When Passion Meets Plot . . .

My Love Scene Crisis

Every romantic suspense author faces one burning question. How much heat before the story melts?

I’m knee-deep in my current manuscript, and the main characters are circling each other like flames. But here’s my dilemma—where’s the sweet spot?

The Temperature Test
Picture this, enemies-to-lovers scene unfolding:🎬

The Beginning: Tension You Could Cut

She catches him watching from across the room. That familiar sneer twists his perfect mouth. The look that says I know what you did.
She lifts her champagne in mock salute.

His jaw tightens. Good. Let him simmer in his suspicion. Let him wonder what she’s planning next.

The Middle: When Control Slips

“You’re enjoying this,” she spits, trapped between him and the wall.
His smile is sharp as diamonds. “Watching you squirm? Immensely.”
But his voice catches on the last word. His eyes drop to her mouth. For one unguarded second, raw hunger replaces the hatred.
She sees it. Their eyes lock. F*ck. Now what?
“Get away from me,” she whispers. But her hands fist in his jacket. Pulling him closer when she means to push.

The End: Power Shifts

She shoves him back. Hard. “This changes nothing.”
“Liar.” The word scrapes his throat raw. “We’ve been circling this for months.”
“You keep circling. I’m not one to follow every little twitch under my skin.”
His smile turns lethal. But his hands shake as he straightens his cuffs. She’s drawn blood without throwing a punch.
Doesn’t he know by now, she never surrenders first?

Would You Rather?

The Slow Burn: Sexual tension that could power Toronto. Every touch is earned through 300 pages. When they finally collide, readers combust.
The Fast Flame: Instant chemistry that complicates everything. They surrender to desire by chapter three. Now they navigate danger while pretending they don’t.
The False Start: Almost-kisses and interrupted moments. Every scene builds unbearable anticipation. Until the perfect (dangerous) moment arrives.

Writing Room Confessions

I’ve written this scene seventeen times. Each version changes who has control. Each rewrite shifts the power dynamic.

Too much steam and I lose the suspense. Too little and where’s the romance? The balance drives me beautifully insane.

By the end of the day, as my head hit the pillow, the questions churn:

• Does danger make desire more intense?
• Should vulnerability happen before or after?
• Can trust exist without full disclosure?

Where’s Your Thermometer?

You tell me—what’s your perfect heat level?

Mild: Kisses that promise everything. Touches that tease what’s possible. The bedroom door closes, imagination opens.

Medium: Passion with purpose and emotional weight. Sexual tension that advances the plot. Love scenes that reveal character truths.

Spicy: Full steam ahead, nothing left unsaid. Every sensation explored and examined. Characters (and you) left breathless.

Your Turn to Play Editor

I’m curious about your preferences. What makes a love scene memorable versus skippable?

Leave a comment and tell me:

• Your favourite romantic suspense heat level
• A book that got it perfectly right
• Whether danger amplifies desire for you