Today's "Sweet" Romance - Not So Sweet? What's a Reader To Do?

The Traditional Definition of a "Sweet" Romance

A story of any length within the Romance genre which depicts no sex, shows no violence, and uses no foul language. In the Movie world, these stories would be rated G.

Is this the kind of romance you enjoy? I certainly do. I write them as well as read them. However, when I explain that I write sweet romances, many readers look puzzled. "Why would I want to read a romance without sex?" is a common reaction. 

All About Romance (AAR), a popular romance reviewing website, agrees. "The vast majority of single title romances feature 'Warm' sensuality." AAR goes on to say that many of the best-selling authors of the genre like Nora Roberts, Beverly Jenkins, Bella Andre, and Susan Anderson write in the "Hot" category. These categories are part of AAR's 5-level "Sensuality Ratings Guide." The 5-level scale includes: Kisses, Subtle, Warm, Hot, and Burning.

The AAR "Kisses" level equates to the traditional definition of Sweet Romance. Readers and authors in this sub-genre often use the phrases "sweet and clean" or "clean reads" to emphasize the no-sex aspect of these books. The sub-genre of Inspirational Romance, which for the most part equals Christian Romance, fits in the "Kisses" sensuality level. 

On a side note, authors who write in the higher sensuality levels may cringe at the term "clean" which implies that any sex in a novel is "dirty". "Clean" or "Dirty" is a judgment call, and everyone is entitled to her own opinion and preference. I avoid the word "clean" in my own descriptions out of respect for my fellow authors.

However, many romance authors do acknowledge the well-known marketing adage -- Sex Sells! This is as true for selling romance as it is for selling cars or perfume. Authors of traditional Sweet Romance admit that they do like to "mix-it-up" by writing some books at the "Kisses" level, and other books at the "Subtle", or even the "Warm", sensuality level. The "Subtle" level allows for kissing and touching and for lovemaking only in general terms with a lot of emotional language. The "Warm" level includes some physical details without graphic body parts, perhaps one or two love scenes in the entire book, and many euphemisms. You might find the description "Sweet with a Little Spice" attached to these books.

Enter the St. George (somewhat official, based on a bit of research... ) 

Practical Definition of a "Sweet" Romance

A story of any length within the Romance genre which falls within the lower ranges of Sensuality, Violence, and Language scales.

Not so sweet. Now the lines of sensuality are truly blurred into a continuum. As readers, you and I face a dilemma. A book's cover gives you only so much information concerning the sensuality in the the story. You take a clue from the bodies of the people on the cover, and the descriptive words in the back text. You might know the series, the author, or the publisher's line and so infer what to expect. Still, you could be disappointed. Too much sex, not enough sex, too subtle, too much language, not enough graphic words. And you've paid good money for a dissatisfying experience. 

I'm going to do my part. For every book that I write, review or list on my site, I will add a Sensuality Rating based on the AAR levels. For books at those lower ranges, I'll add the word "sweet". Check out my Sensuality Ratings Scale. Use it when you review books. Encourage your friends to use it. 

Do you know of any other blogs or reviewing sites that use a Sensuality Scale? Comment and let us know.