tell me something tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings and discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging.

Question: What things are you drawn to when choosing your next read?

Answer: Apologies to Heidi (who hosts Tell Me Something Tuesday) but I’m going to put a bit of a twist on this because honestly, I'm a mood reader and I just read what sounds good to me at the time. And recently I am ALL over the map as far as genres go.

My few reading catnips though are: enemies to lovers and anything described as light/funny or low angst.

So instead I’m going to be a negative nilly and talk about what will make me avoid a book when I see these things in a blurb.

*NOTE - I am not shaming anyone for what they want to read!!! These are just things I don't enjoy. I believe that everyone should be able to read whatever they love - no judgement!!

The bad/dangerous dude who is also hot – 

“He’s dangerous/obsessed with me. I should fear him but his touch makes me crave more even though I’m terrified”

“He’s an arrogant asshole who treats everyone like dirt. But he’s irresistible”

The thing is…if the dude wasn’t hot this wouldn’t work. It all hinges on good looks overriding all common sense so NOPE.

Also anything considered dubcon (dubious consent). No means no in my book.

Best friends little sister/brother

I know I’ll get some push back on this one because it’s a very popular trope!

I actually enjoy it overall – because it can be cute/awkward with the new dynamic but hate when the setup is – I can’t betray my best friend by dating his sister or the brother putting a *not allowed to date* sign on his sister.

a) It’s none of your buisness big brother

b) If you think your bff is such a bad boyfriend/douche to girls – then why is he your best friend?

So I love this when it’s more of an awkward change in dynamics – not a big brother telling everyone who they can and can’t date.

The special girl/hot newcomer boy

“Jane was an awkward girl who tripped over everything and smashed into walls but then one day a beautiful boy with piercing green eyes & 8 pack abs (because they all have to have piercing eyes and ripped abs!) transfers to Jane’s school to show Jane how special she is and now Jane is the only one with the power to save the world.

ANY variation on the love triangle

“This book will break your heart” is "bittersweet" "requires Kleenex"

Don’t go breaking my heart Boo(k). That’s not why I read. Anything that requires a box of tissues is a no go for me.

Dirty talkin’

Another one that I think most will disagree with but it drives me crazy. I’m always thinking either ewwww or shouldn’t you be too busy doing other fun stuff during sex instead of talking?? lol

BDSM/menages

Not a fan of power dynamics – I hate being told what to do 🤣 but I also hate domineering others so this rarely works for me.

And menage romances make me jealous on everyone else's behalf.

Even though I know this is all concensual for everyone involved. Not judging but it’s not my thing.

Having said all of this there are exceptions that I’ve loved.

It was M/M but I loved Annabeth Albert’s dating the baby brother trope in At Attention. Maybe because the older brother loved and respected both his baby bro and BFF and wanted them to be happy. Although the couple was worried about him knowing it was not the core of the story.

I love Cara McKenna’s erotic romances – even the menage/BDSM ones. There’s always clear consent and an exchange of power that elevates it for me.

I liked the brother love triangle dynamics in Ann Aguirre’s Like Never and Always. I thought it had a different twist. *Note – I beta read an early version of this – not the final copy and things might have changed.

Miscellaneous stuff:

Nosy families or neighbors

Ex's reappearing out of the blue

Secret babies

Cheating

Abuse - by men or women

What draws you to read a book or like me – turns you off?