It’s also one of the reasons I got back to the OG’s. I find myself wanting to re-read my old favourites rather than picking up a new one! Great points Crystal.
It doesn’t matter how many times you bring up this issue with historical romance, I’m always here for it. The longing and the angst is what separates historical romance from all the rest!
I love hearing this discussion, not only because I wholeheartedly agree with you, but because you’re describing the type of books I’m writing! It can be discouraging when I read super popular books and the romance feels so thin. You are the type of reader I’m writing for and hopefully one day my books will be on shelves 🤞
I wish publishers and authors would watch you talk about this stuff. You sum up so well how so many of us are feeling these days. I keep hoping these TikTok tread will end but here we still are. Give us back the romance!! 🎄🎄🎄
I died laughing at the La Croix version of Mr. Thornton. Loved hearing your thoughts on these books. I've been finding a lot of romances bland lately. Common denominator, they are missing that "achingly romantic" magic. I want to swoon.
Your thoughts are always so insightful. I agree with everything that you said. The spice is taking center stage right now and the romance is taking a back seat. Spice is important and it can do a lot to drive the story and the romance but lately it's felt like it's taking away from the romance. Thanks for always being open and honest and sharing your thoughts with us! 🎄🎅
I have been rereading Mary Balogh's First Comes Marriage and I am reminded of how an excellent author, like Balogh can write an absorbing story where the primary plot is two people getting past their insecurities and bonding together to find deep love. There's no mystery in the story, but it is so enthralling. She writes sex scenes, but they are necessary for the plot, so the focus again is the emotional connection, not a recitation of physical acts. I can enjoy a smutty romance, but it really needs to be in service to the emotional story, which it rarely is.
I am honestly at a point where I will not shed a single tear if TT actually does get banned and BookTok loses its chokehold over the publishing industry--especially romance publishing. I understand that the platform has done great things for many authors and I'm always happy to see creatives winning (especially indies), but as someone who loves thoughtfully crafted historical romances filled with longing and deeply entrenched in the given era above all else, It has done nothing but destroy--or at the very least GREATLY reduce--what I love. When greats like Beverley Jenkins and Sherry Thomas have their publishers declining to buy their historical romances you know quality is no longer key *sighs*. :( 🎄
As a veteran romance reader for 22 years, I'm long over caring about spice, so it is disappointing how obsessed all these new TikTok romance readers are infecting the genre with boring padded spice scenes. It feels like all of us old romance readers pre TikTok are being kicked out of our own genre in favor of newer readers. I sound cynical I know.
I am reading when the moon hatched. I know it's not historical but the longing is in there lol. I totally agree with all you're points. Historical romance used to be something we could rely on for some good pining & yearning which I love
Balance is so delicate and it becomes obvious how much when it’s off, even when I know I have a tendency to take it for granted. And I agree with you about that idea of depth. I’m particularly bummed to hear about the Elizabeth Hoyt as I have historically loved her-even the steamier romances-but looking back on my ratings of this particular series, it has been pretty lackluster for me. Wait! I was not aware of Beverly Jenkins being a part of the historical contract not being renewed. As an Avon trending reader, if one of the pillars isn’t renewed…
I enjoyed most of the books in that Lorraine Heath series. I think the real standout is the last one-Beauty Tempts the Beast. Hopefully something to look forward to! 🎄
🌲Please keep talking about this topic. It's so real for the fans and readers of the historical genre as it was before the influence of vitality driving content instead of what is organically made. I'm devastated that I don't know when we will get Hell's Bells book 4....the setup is so good for the duchess!
I'm so sad Tessa Dare doesn't seem to be publishing historical romance anymore. She was the first historical romance author I read from. I also hate how romance books are appealing to TikTok with lust first. I need slow burn and a long development in order to care about the romance. I absolutely despise romances that have sex as the main driving force of the romance. If people wanna read tons of sex in their romance books especially historical then they should just read erotica. It drives me crazy 🎄
🎄When I doubt, I always go back to Julie Anne Long and Lisa Kleypas to give me the romance, the swooning, and that magic moment when the hero and heroine meet. ❤🤩
Crystal, I 100% agree with you. I can't tell you how many times I finished a book, thinking that this relationship will never last because they were only together because each other was 'hot'. And that fades. It is too bad the current publishers are turning more towards selling sex, instead of selling a deep, true love story. I can't understand why that isn't more important. Maybe it is more about the numbers. Easier to put out books with a bunch of sex scenes with little story around it, rather than find writers who write a good story that is felt in the soul of the reader. Even though I am not a prude, I have found that I have turned towards more clean romance, just to find a romance, and not an affair. You turned me on to Julianne Donaldson, who wrote an absolutely charming story. She led me to Martha Keys, Kasey Stockton and most late Ashtyn Newbolt. (The Earl Next Door is a great intro to her style- even though she isn't Sarah MacLean/Lisa Kleypas, she writes men who adore the women they are pursuing. There is usually a little humor thrown in, which adds to the stories) Once again, thanks for your perspective. I enjoy your videos.
You do the BEST vlogs. I just love them. And your tree is so big and pretty. I do get sick of the spice focus to get readers to read books, it can be annoying as a lifetime romance reader. Unfortunately many authors and publishers think the tik tok trends is actually what most romance readers want. Historical Romance I think is slowly dying. Its not going to be quick. But the authors that write the books that impacted so many of us, aren't writing or if they are, its just different. Its just not as appealing, its boring and the writing just doesn't click anymore. Its why authors like Elisa Braden are being so well loved, and we do have some good historical authors still but I think there are elements in historical romance that are missing. I do think its interesting publishers have been pressuring authors to change how they write and adapt in what they say to do, and then aren't keeping up contracts with those same authors anymore. But I agree I think the tik tok trends, are actually hurting the genre and not helping it at all.
I do want to stand up for this Lorraine Heath series though. I disliked the first one the most. I almost didn't continue after reading it. However, it's kind of like a Cold-Hearted Rake situation. Haha!
The slow burn, the angst, and the longing is supposed to be the STRENGTH of a Historical Romance. That's what we GO TO THEM FOR!
THAT'S WHAT WE WANT!!
It’s also one of the reasons I got back to the OG’s. I find myself wanting to re-read my old favourites rather than picking up a new one! Great points Crystal.
It doesn’t matter how many times you bring up this issue with historical romance, I’m always here for it. The longing and the angst is what separates historical romance from all the rest!
Amen!
I love hearing this discussion, not only because I wholeheartedly agree with you, but because you’re describing the type of books I’m writing! It can be discouraging when I read super popular books and the romance feels so thin. You are the type of reader I’m writing for and hopefully one day my books will be on shelves 🤞
I wish publishers and authors would watch you talk about this stuff. You sum up so well how so many of us are feeling these days. I keep hoping these TikTok tread will end but here we still are. Give us back the romance!! 🎄🎄🎄
Agree wholeheartedly
🎄❤️ Love vlogmas, love your videos! Hope you are well ☺️
I died laughing at the La Croix version of Mr. Thornton. Loved hearing your thoughts on these books. I've been finding a lot of romances bland lately. Common denominator, they are missing that "achingly romantic" magic. I want to swoon.
YES EXACTLY!!! Also I'm glad I made ypu laugh 🤣💓
Just downloaded Dreaming of You on my Kindle 😊🎄✨
Your thoughts are always so insightful. I agree with everything that you said. The spice is taking center stage right now and the romance is taking a back seat. Spice is important and it can do a lot to drive the story and the romance but lately it's felt like it's taking away from the romance. Thanks for always being open and honest and sharing your thoughts with us! 🎄🎅
Thank you Crystal for always being honest about your readings ! I can listen to you for hours!!
I have been rereading Mary Balogh's First Comes Marriage and I am reminded of how an excellent author, like Balogh can write an absorbing story where the primary plot is two people getting past their insecurities and bonding together to find deep love. There's no mystery in the story, but it is so enthralling. She writes sex scenes, but they are necessary for the plot, so the focus again is the emotional connection, not a recitation of physical acts. I can enjoy a smutty romance, but it really needs to be in service to the emotional story, which it rarely is.
I am honestly at a point where I will not shed a single tear if TT actually does get banned and BookTok loses its chokehold over the publishing industry--especially romance publishing. I understand that the platform has done great things for many authors and I'm always happy to see creatives winning (especially indies), but as someone who loves thoughtfully crafted historical romances filled with longing and deeply entrenched in the given era above all else, It has done nothing but destroy--or at the very least GREATLY reduce--what I love. When greats like Beverley Jenkins and Sherry Thomas have their publishers declining to buy their historical romances you know quality is no longer key *sighs*. :( 🎄
Yay a vlog!! I'm so excited.
Thanks Jenn 🥹💓
Stick to your opinions, Crystal, they are very valid!
As a veteran romance reader for 22 years, I'm long over caring about spice, so it is disappointing how obsessed all these new TikTok romance readers are infecting the genre with boring padded spice scenes. It feels like all of us old romance readers pre TikTok are being kicked out of our own genre in favor of newer readers. I sound cynical I know.
I am reading when the moon hatched. I know it's not historical but the longing is in there lol. I totally agree with all you're points. Historical romance used to be something we could rely on for some good pining & yearning which I love
@suebarker5620 that's one of my favorite books this year for that exact reason!
Peaches & honey by R Rheata was another beautifully written book in my humble opinion
Balance is so delicate and it becomes obvious how much when it’s off, even when I know I have a tendency to take it for granted. And I agree with you about that idea of depth.
I’m particularly bummed to hear about the Elizabeth Hoyt as I have historically loved her-even the steamier romances-but looking back on my ratings of this particular series, it has been pretty lackluster for me.
Wait! I was not aware of Beverly Jenkins being a part of the historical contract not being renewed. As an Avon trending reader, if one of the pillars isn’t renewed…
I enjoyed most of the books in that Lorraine Heath series. I think the real standout is the last one-Beauty Tempts the Beast. Hopefully something to look forward to! 🎄
You just described 90% of all the romances I read this year, which explains why I have swapped to reading other genres as a result.
🌲Please keep talking about this topic. It's so real for the fans and readers of the historical genre as it was before the influence of vitality driving content instead of what is organically made. I'm devastated that I don't know when we will get Hell's Bells book 4....the setup is so good for the duchess!
I totally agree with you o historical romance. 🎅❄️🎄
I agree with you 100%
I'm so sad Tessa Dare doesn't seem to be publishing historical romance anymore. She was the first historical romance author I read from. I also hate how romance books are appealing to TikTok with lust first. I need slow burn and a long development in order to care about the romance. I absolutely despise romances that have sex as the main driving force of the romance. If people wanna read tons of sex in their romance books especially historical then they should just read erotica. It drives me crazy 🎄
🎄When I doubt, I always go back to Julie Anne Long and Lisa Kleypas to give me the romance, the swooning, and that magic moment when the hero and heroine meet. ❤🤩
I agree. Again. lol I mean, swoony romances is really WHY we read historical romances. Right? Right.
Check out second hand stores for Georgete Heyer. Elizabeth Mansfield and for short ones Barbara Cortland.
Crystal, I 100% agree with you. I can't tell you how many times I finished a book, thinking that this relationship will never last because they were only together because each other was 'hot'. And that fades. It is too bad the current publishers are turning more towards selling sex, instead of selling a deep, true love story. I can't understand why that isn't more important. Maybe it is more about the numbers. Easier to put out books with a bunch of sex scenes with little story around it, rather than find writers who write a good story that is felt in the soul of the reader. Even though I am not a prude, I have found that I have turned towards more clean romance, just to find a romance, and not an affair. You turned me on to Julianne Donaldson, who wrote an absolutely charming story. She led me to Martha Keys, Kasey Stockton and most late Ashtyn Newbolt. (The Earl Next Door is a great intro to her style- even though she isn't Sarah MacLean/Lisa Kleypas, she writes men who adore the women they are pursuing. There is usually a little humor thrown in, which adds to the stories) Once again, thanks for your perspective. I enjoy your videos.
Thanks for all those recommendations! I have been reading Mimi Mathews for that same reason.
Writers are unfortunately being dictated to by their publishers and sales. The limited time spent on character development is especially noted.
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You do the BEST vlogs. I just love them. And your tree is so big and pretty. I do get sick of the spice focus to get readers to read books, it can be annoying as a lifetime romance reader. Unfortunately many authors and publishers think the tik tok trends is actually what most romance readers want. Historical Romance I think is slowly dying. Its not going to be quick. But the authors that write the books that impacted so many of us, aren't writing or if they are, its just different. Its just not as appealing, its boring and the writing just doesn't click anymore. Its why authors like Elisa Braden are being so well loved, and we do have some good historical authors still but I think there are elements in historical romance that are missing. I do think its interesting publishers have been pressuring authors to change how they write and adapt in what they say to do, and then aren't keeping up contracts with those same authors anymore. But I agree I think the tik tok trends, are actually hurting the genre and not helping it at all.
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I do want to stand up for this Lorraine Heath series though. I disliked the first one the most. I almost didn't continue after reading it. However, it's kind of like a Cold-Hearted Rake situation. Haha!
Not that you weren't going to continue. I just liked the others all even more. They were so good.
I definitely want to continue!! I didn't hate it at all!
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