Author Phyllis Campbell Talk's Writing Sexual Tension

Writing Sexual Tension

A few years ago, I received an awesome review for my romantic comedy, Ten Ways To Melt A Man’s Heart. Reviewer labeled me “Queen Of Sexual Tension”. Let me tell you what a thrill that was! Then other reviews picked up on it and they gave me the same title. I wear it proudly now. (grins) And still I admit I love to write sexual tension…even more than the actual sex scene.

So I thought I’d give you my secret – or try, anyway.

First off, when you’re writing your story, your characters MUST be physically attracted to each other. Why? Because if they’re not, there are no sparks, and if there are no sparks, there is nothing that will make your reader’s heart jump and make them breathless. So, rule #1…your characters must have physical attraction. (love comes later in the story as your characters grow together)

Anton offered his arm to Rebecca. “Shall we?”


“Yes.” She slipped her hand around his elbow, and immediately his body heat radiated and melded into her palm. Delightful shivers danced over her, and she silently cursed her reaction to the attractive man.


In the light, Anton was more handsome than she ever imagined. Hair slightly longer than it had been in the miniature she’d taken from Mr. Pinkerton without his knowledge, Anton still radiated masculinity. His broad shoulders and chest fit comfortably into his pearl white silk shirt, gold cravat, and vest. Deep blue trousers molded very nicely to his long legs, and his black boots elegantly shined to perfection.

Something simple like this is enough to start out the story. In my historical romance, Spanish Eyes, heroine has only watched hero from afar, but knows what a handsome man he is...and she can’t stop thinking about him. Even if she thinks he’s the thief her agency is after. In this part of the story, hero only sees heroine as a woman he wants to seduce. As the story progresses, the tingles, tremors, and deep breaths increase as your characters touch each other just a little bit more – either by accident or on purpose.

The next step is easy. Of course, your characters might not like it, but you have to convince them it’s for their own good. You need to bring them close…enough for a kiss, or even just the brush of his lips against her neck. In your character’s scene, they want this. They mentally argue that they can’t have it, but they’ll try for it nonetheless. Just as they think they’ve won…pull away. They can’t win, and you as the writer must do something in the scene to stop them.

Hooking her arm around his elbow, he escorted her through the side door onto a small patio that overlooked a flower garden. A thick patch of trees bordered the secluded area, keeping their walk very intimate. As they strolled, her body shivered against him, her breath escaping in uneven spurts. He smiled, loving the power of seduction, seeing himself as an expert at the art. Rarely did a woman refuse him. This one would fall as easily, he was certain.


“Señorita? Are you not interested in me?”


She shrugged.


The moon gave enough illumination to show him her beautiful eyes. He moved in front of her, circling his arms around her slender waist, pulling her body against his. A gasp sprang from her, but she obeyed his gentle prompt and rested her hands on his chest.


“You mentioned earlier that life is too short. If I find something I enjoy, I, like you, want to savor the moment. You, my dear Rebecca, are one of the pleasures I seek.”


“You have only known me for a short time.”


“But I have sung to you for two weeks. I have memorized every line of your face.” He traced his fingertip along the side of her jaw. “And every curve of your delicate figure.” He dropped his hand to her shoulder and caressed it. “How can you say I do not know you, when in my mind, I have already touched you? In my dreams, I have kissed your sweet lips, held you against my body as your uncontrolled breath brushed my skin.”


Her breathing grew faster, accentuating the sensual rise and fall of her bosom, yet she seemed more relaxed in his arms. Seduction was within his grasp.


He lowered his head and swept his lips across her cheek. “And I know you have been thinking of me. Why else would you come every night to see the opera? Why would you look at me the way you do with your fascinating, angelic eyes?”


Her eyelids closed. Almost there. Brushing his lips across hers, he hesitated, teased, and prolonged the sweet pleasure—if only for a moment. But he couldn’t wait any longer. He had to taste her.


Anton stifled a victorious groan as he settled his mouth over hers. He tried to slide his tongue between her lips, but she turned her face, and his lips grazed her cheek.


“Oh, you are good.” She chuckled low in her throat.


He looked into her glowing face and arched eyebrows. “Pardon me?”


Her smile widened. “Oh, yes, you are very good, indeed.”


“Gracias, but I have not given you enough by which to judge me.”


“No, I refer to your attempt at seduction, not your kiss.” She withdrew from his embrace and walked to a potted plant near the edge of the patio, glancing over her shoulder. “Your words are perfect, your timing precise, and your teasing kiss could not have been better. But, I decide when I will let a man take liberties, and now is not the time.”

Oh, and did I mention to write about what your characters are feeling? Yeah, that’s a big factor. In this above excerpt, you know how Anton is feeling…and through Rebecca’s actions, you know she’s having a hard time holding back how she feels as well. Make the reader fall in love with your characters. Make them feel the electricity between your hero and heroine. Then, when you tease the reader by pulling your characters apart before they can have that first kiss…first touch…for first whatever, your reader will become anxious for the next time this happens in your story. And once again, only give in so much before pulling hero and heroine away.

As Anton continued to rub his mustache, his gaze moved over her face, swept down her neck and rested on her bosom. His close inspection made her squirm, yet her breasts tingled with awareness, and she suppressed a moan.


He ceased toying with his facial hair, peered into her eyes and smiled. “I, too, rarely lose, but it seems after meeting you tonight that is all I have done.” Closing the gap between them, he leaned closer and stroked her cheek. “I have a deal to make with you which will proclaim us both winners this evening.”


“And what is that?” Her voice shook.


“You give me what I want, and in exchange, I will give you what you want.”


Did he mean what her wayward mind thought? Her face burned, and her throat turned dry. Anticipation rushed through her. Her chance had finally come to charm him into submission.


She had to, but she had to remain professional about it and not let the emotions get the best of her.


“What do you have in mind?”


* * * *


Despite her bold attempt, he detected her underlying innocence. She couldn’t hide her timid nature. What game did she play with him?


Anton teetered between doubt and amusement, knowing he ought not laugh aloud at her expression. He cupped her face, enjoying the way she snuggled against his hand.


“You are very beautiful.” He inched her face closer to his, his mouth descending. “And it makes me wonder if you use your beauty to get what you want.”


“I fear I do not know what you mean.”


“I will explain myself.” His lips hovered closer to hers. “But first, I want a quick sample.”


When his mouth touched hers, a small sigh breezed through her lips, but she didn’t pull away. Her shoulders stiffened, yet her lips moved with his. He took his time, savoring her tender flesh, nibbling on her top lip then the bottom.


This woman tested his ironclad control and drove him to the limits of his endurance. The newfound feeling exhilarated him...and confused him.


Her fingers caressed his neck, and he slanted his head to deepen the kiss. At first, her lips parted slightly to allow his tongue entrance, but his eager probing prompted her to relax and permit him full access. Rebecca moaned, and his heart soared with triumph. Finally, she was under his spell.


Her kiss seemed inexperienced. Innocent, perhaps? Or was it her bold personality that made her so courageous. He’d love to find out and perhaps be the one who taught her about passion, but at a different time. He couldn’t do that until he received some answers.


Ending the kiss, he placed a few smaller pecks on her lips before pulling away.


Her eyes opened half-mast as she looked at him. “Is that what you wanted?”


He detected a hopeful note and grinned. “Not exactly.” He paused only for a moment before scowling. “I want to know why you have been following me. Why did you sneak into this party without an invitation? And why is it so important to know personal things about my past?”


Her eyes flew open, and she pulled back. “Are you accusing me of something, sir?”


“You are not whom you pretend to be, señorita. I may not know your secret, but what I do know makes me suspicious.”

Click here to watch book trailer for Spanish Eyes

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Phyllis Campbell is an award-winning, multi-published, and best-selling author with Bookstrand Publishing, Champagne Books, The Wild Rose Press, and Carnal Passions. Most of her reviewers have given her the title of “Queen Of Sexual Tension”. Married with kids (and three grandchildren), Phyllis has lived in Utah all of her life and enjoys family activities when she’s not writing her next sensual story. Visit her website at http://www.phyllismariecampbell.com/