Karin Rita Gastreich wrote:But our characters are never alone when they have sex; the author is there, and the readers are there. We walk with them through the whole development of the relationship. As authors, we can present the situation in such a way that it is clear to everyone whether the sex is consensual or not.
Now that I think about it, this is actually a good opportunity, to address through our fiction some of those muddy waters. Who knows? We might even help a reader or two understand better what it means to actually know someone before going to bed with them, and how to better recognize and express what she wants in the moment she wants it. That'd be kind of cool.
Delusions of grandeur, perhaps. But you never know. 
In another Romance group, I've seen feedback on sex scenes that varies from 'this is rape' to 'this is unintentional rape' (not sure what that is, but as far as I can tell, this is where the author writes a scene thinking it's all consensual while the interpretation is anything but - however, this is so personal and based on the reader's background/experiences/exposure, that it could be a valid comment or not) to 'this is fine, some people might have an issue though' to 'no probs'.
The fantasy where the FMC is being seduced is usually the tricky ones. No surprise - my line where something cross from seduction to coercion is different to yours and to probably everyone else until we hit the line where it so bad and so clear it has crossed into the rape spectrum. But then again - is it wrong? It is fiction,right?
Best example I have is, a lot of people have an issue with the stalking behaviour of Christian Grey in 50 Shades and that this could cause women to agree/accept to dysfunctional relationships because it is sssssooooo romantic. Then we have the number of medical emergencies that increased where people got involved with BDSM because it looked cool to do in a book and had no idea what they were doing (apparently the research in the book wasn't too good/accurate - I don't know, I didn't read it and I have no knowledge of BDSM other than what I picked up in discussions on 50SOG). And a lot of people are now shouting we as writers need to take responsibility for what we write. Uhm, what the fudge?!!!!! You read Northern Skies and want to play with a sharp sword because you think Matthew is cool is my fault?! Please. Does it happen? You bet ya. But it's not my responsibility, sorry.
So yes, we can use our writing for 'evil' (like 50SOG - maybe) or 'good' (showing that taking your time to get to know each other is an option!). We can influence for sure. But we can't make anyone do anything - that is still individual choice. But I'm not going to change my writing necessarily unless I agree with the feedback that it could be interpreted as rape when it can also be interpreted as seduction. More murky water!
I'll stop talking now to give more member a chance!
