When reading and writing romance, I’m in favor of cranking up the heat. In Willing Prey, a lawyer experiencing a midlife kink-awakening hires a PE teacher to be his sexual prey for 30 days, only to fall in love, chase by feral chase. It’s a high-heat romance, which means sexual content occurs on page, and it’s plentiful.
From a craft perspective, writing high-heat romance is challenging and satisfying in equal parts. Since your characters are fully actualized people, their unique personalities must carry over into the fictional bedroom. That means you’ll need to account for their comfort level with their partner(s) and consider how they act when they’re more vulnerable. It’s like trying to solve a sexy puzzle while wondering if you’ve used the word ‘thrust’ one too many times.
Vocabulary choices aside, to me, erotic moments are most compelling when they feel authentic to where the character is at in their journey. As a voracious romance reader, I’ve noticed my favorite authors make sure their characters don’t lose their arcs along with their pants. Rather, the emotional development continues throughout even the steamiest scene. The way these authors blend physical intimacy and character growth has me taking notes. Here are a few of my favorite high-heat romance novels that bring swelteringly sexy encounters without sacrificing an ounce of characterization.
The Man I Know, by Daisy Jane
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Be still my heart. The Man I Know by Daisy Jane isn’t only one of my favorite high-heat romance novels, it’s one of my favorite novels, period. It follows the happily married Lawson and Jes as they attempt to become even happier by incorporating kink into their relationship. It’s a character-driven story, and a spectacular example of how much character development can happen throughout explicit scenes. Jes and Lawson deepen their relationship through activities such as consensual nonconsent, rope play, and impact play, and the way they communicate and care for each other is swoon-worthy. A long-term couple discovering new sexual interests and all the emotional vulnerability that entails? So hot.
Turn up the heat: Once you’ve read The Man I Know, Daisy Jane has a glorious backlist of kink-filled novels to explore.
Streams and Schemes, by Rebecca Kinkade
Think fast, you have 15 minutes until a ballistic missile demolishes your city, what are you going to do? If grabbing your attractive neighbor and going out with a bang sounds like a good way to spend your remaining minutes, Streams and Schemes was written for you. Independent cam girl, Valeria, and golden retriever-esq lawyer, Lander, are forced to figure out what happens when what was supposed to be the last hookup of their lives . . . isn’t. Valeria is ready to forget their encounter, but Lander’s determined to prove they’re meant to be. Both characters grow throughout the story and Lander takes “embracing his partner’s job” to the next level. Kinkade pairs humor and heat beautifully in this contemporary rom-com that shows just how sexy supporting your partner’s career can be.
Turn up the heat: There are three books in the Streams and Schemes universe, and I had a difficult time picking a favorite—they’re all amazing and feature irresistibly competent and mature characters.
Lights Out, by Navessa Allen
Lights Out heroine Aly deals with her high-stress job as a trauma nurse by scrolling #masktok during her off hours. A particular masked and tattooed content creator catches her attention, but little does she know, she’s already on his radar. Without giving too much away, you can expect stalking, knife play, and, of course, the mask. While there’s much to love about this book, what stands out to me is how even when the characters are making deliciously reckless choices, there’s never a moment where you question “Would they really do this?” The characterization is so strong that you know without a doubt, they would. And when they do, it’s an absolute delight.
Turn up the heat: For those who like a little voyeurism in their fiction (or think they might!), Caught Up, the second novel in the Into Darkness Trilogy is a scalding second-chance romance between a cam girl and mafia enforcer.
No Small Sin, by Genna Black
I can’t talk about well-developed characters who are the definition of matching each other’s freak without mentioning Beck and TK from Genna Black’s No Small Sin. Serial killer Beck is certain his days of vigilante justice have come to an end when he’s caught in the act—of murder—by the lovely TK. However, he’s about to realize he’s found the woman ready to help him live out his most depraved dreams. Featuring a sexually inexperienced hero, somnophilia, and murder (but make it fun!), No Small Sin has everything you could want from a high-heat dark rom-com. Black’s humor is spectacular, and she’ll have you giggling from first homicide all the way to happily ever after.
Turn up the heat: Book two in the Trace Fate series, Sinners Keepers, is a why-choose romance featuring a favorite side character from No Small Sin and the trio of men who adore her.
Elevator Pitch, by Evelyn Leigh
When homebody Selah realizes she can’t complete all the items on her “F*ck-It List” alone, she turns to a dating app with disastrous results. Thankfully, her neighbor Greyson is there to save the day, and happy to help her check off the steamiest tasks. As the two grow closer, it becomes clear their connection will outlast the list. Along with sweltering scenes and brilliant banter, Elevator Pitch also brings so much heart, tackling topics such as healing after an abusive relationship and finding closure post-divorce. If all that hasn’t convinced you to add Leigh’s debut to your TBR list, I have two words for you: Pleasure dom.
Turn up the heat: Dark rom-com lovers will also want to pick up Leigh’s sophomore novel: Shadowed Obsession. A stalker who mows the lawn and stocks your fridge? HOT.
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