Here is the before and after segment from the alleged sex scene that I posted yesterday. I will highlight the segment you read before in red so it stands out. For those readers just now joining the conversation, I had previously posted the paragraph that alluded to the sex as the identified scene, because that was the place that mentioned what actually happened. Here is the portion of the chapter leading up to the "act" and then the aftermath. I am not posting the whole scene because that would give some spoilers away, like why he is crying to begin with. If you want to find out you'll have to buy the e-book, hehehe. I personally think that this partial scene is more about emotional intimacy than actual sexual activity, but maybe you'll disagree with me? Go ahead and comment away....She gasped and pulled him into her arms.
Josiah allowed her to hold him, his heart numb from hours of crying. He didn't want to start sobbing again. Not with Tara there. It was too overwhelming to talk about. He just wanted her to hold him forever and never let go.
His shoulders shook as she squeezed him tighter. How he loved this woman.
"Don't say anything. Just let me hold you, okay?" Her warm breath on his ear made him shiver with delight. He wanted nothing more than to escape the pain and make love to Tara. In so many ways she had helped to heal his hurting soul back in high school. He wanted to feel that close to her again.
She seemed to sense his need and gazed at him with loving eyes. "I'm here for you."
Not trusting his voice to remain steady, he nodded and held her against him. She felt so good, so perfect. And her pheromones were making his head swim. "Tara..." Tipping her face up with his finger, he gazed down at her and offered her a tentative kiss. "I need you so much right now. I--"
She cut him off with a heady kiss. He released his pain as he filled his nostrils with her unique fragrance, and he reveled in the feel of her lips on his. His heavily guarded wall crumbled until he was wide open to whatever happened next.
While Tara didn't say anything, he knew the reason she had come to his house was now completely forgotten. He wanted her to know how much he appreciated her comfort.
"I love you so much, Tee."
She blinked back tears. "I love you, too."
Boundaries forgotten, they found comfort in each others arms, and by the time they finished he was completely exhausted. While their bodies were satiated, the ache that had propelled him toward physical intimacy remained. Only now, there was an added layer of guilt.
He'd blown it big time by letting her inside his house. He should've known better than to kiss her when he was in such a weakened state. It was his fault, and he hated himself for it.
One glance into her eyes told him she understood completely. How quickly the fires of passion had faded, now that they were rational and had cooled down enough to think about their actions. They both knew that their behavior didn't honor God, nor did his lack of restraint show any respect for Tara. In fact, it only made it that much harder for him to resist future encounters.
Now that he'd had a taste of Tara again, his body would crave more.
"I... I need to go." She scrambled to put her clothes back on, and before he could even apologize, she had fully dressed and slipped out the front door and into the night.
The gaping hole in his heart broke open and bled... until he was completely covered with the stain from his sin. Josiah closed his eyes, and wept.
******
Me again... I don't know about you, but I still don't think that is a sex scene that shows sex in a positive light or would make a young person want to run out and do it. I just see it as a realistic portrayal of regrets and guilt after making a poor choice in the heat of the moment. But maybe I'm off base here. Anyone?
10 comments:
I haven't read the whole book (yet), but that does not qualify as a "sex scene" in my eyes. A sex scene is descriptive, graphic, and vulgar. I have come across many of those "scenes" in the secular market and consequently walked away from the book due to discomfort and conviction, but this does NOT fit in that category. As a strong Christian woman and discerning reader, I see no problem with that scene; if anything, it made me want to read more to discover the history of this couple and what spiritual journey they are on. The follow-up after the alleged "sex scene" is clear in showing that in the eyes of God, this was not something that should have happened. Also, I love that you expressed "nor did his lack of restrain show any respect for Tara." Do not be distressed that you have crossed a line or have written something that would tempt people (if their minds have the tendency to go THERE, then it is not your fault). From this small excerpt I see an author who is not afraid to admit that Christians struggle with desires of the flesh and fail just like everyone else. The only difference is that we have hope because we know God's unconditional love and His limitless capacity for forgiveness. Now I really want to read this book!
Perfectly Imperfect said it all perfectly! I agree with her completely. There is not much more to be said to all of that, Michelle. You have written the whole scene beautifully,leaving the secular understanding behind. It comes across much more ass a spiritual experience because of the emotions involved. I also want to read the first and the rest of this story. I know you have made some wonderful points in this writing. The only confusion I had was the word "pheromones." You almost pulled one over on me, Michelle...I had to look it up. Now that I know what it means...I'm not telling. LOL
I wonder if the Lord himself had to look it up? Good for you, Michelle, you've made your points with excellence. What's next?
I do have a question for you, Michelle. Where can I get one of those shirts you are wearing in your profile pic? Are you doing a giveaway on that?
Barb,
You mean the shirt in my facebook profile? I only have one of those. I suppose I could see about getting a shirt made with more covers. :) I have one for almost all of my books so far. I collect them. I could make one by designing it on Edgy Christian fiction lovers site if you want. A portion of the sale goes to support that sight. Let me know...
Michelle - after reading all of that - I WOULD give it to my MIL. It made perfect sense & was not overdone.
I agree with Perfectly Imperfect and
barbjan10. In my opinion it was not a "sex scene."
I really want to find out why he was crying!
I cant wait to read this book. Michelle it sounds so sad,sweet,and wonderful!
I don't really understand why that person thought it was a "Sex scene"
basically all it talked about was their emotions....
No, that is not a "sex" scene. And like I said yesterday, it CLEARLY defines that what they did was wrong. Period. But for someone who only likes sweet romance, that *could* be viewed as explicit. Though I don't personally think so and I can be kind of sensitve to such subjects. :)
Not a sex scene. It's a scene that gives us a strong sense of the character's struggle. He fails, and then we get an equally strong dose of his guilt. That is truth. And I also loved the line about respect.
My teenage daugther recently came home from a teen devotional at which the topic was sex. The pastor spoke with openess and candor and my daughter greatly appreciated his truthfulness. She came home with a much greater understanding and she and I had one of the most beautiful discussions ever to follow up the pastor's lesson. I was so greatful that he didn't shy away from the topic and so was my daughter.
The worst thing we can do for our youth is treat this subject matter as taboo and shameful. They're searching for answers in a world that throws a lot of crud into their faces. If they can't turn to other Christians to discuss these NORMAL struggles, then they'll look elsewhere. I'd rather not put my children in that position
Hi everyone. This is my last giveaway for First Love posted...
http://tarasviewonbooks.blogspot.com/2010/10/first-love-by-michelle-sutton-giveaway.html?spref=fb
If you want to win a copy here is your last chance. If you can spare five bucks to buy it then you can get it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble or on the Desert Breeze site.
I agree with Perfectly Imperfect...almost.
I think Christians need to get away from thinking about or describing sex as vulgar. I've read books with explicit scenes done very tastefully and others where, yes, the language and literary choices were crude. Like a painting, it's all in the brush strokes of the painter.
Having said that, I do agree that you handled this very well. The scene is absolutely more about the emotion than about the act. I think your reviewer simply is a reader who prefers her romances to be completely without any hint of physical intimacy. Your books won't cut it for her, but there is a huge audience that will be blessed by them.
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