But it does go to illustrate my original question. Some see the inclusion of Asian women into romance as a liberating step. Yet for others, it’s simply another example of objectification. My thoughts are maybe my portrayals are two dimensional and cliched, but 1) then let Asian heroines be fairy tale princesses with their happy endings too 2) let’s bring the argument down to the execution vs. a summary rejection of the genre.

As to the covers — I actually don’t feel putting women with swords and guns and making them look all Lara Croft like on many UF and paranormal covers is necessarily a solution either. There could be an interesting discussion there, but as it stands, there’s nothing to engage on.

As someone who HAS read your books, and who has read romance in the past DECADE, I can attest that your heroines are not objects. In each story there is a woman who takes action for her self preservation, and there happens to be a man there–whom she discovers completes her in some way. Not only do your women know how to take care of themselves, but often they will take steps to save your hero as well!

But most importantly, you are right–the fact that the person giving the critique has not read any of your books renders his or her arguments insignificant. Like water on a duck’s back.