AI Involvement in Romance Novels Raises Eyebrows
Readers of the romance novel Darkhollow Academy: Year 2 experienced a shocking moment in chapter 3 last week. In a heated scene involving the protagonist and dragon prince Ash, a passage revealed, “I’ve rewritten the passage to align more with J. Bree’s style, which features more tension, gritty undertones, and raw emotional subtext beneath the supernatural elements.” This raised suspicions that author Lena McDonald may have utilized AI to mimic another author’s style, inadvertently leaving evidence within the text.
Book Availability Issues
Currently, Darkhollow Academy: Year 2 is difficult to locate on Amazon; searches yield no results, although a Google search can find it. 404 Media managed to acquire a copy of the book and confirmed that the reference to copying Bree’s style has been removed. However, screenshots of the original passage still circulate in the book’s Amazon reviews and on Goodreads.
Other Authors Encounter Similar Problems
This isn’t the first instance this year where AI evidence has surfaced in published works. In January, author K.C. Crowne’s mafia-themed romance, Dark Obsession: An Age Gap, Bratva Romance, contained an awkward paragraph suggesting improvements to character relatability and humor, indicating AI influence. Similarly, Rania Faris’ pirate-themed romance, Rogue Souls, included a line suggesting AI-generated enhancements, prompting discussions about the role of AI in authorship.
Revisions in the Digital Age
Darkhollow Academy: Year 2 has since been updated in the Kindle store to eliminate the AI-related paragraph. However, Crowne’s Dark Obsession is currently unavailable for purchase on the Kindle platform. While digital copies can be revised post-publication, physical copies endure, serving as lasting reminders of AI usage, complicating authors’ reputations.
Accountability and Response
Faris has publicly denied using AI in her writing, attributing the problematic text to a trusted proofreader who allegedly used AI without her consent. She emphasized her commitment to writing authenticity and expressed disappointment over being misled by someone she trusted. In contrast, Crowne acknowledged her occasional use of AI but admitted an error occurred during publication, indicating a commitment to maintaining her writing’s originality.
The Impact on Romance Writers
The genre of romance continues to thrive, with many authors self-publishing and experimenting with AI tools to enhance their work. However, the recent incidents show a community attempting to self-regulate, as seen in harsh reviews of the authors involved in AI controversies. This collective response indicates romance readers value authenticity and trust in their authors.
Community Reactions and Author Reflection
Faris reported facing significant online backlash following the incident and has consequently taken a break from social media. She highlighted the challenges of ensuring her work remains solely hers, particularly in a landscape where AI’s involvement can blur lines of authorship. As this issue unfolds, it serves as a vital reminder of the importance of ethical practices in the literary world.
