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Elle Kennedy | Top 5 Must-Haves in Romance
August 9, 2014
Confession: I’m a very picky reader. Once I find an author I like, I tend to
stick with them until the end of time. But this isn’t to say I’m not open to
finding new authors. I get tons of book recommendations, and though I give
everything a try, there are many books that I start but never finish. Either
they don’t hook me right off the bat, or I can’t get a real sense of the
characters, or the plot just doesn’t do it for me. Not to mention suspension of
disbelief. Sometimes I’ll be reading a book that is actually pretty enjoyable,
but then one teeny thing will happen, something that I just can’t get past, and
that’s it—the book has been ruined for me. That one teeny thing will linger in
the back of my mind the entire time, whether it’s a decision one of the
characters makes, a seriously unbelievable plot point, or sometimes, just one
line that icks me out or makes me mad. This year I did find some incredible new authors that I loved, based on
recommendations from friends or the interwebs. I realized that all these books
have several things in common, and so I decided to come up with a list of
MUST-HAVES when it comes to my reading experience. Here goes… 1) Likable characters—they can be flawed, they can make stupid
decisions, but if I like the characters, then I will forgive them anything!
Their dialogue, personalities, quirks…there just needs to be something there
that draws me to the characters, otherwise I won’t be invested in their story. 2) The Big Misunderstanding/Lack of communication—oh boy, this
one makes me so mad. Yes, misunderstandings happen in real life, and I’m on
board for ones that make sense. But if the characters are so obviously going out
of their way not to address something that can easily be solved by asking one
question, I don’t have patience for it. It’s a plot device I’ve used before, and
it definitely works when there are valid reasons behind it, but if there is no
reason why the characters can’t just communicate, I can tell that the author has
purposely left an important conversation out just to get us to the black moment. 3) A good amount of sex scenes—not too many, not too few. The
other day I read a 300-page book marketed as a “sexy romance” and it only had
ONE sex scene, which I found very disappointing and confusing. I wanted the
characters to get it on, and I couldn’t understand why they weren’t. There was
no reason given. They just didn’t have sex. It was strange. And then I read a
400-page book where every other scene was a sex scene, many of which did nothing
to advance the plot or character development. I found myself skimming the sex,
which is not something you want to do in an erotic romance! If I’m reading
romantic suspense or literary fiction, I don’t expect a gazillion sex scenes.
But if the book is marketed as an erotic romance, give me the erotic! But give
me a balance too, otherwise I’ll skim. 4) Please make sense—I like having good reasons for the
characters’ actions. If they’re doing things I don’t understand, or that someone
would never, ever do in real life, I get frustrated real fast. 5) Humor—This one is very important to me as a reader. I need
some humor in a book, whether it’s light-hearted banter, or funny bickering, or
a sarcastic character who makes awesome wise cracks. I read a book a few months
ago where both the characters were so stoic and serious, I spent the whole time
begging one of them to tell a joke or crack a smile. I need to smile or chuckle
when I’m reading a book, no matter the genre, and I think even the darker genres
work better when they include a few smile-worthy moments. If you’ve made me
laugh out loud, that’s even better.
So, that’s it for my must-haves. I know every reader has their own criteria
about what makes a book click for them, and I’ll admit, other readers are
probably a lot more forgiving than I am. Like I said, I’m picky :) I’m curious to know everyone else’s romance must-haves are, so feel free to share!
Comments
18 comments posted.
Re: Elle Kennedy | Top 5 Must-Haves in Romance
must capture my attention.... If I am easily side=tracked from
a story, I might as well hang it up and save it for when I
have nothing to read then I MIGHT try again
(Gina Keitz 12:36pm August 10, 2014)
Have been reading a lot of paranormal and urban fantasy and
world building is high on my list of must haves for a story.
(G. Bisbjerg 2:11am August 10, 2014)
Pet peeve: Don't close the doors/windows after themselves - wasting AC or heating. Little things like this drive me crazy.
(Beth Elder 8:34am August 10, 2014)
Most of the time the story is strong enough to keep my attention and place me right into the book. That's the kind of story I like. I like to live it right along with the characters.
(Bonnie Capuano 8:58am August 10, 2014)
Oh goodness! #2 is my biggest pet peeve in books. I cannot
STAND pointless arguments/non-communication. Every time a
heroine is thinking, "I can't tell him." I throw up my
hands in frustration. I like characters that are strong
enough to do things for themselves, but know when they need
help and ask for it!
(Karin Anderson 10:18am August 10, 2014)
There is a book that I'm in the process of reading. It's
not my normal genre, but I think you might enjoy it. The
name of the book is - Trust A New Beginning by Cristianne
Serruya. I have to say that I have never read a more
smokin' hot book in my life than this, and have had a hard
time putting it down!! Normally, I'm not one to recommend a
book to an Author, of all people, but since you asked about
books, perhaps you would enjoy this one!! I truly hope you
enjoy her writing. She's a Lawyer who lives in Brazil, and
it's my first experience with her writing.
(Peggy Roberson 11:41am August 10, 2014)
I agree with the communication ...if the couple is separated
because of not talking over a problem, I'm sometimes not sure
if I care if they get back together. Also I hate cliffhanger's
... they are OK when setting up the next book but finish this
book completely. Thanks I feel so much better now!
(Annetta Sweetko 11:55am August 10, 2014)
I hate when there's a scene that doesn't really translate into
the book. Make me wonder--was something edited out, did I miss
something, why??? ;)
(Denise Holcomb 3:48pm August 10, 2014)
I don't think the characters always make sense in a romance.
It's the quirkiness and off-beat that keeps my interest the
most.
(Alyson Widen 4:25pm August 10, 2014)
The story has to grab me within the first 25 pages, and all your reasons are mine also..
(Martha Lawson 9:11pm August 10, 2014)
I need likable/relateable characters, humor, good amount of sex scenes
and I need happy endings.
(Vanessa N. 5:37am August 11, 2014)
The mystery of a true romance
(Mary Smith 8:27am August 11, 2014)
The book must capture my attention and hold it to the end. Love series books the best because of the characters. I am like you in regard to staying with a author I enjoy but I do try new authors and have found some good one. Too much sex in a book takes away from the plot and I just won't finish it. Erotic should enhance the book as it is expected but done in a way that adds to the book. Thank you for the giveaway.
(Nancy Wolfe 10:17am August 11, 2014)
This book sounds like my kind of read. Having said that however, my must have in any book is that it has to grab my attention within the first chapter. If I can't get past the first chapter, I'm probably not going to finish the book. I love to laugh & cry with the characters. For that reason, I do have a tendancy to stay with my favorite authors. I do read books from new authors when the blurb on the back of the book appeals to me. Thank you for the opportunity to win One Night of Sin.
(Tonya Coley 11:49am August 11, 2014)
I love strong women, alpha males, an interesting story....but
the most important thing -- fantastic, amusing dialogue!
(Elizabeth Hyatt 12:31pm August 11, 2014)
A plot is very important to me!
(Denise Austin 3:09pm August 11, 2014)
I prefer no cliff hangers. Sometimes I will wait until all parts are out and then read all the books at once.
Try the author Alannah Lynne. Her first nook Savin' Me is currently free on Amazon. I really like her.
(Sue Galuska 5:30pm August 11, 2014)
I can't wait to read this steamy story!!
(Michelle Brown 9:08pm August 11, 2014)
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