Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday, a weekly feature hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is Things that make me instantly NOT want to read a book (immediate turn-offs or deal breakers). This was a tough topic because there really aren’t a whole lot of things that make me instantly not want to read a book, but there are some turnoffs.
Love Triangles
I like angst, but I can’t handle the stress of knowing that a character I’m rooting for might wind up getting his/her heart broken. The only exception is when one part of the triangle is a total jerk.
Cheating
Cheating in a contemporary romance or romantic suspense is a hard limit for me, no matter how it’s justified. I don’t mind it in rom coms, though, because cheating is usually presented in a humorous light and is a catalyst for the hero and heroine getting together.
Fantasy
I’ve tried. I’ve really tried, but with only a couple exceptions, I just don’t connect with fantasy. I also have little patience with world-building. Does that mean I will never read fantasy? No. However, it does mean it’s somewhere toward the bottom of my TBR pile.
Menage
I’m no prude, but menage a trois romances make me feel icky.
Dead Spouses
Finding love again following the death of a spouse can either be depressing or inspirational, depending on the author’s intention. Based on my mood, I may or may not be up to reading the dead spouse trope.
Racy Covers
I wouldn’t want to be caught reading a book with a half naked man on the cover while sitting in my doctor’s waiting room, so I’m less likely to pick up a paperback with a racy cover. The invention of the Kindle has done away with a lot of potential embarrassment, but it’s still a factor for me. Even if a book is spicy, I prefer discreet covers.
Brother’s Best Friend
I really don’t understand this trope. If someone is good enough to be your best friend, they should be good enough to date your sister. Besides that, if they’re grown adults, they should be able to date whomever they want without drama.
Terminal Illness
I really have to be in the right frame of mind to put myself through the emotional torture of knowing the main protagonist is going to die.
Love this prompt. I agree with Love Triangle. It neve makes sense to me.
It’s really not necessary to me, but I know some people love the drama.
Love triangle, cheating and menage (reverse harem in my case) are on my list as well!
Cheating is a big no for me, although your point about it as a plot point in some lighter romances is a good one — can’t stand it if it’s the main focus of drama, but if it’s a light story about dumping a cheating ex in order to find someone worthy, that works!
I don’t like love triangles or cheating either. Ick.
Cheating is absolutely off the limits!