Brava!: A Closer Look at Kensington’s Hottest Romance Line
© 2003 Susanna Carr

Brava. You've heard people talk about the line from Kensington Books. You know that your beloved authors write for it. But in the spectrum of sexy stories – with erotica on one end and sensual romance on the other – where does Brava fit in?

According to Hilary Sares, Consulting Editor at Kensington, Bravas are "highly sensual romances that can be historical or contemporary, passionate or lighthearted, with an intensely loving, one-on-one relationship at the center of the plot." With that definition, it seems that even the most die-hard romance reader will find variety, but just how high is that sensuality level?

Although some readers find the stories very hot, Sares believes that an important difference between Brava and erotica is that the Brava plots are as involving as the sensuality. Another is the attitude. "Brava stories affirm female sexuality in a frank and unashamedly sensual way, without the violence or other really freaky stuff."

Well, we can safely say that Brava is not erotica or romantic erotica. Does that make Brava sensual romance? No, not exactly. "Bravas are sexier than most mainstream romances that are defined as sensual," Sares explains.

More heat, less freak. Got it. But Kensington Brava offers much more than that. Sares says that romance readers can expect "terrific stories from tremendously popular (and famous) authors." The trade size makes it easy to read and is competitively priced at USD $14. Throw in the beautiful cover art, and that great deal just got better.

So, who reads these books? "Happy women," says Sares. There must be a lot of happy women around. Not only are Bravas hitting the bestselling lists, but the line is considered the leader and innovator in erotic romance. See what the buzz is all about and pick up a Brava the next time you’re at the bookstore.

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