In a previous post, I discuss how authors create romantic tension.Every now and again, a novel will present a fictional relationship that is entirely free of tension.
This is not the same as "chick lit". As discussed in a previous post, lots of tension occurs in chick-lit, even if it is mainly tension about how the couple will spend Valentine's Day or who they will bring to a family reunion or whether they should move in together.
The type of tension-free romance I'm referring to is not dissimilar to the romance travelogue and, in fact, one of my examples below is a travelogue.
In these books, the romance naturally unwinds without a great deal of fanfare. It is enormously refreshing and reminds me of a Will & Grace episode:Woody Harrelson's character asks Debra Messing's character, Grace, to marry him. They are in bed at the time. Grace, naturally, immediately, freaks out and starts dissecting the proposal. In the meantime, Woody Harrleson's character dresses and goes to a nearby pub. While there, he oversees another proposal, delivered in a simply sincere, non-glamorous way and accepted without fuss. He comes to the conclusion that this is what a relationship is supposed to be like. It isn't supposed to be sooo hard.
He isn't being naive--A great relationship should never have problems! Rather he is determining that a functional relationship shouldn't involve constantly having to jump through hoops.
He has a point. And his point is most welcome.
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| AJ Sherwood series is proof that a |
| well-written novel can have a strong |
| relationship--that grows--without |
| resorting to constant angst. |
The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever by Andrew Grey
I review this book here. Although stuff happens in the book, the couple move with very little angst from friendship to dating--some internal ponderings but not enough to derail the travelogue aspect of the narrative. Mostly, the couple go snorkeling and discuss food.
"Exit Through the Gift Shop" by Kim Fielding
Short story that I discuss here.
Jon's Mysteries by AJ Sherwood
Absolutely delightful series! Funny. Sharp. Clever. The books don't fall into the category of travelogues--these babies have plot! But the relationship is surprisingly low-stress; mostly, the characters have to deal with their own baggage, not the other person's.
"Christmas Knife" by Jackie North
It sounds anything but relaxing. In fact it is rather wonderful. I will be reviewing it at a later date...
