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Closed Door Romance

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Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re a reader searching for your next book or an author submitting your books, you’ll find answers to the most common questions below.

For Readers

What do the Physical Intimacy Levels mean?

Physical Intimacy Levels

What does "Closed Door Romance" mean?

Closed door romance keeps sexual intimacy off the page. Romantic relationships and attraction may be present, but explicit sexual scenes are not included.

Every book in our database meets our standards for non-explicit romance.

Do I need a subscription to use the database?

No. Everyone can browse the database and view book content guides for free.

A subscription unlocks advanced search filters, making it easier to narrow thousands of books down to exactly what you’re looking for.

What do I get with a subscription?

Subscribers gain access to advanced filters, allowing you to search by:

  • Physical Intimacy Level
  • Swearing
  • Violence
  • Trigger Warnings
  • Tropes
  • Genres
  • Point of View
  • Audiobooks
  • Kindle Unlimited
  • Age Recommendation
  • And more

These filters help you quickly find books that match your preferences.

How often is the database updated?

New books are added regularly as authors submit their titles and each submission is personally reviewed.

The database continues to grow every week with new releases and newly discovered backlist titles.

Why can't I find a specific book?

There are several possible reasons:

  • The book hasn’t been submitted yet.
  • It’s currently awaiting review.
  • It doesn’t meet the Closed Door Romance Database guidelines.
  • We simply haven’t discovered it yet.

If you know of a book you’d like to see included, feel free to recommend it.

How are books reviewed?

Every book listing is personally reviewed before being added to the database.

I carefully evaluate content, assign ratings, verify information, and create detailed content guides to help readers make informed decisions.

Are all books in the database completely clean?

Not necessarily.

Every book is non-explicit, but content can still vary.

Some books may include:

  • Kissing
  • Moderate swearing
  • Violence
  • Heavy emotional topics
  • Trigger warnings

That’s why each book includes a detailed content guide—to help you decide whether it’s the right fit for you.

How do I know if a book is right for me?

Every book includes a detailed content guide covering:

  • Physical intimacy
  • Innuendo
  • Swearing
  • Violence
  • Trigger warnings
  • Tropes
  • Genres
  • Age recommendation
  • And more

My goal is to give you the information you need to choose books confidently.

Why is the database growing over time?

New books are continually being submitted by authors, recommended by readers, and personally reviewed before being added.

My goal is to build the most comprehensive closed door romance database available while maintaining consistent review standards.

What if I can't find a book I'm looking for?

If a book isn’t currently in the database, it’s possible the author hasn’t submitted it yet or it doesn’t meet our submission guidelines. We encourage readers to let their favorite authors know about the Closed Door Romance Database and invite them to submit their books for review.

How can I help add more books to the database?

Every book in the database is submitted by the author or publisher. If you’d like to see one of your favorite authors included, encourage them to visit our Author Information page and submit their books for review. Every submission is personally reviewed before being added to the database.

Why are some popular closed door romance books missing?

Every book in the database is submitted by the author or publisher and personally reviewed before being added. If a favorite author isn’t listed yet, it’s likely they haven’t submitted their books or they don’t meet our submission guidelines. We encourage readers to invite their favorite authors to submit their books for review.

For Authors

Is it free to submit my books?

Yes! Submitting books to the Closed Door Romance Database is completely free. Every approved submission receives a book listing, content guide, and a free author page.

Who can submit a book?

Any author or publisher may submit a closed door romance book. If you’re submitting on behalf of an author, such as a personal assistant, please ensure you have permission to do so.

How long does it take for my book to be added to the database?

Every submission is personally reviewed. Once approved, your book will be added to the database. You’re welcome to check the database periodically to see when your listing goes live.

What makes a book eligible?

Books submitted to the Closed Door Romance Database should align with our mission. We feature romance novels with a primary male/female relationship, written by authors who publish 100% non-explicit romance—including all bonus content. Every submission is personally reviewed to ensure it meets our guidelines before being included in the database.

If you’re unsure whether your book qualifies, you’re welcome to submit it. I’ll personally review it and determine whether it fits the database’s guidelines.

Can I update my book listing later?

Absolutely. If your cover changes, you publish a new edition, release an audiobook, or need other information updated, simply fill out this form and we’ll update your listing.

Do I have to become a Featured Author?

No. Every approved book receives a free listing and author page. Featured Author is an optional upgrade for authors who want additional visibility and promotional features.

Can I cancel or upgrade my Featured Author membership?

Yes. You can upgrade whenever you’re ready or cancel your Featured Author membership at any time. Your free author page and book listings remain in the database even if you cancel your premium membership.

Do I need to submit every book separately?

Yes. Each book has its own content guide and searchable information, so every title should be submitted individually.

Can I add ARC opportunities for my books?

Yes! When submitting a book, you’ll have the option to include ARC opportunities for titles that have not yet been released. If you’re looking for ARC readers before launch, simply provide the ARC information during the book submission process, and it will be displayed on your book listing.

Can I submit a book that hasn't been released yet?

Yes! Upcoming releases are welcome. Once approved, your book can appear in the database before release so readers can discover and anticipate it.

Why wasn't my book accepted?

Every submission is personally reviewed to ensure it aligns with the mission of the Closed Door Romance Database. Books that contain explicit sexual content or otherwise fall outside our submission guidelines may not be included. If a submission isn’t accepted, we’ll let you know why whenever possible.

Still Have Questions?

I’d love to help! If you have a question that isn’t answered above, feel free to reach out.

Ask Rachel a question

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Intimacy Levels

Level 1

  • Holding hands/Affectionate touching
  • Compliments/confessing love
  • Low-description kissing
  • Tender embraces/cuddling
  • Blushing and sighing
  • Non-descriptive discussions of sex
  • Established relationships
  • Fade to black if married
  • Any sexual encounters from past only referred to, not described or on-screen

Level 2

  • Touch that signals attraction
  • No touching in underwear zone
  • Long kisses, lightly descriptive
  • Deeper kisses, tongue implied not described
  • Feel warm/flushed
  • Gasping, deep sighs, light growls and groans
  • Thinking/speaking about desire non-descriptive
  • Fade to black for established relationships after a scene that matches this level – but may be unpopular if not married

Level 3

  • Hands moving, still not in underwear zone
  • French kiss with tongue described
  • Make-out sessions still follow guidelines
  • Feel hot, sweating
  • Heavier gasping, groaning, deep growls, panting
  • More frantic and lose some control
  • Male shirt may come off, but nothing else
  • Leg may straddle waist, but no mention of arousal
  • If they lay down together anywhere, use little description of contact/moving
  • May happen in a bedroom or on a bed, but should be interrupted or end with fade to black scene. Keep focus on the emotion.
  • Fade to black should still happen between married couples or at the end of the book between engaged/committed couples.