Does My Choice in Book Genre Offend You?

If you told me 15 years ago that I would like smutty and spicy books, I would have laughed at you. Fast forward to now, and I am deep into the world of smut/spice, and I don't want it to stop. You're probably reading this, wondering why on earth I'm admitting this to you all, but the truth is it isn't just about sex, it's a bit more than that. Often, people will assume you're reading pure filth when in reality, smut and spice have sub-genres to them; some are filth, others are creative and make you wonder how anyone came up with this idea.

I first entered the world when I started reading fantasy books; not all fantasy will have it, but with passion and blazing desire, it's bound to turn out that way. I've heard it all from people, from being told I'm out of touch with reality to being disgusting for what I read. Most of these people don't read or watch much of anything besides TV soaps, which have an element of spice to them, may I add! So why are we so up in arms about what genre books others read?

Personally, I'm not into historical non-fiction books; I will gladly try any genre out that someone recommends just to see if it can sway me. Besides that, I tend to stick to what I love. Just like with all my other hobbies, such as movies, shows and gaming. I want to delve more into the world of horror. I love thrillers; I haven't really given them a chance until now. I've discovered just how much I love them. My life is usually filled with fantasy, romance and YA (young adult). Some of the horrors I have on my wishlist right now are Incidents Around The House by Josh Malerman, You Invited Me In by Sarah Jules, and The Ruins by Scott Smith (loved the movie). Now, don't get me wrong, I've read some horror books, and I didn't want to add your typical horror writers to the list. I know they're classics, but I wanted to try different authors that I've not really heard of.

Some of the stranger smutty books I've read will probably weird people out; my friends on Goodreads already ask me what the fuck I'm reading, and I laugh my head off. Just to name a few: Petty Cupid, Married To An Alien Cowboy, Octopi My Heart, Cold Sweat, Gifted To His Dad, Stuffed and many more. The writers have the wildest imagination. Some of the things that happen in these books are beyond weird, but they made me want to keep reading them.

I've come to befriend lots of people who love the same genres as me via Fable and Storygraph, and since using them, it's helped me have a breakdown of what I read and specific genres (both great book apps besides Goodreads). I tend to feel guilty for skipping days, weeks or even months without reading, but when I come back to it, boy do I come back. I usually need a mixture of 3 different genres to keep me interested, unless I end up finishing a book quite quickly. Those 3 genres are made up of fantasy, romance and usually young adult, or I will read 2 romance books at once. I've been asked plenty of times, Doesn't this confuse me? In all honesty, no. I can distinguish the difference between each book quite easily, and they don't merge into one because I'm reading them all at once. It also helps me reach a reading goal, which is currently 28/15 books. 

Reading is a big escape for me, one that helps me get lost for hours just like gaming, yet because of the genres I choose to read, it's seen as a red flag. My fiancé doesn't mind what I read, so the question I ask you all is: why is the genre I read such an issue to some people? It's not hurting anyone?

Have a cosy day

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