Two Mr. Rights?
These days it’s common to read a romance with two points of view: the hero’s and the heroine’s. It’s no surprise that the two of them will get together in the end. (Come on, it’s a romance.) What you don’t know is how or what will keep them apart until that final happily-ever-after (HEA) scene—and that’s the fun of reading such stories.
Every once in a while, though, a novel comes out with the POV of a third lead character, generally a second man who possesses a romantic interest in the heroine. Sometimes, it’s clear the second guy is a jerk, and the heroine would be an idiot to choose him. Sometimes, though, he’s equally awesome. But let’s face it, bigamy is illegal even in fiction. Then Reader is left in a quandary. Which Mr. Right should Miss Confused choose in the end—Hero A or Hero B? Which man is better for her? Which man does Reader like better?
In those circumstances, I’m tempted to flip to the final pages to satisfy my curiosity and impatience, but I beat back the temptation and read on.
But how about you?
What do you think about books with more than one possible romantic HEA? Do you like them or not? Have you ever been surprised by the hero the heroine chooses (or the heroine the hero chooses)? What is your favorite novel with such a choice? Do you peek?
Sandra Ardoin
As an author of heartwarming historical and contemporary romance, Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out.
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jenlhall63
I like two guys to fight over a girl 🙂 I don’t know if I read a book that really surprised me on who the girl ended up with…
Sandra Ardoin
I like that tug back and forth, too. I’ve a read a couple I wasn’t sure about, though. 🙂
Angie Arndt
It depends. If it’s done correctly, then I don’t mind it. But if she spends too much time liking the obviously Mr. Wrong, then I begin to wonder about HER. I’d rather read a Why Not-Why romance with one obvious choice than a multiple choice. (Then again, I don’t particularly like the Bachelor/Bachorette reality show, either.)
Sandra Ardoin
The Obviously Mr. Wrong…love it, Angie. 🙂 I understand what you mean by wondering about HER, but sometimes the wrong one isn’t obvious. Then I’m thrown into a tizzy.
Dora Hiers
Typically, I prefer to read romances with only one love interest, but I really enjoyed Myra Johnson’s When The Clouds Roll By. She kept me guessing which hero would win Annemarie’s heart until the end. 🙂
Sandra Ardoin
Yes! I had to really show some restraint with that one. Just between you and me, I did peek–just a little–not enough to really know for sure.