Notes from a romance reader who writes too
I read a romance most weeks, and the notes I keep along the way end up here. Some are for readers, like the books I keep pressing on friends and the tropes that keep me up too late. The rest are for anyone writing their own: ideas to borrow, scenes that keep the door closed and the chemistry that makes it all work.
Fifty spicy story ideas to borrow, sorted by trope and setting
Fifty spicy story ideas sorted by trope and setting: forced proximity, rivals, fake dating, second chances, travel, work and a little fantasy.
7 min read
Spicy book recommendations from a reader who rates the heat
Spicy book recommendations sorted by mood, from office rivals to Regency rakes, each with a plain heat rating so you know how open the door is.
6 min read
How to write a steamy scene with the door closed and keep the heat
How to write a steamy scene with the door closed: the build-up, where to cut, the morning after and the small details that keep the heat on the page.
6 min read
The spicy romance tropes readers love, and how to spot a good one
A reader's guide to spicy romance tropes: why enemies to lovers, fake dating and forced proximity hook us, and what a book that does them well looks like.
5 min read
Writing chemistry between characters that readers can feel
How to write chemistry between characters: contrast, banter, attention and small gestures, with sample exchanges you can study for your own romance.
5 min read