After years of research, I’ve concluded that the single most tedious, often repeated line to be found in a romance novel is, “The man could really kiss.”

If there’s ever a time when I want to be shown, not told, it’s during a love scene. I’m an emotional reader; I can appreciate  a romance for its exquisite writing or an intriguing plot, but if those aren’t in service of making me feel strongly, I’ll always find something lacking in the book.  I want to know what it’s like to get that incredible kiss, from someone you love or are going to love. And if you can’t make me feel that connection during a simple kiss, no way am I going to feel interested in following these characters into a steamy sex scene.

Which inevitably raises the question, why am I still reading Fifty Shades of Grey and hoping I might start to enjoy it at some point?