Explore The Indie Romance Sphere With “Naughty Books”
Press Release
“Sex sells…until it doesn’t
Naughty Books is a feature-length documentary about the boom of self-published romance novels in the wake of Fifty Shades of Grey. It follows three authors who became millionaires in under a year using pen names to sell erotica online for $1.99. Along the way, they upended the book industry, challenged ideas of female sexuality, and re-imagined the American Dream for the 21st century.
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In 2011, British television producer E.L. James published the erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey. It became a cultural phenomenon, selling 100 million copies worldwide and taking erotica mainstream. Once a genre consumed in secret, explicit romances were now being read on the subway, by the pool, and on the treadmill.
As it turned out, women weren’t only reading erotica in large numbers; they were also writing it. Thanks to Amazon’s Kindle store, which allowed writers to upload directly to the marketplace, women were able to publish independently, bypassing traditional gatekeepers like agents and editors. Readers were hungry for books like Fifty Shades, but the major publishers responded slowly. Self-published authors filled the void, flooding the market with $1.99 books about innocent women and bad-boy billionaires falling in love and having steamy sex. Readers devoured them. The authors became a force, challenging conventional feminist ideas and disrupting publishing.
Naughty Books follows three writers who experienced overnight success, gaining tens of thousands of fans and securing lucrative deals with major publishers.
As more people saw erotic romance as an easy path to success, though, the market became saturated with hundreds of novels every month. Our authors’ paths diverged. One broke into the mainstream, with books in Walmart. Another crumbled under the weight of expectations and was paralyzed with writer’s block for two years. A third saw each book sell worse than the previous one and worked desperately to win back her readership.
In a world where #MeToo dominates the headlines and predatory behavior is pervasive, this film celebrates women reclaiming their sexuality on their own terms.”
My Review
When I sat down to watch the documentary “Naughty Books,” I learned so much about the world of self-published romance authors. Some have found incredible success in a genre that is often misunderstood and underestimated.
This documentary is directed by Austen Rachlis, and the film offers an intimate look into the lives of three prominent authors—Kelli Maine, Kristen Proby, and CJ Roberts—who have used self-publishing platforms to not only share their stories with the world but also to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of what romance novels can be.
The Authors and Their Journeys
Kelli Maine (Jamie Blair) started writing as a way to unwind, but her hobby quickly turned into something much bigger. Her debut novel, “Taken,” took off, landing her in a position where she could leave her day job behind. Kelli’s story is one of those amazing “pinch-me” moments we all dream about—going from juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities to writing full-time, all thanks to the power of self-publishing.
Then there’s Kristen Proby, whose “With Me in Seattle” series became a huge hit. Kristen didn’t just write these books for others; she wrote them for herself, as a way to escape and express herself. And it resonated. She talks about the freedom that came with her success—freedom to leave her day job and focus on what she loves most: writing strong, independent heroines that reflect her belief in the empowering nature of romance novels. She also speaks of her emotionally abusive ex-husband and how, because of her success, she was able to leave him. We must protect Kristen Proby at all costs!
CJ Roberts brings a darker, more complex flavor to the table. She’s best known for her “Dark Duet” series, which dives into some pretty intense themes. CJ’s work isn’t your typical romance—it’s gritty, psychological, and often challenges what people think romance should be. Her success shows that there’s room in the genre for all kinds of stories, even the ones that push boundaries and make us a little uncomfortable.
Feminism and Female Empowerment
One of the things I loved most about “Naughty Books” is how it doesn’t just tell these women’s stories—it also makes you think about the bigger picture. Romance novels, especially erotic ones, have been brushed off by the literary world for far too long, often dismissed as “trashy” or “lesser” literature. But this documentary turns that idea on its head.
The film shows that these books are about so much more than just romance—they’re about empowerment. When these women chose to self-publish, they took control of their stories and their careers. That’s a feminist act in itself. They didn’t wait for someone else to give them permission to share their work with the world; they just did it. And in doing so, they’ve empowered countless readers to embrace their desires, their fantasies, and their worth.
Naughty Books also tackles the topic of female sexuality head-on. These authors write about women’s desires in a way that is open, unapologetic, and centered on female pleasure. In a world where women’s sexual agency is often still taboo, these stories offer a safe space for exploration and expression.
And let’s not forget the financial independence aspect. By self-publishing, Kelli, Kristen, and CJ have not only found creative freedom but also financial stability. They’ve proven that you can make a living doing what you love, on your terms, without having to rely on the traditional publishing industry’s approval.
Where to Watch Naughty Books
If you’re as intrigued as I was, you can watch “Naughty Books” on a few different platforms:
- In the United States: It’s available for free with ads on The Roku Channel, VUDU Free, and Crackle. You can also rent or buy it on Apple TV and Amazon Video.
- In Canada: You can rent or buy it on Apple TV.
This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who loves romance novels, feminist narratives, or just a good story about women taking control of their destinies. It’s a reminder that romance is powerful, necessary, and, yes, a little bit naughty—in all the best ways.