So, I may have mentioned a time or two that I have a new release coming out at the end of the month. WILDE THING is book three in my BORN TO BE WILDE series. This series is fun, romantic, and adventure packed with a side of suspense. My readers seem to like all these qualities. However, I did something a little different with this book. Sure, it has all of the above, but I also introduced the controversial topic of child abuse. Not in a huge, take-over-the-story sort of way. But the more I asked myself why my heroine had certain problems, the more I knew I needed to give her a backstory with a darker underbelly. Reviews on Goodreads have been trickling in from ARCs received through NetGalley, and the results are mixed.
Don't get me wrong. In general, I've had a lot of "another great book in this series" reviews. But I've noticed a scattering of three and four stars mixed with the fives, and the complaints seem to have a common theme. I made readers uncomfortable. They said I could have wrapped up the book without introducing that particular topic. One went so far as to mention she understood why I did it, but she still wished it hadn't been included. I've got to tell you, I like reviewers who are so honest and detailed about their problems with a book. This particular reviewer had given WILDE ONE and WILDE SIDE both five star reviews. She gave WILDE THING four stars and said she couldn't wait for WILDE HORSES to release. So, I learned something.
Uncomfortable topics may turn off some readers. Is this just because they didn't expect it after reading the first two books in the series? Or, do some readers just want a world where ugliness doesn't exist and where the hero and heroine are perfect. I also got a few complaints that my hero was a player (even though he redeems himself in the end), and they didn't like that. That particular criticism also leads me to believe flawed characters aren't always appreciated. Based on the reviewer who is eagerly anticipating WILDE HORSES, my transgressions aren't going to alienate devoted followers. But, I am wondering about my next series which delves into some pretty dark suspense. I guess we'll wait and see.
So, my question to you: As a reader, do you prefer to enjoy light romance untarnished by uncomfortable reality? Honestly, there's not a thing wrong with that. I'll admit I won't read a book where I know someone I've invested hours of my time getting to know is going to die. So, yeah, I fall in the don't-disturb-me-with-reality camp on that topic. In addition, do you appreciate characters who have flaws, or do you love perfect heroes? Inquiring minds want to know!
If I've tweaked your curiosity and you can't wait to see what WILDE THING is all about, pre-order it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iTunes, or KOBO. It releases on February 28th. Thanks for stopping by!
12 comments:
I'm in the "can't wait for the new book" camp, Jannine! I love this series. (And yes, I just clicked to pre-order!) :-)
As a writer of darker, grittier elements, I can appreciate the need to examine certain topics that can make readers uncomfortable. (My first published book was all about that!) I think your mixed reviews might have thrown off some readers who had invested in the series and were expecting the same thing. (I remember being annoyed at one of the big romance authors who had completely switched tone and voice...it was good, just not what I was expecting.)
I also remember reading somewhere that if a romance hero can't be counted on to be loyal, readers won't like him.
That being said, I rarely play by "the rules" and think it's great to stretch yourself. A mix of reviews can be a good thing. These complaints might help you reach readers who prefer those types of elements! (I always look at the lower stars in reviews for that exact reason.)
Sounds to me like you're doing great!
I think of Linda Howard to has crushed all sorts of comfort zones and broken all the rules. I never know what to expect from her books (an assassin who redeems himself...really?). And I don't like all of them...but I am willing to read all her books. My last book, FEAR LAND was my most dark and it's getting good reviews. I've given up trying to guess what my readers want and I just try to write a good, believable, turn-paging story.
Knowing something about a person's past often helps a reader understand why they act and react the way they do. I don't mind knowing this in my books, but I prefer learning it in the first quarter of the book so I don't come to dislike the character. I need to know to develop empathy.
Interesting topic, Jannine. Even though my own stories tend toward the lighter side, I enjoy reading across the spectrum of fun to serious. However, I think all readers have some topics that push their personal buttons. For example, I don't want to spend much time inside the head of a psychopathic serial killer, and I don't do gruesome. Also, like your one reviewer, heroes who are players just aren't my thing. Even if they redeem themselves, I'm probably never going to be as attracted to them as to some other types of heroes. It's a personal thing. I don't think you can get too concerned about that kind of comment/criticism. We're creating fantasy here, and thank heaven we don't all have the same fantasies!
Leah, as readers I think we do have certain expectations from the author. Changing voice would get to me, too. Thanks for the vote of confidence and pre-order!
Rolynn, I feel like these books already broke the traditional suspense mode because they're lighter. Then I broke the mold again by introducing something dark. Maybe a little consistency is called for. LOL
Vonnie, I agree if a character is acting in a negative way, we need to know why up front, or we won't like him or her much. That isn't the case with my heroine, and her past ties in to the mystery so I couldn't put it all up front. It is something to consider, though, that harsh surprises aren't necessarily appreciated in the back half of the book.
Alison, you're right about not everyone having the same fantasies. Just look at the 50 Shades books... I actually think you'll like Tripp. He's a lighthearted guy who never had serious relationships, but the heroine turns him around in a hurry. He definitely doesn't cheat!
Hmm. Interesting that reader had such an issue with the child abuse since it was very much off stage and handled very well and briefly. As far as Tripp being a player, I'd call him a very low key player with a good heart. My opinions only. Just saying, though, why wouldn't you want to change things up a bit? Romance readers do expect the HEA, and you do deliver that. Your next series will be the real test. In a good way. In a good way.
Let's hope the next series passes the test. And thanks for the pat on the back, Margo. I didn't think the abuse thing was such a point of conflict until I had reviewers mention it. I'm fearful my current WIP is going to make a few readers cringe. But then, since the whole series has some seriously twisted bad guys, maybe they'll cut me some slack...
I think it might have more to do with what they expected in your series. As a reader, I actually prefer flawed characters. Too-perfect characters are hard to relate to, and there's no room to grow. I also don't mind the uncomfortable topics. Reading is an escape, but you're escaping into someone else's world where their problems are not your own. It doesn't have to be a perfect world. I like the dark, gritty, gruesome reads, so I'm probably not a good one to weigh in. :) Best wishes on the series!
Thanks, Ally. I like a bit of grit, too. I went lighter with this series, so I guess the lesson is to stay consistent.
I expect a story to go deeper than just the surface. I don't want to be smacked in the face with a sensitive topic, like a lecture. In my last Outer Rim book (The Protector), I introduced the subject of trafficking. Can't say "human" trafficking because some of the characters aren't human. Still... I did a bit of research and found out all kinds of ways people use the victims. I needed to know more about my MC and discovered why she would fight so hard to keep them out of her village.
Very true, Diane. We write romance, so sensitive topics shouldn't come across like a lecture. But making people aware situations exist shouldn't be a bad thing.
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