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My first Sherry Thomas book was the second Charlotte Holmes book, which I loved. I'd like to read more by this author, but her other books (other than the other Holmes book) look like bodice rippers to me. Are they? It's hard to imagine how an author who writes an intelligent book like Conspiracy in Belgravia could also write icky romance fantasies, but those book covers are sure a turn-off for me.
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A Study in Scarlet Women,
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MK
Why are romance fantasies icky? A well-written story is a well-written story. Romance is something that a lot of people dream about. Listen to this author talk about why she writes in the genre: https://www.theguardian.com/books/200...
Another thing to think about is that this is a genre written by women for women. So this genre has women having agency, enjoying sex, being the center of the story. I like this quote:
"We are re-writing history with romance novels. Historicals create a narrative where a woman is empowered to choose her spouse or partner, where she consents to and enjoys sex. We are exploring history from the female viewpoint and creating fiction that is inclusive to women. In romance novels women are not silent; they are celebrated."
https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2...
So if you like her writing style here, why not try one of her straight romance books? Start with the most recent ones, since early ones are usually authors finding their style. You might surprise yourself and like it.
Another thing to think about is that this is a genre written by women for women. So this genre has women having agency, enjoying sex, being the center of the story. I like this quote:
"We are re-writing history with romance novels. Historicals create a narrative where a woman is empowered to choose her spouse or partner, where she consents to and enjoys sex. We are exploring history from the female viewpoint and creating fiction that is inclusive to women. In romance novels women are not silent; they are celebrated."
https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2...
So if you like her writing style here, why not try one of her straight romance books? Start with the most recent ones, since early ones are usually authors finding their style. You might surprise yourself and like it.
Judy
There are some love scenes but they are not explicit at all. I would not call these romance novels at all. I have read the first three. The expansion of women's limitations during the Victorian era and the few women who fought the limits imposed on them by society are very interesting.
Wordsworth
Bryn, having read a limited number of them, I'd say that Sherry Thomas' historical romances are slow burns, not a bunch of erotica. There is a significant amount of historical fiction going on, it's just built around a framework of two people who eventually make a relationship work. That's not to say that she avoids writing about sex, like some romance authors do, but there's plenty to like even if you skim through those scenes.
George
Look up the term "potboiler". Then Net-search for it along with the name of nearly any author you respect from the 19th or early 20th century.
Then see if you can imagine how a modern author you respect might write a potboiler or twelve.
Then see if you can imagine how a modern author you respect might write a potboiler or twelve.
Labwa
I love the Lady Sherlock series. I have also read most of her romance books and it has the same writing style and they are not icky at all. They are very tastefully done and quite enjoyable. In fact, Sherry Thomas has written a few of my favorite historical romances.
Jennifer Sader
I've been reading through all of Sherry Thomas's work. Some are better than others but if you like the Lady Sherlock series, you will find a lot of similarities in her romances.
The Lady Sherlock books are more finely crafted, but I am enjoying the other romances too.
The Lady Sherlock books are more finely crafted, but I am enjoying the other romances too.
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