Friday, November 02, 2007

Romance Isn't What It Used to Be

In the September 24 issue of Maclean's, Patricia Treble discusses romance publisher Harlequin's increasing willingness to tackle sexual dysfunction:

For [Harlequin Presents executive editor Tessa Shapcott], the breakthrough sexual dysfunction book was Lucy Monroe's Blackmailed into Marriage. Its entire plot revolved around vaginismus, a condition that causes vaginal muscles to involuntarily contract shut. When the typically alpha-male hero discovered his bride's plight, he morphs into the most understanding husband on the planet, reassuring her that intercourse isn't the only way to sexual pleasure. "I am a 30-year-old man who understands the limits you have laid before me. I will not pressure [you] for what you cannot give . . . If I say we can make love in a way that will leave us both satisfied, you need to believe me." The book is laden not only with explicit depictions of a wide variety of sex acts, but also jaw-dropping clinical-yet-romantic descriptions of the couple engaging in the most common treatment for vaginismus: the insertion of a series of dilators. And, of course, Lia and Damian live happily ever after.


Yes, but are there pictures?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wasn't there an 'erotic' book publisher called Harlequin, or perhaps it was Masquerade?

Twas a long time ago, either way...

John said...

I wouldn't know. ;-)