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Navigating the Romance Genre: Open-Door Books vs. Closed-Door Novels

Updated: Jun 7

Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting realms of romance literature? If you're a book lover seeking to unravel the mysteries of open-door versus closed-door romance novels, look no further! Get cozy, grab your favorite beverage, and let's delve deep into the heart of the matter.


image of a man and woman lying on a bed kissing intimately
Open-Door vs Closed-Door Romance

Defining Open-Door Romance Novels


Imagine flipping through the pages of a book and being transported into a world where passion knows no bounds. Open-door romance novels invite readers to witness intimate moments between characters in vivid detail. From heated kisses to steamy sexual intimacy, these books leave little to the imagination, offering a front-row seat to the characters' amorous escapades.


Open-door romance is like a fiery inferno, blazing with passion and desire. It's a genre tailored for readers who crave intensity, heat, and a healthy dose of spice in their literary adventures. From love triangles to forbidden romances, open-door novels pull readers into a whirlwind of emotions, leaving them breathless and yearning for more. Sex is depicted on the page and oftentimes described in great detail.


Examples of Open-Door Romance Novels


  • A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

  • From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

  • Inception by Bianca Scardoni

  • Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

  • Star Bringer by Tracy Wolff


pictures of 5 book covers
Examples of Open-Door Romance Books

Defining Closed-Door Romance Books


In contrast, closed-door romance novels are masters of subtlety. While the chemistry between characters may sizzle and spark, the bedroom door remains firmly closed. These books focus more on the emotional journey of the characters rather than explicit physical encounters, allowing readers to delve into the depths of their relationships without explicit detail.


Closed-door romance is a delicate dance of restraint and anticipation. While the romantic tension may be palpable, the physical aspects of the characters' relationships are left to the imagination. These books celebrate the power of the imagination by allowing readers to fill in the blanks with their own fantasies and desires. No sex is depicted on the page.


Understanding "Fade to Black" Scenes


Ah, the elusive "fade to black" moment. This literary device gracefully transitions intimate scenes to darkness, leaving the rest to the reader's imagination. It's a subtle yet effective way to maintain a level of intimacy without delving into explicit detail, allowing authors to focus on the emotional depth of the characters' connections. In many ways, we can see this as the "middle ground," where authors might describe passionate kisses and wandering hands in less detail, and then allow the scene to end. Sex is not depicted on the page, but it is suggested and inferred by the reader.


Examples of Closed-Door Romance Novels


  • The Selection by Kiera Cass

  • The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

  • Divergent by Veronica Roth

  • Configured by Jenetta Penner

  • Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater


pictures of 5 book covers
Examples of Closed-Door Romance Books

What Kind of Romance Reader Are you?


Whether you prefer your romance novels with the bedroom door wide open or gently closed, there's a captivating story waiting to sweep you off your feet. For me, I enjoy both in my reading. Sometimes I crave smut and spice, and sometimes I'm perfectly content with the door closed and my imagination doing the work. Whichever you choose, there is nothing better than falling in love over and over again in stories. So, immerse yourself in the world of romance literature and let your heart soar with every turn of the page!


And if you're a lover of romance novels, action adventure, plot twists, and sexy book boyfriends, then you might want to check out my novel, DISSENT, due to release in August 2024! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter here and add DISSENT to your TBR list on Goodreads so you don't miss exciting updates, excerpts, and all the release day fun!

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