I Would Not Do It In a Tree; I Would Not Do It With a Flea
Apr 14th 2007
Sabrina JeffriesOn Writing!
Okay, so I’ve clearly read way too much Dr. Seuss in my lifetime, but aside from that, I have a confession to make. I like writing less-than-typical love scenes: characters doing it in semi-public places (the British museum, anyone?), characters attempting to do it while one of them is on a swing, characters doing it in chairs, on tables, against walls.
Why? I DON’T KNOW. I suspect it is a compulsion born of some twisted romance-writer sickness—the same one that causes me to lust after alpha males and fantasize about dark-haired men more than blonds. But for every one of my scenes written in a bedroom, I am compelled to write two where the characters risk discovery any minute or are getting it on acrobatically in the snow (actually, haven’t done one in the snow—note to self, write love scene set in snow).
Seriously though, I like to mix things up. Apparently, I am not alone, judging from Jon Stewart’s interview of Richard Preston on The Daily Show about his nonfiction book The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring. It seems people have even made love in the tops of giant redwoods, far above the ground. Gives new meaning to the term, “mile-high club.” I’ll have to get that book.
But mostly I like reading (or writing) about it in fiction. One of my fave love scenes of all times is in Johanna Lindsey’s Savage Thunder—it takes place on a horse. Equestrians persist in telling me that it is virtually impossible, but that doesn’t ruin my enjoyment. Nor does it keep me from believing that somewhere, somehow, some couple has made love on horseback. They’re just not talking.
So how about you? Do you like exotic love scenes in your fiction? Or do you prefer the more mundane? What is the most outrageous setting for a love scene that you’ve ever read, seen, or been involved in? (Yes, I live vicariously through my fellow goddesses.) And for Zeus’s sake, PLEASE tell me if you’ve ever done it on a horse!
46 Comments »
46 Responses to “I Would Not Do It In a Tree; I Would Not Do It With a Flea”
Kelly Ann on 14 Apr 2007 at 3:52 am #
You are very talented in writing exotic romance scenes, goddess Sabrina. I loved that swing scene - 1st Swanlea spinster series, right?
Those characters are all very lucky. I love a sexy love scene. The 1st spicy love scene I ever read was in Jill Barnett’s “Just A Kiss Away”, it took place in the Philippines beside a tide pool in a cave. The southern bell had been kidnapped along with a man for hire, they had escaped! It was my 1st taste of the scenes I’ve come to love in my romances. If your going to dream, you may as well dream big.
The most outrageous setting for me was in an above ground pool, just before sunset, not too creative, I suppose, but risky. I won’t bore you with my other obnoxious attempts @ being a heroine. Ha-ha! I have been caught!
I’ve always wondered myself if it could be done on horseback & I’ve also wondered about on a motorcycle, I know foreplay can be done there. I personally think both are a definite possibility.
Sabrina Jeffries on 14 Apr 2007 at 6:52 am #
Ooh, ooh, a motorcycle! I could go for that, except that I think it would raise some eyebrows in a historical.
Karen H in NC on 14 Apr 2007 at 8:40 am #
I remember that scene on horseback in ‘Savage Thunder’…talk about erotic!! WHEW!! I still break out in a sweat just thinking about it!
I think love scenes in places of imminent discovery are exciting and really add a lot to the characters & story.
For me, it was a hot, summer night on a blanket on the ground behind the garage of my parents’ home……just barely out of sight of the kitchen window….and my mom was still up! And we didn’t get caught. I seem to recall being up against the wall in the back hallway of my parents’ home, door to the kitchen closed and Mom was still awake then too! I must have liked living dangerously back then.
Julia London on 14 Apr 2007 at 8:41 am #
I wrote sex on a motorcycle in Material Girl. Got quite a lot of appreciative reader mail for that one :-). My husband had a motorcyle at that time….that’s all I’m saying
Karen Rose on 14 Apr 2007 at 9:14 am #
Door and large appliances seem to be my forte, although car hoods work too. There’s something about the vibration of a clothes dryer or the temperature difference backed up against a fridge (cold fridge at her back, hot, hot man *all* up her front) to add a little kick to things… And car hoods work too. That’s all I’m saying.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2007 at 9:22 am #
I just watched A History of Violence with Viggo (aka Strider in LOTR) and there was this scene on the stairs…wooden stairs, mind you…where he pretty much rapes his wife…but she was into it so it wasn’t actually a rape…but wow.
Wow.
I happen to have a wooden staircase in my house. I also happen to have a kickin’ hot husband.
That’s all I’m saying.
gannon on 14 Apr 2007 at 10:49 am #
Oh, Claudia, I saw A History of Violence and that was some scene–Whew!!
There is something about a semi-public place, Sabrina, and the risk of being caught. I can recall a party at a friend’s house and ending up in the bathrooom with my dh–couldn’t wait ’til we got home! Also, in the car in the parking lot at the airport–hey, it was night! And no, we’ve never been caught.
Just liked to live dangerously when we were younger.
Variety is the spice of life, right?!
KMB25 on 14 Apr 2007 at 11:36 am #
I have to say I’m with Karen Rose with the large appliances (or the dryer at least!) The vibrations are very interesting….hehe..
Also, I think the most exotic place for me(which is probably pretty cliche) was a hot tub…in Aspen, CO…It was a nice vacation! ’nuff said.
kimber on 14 Apr 2007 at 11:38 am #
“Savage Thunder” was one of the first romances I read. I always wondered if it was possible to do it on a horse. I like the scenes where they are up against a door or wall. I just read Marriane Stillings’ “Arousing Suspicions” and it had a scene where they do it in the passenger seat of a car and oddly enough there is a reference to Dr. Seuss at the end. However, stairs… just thinking about it makes my back hurt. Can anyone say Chiropracter.
Karen Rose on 14 Apr 2007 at 11:47 am #
I love the love scenes!!! Sabrina, that scene in ONLY A DUKE WILL DO was steamin’! Looking forward to Julia’s PPP and I’m enjoying my way through my stack of goddess books. For me, it’s all about the love scene. I’ve had readers tell me they skip over them and that always makes me a little sad.
My sister, for one, skips over my love scenes, but I guess I can kind of forgive her for that. She gets a little creeped out thinking about her big sister that way. Like she’s the only one who knows about that stuff. Hmph.
Many times when I’m choosing a new author I’ll stand in the bookstore and flip through to find the love scene - I have a knack for opening a book to just the right place, lol. If I like the love scene, I buy the book. And I’ve never been disappointed!
Judy F on 14 Apr 2007 at 12:31 pm #
Oh I do love a good love scene. Jessica Hall has a great scene on a motorcycle going down the highway too. WOW.
My most adventurous time was outside on a deck then the hot tub.
Now life is boring.
KMB25 on 14 Apr 2007 at 12:40 pm #
Kimber,
(that was actually a nickname for me when I was a lot younger–good choice!) …anyways, I’m with you on the stairs…I’d need to call my chiropractor right away!
Judy…yay–another hot tub fan!
I’d have to say that I really like the love scenes that are written outdoors…against trees, and meadows…it’s definitely given me food for thought!
~Kim
darlingbeachgirl on 14 Apr 2007 at 2:14 pm #
I love your love scenes sabrina it is the whole reason my husband started buying me your books he got me my first on my birthday and when he goes to look for romances he looks for yours first. I love the risky dangerous sultry exciting love scenes and trust me how the hubby benefits from it. I too always wanted to try the love scene on a horse. Also the motorcycle the hubby laughs at my adventerous side and loves every minute of it. Although the only adventerous time we had was on a car hood and the only danger aspect was it was at a state park site fort raliegh on the outer banks of nc about a half a mile away from the park ranger housing area.
Karen Hawkins on 14 Apr 2007 at 3:48 pm #
Sabrina writes some of the smokin’est love scenes out there. I love, love, LOVE them.
Wildest one I’ve written? In a barn, in the hay, with the door open. Oh yesss… that Chase St. John is a daring man! Oh, oh, oh, and in a carriage in Her Master and Commander. That one was a lot of fun, too!
In real life? Outside, national monument, not mentioning which state … but you all might want to look reeeeally close at all those distance shots you took of the Grand Canyon. Just sayin’ …
Stacy S on 14 Apr 2007 at 4:02 pm #
I like the more adventurous love scenes. Your books are very hot.
In real life, hubby likes to do that while driving. Never had an accident or got caught.
Karen Hawkins on 14 Apr 2007 at 4:27 pm #
Stacy … WHILE DRIVING? (blinks) HOW?
Stacy S on 14 Apr 2007 at 4:53 pm #
It’s not to hard. Just move steering wheel and you get the hang of it after the first few times.
foreverdelayed on 14 Apr 2007 at 5:24 pm #
I had something I wanted to post, but then Claudia reminded me of the sex scene from A History of Violence and now I cannot think straight. I am having a Viggo Moment…
Oh ya!
I love unconventional love scenes.
lisapbailey on 14 Apr 2007 at 5:40 pm #
My hat’s off to you goddesses who can write the hot love scenes that keep us all coming back for more, more, more. (whew, i’m getting carried away)
Recent memory for outrageus locales would have to be the trampoline. Hey, it was a present for the kids, we had to make sure it could take a good bouncing. Parental responsibility and all that!! (out of respect for the neighbors we waited until after dark)
dbrown3400 on 14 Apr 2007 at 5:45 pm #
My bf and I don’t try to be adventuresome, it just sort of happens. Not too long after we met 15 yrs ago we were at an after party and almost didn’t make it up the stairs. We were a little sloshed, is that an oxymoron?, and started in like teenagers as soon as we made it to the landing, not even minding that the only bathroom in the house was five feet away. Another good time was in his boat, again forgetting that we were just off the Jersey Shore which is crowded in the summer.
Nan Ryan also had a good horse scene in I believe Silken Savage that pretty much demonstrated how it could be done. OMG
Something I find titillating is the “inch at a time” love scene. He’s big, she’s tight. That’s hot imho.
There are some REALLY sexy scenes I like but not enough room here.
Donna
Nicole Jordan on 14 Apr 2007 at 5:57 pm #
Lisa, that is too funny about havine to try out the tampoline for the sake of the kids.
I also love your love scenes, Sabrina! And I agree, variety is great. Oh, and on horseback is anatomically possible, just awkward. And you’d better have a quiet horse! I don’t speak from actual experience, you realize.
I think one of the hottest scenes I’ve ever read was in Susan Johnson’s Silver Flame, up against a wall of mirrors. Very sizzling.
As for my own love live, it’s been really tame compared to what I write or what some of our other goddesses have experienced, and I ain’t saying nothin else.
NicoleJ
dbrown3400 on 14 Apr 2007 at 6:54 pm #
I remember that scene, Nicole, and it was hot.
Sorry, Nan Ryan, but I put two of your titles into one. The book was Savage Heat — got confused with Silken Bondage. Another good one of hers.
db
DebMarlowe on 14 Apr 2007 at 7:20 pm #
Hottest one I’ve written: in the back room of the Egyptian Hall in London
As for real life, recently a friend sent me a list that had lots of adventurous type activities listed and points received for each activity. I’m sad to say my points were not very high. But that just gives me a goal to work towards, right?
You know those shower stalls outside of beach houses, with benches inside, and your feet show because the walls don’t go all the way down? That’s all I’m sayin’.
Sabrina Jeffries on 14 Apr 2007 at 8:38 pm #
I was out at my local chapter meeting until now, but I see I was missing a great discussion. Trampolines? The Grand Canyon? Beach shower stalls? And Stacey S–while driving????? Y’all are WAY more adventurous than I am in real life. Maybe that’s why I’m adventurous in the books.
Phew, must take notes. Y’all have given me a whole new raft of ideas. Although I’ll admit that the trampoline has me scratching my head, Lisa. The closest I’ve had to adventurous lovemaking is outdoors. Sheesh!
Sabrina Jeffries on 14 Apr 2007 at 8:52 pm #
Oh, and thanks for the kind words about my love scenes. I must confess they’re my favorite scenes!!
Nicole writes pretty hot scenes herself–phew! Love those. In fact, all the goddesses do pretty well in the hot scene department.
And that mirror scene sounds great, Nicole. I like mirrors in a love scene, although I’ve never done multiple mirrors. Hmm, more fodder.
Good to know that the horse thing is anatomically possible.
Jenni on 15 Apr 2007 at 1:01 am #
I love that scene from Savage Thunder! That was the book that got me into romance novels.
My most daring place in real-life: the back of a UPS truck (my husband was a UPS driver at the time). Did you know that the ceiling of the truck is not brown like the rest of it?
seton on 15 Apr 2007 at 1:32 am #
When I got to the le coit de cheval scene in SAVAGE THUNDER, I was like ho-hum. I had already similar scenes in Susan Johnson’s LOVESTORM and Jude Deveraux’s VELVET SONG
add me to the group who would like to see more sex scenes with mirrors
Janelle on 15 Apr 2007 at 5:21 am #
I like Karen Hawkins’ love scene in Lady in Red when they do it in a carriage. But I like grittier love scenes… the unusual, and not necessarily location-wise. One of the hottest love scenes I’ve read all year was in Shana Galen’s No Man’s Bride. Let’s just say that there was a little taste of voyeurism in it. Speaking of which (since I found it hot), do you guys know of any voyeur type scenes outside of erotica?
One of the most adventurous places I’ve done it? The church. Many times, in at least 4 different churches. They weren’t empty, either. We totally could’ve been caught at any moment… I can’t wait to do it again (except that I have to wait, damn six week law).
Sabrina Jeffries on 15 Apr 2007 at 9:05 am #
Okay, Janelle, now you’ve got me curious–what six week law?
I’ve never done it in a church, but I’ve made out in a church many a time. What can I say? When you’re a preacher’s/missionary’s daughter, you spend lots of time in churches.
Karen Hawkins on 15 Apr 2007 at 9:05 am #
Yeah, Nicole’s sex scenes are smokin’! And thanks Janelle, for the compliment about Lady In Red’s carriage scene. I loooved writing that one.
Janelle, you’re a dangerous woman. I can see that. Very dangerous. Hope your dear one appreciates how much! Heh!
As for more sex scenes with mirrors … can you guys tell why you like those? What makes them so steamy for you???
Tisa E on 15 Apr 2007 at 9:27 am #
That is the main reason I have been “glomming” your books from the very beginning, Sabrina. I adore your love scenes and the “Swing” scene is one that lives long in memory.
One of the most memorable love scenes [speaking of museums] is one by Tiffany White years ago with the woman wearing a thong under her jacket and the couple end up “coupling” in a museum. It remains one of the “hottest” ones for a “series” contemporary.
Of course, you all have written many memorable love scenes- thus the reason my “keeper” bookshelves are bursting at the seams. Just keep up the great work and I will keep on buying!
Audrey on 15 Apr 2007 at 10:29 am #
I love a little variety in my sex scenes - on paper of course!
But I did want to post because, Sabrina, you might want to rethink the love scene in the snow. I know visually, it might be so pretty, the crisp, sparkling pristineness of all that snow, the steamy puffs of breath representing the passionate hotness of your embrace…
What really happens is that you’re either thumping and bumping under a mountain of covers and it gets really hot and suffocating in there, or any body part that is sticking out is way too cold to be brought back under the covers and applied to any other person’s body part. Hiyaaah!!
Or so I’ve heard…
Kelly Ann on 15 Apr 2007 at 10:37 am #
Oh, my gosh, I wasn’t even thinking about motorcycles not being in historicals - duh! There all I read too, maybe he could be an inventor and trying out his new motor bike/lover.
Sabrina wrote a mirror love scene in Only A Duke Will Do, right? So many books (sorry if I’m wrong about this). I think that particular mirror scenes is so errotic because he is mad @ her, but still wants her too. Here she is a recently deflowered virgin, trying not to get pregnant because she’s scared and still not ashamed of her body or what they are doing @ all. Plus, if they always did it in bed, with nothing new happening they wouldn’t be sooo exciting! I now I didn’t really portray what I wanted to say real well, sorry. I just wish that Duke was my hubby, not that he doens’t satisfy me, but like I said above, if it always happens in a bed it wouldn’t be soooo exciting.
I’m also curious about this Church thing, Janelle! I really think we need more details!
Janelle on 15 Apr 2007 at 12:15 pm #
Oh! I just had a baby, and we have to wait six weeks until we can do it again. At this point, I’m not yet looking forward to it, but I know I will be.
And you guys want more details about the Church thing? We have this one place we usually go. It’s a very small stage area with lots of curtains. Or we go to the bathroom (since they have some single bathrooms), and ONCE in the empty baptismal font.
Karen Hawkins on 15 Apr 2007 at 3:56 pm #
This is a very naughty conversation which I’m enjoying it very much!
What healthy, vibrant woman you all are! THIS is the way you keep a great relationship from getting old or stale or boring — you SPICE it up!
Good going, gals!!!
You are ALL goddesses!!!!
MizMacgyver on 15 Apr 2007 at 5:08 pm #
I know a motorcycle won’t go with a historical, but OMG! Cycles got their own vibration going on and you ALMOST don’t need a man anyway. BUT add the man and the vibrations and you are gone……
gannon on 15 Apr 2007 at 5:44 pm #
Ladies, is it me or is it getting warm in here with all of this talk!! Y’all rock. I may just have to give the motorcycle a try. And Janelle in church–very inventive! I love it.
MizMacgyver on 15 Apr 2007 at 7:17 pm #
LOL, I personally am post menopausal and once the thermostat gets broke it never repairs itself. I think it is always warm, as for in here…. We done topped 110 degrees with no cooling trend in sight.
darlingbeachgirl on 16 Apr 2007 at 10:54 am #
wow a church ……..yeah not that brave….although there was the cemetary across from the church lol only cause my husband didn’t want to be blasmaphous so we just gave the dearly departed a good show……hopefully there wasn’t really ghost visting their the cemetary plot
TheNightPoet on 16 Apr 2007 at 11:21 am #
I love the scene from Savage Thunder!! I don’t know what it is about the savage books I’ve read by different authors, but man, phew, they are all hot and steamy! There’s a scene from one of Nicole’s books that I love. It’s from Master of Temptation. Caro’s secret springs in Cyrene….oh man! I love all those scense with her and Max.
As for what I’ve done…well nothing actually…I am like the heroines in Nicole’s books. (sorry to the other goddesses, I haven’t had a chance to read your books yet) I am waiting for marriage.
Thanks to all of you though, I am getting ideas for the future. My future husband isn’t going to know what to do with me. lol I’m teasing. 
Andrea
Ronlyn on 16 Apr 2007 at 11:27 am #
Well, I’m not going to call out the equestrians you know Sabrina, but I’m thinking they lack imagination. I’m here to tell you that scene IS possible and very (VERY) enjoyable. *blush*
So, ummm….what was the question again?
Tisa E on 16 Apr 2007 at 8:31 pm #
Ah, Nicole, one of your memorable scenes for me was in ECSTASY- when they had the entire bordello to themselves and he lashed her to the mast on the pirate ship! My, oh my! How that one stands out!
And, Karen, in THE SEDUCTION OF SARA Every love scene was over the top for me. It still commands a special place alongside Sabrina’s A NOTORIOUS LORD on my “keeper” shelves. I re-visit them once a year or more.
Thanks, ladies for the memories!
Karen Hawkins on 17 Apr 2007 at 8:31 am #
Thanks, Tisa! Someone wrote to me about the honey in the love scene in The Seduction of Sara and said, “I tried it. It was sticky, but oh so WORTH it!” Made me laugh. Glad you enjoyed the book, Tisa.
Nicole Jordan on 18 Apr 2007 at 10:02 am #
Andrea and Tisa, thanks for your compliments! I’m like Sabrina… I want variety in the love scenes I read and write…. especially since I’ve read and written so many of them. I’ve become jaded, as I expect many long-time romanc readers have. So spicing up those scenes to add a little variety and freshness makes them a lot more enjoyable to read and write.
NicoleJ
Sabrina Jeffries on 18 Apr 2007 at 10:52 am #
I’m so glad you said that, Ronlyn. If I decide to write one, can I tap you for the research?
TheNightPoet on 18 Apr 2007 at 11:09 am #
Your welcome Nicole!
Andrea