Comments on: Sweet Instead of Spicy: Writing Sweet Romance in a Fifty Shades Kind of World

By: Monica Bennett

Monica Bennett — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 21:13:57 +0000

I am not a writer but reader so I hope you will like what I have to say. If the “story” is not good to begin with no amount of sex will make it any better. Also a “good” sex scene can kill a great book. I do like spice in my novels, but it depends on how it is done. It can be done in the following ways: 1. Lots of passionate kisses and sexual tension. 2. Milder bedroom scenes with a lot smiles, snuggling and laughter. 3. Even if a bedroom scene does occur it is usually once followed by marriage. 4. All the sexual intimacy occurs after marriage and gradually gets more graphic.

While I know there is a delineation between Christian romance and non-religious romances, if the religious overtones are subtle the story can be an inspirational one. One such story is “The Vicar’s Daughter” by Margaret Bennett.

By: Winnie

Winnie — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 20:31:17 +0000

Great article, Lindsay. I forgot the erotic novels that I have read. The new sweet romantic novels, however, are still on my mind.

By: Vicki

Vicki — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 21:23:27 +0000

In reply to Jeanne Felfe. Me, too!

By: Felicia Denise

Felicia Denise — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 21:12:32 +0000

I read both and don't mind detailed scenes which fall in line with or enhance the story. Sex just for the sake of sex bores me and all too often can mar a good story. However, sweet or spicy, what the Romance genre is missing for me is... Romance. Nice article!

By: Jeanne Felfe

Jeanne Felfe — Wed, 24 May 2017 18:31:07 +0000

My thoughts exactly. I am much more attracted to sweet love stories that dive in the heart of the emotions surrounding the characters.

By: Andrea Thome

Andrea Thome — Sat, 06 May 2017 01:11:30 +0000

I whole-heartedly agree with you. I like to consider my own work sexy without using words that would make my parents blush. The thrill is mostly in the chase anyway…and there is so much a writer can do with the “build” of the relationship to make a book sweet and still a little steamy. Bravo for finding your place in the literary world!

By: Tracy Krimmer

Tracy Krimmer — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 11:52:06 +0000

Some of my books have more detailed scenes, but for the most part they are sweet. I find the covers the most difficult. I tend to be more object-based with covers, or a couple but not typically shirts off. It’s definitely a challenge to stand out!