Booked4Books

Neelakshi Singh

74 Posts
Writing the underworld: A conversation with a Mafia Romance Writer

Writing the underworld: A conversation with a Mafia Romance Writer

The underworld of Mafia fiction created by author Gabrielle Sands is quite remarkable and full of drama and temptations. The Booked4Books uncover the secrets of their captivating stories, from quirky answers to future releases. Sands gave answers to it all our questions. Booked4Books: If you could spend a day in the shoes of any character from your novels, who would it be and what would you do? Gabrielle Sands: I'd spend the day as Cleo :) Who can resist a massive shopping spree? I'd go shopping with all the Garzolo sisters, buy them (and me) whatever we wanted, and then…
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Fanfiction: Examining the Dilemmas of Fandom Creations

Fanfiction: Examining the Dilemmas of Fandom Creations

Fanfiction stands as a strong sensation. Where fans of various media, from books to movies to TV shows, take the characters, worlds, and narratives they love and reimagine them in their own personal ways. From whimsical romances between unlikely pairings to epic adventures set in alternate universes, fanfiction offers a platform for fans to express their love for their favorite franchises while flexing their creative abilities. At its core, fanfiction is a form of transformative work, where fans become authors, reshaping set narratives to fit their own perceptions or desires. The possibilities are as limitless as the imaginations of the…
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From Fifty Shades of Grey to Bridgerton: The Cultural Impact of Mainstreaming Erotica in Popular Media

From Fifty Shades of Grey to Bridgerton: The Cultural Impact of Mainstreaming Erotica in Popular Media

The journey from the discreetly tucked-away hush hush erotica sections of bookstores to billboards prime-time television and streaming platforms reflects a significant shift in attitudes towards sexuality. Throughout history, erotica was often associated with niche markets or stigmatized as taboo material. However, erotica has found its way into the mainstream. Many societies have strict non-acceptance surrounding sexuality, particularly when it comes to explicit or graphic depictions of sexual acts. Erotica often is associated with these taboo subjects, making it subject to societal no-no. In cultures influenced by religion or moral beliefs that view sex as something sacred or to be…
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Love in the Ages: The intrigue and appeal of historical romances

Love in the Ages: The intrigue and appeal of historical romances

In the age of insta-lust graphic eroticas, the appeal of historical romance novels shines brightly as a ray of escapism and nostalgia. Within the pages of these novels, readers find themselves transported to a world that is simultaneously familiar and fantastical, where the constraints of modernity give way to the elegance and refinement of the past. At the heart of historical romance lies a deep sense of nostalgia, a time when life seemed simpler yet so very complex, and the pace of existence was dictated not by just emotions but by the rhythms of nature and society. Whether it’s the…
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Beyond Boundaries: The Complexities of Incestuous Romances in Modern Romance Fiction

Beyond Boundaries: The Complexities of Incestuous Romances in Modern Romance Fiction

Romance literature has always been a mirror that keeps on reflecting the societal norms and values of its time. Throughout history,a lot of certain romance tropes have sparked controversy, challenging cultural taboos and norms. However, as society evolves and grows, so do our perceptions of love, relationships, and the narratives that depict them. Today, younger readers are opening up their horizons, embracing diverse and non-traditional representations of romance that were once considered taboo or held speeches of shame. The new growing lens of romance literature has become increasingly inclusive, reflecting the diverse plethora of human experience. LGBTQ+ romances, once downgraded…
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Exploring the Intriguing World of Gabrielle Sands: Redefining Romance and Mafia Fiction

Exploring the Intriguing World of Gabrielle Sands: Redefining Romance and Mafia Fiction

In the world of romance books, few authors command attention quite like Gabrielle Sands. With a subtle touch and an unerring instinct for storytelling, Sands builds narratives that are as captivating as they are seductive. Her novels spark with an energy all their own, pulling readers into a world where love and danger exist in a heavy blend of passion and intrigue She writes magnetic characters and compelling dynamics At the heart of Gabrielle Sands' work are her unforgettable characters. From brooding alpha males to fiercely independent heroines, Sands builds her stories with personalities that leap off the page and…
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Rewriting classics: Romance Reimagined

Rewriting classics: Romance Reimagined

When authors tackle the task of writing modern, smutty retellings of classic romance tales, they begin on a journey that takes a delicate balance of respect for the original work and the desire to fuse it with contemporary themes and sensibilities. One of the first decisions an author must make is how to update the setting and context of the classic romance tale. This could involve transporting the story to a modern-day urban landscape, a college campus, or any other setting that resonates with new readers. By building the story in a knowing environment, the author creates a sense of…
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Unwinding the Narratives: Deconstructing the Discourse Surrounding Non-Consensual Romances

Unwinding the Narratives: Deconstructing the Discourse Surrounding Non-Consensual Romances

Non-consensual romances, often shown in literature, film, and television, have long been a subject of controversy and debate. While some argue that these narratives romanticize problematic behavior and perpetuate harmful stereotypes, others contend that they serve as ways for exploring complex human relationships. Noncon and dubcon scenarios often highlight power imbalances between characters, whether it's societal or personal. This exploring can put light on issues like abuse, manipulation, and coercion. Characters involved in non consensual or dubiously consensual situations are often forced to face their own vulnerabilities, desires, and moral boundaries. These experiences can catalyze deep internal conflicts and character…
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Deconstructing a dark romance hero and how he plays on our minds

Deconstructing a dark romance hero and how he plays on our minds

At the heart of any dark romance story lies the lead: the dark romance hero. These characters disobey easy categorization, standing on the line between hero and anti-hero. They are often brooding and complex individuals, hurt by their pasts and driven by inner demons. Despite their flaws, dark romance heroes have qualities that make them alluring to readers, like intelligence, charisma, and a hint of vulnerability beneath their tough exteriors. A dark romance character might look something like :   Name: Adrian Draven Age: whatever might fit the needs for the plot (an age gap would have an older man…
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Coffee Shops And Happily Ever Afters: Rom-Com Author Spills The Beans

Coffee Shops And Happily Ever Afters: Rom-Com Author Spills The Beans

Popular rom-com author, Julie Olivia’s books offer a refreshing take on romance and serve as a great escape for the readers. While dark romances rummage into intense and often hectic relationships, Julie Olivia’s stories provide a contrast with their light-hearted tone, heartwarming themes, and fairytale endings. Booked4Books approached her with a set of questions and she happily responded. Here is the Q&A with Julie Olivia. B4B: Do you have a favorite romcom trope to include in your novels? Julie Olivia: I adore friends to lovers! Any type of long running inside joke is my favorite piece. B4B: Who are some…
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