"The Unholy Desire" is an erotica, a genre that exists to explore intense and forbidden desires in a fictional space. The purpose is not to preach morality or set societal standards but to provide readers with an outlet for fantasies, curiosity, and escapism. What do you expect when you pick up a book clearly labeled as erotica? It’s not meant to serve as a guide for real-life behavior but as an indulgence in storytelling that thrives on heightened emotions, tension, and taboo themes. Just as readers of dark romance novels like "Haunting Adeline" by H.D. Carlton—which explores morally gray characters, obsession, and love—aren’t expected to emulate those scenarios, readers of "The Unholy Desire" understand that fiction doesn’t equate to reality. Similarly, "Den of Vipers" by K.A. Knight contains violent and explicit content, yet it’s enjoyed by its audience as a dark, fictional experience, not a roadmap for relationships.
We don’t assume that thriller readers will become murderers or that fantasy fans believe they’ll meet dragons. So why impose such assumptions on erotica or dark romance? Readers are discerning enough to differentiate between entertainment and reality. Fiction is meant to push boundaries, provoke thought, and explore the extremes of human emotion in a safe space. Dismissing an entire genre as "immature" or "influential in the wrong ways" undermines the intelligence and autonomy of readers. As authors, we trust our audience to interpret stories for what they are: fictional experiences that allow them to dive into the uncharted depths of human imagination and desire without real-world consequences. Writing erotica is not about promoting immorality; it’s about creating an engaging narrative for those who choose to enjoy it.
With hope,
Esha.
