Is Your Book Spicy?
I get asked this question a lot. 🌶️ 🎀
First off, what is spicy romance?
I’m going to throw it to the American teenagers who popularised the ‘base’ terms. For those who didn’t grow up with this terminology (or need a refresher!), here’s a quick breakdown:
First Base: kissing (including French kissing)
Second Base: touching above the waist (including under clothing)
Third Base: what we call foreplay, pre intercourse
Fourth Base: full intercourse
Spicy romance includes explicit scenes of all bases, they can range from one scene to many scenes, over the whole book.
I would like to make it very clear (as there is a massive debate on BookTok and Bookstagram about this subject), I do not think you have to pick a side. I think both spicy and non-spicy books have merit.
Spicy books can be helpful, validating and grounding. If you are navigating a long term relationship, dealing with medical issues that affect intimacy, need some help to get the spice back into a long term relationship or just exploring different chapters of life, spicy books can help with this.
No spice books are also wonderful (I write them so I may be a little biased!). No spice romance:
allows readers with any sensitivities (perhaps they’ve been through some trauma etc.), or religious or personal values, to enjoy romance novels without the fear of any explicit scenes showing up unexpectedly
gives younger readers (not children, but perhaps an older teen) an introduction to the wonderful world of romance
allows for book recommendations to family or friends that may save any awkward moments
As an author, I choose to write closed door because it’s where I’m comfortable and what I love. Closed door doesn’t mean my stories don’t have swoon worthy moments, emotional intimacy or romantic tension. We just close the door if we are going past first base!
All romance is valid and I don’t think we have to choose a side, unless we want to.
That said, I have a lot of respect for readers who prefer no spice for whatever reason, and I think it’s really important that books are marketed clearly and honestly, so no one is caught off guard by an explicit scene in a book they thought was no spice. Readers deserve to know what they’re getting.
If you love spicy books and don’t think closed door is for you, I might be able to change your mind… for at least one week of the month ;)
I’ve seen some posts around for spicy book recommendations for when you are ovulating (could be helpful if you are trying to fall pregnant!) and it got me thinking, my closed door romances are great for the week you have your period!! ;)
Whether you’re a spice lover curious about closed door, or a no spice romance reader, The Tides Turn at Midnight might just be the book for you. Available 1 November 2026. Check the home page for more info!
Wishing you starry nights and happy endings ✨
Sadie xx