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11 days to the release of ANGELS' BLOOD and only 5 till ANGELS' PAWN!
Tonight, we're celebrating with a giveaway of a signed copy of Kimberly Frost's Would Be Witch.
Here's t
he blurb:In the small town of Duvall, Texas, the only thing more troublesome than gossip — is magic.The family magic seems to have skipped Tammy Jo Trask. All she gets in the way of the supernatural are a few untimely visits from the long dead, smart-mouthed family ghost, Edie. But when her locket—an heirloom that happens to hold Edie's soul—is stolen in the midst of a town-wide crime spree, it's time for Tammy to find her inner witch.
After a few experiences in dysfunctional magic, Tammy turns to the only one who can help; the very rich and highly magical, Bryn Lyons. He might have all the answers-and a 007 savoir faire to boot-but the locket isn't the only heirloom passed down in Tammy's family. She also inherited a warning...to stay away from anyone named Lyons.
You can check out an excerpt on Kimberly's website!
Today's entry question comes from Carol: Which fictional heroine do you identify with the
most? My edition to the question - Do you have to like a heroine to enjoy a book? Answer either part in the comments to enter!
49 comments :
Omg, I have to answer both questions!
The heroine I identify with the most is Bride from Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Night Play." She's a bit pudgy and completely self conscious about it, but she ends up with the biggest hunk around. I wanna be just like her!
I will still read a book with a heroine I don't like if it is part of a series I'm already reading. I won't lie though, a crappy heroine can completely ruin the whole book for me!
I'd love to say someone cool, but ever since I fell in love with Jane Austens Persuasion I have felt like Anne Elliott.
It depends, once I thought the heroine was a total bitch when she slept with someone else a week before her wedding, but then I found myself wanting her to find someone to make her happy in the end. But that doesn't work with all books. I need to like someone at least
I don't know if I can answer the first question, I don't compare myself with the characters. I just love to read them. As far as liking the heroine, yeah, I'd say I have to like her in order to fully enjoy the book.
I'd have to say that I identify most with Rachel Morgan from Kim Harrison's The Hollows series. She's not perfect, she makes rash decisions, she's unsure of herself, she's alot like me.
I have to relate with the heroine on some level. If I don't then I really need to love the series or the hero in the book to continue.
I agree with Amy C., as long as I like the heroine (but sometimes it's the hero), I like the book. If you can't like at least one of the main characters then the book isn't so good.
I'm trying to think of an instance where this isn't so but nothing comes mind right now.
I definitely have to like the heroine or I won't care about the book.
Margay
If I don't like the heroine, I won't bother finishing the book.
I don't think there is a character I identify myself with. And for me there have been books in which I haven't been very fond of the heroine but liked very much the hero, so I kept reading, but in those books I always feel like something is missing.
I loved Chastity in a Kristen Higgins book, but hated the hero. I don't normally like or dislike one or the other.
Eve from JD Robb and Cat from J. Frost. They both don't realize there impact on the world and only see there negative qualities.
I have to relate to the heroine on some level or just don't get into the story.
I don't think I really identify with any heroine so that's a hard question.
As for the second one, I don't necessarily have to like the heroine to enjoy the book. For example, I was not a big fan of Tally (sorry Nalini) but I LOVED MtP. I guess it's because she fit the story and the things that bugged me about her were what made Tally, Tally. And, of course, the rest of the story and characters were too awesome to dismiss. That being said, if the character just annoys me and doesn't contribute anything to the story, then I can't enjoy the book.
I don't know that I identify with any particular character, but often wish I was more like the heroines I'm reading about. It's much easier to be daring in fiction than in real life.
It's hard to finish a book with a less the likeable heroine. If the character is well formed and on a journey to being a better person, that's fine. But if they just suck and there's no development, why bother.
I have to like a heroine or I won't like the book. If I hate her then I won't want to read about her. And my current favorite...as it is changing all the time...is Kinsey Millhone from Sue Grafton's Alphabet Series. She is so tough and sarcastic and awesome.
Yes, I do have to like the heroine because there is nothing worse than a whiny or bitchy heroine that drives the reader crazy.
I can easily identify with quite and shy heroines, who wish they could be a kickass heroine.
I do have to like the heroine by the end of the book. Sometimes I really don't like what they do, but as long as the character moves in the right direction and fits well with the hero, I like the book.
I cannot think of a heroine that I most identify with, I just love a good romance.
However, I have to like the heroine or I find that I cannot finish the book or if it is part of a series, I will just skim the book.
I have to like the heroine or I can't really connect with the book. I might finish the book but never feel connected with it.
I don't think their is one heroine that I identify with because I identify with whatever heroine I'm reading about at the time.
I have to relate somewhat to the heroine. If she acts/does something that makes me want to murder her (in a bad way) the book will upset me more than entertain me.
I've compared myself to heroines before, but half the time we just don't mesh that well. I do associate myself with heroines who are more pudgy shaped than the slim ones!
And I do still read a book even if I don't like the heroine (usually because I like the hero or villain). A book that really comes to mind is DarkFever. I really didn't like the heroine (at first) but I loved the hero(ish). But once I dropped some of the biases she became amazing!
Hmmm...I'd have to say the heroine I identify with the most is Anna from Patricia Briggs' Anna and Charles books (Cry Wolf, On the Prowl). Quiet, a little unsure, but with an inner strength that not a lot of people get to see.
Well, if there is a heroine I don't like, I won't read the book - but I will skip to the end and read the last few pages, just so I know what happens and am not forever wondering! But if the book's part of a series which I like, then I'll simple bear with her. The book will be ruined, but, hey, there ARE other important developments which take place that you can't miss!
I don't know that I've ever so much identified with a heroine as wanted to embody her traits. Like Phedre of Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's series. There's a strong woman, really intelligent, sensual, creative, and embodied with a power from the gods.
And, yes, I have to like the heroine to continue reading. Just as I wouldn't hang out with a woman I didn't like for hours at a time, I don't want to be reading about one for hours at a time, either.
Darcy Jo says "The heroine I identify with the most is Bride from Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Night Play." She's a bit pudgy and completely self conscious about it, but she ends up with the biggest hunk around. I wanna be just like her!"
That'd be neat I think, but on the other hand I also somewhat identify with Eve Dallas (In Death Serie by JDRobb) and even Mercy and Anna from Patricia Briggs's two series.
As for the addition - yeah I have to like them both. I've read books where the hero or heroine is a ninny or something, but the story just doesn't hold my attention like one does that I like both people. If I like both I'm more likely to praise the book to others.
I have to at least she potential in the heroine for me to like the book. It's the same for the hero with me. As long as I see potential, I'll keep reading.
I can't think of a heroine who is "like me", but sometimes there are similaries which make me identify with the heroine, eg. the same habit. Can't think of an example, though, sorry.
That said, I can identify better with flawed heroines (looks and/or personality). Blurbs which describe the heroine eg. "most beautiful debutante of the season" tend to turn me off. Heroine needs to have more than good looks and if it's that's first thing said about the heroine, I'm not impressed. That said, eg. heroine's stupidity is more likely to stop me reading.
I don't have to like everything about the heroine, but it helps if I like something.
I found I have identified most with Bride from Sherrylin Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series. She is not the society's definition of beautiful, but to her mate, she is the epitome of beauty. Her kind soul, loyalty and compassionate nature I completely identify with along with her struggles with self-image.
I do not have to like the heroine to enjoy a novel, but it does help. It's difficult to root for the heroine to overcome the obstacles and/or win her HEA (happily ever after) when you don't care for her.
I recently read a book that I had this very problem with. Not only did I not care of her personality, I found I couldn't empathize or see reason in ANY of the decisions she made. This make the course of the story very difficult and I found that I really disliked the novel. The premise and outline were great (as was our hunky hero) but because of her - I couldn't rate it higher than a 3 out of 5 - the mystery plot (and the excellent twists even with her brainless choices) is what save it from a 2.
One of Nora Roberts' heroine archetypes is the introverted, bookish, over-smart girl. That's me!
I love a lot of heroines for a lot of reasons. They can be flawed, they can make regrettable decisions, but if I really don't LIKE them at all, I'm probably not going to like the book much. If the hero is compelling, I might read it anyway, but in those kind I'm often left sort of feeling like he deserved better. Like me. ;)
There are some heroine's that I identify with more than others, but I don't really have a top pick.
As for question number two, yes I have to like the heroine in order to be able to get in the book.
I certainly have to like the main character. If I don't then I lose interrest pretty soon. The first question, I don't think I really identify with anyone heroine. More like selecting things from different characters, so more of a mix.
Offhand the only character I can remember really coming close to identifying with was Elizabeth Peter's Amelia Peabody. Otherwise, I like the fact that the heroines aren't me and enjoy their story.
I will read a book where the heroine and/or hero is not appealing or even likeable if there's something else about the story to keep me involved. Book just won't end up becoming a keeper.
I do need to like a heroine, maybe not from the first chapter, but if she doesn't evolve into someone with qualities and a personality that I care about, I will generally not bother finishing the book.
I agree with Darcy Jo. If I had to choose one to identify with it would have to be Bride from Night Play. I love that Sherrilyn chose to have a heroine with some weight on her.
As far as having to like the heroine? I read so many books from so many different authors that I have to like the heroine/hero to become vested in the book. If I can't become vested in what I am reading, the book holds no appeal to me.
I dont think I've read any books that have had a character that makes me think "hey, that could be me!". Like everyone else there are heroines I would LOVE to have been (Bride in Night Play), but not one I can say that I have completely identified with.
As to the other question, YES, i have to like the heroine to enjoy the book. If I dont like her, then I may not even finish the book. Someone mentioned Tally in MtP. I didnt like her, couldnt stand her. I understood why she was the way she was, but just couldnt bring myself to like her. (Sorry Nalini!) That is the only book in the series I have not reread. I know, horrible me! But all my others are tattered and torn from multiple reads. :)
I guess I identify most with heroines who use a quirky sense of humor to deal with life since I tend to do that too (Katie MacAlister heroines come to mind). Also, I definitely have to like a heroine to enjoy the book. If I don't like the heroine, I just can't seem to make a connection.
I actually really identify with Annie in Stoke of Enticement, Magical Christmas Cat. I really like her. I like that fact that the heroine is actually plain normal and the hero likes her just the way she is. Sort of like a combo of Bridget Jones, but without BJ's mishaps. I can't identify with heroines who have super-human strength or if they are an agent for the government. Too far out.
This might come off as obnoxious, but Claire from Rachel Caine's Morganville vampire series. On TV is was Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I like smart heroines, the smarter the better.
I don't necessarily have to like the heroine, but I have to love to hate her if I don't. I need to feel strongly one way or the other.
Herimone Granger. Love my books and always quoting from them whenever I can and in school I was very very nerdy.
The heroine/hero has to be at least interesting in order for me in really enjoy a book. Unlikable lead characters is DNF for me.
If I can't get into the character, I really can't enjoy the book.
And I'd love to identify with Anita Blake.
I have to like the heroine to really enjoy the book because characters play a big role for me in how I feel about the book in the end. However, it usually doesn't stop me from finishing the book.
Hmmm the heroine I identify most as of right now is Amanda Briars from "Suddenly You" by LISA KLEYPAS. She's smart and reasonably good looking, but kinda let life pass her by and hasn't found the "one" guy yet and does something a bit different to make something happen in her life.
And actually yes I DO have to like the heroine on some level. I don't have to identify with her, but just get her so I can why she makes the choices she does even if I don't like the choices she makes. LOL Now that was probably confusing!
I identify a lot with Mary from JR Ward's Lover Eternal. She's just an average human woman with a level head and big heart. She's not drop-dead gorgeous, not a genius, not vampire. I like that.
I don't need to like a heroine, but I can't be driven nuts by her. I do want to at least respect her and see where she's coming from. I've read several heroines I didn't really like, but it made sense that they were the way the were and they were good matches for their heroes.
So I guess that as long as the hero likes his heroine, I can deal.
Ohhh, great questions and so many great answers. Hmmm - I'm so with you Courtney on Mary from Lover Eternal! I just love that book to pieces, how Rhage loved Mary for who she was, not what she looked like...
Who else? Haven from Blue-Eyed Devil. And...actually, I really liked Tally. I could completely understand her motivation, her lack of self-worth. MTP is one of my favourite Psy-Changeling books but it isn't an easy read because I can relate to the heroine so intensely.
My best friend and I discussed heroines a hile ago. The heroines we like are completely different. Her take was that who you like can reflect where you are in your life and how you see yourself. And that makes sense to me because the heroines I am drawn too aren't self-confident while the heroines I find hard to relate too are the gorgeous, confident ones.
I noticed a lot of people like Bride (Night Play). I like her too. I find it interesting though that so many people like her because she isn't what is considered to be conventially beautiful, but yet the majority of heroines you see in books are the complete opposite of her and reflect the current fashionable look...
First question is hard. There isnt one fictional heroine I identify with the most. Sometimes there are character traits that I see but I dont compare myself much to the characters I read unless its obvious.
The answer to the second question is much easier. Yes I have to like the heroine to truely enjoy the book. I can like other features if I dont but I wont like the book or enjoy it nearly as much.
Can't think of any one heroine I could relate myself to really overall.
The main characters are important to a story, so even if I'm not crazy about the heroine at first, I want to find something to like about her as the story progresses, or find there's a good reason why she acting the way she does at first and find that changing.
I don't know that I really "identify" with the heroines, although I enjoy taking their journeys with them in good books.
And yes, I have to at least LIKE the heroine and hero to enjoy a book to its fullest.
I don't think I've ever really "identified" with a heroine. LOL, I'm more of the state of mind that I want to be every heroine I read about just to be with the hero! And I definitely have to like a heroine to like a book. If she's not good enough in my eyes for that hero, that just ruins the whole story for me.
I do not think you have to like heroine to enjoy the book but you have to understand her.
I identify with every heroine in every book I read, there's no one in particular I like the most. For me it's more the writing style I like and then I like most books from that particular writer.
It doesn't matter if I like a heroine or if I don't, the book has to be written in a way I like it. To be honest, most of the times if the book is well written I like all the characters, even the bad ones.
yep I have to like both of the characters to enjoy the book. Can hate anyone else but if i don't like the hero/heroine the book is not good for me.
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