Netflix's Virgin River has divided book fans over the series on the small screen, with many left hitting out at the 'sexist' narrative from the books penned by American author Robyn Carr.
TV Tasha Hall Showbiz and Trends Reporter 16:35, 19 Apr 2025
Virgin River fans have been left divided, with many saying they prefer the new TV series over the books. Some fans even go as far to say they can't engage with the books at all, over one common theme.
The popular Netflix show has continued to draw in large audiences, detailing the turbulent love tale of leading lady Mel Monroe opposite Martin Henderson's Jack Sheridan. Originally based on American author Robyn Carr's book series.
Taking to discussion platform Reddit, one fan explained: "I love the show and recently started reading the books. After the 4th book I can't take reading them anymore.
"How can every single person get widowed or divorced and find the love of their life without time to grieve in every book?"
They continued, "I know that there were a lot of liberties taken on the show but I much prefer to watch the show over reading these books. I don't know if it is the "everyone needs to be with someone" thing or the fact that the language from a female author is very sexist towards women."
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"The way the men talk to the women in the books...I just can't read any more. Phrases like "I put that baby in your belly"....eww. Maybe I'm just too much of a feminist to enjoy these books," they concluded.
Fans soon took to the thread offering their thoughts, with many in agreement. "I agree. The books are super sexist and it's not just the men, it's the narrator too."
They added: "The way the author/narrator talked about Lizzie is downright creepy considering she's a 14 year old child in the first book. They described her a dripping with sex and basically slut shamed her for being a teenager with hormones.
"They talked about her like she was a sex worker, but she was a literal child. It felt vaguely pedo to me. And it was wildly unnecessary to describe her a Ricky having sex. I had to skip those parts. Idk the whole storyline with Lizzie...just no. "
Continuing their thoughts, they lamented, "And the way every man calls talks about the women like possessions and sex objects to satisfy and impreganate them is....off putting. I guess I do understand there is a particular demographic of women (and maybe men) this appeals to but I'm not it."
Someone else echoed, "I'm only on the second book and listen to them 15 min at a time as audiobook from the library to fall asleep because I'm not that invested in the story.
"It helps me drift off because it's fluff with mildly offensive perspectives. Definitely would not be paying money for them."
Another fan commented, "Agree. I hated the books. Only read a few," as someone else quipped "yeah I agree. also men being obsessed with getting women pregnant (and joking about it) even if the women don't want to? disgusting."
"The first 2 books were good but after they wend downhill. I had to stop. Christmas one is the worst," wrote another. "I didn’t realize the books were romance books since I consider the show a drama. I’m not a romance book person at all though and don’t understand how anyone likes that genre."
Virgin River
Someone else notably bothered by the books narrative, said: "I read the first book and couldn't do anymore. The thing that bothered me the most was the sex between Lizzie & Ricky being described. They were teenagers and it just gave me the ick.
"I'm glad people love the books, especially because they're popular enough that we got the show! We all have different opinions though and are entitled to them. I'll stick with the show and let those who love the books keep enjoying them."
However some book fans of the franchise defended the collection. "I loved reading the books," one person commented simply as another suggested, "You have to consider that they are practically adult Disney romance smut."
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Someone else wrote, "I’m a childfree single feminist and love the books for what they are - small-town romance stories where implausible things happen. I laugh at those things because I absolutely know no one ‘needs’ to be with someone. You can enjoy stories without them supporting your life choices too."
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