This Week's Topic
It's a well known fact that endings are of the utmost importance for me. They are that last impression the book gets to make and really play a large role in my overall enjoyment of the story. Recently, I read a few books that ended a certain way, and I was reminded of how I don't like when romance books end like that.
This may be a "me" thing, but I really don't like when the book closes with a sex scene. As it is, I want more story with little to no sex in my romances, but when it ends that way, it always makes me question the relationship. Having that final encounter be sexual makes me think the relationship is largely physical, and I like to see the couples have a foundation that goes beyond their attraction. I want it to be a strong foundation, so I can imagine this really being their happy ever after.
What kind of endings do I like? The number one thing that goes beyond genre is an ending that ties the story up neatly. I don't want to wonder, I want to know what happened. With romances, specifically, I suppose I like seeing them take that next step - engagement, wedding, moving in. I don't mind if the ending is used to set up another book in a series, but my favorite kind of ending is a jump-ahead ending. I like to get a peek at the future for the main characters. It's a special treat to know more about the "after", and this type of ending has been vital in some of the books I have read.
Now it's your turn! What kind of endings do you love or hate?
Let us know in the comments!
I can understand that. I don't like cliffhanger endings. I want there to be closure.
ReplyDeleteI hate cliffhangers. It's especially troublesome when you have to worry about the author getting the sequel. I have read several series that were never finished.
DeleteI agree with everything you said here! I want my endings nice and tidy and yes, maybe a glimpse into the future. No open endings for me, and yes, I'd rather have more plot than sex scenes.
ReplyDeleteI think I have too much anxiety to worry about the characters' futures. LOL
DeleteIn romances I like to have an epilogue, some years in the future. So yes I guess I need something that ties everything neatly in! I also need a conclusion. I hate open ending! There are very few books with open endings that I liked to be honest.
ReplyDeleteI always wonder who likes open endings?
DeleteI think sometimes I like an open ending depending on the genre - like, I just reread Dark Matter by Blake Crouch and that is somewhat of an open ending. But it made sense and I liked it. For romances, yeah, you expect that the couple is going to be together forever. I do like when they do an epilogue that is set quite a bit later. If it's only like a month or two, I'm like, well, of course you're still in love and happy, it's been barely any time at all! What comes to mind for me is the Tessa Bailey Big Shots series - those epilogues giving a glimpse years into the future are just perfection for me. But as much as I like a nice, tidy ending, I also don't like when everything wraps up too quickly and conveniently, LOL!
ReplyDeleteHA! I should hope they are ok a month later, too. I agree with the whiplash ending - where it is tied up too quickly. I need time to let it all set in. I like some build too.
DeleteI totally agree! That seems so weird, like sex is just the only goal. No thank you! I agree, I need a REAL ending that gives me at least some level of closure. Non-endings are evil, if I wanted to invent my own ending, I would just write my own story!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's shocking how many romances end with sex scenes. You are my ending soulmate. I feel the same, that it's not my job to write that ending, but I do because I need closure.
Delete