Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.
This prompt was more difficult than it should have been. Of course, because there's so much that I actively dislike in my romances, that section was easy to fill out. Then I was left wondering 'what do I actually like in romance?' So, yeah, I'm splitting this list up.
Five Things I Like
Well, I think that pretty much covers it. What do you think? What's on your list?
This prompt was more difficult than it should have been. Of course, because there's so much that I actively dislike in my romances, that section was easy to fill out. Then I was left wondering 'what do I actually like in romance?' So, yeah, I'm splitting this list up.
Top Ten Things I Like/Dislike When It Comes To Romances In Books
Five Things I Dislike
Insta-love/Love at first sight: I don't believe in love at first sight, so I certainly don't like it when that sort of stuff crops up in my books.
Abusive Boyfriends - Verbally, Physically or Emotionally: I loathe abusive guys. Hate them so much and I hate it when these absolute creeps get the girl. All they should get is a restraining order.
Love Triangles: There are exceptions but, as a whole, I dislike this. I can't really explain it, just that it tends to take over the story.
Lack of Time Spent Together: You've had three conversations, all about weather or food and I'm supposed to believe you're madly in love? Yeah, I don't buy it. (This also works for people that used to know each other years ago. People change over time, you know.)
Possessiveness: Another creepy thing I hate in guys - and it's usually guys. No, I don't find it romantic when a guy says you cannot see your friends - or when he decides to micromanage every bit of your life. Jealous, controlling and possessive all equal creepy to me.
Time Spent Building Affection: I love watching a romance progress from the first meeting or friendship phase right through the awkwardness and on to a true couple.
Sexual Tension/Slow Burn: When reading romances, I'm most happy when couples take a long time to kiss/voice love and get intimate. I like it when there's tension to their interactions, like they almost can't take anymore without doing something/saying something.
Humor: It doesn't have to be a joke a minute, but I like the quirky humor - and the just plain awkward humor - in romances. Not everything has to be sweet-nothings an 'one true love'. A bit of laughter goes a long way in making me think they're compatible.
Honesty: I love it when couples are willing to be honest with each other. Even though they are afraid of what the other person will think/say, if they have a secret, I'd much rather have it come out early and not drag it along. (I also hate secrets in my stories, so, yeah.)
Honesty: I love it when couples are willing to be honest with each other. Even though they are afraid of what the other person will think/say, if they have a secret, I'd much rather have it come out early and not drag it along. (I also hate secrets in my stories, so, yeah.)
Opposites Attract: I love putting two people together that are different - maybe the out-going guy and the shy girl or viceversa - and watching them get together. I also like when the couple has different opinions on things and can have mature discussions learning about each other.
Well, I think that pretty much covers it. What do you think? What's on your list?
