dan_brodribb

I personally think they keep her appearance intentionally vague so a woman can put herself into her. They just say "beautiful" or "attractive" or something generic like that because that's how a reader would like to see herself.

That's just my guess. Not like I'm the resident expert in them, but my wife does have over a thousand (no exaggeration).

I'll tell you one quality that almost all of the male heroes in romance novels have - they make decisions. Women find guys who make decisions sexy. Romance novels are proof of that.

True dat, aepaul. Thanks for commenting.

Azadeth, normally I don't do this, but I'm cranky today and this my blog not a public forum, so I'm going to call you on your bullshit.

"What's odd is that you seem to think that a significant number of women actually read that crap,"

FYI, romance novels are is far and away the best-selling fiction genre, accounting for over half of total sales. And it isn't men that are buying them.

" that they at least possess the mindset to be affected by it.'

Women are not brainless creatures being 'affected' by romance novels. They read them because they like them. Your implication that they are otherwise is as chauvinistic as anything I've written

"Well actually, very many women appreciate GOOD writing...."

That's true. Although good is a value judgement.

"...about things other than getting drilled by perfect masculine specimens,"

not what romance novels are about. There's sex, but it's typically accompanied by a strong emotional connection unlike say, erotica.

" and if I were such a woman, I'd find this little project of yours sexist and insulting."

You are not a woman. But I'm sure they appreciate you speaking for them.

Thanks for taking the time to comment, Azadeth. I needed to snap at someone today, and I appreciate you being there.

Still love your articles.

I love that you're writing columns for SG. So much cooler than the Journal.

It would have been very sad if you had gone away with the impression that nobody read your footnotes... Anyway, good article - probably would have helped me a lot if I'd read it twenty years ago... :'}

I replied to your article with a sense of truth... that moment.

I have for the last few days been having sex with THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL I HAVE EVER HAD THE EXPERIENCE OF SEX WITH....

Seriously. I'm 41 and she's 25... I didn't have sex with 25 year old girls this hot when I was 35... let alone 25 when I was one year past being a virgin.

If she was a "Shop Girl" she'd be Clair Danes... And I'm that guy from " The Jerk" Everyone watching that movie would think... cute concept....but, she's way too hot for that guy.

She's young, smart, funny, quirky, clutsy...

When she takes off her horn rim glasses it's like that moment in a 1940's screw ball comedy with Catherine Hepburn... Pretending to be mousy... and then she wicks off her librarian glasses in front of Cary Grant and finally reveals to all.... CATHERINE HEPBURN!!!!( oddly...her name is Catherine )

When I undress her she has the body of a shy, Playboy pin-up.

And, to top it all off... she comes like a new porn star.

Seriously... it's hard to stay hard.... Because I'm just totally amazed during the moment of sex that such a beautiful creature is naked and happy in my presenace.... I may have to buy some Viagra. I've already stoped looking at porn because there is no comparison to this creature.

So, I've resolved myself.... I'm going to enjoy EVERY moment... tell her she's beautiful (Because, NOBODY... No other BF has ever told her how beautiful she is?????!!!!) And make certain that when it's over, when she's gone.... I left her.. or more expectantly she left me.... better than I found her.

Even though... I have to admit... I know... I hope... that day never comes.

Counterpoint. Our continued conversation, back-and-forth, in your entries is enjoyable. Someday we'll have to have a more directed conversation.

Thanks for the Message.... I'd love to see a part 2 to your last article.

That article of yours was quite interesting