Sunday 9 November 2008

Without Reproach, a Contemporary Romance Novel?

Hi AJ. I've seen a couple of press articles about you. I wondered howcome, as a man, you decided to write your novel, Without Reproach, as a Contemporary Romance novel? Isn't this a little unusual? I've toyed with the idea of buying it, but am unsure of what to expect.

Contemporary Romance Novel
Hi Cheryl. Nice of you to drop by. Thank you.
First of all I'd just like to say, if you're interested in taking it further, I've posted the first chapter on my website, so if you want to check it out to see if it's for you, click here on Without Reproach.
When I started 'Without Reproach' I intended it to be a mystery. I never dreamed it would end up in the contemporary romance sectors of book-stores. However, although men tell me they enjoy it, women have said some really terrific things - so it seems to suit all.
I've been asked a number of times when the sequel will be ready so it can't be too bad. I have to say this though, it isn't all hearts and feathers. Please don't expect it to be gooey.
Contemporary Romance novel, or not?
The story is centred on a young woman, in a foreign land, faced with a nude painting of herself that she knows nothing of. She inherits a fortune from a man she's never met, is not related to, and has never heard of. When she starts to vaguely recognize certain parts of the place where he lived, she thinks she's going mad...
As 'Without Reproach' developed, it seemed correct for it to have a love interest. It became quite steamy, but I fully believe, and other people have commented the same, that although it's explicit and pulls no punches, it's handled in a natural manner. I wouldn't have it any other way. It's probably this fact that has landed it as a contemporary romance novel.
Having said this, I had no say in where the book ended up. It was possibly the publishing house who listed it that way, but whatever, I realise that Amazon and all the other on-line stores, list Without Reproach as a contemporary romance novel.
So, contemporary romance novel it is
So, as I've said before in other interviews, what do I know, I'm only the author - It's discussed as a contemporary romance novel, it's listed as contemporary romance novel, so I guess contemporary romance novel, it will remain.
End of - Without Reproach, a Contemporary Romance novel?