Closed-door romances
What do you call a romance book without a lot of sexual content? Sometimes they’re called “Clean Romances,” but I don’t like that description at all. I don’t believe sex is dirty – it’s wonderful! I prefer the terms “low steam” or “closed door” instead.
Everyone feels differently about how much and what kind of sex is the media they consume. Each person is going to have a different comfort level, and that’s totally fine.
Some books include sex, but it’s not described in detail on page. It fades to black, or closes the door, as you will.
Others don’t include sex at all; the characters don’t engage in it due to plot constraints (like they’re long distance) or because the characters are religious or have other objections to sex outside of marriage. Or it just… doesn’t happen!
I find the best place to look for information about sexual content is to look at the StoryGraph. Even if you don’t have an account, you can see the content warnings readers have submitted.
Reading young adult books is also a common way to avoid sexual content. It’s not to say it isn’t there, because might be, in some form, even if it’s mild, something that causes controversy for YA fans. But Generally, you’re not going to see a lot of on-page sexual content.
Because I get asked quite frequently about books that have less sex or no sex at all, I thought I’d finally compile a list. I’m sure there are more that I could put on here, but here’s a robust list.
And one more caveat – just because there isn’t sex doesn’t mean there aren’t other difficult topics in these books. Always check content warnings!
This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker
Anything with the “Proper Romance” tag is going to have limited sexual content. This is an imprint from Covenant Communications, which is a Christian publisher. You won’t find any sexual content in books from this line.
Mr. Malcom’s List by Suzanne Allain
Duke Gone Rogue by Christy Carlyle
The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews
Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle
The Trouble with Hating You by Sanji Patel.
This one is a little bit steamer but it’s mostly off page.
The SeaGlass Cottage by Rayanne Thayne
All of Thayne’s books are low steam. They don’t have to be read in order but they are all connected, often taking place in the same town. This one is a particular favorite of mine.
What You Wish For by Katherine Center
Center’s other books also are quite low on the steam-scale. This one is my favorite.
What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
Harmon’s other books are also low on the steam-scale. This one is my favorite.
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella
Like many other UK authors, there isn’t much steam on page in Kinsella’s books, but there are more sex jokes and talking about sex, so be forewarned.
Meg Loves Words 