Crime Detective Mystery Thriller Group discussion

Does the idea of reading a mushy scene when the pages are tense and moving cut with you? How do you feel about it?

There's a difference between romance and "mushy scenes." Your bias is showing:)

Jonetta wrote: "There's a difference between romance and "mushy scenes." Your bias is showing:)"

Love scenes, mushy scenes, a walk in the park, secret rendesvouz, the "Aww moments" - I meant the whole lot. I am not bias, just wondering and asking for views to see whether or not I should include in my next novel :-)

Sorry, I just can't lump all of those into one category, especially since the romance genre is so diverse.

I'm a big fan of romantic suspense when it's done properly. Personally, I prefer that the suspense factor be higher with the romance element being secondary. It's all about relationships and I prefer my characters to have dimension. That typically means that there are people in their lives they care about, giving reason for their causes.

My reference to your bias showing is the fact that you describe romance as "mushy". I inferred with the rest of your statement that those kind of scenes cut into the suspense, possibly interfering with the tension. That would definitely interfere with my enjoyment but not all romance in a mystery/thriller/suspense novel is written that way. Therefore, my comment about your bias.

I hosted a month of romantic suspense in July with a diverse group of authors represented. There were some whose books leaned more towards the romance and others where the suspense had a much higher profile. That's my preference and the authors who participated that were high on suspense did an excellent job of maintaining the action and tension while integrating romantic elements.

When done right, it can really enhance the story. One of my favorites from years past is The Charm School by Nelson DeMille. It was the first time I'd read anything with romance in years and it was this story that got me to believe that it could be done right.

Some more contemporary authors I enjoy that I believe do it well are Jerrie Alexander, author of Hell Or High Water, Karen Rose who writes some of the most chilling novels I've ever read beginning with Don't Tell, and Christy Reece who is rather brutal in her stories, beginning with Rescue Me.

These are just a few of some extremely talented writers who've managed to integrate romance into suspense and mystery very well.

Jonetta wrote: "Sorry, I just can't lump all of those into one category, especially since the romance genre is so diverse.

I'm a big fan of romantic suspense when it's done properly. Personally, I prefer that the..."

Thanks, Jonetta, for replying and clarifying the different categories. I appreciate it.