Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Secret Babies and Other Surprises
I got a surprise yesterday. If no one else was following the news, Sandra Bullock came out with two bombshells: she’s filed for divorce and, surprise, she adopted a baby in January.
In our world of internet access and pervasive media, I was shocked she’d managed to keep her baby under wraps for so long. And impressed.
As an aside, I feel horrible for Bullock. Not only because I always feel bad for victims of adultery (because to me, cheating’s a coward’s way) but because she seems like such a nice lady, even if I don’t always love her movies. She can laugh at herself. She seems to have a quirky sense of humor. She’s the type of girl I’d probably find myself befriending if I met her in my life. Smart and goofy and devoted to those she loves.
When she escaped from the limelight after her husband’s hijinx were unearthed, I cheered for her. Every time some headline about how she was keeping a low profile emerged, I’d quietly send her a mental high five. Seriously, paparazzi. Back off.
But a secret baby? I never ever expected that.
Which got me thinking about secret babies in romances. Any predictable plot twist, actually. In this case, it seems clear that Bullock went into hiding not only to stay off the front page for herself, but because she didn’t want to exploit her child. If her hiding hadn’t been justifiable before, it became righteous yesterday.
I’ve wondered if secret baby plots don’t do the same justification. I mean, in most secret baby books, the heroine has kept the child from the hero because she believes he would be a negative influence in the baby’s life. Or in her own. When the baby is revealed, it’s generally in a way that makes the otherwise cruel action of separating a man from his child justifiable. The secret baby usually magnifies the conflict between them, their inner struggles.
Another predictable plot twist—the forced marriage. I can’t even count how many historicals I’ve read where the hero and heroine get caught in a compromising position and end up having to wed. Usually this external plot twist magnifies the internal conflicts and characterization.
This felt like a real revelation to me. The success of these stories seems to be their ability to ratchet up the conflict but in a way that still keeps sympathy for both characters.
What other predictable plots do you see a lot of? What things have you learned from these standard romance devices that we might be able to take and make fresh? Were you surprised by Sandra Bullock’s secret baby?
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84 comments:
In the paranormals, the predictable plot that tends to happen a lot is the "destined mate" plot. I admit, it's cool. It works a lot of the time. It can also get old real fast, though.
JK - I think it's cool too (most of the time), but you're right. It takes the control out of the characters' hands. Or there's a sense that the "gods" need to approve of a mate. Which in some ways can incite our sympathy. Who wants to be out of control of their destiny? But I'd love to see that one done in a different way.
I keep writing the 'secret' brother story. Where two male characters discover they share a father. usually they aren't really enemies beforehand, and one of them knows.
When they make the movie about my life, I want Sandra to play me!
Man, I need to wear those heeled shoes one more time! (I dress up to pitch.)
Chance - I just read a 'secret' brother story recently. I like it, I admit. Especially when they don't have much family otherwise and it gives them a sense of belonging.
Though in historicals it's usually used to give one or the other money. Which is a little annoying.
Chance, keep those good-luck heels on! Heck, click them together a few times too. LOL
Marn, you are right at what a shocker Sandra Bullock's secret baby was since it's next to impossible for anything to be kept secret in the internet age! I really do admire her, especially when it sounds like she's going to stay involved in HIS kids' lives. He didn't deserve someone so wonderful.
And as for "predictable" plot devices, such as an arranged marriage or a secret baby -- sometimes that's exactly what I want -- it's like comfort food. LOL And it does force the characters to deal with their issues/conflict more directly, which is fun.
Donna - I agree about how it's pretty awesome that she'd stay in touch with his kids. She fought his ex-wife to keep them away from her (she had some drug issues, right?). I think she seems like such a strong woman. And you're right, a girl like that doesn't deserve to be treated like he's treated her. (idiot).
I like reading those stories too, for the comfort food aspect. Sometimes, all I want is a little bit of predictable plottage.
Chance - I meant to write that as well. Good luck with the pitching!! :) You're going to do great!
I have to start off by confessing, I HATE the secret baby plot. Almost never have I read it done in a way that I found remotely believable or where I felt the heroine did the right thing. But I also know I've not read every story out there, so there could be a good one.
I didn't mind it in the movie August Rush, because it was a secret from both the mother and father. I know that sounds strange if you haven't seen the movie, but trust me, it worked.
Forced marriage I don't mind. In the historical context, we know it happened. I can go with it, provided the set up is not too obvious. But I like it better when the heroine refuses to be forced to marry, and then they fall in love anyway.
I like the love triangle stories. Usually where the heroine is dating or engaged to one guy A but in love with guy B. And of course, guy A is a philandering scum bag which heroine eventually finds out and she runs off to be with guy B. This is made even better when guy B gets to punch guy A in the face.
Oh, and I feel for Sandra and was as surprised as you guys she managed to keep the adoption a secret. But I'm a little uncomfortable with her going on the cover of People with the little one to tell her whole story. Just seems out of character and undoes all the privacy she's been fighting to keep.
I'm a "Go, Sandra" fan too. I'm surprised by her going on the cover of People, but at the same time, I can sorta see what she might be doing. I would guess she's either pre-empting someone who was going to reveal the information instead of her (and no one wants that) OR she's tired of all the "Poor Sandra" headlines and more information about the women Jesse's slept with--and is replacing it with something that will have everyone going, "WTF? She's adopted a BABY?" I am impressed by her ability to speak so well of Jesse (as a father) despite what he's done to hurt her. She's a sweet cookie.
Not a secret baby fan, but not because I think the father necessarily deserves to know. I just think it's "forced conflict" rather than organic conflict.
I do like the Triangle Love Story, but ONLY if the heroine ends up with the best person. And only if the heroine finally makes a choice and sticks with it--none of this bullshit, "I can't decide, can't I have you both" crap. Stop stringing them both along, it's not fair.
My favorite cliches are "Beauty and the Beast" and "Rake and the Wallflower". I can't put them down; I can't keep away from them.
Bo'sun - I don't read a lot of secret baby plots either. At least not anymore. I did when I was younger. But that's because I read a lot more Harlequins and it seems like a standard Harlequin plot line, not something that happens in single titles as much.
I have read somewhere the mom ends up looking like a complete bitch the whole way through. There's no redemption at all. And I think that's the risk the author takes.
I have read and liked the accidentally pregnant woman who then falls for the father's best friend/brother, whatever. I read one recently (a Harlequin I think) where the father died in the military and she was left pregnant and ended up falling for his friend who came to tell her the bad news. Lots of angst.
Hells - I think that's the problem with some of these predictable twists is that they do feel forced. Like the author can't think of anything else that will keep them together so she pushes it.
And I'm cool with Sandra on People. I think it was a preemptive strike too. Sort of a, "I'll tell the full story now so maybe people leave me the hell alone."
Very good point about the People article. She's no wilting flower to be pitied and should tell her own story. Makes sense.
It cracks me up when Harlequin actually puts the words "secret baby" in the title of the book. LOL! At least they're not trying to sneak it by anyone.
I'm all over the Beauty & the Beast stories. The Rake & the Wallflower are harder for me to believe. Gotta be some potent glitter for me to buy it.
Which reminds me, I started a book recently (NOT Miranda's - just to make that clear) where the hero is a total male slut. It's clearly his reputation from the start but when in his POV, it's all true. Complete ass when it comes to women, does anything and everything that will let him then tosses them aside like used kleenex.
I stopped reading not far into the book because a) I didn't like the heroine much either and b) there was not enough glitter on the planet that would make me believe this dude was going to suddenly turn into a one woman man.
Not sure if that's a predictable plot, but for me, there's a difference between a male slut and a rake. Give me a rake anyday.
It's funny which plotlines people love and hate. I can't stand the Love Triangle ones, because I don't like when the heroine is spending the whole time trying to make one guy love her, when there's an obvious one right there who DOES love her. LOL It makes her very unsympathetic to me -- plus she's greedy! TWO guys? When some people have NONE? LOL
My absolute favorite cliched plot is the forced marriage. I don't know why, but if there's even a hint of a forced or arranged marriage on the back blurb, I'll read it. Oddly enough, those have always been my favorite, every since 'Love Came Softly" by Janette Oke when I was 12. I totally had this cool idea for a historical where the heroine traps the hero into marriage through some compromising position, so the hero decides to "punish" her by not having sex with her. So constantly getting her all riled up and turned on, and then walking away. Silly, I know, but highly entertaining in my head :)
See, I hate the love triangle stories, but it's because they stress me way out. I get seriously worried about who she's going to choose, and what's going to happen to the other guy....I can't take it. How absurd is THAT?
Secret baby I don't mind, but there better be a damn good reason that child was a secret. None of this "Oh, I didn't think he really loved me, and I refused to actually communicate in our marriage, so I just hid this child's existence from his father." Uh uh. That' not cool.
I did have a secret baby plot in my last book, but she thought the dad was dead, so that wasn't really her fault *g*
Ahh, the rake and the wallflower. I do love those, but only because I've been the wallflower myself, and the idea of a handsome man being so taken with me despite my inability to utter a single word is a compelling fantasy. Not a logical one, but a compelling one *g*
Hal - Have you read Eloisa's WHEN THE DUKE RETURNS? Not exactly what you describe, but very close. You'd like it. Of course, it's the fourth book in a series of six. Not to add to your TBR pile or anything. LOL!
Donna/Hellie - After further thought, I like the triangle when one of the guys is CLEARLY not the choice. Not worthy of her, not a good guy, but good enough at acting like the good guy to win her over at some point before the story started.
Kleypas touched on it minorly in SMOOTH TALKING STRANGER. When that book starts, the heroine is with another man and has been for years. And she's torn at some point about giving him up for the hero. He's a good guy, but not THE guy. And that's pretty obvious from the get go.
I love the movie Sweet Home Alabama but that one is more of a reach since both guys really are pretty dang awesome.
Oh, Hal, I loved Love Comes Softly. *le sigh*
It makes her very unsympathetic to me — plus she’s greedy! TWO guys? When some people have NONE? LOL
That is my problem with Triangles as well. *LOL* You greedy whore! Pick one! Toss a bone to one of your manless friends, wench!
Okay, the next book I really want to write is a love triangle book. And I can see none of you will want to read it. LOL!
Ahh, the rake and the wallflower. I do love those, but only because I’ve been the wallflower myself, and the idea of a handsome man being so taken with me despite my inability to utter a single word is a compelling fantasy. Not a logical one, but a compelling one *g*
Exactly!
Kleypas does triangles well. I preferred it in Sugar Daddy because we all loved Hardy, but Gage was an ASS. But somehow she pulled it off that he was the one though.
Originally in Sweet Home Alabama, they had Patrick Dempsey's character sleeping with the brunette model chick--without, obviously, Melanie knowing. The test audience made them change it.
To me, there was no choice. It was Jake all the way.
Okay, the next book I really want to write is a love triangle book. And I can see none of you will want to read it. LOL!
And you'll probably litter it with Betas too, right? You should put in a secret baby too and really send us running.
Don't be ridiculous. *eye roll*
Actually, the hero of that one is a true cranky ass alpha. Or as alpha as I can pull off.
And you'll be proud of me. Last night my hero and his friend were talking and the friend was pushing an issue so the hero got all pissy thinking, "next he'll want to talk about our feelings." And he gruffly ended the conversation.
Better, right? LOL!
Of course we'll read it, crazy!
Nice! That's a definite alpha response :)
I prefer to call them romance conventions rather than cliches. It makes me feel better when I read them or write them. :)
In the hands of a talented author, almost any convention can work for me. I'm not a fan of the love triangle, but I thought both Jennifer Haymore (A Hint of Wicked) and Julia London (Summer of Two Wishes) did a wonderful job using the triangle.
I do love seeing an author twist a convention. Jo Beverley's treatment of the secret baby in A Lady's Secret is just marvelous. I'm using the secret baby convention with a twist in book #3. In this case, both parents know about the secret baby.
And you’ll probably litter it with Betas too, right? You should put in a secret baby too and really send us running.
It would not send me running. I think secret bably plots can work, and I'd love a book littered with Betas. :)
Umm. That should be "secret baby." I've seen some babbly plots too, but unfortunately, there was nothing secret about them.
I want to read every one of your books, wenches! I'm already fascinated by the snippets you've talked about or shared.
So even if it's not a "type" of book I normally read, I want to be entertained, or distracted from the daily things that distress or worry me. And I know your books will do that. :)
I'm not big on the paranormals that require a separate manual to keep track of the worldbuilding -- but only because I'm too lazy. LOL If the characters are interesting, no matter WHAT their story is, I want to read it!
Janga - How could it be a secret if they know?! Or does the baby not know? Huh. That would be a twist.
I can always count on you for the Beta love, Janga. And I know my opinion on what constitutes a Beta/Alpha is different from most of the crew. (I shall be the ship stirrer today, Donna.) To me, Alphas are hard-nosed, overbearing jerks much of the time. Which I know is enjoyable for some, but I just want to take a frying pan upside their heads.
Stir away, Bo'sun. LOL I think one day was enough for me -- at least for a little bit!
I think my heroes tend to be Betas, or maybe Beta-plus. Rarely Alpha-minus. LOL
Donna - That's good because in about four weeks, I'm going to be looking for volunteers. :)
Bo'sun -- do you need a Beta reader? Sorry -- couldn't resist!
I'd be delighted to volunteer!
Beta-plus and Alpha-minus? *ROTFLMAO*
There are varying degrees.
And I like Janga's "convention" approach. Science fiction uses scads of conventions and think they're original--why can't we have our own conventions?
I bow to you, Donna. You are the new queen of the witty zingers. And that's saying something on this ship.
Wonderful! And no para or extravagant worldbuilding, so no extra energy needed. :)
*blushes*
Why thank you. I am indeed flattered that you all find me amusing. LOL
Now I'm off to buy a book and THEN some groceries. LOL My priority scale is a bit skewed!
Prioritizing books over food? What's skewed about that? ;)
hard-nosed, overbearing jerks do not Alphas make. lol.
Yeah, Ter, this is one of those things that we disagree on. To me, a jerk is a jerk no matter what the flavor. An alpha is someone who is a) a strong and confident leader, and b) recognized and respected for his status as a leader. But that's just me -- you're not the only one who disagrees!
Have we thrown gamma heroes out there today? They're supposed to be halfway between an alpha and a beta.
Huh, a gamma is a alpha minus. LOL!
**I interrupt this blog for an Important Pirate Annoucement**
Chance got requests for fulls on EVERYTHING fron an agent who also happens to be an editor. She said she made the agent "shiver". LOL!
Glass up! Here's to Chancey, who may be pubbed before we even get to Nationals!!!
LOL! Whoohoo!!!
Now, Re: the Alpha kurfluffle I have created.
There are characters who are jerks and they are jerks to everyone. The overbearing jerk of which I speak is only so with the heroine. Always knows better. Always telling her to just do what he tells her. Always expecting blind obedience.
THIS annoys me. :)
But a real alpha leader who is respected and gives respect in turn, I can ride along with that one.
Except...
HUZZAH and DRINKS ALL AROUND for 2nd Chance!! Way to show off your balls and get what you want!!!
Wow, lots to catch up on...
I love all conventions, like Janga said, when in that hands of a good writer they work. The secret baby is probably my least favorite but I wanna say that Rachel Gibson did it and it worked for me - I think the title was Simply Irresistable.
If I was pushed to the wall, I would have to go with the Rake and the Wallflower/Bookworm/Spinster plot. Sort of like Hal, I identify with that and used to sit by the sidelines watching all the popular girls get the football player. Okay, dry your eyes now...
Although, Marriage of Convenience is awesome too. I like when the book is all about the couple and you pretty much see them trying to work things out in just about every chapter. It's fun to throw them together in the beginning and have a whole book with them learning and growing.
Harry from When Harry Met Sally is a beta. He is also a jerk.
I also think Hamlet is a Beta, and he was a HUGE jerk.
Terri's ex is a Beta--because he's certainly not a good leader or even seems to know what he wants--and he's a HUGE-OH JERK-OH. Actually I don't want to sully the name Beta by putting him in the category of Beta. I think JERK should be a category to itself. You're an alpha, beta, gamma, or JERK.
I think Terri has a knee-JERK reaction when the word Alpha is mentioned.
I kill me. I'm going to lunch now.
I, too, have a marriage of convenience plot simmering in my head, Hal. Mine has the heroine and hero caught in a compromising position but it was all brought about by her scheming fishwife mother. The hero blames the girl and thinks she's just like her social climbing mother but after they get married finds out she's the compete opposite.
As for alpha vs. beta, I think I'm a gamma lover. Although Lisa Kleypas can conjure up some out of this world alphas. I think Marcus Westcliff from her Wallflower Series is my favorite. Although if I don't post right now and think about it I can come up with at least 5 more from her. LOL
CONGRATS, CHANCEY!!!!!!!
I think the whole alpha as a complete jerk speaks to what we were saying yesterday. If a writer doesn't know how to write an alpha they just give him superficial characteristics. For instance - showing him as a selfish, my way or the highway, strong arm tactics type and less of the clear thinking, in control, head of the family, protective type. The second type is the type of alpha I like. The first type is essentially just a jerk in hero's clothing.
I'll go on record right now saying I love Lisa Kleypas' alphas. I have no idea how she does it, but thank the Romance gods that she does.
Hellie - How's the hair look?
I'm with Hal on the definition of alpha. A lot of loner heroes are mislabeled alphas IMO. How can you be an alpha if you don't even belong to a pack, much less lead one/
Some of my favorite heroes are alphas. They have strength, courage, power, and a deep sense of honor and responsibility toward those in their charge. There's a huge difference between the true alpha and the alpha jerk who is only concerned with himself and his desires.
That said, nothing pushes me to the hair-pulling, screaming stage faster than the idea that a beta is a wimp. Go read Lord Carew's Bride and dare to tell me that Hartley Wade is a wimp.
If a writer doesn’t know how to write an alpha they just give him superficial characteristics. For instance – showing him as a selfish, my way or the highway, strong arm tactics type and less of the clear thinking, in control, head of the family, protective type. The second type is the type of alpha I like. The first type is essentially just a jerk in hero’s clothing.
YES!!! Once again, Irish says exactly what I was thinking! Nicely done :) And I think you're exactly right that often the jerk-as-an-alpha is an issue of shallow characterization more than anything else.
And Ter, yes, the guy who expects (or worse, demands) blind obedience annoy me too. A man who's confident that he's right, but still willing to listen to the heroine's objections is my kind of guy *g*
Chance - woo hoo!!!!! Awesome, awesome, awesome!
Another excellent point, Janga, about loners being alphas. Just because someone is quiet or a loner doesn't make them an alpha.
I heard a definition recently that a beta hero is one who uses intelligence over brute strength. Would you agree with that? Because I don't read a lot of beta's, I don't know how they're characterized. What kinds of things do you look for in a heroic beta?
Congrats Chance! How exciting!!!!!
Irish - I love that idea for a historical! Do you usually write historicals or comtemps?
LOL! I write contemps too. I mostly read historicals, and adore them, but man that takes a lot of research!
This is the problem of trying to categorize all heroes into two distinct boxes. You just can't do it! Good character will not be put in a box. But I'm with Janga, I get so tired of hearing how Beta heroes are weak and then there's the "he sounds gay" thing. Makes me want to set things on fire.
That's an interesting definition, Hal. I think there is some truth to it, but then there are intelligent Alphas who settle conflicts with their brains.
For me, the Alpha seems to have that added ingredient. A *presence* that tells people without him saying a word that he's not someone you want to mess with. Betas are more understated. And often underestimated because of it.
A good Beta always has his Alpha moments, which is really what every character should have. That moment of truth when they stand up and take action. Heroines should have them as well.
I usually write contemps cause I'm lazy and don't want to do the research to write a proper historical. :)
I think I get the same way when people start bashing virgins, Ter! Come on, they are not all wide-eyed, flakey, weak, hide in the corner rabbits.
I think you're right. When you try fitting someone into a certain type you miss the opportunity to explore other facets of their personality.
I see that with personality testing a lot. People get labeled as a certain type when that is only one part of the whole being and not the limit of what they are capable of.
I have to go pick up two of the grands at school. But i'll be back to answer Hal's question about hoe I define "beta hero."
Did Janga just write "hoe"!? My world is tilting.
I'm going to grab lunch and be right back... another fun blog toady!
Betas are more understated. And often underestimated because of it. I love this distinction. I also think you're right on that you can't categorize heroes as wholly one or the other. It's almost more like a continuum, where a hero might be slightly more alpha than beta, or vice versa.
A good Beta always has his Alpha moments, which is really what every character should have. That moment of truth when they stand up and take action.
I 100% agree with you on that!
...toady! Sheesh! I meant today. I guess I should stop slamming Janga, huh?! :)
When you try fitting someone into a certain type you miss the opportunity to explore other facets of their personality. Definitely! This is a good discussion for me today *g* I tend to write classic alphas, but adding other characteristics, or moments where the beta side can come out, could would really help round out a character.
Janga's doing gardening and apparently Irish is bringing the little garden figurines. :)
Hal - Characters just come to me and then they bring their story. I never plan them Alpha or Beta or somewhere in between. I'm conscious at this point that I lean toward more Beta-type male characters. For me, they are characters with unique traits and pasts and they just...are what they are. LOL!
My guess would be our style leans toward one or the other. Ironically, though I've been told I'm an alpha female IRL, my heroines tend to start out Beta. But they also have tempers, which is how I know they came out of my head. :)
So I had to run out for a couple hours and you all chat away.... Off to read all your comments....
:)
Janga’s doing gardening and apparently Irish is bringing the little garden figurines.
LOL!!!!
Ter - I think you're right. I definitely lean toward alphas - that's just how they show up in my head.
Ironically, I tend to write uber-alpha, kick-ass heroines, which is about as far from me as you can get and still be female. LOL!
Regarding love triangle plots (Hellie/Donna/Hal/Bo'sun) - I'm in the same boat as Hal, that I get stressed out worrying who she's going to pick. But I have Jennifer Haymore's A Hint of Wicked in my TBR because I want to see how she does it. I've heard good buzz (though one of her CPs is one of my CPs, so that could help explain some of the excitement).
But I kinda get annoyed by the love triangle plot as a general because it always seems like the heroine wants the "perfect" guy and thinks that neither of the guys fits the bill. At least initially.
Janga - romance conventions, huh? I like that. LOL!! Especially because I won't rule out a forced marriage in my future. Though I suspect a secret baby is probably out of the question. Then again, who knows? LOL!
As for betas, I think my current hero might be a little bit beta. Only because my heroine is pretty alpha. He's got to smooth her over. But I think sometimes people equate beta with "doormat" and I don't think that's the case.
As for alpha, beta, and gammas - I like Hal's alphas, both heroes and heroines. She writes people who are damaged, so they use their alpha-ness to hold people at arms length. But underneath all that gruff, overbearing stuff is a softy with all kinds of emotional depth.
And I love alpha-minus and beta-plus. Funny. :)
Hal - We should write some graphic commics. You could create the kick-ass heroine and I'd write the side-kick. LOL!
Marn - The mooshy center is so important.
Attention all pirates - go check your email. :)
be right back, kiddo needs to go up to nap....
Yes, alpha-minus and beta-plus. Sounds like a vitamin. Or a drink!
*giggle
Maybe I'll go back downstairs and have a rum runner.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I'm sorta in shock. And a word of wisdom...when one writes pirate stuff...wear pirate pins! Including the new one I just designed and sent to Terri and Hel. And yes, I'll send others when I get back and have time to get on the button machine...
*giggle
That sounded so dirty...
Congratulations on the requests, Chance!! :) Hooray! Glittery hoohas all around.
Irish - your marriage of convenience sounds like good fun. And what doesn't Kleypas do that's amazing? :) Jerk in hero's clothing? That's my saying for the day. hahaa!!
I actually love loners. The quiet, brooding, I'm-an-island sort of hero who opens up to the heroine after never having let anyone else in.... Sigh. :)
But I particularly like the conclusion you guys drew about betas/alphas, that once they get labeled anything, writers lose the opportunity to explore other facets of their personality. I think worrying too much about it is problematic, but being aware of the different categories allows us to recognize if we need to push our limits.
Hair appointment is tomorrow, Bo'sun. On my day off. But Taco Bell was delicious, thank you for asking.
I align Betas in the "Friend" category. They're helpful, they listen, they'll come to the rescue on occasion when you least expect it--but because they're not alpha, it doesn't seem overbearing or awful. The only problem I have with betas is that the dialogue and "internal" dialogue with a lot of them sounds too girlish. Personally I think we run the gamut of alphas sounding girlish in dialogue and internal stuff. But at least in the alpha bits, they think about sex. And I've known betas. And they think about sex all the time.
I just don't like it when beta sound like their eunuchs.
Best Beta I've Ever Read: Nelson from The Little Lady Agency novels (Hester Browne). I swear to God, the man was a complete beta, but you could tell beneath his friendship facade, he wanted to lay her 6 ways from Sunday. And he had a complete Alpha moment in the third book which is worth reading the books alone. Best heroic moment ever.
PS, Hal, you've got some alpha in you.
See, I read the words "I'm off tomorrow" in the email this morning thinking you wrote the email late last night. Which is silly because then you went on to say when you went to bed. Last night.
It was first thing this morning, that's my excuse.
Take off Thursday and then come to work Friday? Don't be barking. You take off Friday so you can have that long weekend...
I just found out about the baby today, and I was very surprised.
One plot that I don't mind (I'll read it) but find it's over done is the falling for the best-friend's sister. I mean how many of those books have we seen in the last year. And what about war heroes coming back from the dead only to find their wives have moved on? I haven't picked up one of those yet, just because I can't see how a happy ending is possible. I mean ultimately the heroine has to make a choice (why is it always the heroine left in these difficult situations?) bewteen the past and the present. If the former husband was abusive or the new one was a cad, I'd think the choice would be easy, but if they are both equally redeemable then I don't the choice could be made without a huge, heartwrenching sacrifce.
Renee - I've seen a few of the best friend's sister books out too. I haven't read any yet either though. Who knows, not to say I won't. But it is a bit saturated.
I was just thinking about why it's always the woman who has to choose between the two men? I wonder how one would go if it were a man choosing between two women. Did anyone read "Velvet Song" by Jude Deveraux? That's got a triangle with two women. Though again, one is clearly not going to win the guy. She's awful (though sympathetic).
I've been trying to think of a book where the guy had to choose too. The only thing I've come up with is a movie - The Sound of Music. LOL!
If the men had to choose. . . they'd choose both of them. :) And hope one didn't find out about the other one.
The Sound of Music is a good one...but they make the Baroness rather awful too. Likable, but not nearly as likable as Maria. *LOL*
*snorts soda out her nose at Donna's remark* That's probably why that situation has not been written about very often. *LOL* Plus it's not as much a girl fantasy to be one of two girls that the boy has to pick from. That's like a menage a tois with two women instead of two men.
Donna - LOL!!
Bo'sun - I love Sound of Music. And that was a good one. But Hellie's right, the Baroness isn't as likeable. I mean, Maria sings. A lot. That's way cooler.
:)
I agree about the whole thing being rooted in fantasy. I definitely wouldn't want to be one of the two women. There is some YA where the sort of bookish girl beats out the cheerleader for the football star's (who's secretly meant to be a Rhodes scholar too) affection. I think it works ok there.
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