Comments on: Fated Mates.

By: Patricia Barraclough

Patricia Barraclough — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:42:19 +0000

I like fated mate type stories. Of course it shouldn’t be smooth sailing for them to get together. There are lots of plot lines leading to them getting together, and that is where the story comes in. What counts is the quality of the story that gets them there. Keep up the good work!

By: Shelley Munro

Shelley Munro — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:35:37 +0000

Fedora – I couldn’t just read this type of plot either. I haven’t read one for a while, but I have Lora Leigh’s latest Breed book burning a read-me-now sign on my ereader.

By: Shelley Munro

Shelley Munro — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:31:51 +0000

Roberta – You’re exactly right. When I pick up a book I want to love it and try to start with an open mind, but like some authors I tend to be picky. Reading is also research and work for me so I start off analyzing how the author has constructed their book.
When I forget to analyze I know I have a good book. I’ve read some wonderful books recently. It’s been all relaxation and no work!

By: Shelley Munro

Shelley Munro — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:28:32 +0000

Voronda – I like it when the author twists the idea slightly. I’m a real sucker for the fated mate story.

Crystal – I’ve read some of Gena’s books but not this series. Thanks for the recommendation.

Kaye – I really think that’s the secret – to try to add your own little twist or else braid the story line with another such as friends to lovers or something like that.

By: Shelley Munro

Shelley Munro — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Amy W – I’m a Lora Leigh fan too. Christine Feehan’s Shadow Walkers also have a fated mate element where the characters have been genetically enhanced and programmed to react with a certain person.

By: Shelley Munro

Shelley Munro — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:24:40 +0000

Jennifer – ah, the author execution thing. Good point. Some authors can write a telephone book and make me want to read it. It’s their voice and word choice that always grabs me.

Jory – yes, I think this type of plot works well with a suspense type story line, something that forces the characters to rely on and work with each other.

By: Fedora

Fedora — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:50:19 +0000

I tend to enjoy the storyline, especially if (as others have mentioned) the mates don’t initially get along. I do like a variety of stories though, so I don’t want all the books I read to involve the mate-you-hate-but-are-destined-to-love…

By: Roberta Harwell

Roberta Harwell — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:10:29 +0000

I personally don’t care if it is a fated mate story line or not. I love all books. I don’t review and critique each book I read. If the book takes me away from my boring life, entertains me, makes me think, and gives me a new perspective on an old idea, I feel blessed to have been able to read the book.

Have a great day.

By: Kaye Manro

Kaye Manro — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:05:46 +0000

Great post! I was thinking about this very topic the other day, Shelley. I like the fated mate thing, and have it in some of my writing. But you know, I think it is getting to be a bit overdone. It seems like most everyone is writing this plotline. Maybe we writers need to come up with unique and unusual plotlines, or a twist on the typical. You know– they aren’t fated, but are thrown together and through the adversity of plot can fall in love for that happy ending. I like a lot of conflict, and I feel it needs to be stronger in some of the books I’ve read lately.

By: Crystal-Rain Love

Crystal-Rain Love — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:01:51 +0000

I’m currently on the 4th book in Gena Showalter’s Atlantis series, which features fated mates in each book. She does an excellent job with the concept. Her characters never lack for anything. The plot never weakens due to this concept either. This is one of the best series I’ve read.