Comments on: My Instant Turn Ons, Offs, and Ifs

By: Keira

Keira — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:48:37 +0000

Haha, Karin, that’s hilarious!

Good point heidenkind! I agree about the pregnancy –> instant marriage trope too. Just because she’s pregnant and you got her that way does not mean the two of you together are good parents. Though I have to make an exception for Separate Beds by LaVyrle Spencer, which I need to reread because I can’t swear if they got married or not right now… ahh!

Allyson – food… hmm… Have you read Never Resist Temptation by Miranda Neville?

LynnS – You don’t like Virgin Widows; what’s your stance on the unexpected virginity surprise?

By: Karin

Karin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:03:22 +0000

Offs Difficult man who turns out to be great — LOL, in RL difficult men are always difficult men. Ya can’t change ‘em, and seriously, would you want to live with them!

By: heidenkind

heidenkind — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:00:58 +0000

Katiebabs~LOL

I love books where the hero is a cop, or a vampire. Or a combination thereof. I also love books where the h/h fight all the time.

I’m not a big fan of the instant sexual attraction/obsession trope, although sometimes it works. And I absolutely hate books where the characters can’t figure things out that I already know as a reader. And any romance where h/h marry just because she’s preggers.

By: Allyson

Allyson — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:37:15 +0000

I agree with most of your turn-offs. Flawed heroines are fine, but damaged ones, not so much. Also, I think kids ruin a good romance. And I never consider rape excusable or justified. If a rape scene happens, I put the book/story down and never pick it up again.

One of my biggest turn-ons is any story in which one of the characters is a chef or a foodie. I like the intersection of cooking/eating and romance/love/sex.

By: LynnS/AAR

LynnS/AAR — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:58:39 +0000

Oh no! Virgin widows. Those can join feisty heroines and manipulative/abusive men in my “no, thanks” column. Every now and again an author can make one of these work, but it’s pretty rare for me.

I am a sucker for: wounded heroes, strong heroines, friends becoming lovers, a great reunion scene, offbeat characters or little-used time periods. Oh, and strong men with a soft, sentimental side to them. Those get me every time!

By: Keira

Keira — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:51:21 +0000

Ooo yes! I agree. Why can’t it be the hunky manservant who spies on his lord and master? Maybe then he can end up with the evil lord’s wife/daughter/sister.

By: katiebabs

katiebabs — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:48:04 +0000

Offs:

Dukes or Lords who are spies for a secret undercover society in London. BAH!

By: Keira

Keira — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:16:16 +0000

Basically what Susan said. But how does the hero get that impression?

1. She’s a widowed virgin.
2. The hero saw her in a compromising situation and assumed the worst.
3. Heroine says something leading sexually but was a totally innocent comment on her behalf.
4. She dresses wrong. e.g. Too tight clothes (not enough money but the hero sees curves and thinks – slut/loose!)
5. Heroine is a natural at the sensual arts. Can kiss like a goddess without prior experience, etc.

By: Susan S.

Susan S. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:16:12 +0000

Bella, I would venture to say, it’s when the hero assumes the heroine is worldly. He then spends 157 pages making every attempt possible to bed her, they finally make love when WTF!
Virginity Surprise! (ROFL)

By: Bella Street

Bella Street — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:28:41 +0000

Okay, what’s ‘The unexpected virginity surprise’??? Do tell! LOL