My First Smut is a recurring feature where we talk about our formative smut experiences. These short confessionals may include such details as: What book did you read? How old were you? Were there other people involved? What made the experience special? What role does smut play in your life?
This week, author Phoebe Thorpe talks about getting started with teen fantasy romances.
First romance novel you read:
The Secret Circle series by L.J. Smith
How old were you?
Middle school
How’d you get your hands on the book?
I won an anagram contest at a bookstore, allowing me a number of free books and my mother generously allowed me to pick some of them myself. I selected a number of young adult fantasy/romance novels, much to her chagrin.
What was the reading experience like?
Fun, and it spurred me on to read more fantasy romances by L.J. Smith (Night World, Vampire Diaries, Forbidden Game, Dark Visions). They were more romance than smutty, with the age-appropriate longing looks, deep sighs, and breathtaking kisses. There was a lot of forbidden romance or enemies to lovers business, and of course the supernatural, which made it all the more exciting.
What made the experience special?
Prior to this most of my reading had been fairly curated by my mother, an elementary school English teacher. I had always enjoyed reading, but my interest in the supernatural romances had me requesting weekly visits to the bookstore. The fairly tame romances definitely captured my pubescent attention.
What role does smut play in your life?
It’s a delightful escape. I enjoy reading and writing smut, and have graduated beyond the tamer stuff I started on. Given the current state of the world, sometimes it is nice to slip into a scene where none of my stressors exist and pleasure is the goal.
Connect with Phoebe:
Thanks Phoebe! Phoebe’s book, A Graduate Education, was Ingrid’s favorite read of December 2021 and we’re looking forward to more smut from Phoebe in the future.
Have an early smut experience you’d like to share with us? If you’d like to see your story featured, send us an email or fill out our questionnaire and we’ll post it in an upcoming week.
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