Having read books with sex scenes that varied from modest to very explicit, I have to admit that I am envious of those writers who can make those scenes live and breathe. Make your pulse rise with every word, and pull you into the depths of the scene to go along for the emotional ride that goes with a good sex scene. But it is definitely an art I have yet to perfect. There is undoubtedly lots of discussion about who does it well. I have a few favorites that represent this variation in writing, but I will only subject you to two.
Nora Roberts is by far, in my opinion, the best in pulling you into a love scene emotionally and not explaining it in detail or diminishing it with purple prose. I am currently listening to the Circle Trilogy, (which I have read already, but am indulging my need for books while at work.) and in the first book, the love scenes between Hoyt and Glenna just speak to me. They are tender, passionate, and there is no doubt what the characters are feeling or doing for that matter. *Insert whimsical sigh*
Laurell K. Hamilton tends to be a bit more graphic in her scenes, some might even say a bit vulgar and mindless. I believe that although the sex is quite frequent in her books, the scenes are no less meaningful or arousing. The sex here isn’t all hearts and flowers, love and romance, leading to the happily ever afters. These are scenes that are emotionally engaging because of the reasons behind the act. For me, the more detailed scenes and descriptions are fitting. These are stories of harsh worlds, where characters constantly face life and death, where sex is a means to an end in some cases. Yet there are scenes where tenderness is shown, and it is not just sex, it is a love scene that will tug at the heart strings.
The ways to write love scenes is as varied as the readers and writers out there. Finding the happy medium, where you can pour the emotion into your scenes, is entirely up to you. I am still searching for my happy medium and my comfort level.
Share some of your favorite writers and the reasons why you sigh, pant, or drool when you read their scenes.
~Mj
MJ
Ally
The first sex scene between Anita and Jean-Claude in the LKH books is one of my all-time favorite sex scenes. When I realized that they were FINALLY going to do it- I think it was Book 5? Long time to wait!- I literally left the room (I was in the living room with the hubby) and went back to the bedroom and shut the door. No, not for THAT.
I just wanted to be totally alone and really focus on the scene. I felt so invested in that moment. Very few books have ever made me feel that way. The only other ones I can think of are Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander and Voyager, Nora Robert’s Honest Illusions, and Colleen Gleason’s The Bleeding Dusk. Actually, the scene in TBD was just a kissing scene, but it was intense! I think it takes a lot of talent on an author’s part to really make the reader feel that connection between characters, that sense of, “Oh, thank God, they’re finally giving in!” That’s why I prefer my romances to involve characters who have a history together before the events of the book. It’s really hard to build that connection between characters who’ve just met.
I can’t say that any particular names come to mind when I think about great love scenes. I read a lot of hot/erotic stories and, to be honest, I’m kind of at a point where they all blend together for me. I’m kinda sick of ‘em actually. This might be hard to believe, but I’ve even skipped over a few! It’s a lot of Tab A, Slot B stuff that’s been done over and over, you know? I’ve found myself liking the less steamy, nondescript scenes (probably like your Nora scenes) better.
If I had to pick an author, I’d probably pick Megan Hart. She writes erotic for HQ Spice, but her stories are about sooo much more than sex and, while still graphic, each scene contributes to the story on a higher than sexual level, too.
My current hero for my WIP is Jerry O’connel. Kind of the goofball, lanky fella.
I wouldn’t even say he’s on my List of fellas, but something about him fits my character of Sebastian. Add some Snug trousers, and a cravat… we’re in business.
and my longtime crush is Adrian Genier. He’s staring in my upcoming contemperary. Reowr. I have the feeling it will get a little Hot.