I Know It When I See It: A Sensual Romance Primer

Author Article by Susanna Carr

The field of sexually explicit romance is growing, but too many people define the subgenres by the language. They assume that if the language is soft, it's sensual romance; if it's frank, it falls out of the romance genre and into porn. The definitions don't lie in the language. It lies in the intent of the author.

When ask to define porn, the common answer is "I know it when I see it". This classification method is faulty. The reader can't have that type of influence on an author's work. Porn focuses on sexually arousing the reader. There might be a statement about sex in porn, but the statement does not interfere with the main goal. When determining what porn is, don't go by what's on the amateur story sites on the Internet. A better example would be some of Katy Terrega's writings.

Erotica, sometimes labeled as adult fiction or erotic fiction, might make an analysis or statement about sex, but it doesn't focus solely on the sex acts. Its focus is to tell a story, usually about a sexually active main character. The sex is intrinsic to the plot and theme, but it's not the whole plot. The underlying theme of the story is often revealed within the sex scenes. The Black Lace collection from Virgin Publishing offers erotic or adult fiction. For shorter work, look into anthologies such as the Best of erotica series from Cleis Press.

Romantic erotica, a term also seen in blended variations, is an ultra-sensual story about a couple with strong elements of romance. The main character might have a few partners in the story and find a committed, loving relationship with one person in the end. The emphasis is not on commitment, but rather on the oftentimes controversial sex within a relationship. Publishers like Red Sage and Ellora's Cave offer romantic erotica.

Erotic romance is a spicy love story that shows the couple enjoying a graphic sex life. The hot and sometimes politically incorrect lovemaking is important to the story and romantic conflict. An emotionally satisfying ending is essential. Romantic Times magazine considers the works by Thea Devine, Cheryl Holt and Bertrice Small spicy and erotic.

Sexy romance bridges erotic romance and sensual romance. This type of romance offers a heightened level of sensuality that plays a strong role in the romantic relationship between the hero and heroine. The eroticism is higher than what is found in a sensual romance, but it doesn't usually involve situations that would shock the general romance readership. Romantic Times declares most romances by Lori Foster, Emma Holly and Nicole Jordan as either sexy or very sensual.

Sensual romance is a love story that shows the main characters in a passionate, monogamous relationship. The sexual aspect of their relationship is not integral to the plot. While sexual tension can run high, there might only be one or two consummation scenes. The story is guaranteed to have a happily-ever-after ending. Most single-title romances these days are considered sensual. Within the series lines Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Temptation and Silhouette Desire would be sensual romances.

Traditional romance, also known as sweet romances, doesn't necessarily mean physical intimacy is excluded in the relationship. The sex scenes might not be shown or they are presented in very little detail. In these romances, the sex is left to the reader's imagination. A wholesome romance, on the other hand, doesn't show any lovemaking or sexual tension. You can find examples of wholesome romances in Avalon Books' catalog.

So if a romantic erotica book doesn't show a strongly sexual relationship, does that make it a sensual romance? No, it makes it a poor example of romantic erotica. If a porn story doesn't arouse the reader, does that kick the work out of the erotic literature genre? Not necessarily. It could be that the story doesn't cater to the reader's taste, or it could be that it's horribly written. But if the author's intent was only to arouse the reader, then it is still porn. Only the author can declare what subgenre the work is in. The reader, however, declares the quality.

Copyright © 2004 by Susanna Carr

Susanna Carr writes sexy romances for Kensington Brava. Her next novella appears in the How to be a "Wicked" Woman anthology (August 2004). For more information about her and her upcoming releases, visit www.susannacarr.com.

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