There are certain things I’ve come to expect from a romance ending. In real life, I’m horribly cynical, but a good romance ending leaves usually me with an “all’s right in the world” feeling.
Several of the books I’ve read lately have left me feeling more “hmm…” than happy.
So what do I mean by odd endings? Well, here are a few examples: one story cut off abruptly almost like it didn’t really have an ending, another left me scratching my head, not really sure what had happened, a third was so saccharine I couldn’t suspend disbelief, and the worst offender of all left me feeling depressed rather than pleased.
I don’t expect every story I read (or write, for that matter) to have a perfect happily-ever-after. Sometimes happily-for-now is just as satisfying, or feels more real. Sometimes the book is a series book and can end in a bit of a cliffhanger—although being impatient, I’m not a huge fan of those endings. A perfect ending fits the story and characters, and leaves the reader with a satisfying final impression of the story.
What do you like to see in romance endings? Does it always have to be HEA, or are you content with HFN?
What bugs you? What do you see as clichéd, or on the flip side, underused?
Cassandra Gold
Hit by Love and Alpha, Omega now available from Torquere Press!
Fantasies: New Year’s Eve and Fantasies: Independence Day now available from Red Rose Publishing!
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5 comments:
If the book doesn't have a HEA ending, I don't want to read it. I usually read the back cover. This gives me a clue to how the book is going to go.
Happy endings are important for me too, at least in romance.
What I hate is when the book blurb makes it seem like the ending will be happy, but the ending ends up being something totally unexpected!
I don't think books have to be HEA but it sure is nice when they are! I want a story to take me away to another place. I want the smells, sights and everything.
Kissa
I prefer a HEA but in erotica and HFN works sometimes too.
I like an HEA and don't much care for HFN, to be honest. When I read something, I want the magic and there's just not ENOUGH to suit me in HFN.
Great post!
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