Sex.
I know I have your attention now. The question for today is: does a paranormal romance need to have sex to be a good story?
It's simple to answer: NO. I put that in bold capital letters for a reason. Sex is not why people read paranormal romance. They read it for the romance in a supernatural situation.
Can sex ruin a paranormal romance? Yes. Badly written sex ruins any book. Sex in the book just for having it in there ruins it. If there is sex in the story, it must be used to forward the story.
This seems simple to me, but I know a lot of people have trouble with it. Sexually explicit content in paranormal romances is not for everyone. Some people don't like reading more than kissing and heavy petting. And that's okay. Romance can still be hot without naked bodies in action. It's in the sizzling tension, the subtle and not-so-subtle looks, the lingering touches, and the heart pounding emotions.
If you're like me, I don't mind sex in books at all. I don't require it, but it can be extremely satisfying. I like it when the protagonist finally surrenders to the fire burning within. Sex scenes are also great tools for getting characters to open up who typically have trouble otherwise. Intimate moments are perfect for spilling those dark secrets. Pillow talk has ruined many a person.
Do you like to read paranormal romances with or without sex? Why?
I'm indifferent... it isn't necessary for a good story, but like you say also adds to a story if it's built that way...:) Great progress on your NaNo:)
ReplyDeleteI agree! :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's necessary, but it can certainly add a whole level of "holy crap, he's a ghost and she doesn't know it and they're totally doing it!" Also, I'm a 12-year-old boy apparently.
ReplyDeleteI don't read them, but sex is not necessary in any genre I read. And I'm ceertainly not writing it!
ReplyDeleteWriting sex just to have sex in the book seems rather pointless to me. I prefer reading books that build the tension between the couple and then have a sex scene. I like it when it adds to the book and isn't just there.
ReplyDeleteI don't write sex scenes, but I've read a few in my day. I don't put down a book b/c of them. But sometimes I skim over them.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you! I don't mind reading a paranormal book with sex in it, but I don't need it in there to love the book just the same. :)
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