What are your thoughts about romance heroines and heroes having babies? Lately, I've been reading romances where the end or epilogue shows the heroine pregnant, or moves even more forward to showing the babies. To me, it's a natural part of the HEA, which is The Rule of Romance, yet I've been told that 'romance readers don't want any mention of babies.' This really blew me away. It's all over the place. Suzanne Brockmann's characters have babies. Catherine Coulter's FBI series heroines have babies. The book I just finished by Karen Rose ends with a pregnant heroine. I don't see a problem.
What's your take? Do you like it? Does it turn you off to the story or the characters?
Welcome to Terry's Place. I'm an author of mystery and romance, happy to share what I'm learning, both about writing and anything I find interesting.
7 comments:
Interesting question! I think it depends on the story, but it would never turn me off to a story just b/c it ended that way. The editor at Red Sage requested that when I revised and resubmitted my erotic novella I change the ending scene (a pregnant epiloge) b/c it was overdone so of course I obliged. Looking at it now, it didn't fit w/ the story and I'm much happier w/ the ending now. However, some of my favorite authors do it (Julia Quinn) and I love it b/c it gives a little glimpse into the future of our favorite characters. So, I guess my answer is I do like it and if anything it endears me even more to the characters. It just has to fit w/ the tone of the story.
We'll see what happens when I turn in my edits.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you :)
For me it really depends on the story. I don't think every HEA, marriage, or relationship involves children. I think you naturally have some couples who choose not to have children. If it fits with the story, great, but just putting it in to have a baby -- not so much.
I think 2 people can be really in love and still be in a place where the thought of a child would cripple them.
But that's just me.
Thanks for the comments -- Since there's no baby in the book, not even a pregnant heroine, only the desire to have a baby, I was floored by the editorial comment. And the line is delivered at the very end of the book.
Hi Terry,
If it fits your characters then I see no reason not too mention the desire of a child especially if it is a resolution to some internal conflict.
I find nothing sexier than a scene where a hero places his hand over his heroine's belly and emotions surge through him, thinking that someday his child will grow there. Same for a Heroine realizing she loves a man and wants his child.
go with what your characters tell you. good luck with edits!
Terry--I read a LOT of romantic suspense. One of my favorite authors is Cindy Gerard, and her books end with an epilogue revolving around the larger family. Frequently there are babies, the rumors of babies, etc. Doesn't bother me in the least and doesn't interfere at all with the tension she builds in the story.
Lorena
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