You all know how much I enjoyed Cold Sight. I'm absolutely delighted to have the author, Leslie Parrish, here today, chatting to us. Please welcome Leslie to the blog everyone! (And don't forget to enter her contest.)
A Happy Ending…Mostly
by
Leslie Parrish
by
Leslie Parrish
First—thank you so much Nalini, for inviting me to be your guest here. I’m such a fangirl and was absolutely shocked to see a note from you in my in-box, telling me you’d enjoyed Cold Sight. That really made my day, so thanks again.I’m a long-time romance reader. I started with Kathleen Woodiwiss’s The Flame and The Flower when I was twelve years old and have stuck with the genre, through thick and thin, ever since. Okay, I occasionally cheat and go on a horror, mystery or classics glom, but I always know that when I’m in the mood to have my emotions twisted and tangled and dragged along on a roller coaster ride, romance novels are my standby.
The thing I love most about romance novels is the one non-romance-readers like to sneer at: The happy ending. Some people scoff at the HEA as unrealistic. Sorry, I am living my happily-ever-after with my husband of 25 years, so I firmly believe they are possible. Meaning I am one of those people who really likes that HEA in my romance novels, and woe to any author who doesn’t give it to me.
But here’s the thing—I like to be surprised. I really like to be surprised. I am one of those annoying people who can always see the twist coming in the first ten minutes of a movie, and I almost always guess the killer when I’m reading suspense. So if a book or movie can really stump me, I’m much more inclined to love it.
The thing I love most about romance novels is the one non-romance-readers like to sneer at: The happy ending. Some people scoff at the HEA as unrealistic. Sorry, I am living my happily-ever-after with my husband of 25 years, so I firmly believe they are possible. Meaning I am one of those people who really likes that HEA in my romance novels, and woe to any author who doesn’t give it to me.
But here’s the thing—I like to be surprised. I really like to be surprised. I am one of those annoying people who can always see the twist coming in the first ten minutes of a movie, and I almost always guess the killer when I’m reading suspense. So if a book or movie can really stump me, I’m much more inclined to love it.
In romance, when the biggest story question is answered before you ever open the book—ie: Will the hero and heroine end up together?—you have to find other ways to surprise your reader. I am ever mindful of that when I’m writing, which is why I have not pulled many punches in my dark romantic thrillers. Aside from promising readers that they’ll get a happily-ever-after for the hero and heroine, I want them to understand—and hopefully appreciate—that just about anyone and anything else is fair game.That’s not to say I like to throw-in shocking deaths or horrible surprise twists just for the sake of having them there. If they don’t fit and further the story, I won’t do it. But if a beloved secondary character needs to die, I have to let them, even if it breaks the reader’s (and my own) heart.
So what about you—do you open a romance novel wanting everyone you like to have a happily-ever-after? Or are you okay with letting the chips fall where they may, as long as the romantic relationship ends happily?
____________
Giveaway: Leslie is giving away one copy of Cold Sight and one of Cold Touch.
Leave a comment on this post (if you're reading this on Goodreads, please comment on the original post on the main blog) by 5pm, Sunday 21 August 2011, New Zealand time, to go into the random draw.
Winners will be picked using random.org and their names announced on the blog the following Monday. If you don't leave a way for us to get in touch with you, please check the blog to see if you've won and contact us within 72 hours. International entries welcome. One entry per household. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited.
Contest Now Closed
91 comments :
I have cold touch - got it as one of my last purchases at Borders. I would love to have a chance to win cold sight.
scrapper :-)
is vrey rare or very often, author commenting on other books they have read?
I'm a romance reader through and through and to me it should always have a happy ending; in fact I'm one of those persons who read the end before buying the book!
I fervently believe in happy-ever-after. I read for my ideals, not for realism. Besides, I have seen HEA's around me, so I know they're real!
As long as I get my HEA you can kill whomever you want but it still needs to make sense overall.
Please don't enter me in the draw. I bought Cold Touch yesterday based on Nalini's enthusiasm for the series and of course when I finished it I had to get Cold Sight. Loved them both!
I want my HEA and, sadly, have been known to read the last few pages of an unfamiliar author's book first to make sure I'm going to get it. Life is unhappy and not always filled with HEAs so I want my fiction with a happy ending!
As far as whether or not everyone else besides the prime couple has to have an HEA... depends. I prefer people aren't knocked off left and right for no reason but, if it's necessary for the plot, I'm not going to stop reading an author because of it. (Though I will say I refused to read the last of Anne Bishop's Black Jewels books because Jaenelle dies - couldn't do it.)
I'd love to win!! kelleysquared (at) snet.net
I'm actually reading Cold Sight right now because I read the blurb on Nalini's blog and it sounded so good. I'm loving it so far :) As for happily-ever-afters - I'm ok either way as long as the build-up is good and the plot makes sense.
d.mccaw@hotmail.com
I love HEA in a book. It's OK if you know its going to happen before you open the book...that should be one of the reasons you buy it. Its the twists and turns of the story and how and why the characters behave the way that they do that keeps me reading. I love that there are those possibilities of a story that you can see coming but then the author surprises you with another possibility that you never saw that I enjoy in a romance. I agree that anything that happens can't just happen because...it needs to make sence. The story has to flow.
I haven't read Cold Sight or Cold Touch yet. I am looking forward to checking them out.
I really want to read both of these books. I have heard good things about them from multiple sources, but I haven't read them yet. I'd love to have a copy of either one, since I plan on reading both in the very near future.
I do want a HEA, but with certain genres (UF) I'm willing to wait to for as long as the sexual tension works over the story arc.
I also love surprises, probably because I'm not surprised very often!
And in response to blackrose37 - I've found some real gems from authors who comment on how much they like other writers' work. I read Lois McMaster Bujold's Cordelia's Honor based on Ms. Singh's recommendation and it was outstanding.
rwschwarz11ATgmailDOTcom
I do like the HEA (I'm living one too with my husband of 15 years), but I also like to be surprised and I'm OK with some characters dying or having awful things happen because that it part of life too.
i must have HEA!!.. i stop reading them if too many things happen to the main character..
i hope i get the chance to win!!
(and i was named after one of Kathleen Woodiwiss' books - ashes in the wind)
There's nothing better than a "Happily Ever After" :)
Kalyrra
kalyrra.fae@gmail.com
I am a die hard romantic and love happily ever after. I too, often guess the endings and who the killer is in a suspense, so if I am stumped I am absolutely pleased. Since the author also is hard to stump I an anxious to read her book as I just know it will contain plenty of plot twists and surprises. Hey I'm in law school and will gladly make time to read a book by this author.
allaboutlydia2003@yahoo.com
I have read many good reviews on both of these books and would be super excited to win the draw. Either way look forward to reading them. Cheers!
ritzcalibre@hotmail.com
This looks really good.I enjoyed reading the post.Finding new books is always so much fun, and new story in every book i pick up :)
elliott2668(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm a huge fan of the HEA. To me a romance isn't really a romance without one. As far as death of secondary characters go--sometimes to further the story, to make it rich and textured, it's necessary. Even if it is heartbreaking.
Hi Leslie,
I enjoyed your guest blog today. To answer your question.... I don't mind characters getting killed off to support the story. I also think the story does not have to end with a HEA just as long as there are happy endings in it.I love unpredictable story lines. I have not read either of your books but they look very interesting so I will have to check them out.
Bonnie
Bonn1511(at)aol(dot)com
I read romances partly for the HEA, though I am a little more cynical in real life. On the subject of secondary character deaths I am in favour as long as it feels right, and has not been inserted just to provide a moving moment. I don't like it when it's transparently obvious that a character has been killed off just to remove obstacles. In M M Kaye's 'Trade Wind', set in Zanzibar, the hero has a slave girl mistress and a bastard daughter. They are both killed off, tragically, but it's obvious that it's partly to clear the way. If it was written now an author would probably keep the daughter alive, I suppose.
boojumlol at gmail.com
I need a happy ending, if I read a book with a bad ending or one of my fav characters gets killed it haunts me. Sometimes supporting charactors have to die, but I don't have to like it!:) It wont stop me from reading the next book though, if I enjoy the author. Leslie, I now have your books on my wish list. From the posts I've read and the recomendation of my fav author you moved up to the top of my "I need to buy this book" list! Looking forward to reading your stories, thanks in advance!
I read Cold Sight. Great Story.... I will have to get Cold Touch.
I do open a romance book with the anticipation that there will be an HEA for the two main characters.
Got to have that HEA and I don't care how it gets there as long as the story is good. The more twists the better.
and don't enter me- you know I already have mine!!!
I read Cold Sight and loved it!! Can't wait to read Cold Touch, going to the store tomorrow to buy it :-)
April
angel2384@yahoo.com
I think the main characters should have their happy-ever-after. If the plot turns against a secondary character, that's the way it goes. What sometimes bothers me, though, is if the one who gets whacked has been in several books in the same series. You grow close to them, you start rooting for them, and then they're barbecue. We WANT them to be happy, but that possibility is taken away from them. (Yeah, I reeeally dive into books) but it's not a sappy happy fairytale (although those are nice, too) Art imitates life, right? And nothing in life is perfect. Btw, I saw you on Nalini's blog, and bought cold sight and cold touch. I loved both of them, and am looking forward to the next. Take care and best wishes in your career and life :)
Precocious to have read Flame and the Flower at 12! I remember starting with the Angelique books and have LOVED romance ever since! Hot sex and HEA is the criteria for what I read! About half way through Cold Sight and already know I'm not gonna get much sleep! Love the characters can't wait for more
HEA all the way. Secondary characters can get their HEA in their own books, but the main couple definitely needs to end up blissfully together. Not on the mend or close to getting back together. Even if there is a sequel; romance novels should end on a HEA
I am a HEA person. But it doesnt have to happen for everyone in the story.
i gotta have HEA for the main hero and heroine. i love reading romance for my HEA fix. cold sight and cold touch look amazing.
chelleyreads AT gmail DOT com
I prefer an HEA, but will be OK as long as the main characters survive happily. No tear-jerking melodrama for me, please! Leslie, your writing is fabulous--so happy to see you here at Nalini's blog!
Leslie, I adore both Cold Sight and Cold Touch! I definitely did not see the ending on either, especially Cold Touch. Whew. (I'm buying copies of each book to share with friends. Hehehe.)
Looking forward to reading your other novels too!
Jen
jennifer.l.dempsey[at]gmail.com
I love HEA in my books. After reading the whole book- getting to know the heroes and cheering up for them, I want to know they get their happy ending. Thank you for the contest!!
Hi,
Losing a secondary character is sad but for me if it is neccessary for the storyline ....
On the other hand I am not so keen for the HEA to happen to the major couple after they are dead i.e. ghosts - it just seems a little close to cheating.
Would love to read your novels as I tend to enjoy a lot of the books that Nalini recommends
Kate (storm_cloud_261@hotmail.com)
I love a HEA! But I'm definitely fine with letting the chips fall where they may as long as my romantic relationship is ok!
I am a big fan of HEAs! I am okay with secondary character death, sometimes you have to lose some to win some. It is unreal if everyone comes through the story unscathed, but that isnt to say that I dont enjoy and perfect HEA from time to time, I indulge when the mood strikes me or when I am in need of a pick-me-up. Thanks for the contest!
I think the main characters' HEA is better if there are also sorrow and tough choices involved. I like suprises, too, as long as they make sense according to the inner logic of the story.
I would very much like to get your books. I love good suspense romance.
Mervi
I like my HEA but the story also needs to be realistic. Not interested if the heroine blindly accepts the male lead.
I would love to get my hands on a copy of your book.It sounds good,i am a die hardromantic and love HEA.Real life is pretty hard and harsh as it is.HEA and roamnce books are a form of excapism... only i spend too much doing that,,, bu what fun..Best wishes.
I haven't read Leslie Parrish before, but I must admit I am now intrigued and would love to win. now for the HEA, for the main couple of the story, it is a must, but I also like to be surprised as well. I love a good twist in the story.
I havent read any of her books before..But it sounds really good, especially the HEA part. I cant really stand an ending where the protagonist couple is separated.:/
Anyway, great giveaway!
cypsays_hi@hotmail.com
Read Nalini's blog about Cold Sight, and it's intrigued me, now I want to read it! Looking forward to it!
Robin.
rlcc153@hotmail.com
I adore HEAs, it can annoy me when it doesn't happen! >_<
and regarding secondary character deaths? only two come to mind that really affected me - Locklear from Raymond E. Feist's series, and Sirius Black from Harry Potter. :(
Others I guess I accepted as part of the storyline when it happened. Jeaniene Frost also had it happen to the husband of a mortal, but a couple of books later she ended up with one of the other vamps...sooo I guess I got over that. ;)
I've read Cold Sight before, your previous blog post reminded me to go find and read Cold Touch :P
Cheers.
Cold Sight and Cold Touch have captured my interest lol they sound like a good read :)
saharaj7@hotmail.com
Hm..well I want HEAs, but that depend on the genre really. It's not like I except everyone to be together at the end of a fantasy book. But with everything else, yes I want to know what happens and that they stay together
blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
I am a huge fan of Leslie Kelly/Leslie Parrish as I have mentioned to her once or twice! I too love books with the HEA but in saying this, I agree that you should be prepared for the fact that anything can happen! Look at Cold Touch (do not want spoil anything so will comment as follows), I was sad when a particular person was killed, BUT Leslie Parrish is so "mischevous" that by the end of the book, she had me smiling. Hopefully my cryptic comment will make sense to her :-) Huge huge thumbs up for the Extrasensory Series and holding thumbs and crossing toes that it's continued! I own both! Treasures!
Hi Nalini and Lesley, this is the third time I have tried this but I think it might be me and not gremlins at fault. Great to have a new author to try love your recommendations so far so will give Lesley a try. Totally believe in happily ever after as my parents have been married for 40 years in january and sit every night holding hands while they watch Tv. Please keep up the good work. Regards Cindy crroets@gmail.com
I'm a definite sucker for HEA. I'm not fussed as long as there is one - oh and great chemistry/character building.
queen_tui at hotmail dot com
I'm intrigued but also slightly worried that beloved secondary characters will die if (when!) I read these books. I tend to want all the characters I like to live happily ever after, especially if it looks like they're interesting enough to have their own book. However, if it turns out some characters die, I can deal with it as long as the main ones get their HEA.
jbrink83 at hotmail dot com
I love happy endings :) And a not so surprising story is nice now and then (especially after long hours of high mental work :( ). But most of the time I read books by authors who surprise me - as long as they don't break the rules of their world to do so.
mail at miriam-wegert dot de
I love happily-ever-after because you can always count on them... but sometimes books are just as enjoyable when they end chaotically, I'm slightly torn.
equinuxxx AT yahoo DOT ca
I love the HEA as long as it isn't too easily gotten, I thonk the characters need to work for it and I love it when they do. I don't tend to like it when secondary characters die (I get too attached to them) but I can normally accept it if it's absolutely necessary for the storyline. I don't like it when an author starts killing off characters here there and everywhere, that just annoys me
I've added these two to my TBR list because of Nalini's recommendation!
As far as HEAs, of course as a romance reader, I love HEA. But, I never let that rule the books I read. I don't mind cliffhangers at the end of books, especially in an ongoing series. But I like to have that moment of "ahhh" when you finish a book. Something satisfying and worth the read.
Annie
alltherhage AT gmail DOT com
As long as there is a happy resolution for the couple I am satisfied. I would love a copy of Cold Touch.
CrystalGB
I read a well-known "romance" author once. Loved the book until the heroine died, whereupon I threw the book accross the room in a mini temper tantrum. HEA all the way! :D
jrickettscurran @ gmail . com
Romances are my favorite. I love HEA especially when I have no idea how it can possibility work out. I don't know why, but I never open a romance and assume that they are going to get together in the end. I've always wanted to white a shakespearean romance novel where the end is left open and one of the main characters dies off.
Lauren.Roux@hotmail.com
"Or are you okay with letting the chips fall where they may, as long as the romantic relationship ends happily?" Yes, I want some sort of HEA.
If I can't trust the writer to put the characters where they belong, why am I reading the book? The books I enjoy, always end with some type of HEA, that works for me!! :-)
marcatvta@gmail . com
I would love the opportunity to win either one of your books. I am always looking for new authors to read. As far as HEA and secondary charaters dying, I have to say I have seldom come across this in romance books. But when I have it was surprising. I like the unexpected when reading any book. Who wants to read a book when you can figure out the whole plot before you get to the end. The secondary charater whos death I was probably most surprised and effected by who have to be Wellasanda "Wellsie" in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I was totally blindsided by it. And although it was terribly sad, it added depth and honesty to the story. People die in real life even people who are pregnant. Good luck with your book and contest!
Would love to win the book!I want HEA of course. No matter what to take to make the character to reach it, as long the story have a good ending, all happy and left me satisfied, I'm fine with that :)
sawamura_foxman AT yahoo DOT com
A romance should have HEA. Otherwise, it just won't feel right.
jennee.yuen@gmail.com
I'm totally into escapism and I really want to believe/pretend that everyone gets an HEA - so, no- I'm not ok with losing secondary loved characters -
That said, it doesn't stop me from reading a good story.
There's been so much talk about missing the HEA due to death. At least death is better than stupidity, I once read a fantasy/romance that missed it's HEA just because the heroine didn't want to be tied down. UGH, I will never read that author again.
I remember seeing one of these books in the store at a previous jaunt. It was enough to catch my notice to check the back.
I do like a happily ever after
HEA ending is why I love reading romance so much, because I can fully immersed myself in the journey of the story and know everything will be okay in the end. How the author decide to get the H/h to their happy ending is the fun part for me.
Yes, realistically relationships don't always end with HEA, but I don't have to read it for entertainment. Don't want to escape into a world that I see everyday.
There's nothing I hate more than investing my money & hours reading a book where H/h found their happy moment in 3/4 of the book, just so the author could kill either one of them in some death tragedy by the end of it or from the get go you know one of H/h is already dead and the entire book is their flashbacks to their NOT happy ending story. Ugh - what a waste - no thank you.
Nalini's last recommendation of Thea Harrison was a great hit for me, so I am going to follow her advise again with your book.
Ofcourse there needs to be a HEA of HFN in a romance novel. And I also love to be surprised by the twists and turns, and perhaps who the real murderer is. And killing of some one unsuspected can be done, if it is really necessary. Like Anna Windsor in her third book, while I expected him to be the fourth books hero.
For me, romances need a HEA, obviously for the main couple and preferably for the major secondary characters as well.
I read romance because I want that HEA. I don't always mind if non-main characters get killed off, unless the author has a truly invested in them (especially in a series). If I've spent time really developing a connection to the character, than their death would affect how I view the book as a whole. Ultimately it comes down to how well the author handles the character's death.
Amanda
ryn.barker(at)gmail(dot)com
P.S.
Cold Sight was amazing. Really looking forward to reading Cold Touch.
Please pick me :)
vkrystyn88@hotmail.com
I would love to be picked! :)
Caoimhe O' Sullivan
caoimheosullivan5@gmail.com
I added Leslie Parrish to my book list after reading about her on your blog. It'd be great to win the books! :)
erin@mbeb.org
I often find great new to me authors through recommendations by authors I love. Here's hoping this is one of those (and a free copy would be great too).
I'd like to enter please.
I read romance for the . . er, well . .romance and the definate HEA between the hero and heroine.
I really don't want to read a book where I have invested heavily in the main characters, only for them to be unceremoniously bumped off at the end after all their struggles and hardships through 400 pages.
Having said that - I don't mind if a secondary character has to bite the bullet to further the story, an event like this can really bring the precariousness of the situation the hero and heroine are in up close and personal and add a real edge of danger.
Got to have a HEA! tWarner419@aol.com
I love HEAs and do not mind if secondary characters die if it furthers the story. The books by Leslie Parrish look really interesting - would love to win the giveaway
Jennifer
Jenkayt@gmail.com
Love HEA in books especially romances. It's funny, I am more apt to accept a sad conclusion in a movie but not a book. Wi
Weird, I know.
I went on Leslie Parrish's websight after reading Nalini's blog and the books sound like really interesting reads. The black cat series sounds good too. It's always good to hear about other books from authors you already know and like. As for HEA's, Love them in romance novels but it's the author's choice how they end up there.
I like HEA's for everybody, but if it makes sense in the story, I GUESS I can deal with somebody I like getting bumped off. Sort of. OK. I like HEA's for most everybody. Kill as many bad guys as you want, though. I'll all for that! ;)
I haven't read this author yet, but I'm going to whether I win or not....but I still hope I win!;) Thanks for the contest!!
spifferfishATyahooDOTcom
I love a good HEA, but I'd rather let the "chips fall as they may" because I love it when the author ends the love story on a positive note with an original twist, or at least makes it seemingly realistic. I know I must seem like a masochist when I say this, but sometimes the stories without HEAs are the ones I remember most, such as Nicholas Sparks' Dear John. That love story touches my heart so much and I can't help but love it even though it makes me cry.
angeldream3[AT]gmail[DOT]com
I love the HEA, and really, if they don't exist in fiction, where's the hope for them in reality? And what's the point of life without hope?
booknut0307@yahoo.com
I also want a HEA when I am reading fiction. That's why I don't really read a different genre. I would love to read any books that you have recommended Nalini!
I'm ok letting the chips fall where they may as long as the likeable characters (who don't get a HEA in that book) get a HEA in a book in the future! I love a good build up to a HEA. :)
I need a happy ending too and some bumps along the way is cool. Love a surprise too. Thanks for the chance to win.
lacy@westnet.com.au
I read romances for the happy endings. I even go as far as to read the ends of books first just to make sure the ending is as I want it to be before reading the rest of the book. It drives my friends mad because they say it ruins everything, but I just can't stand to see a book end with the couple not living together happily forever.
These books look so good! But I have no money, keep buying to many books.Had to get hooked into the Psy-Changeling book didn't I ;) This is such a good prize
AC Barker
annaclairebarker@gmail.com
I love happy endings. That's why I read romance novels!
ev_eng(at)yahoo(dot)com
Just wanted to say thanks so much to everyone for the nice words about Cold Sight and Cold Touch! For those of you who've read and enjoyed them, I SO appreciate your great feedback!
And just FYI, if any of you win this contest and you have the book you win, I'd be happy to substitute one of my Black CATs books.
I love Heas... and twists, too. ;)
luzie(dot)zimmermann(at)googlemail(dot)com
I too am living my own HEA so expect an HEA ending!
CC
Tcty123@yahoo.com
Ooooh I have been trying to find another series to read, and it's been going very slowly at the moment.
Thanks for having he contest. :)
bookluver1997 AT hotmail DOT come
I've added this to my TBR list after Nalini blogged about it (I requested it from my library but I would love a copy to keep :D).
Though I'm a romance reader who would love to have every character I like to have a happy ending, I think I'm okay with letting the chips fall where they may... provided that the author can still make everything work out and that the story is still satisfying.
Thanks for the giveaway!
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
I am always on the hunt for new authors and new worlds, so Ms. Parrish is a welcome addition. I prefer a HEA, but I also love serial stories and the continuing glimpses into the lives of the couples that made me care about their worlds; so I guess that really means eventually happily ever after ;-) Even more enjoyable, is being turned onto a new author by someone you like, trust, tell others about, and re-read (just finished Archangel's Consort in preparation for Dimitri) - so I'm looking forward to a "Cold" immersion soon. emilye@usa.com
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