Romance would have to be the biggest, broadest genre in reading. It encompasses just about every other genre – crime, suspense, history, thriller, comedy, paranormal, fantasy… and yes, science fiction.
If that isn't complicated enough, romance incorporates levels of sexiness. There's usually an assumption that romance and sex go hand in hand (so to speak). But some readers enjoy detailed, blow-by-blow sexy times, others like sensual without the 'how-to' manual, and still others would prefer authors to close the door and leave it to the reader's imagination.
That's not in any way a judgement, just as I wouldn't presume to judge people who like Starbuck's coffee, which I find undrinkable. To each his/her own. These days I tend to avoid the books with a high sexual content, or if I read them, I skip over the sex scenes.
It seems I'm not the only. Fellow author Pauline Baird Jones has set up a new website for people just like me.
Welcome to Blush Free Books, a website and newsletter dedicated to building a community of readers who love exciting, action-filled, and well-written books that are hotter than the clean and sweet, but close the door on the steamy scenes.
There are communities aplenty for steamy and inspirational books, but there is an underserved group in the middle: readers who crave well-written books with all the action, suspense, excitement, and romance without the graphic sex. These stories have the edge-of-your-seat action with a hint of spicy language and some of the sexual tension not found in the cleaner-sweeter stories.
I reckon that pretty much describes my books so of course I've signed up – both as a reader and an author. You'll find a few other familiar names, like Veronica Scott, SE Smith, Kyndra Hatch, and Carol van Natta.
Blush Free Books is not just for SFR. It includes fantasy, paranormal, and crime and suspense. So, if you're like me and Pauline and find yourself skipping the sex scenes, pop on over and take a look. It's free and you can register as a reader and/or an author.
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