Book Rant: Why I Don’t Like Spicy Books (And That’s Okay)

I read somewhere that writing about controversial topics could boost engagement. So here we go:

I don’t like spicy books.

There, I said it. Now we can move on… what? You want me to elaborate? Fine.

First of all, just so we’re clear — when I talk about spicy books, I mean romance novels with explicit, open-door scenes that focus heavily on physical intimacy. Okay? Okay.

The Rise of Spicy Books and Romantasy

There’s this trend I’ve been noticing over the past few years. Actually, two trends: spicy books and Romantasy books.

Most of the time, they go hand in hand. And look, I have nothing against Romantasy — but spicy books? I’m out.

I get that their rise is tied to greater awareness and openness around women’s sexual expression (which is great!). But personally, I’d rather not know about it, random person on the internet.

Why Spicy Books Aren’t for Me

Maybe it has something to do with my asexuality (which I recently discovered), but I like to think there’s more to it than that.

For starters, I hate when books focus more on the spice than the plot or the characters. Unless the scene is crucial for development or actually moves the story forward, I don’t want it. Take the porn out of my plot, please!

If I ever felt like reading something spicy (which is rare), I’d just read fanfiction. At least there, I already know and care about the characters — unlike these strangers I’m suddenly expected to connect with just because they’re having sex. Spoiler: I don’t.

And don’t even get me started on how awkward it feels when someone looks over your shoulder while you’re reading a spicy scene. I would die of embarrassment. And what if it’s a child? What am I supposed to do — explain the birds and the bees on the spot? No, thank you.

The Good Old “Fade to Black”

I remember when, back in the day, the sex scenes in books would fade to black. Or they’d be implied. Or written so subtly that I didn’t even realize what was going on. Simpler times!

And no, I’m not talking about those “clean” or “closed-door” romances popular among religious readers. This has nothing to do with religion — it’s just not my thing.

A Message to Authors

I’m not saying that spicy books should disappear. If people enjoy them, great! I’ll never be the one to take that away. But there are also readers like me who simply prefer not to have them — and that’s perfectly fine.

What I’m trying to say is this: authors, you don’t have to include spicy scenes just because they’re trendy. If you don’t want to write them, then don’t. Intimacy in books is a personal choice, and every writer handles it differently.

That doesn’t mean I’ll never read anything spicy. If the story is good, I’ll power through it — I may even enjoy it if it feels earned.

At the end of the day, spicy books just aren’t for me — and that’s perfectly fine.

Sincerely,
Lazy Cat

What about you? Do you like spicy books, or do you skip the steamy parts? Either way, it’s all good — let me know in the comments below!