BellaOnline Forums Books and Music Romance Novels Romance or Erotica

Since this topic is so bare, I thought I would attempt at getting a discussion going.

When I was a teenager, I broke my teeth in on Patricia Matthews novels. If you have never read one, well, I guess I would best describe them as spicy. They were considered Romances. Lately, I have been reading some erotica (not porn, which I consider the difference lays with whether there is a real plot or not). In my mind, Matthews and much of the historical romances of days gone by are actually erotica.

What do you see as the difference between erotica and romance? Has the definition changed over the years?

Who is your favorite romance author?

I've wondered myself what constitutes porn from erotica.

I can say that I've read some Susan Johnson, and while the sex scenes can be good, the story and characters lack depth. I just finished an Emma Holly story and will not bother with that author again.

I'd like to find an author who successfully mixes both (oh, and to my taste as well!)

I've read the Ann Roquelaure series (too S&M for me.) Would that be considered porn or erotica?