One of the most common questions romance authors get is, “Is your book spicy?”
And the answer for me—without hesitation—is no. But that doesn’t mean my stories lack heat, intimacy, or depth.
I write what’s known as clean romance. That can mean different things to different readers, so here’s what it means to me:
It means the most tender moments happen behind closed doors.
It means the emotional connection always takes center stage.
And it means the most meaningful intimacy is the kind that’s built on trust, commitment, and love and not just physical chemistry.
I write this way because it’s how I lived.
My marriage, before my beloved passed early, was full of joy, laughter, and yes, more than a little spice. But the beauty of it wasn’t in what anyone else could see. It was in what we didn’t share. The privacy of our bond, the sacredness of what belonged only to us. That’s what made it so rich. And that’s what I carry with me now, even after he's gone.
There’s something powerful about the unspoken. About letting the reader imagine what happens in the quiet spaces, instead of spelling out every detail. I believe imagination is one of the most romantic tools we have and that longing, anticipation, and emotional vulnerability are more powerful than a play-by-play.
In my stories, love is slow-growing. It’s earned. It’s rooted in mutual respect, deep emotional connection, and a sense of forever. That’s what matters most to me. Not what happens in a single scene, but what lasts when the pages close.
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to romance, and that’s a beautiful thing. But for me, I’ll keep writing stories where love is something sacred. Something hopeful. Something worth waiting for.
Because for me, that kind of love is the most romantic thing of all.
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