by Megan Hart

Created on: November 17, 2009

Leaving the Bedroom Door Open, a Commentary on Sensuality in Romance Novels

Bodice rippers, porn for women, smut, dirty books, "those kind" of books. Tell someone you like to read romance novels, and chances are good you'll get a knowing nod or maybe a slightly curled lip. Tell someone you write them and chances are better you'll get a reaction of the "wink wink, nudge nudge" variety.

In romance novels, the central core of the story is the relationship between the two (or sometimes more!) main characters, with a happy ending. No matter what else is going on in the story, whether the characters are flying through space, fleeing the mob, crossing the prairie or simply trying to get along in small-town life, if the purpose of the story focuses on the romantic relationship between the main characters, the story is a romance. Some romances contain no graphic descriptions of lovemaking, while others have sex scenes that go on for entire chapters. A book's sensuality should make sense for the story.

With the popularity of steamy romances on the rise, labeling books can be difficult, if not impossible, and readers who prefer one level of sensuality over another might be surprised when they open what they think is an erotic romance and find one that's merely sensual, or even sweet, instead. Doors are no longer closed or open, there's an entire gamut of sensual expression in romance novels today. And what, exactly, are the differences?

Sweet romance - Not limited to time period or genre, sweet romances are definitely of the "closed door" variety. Characters might kiss or hold hands, but any lovemaking is done off the page and probably not even really referenced.

Sensual romance - The heat level's cranked up a bit in these novels where characters might make love before marriage, though the language choices are likely to be softer in tone and the descriptions in the love scenes are not as detailed as in more erotic work.

Erotic romance - This is where the real steam begins. Frank language, (including all the "hard" words) sexual premises and graphic depictions of lovemaking are all earmarks of an erotic romance, but the key word in that phrase is romance. No matter how quickly the characters fall into bed, or in what combinations they find themselves with multiple partners, the key to the story is the love relationship between the main characters. Erotic romances often feature longer love scenes, as well, and are often written to appeal to women. Happy endings guaranteed!

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