Lurrrrrve is in the Air

Put this youtube video at 3:05, play and read while it continues:

I’m about to travel a barely touched route here at Book a Week with Jen, one lined in bare chests, billowing hair and Fabio: I’m going to read a few romance novels.

I say that, of course, in jest — well, the chests, hair and Fabio bit. Romance novels aren’t your grandmom’s smut anymore, as I hope to show.

But why the romantic bent? Because I’m writing not one but two articles about the Romance novel industry, which sells over a billion dollars worth of books a year. In fact, one of every four books bought is a romance title. And I’m not lying about those numbers — I wouldn’t make that up even if I were the bad guy who broke the heroine’s heart at the start of a book that ends in lots of sex and a ring by the final chapter.

So while I finish the first title on my list, let me ask you: What do you think of romance novels? Do you read them? If so? If not, why not? Or do you have a favorite memory? I remember the first one I read, as given to me by my grandmother. I was shocked at the language — shocked! And, OK, a little bit intrigued.

Oh and check out www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com for more on the biz in a tone that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Seriously.