Today, I want to talk about slow burns in novels. I live for them. I'm talking about how this pertains to romance here, because I hate slow burns to action in, say, thrillers, or something. The only time I like a slow burn, or a slow build, is in the romantic elements of a book.
If you rush the mushy stuff, if it comes on too quick, my gag reflexes act up. I hate when the main girl sees the guy, falls in love on sight, and he reciprocates immediately (not being gender specific here, with either or any gender, it's annoying). Ugh. The fun is in the chase, people.
The same basic principles can happen:
Girl or boy sees the person.
Fireworks ensue. The person is awesome possum amazing, and they are in love immediately.
Now here's where the changes happen: I much prefer if there are obstacles that get in the way of the other person liking them back immediately. The other person could be taken, could hate them for whatever reason, or could even just not know (a classic), but something has to keep the person from saying, "OMG, I too have just realized that you are amazing. Let's live in drama-less bliss for the next 200 pages."
Want to know an annoying fun fact about most books that I read?
You all know I'm a romance junkie, especially in YA. I prefer the story to go beyond just the romance, but as long as there's romance, I'm a happy camper (unless it happens too early).
Well the annoying fact is that most books with the AMAZING romantic scenes use them sparingly. I've read some great books voraciously just hoping person A and B can have a moment together. The payoff is way sweeter when they do, but I always finish the book thinking I would have begged to have more of A and B and less of everything else. But really, I wouldn't. Their absence makes my heart go fonder and all of that jazz.
I'm reading Divergent (Divergent Trilogy) now by Veronica Roth, and it's a slow burner, and I am liking it. It has a good enough story that I can read and want to keep reading, but I'm living for snippets of Four at the same time. No spoilers, please.
Do you all like slow burn romantic books? Why? And do you know of any amazing ones? I'd be much obliged if you left them in the comments below.
Now to leave you with a song to write by, "Addicted"by Kelly Clarkson, because I like it, and it works with my romantic addiction, I'd say.
P.S. I changed up the blog layout and background. Do y'all like it? :)
I don't like to read mushy stuff. By mushy I mean all the kissy-kissy stuff. To give you an Idea - I thought "The Host" by Stephanie Meyer was a little too mushy.
ReplyDeleteHowever, two of my favorite love stories of all time are Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility.
When it comes to romance I like to see the characters falling in love. I love it when the final scene of a movie (or book) is their first kiss. Gives me chills! Love it! So I guess I am one of those people that likes a slow burning romance.
Krista: I'd say so. I'm definitely in the slow burn, maybe you're into the slower burn? (if you like it to come together at the end--I like hints throughout).
ReplyDeleteYesssss, I LOVE slow burn romances. Anna and the French Kiss was absolutely amazing in this respect. They don't even kiss until near the end, but the entire book is so full of romantic tension that you just HAVE to keep reading.
ReplyDeleteBecca C.: I know!! I loved reading it for that very reason. I heart tension something ridiculous. I think that's what drew me to Vamp Academy in the first place since Rose can't be with Dimitri, blah blah blah. Good stuff :)
ReplyDeleteDivergent is awesome-sauce! That has the best romance storyline I've read this year.
ReplyDeleteI know someone already mentioned Jane Austen, but I'm adding to her list.
ReplyDeletePersuasion
If you like slow burns and repressed feelings, then you will LOVE this book!
I'm a big slow burn fan too, for the same reasons you listed.
ReplyDeleteELLA ENCHANTED (younger YA, but still great) is my must-read recommendation. AUSTENLAND by Shannon Hale is good if you'd like a modern Pride and Prejudice story.
Jenna: I KNOW. I'm loving it so far. I have to finish it today. Must.
ReplyDeletePhil: She's the queen of it (according to everyone lol).
K.Turley: I'll have to look up AUSTENLAND. Ella Enchanted I know I at least saw the movie of. Thanks!
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ReplyDelete