Hey y’all, welcome to the Kissing Books newsletter. I hope your spirit is doing well. I’m PN Hinton, your guide through the roller coaster of a ride that the world of romance can be. If it is your first time here, welcome and if you’re a regular reader welcome back.
I hope that your week has been going well so far. I’m still recovering from stage managing a show on Saturday. Was it tiring? Yes. Was it rewarding? Also yes. There’s something that’s so satisfying about watching a show come together.
Romance Reflection
There was an issue over in Romancelandia over the weekend regarding a blurb that was released about a book that used ableist language in their book blurb. Then later the author ‘apologized’ with this statement.
So I’ll be honest with y’all. My first thought upon reading the blurb was “Do you not have friends?” And I know that seems mean but come on; a good friend would have called you on that nonsense. I don’t see how one could think that the type of language used in that blurb would not receive blowback in this day and age. Early nineties? Definitely would have been the norm and no one would have batted an eye. But nowadays? There really is no excuse for ableist language.
And that apology? To say it fell flat would be a gross understatement since it wasn’t a real apology at all. It was an attempt at justification for using language that was called out for being harmful. Then to double down by saying that writing ‘diversely was a financial risk’.
First of all, writing at all is a huge financial risk. While there are exceptions of course, most authors aren’t fortunate enough to be able to write full time. From what I’ve gathered, most at the very least have a part-time job. So, don’t use that as a reason that you don’t write diverse characters. Honestly, just say you don’t want to and move on. Or better yet, don’t comment on it at all.
The real issue here is the language that was used. There was no need to use it because it was ableist. And all that was being asked was that the language be changed. It wasn’t calling to cancel the book all together. The author was the one who made that call. It also wasn’t calling her a bad person; it was just the language she was using was harmful.
She chose to throw out the whole book rather than rewrite, which is a bit of an overkill. Make of that what you personally will, but for me, it’s not a good take and is more telling of her than she originally intended it to be.
Book Riot Romance
Don’t forget to listen to this week’s episode of When in Romance where Trisha and Jess discuss the WIR Book Club Pick Written in the Stars. They also give some recommendations for other romance retellings.
Check out this write up for some of the romance books with angst in them from R. Nassor.
Isabelle also wrote this round-up of sports romances.
Around the Web in Romance
Here are some recommendations for those who were born under Pisces.
The latest season of Outlander started Sunday and if you’re a fan and looking for some read-a-likes, this list has you covered.
Here’s a quiz on if you would find true love in the Regency era. I ended up finding love! *swoon*
Recommendations
Following up the book referenced above, all my recommendations today include characters who use a wheelchair and are bad asses. Because along with everything else, I feel that was the issue with the phrasing used in the blurb that it somehow made the female main character less than. And that is never the case.
Ableism isn’t sexy at all, no matter what sub-genre of romance it is. To try to use the excuse that it fits because it’s a dark romance is just that…an excuse. So, I wanted to highlight a few books that really showcase the idea that those who use a wheelchair are not bound, hindered, or a burden. They are completely and utterly awesome.
Can’t Escape Love by Alyssa Cole
Regina and Gus enter into a unique trade agreement: she will help him create an escape room based off her favorite romantic anime and he will use his soothing voice to help her sleep. However, as the two spend more time together, the attraction between them builds, leaving them to wonder if it is something they can escape.
High Heat by Annabeth Albert
Garrick is a smoke jumper who is recovering from a spinal injury and going through intense physical therapy. He is determined to get through it so he can get back to the job but when a puppy shows up on his doorstep, he knows he needs help to take care of her. New neighbor and nomad Rain is more than happy to help his attractive new neighbor with these endeavors, not realizing that this man and pup may convince him to put down permanent roots right here.
Knot My Type by Evie Mitchell
Frankie is a sexologist and host of the All Access podcast. When a long-time listener asks about rope play, she enlists the help of Jay to help do the research. The two couldn’t be more different and both agree it should just be a (pardon the pun) no strings attached relationship. Until of course it’s not…
Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!
And that’s all I have for y’all today. I’ll be back on Monday with another round-up of romance news, ponderings, and new releases. If you’re not already following me on Twitter, I can be found posting under @PScribe801. I hope your weekend is full of reading and relaxation. Until next time!