Sex and the romance novel seem to go hand in hand. It is part of what drives the story forward for some of us. Yet there are two very distinct views on how that sex should be carried out. Should the sex be behind closed doors, or are you a fan of the open door policy?

Anyone who knows Ally can guess which she is a fan of in both reading and writing… but let’s ask her why.

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure why I prefer the scoop when it comes to sex scenes.  As I’ve said before, when I got back into writing again, I liked to write sex because it was something that was lacking in my own life.  I was living vicariously through my heroines, I suppose.  In fact, at that time in my life, any book that had moderately detailed sex scenes was a hit with me, even if the plot wasn’t so hot.  Shallow, I know, but unfortunately true.  I think that what appealed to me then and is still true now, but for different reasons, is seeing not only the physical but emotional connection made between the characters.  In the heat of the moment, they shed their fears and inhibitions (hopefully) and truly expose themselves.  They take a risk by letting the other person so close and, while it sometimes comes back to bite them in the butt, that risk oftentimes leads to incredible bonding that really can’t be achieved any other way.  As a reader, I want to see that vulnerability, that intense connection.  I want to know the characters’ real personality and I think that sex scenes are a window, if you will, to that true character.  If the hero is Prince Charming outside of the bedroom, but is a selfish ass inside, he will probably prove to be generally selfish in the long run.  If he’s a tender, caring lover—even though he might be a seemingly reckless bad boy with his pants on—there’s usually a story there…a story I’m really going to want to know.  I’m going to jump on his bandwagon before the steam clears from the windows and that book won’t leave my hands until I turn the last page.  As a writer, I want to give my readers that same kind of experience.  I want them to love my characters as much as I do and I think showing them at their weakest—or strongest, depending how you look at it—can really accomplish that.

Being a recent romance novelist convert, MJ devours open door sex scenes, yet tends to desire keeping that door closed when writing. Why you might ask?

Totally a comfort level thing for me, yet Ally has pushed me beyond that boundary with her ever present critique of my scenes and constant “It’s good, but I need more.” God love her for that. To me the sex in a romance novel enhances the love story. There is just something vulnerable about putting yourself in that position with someone you love. Emotions seem to run higher when sex is involved. The opportunity to really peak behind the curtain of your hero and see a side that may not be revealed at any other point in the novel, which in turn can bring you much closer to his character. The same holds true for the heroine. She may come off more brazen, let down her inhibitions, and take what she wants. There are so many opportunities to explore the depths of your characters, their deepest hidden emotions. I don’t think a romance book would be the same without the hot and heavy sex scenes. I will concede that there are some very awesome and heart wrenching love stories that contain closed door scenes that work very well, and anyone that can convey the emotion between their characters without allowing you to see them at their most vulnerable moments in the bedroom… more power to you. It is difficult for me. (Then again writing sex in general tends to be a bit daunting for me.) 

So, which are you a fan of and why? You know us, we are huge fans of sharing… especially when we dish sex! So give it up.

~MJ & Ally