Sweet, clean, spicy, minty….oh my! There’s no shortage of terms floating around Bookstagram describing romance books.
But what in the world is a ‘clean romance’? Does using the word ‘clean’ to describe a book imply that other books are dirty? And most importantly, are clean books cheesy and boring?
Let’s talk about it:
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Defining a clean romance
I’ve heard people argue that the word ‘clean’ when used to describe a romance book is relatively subjective. Meaning that it means something different to each person who uses the term.
But I disagree, I think by and large the word ‘clean’ means something to people when it’s used as a marketing term.
For the purposes of this blog post (and when I recommend books here and on my Instagram page), this is how we will define clean books:
- free of swearing, profanity, and religious swears (including taking the Lord’s name in vain)
- free of sexually explicit content (this means no bedroom scenes, no feelings of attraction described “below the belt”, and no
- free of sexual innuendo (no euphemisms, hinting at bedroom activities, etc.)
When I pick up a book that is marketed as a clean romance, these are the expectations that I have. After nearly two years on clean Bookstagram (the side of Instagram where we talk about all things sweet & clean romance) I think this is probably what most clean readers would expect of their books as well.
Shop Clean Romance Books for Every Reader on Amazon
Does ‘clean’ imply that other books are ‘dirty’?
One myth that floats around the internet is that by describing some romance books as clean, it would imply other books are dirty.
Here’s how I think about it: if I told you that this morning I worked really hard and now my house is clean, I’m not implying that your house is dirty or that you’re lazy. I’m simply stating what I did this morning and the current state of my house.
Similarly, if I state that I prefer to read a clean book (meaning it’s free of swearing and sexually explicit content) it doesn’t mean that every other book is dirty. It simply means they do not follow the rules & expectations of a clean book.
Also, Amazon has an entire category of romance books called ‘Clean & Wholesome’ books. Again, they aren’t implying that books outside of this category are dirty, it’s just one way they can signal to readers that these books are free of certain types of content.
Are clean books boring or cheesy?
The short answer? Absolutely not!
The long answer? It probably depends on the book and your preference and your ability to suspend disbelief.
If you’re having a hard time believing that the big city lawyer could fall in love with the small town farmer in two weeks then you might describe that book as cheesy. But if you suspend disbelief and choose to live in the world the author created, where love can happen fast and spontaneously, then it might be your new favorite book!
Also, there are a lot of incredibly authors who know how to keep a book clean while also giving you all the feelings, so don’t be afraid to try a clean book. If you find one to be cheesy, try another one! There’s no shortage of amazing clean books out there.
Shop Clean Romance Books for Everyone on Amazon
Clean Romance for Everyone!
If there is one thing I’ve learned as a clean reader, it’s that there is no shortage of options out there! There are clean fantasy books, historical romance, time traveler romance (think Outlander without all the sexy times), romcoms, stories with swoony cowboys, cozy mysteries, truly the sky is the limit. And my bursting TBR (to be read) pile is proof.
There is truly clean romance for everyone, so don’t be afraid to try one! Below are a few of my favorite clean romance books to recommend, if you want even more recommendations come check out my Instagram!
To shop any of the books show above, click here and you’ll be taken to my Amazon store front where I’ve collected all of the titles for you in one easy place!
Do you have a favorite clean romance book or author? Share in the comments below!
