However, such a story, like P&P, requires that the conflict be resolved before the bedroom door gently closes on us. For stories that are smack in the middle of conflict when lovemaking comes, whether it’s your-daddy-ruined-my-daddy-and-I’m-going-to-ruin-you-for-revenge, or it’s-just-a-marriage-of-convenience-but-omg-why-do-my-clothes-keep-falling-off, I’d better see something, b/c I can’t think of any other occasions where the emotions and awkwardness and potentials for change would be greater than during such times.

Conversely, then, I require that my love scenes both serve as a payoff and work to further complicate the relationship. Because a love scene after which nothing changes doesn’t need to be there. A love scene after which all sexual tension dissipates means the story didn’t have enough emotional conflict going in.

Boy I could go on and on. But I highly recommend anyone who writes on-page love scenes to use those as diagnostic tools of the whole manuscript. Because they are supposed to be both highlights and turning points, how much energy is carried going into and coming out of those scenes can tell you a lot about the state of your manuscript.

Your new faithful reader
Mrs. Never settle for anything less than everything!!

Anyhow just wanted to say hi to Nalini I’m waiting on amazon for my CBI

I agree with how MG put it. Without the foreplay; nothing!

I also think calling the non-erotic/explicit romances ’sweet’ can be misleading. Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourite books but I’d not welcome an obvious modernisation that takes the reader further (I cringe at the thought of the erotica ’sequel’ available!) the tension between the characters conveys great depth and details.

The secret for any great romance is the interaction. If you look at Sasha and Lucas in StS the interesting thing for me was what wasn’t said, how you could feel the attraction build before ever they came together.

Probably why erotica leaves me cold. I like to get to know the characters and see the tensions between them. If well written a book can be explosive without venturing behind closed doors though depending on the voice of the story slamming the door could seem unnatural and leave a book feeling unfinished; can anyone imagine reading JR Ward with cutouts?

For me the character building is worth more than any voyueristic element.

Mardel - LOL about kids reading the passionate bits!

Heather - hope you enjoy my books.

Shaneh - thanks!! And I have to agree with you - I loved the buildup with LKH…it was so slow and intense that by the time they touched, it was incredible. And that BBC adaptation of P&P - I ADORE it!!

Karen - I think from the looks of things, if we had to choose, most of us would be in your camp, too.

Lisabea - no specifics yet on when Hawke’s book will be but it won’t be tooooo far away!

Bev - ST is sooo important, and I think sometimes books don’t work for me because there isn’t enough ST to justify a hot love scene.

Great comments everyone. And smooches to Bam for inviting me to play on her blog.

For instance, there’s a bazillion historicals out there. I prefer the spicy ones, so that’s what I look for. Same with Paranormal Romances.

In Urban Fantasy, spice is just an enjoyable bonus- I don’t necessarily expect it. It’s the world building and action that take center stage, not relationships. However, I DO want some sexual tension.

I will tell you, however, this book has left me longing for Hawke’s story. Any input on when his story will be out?

So ok I love me some build up in my books, The ending however can be either way as long as it is well written.

I love a good romance and my definition of good almost always includes sex. I am a picky reader and I want both the long intense buildup and the mind blowing “wish that were me” sex scenes. I read cross all genres and I don’t mind when the build up takes you through several novel. The best example I can think of is between Anita Blake and Jean Claude in the Anita Blake series by Laurel K Hamilton. The tension was incredible, frought with doubts and anger and some very sweet moments and now they go at it like bunnies. LKH newest books come off like soft porn but as a dedicated reader I don’t mind because I know the road her characters have taken to get to this point.

My on screen needs are the complete opposite. I like all the same build up, but Hollywood sucks at love scenes. My favorite movie just curls my toes at the end. Bridget Jone’s Diary. I love the scene where Bridget and Mark kiss at the end. There has been all these dramatics throughtout the movie and Mark (on the surface) seem like a bit of a prig so when she says “Nice guys don’t kiss like that” and he replies with a “Yes, We Fu*^ing do” and swoops down for another steamy kiss, I just melted.

Which brings us back to Nilani’s origianal post. Pride and Prejudice is my all time favorite book hands down as well as the BBC production being my favorite movie. (I admit it I adore Colin Firth and would take him home with me if I could)

Nilani, your books are perfect. Your build up is intense and while different in each book, perfectly appropriate for your characters and the love scenes are HOT HOT HOT!!!

By the way, I first heard of your books just a few minutes ago on the Dear Author blog, in fact, and even before I dropped by here I put them on my wishlist at Amazon. I love the idea of paranormal romance desperately, but I’m so sick of seeing the vampire/werewolf concept that it’s a delight to see something wholly different.