Today’s guest is Beth Kery! Beth and I sold to NY at almost the same time, to the same editor. I didn’t really know her that well at the time, but really, nothing breaks the ice like that sort of experience, LOL. She’s a fabulous and very diversely talented author and a very nice person on top of that.

Top Intense Cinema Sex Scenes
By Beth Kery

I was trying to come up with a topic for Ms. Lauren’s release celebration (congrats, Lauren!), and was having a pretty rough time of it. Fortuitously, Romantic Times sent out a request for attendees to submit proposals for presentations at next year’s Los Angeles convention, and I started to formulate an idea about “Emotionally Intense Sex Scenes”. Anyway, RT requested that proposals included a title that echoes a movie title in order to go with the theme of the convention being in Los Angeles. I started brainstorming on movies known for erotic tension and intense sex scenes (mainstream films released to a general audience).

What movies come to mind for you?

Here are a few that popped into my mind. What about the palpable tension that comes from tasting forbidden fruit? Diane Lane knew she shouldn’t, but she did—did she ever–and the sparks fly between her and the oh-so-beautiful Olivier Martinez in Unfaithful.

The theme of lovers finally consummating a passion that’s reached the boiling point is unbeatable, demonstrated by Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes sensual, soulful lovemaking in Shakespeare in Love or by Jake’s and Neytiri’s erotic bonding in Avatar. (In researching this, I learned that the love scene in Avatar was cut, actually, to make a PG-13 rating. Can’t wait to see the unedited director’s cut).

Another scene that comes to mind is the one on the train in Risky Business. I’m not a huge Cruise fan, but the cinematography and the iconic Phil Collins song really make this scene a sexy standout. I also recall vividly the scene from Pretty Woman where they make love on the piano. I liked the segue from Richard Gere’s intense, morose mood as he played and her offering herself as a way to escape his darkness. The keys being struck randomly while the camera is averted at the end of the scene adds the perfect poignant touch. Of course, the classical scene where Rhett sweeps Scarlet up the grand staircase to bed is just jam-packed with sexual tension. One can easily imagine the sparks flying in the bedroom after that one.

Here’s one you may or may not have seen from one of my fave movies: the scene in A Room with a View where George kisses Lucy for the first time. It’s the essence of the moment innocence meets desire. During an outing on a beautiful, sunlit day, she unexpectedly comes upon George all alone in a field. Kiri Te Kanawa sings Puccini’s “Chi il bel sogno di Doretta” as George turns and notices Lucy’s presence. The opera swells as he plows through the wheat toward her. Lucy—the innocent—has this look on her face like she doesn’t know what’s coming, but whatever it may be it’s going to be powerful and exciting. He lays a kiss on her…and her life is changed forever.

Breathtaking scene.

As for the RT presentation proposal title, I’m thinking something like Body and Soul might work…or what about Last Tango in L.A.? ☺

TODAY’S QUESTION: Tell us your favorite movie sex scene and qualify to win one copy of any Beth Kery backlist book (print or ebook).

You all can find a list of Beth’s available books here at her website, along with excerpts, blurbs and some book trailers too!

The winner will be posted tomorrow at Tracy’s blog!