I’m
one of those weird hybrid writers who writes all heat levels, from chastity and
church, to Giddyup! and everything in between. I’ve heard from readers who love my steamy
scenes (they tell me their sex lives improved) and reviewers who were totally
disgusted. I’ve heard some readers say
it’s refreshing to have things left to the imagination, while and others
live vicariously through the imaginative details penned by their favorite
authors.
So
my question for you, Dear Reader, in the Comment and Win part of today’s blog
is … How do you feel? Do you like the bedroom door open or closed? Does it depend on the characters, and the
writer’s skill level? Or is a good story
a good story, heat level aside?
There is no right or wrong answer, but
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Remember
to include your email written out like this.
Yourname at whatevermail dot com.
The
bedroom door is definitely closed on the stories in our fantastic summer boxed
set, LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer’s End, but that doesn’t stop some of the
writers from turning up the heat and ramping up the sexual tension. For instance, what happens when there are 2 people and only one bed?
I love that there is something in this collection to suit all readers. This set is a steal at only 99 cents. https://amzn.to/3hJseeT
Plus there’s a free companion cocktail recipe book https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DR4K3YX/
I love that there is something in this collection to suit all readers. This set is a steal at only 99 cents. https://amzn.to/3hJseeT
Plus there’s a free companion cocktail recipe book https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DR4K3YX/
I’ve got several new releases set to debut soon, starting with MAIL ORDER RACHEL, Book 24 of the popular Widows, Brides and Secret Babies series. This book releases August 21st and is squeaky clean.
Rachel
has looked after herself from a very young age.
When she witnesses a murder, she needs to get out of town fast, before
she’s next. Desperate, she takes her
friend’s place as a mail-order bride out west.
Daniel
longs for a wife and family. Not only is
his mail-order bride not what he expected, she shows up with a baby that she
claims isn’t hers. When a bounty hunter arrives
asking questions, Daniel’s protective instincts kick in, along with his
suspicions. What is his new wife
hiding?
UNDONE,
Book 6 of Secret Seductions is, as the series implies, rather racy if I do say
so myself. But it’s fun. Three girlfriends on vacation with one thing
on their minds. I think we’ve all secretly
longed to be on a vacation with good friends, and the freedom to be
naughty.
It’s Kennedy’s solution to cheer up her two best friends
and spice up their lives on a badly-needed girls’ getaway.
Lisa is getting over a cheating husband.
Justine recently broke up with her married lover.
While Kennedy is just love ’em and leave ’em Kennedy, in her element on a beach paradise surrounded by wealthy, eligible, and smokingly-single men.
The first one to complete the sexcapades list is the winner.
Which of them will take home the ultimate prize? Who will lose her heart? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089D3SQ44
Lisa is getting over a cheating husband.
Justine recently broke up with her married lover.
While Kennedy is just love ’em and leave ’em Kennedy, in her element on a beach paradise surrounded by wealthy, eligible, and smokingly-single men.
The first one to complete the sexcapades list is the winner.
Which of them will take home the ultimate prize? Who will lose her heart? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089D3SQ44
On the Clean and
Wholesome front, I’m introducing HOPE, the first book in my Widows of
the Wild West series. Many readers have
already met Percy and Hope in the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers bonus
novella, PERCY’S HOPE. This is their
HEA. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DSL7Y8H
A VIRGIN WIDOW
A HUNTER OF
LONG-LOST TREASURE.
CAN THEY
OVERCOME THE PAST?
Hope arrives in
a small western town, a place that captured her imagination during a passion
filled month in Percy’s company that ended in heartbreak for both. Her last glimpse of Percy was when he boarded
a train headed East, gone from her life forever.
Percy is a
professional treasure hunter whose actions are dictated by facts and
figures. The one time he acted on his
instincts instead of the facts everything backfired, a mistake he’s not about
to repeat. Not even after recently
widowed Hope walks back into his life, and passion re-sparks between them. This time, he vows to keep her at arm’s
length.
I'm eagerly awaiting everyone's comments on opening the bedroom, leaving it ajar in some instances, or keeping it firmly shut.
I love that all heat levels are available so that no romance reader has to go away empty-handed. I admit to being one of those who wishes she knew what she was getting each time, and sometimes neither the blurb nor the cover indicates it. Great post, Kathleen!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same, Liz. I try to make it really clear on the cover and blurb, so no one gets an unpleasant shock.
DeleteI bounce around in what I want. A lot has to do too with the author's skills. If it's entertaining I'm all in with whatever level is in it. Thanks for the question and post.
ReplyDeleteI agree, story over steam.
Deleteinteresting series
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
thank you, we have fun!
DeleteFor me it the story and characters. Either way, the story has to be impactful.
ReplyDeleteExactly. I really believe the physical intimacy is important for story and character development.
DeleteI'm good reading all heat levels, as long as there's a reason for the sex scene. Often if I read too many steamy books in a row, I need to find a few sweeter ones next. And vice versa. And I think it all depends on the story. I typically write one or two sex scenes in my books, but I had a few books where the characters needed me to close the door...so I did. It's all about the characters!
ReplyDeleteThose darn characters do insist on running the show, don't they? I love that part!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Kathleen. I read just about all sub-genres which is why I like box sets. There's something for everyone.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Joan.
DeleteI've written sweet to sensual but have never ventured into erotic. For me, it depends on the characters and their situation. Another factor is the series.
ReplyDeleteP. S. Kathleen, that was a really great post and I'm glad you asked the questions.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Caroline.
DeleteI enjoy different hear levels and scenarios. I don't want to be reading the same thing every time lol
ReplyDeleteKatrinadehart at ymail dot com
I am so glad to hear you say that. I don't want to write the same thing all the time.
DeleteI prefer the door open simply because I think it's an important part of the relationship. I would have to say I'm not necessarily a fan of erotic, however, I do appreciate honesty and intimacy in love scenes. Sometimes I think scenes that are heavier have a greater opportunity for honesty, for really showing what a relationship can be. Enjoyed the post!
ReplyDeleteYes, I love to find the characters' vulnerability.
DeleteHappy to read all heat levels. Really does depend upon my mood.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Hitting all levels of the heat meter here
ReplyDeletepores(at)live(dot)com
Excellent.
DeleteI don't really care what the heat level is as long as it's a good story. I read somewhere that the sex scenes should tell you something new about the character, which I find easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteVery true.
ReplyDeleteOpen that door and leave it ajar. The only thing that turns me off is those very naughty words every other sentence. Takes the romance out of the act.
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree, Marcia.
DeleteWhere do we comment to enter the August contest. Do we do any site??
ReplyDeleteJust a comment here, Deb,with your email written out. Thanks for stopping by.
Delete