Saturday, September 15, 2012

What makes a good paranormal romance novel?

In order to earn 5 stars, I judge books on the following areas;

1.  Hero - My idea hero is the ultimate alpha. Brave, fierce, a little lost and surprisingly tender. What can I say I'm a sucker for a damaged man - who doesn't know he needs to be saved - so strong yet so weak. He can deliver the beat-down of a lifetime to the enemy yet be gentle to his woman right after. He will worship the very ground she walks on and be forever faithful to his love - yup what woman doesn't want that. Whatever frightening creature he may be, there is one woman who can tame the savage beast.   

2.  Heroine - She's no weakling. She will not let Mr. Big and Strong overpower her. She has a mind of her own and isn't afraid to use it. She will show Mr. Macho that the "June Cleaver's" of the world are long gone. She will demand respect, command attention and ultimately obtain undying adoration because of who she is. 

3.  Plot - Now I want to be entertained. I want mystery, suspense, action, drama, comedy, witty banter, serious ass whoopings, sexual chemistry that steams up the pages and of course breath-taking romance. 

4.  Villain - The bad guy aka Mr. Nasty. The best villains are the ones you pray never to meet in a dark alley. The ones where you scowl real hard whenever he/she appears, wish for ass-kicking powers so you can give them a beat-down and cheer triumphantly when they meet their demise. 

5.  Likeability/Emotional - quite simply, whether or not the author drew me into the story. Were my emotions engaged and did I feel for the characters? Every good story should touch me in some way and remain with me long after I have finished reading. Yup you got me - I want to be moved to tears, laugh out loud or at least giggle/grin like a crazy person. This is the final ingredient that ensures a compelling, poignant story that I often find myself going back to and which I deem worthy of FOMB (Forever on my Bookshelf) status.  

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