to win so I can read one of your books, but if i don't I'll look for one of your books. I liked your interview.I read alot and the reason why I read erotica so I can daydream about being with a guy that can take care of me for my sex life inthe real world sucks, thas a real shame but what can I say-being honest...
(Carole Fiore 10:11pm May 5, 2012)

Ooh! I like it HOT!! ;) I live to read romance and if there's good sex
scenes, that's great! And hey, if it ventures into erotica, that's okay, too.
Neither hurts my feelings at all. You're right - it fulfils a need.
(Kelli Jo Calvert 10:41pm May 5, 2012)

I have to agree with Jennifer Beyer (above). It's like someone thinks they've discovered the wheel, when all that has happened is that some new writer has tried to re-invent it.

They don't always do a good job of it, but that's true in any genre, so you read and find authors who do do it well, and stick with them.

Personally, I've read just about every level of romance I can get my hands on, from super-sweet Barbara Cartland-style books, to the ever-so-explicit that even I cry TMI!!

This one, however, sounds good. Just the right amount of heat, and the right amount of tension between the main charactors. It would be nice to win, but if I don't, well, there's a Barnes & Noble not too far from my house.

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 11:45pm May 5, 2012)

Great description "baby alpha male". I certainly daydream about a man who wants to and CAN take care of me. Completely agree there is a need. Thanks for the post.
(Lisa Kendall 11:51pm May 5, 2012)

I've been reading erotica for years. Your book sounds really good.
(Aida Alberto 3:18am May 6, 2012)

Yep. Great title. Makes you want to pick up the book and leaf through it to find the good juicy parts.
(Alyson Widen 8:13pm May 6, 2012)

while the Romans and Greeks didn't have vampires and werewolves in their erotic literature, there were certainly lusty gods and goddesses messing with the mortals - erotic literature has always been around. It is fun to read about other humans, even if I'm not entirely sure how to replicate all the intriguing positions featured in some these books. Loved the excerpt on Amazon! looking forward to reading the book!
(Beth Fuller 11:28pm May 6, 2012)

Very interesting and well thought out discussion. Your definition of a hot alpha man includes "rich" - now is it not likely today that his investments are a mere shadow of their former selves, and that he is one of the top echelon of gambling bankers, business men and property developers who have bankrupted countries? I would like to see a well-intentioned man of this type starting over again, having lost the trophy wife once he couldn't keep her in jet-set lifestyle anymore, losing the paunch that comes with alpha males' wining and dining and never getting their hands dirty, having to earn a living for once. And falling for a strong female who makes it clear to him that women are not toys to be bought, but capable people who succeed on many levels - and who would enjoy a hot sex life, if he could remember how to get started! I would expect there is a lot she could teach him and a lot of other lessons about life he could learn.
Go, girl!
(Clare O'Beara 6:08am May 7, 2012)

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