What makes a book or series cracktastic? What is it about them that keeps readers coming back for more, in spite of plot holes, inconsistent world building, and a myriad of other potential problems?
I just finished Karen Marie Moning’s Bloodfever (I’ll post my review tomorrow). Inaccuracies aside, the books are addictive page-turners which leave me craving more. There are a ton of things one could criticize them about – Irish/Gaelic pronunciation being just one – but they are such good fun that my quibbles don’t detract from my overall enjoyment. Moning is what I would call a consummate storyteller, despite not being a stellar writer.
J.R. Ward is another author who fits this description. The novels in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series are engrossing reads. The overabundance of ‘h’s, the faux street slang, and the blatant product placement are just a few things which drive me crazy. However, there’s always enough good stuff to keep me turning the pages to find out what happens next. When the next book is released next summer, I’ll definitely be buying it.
Kristan Higgins’s contemporary romances are another example of books which fail on many levels but succeed on the important ones. Some of the jokes fall flat, the characters are often over-the-top, and the storylines are repetitive. Yet Higgins writes in such an engaging manner that I finish her books looking forward to the next one.
I’ve mentioned many a time that Susan Mallery keeps reeling me back in, despite her tendency to write stories involving unprotected sex and surprise babies. She infuses her novels with just enough poignancy to rise them above the forgettable fluff which defines so many romance novels.
Which series/authors are you addicted to, in spite of their flaws? What makes a writer a consummate storyteller? Do they have to be a great writer for that term to apply?
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JR Robb’s In Death books always deliver for me. And JR Ward is my true cracktastic author. I just can’t quit her.
Also Lisa Kleypas, even though her latest was somewhat of a dud for me.
As everyone knows, I am a total JR Ward crackhead. I mean – there is no help for me. Period. And yes, I think they have to be a great writer in order for me to get addicted. Otherwise I wouldn’t get the shakes when I don’t get my fix. Yes JR Ward’s books are not the best out there – but to me, they are the most entertaining. If she didn’t write well, I would have kicked my habit years ago
*whispering* I haven’t read JR Ward’s books yet.
Oh, the horror!
JR Ward is definitely crack for me. Also Lorelei James’ Rough Riders series – It’s over the top, pure alpha cowboy and I cannot stop reading them.
I admit there are rare times I ignore weaker writing because the story is so compelling. But it has to hook me right at the beginning.
The most important element for me is believable, likeable characters – even the best writer can attain DNF status with an irritating H/H.
Well, I just posted about the Plum series. Definitely cracktastic. But I think I’m getting tired of them. I like Lori Foster’s books. Predictable, but that’s what I enjoy about them. You know exactly what you’re getting…until she throws a time travel plotline in there LOL. Harlequin Presents are also very predictable, but they’re quick reads that hit the spot when I need an instant fix.
It’s like you read my mind with your opinion posts. I was thinking about this TODAY. I think you can be a great storyteller without being a fantastic writer. For me, this is especially true in romance and maybe fantasy, because if you write an exquisite moment that moves me, I’ll probably forgive every other flaw in your book.
That said, I often wish that great storytellers, whose stories I’m addicted to, would write better. There’s beauty in language, and I think sometimes that’s forgotten in the process of telling the story.
True test of a cracktastic author: you’ll buy the hardcover because otherwise you have to wait too long. For me, that means Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Oh, and in the non-romance division, Marian Keyes. I think both of them are great writers, even if not every book achieves the highest standard. Also, they make great re-reads.
Off to check out JR Ward’s books on Amazon…
I can’t stop reading Jayne Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle/Amanda Quick. Her heroines and heroes are basically the same in all of her books. They just have a different (usually offbeat) names. They’re like mac and cheese for me: predictable, but sometimes just what I want. I consider them comfort reads.
My crack: JD Robb and Mary Balogh — tried Ward but ended up stopping at #4 and giving books away. Mallery, agreed, engaging but she’s not compulsive for me. Gabaldon of course. I’d have to quit working if I stopped to list all my comfort reads!!
@katiebabs I’ve been hearing ‘meh’ things about the new Kleypas. Her last contemporary didn’t do it for me, either.
@Mandi You’re my go-to person for info on upcoming J.R. Ward books. I’m too afraid to hang out on her boards after my brief experience of them a few years ago!
@Amy If you like paranormal/urban fantasy, they’re worth checking out. The first three are particularly good.
@AngePatel Lorelei James…have I read anything by her? The name rings a bell.
@Stacy ~ I’m over the Plum series. The Ranger-Morelli storyline needed resolution and I don’t think Evanovich has any intention to end the love triangle.
Yes! I can forgive a lot for moments of pure perfection. That’s most definitely the case with J.R. Ward. There are several subplots and devices which she uses which annoy me, but the good parts are so very good that her books are worth reading.
@Magdalen I buy very few authors in hardcover. Those I do invest in are more likely to be thriller/suspense authors, or books which are part of a continuing series where I don’t want to wait an extra year to know what happens next. I’ll definitely get the next Julia Spencer-Fleming in HC, for example. If I remember correctly, you’re not a fan of paranormal. If that’s the case, J.R. Ward probably isn’t for you. Her first three books are vampire romances and the series becomes more urban fantasy from book four on.
@Mary Beth I remember enjoying Amanda Quick back in the day. JAK gave a great interview in a recent issue of the Romance Writers Report. Refreshingly honest. It made me want to pick up one of her books.
@Janet W Diana Gabaldon! I loved the first three books in her Outlander series. I wasn’t as wild about the fourth and fifth and I have yet to read the sixth. I’d like to see the series through to its conclusion, so I must dust off A Breath of Snow and Ashes.
I’m still avoiding JR Ward’s books.
I think what series you find addictive depend on your personality. Like, I love The Vampire Diaries and The Night World, even though I’m aware they do have their flaws.
I inhaled the JR Wards, found the faults almost as entertaining as the books themselves.. Though have no interest in reading the last one, so that might be towards an end.
I am probably not as fussy a reader as I should be, as long as it is an enjoyable read I can over look a lot. Probably my most cracktastic authors though are Sarah McCarty and Lora Leigh. There are always a few holes in McCarty’s books, but she manages to pack a fair bit of emotion in her books which always sucks me in.
And Lora Leigh.. well.. I know her writing is terrible, and there is always several WTF moments when I read one of her books.. but they entertain me so.
You already mentioned two my favs Ward & Moning, I would also add Sherrilyn Kenyon and Charlaine Harris to the cracktastic list. I think I just have an addictive personality, all it takes is one book hit. *winks*