I have struggled to pin down my steam tolerance of late because while it’s generally medium-high, but I’ve found myself getting very frustrated with some books, likely through no fault of their own. I’ve realised that for me it’s about introduction to character. When a Chloe Liese book (a reliable recommendation) had a character - in the first ten pages - react to another by describing the response in their underwear I thought “whoa whoa! I just met you people!” In the same way you wouldn’t tell me about your fantasies before we’re good friends, I don’t want a book that’s high on steam to start at 100. The personal requirement of a solid introduction or foundation of character is just not something I’m going to be able to find on a scale, beyond avoiding erotica, so I’m afraid I’m going to have to keep muddling through.
That’s so interesting because I think I’m the same way but didn’t realize it until you just articulated it. I recently read Off the Map by Trish Doller and didn’t really enjoy it, even though I’ve loved her previous two books. Part of the issue was that the main characters immediately start sleeping together upon meeting and it was just too early for me -- I didn’t feel like I knew them yet or that I understood their relationship. Thank you for illuminating that aspect for me!
Right, it feels a lot more satisfying if you've been reading them pining for each other for a hundred-plus pages. I feel like I've read a few books with well-done one night stands but it's so tricky to pull off!
Love this, Natalie. I’ve been thinking about expanding my literary horizons a bit, so trying to describe to friends how much steam I think I can take. Your scale tells me that I’m moderate steam. I realize that I’m fine with things happening, but I don’t want detailed descriptions. Keep it hazy, I say. Also, I dearly loved The Dearly Beloved! I hugged that book and cried a little when I finished it.
I love your "steam categories" and I totally agree that I wish there was some sort of universal scale for romance novels. I love a good bedroom scene and personally prefer a moderate to high steam level in most of my romance reads, but for me it's more about the balance between the tone/tension-building/characters and the steam level. If the tension/sexual frustration is high, for me that HAS to be matched by some open door scenes. Otherwise it feels like a mismatch of buildup vs outcome. If the overall tone of the book and character journeys are more lighthearted, then I don't expect anything explicit and still feel fulfilled by the reading experience if the love story culminates with only a kiss. Of course a good writer can pull off a story that plays with that balance in some ways but ultimately that comes down to personal preference! I would be interested if others feel this way and if most readers "expect" a certain level of steam the same way we expect and embrace tropes in romance.
Right, that balance is so important! I took a writing workshop once where there was a session on writing steamy scenes and something they pointed out is that the characters have to be in their bodies and noticing their love interest's body throughout. Now that's something I notice whenever I read romance, especially when an open door scene comes out of nowhere.
I have *thoughts* about this judgment at the dinner table. Also, I just looked up Tanizaki and his work sounds fascinating...if you have any recommendations on where to start?
My personal scale is:
🔥 Or 🔥🔥: I want my mom to read this and talk about it with me.
🔥🔥🔥: I think my mom should read this but let's not talk about it.
🔥🔥🔥🔥: my mom would not want to read this.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: even though I am 31 yrs old I don't want my mom knowing I read this.
Oh, I love this. I have yet to talk my mom into reading romance with me but I feel like she might go for a one or two flame emoji book.
My mom has much higher steam tolerance than I do! She watched Bridgerton and told me I should not watch it.
I feel like I’m this way with my daughters, too!
I have struggled to pin down my steam tolerance of late because while it’s generally medium-high, but I’ve found myself getting very frustrated with some books, likely through no fault of their own. I’ve realised that for me it’s about introduction to character. When a Chloe Liese book (a reliable recommendation) had a character - in the first ten pages - react to another by describing the response in their underwear I thought “whoa whoa! I just met you people!” In the same way you wouldn’t tell me about your fantasies before we’re good friends, I don’t want a book that’s high on steam to start at 100. The personal requirement of a solid introduction or foundation of character is just not something I’m going to be able to find on a scale, beyond avoiding erotica, so I’m afraid I’m going to have to keep muddling through.
I agree that the build-up is so important! It's a whole other dimension of looking at steam and where it fits into the structure of the book.
That’s so interesting because I think I’m the same way but didn’t realize it until you just articulated it. I recently read Off the Map by Trish Doller and didn’t really enjoy it, even though I’ve loved her previous two books. Part of the issue was that the main characters immediately start sleeping together upon meeting and it was just too early for me -- I didn’t feel like I knew them yet or that I understood their relationship. Thank you for illuminating that aspect for me!
Right, it feels a lot more satisfying if you've been reading them pining for each other for a hundred-plus pages. I feel like I've read a few books with well-done one night stands but it's so tricky to pull off!
Love this, Natalie. I’ve been thinking about expanding my literary horizons a bit, so trying to describe to friends how much steam I think I can take. Your scale tells me that I’m moderate steam. I realize that I’m fine with things happening, but I don’t want detailed descriptions. Keep it hazy, I say. Also, I dearly loved The Dearly Beloved! I hugged that book and cried a little when I finished it.
I finished The Dearly Beloved this past weekend and adored it! So warm and gorgeously written.
I love your "steam categories" and I totally agree that I wish there was some sort of universal scale for romance novels. I love a good bedroom scene and personally prefer a moderate to high steam level in most of my romance reads, but for me it's more about the balance between the tone/tension-building/characters and the steam level. If the tension/sexual frustration is high, for me that HAS to be matched by some open door scenes. Otherwise it feels like a mismatch of buildup vs outcome. If the overall tone of the book and character journeys are more lighthearted, then I don't expect anything explicit and still feel fulfilled by the reading experience if the love story culminates with only a kiss. Of course a good writer can pull off a story that plays with that balance in some ways but ultimately that comes down to personal preference! I would be interested if others feel this way and if most readers "expect" a certain level of steam the same way we expect and embrace tropes in romance.
Right, that balance is so important! I took a writing workshop once where there was a session on writing steamy scenes and something they pointed out is that the characters have to be in their bodies and noticing their love interest's body throughout. Now that's something I notice whenever I read romance, especially when an open door scene comes out of nowhere.
I have *thoughts* about this judgment at the dinner table. Also, I just looked up Tanizaki and his work sounds fascinating...if you have any recommendations on where to start?