Let's talk about sex. Come on, you can do it.

Sex or no sex? How about it blogger buddies?

Donna Weaver has brought up an interesting question in my last post about favorite romance reading material, and I felt myself compelled to share it with you guys. This does not only apply to romance but fantasy, science fiction, etc.

Should a book contain sex? If so, should it be explicit? Or, do you feel it robs from the story, interferes with the plot? In today's society sex is second nature.

The way I see it there are two extremes in writing.

1. Window steaming sex that has the characters climbing up walls to achieve desired climax...somebody turn on the fan, it's getting hot in here.

2. Subtle kissing, lights go off, leave the keys on the table in the morning while you're walking out the door so that we get the gist of what you did.

Which would you rather read, if any? Does the sex matter if the plot is good?

I have sex...LOL...that is to say that I have incorporated sex into my writing. Some is subtle, some explicit. In the world and with the characaters I've created it works for them.

I have also posed this question to the people I work with. So far Romance readers here are voting for sex, hotter the better. Those who read other genres really don't seem to care as long as the story is good.

Reading Material 4

I love a good Romance.  There are three authors in particular that in my book know how to deliver.  The first is Lisa Kleypas.  I'm going to choose just one of her books.  This one is pard of her seasonal series.

Bestseller Kleypas's latest begins with the rake Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, striking a deal with Evangeline Jenner, the stuttering daughter of a sickly club owner whose uncle is plotting to marry her to a cousin, kill her and take her father's money. Evangeline offers up her future inheritance to Sebastian in exchange for the protection of marriage and assistance in seeing her father before he dies. They embark for Scotland, where they have a hasty marriage. Despite their mutual mistrust, they forge a tentative bond, but Sebastian is alarmed by his powerful reaction to the consummation, while Evie tries to defy her feelings for this "muff-chaser." After Evie's father dies, Sebastian takes an interest in the club, and while reforming it, Evie challenges him to a three-month celibacy bet before she'll bed him again. The suspicious newlyweds fight growing passion and frustration while a mysterious villain makes attempts on Evie's life. Kleypas's fans will appreciate the high action and scintillating twists and trysts.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


(This is a great read.  Sebastian is too hot.)



My second favorite Romance author is Stephaine Laurens.  I've chosen to list book one of the Cynster series because it's the one that made me fall in love with her books.



Governess Honoria Wetherby is determined not to marry; she plans to have adventures among the Egyptian pyramids in lieu of wedding a controlling husband. But even the best-laid plans can run afoul of luck and outrageous fortune, as is fatefully proven one stormy evening when Honoria happens upon a dying young man in the woods. After passing the night in a cottage alone with the corpse and his cousin, the rakish and very much alive Devil Cynster, it's decided--by the handsome rake--that Honoria has been compromised by the unchaperoned evening and the only remedy is to marry. Despite her flat refusal, Devil is determined to have the beautiful and feisty governess; his family is overjoyed that he's finally planning to marry. But Devil definitely has his work cut out for him as he attempts to convince Honoria to wed him and forego her plans for adventure. Luring Honoria to the altar is further complicated when she insists upon aiding him in the search for his cousin's killer. Which will Devil accomplish first: seducing Honoria or unveiling a murderer? Or will Honoria foil the first plan and solve the second before Devil can?
Devil's Bride is the first of several novels by Laurens that feature the members of the noble Cynster family in Regency England. The larger-than-life hero is bold, brave, daring, and determined and meets his perfect match in the heroine, who is plucky, intelligent, practical, and wise. Lush sensuality, deft plotting, and charming secondary characters make this novel a stellar beginning for the Bar Cynster series. --Lois Faye Dyer

(Devil Cynster is to die for.)


My third favorite Romance author is Julia Quinn.  Now, she's not as sexually explicit as the other two writers, but she weaves a lovely tale.  Her stories are loaded with rich plot and enticing characters.  I have been entertained.



Penelope Featherington fell madly, hopelessly in love with Colin Bridgerton two days before her 16th birthday. Unfortunately, Colin has always seen Penelope as the plump, shy best friend of his younger sister. By the time Penelope is 28 and a seasoned member of the English ton, she's accepted that her love for Colin is destined to remain unrequited and she shall be a spinster forever. Fate, however, has other plans. When Lady Whistledown's Society Papers announce that Colin has returned from his nearly nonstop travels, Penelope is blissfully unaware that her life is about to change dramatically. Colin is equally unaware of the turn his life is about to take. He's not surprised that his beloved mother is determined to marry him off, but he's rather astonished to find himself inexplicably drawn to Penelope. Her dry wit and intelligent mind are delightful, and Colin soon finds himself joining forces with her to deflect his matchmaking mama's good intentions. Together, the two will thwart their mothers' iron wills, face the formidable Lady Danbury, confront the gossips of London society, and resolve the lovely dilemma of falling in love. And, oh yes, there is that matter of the true identity of Lady Whistledown. Will the twosome unmask the elusive journalist? Or will their efforts be doomed to failure like so many others' before?
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton continues author Julia Quinn's wildly popular series of Regency historicals featuring the Bridgerton family, The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, and An Offer from a Gentleman. True, the novel possesses all that we've come to expect from Quinn, including deft plotting, witty repartee, a faultless Regency setting, and expert characterization. But perhaps the book's most pleasing facet is Quinn's quietly nuanced handling of the hero's and the heroine's internal growth, which is furthered by their blooming relationship. They're two strong individuals made stronger by their bond. Now that's love. --Lois Faye Dyer


(I usually focus on the hero, but in this case Penelope takes the show.)

Stay tuned tomorrow.