You’re reading a romance novel or one with a major romantic subplot and then the designated love interest of the female (or male) protagonist does something that hurts the protagonist and you hate them for it, and wish they didn’t end up together… but sure, they end up together.

Due to the nature of this discussion, spoilers from the books are included.

Example of how to write:

Gideon de Villiers from The Ruby Red Trilogy.

>!spoiler here!

  • snailballoon@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Daine and Numair in the Tamora Pierce Immortals series. As a child, I was like “ew, he is an old man” (he is 30) and as an adult I am like “EW HE IS HER TEACHER” lol

    • Lunauroran@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      As a kid I liked their vibe and it didn’t really click how problematic it was - rereading it as an adult was ROUGH.

    • iclimbthings@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I reread the Immortals series last year as a comfort read. It was my favorite series as a kid, but reading it as an adult? I can never go back. It is SO gross. Numair is 30 and in love with a SIXTEEN YEAR OLD CHILD who is also HIS STUDENT??? As a teacher and woman in her 30s, I am both disgusted and horrified.