A recent uproar buzzed through the online romance reader community when, supposedly, a reader asked a very well-known online book seller for no-spice romance recs, and the company rep replied “embrace the smut.”
Bookstagrammers were outraged, saying romance readers shouldn’t be forced to read sex scenes they’re not looking for and not comfortable with.
Sure, sex sells. But plenty of people want to avoid sex scenes for all kinds of reasons from religious beliefs to personal preference.
I’m a firm believer that it’s your choice what you read. You should be given fair warning about sexual content, so you can find the books that are right for you. That’s why my reviews include a spice scale to let you know what’s inside. I also include a tag for M/F M/M F/F and polyamorous romances, so check the tags too if you’re looking for something specific.
You’ll mostly find M/F romances with a mid-range spice level here, because this is my personal blog and M/F romances with a strong plot and a sex scene or two are what I like to read. But I also read a variety of romance from chaste to steamy. I’ll always let you know what I find inside using my kiss scale. Here it is:
One Kiss: Nothing more than kissing on page. This covers a wide range of sensuality from zero PDA to sensual makeout scenes to closed door/implied sex scenes, but you won’t see anything on page beyond kissing.
Two Kisses. Books may include “more than kissing,” such as foreplay on page. If there’s sex, it’s closed door or not descriptive.
Three Kisses. Sex described on-page.
Four Kisses. Books may include an abundance of sex scenes, RH scenes or kinky stuff.
Some romance readers seem to think that romance is unrealistic or childish without smut, but I’ve read great adult romances at all four of these spice levels. Below, I’ve got a rec for each. And despite what some may say, the best quality and most adult romance of the four listed here is actually the least spicy one.
All four of them are great, though, it really does just depend on what you’re looking for.
This Is How You Lose the Time War is a gorgeously written F/F romance with zero smut. The characters don’t even kiss on page. It’s still very adult and very romantic. Check out my full review.
Heavenbreaker is mostly about mech jousting and feminine rage. But there’s also a romance subplot with a little bit more than kissing involved. I have a feeling the sequel may get steamier, and I’m holding out hope for a romantic HEA ending for the lovers. Check out my review here.
In Wicked Games, the FMC gets busy with her sexy billionaire boss while saving a near-future San Francisco from demons. Check out my full review.
This alien dude just wants to pleasure his human soulmate nonstop in Ice Planet Barbarians. Full review here.
I hope you find what you’re looking for. Whether that’s high heat or low, there’s no judgment here!
