ALP Book Club: Romance Novel Spice Levels

Hello Awesome Ladies and BOOK LOVERS!

Have you ever asked for a suggestion for a romance novel, and when you read it (or listen to the audiobook), you get a bit surprised? No? Just me? Well, as a new romance novel reader, I was listening to an audiobook, and at some point, I realized I needed to close my door and lower the volume! The descriptions were very detailed, and my kids could come in at any moment. So, I decided I needed a guide!

After some research and talking to some romance novel experts (a.k.a. some of our own awesome ladies), I developed this spice-level guide. That way, if we are making suggestions, we have some idea of how romantic it gets! 😉

We also added some examples of books in each category to get a better idea. However, we all have different ideas of spiciness, so please know this is just a starting guide!

ALP BOOK CLUB Romance Novel Spice Levels

Level 1. Sweet Romance. 

There will be kissing, hand holding, and touching; very low level of sexual tension between the main characters. There is attraction and thinking about the other character. Fade to black sex scenes.

Examples: Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q Sutanto, The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

Level 2. Sweeter Romance (sweeter than sexy). 

Kissing, touching, more kissing, and sexual touching; higher level of sexual tension. Sweet and tender love scenes. Sex is described in euphemisms. The story ends with a happily-ever-after.

Examples: Nora Roberts books; old fashion romance, People we meet on vacation by Emily Henry

Level 3. Sensual to Sexy Romance. 

Kissing and a few sex scenes happen. The love scenes can be thoroughly and often realistically described. Sex is important to the plot, but scenes are shorter. Sex causes conflict or defines character — in other words, not just sex for sex’s sake, but sex as part of a developing relationship and leads to the couple’s happily-ever-after.

Examples: Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Level 4. Kissing and multiple sex scenes happen.

The love scenes are graphically described. Sex scenes are longer, there could be masturbation and/or sex toys involved.

Examples: You had me at HOLA by Alexis Daria, The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, The Bride test by Helen Hoang, Only when it’s us by Chloe Liese

Level 5. Steamy Romance. 

Very sexy and erotic in nature, with multiple sex scenes with elements of erotic sex play. Could include multiple partners, light bondage, sex toys, and an increasing level of eroticism, along with a developing plot and a happily-ever-after ending (or, in some cases, a happy-for-now, satisfying ending). Examples: Neon Gods by Katee Robert

I have attached a PDF document you can print or save for future reference. If you have any comments or suggestions, please come and join us at the Book Lovers group or Book Club meetings monthly!

Happy reading!