In Romance: B(u)y the Book, I recommend novels in which sensuality depicted is appropriate within the context of the love story. Authenticity of sensuality is represented in the Overall Rating and is one part of what makes for a well-composed romance.

The Sensuality Rating judges only the kind of intimate touching and intimate talk shared between characters. Not the love, not the passion. Just the bare-bones sensuality considered apart from the story.

Whether you love sweet One Heart selections or sizzling Five Heart erotica, your hero and heroine will always have their happy ending as a committed, monogamous couple.

Means the content is innocent.

Means that they might think about it, but they aren't doing or saying anything until the ring is on her finger. Even then, don't expect to be invited to the reception.

Means that, "Is it getting hot in here?" They're thinking, doing, and saying -- and you can read all about (most of) it.

Means that "Yeah, it's wicked hot in here." Expect highly sensual, non-vanilla narrative and imagery.

Is it too hot to handle? Be prepared for outrageously erotic goings on.