Ever since I read Edenbrooke, I’ve been thinking about romances and how much I like them. But, I’ve also been thinking about the type of romances I like best.
I’ll read any romance as long as it isn’t graphic sexually. I don’t even mind that the characters have sex. I, personally, just don’t want to know all the nitty-gritty details. And, if I were to think about my favorite books with romance in them, they all have one thing in common–sexual tension. I love sexual tension and that only happens before the characters have sex.
I love when characters long for each other, when they long to be held or just have a simple touch from the one they love. I love the deep, urgent kisses and the soft caresses. Once the characters have sex, I feel like all that’s gone. And, it almost ruins the romance, kind of like when the two TV characters you want to get together more than anything finally do and then it changes the dynamic of the show, ruining it.
I think that’s why I love books like Edenbrooke so much more than books like The Time Traveler’s Wife. They’re more sweet and swoon-worthy. And, they feel like real love and not just lust.
What do you think about romances? Do you enjoy reading them? What types of romances are your favorite, and why?
About Jenni Elyse
Blogger. Reader. Movie watcher. Social media addict. Crocheter. Time waster. Animal lover. 
I totally agree with that assessment. A lot of times after the deed is done, it just loses the fire. Foreplay rules.
Ha ha. Foreplay does rule!
I’m a sucker for romance in my books. Straight up romances usually revolve too much around a particular couple and their feelings I can only read those in doses, but like Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Milhone, she loves being single and at the same time aches to be touched. That tension is so ingrained in the character that when she connects with someone, it’s huge for you as the reader. But I just discovered contemporary YA romance and that’s throwing me a little because I LOVE those books. I’m with you on the tension, but sometimes I just want them to hurry up and do it! hehe
I know what you mean. I sometimes just want them to hurry up and do it too. But, I do love the tension while it’s there and then when it’s gone, I often wish it was back.
Tension tension tension! Of course! It’s the best. And vulnerable characters. And real (not perfect) characters. And crazy unusual situations. And…. I don’t know… lots of stuff!!
I agree there. It’s nice to see vulnerable characters and characters who aren’t perfect. It makes it more believable. And, crazy unusual situations just makes it fun and worthy of a book to be told.
Great ideas!
Sexual tension is KEY, for sure. I don’t read much romance and don’t need graphic sexual scenes (although I have read some!) but I do need tension.
I’ve read some as well, but I don’t like them as much at all. And, like you said, tension is key for sure!
Sexual tension is hot! Graphic sex is just embarrassing and awkward.
I completely agree!
So true… although I don’t mind too much when the sexual tension is gone. Sometimes it kills me all the waiting for the romance to finally just BE. While I love it when a romance is passionate, I adore the innocent romances best. Like Madeleine L’Engle’s And Both Were Young. Oh so cute.
I do know what you mean about wanting the wait for the couple to get together to be over. I’m guilty of that too. I screamed for joy when I watched New Girl a week ago. But, I just love that tension still!
Yes, sexual tension is the best.
Short and simple.