Let's Talk About Romance (In Books, Of Course)

I've been reading a lot of books lately, and the subject of spicy romance scenes has come up frequently. So, rather than just talk with my husband about it, I thought this would make for an interesting post as well.

Please note: This post contains only my opinions on the topic. I am by no means an expert, but I am an avid reader and writer who has an opinion to share. So, let's talk about romance! ​

As a reader and a writer, I enjoy romance, in the pure sense of the word. Watching characters fall for one another and be put in situations where they realize their feelings (or even better - profess their feelings) for the first time makes me giddy. I love it, and I will fully admit that some books' romance scenes have made me girl-squeal aloud. 

But it wasn't until recently that I realized I'm actually pretty picky when it comes to reading, and writing,  romance. So today, I wanted to talk specifically about the spicy, graphic kind of romance that I'm finding more and more often in books today. 

First, I think those spicy romance scenes need to serve a purpose. If it's going to be spicy, it's got to have a reason for being spicy, and it's got to fit the book. What I don't love is when I'm enjoying the story of a book and things seem to have a decent flow and then out of nowhere I get hit with a totally unexpected graphic scene that doesn't feel natural within the story.

If, on the other hand, I start reading a book and the expectation is there from the beginning, and those scenes add to the story, then I think it works fine. I recently read a book that had frequent spicy scenes within, but they fit the story and served a purpose (describing the experience a reaper has when she discovers she can be touched by someone for the first time in her existence). I also had a very good idea early on in the story that this was something I should expect.  

Second (and totally my opinion), I think it needs to be tasteful. I'm definitely not trying to shame anyone for enjoying what they enjoy. That's not ever my intention. However, I personally enjoy these scenes much better when the romance is focused on the connection and the intimate experience between characters rather than on the shock factor of using "dirty" words.

So, that's about it. I certainly don't think that anyone needs to change the way they incorporate various aspects of romance into their books; I just thought it would be fun to share my take on the subject. How do ​you feel about spicy romance scenes in books?

Interested in more writing-related content? Check back every weekend for more posts like this. Have a wonderful week!