My Recent Revelation Regarding The "Is It Porn" Debate

As I was talking to my favorite Jersey Girl this morning, I realized why so many men and women consider Romance Chick Porn.

Those of us here at Sanctuary's Finest recently put up a blog regarding the Great Debate over whether or not Romance is Porn. The four of us agreed that no, it's not.

But what I came to realize this morning is this:

We make it seem that way. Yes, us. The women who love these novels and defend them to any and all.

Here's my conversation with my favorite Jersey Girl from this morning:

Me: I read LM's Wedding Vow of Revenge last night. It was great.
JG: Ugh. Yeah, I might read that, but why does it have to be a Harlequin?
Me: What does that have to do with anything?
JG: I hate those books.
Me: Why? *slight pause and then a gasp* You book snob!
JG: *laughs* What? Have you seen those covers?
Me: What does it matter. You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.
JG: Well, yeah, I know, but I hate those Harlequin books.
Me: Have you ever even read one?
JG: Well, no. But Still...

And another example:

From the comments section of the review I wrote for WVOR.

Grace: You know I love the business tycoon heroes, so of course I'm going to pop this one onto my TBR list. Thanks for that sweets! And you know, you've made me verra curious about Lucy Monroe, because you seem to love almost everything she puts out, so she must be good. The only thing I'm hesitant about this book? Dude..have you seen that cover?! LMAO.

Holly: I swear, you're SUCH a cover snob! It's rather depressing. *sigh*

LOL

You know, Grace, it's terribly wrong to judge a book by it's cover. Just think how many other wonderful stories you would have missed out on had you not looked past their covers....MmmHmmm That's what I thought.

And I have yet to read a book by LM that I haven't enjoyed.

Do you see? It's because WE, as romance readers, continue to treat these books as something to be ashamed of that everyone considers them porn.

So I challenge you, Dear Romance Readers, to put your predjuices aside and pick up a new book with one of those cheesy covers. Then take it out in public and proudly read it. Be strong. Don't be ashamed. Proudly display that boddice ripper cover for all and sundry to see!

Just once, I'd like to see the women who read romance novels to stand strong and be proud. Can you do it? Will you? Or will you continue to let ancient sterotypes rule where and what you read?

Take a stand, ladies! I dare you!