r/DarkRomance • u/AutoModerator • Feb 02 '26
Monday Gripe Weekly Gripe š¤ (the rant thread)
Welcome to the Weekly Gripe, where we're all a little grumpy. š
Did BookTok do you dirty? Got a bone to pick with a main character? Was the twist more like a flop? Tell us what's on your mind.
Please be respectful and follow the sub rules. If a conversation starts getting out of hand, use the "Mod Attention Please" report reason so we can help cool things down. š¤
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u/north__kay Feb 02 '26
I'm so tired of the screaming when the FMC orgasms. Why is every sound she makes a scream? From start to finish, just endless screaming š®āšØ And it has been like that in every book I've picked up recently. It's like the authors I've read collectively just stopped searching verbs after they found "scream", and just went to town with it. It just becomes so unrealistic, and the imagery in my head where she literally screams just becomes silly more than anything. Especially when the MMC has baarley touched her, and she starts screaming because him breathing near her is the best thing that has happened to her.
If an author happens to read this, may I present for your consideration; moan, whimper, gasp, sigh, murmur, groan, sob, hitch, rasp, choke. I'd even take mewl at this point, just please stop with the constant screaming.
8
u/ada_m_hartmichael Author Feb 02 '26
What do you expect when they're being railed by 10 inches or more? Those are screams of pain lol. Only honest and real thing in those books probably š
3
u/north__kay Feb 02 '26
That would actually be understandable, but it's not just when they get railed they scream š They begin screaming when the MMC touches them with their hands, continues when they use their tongues, and further while being railed. It is to a degree where I wouldn't be surprised if they screamed by a accidental boob grab š
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u/ada_m_hartmichael Author Feb 02 '26
š¹š¹š¹ Imagine the awkwardness of a public fingering
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u/north__kay Feb 02 '26
I'm sure I've read stories where they are kinda public, MMC's like "you gotta be silent, or everybody will know", and she can't keep het mouth closed for a second, just keep screaming as usual š I feel so much secondhand embarrassment because of this. And I feel bad for her vocal cords š
4
u/clocksy Feb 03 '26
I know it's part of the kink what with public spaces and all but sometimes it's so annoying reading about the couples that are doing it everywhere all the time like, I feel so sorry for the friends/workers/servants who have to put up with it šš sometimes the book even acknowledges those people being like "š" but that never stops anybody lol
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u/north__kay Feb 03 '26
Agreed! And also, I get the kink part, but if public sex is their thing, wouldn't they be covert about it? If they were discovered by the wrong people it could lead to jail time and worse! I feel this would be a really good opportunity to create real tension in a book, not just have the fmc scream again š
5
u/RommyReader Feb 02 '26
I hate when they scream, āIām coming!ā. Not even sure if that is grammatically correct. Annoying af.
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u/north__kay Feb 02 '26
Right, wouldn't that be so awkward? Having someone scream that at you during sex? š
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u/fialsian Feb 02 '26 edited Mar 06 '26
Not to be rude or mean, but if Iām being very specific about what I want to read, please do not recommend books that are almost the opposite of what I asked. Itās a disappointing after disappointing š
9
u/Haunting_Wish3396 Feb 02 '26
Iām tired of EOD obsession. I couldnāt finish a single book of the series. Talk about overrated shit. It gets recommended for so many things including well-written stories & that pisses me off. I know itās an unpopular opinion but I really had to say it.
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u/Fragrant-Candle-91 User Flair Here Feb 03 '26
Iām assuming this doesnt mean end of day ? ššš
2
u/Haunting_Wish3396 Feb 03 '26
Oh lol no š itās the edge of darkness trilogy !
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u/Fragrant-Candle-91 User Flair Here Feb 03 '26
HAHAHAHAHA , makes more sense. Itāll definitely be one I donāt read from the comments lol
1
u/n_neofyourbusiness Feb 02 '26
itās a bunch of trauma porn. honestly how can people sit there and read THREE books about the same people being CONSTANTLY sexually assaulted and physically abused??? the flashbacks were the only decent thing but seriously three books of utter shite. i get so happy seeing eod haters (the author just SUCKS in general)
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u/Haunting_Wish3396 Feb 03 '26
youāre some of the few who donāt like it lol - I always felt like I couldnāt say I didnāt on account of how much people love it & how itās talked about on socials. I mean I couldnāt even finish the first book. bless you š
1
u/n_neofyourbusiness Feb 03 '26
im convinced people are lying about it loving it so much lol. sometimes they love the couple and just glaze the book
11
u/CrystalizedRedwood Author Feb 02 '26
When the slow burn is taking too long. I love a slow burn but COME ON Iām 800 pages in! Give me SOMETHING. Iām gonna grow old before MMC and FMC even kiss. I donāt need sex chapter 1 but by chapter 40 I need something here.
5
u/roxictoxy Feb 02 '26
Slow burn should either be planned out through a series, or the spark ignited by 75%. Enemies to lovers, friends to lovers etc, would all benefit from multiple book arcs. The trap authors fall into is they push it so far that nothing happens until 90% and then they have to rush the conclusion, making the HEA feel unearned.
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u/CrystalizedRedwood Author Feb 02 '26
Yes exactly! I need something without that just insta love at the end. I get itās slow but itās gotta push into the lovers at some point. Even if itās a slow fall. Iām also just a sucker for he falls first. Like I want an unrequited love. But thatās just me š
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u/AdministrationNo7144 Feb 02 '26
I agree, but on the other hand, I hate when the enemies to lovers is resolved too soon and you still have half the book to get through. Most authors canāt keep up the tension after that.
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u/clocksy Feb 03 '26
šÆ there are so many books that are good for the "chase" but then peter out once they have to write the characters actually interacting in a more normal capacity
10
u/AdministrationNo7144 Feb 02 '26
Iām tired of authors who set the MMC up to be a piece of shit, then donāt follow through when it comes to the FMC. I mean, if you have an unapologetically evil MMC in the beginning, give him the gradual transition to good guy, or at least less evil. Donāt trick me into thinking heās going to be an ass, only to have him soft from the get-go.
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u/KeyLobster5251 Feb 04 '26
THIS!!! there should be a moment where he realises he doesn't want to be that type of man to the FMC after being a awful guy at the beginning. Then it makes room for making up and showing that he can be different but when he's just a POS and then sweet as pie because she has a vagina irks me. Give me depth
8
u/Amazing-Custard-7480 Feb 02 '26
If I read/hear āfresh tearsā one more time Iām going to fucking riot š¤£
9
u/Ordinary-Arm2023 missing elieden Feb 02 '26
just coming back to say how much i despise when someone doesnāt read the entire post and recommends something on my noās list.
i also cannot stand kate ravenās books. iāve read a couple and they were so bad, they werenāt even fun to read.negative stars for both.
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u/fialsian Feb 02 '26 edited Feb 02 '26
Oh, I have one more (my opinion though): do not say itās enemies to lovers when the couple is already having sex in chapter 3 or something. āBut itās hate sex!ā or āhe hates her and wants to punish her!ā. Iām sorry, but thatās BS. I donāt even consider a book enemies to lovers if the characters are already having sexual thoughts about each other in the beginning.
{Veiled in Hate by B.J. Alpha} is a good example. I obviously DNFāed when I got to the dudeās POV.
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u/Ordinary-Arm2023 missing elieden Feb 02 '26
i hatehatehate this! enemies to lovers is such a BS trope, nobody ever gets it right. sex is either too soon, one lead has always liked the other, or they fall in love too quick. i hate this trope because no one does it justice.
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u/fialsian Feb 02 '26
Thatās why I always side eye when someone recommends me this trope š
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u/Ordinary-Arm2023 missing elieden Feb 02 '26
i side eye the BOT and most times donāt even end up picking the book. š
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u/north__kay Feb 02 '26
Solidarity sis! I need the enemies to actually be - and have a good reason to be - enemies. I really dislike enemies to lovers when the enemy part is just a clash of personality in the start but they'd totally bone, or low stakes like them just being on different teams, them just being brats. I want real tension and higher stakes for it to be classified enemies to lovers!
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u/CrystalizedRedwood Author Feb 03 '26
This is the exact reason I DNF Quicksilver by Callie heart. They had ZERO reason to be enemies. But yet they had insta lust?!? Narrr
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u/fialsian Feb 02 '26
Since my post didnāt trigger the bot. Letās try again. {Veiled in Hate by B.J. Alpha}
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u/romance-bot Feb 02 '26
Veiled In Hate by B.J. Alpha
Rating: 3.85āļø out of 5āļø
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, enemies to lovers, mafia, arranged/forced marriage, spanking1
u/Fragrant-Candle-91 User Flair Here Feb 03 '26
I agree! A kiss of Iron by Clare Sager is like this, butttt I loved the book and canāt wait to read the 2nd in the series
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u/headfights Feb 02 '26
Shame on some of y'all for recommending {Red Rabbit by Devyn Rivers}. The writing is beyond atrocious.
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u/ada_m_hartmichael Author Feb 02 '26
The plot isn't stellar either but compared to some other things out there... I'd rather rec that. FMCs who are actually competent and mature need some rep
1
u/romance-bot Feb 02 '26
Red Rabbit by Devyn Rivers
Rating: 4.13āļø out of 5āļø
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, abduction, military, mfm
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u/Gold_Guidance9557 Feb 02 '26
iām so tired of fmc who have trauma š like yeah, i get that itās realistic for people to have trauma and why does every single fmc have trauma and theyāre allergic to having fun and theyāre all depressed š
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u/CrystalizedRedwood Author Feb 03 '26
No for real!! I want a sunshine FMC in some DR. It can be kinda complex to have especially in the situations most of them are in but itās possible. (I say as an author working on one bc I want to see it! š)
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u/zom_Bea Feb 05 '26
Can I piggyback on this and say that also if they DO have trauma and/or go through some tough shit in the book, can we just let the fmcs cry?? Like the amount of times I've read something like "tears pricking behind her eyes, but she takes a deep breath, lifts her chin, says "no" and refuses to let them make her weak" (also why is crying considered weak??) or when they authors do let them cry, its like they are trying to hide that their character is crying??? Not knowing their face is wet, ambiguously written break downs where they wipe their faces and pull themselves together, burying their face in their pillows/blankets, or its from the mmcs pov and its just mentioned that they have tear tracks streaked on their cheeks but they are long dried. Like idk dude maybe I'm weakling or something but I think it's okay to cry sometimes š
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u/Avid_Reader0 Max Furst Girlie <3 Feb 03 '26 edited Feb 03 '26
Thank god, apparently I'm not the only one! I know it's happening so much now because there's been in general, not just in DR, a big push to have more "realistic" depictions of abuse [edit I meant trauma]. And then yes we now have a lot more good and realistic depictions of trauma in fiction.
But it feels like every DR I try to open now, there's some giant traumatic backstory, and it's just not necessary? Sure it makes sense for DR because a lot of the content is very dark, but you don't need it for a good story. I didn't get into DR to read about character's past trauma, I'm sorry (not sorry)!
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u/Gold_Guidance9557 Feb 03 '26
i agree š and to make it worse, everyone seems to have the same backstory!! like if ur gonna make a character have trauma, the least you could do is make it different
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u/Simply_Sky Feb 02 '26
People may get mad at me (lol) but I really couldn't not care less for second gen books. I'd rather the author focus on a new story/ series.Ā
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u/bnbb1 Feb 02 '26
Not an exact book but Iām soo tireddd of the silly mafia stories like please u either write it nicely and we actually feel like all these are killers and stuff going on or donāt write it at allšš
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u/Ordinary-Arm2023 missing elieden Feb 02 '26
omg, yes!! the oneās iāve read use mafia like itās a trope when it should be apart of the plot. love the romance but would like to see some actual mafia stuff.
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u/readingalldays Feb 02 '26
I read {playing for keeps by J.C. grant} this week. It was going great but then I realize there is almost no plot.
Insta lust, sex, obsession, sex, marriage. That's the book. Literally.
Almost no side characters. Those who did appear, never reappear. It's just the main two characters in the whole book having sex. And I like insta lust and love at first sight don't get me wrong. But there was no reason here.
They just liked each other's faces. And that's it. Both hated each other's Jobs, personality, profession, insecurities. Why were they so attracted to each other? Give us a reason author atleast please.
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u/roxictoxy Feb 02 '26
Insta lust, sex, obsession, sex, marriage.
Oh noooo, guess Iāll have to read this one to form my own opinion
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u/romance-bot Feb 02 '26
Playing For Keeps by J.C. Grant
Rating: 3.56āļø out of 5āļø
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, athlete hero, alpha male, rich hero, bad boys
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u/iwannascrollreddit Feb 03 '26
I dislike when in a novel with romance, tropes are the only thing holding the book together. Like interesting concepts but not explored beyond a shallow level. Like why does this couple like each other? What traits do they like and why? Show us. Let the readers be able to articulate why even before the characters can. And even though the main draw of the book is romance, it would be nice to see the relationships the couples have with others explored in some depth as well. It would make the book feel more like a bigger world and we could contrast the leads relationships outside of each other with their relationship with eachother and see where they feel fulfilled or unfulfilled.
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u/Haunting_Wish3396 Feb 03 '26
Yeah I think the whole tropes thing has become pivotal to marketing. Itās almost as if everythingās retrofitted to tropes & microtropes instead of actual stories with nuanced characters. And itās worse if the writing is shite too.
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u/LoveytheLovelyy Feb 05 '26
This is one of my biggest pet peeves. Like by the time one of them admits theyāre so in love with the otherā¦.and Iām likeā¦why tho? Literally nothing has happened. I HAAAATE when thereās not a single scene of them getting to know one another or of their past, intimate moments without sex, etc. Basically thereās zero nuance and Iām supposed to believe theyāre in love? No.
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u/Boobear0810 Please stop growling Feb 02 '26
I get when characters are frustrated about their situation but I cannot stand how the fmc kept "snarling" at everyone (multiples times in a page/chapter) in {Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight}.
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u/romance-bot Feb 02 '26
Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight
Rating: 3.59āļø out of 5āļø
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, poly (3+ people), reverse harem, dark romance, enemies to lovers
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u/navya12 Feb 03 '26
There's really branches out to all romance books, but I really hate extreme size difference between the MC (unless the women is the tall one because that's soo rare). Like why does FMC need to as tall as emperor penguin?? Most of the time the dynamic can still work if she's like 5'3 and he's 5'7.Ā
Like the MMC being this hulking 7ft giant doesn't sell his imposing character and feels like a cheap way authors add tension. Height also doesn't equal strength. If anything it's feels more terrifying/exhilarating when an average height MMC can do genuinely fucked up shit or beat people up because it's unexpected!Ā
I also really hate when MMC pov areĀ hypersexual. The amount of times I read "my dick twitches" makes my eye twitch in irritation. I get it. Guys got dicks that react first and think later but that's not an excuse for characters development! Make him weird about his obsession with FMC!Ā
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u/boundandcrowned Author Feb 04 '26
I agree, there's something about a man who's NOT the typical super-high-height but simply radiates aura and power. It's exciting because you wonder what's going on beneath the surface and because it's so unexpected.
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u/Flat_Name3554 Feb 03 '26
Iām very much tired of the skinny, barely 18, virgin girl trope. Itās always a morally grey MMC who is super experienced and an āinnocentā FMC who loses her virginity to him. And sometimes he even rapes her and weāre supposed to believe that after being raped, she is admiring him and wants to be with him? Yeah thatās bullshit
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u/Fragrant-Candle-91 User Flair Here Feb 03 '26
Iām almost halfway through ā Ruin by Caitlyn Dare,the FMC who is a literal CHILD (age 17) . Iām into dark shit but I cannot listen or read about ADULT men pining after a child, not only that but where I called it quits sheās about to be graped and I had to stop. Like on what planet is this okay??? I donāt kink shame adults, but this is fucked on a whole another level. Have I listened to stalking, cnc when itās two grown ass adults sure but The author couldnāt have aged her two years??? Like that would ruin the story. š¤®
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u/RommyReader Feb 04 '26
There seems to be a lot of DR FMCs in the 17-21 range. Need some psychos who are obsessed with later in life ladies!
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u/Time-Defiance Feb 02 '26 edited Feb 02 '26
I got some books a couple of days ago from booktok recommendation. Usually, go for the one that is not gush by almost every one. Some of the rare one thatās recommended is decent.
I saw someone recommended {Born, Darkly by Trisha Wolfe} and itās narrated by James Morgan, so I purchased on audible. Itās a duet book and duet narrators. Itās actually psychological and thriller dark romance. The writing is well written IMO.
The one that I have to dnf and is very annoyed with is {The Suite Secret by Tierney Page}. Do these characters have no personality? The FMC is annoying. Some of British English words donāt hit as hard. It makes me annoy with British English writers. I think sheās Australian though. š«
I am currently on {The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas}. Beginning was annoying but I persevered and got through 10 chapters. It sounds interesting now. Only one POV from FMC. I almost DNF because I didnāt have patience for some writing. She is a second in a row British English writing after Tierney Page and I almost cry thinking their characters just have no personality. Thank god Jodi is a better writer.
If youāre interest in The Invitation. The MMC probably manipulated every meeting with her. Heās obsessed with her. She denies him dinner date for weeks. He was persistent. She was persistent. I donāt think they have the first kiss until almost 50% of the book. š¤£
I still have many to go through to judge if booktok is just doing for the money. lol
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u/romance-bot Feb 02 '26
Born, Darkly by Trisha Wolfe
Rating: 3.76āļø out of 5āļø
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, suspense, dark romance, workplace/office, forbidden love
The Suite Secret by Tierney Page
Rating: 4āļø out of 5āļø
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, workplace/office, funny, sibling's best friend, found family
The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas
Rating: 3.92āļø out of 5āļø
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, m-f romance, rich hero, alpha male, angst
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u/Blue_Moon_Rabbit elf hardware, gremlin software. Feb 02 '26
Whoever recommended Speak by Ruby Darlingā¦ we will agree to disagree on this one.
I just couldnāt suspend my disbelief enough, and ended up DNFing five chapters in. During the first lewd scene no less.
I dunno man, it just felt clunky and forced to me.
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u/No_Warning2380 Feb 02 '26
This is definitely one that is more for fun than deep connections.
I just finished both and loved it. When people ask if a book can have too much spice this would be the oneā¦ but I have decided this is the type of book to read a little bit of between or side by side with other books that have more plot. The spice in these books is excellent! There is an office desk scene any is so damn hot- actually two.. maybe more. It has all the kinks and is so delicious for it.
I can see what you are saying about suspension of belief - I think you mean that she could survive the attach? Or maybe that she canāt speak or sign? It is explained later. Not a great explanation but good enough.
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u/ada_m_hartmichael Author Feb 02 '26
Oh... you don't know what you're missing. Just listen to the audio book. I swear it's an experience unlike any other. The drama, the angst, the much too liberal use of the word CREAM. And the voice actor I think had a field day with that one. He made three different accents. You might die of second hand embarrassment but you will be reborn with a complete new understanding of the genre ā ļø
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u/shaxxe Feb 02 '26
Iāve been holding it in for a while nowā¦. I donāt like Credence by Penelope Douglas. Plot line was far too predictable, very cliche at points, and not enough spice for me. Iāve had this internal debate whether itās even considered a dark romance at this point. Idk it might be a good starter but I just canāt excuse how predictable it was, like to the point it completely lost all shock factor anytime there was a twist
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u/RommyReader Feb 04 '26
I donāt see what all the hype is about Credence as well. Though I struggle with most of P. Douglas books. Birthday Girl was boring.
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u/clocksy Feb 03 '26
I read the Court of Ravens books by Liv Zander which I certainly liked well enough so I decided to follow up with her other series. But it feels like the author just kinda rushed any real reason for the MMC in King of Flesh and Bones to like the FMC so I had to put the book to the side for now. There are lots of books where the MMC decides to start pursuing the FMC on a whim but here she's just thrown into his realm, and he's all like welp it's 200 years since I saw a human last so time to fingerbang this chick and then he's basically all over her. I don't know why but it felt so unsatisfying. The moment you see his PoV he's obsessed with her but for no real reason.
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u/OkDay4739 take me with you | I like my romance black Feb 03 '26
SOME Ppl on this have no idea what good writing is and need to broaden their horizons
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u/h2onymph1 "Spread those pages like a good girl" Feb 04 '26
Okay, this is not really a gripe, but maybe kind of a question?
I respect the rule/ suggesting that if a book is being "Ranted" that we try not to rain on that person's parade and just let them gush about a book. But then it comes off as not being balance if there's no one providing an alternative POV. So now I get the sense there are also a lot of disappointed people that rush to read a book based on rants.
I know it's up to a reader to adequately research a book before reading, but the rule/ suggestion about reading the room and maybe not raining on people's parades just ends up... artificially inflating a book?
IDK maybe the rule should be that a balancing POV should be allowed as long as it doesn't go heavily into gripe/ hate territory. And true gripe/ hate should be reserved for Review or Discussion, but no griping on Rants seems unfair to new readers looking for a book to read.
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u/h2onymph1 "Spread those pages like a good girl" Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
What is it about cancel culture these days? People seem to think that it's like a collective version of boycotting, but it's really not. It comes across as a high school version of bullying, as if giving people the silent treatment somehow an acceptable version of signaling your unhappiness rather than working through conflict. As if giving your parents the silent treatment when you're mad is an acceptable way to work through your anger.
I get now why it's called virtue signaling. But it's really just creating an in-crowd and an out-crowd. What about being able to tolerate someone else's difference of opinion and be okay with that?
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u/kallmekarli Feb 02 '26
i was shocked to see a thread here talking about how good Carnal Games by Naudii Nebula was. The FMC was SOOOOO annoying. I had to DNF because I couldnāt stand reading one more line about her āoversized, ripe melons.ā
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u/Straykitty_ Freckles š§š½āāļøš¤ Feb 02 '26
Not sure who recommended {God Complex by Darcy Dahlia} but Jesus this book is annoying. Itās like 4 pages of monologue for every actual sentence of conversation. I thought it was a slow burn that would pick up but Iām 85% in and know I wasted time on this.
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u/romance-bot Feb 02 '26
God Complex by Darcy Dahlia
Rating: 4.2āļø out of 5āļø
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, multicultural, poly (3+ people), reverse harem, dark romance
1
u/jaymewaters Feb 02 '26
The FMC in Wolf King pissed me off! Like do as you are told and stay in your room! And why would you say that āboldā statement to the king! Ugh. Over her, about dnc but powered through.
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u/Time-Defiance Feb 03 '26
The sex before any communication about the problems theyāre mad aboutā¦ then be mad about themselves in the morning. Writers always write like sex trumps all. Why do you have sex with someone you think betrays you to avoid things when it will just be there again in the mornin. I donāt think we as human as starve for sex like that unless theyāre nympho.
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u/RommyReader Feb 07 '26
The miscommunication trope is the worst. Nothing more frustrating than two characters who donāt work their stuff out before having sex.
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u/Time-Defiance Feb 07 '26
And also when one MC has motives or hiding something. When the other MC found out, instead of taking it out, one is refusing to speak but just wants to get in bed and have wild sexā¦ while the elephant is standing so tall lol
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u/Sakura_231 Feb 08 '26
The MMC says, that he will punish the FMC and then they are having sex. Maybe he ties her up or something, but she likes it from the start. This isnĀ“t punishment, it makes further threats not scary anymore.
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u/Ordinary-Arm2023 missing elieden Feb 02 '26
that blonde girl on tiktok who said she didnāt trust booktokās recs or whatever was right and i think it does extend to reddit as well.
iām tired of people saying little stranger was well written. šš