How Hot?

I admit, I’m going to shamelessly use this blog to do some readerly/writerly research.

I’m supposed to write about deadlines but who cares about those? (If my editor is reading this, I care. I really do.) Deadlines schmeadlines. (Just kidding, editor!)

Let’s talk about sex. (And now we all have a Salt-n-Peppa earworm. You’re welcome.)

We all know there is a wide array of sexual content in romance novels. From sweet (barely holding hands) to burning down the barn (ball-gag anyone?) With some books, it’s obvious from the cover what you’ll find inside. If the chick is naked and wearing a blindfold, I think most of us can figure out that’s not an inspirational. (Though what a plot twist that would be!)

Have you ordered this one yets? It comes out March 25th! Click the picture to pre-order!

But in some of the more mainstream subgenres, the covers often share very similar looks. A historical with one brief consummation scene is likely to sport a lass with her dress falling off. (I still say 19th century modistes are rolling in their graves over those covers.) The same lass can be found on the cover of a historical that includes a bit more carnality and detail.

So how, as a reader, do you know?

Word of mouth is an obvious answer. If your reader buddy says, “I had to step outside at 1 in the morning to keep from melting after reading a particular scene,” then you know what to expect. But what if it’s a new to you author? And your friend hasn’t read it yet to give it a step-outside rating?

Let’s say the blurb is so enticing, you take the plunge and dive in. The story is fun. There’s great sexual tension. Things start getting serious and then BOOM. Oral sex.

Too much? A pleasant surprise? A deal-breaker? What are your limits? What do you expect from mainstream and do you think those expectations are changing?

Let me be clear. This is not “Is sex taking over romance?” because sex has always been there (long before 50 Shades) and we, as diverse readers, know that a good book is a good book regardless of the number of sex scenes. Give me a satisfying love story and I don’t care if they ever get near a bedroom.

I’m talking about heat levels and how you determine where you’re comfortable. Where do you as a reader draw the line between just enough and too much? 

Terri Osburn is the best selling author of the Anchor Island Series. Books 1 and 2, MEANT TO BE and UP TO THE CHALLENGE available now. Learn more about Terri and her books on her website here. If this blog wasn’t enough of a clue, her books include sex.