Secondary stories - like them or not?

Maryann J · Joined: 25 Feb 2008 Posts: 855 Location: Massachusetts

I just finished reading a book that had a secondary story in it. It eventually weaved itself into the main story line, but before it did, it greatly distracted me from the flow of the main plot. I found the back-and-forth between stories very jarring and annoying.

Since the book had the secondary story, I felt like I was gipped out of the hero/heroine's full story and that their relationship lacked proper development.

I do enjoy secondary story lines, if it doesn't distract me from the main story. It's great to sometimes get a 2-for-1 romance in a book.

Danielle · Joined: 01 Mar 2006 Posts: 6794 Location: Wheaton, IL

I do not mind a good secondary story just as long as it doesn't take away from the main story.

I read one book were the author wrote a sex scene for the secondary couple before the h/h even did the horizontial!!!! I just felt so cheated!!!
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Avid Reader · Joined: 03 Mar 2006 Posts: 961 Location: Nashville, TN

I do if there is a resolution to the plotline at the end of the book. Also, if it is written well so that the scenes aren't too disruptive from the original plotline.

Sometimes I actually like them better than the main story. It's usually more of a straight shot to the happy ending.
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Debra V · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 823 Location: San Jose

I just read a book like that. Sometimes it is not a big issue for me. But, in this book it took a while to make any since out of why she was doing it. think she could of done it better.
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GlencoraPalliser · Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Posts: 4922 Location: Matching Priory

I usually do, if it adds to the overall book and doesn't seem to dominate the book that I think "why isn't this a separate book"? Like Avid Reader, sometimes I find I like the secondary story better--but that's also usually if I like the secondary characters better for some reason--every once in a while that has happened. But I do need to see the connection to the main plot, else it can be distracting switching between story lines for no apparent reason.
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Tiona · Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Posts: 37 Location: Missouri

I'm with Avid Reader in that I usually simply love those secondary characters and do enjoy their story a little more. Just like Avid Reader said, it seems like more of a straight line to their story. But, they can't detract from the original story or else the book is more about them, right? so, therefore, they shoudl be the ones on the cover,hehe
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EAGLEGIRL · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 2:43 pm Post subject:

I love secondary stories especially if the author is setting up for a book on the secondary characters. But not at the expense of the main characters. Erin McCarthy does a great job with creating flirtation in secondary characters. In both her books Flat Out Sexy and Hard and Fast, one of the secondary characters are Suz and Ryder. Although they are divorced from each other, there has been some heavy flirting. By the time Erin comes out with their book, I will be clawing my way to be the first in line for it. But it is tricky because not all authors are good at doing this. Julia Quinn messed up one of her books with having Daisy share some steamy kissing with Cam. Everyone thought Cam was the one for her and yet when Daisy's book came out, she was with Matt and the whole steamy kissing with Cam was slightly mentioned. She had to back track.

bookwyrm · Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Posts: 289 Location: Nacogdoches

I, too, don't mind a good second storyline if, it doesn't detract from the main storyline. Anne Gracie is the mistress of the secondary line in my opinion. Ethan and Tibby from Stolen Princess and His Captive Lady are an excellent example. Their story was sweet and wonderfully crafted and added to the overall plot.

Robin in PA · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 7:11 pm Post subject:

I love when we get a secondary romance. It's like getting two books for the price of one. Sometimes the secondary couple is even more interesting than the main couple. Doesn't bother me at all.
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Gem · Joined: 28 Feb 2006 Posts: 3519 Location: Chicago

spillane-j · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 410 Location: Irmo, SC

I like them if they're woven well into the storyline and it's truly a secondary storyline. If the story was flipping back and forth, then that would get distracting. I guess some authors and some characters don't lend themselves to a secondary.

I've always liked how JD Robb mixes Peabody and McNabb's story into her books, and Eve's reaction to it.

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GlencoraPalliser · Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Posts: 4922 Location: Matching Priory

Tee · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 36

Depends for me, too. One secondary story I liked a lot was Portia and Bodie's from Match Me if You Can by SEP. They were a great couple!

Lynne · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 79

I read a book recently in which I liked the secondary couple and their story much more than the main couple's story.