Exploring Depictions of Masculinity in the Works of Rosemary Rogers, Bertrice Small, and Sylvia Day
By Tessa Kawall (2025)
Introduction
Through a comparative analysis of historical romance authors spanning the 1960s to 2010, this paper examines contrasting portrayals of masculinity crafted by Rosemary Rogers, Bertrice Small, and Sylvia Day. Rosemary Rogers is an extremely popular historical romance author best known for her novels Sweet Savage Love (1974) and Dark Fires (1975). Bertrice Small published over 50 historical romance novels from 1978 to 2013, including her most famous books Unconquered (1982) and Skye O’Malley (1980). Sylvia Day, an internationally bestselling author of more than 65 romance novels, is most known for her popular historical romance, Seven Years to Sin (2011). Through an analysis of primary sources, including book reviews, author interviews, and fan materials, I argue that these authors similarly portray masculinity as complex, transformed through love, and marked by sexual potency, desirability, and abusiveness. After discussing these commonalities among all three authors, this paper will then explore the subtle differences in their representations of male characters.
Duality of the Hero
To begin with, each author portrays the multidimensionality of masculinity, eschewing any simplistic characterization; readers are presented with male figures as a complex mix of strength and tenderness, dominance and vulnerability. When discussing her work, Rogers writes, “In my work, I escape into a world where men are dashing and arrogant, yet tender all the same”, highlighting the self-assured nature of her male protagonists along with a softer side when it comes to romance.[1] A reviewer of Rogers’ The Insiders (1979) notes a similar blend of traits, understanding that the author’s male characters are often portrayed as tireless and emotionally dependent on women.[2] Readers understand Rogers’ male characters to be not only driven but simultaneously emotionally needy when it comes to the women in their lives. Small echoes a similar idea, stating that her ideal hero is “A man who is intelligent. He may be stubborn or pig-headed, but he’s willing to learn from a woman. I like a man who’s tender”.[3] Small’s ideal hero exemplifies this same balance of manly resolve with tenderness; readers recognize Small’s male characters to exhibit a great capacity for tenderness and emotional complexity alongside being stubborn. Day holds her male characters to similar expectations. A reviewer of her novel, Seven Years to Sin, describes Day’s male protagonist, Allister, as operating on the “alpha/beta male mixed spectrum”, explicitly describing him as “strong and vulnerable”.[4] Furthermore, in a book review of Bared to You (2012), Day’s male protagonist is described as “dark and damaged” yet “beautifully wounded” and “vulnerable”.[5] Readers understand the duality of Day’s male protagonists as dominant and sensitive. All three authors—Rogers, Small, and Day—showcase a complex masculinity in their romance novels, highlighting a mix of male alpha-like attributes and tenderness to varying degrees.
Love Transformation
The second theme shared by all three authors is that of masculinity transformed through love, as readers recognize male characters to become emotionally mature thanks to a woman’s affection. In an interview from the New York Times in 1979, Rogers explains, “I’ve never been particularly impressed by very good-looking men, though. They love themselves more than anyone else. In my books, the woman brings this kind of man down to her knees, and he says, ‘I love only you’. That’s my fantasy”.[6] Rogers’ male characters, initially portrayed as loving themselves more than anyone else, are brought to their knees (albeit briefly) before a woman, professing love only for her, transformed through love from a state of self-worship to one of selfless devotion to a female lover.
Small illustrates a similar theme of transformational love in her book A Moment in Time (1991), noting that when her male protagonist “finally meets Nesta, he is bewitched by the dainty beauty, who tames him with a smile and a kiss”.[7] Thus, Small portrays love as a transformative force for men, with the implication that a woman’s love has the power to “tame” the wild beast of masculinity.
Day’s male protagonist in Seven Years to Sin was jaded at a young age before entering into a relationship with the book’s female protagonist, and thanks to his growing feelings of love, finds himself finally able to confront and start working through his earlier issues.[8] Furthermore, in a review of Day’s Bared to You, the reviewer acknowledges the history of tortured heroes in Day’s work who are “gradually healed of their inner torment by the love of a good woman”.[9] In Day’s novels, a woman’s love is powerful, often opening a door for a man to see within himself and begin to heal some inner trauma. Primary sources regarding Rogers, Small, and Day similarly frame masculinity, suggesting that a woman’s love can catalyze a man’s growth from guardedness into openness and varying degrees of vulnerability.
Masculinity as Threat and Thrill
A third and final commonality for all three authors is their portrayal of men as both sexually desirable, sexually potent, and as abusers of women. In a review of Rogers’ Wicked Loving Lies (1976), a reviewer notes: “Dominic, for instance, the swarthy, arrogant 18th-century hero of Wicked Loving Lies, is ‘a savage dangerous animal’ with ‘steely’ muscles, eyes ‘like shards of splintered glittering glass’”, and continues to discuss the hero and heroine’s intense sexual interactions, noting the active sex life of the hero.[10] Rogers’ descriptive physical traits regarding Dominic reflect the desirability of his appearance as an especially notable-looking man; additionally, the repeated mentions of the sex life of the hero showcase how prominent sexual acts are within Rogers’ novels and the overarching sexual nature of male protagonists. In a book review of Rogers’ The Insiders, Russ writes, “This eerily naive porn fantasy sometimes reverts directly to its real-life source; thus the heroine (inexplicably about to marry the man who led a gang-rape of her)”, acknowledging the horrifying abuse that jarringly accompanies a seemingly loving act of matrimony.[11]
Mall’s review of Sweet Savage Love echos the same sentiment, noting that Rogers had never received any complaints from feminists about the fate of heroines who are raped as well as kidnapped or jailed.[12] The theme of rape in Rogers’ narratives clearly points to the abusive nature of her male protagonists. In Small’s narratives, men are also frequently depicted as attractive, sexual beings whose actions can be represented as abusive. In a book review of Love, Remember Me (1994), a male character “seeks an annulment because he finds his new wife too unappetizing to mount, he turns his lascivious attention to Nyssa and the equally beautiful, but witless, Catherine Howard”, highlighting for Small’s readers the voracious male sexual appetite.[13] Small, describing her book, A Moment in Time, details her female protagonist as feeling an “undeniable attraction” for the sexually manipulative and domineering male protagonist, Madoc, emphasizing Madoc’s magnetic sexual desirability.[14] Furthermore, in a letter to an editor, Small acknowledges the commonality of abuse in romance literature, arguing that romance fiction is not responsible “for women staying with abusive men” and thus illustrating the troubling yet commonplace practice of abusive men in relationships.[15]
In Day’s novels, male characters’ physiques, as well as their extensive sexual encounters, are constantly being described and are often paired with looming instances of abuse. When describing the main protagonist, Jasper Bond, in Pride and Pleasure (2011), one reviewer notes that Jasper is “too handsome”, while another reviewer of Day’s Bared to You, refers to that novels male protagonist, Gideon Cross, as a “sexyhotmagneticmanlymanman” who is “So hot [he] turns women evil”.[16], [17] These exaggerated descriptions signal the extent of the male character’s desirability and overwhelmingly attractive physical appearance. The reviewer of Bared to You goes on to describe a handful of sexual encounters between Gideon and the female protagonist, Eva Tramell, noting that Gideon could be seen as “borderline abusive”.[18] The many sexual encounters in Day’s romance novels carry with them undertones of the male protagonist’s abusive tendencies. Together, these examples from Rogers, Small, and Day all depict to some degree the blurred lines of sexual passion, attraction, and violence, framing masculinity as both sexually charged and – to varying degrees – abusive.
Contrasting Constructions
Despite these similarities between Rogers, Small, and Day, each displays subtly different perspectives on masculinity, giving each author their own distinctive angle on gender dynamics. A book reviewer of Rogers’ Wicked Loving Lies explicitly characterizes the male protagonist, Dominic, as “nasty, brutish, and tall”, underscoring representations of a physically intimidating male.[19] Similarly, another reviewer of Wicked Loving Lies notes that Rogers pumps out “red-blooded” and “Savage animal” males and continues to write that “Sadomasochism in costume is a Rogers specialty”, calling the male protagonist of Rogers’ book a “‘savage dangerous animal’”.[20] Rogers portrays her male characters with a pronounced, aggressive, and animalistic intensity.
On the other hand, Small’s portrayal of masculinity prioritizes emotional intelligence, respect, and gentleness. In her book, A Moment in Time, Small describes the male protagonist, Madoc, as “all charm”.[21] In a review of her own work, she goes on to explain, “What is even more confusing to her (the female protagonist) is that Madoc seems to understand her reluctance, and is even sympathetic to it”, demonstrating empathetic masculinity.[22] Furthermore, Small describes her ideal hero as gentle, noting that the most romantic thing a man can do for a woman is “[a]ccept her for what she is and not try and change her”.[23] Small consistently positions emotional intelligence and respect for women as core masculine qualities.
Day takes a third and different approach as her portrayal of masculinity is more nuanced, focusing on the ways in which a male character’s troubled past intertwines with the present, a challenge to his personal growth and ability to love. A reviewer of Day’s Pride and Pleasure, regarding the male protagonist, writes: “Jasper Bond is a self-made man, turning a horrible beginning in life onto a path of destiny of his own choosing”.[24] Jasper is also noted as honest and a good listener in his relationship with the female protagonist, Eliza Martin, showcasing a sensitive type of masculinity: “When Jasper and Eliza are together, it’s pure pleasure to be part of their interactions. They’re honest with each other from the start, lust after each other with every look, and they work together very well, Eliza trusting in Jasper when the need arises and Jasper listening to Eliza when she has information to offer”.[25] Day’s readers understand an introspective form of masculinity where a man overcomes a tough beginning and, as a result, has a capacity for healthy and mature relationships stemming from his self-growth journey.[26] Furthermore, in Day’s Bared to You (2012), book reviewer, Litte, writes: “To put it another way, I was made quite uncomfortable by the realisation that the primary consequence of Gideon’s childhood sexual abuse seemed to have been to turn him into a romance hero. Basically, it makes him controlling, possessive, obsessive, jealous and prone to inappropriate sexual actions. Essentially it’s made him dark and damaged, but in a terribly, terribly sexy way”.[27] Readers understand masculinity in Day’s romance novels as psychologically complex; the male protagonist’s emotional growth as he works through a traumatic past translates into inner strength unrelated to his physical attributes. Moreover, the reviewer of Bared to You argues that the male protagonist, Gideon Cross, and his unsuitability as a romantic partner are related to his own experience of being sexually abused.[28] The reviewer notes that Gideon is rendered completely “non-functional” due to his lack of effort to truly confront the traumatic events of his past.[29] Readers often understand the male characters in Day’s books to have a history of deep-rooted trauma that shapes their relationships with women, leaving them with trust issues, fear of vulnerability, and a need for control.
Conclusion
The three authors’ portrayals of masculinity within the historical romance genre demonstrate similarities regarding the multifaceted, transformative, sexual, and even abusive nature of male characters. However, the three authors also reveal differences in their portrayals of masculinity in the genre, with each author highlighting either primal, animalistic “alpha male” masculinity tied to conquest; emotional intelligence and sensitivity; or the promise of redemption, personal growth, and emotional availability.
Footnotes
[1] Carol Lawson, “Behind the Best Sellers: Rosemary Rogers,” New York Times, March 18, 1979, https://login.proxy.lib.duke.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/behind-best-sellers/docview/120950182/se-2.
[2] Joanna Russ, “Dark Fires of Sweet, Savage Love: The Insiders. by Rosemary Rogers. Avon. 310 Pp. Paperback, $2.50,” The Washington Post, Jan 21, 1979, https://login.proxy.lib.duke.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/dark-fires-sweet-savage-love/docview/147044445/se-2.
[3] Nanci Hellmich, “Keys to romance writers’ hearts,” USA Today, February 13, 1991, https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.lib.duke.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/0EB567A8C948C05F.
[4] Fangirl Musings, “Romance Novel Review: Seven Years to Sin by Sylvia Day,” Review of Pride and Pleasure, by Sylvia Day. April 1, 2014, 6 mins., 36 sec. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk3_qrwlRvg.
[5] Jane Litte “Review: Bared to You by Sylvia Day,” Review of Bared to You, by Sylvia Day, Dear Author, July 19, 2013, https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/review-bared-to-you-by-sylvia-day-3/.
[6] Lawson, “Behind the Best Sellers.”
[7] Bertrice Small, “A Moment in Time,” Romantic Times, September 1991.
[8] Sylvia Day, “Sylvia Day on her newest Historical Romance Seven Years To Sin,” Interview by Morgan Doremus. RT Book Reviews, September 2, 2011, 4 min., 51 sec, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbAKZeXMymU.
[9] Litte, “Review.”
[10] Brad Darrach, “Books: Rosemary’s Babies,” Time, January 17, 1977, https://time.com/archive/6852374/books-rosemarys-babies/.
[11] Russ, “Dark Fires.”
[12] Janice Mall, “About Women: Sweet Savage Success,” Los Angeles Times, November 21, 1976, https://login.proxy.lib.duke.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/about-women/docview/158105883/se-2.
[13] “Love, Remember Me,” Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 1994, https://advance-lexis-com.proxy.lib.duke.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn%3acontentItem%3a3SJ4-DWM0-0009-S4T8-00000-00&context=1519360&identityprofileid =H3RQMR51659.
[14] Small, “A Moment.”
[15] Bertrice Small, “Characters Role Models,” USA Today, Jan 26, 1995, https://login.proxy.lib.duke.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/characters-role-models/docview/408685938/se-2.
[16] Sandy M, “Review: Pride and Pleasure by Sylvia Day,” Review of Pride and Pleasure, by Sylvia Day, The Good, The Bad, and The Unread, April 20, 2011, https://goodbadandunread.com/2011/04/20/review-pride-and-pleasure-by-sylvia-day/.
[17] Litte, “Review.”
[18] Litte, “Review.”
[19] Christopher Dickey, “Bookmakers: Wicked Loving Wives: Christopher Dickey is an Assistant Editor of Book World,” The Washington Post, October 31, 1976, https://login.proxy.lib.duke.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/bookma kers-wicked-loving-wives/docview/146441343/se-2.
[20] Darrach, “Books.”
[21] Small, “A Moment.”
[22] Small, “A Moment.”
[23] Hellmich, “Keys.”
[24] M, “Review: Pride.”
[25] M, “Review: Pride.”
[26] M, “Review: Pride.”
[27] Litte, “Review.”
[28] Litte, “Review.”
[29] Litte, “Review.”
Bibliography
Darrach, Brad. “Books: Rosemary’s Babies.” Time, January 17, 1977. https://time.com/archive/6852374/books-rosemarys-babies/.
Day, Sylvia. “Sylvia Day on her newest Historical Romance Seven Years To Sin.” Interview by Morgan Doremus. RT Book Reviews, September 2, 2011. Video, 4 min., 51 sec. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbAKZeXMymU.
Dickey, Christopher. “Bookmakers: Wicked Loving Wives: Christopher Dickey is an Assistant Editor of Book World.” The Washington Post, October 31, 1976. https://login.proxy.lib.duke.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/ bookmakers-wicked-loving-wives/docview/146441343/se-2.
Fangirl Musings. “Romance Novel Review: Seven Years to Sin by Sylvia Day.” Review of Pride and Pleasure, by Sylvia Day. April 1, 2014. Video, 6 mins., 36 sec. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk3_qrwlRvg.
Hellmich, Nanci. “Keys to romance writers’ hearts.” USA Today, February 13, 1991. https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.lib.duke.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/0EB567A8C948C05F.
Lawson, Carol. “Behind the Best Sellers: Rosemary Rogers.” New York Times, March 18, 1979. https://login.proxy.lib.duke.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/behind-best-sellers/docview/120950182/se-2.
Litte, Jane. “Review: Bared to You by Sylvia Day.” Review of Bared to You, by Sylvia Day. Dear Author, July 19, 2013. https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/review-bared-to-you-by-sylvia-day-3/.
“Love, Remember Me.” Kirkus Reviews. February 15, 1994. https://advancelexiscom.proxy.lib.duke.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=u rn%3acontentItem%3a3SJ4DWM00009S4T80000000&context=1519360&identit yprofileid=H3RQMR51659.
M, Sandy. “Review: Pride and Pleasure by Sylvia Day.” Review of Pride and Pleasure, by Sylvia Day. The Good, The Bad, and The Unread, April 20, 2011. https://goodbadandunread.com/2011/04/20/review-pride-and-pleasure-by-sylvia-day/.
Mall, Janice. “About Women: Sweet Savage Success.” Los Angeles Times, November 21, 1976. https://login.proxy.lib.duke.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical- newspapers/about-women/docview/158105883/se-2.
Russ, Joanna. “Dark Fires of Sweet, Savage Love: The Insiders. by Rosemary Rogers. Avon. 310 Pp. Paperback, $2.50.” The Washington Post, Jan 21, 1979. https://login.proxy.lib.duke.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/dark-fires-sweet-savage-love/docview/147044445/se-2.
Small, Bertrice. “A Moment in Time.” Romantic Times, September 1991.
Small, Bertrice. “Characters Role Models.” USA Today, Jan 26, 1995. https://login.proxy.lib.duke.edu/login url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/ characters-role-models/docview/408685938/se-2.
