Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group discussion

What book trends/genres/sub-genres that are really popular right now are you avoiding?

Which ones are you following to the very end?

Keep in mind, we can disagree on books and still have respect for each other. We won't take it personal if someone doesn't like a genre that we love.

One of the things I really like about this group is that people show mad respect for each other.

First, a big smile for your words o' love! :D

I don't think I can get into the Angels-sex thing or werewolf one either (clearly I was more an Edward C fan)...but then again, with enough wine in me, I could probably be convinced. (Shhh, don't tell anyone that I'm easy.) The two things just seem anti-sexy to me, but I think I'm just being narrow-minded right now.

And the Ageplay stuff is not quite to my taste. Diapers are a serious turn off for me. But to each their own and happy playin!

My fave sub-genres are still the uber-rich/uber-alpha types, mafia/mob bosses, and surprisingly (for myself) MC clubs. I also like the futuristic/other worldly/sci-fi,but I haven't ventured too far into it just yet.

What book trends/genres/sub-genres that are really popular right now are you avoiding?

Step-brothers. That's a world of ick to me. I have a lot of book friends into it, but coming from a blended family makes it too weird to enter my mainstream fantasy space.


Which ones are you following to the very end?

Rich dude, poor girl, Cinderella fantasy. I'm over anything specifically with Billionaire in the title or blurb, but still love "Calgon take me away" aspect of the trope. That theme has been a favorite through multiple romance reading phases. It began with Dukes whisking away destitute commoners, rich vampires with fragile humans, FSOG, and now Mafia criminals, and unsuspecting ingenues.

Paganalexandria **wicked juices bubbling over** wrote:

Step-brothers. That's a world of ick to me."

Crack me up! I forgot about the step-bro genre. I'm with you. All things family-related are too close for me. I'd rather see brother's best friend instead.

Paganalexandria **wicked juices bubbling over** wrote: "What book trends/genres/sub-genres that are really popular right now are you avoiding?

Step-brothers. That's a world of ick to me. I have a lot of book friends into it, but coming from a blended f..."

Oh, I am so with you!!! I have 2 no read trends: step bothers, cause like you said, coming from a blended family, it is just icky. Teacher/student is the other. I'm in education, so this tread grosses me out beyond words.

I love a good rogue/private security alpha male and an overprotective mobster. And I'm totally loving the boxer/fighter thing happening lately.

I could totally see Teacher/student being an issue for you being in education.

Bikers seem to be the hot read at the moment. Don't get me wrong I'm all for a hot man in leather but some of the antiquated views on women and how they treat women just leave me cold. Same with BDSM - another really popular trend but I guess I'm just not into pain. But totally if that floats your boat, that's cool.

PNR seems to be cooling a bit although there are still awesome series out there and I just discovered Roxie Rivera's Russian mobsters last year. A bit like the bikers a real guilty pleasure.

And in historicals I'll always love the awkward bluestocking who tames the Duke, Marquis, Earl...

Aussie Girl Lisa, regarding MC Clubs and BDSM, you took the words right out of my mouth. Another no for me is NA. I don't care for the angst and I really need some kind of external conflict in my reads. But just because they or my thing, I would never disparage a reader if they dig a genre or theme I don't.

Will probably always love tortured heroes. : )

Though with BDSM,it's not so much the pain I don't dig, but the submissiveness.

What book trends/genres/sub-genres that are really popular right now are you avoiding?

Series and serials. There are just too many to keep up.

Captive/Captor love stories set in contemporary times. If he's not a drunken pirate on a ship, a Native American or Highlands warrior or a desert sheik, I don't want to read about "(anti)heroes" kidnapping anyone.

BDSM that seems overtly cruel and sadistic.

I like the billionaire falls for his secy or a regular woman stories, but I've grown tired of billionaires purposely buying women for "arrangements".

romanticizing stalking in contemporary settings, unless it involves the supernatural or spies and secret agents.

Which ones are you following to the very end?

Cinderella type stories.
Awkward girl/dreamy guy
broken people finding love



Keep in mind, we can disagree on books and still have respect for each other. We won't take it personal if someone doesn't like a genre that we love.

One of the things I really like about this group is that people show mad respect for each other.

I totally agree. On this note, one trend in the discussion of books that I hate is when people say insulting things about the readers of books that they don't like such as "Only people who don't read much would think this is good..." or "This only appeals to young people but when you've grown up you realize how crappy it was...". My ultimate pet peeve is comments like "this book teaches girls/women.....". Excuse me?!!! I'm a grown woman. I'd like to think that I am also educated and have some semblance of common sense. I am not reading romance novels to learn lessons on life, love and romance.

Mochaspresso wrote: "...I totally agree. On this note, one trend in the discussion of books that I hate is when people say insulting things about the readers of books that they don't like such as "Only people who don't read much would think this is good..." or "This only appeals to young people but when you've grown up you realize how crappy it was...". My ultimate pet peeve is comments like "this book teaches girls/women.....". Excuse me?!!! I'm a grown woman. I'd like to think that I am also educated and have some semblance of common sense. I am not reading romance novels to learn lessons on life, love and romance. "

Mocha you just hit my sweet spot with that comment. I believe strongly that there is no reason to insult the fans of said hated genre, series, or book. Don't talk down to me, like you're so much more enlightened because it didn't resonate with you.

Mochaspresso wrote: "I am not reading romance novels to learn lessons on life, love and romance."
Exactly! It's not real life! I don't know any billionaires, or mobsters (maybe one) and you'd only see me on the back of a bike if it was the only way to escape a zombie attack...but I love to read about 'em. I don't care if someone else thinks it's complete drivel, if I dig it that's all that matters to me.
I do find negative reviews to be just as helpful as their positive counterparts though. I don't mind someone saying what they didn't like about a book, because that might be just what I'm looking for. But no need to be insulting to me if I choose to like it.

Well said, ladies.

I'm at an age now where I simply don't care and don't hide my reading choices. It's all about reading for enjoyment and the imagination for me. Whether that be pirates, bikers, mobsters or vampires. I would never disparage another's choices (with a caveat that's it's between consenting adults). If people want to turn up their noses or take the high road I just smile and say they don't know what they're missing.

I don't like the angel storylines either, because although I like erotica and romance when you throw in an angel I just cringe because I am a Christian and it seems to be walking that edge to me (and sometimes having a toe go over that edge). But I'm not judging anybody else, it's just bothers me.

The storylines I will follow until the end are the beauty and beast kind of stories - doesn't have to be literal. And the shy/wallflower finally grabbing a hunk's attention. I can't say no to those. Also I love the werewolf-mate storyline although I'm finding it harder and harder to find ones that I think are written well.

Willow wrote: "I do find negative reviews to be just as helpful as their positive counterparts though...."

Me too!

Carolyn F. wrote: "I don't like the angel storylines either, because although I like erotica and romance when you throw in an angel I just cringe because I am a Christian and it seems to be walking that edge to me (a..."

Carolyn is it weird that I can get into the demon story lines over angels, because I feel less guilty about seeing them as sexual creatures?

I hate cliffhangers! Seems like a lot of folks are turning to cliffhangers in their series. When I read a book I want the whole story!

Not fond of shift shapers or vampires either.

Pamela(AllHoney) wrote: "Not fond of shift shapers or vampires either."

The shift shaper thing just makes me think X Files...loved Fox! and Duchovny was a turn on ;) but the vampire stuff nowadays leaves me nostalgic for Lestat...back before Cruise ruined him, before Rice was well known (and I'll leave the rest of my opinions on the series to myself :)

As far as cliffhangers. I do have a difference of opinion as a writer. Since I know that I'm also a reader and a lover of multiple storylines portrayed on cable/TV, I can appreciate the need for a "pause" before continuing the story. It takes a lot out of (me) a writer of any storyline to develop not only the story, but the characters. And sometimes, the pause by a break or "cliffhanger" in the story is necessary.

As a reader, we could easily argue that the writer could wait to present the "whole story" as a series all available, or even a single standalone story.

But I think we've shown ourselves to be a community of enthusiasts to the continuation of a story and characters. Even if it's painful.

And I have made a personal promise to myself to not dwindle that appetite for the serial natural of relationships by prolonging the delay between stories. I won't be a Mad Men author, waiting so long to release the next book that even I have lost interest. Or have to re-read the previous book (seasons) in order to re-gain said interest.
That....I won't follow along with. If it's a series, then the author has an obligation to keep up with it and get the books out in a timely manner. Or suffer the backlash.

Trends I Avoid:

BDSM (I don't like inequality in relationships or the idea that pain/abuse/subjection/humiliation needs to be part of a relationship)
New Adult
Erotica
Menage/Multiple
Biker Club


Trends I Will Follow To The Ends...

Russian Hero
Antihero/assassin hero (not dark erotica or an abusive, sadist though)
Fairy Tale theme

I'm not especially attracted to the mobster hero theme. I do like Russian heroes, so I admit my interest perks if the hero is Russian Mafia (although in real life, that gets pretty dark).

I wonder why there's not more Yakuza stories?

And I am kind of bored with the overabundance of historical rakes, but I can't resist a spinster/rake storyline. I think it's because the heroine is harder to get and presumably older and wiser and she's not such an easy conquest to the hero. Plus, I just adore Jane Eyre!

Danielle The Book Huntress (Self-Proclaimed Book Ninja) wrote: "I wonder why there's not more Yakuza stories? ..."

Huh, you bring up a good point... I'd love to read the descriptions of the tattoos, how extensive they are and how they can't be seen when they're fully clothed.

Rachel Annie wrote: " Danielle The Book Huntress (Self-Proclaimed Book Ninja) wrote: "I wonder why there's not more Yakuza stories? ..."

Huh, you bring up a good point... I'd love to read the descriptions of the tatto..."

Yes. And I love Asian guys, so it would be so much win, right?

Paranormal romance, with very few exceptions, makes me snooze. There's a lot of normal that has yet to be explored in original ways by insightful writers. Also, those "breeds" stories are often just thinly disguised bestiality fantasies. I like cats as much as the next person, but I don't want to have sex with one.

Susan wrote: " I like cats as much as the next person, but I don't want to have sex with one. "

Dead! That cracked me up!

Susan wrote: "Paranormal romance, with very few exceptions, makes me snooze. There's a lot of normal that has yet to be explored in original ways by insightful writers. Also, those "breeds" stories are often jus..."

You know what? I used to be very uninterested in PNR, but I read a really good one and I got hooked. I still love them, after all this time.

Honestly, it's fantasy. I don't want to get with a vampire or a werewolf in real life, but there are aspects to those storylines that make for very good reads. I put the book down and go back to my normal life.

Paganalexandria **wicked juices bubbling over** wrote: "Carolyn F. wrote: "I don't like the angel storylines either, because although I like erotica and romance when you throw in an angel I just cringe because I am a Christian and it seems to be walking..."

No it's not weird because I do the same exact thing :) That's so funny

Danielle, I've read a couple of PNR novels that I really enjoyed. And I'm a sucker (pardon) for old-school vampires. I guess I have read (or begun to read) too many where the author substitutes a gimmick for the more difficult development of an emotionally intense human story. To be fair, I will admit to making an exception for some Highlander time travel series, especially Karen Marie Moning's. Those mostly rely on the time travel gimmick as a means to bring modern women into the world of Historical Romance, where men are dominant by nature, law and tradition, and both hero and heroine have a lot to learn about the opposite sex before it's over.

Lisa Cach wrote two paranormals that really charmed me, one about a succubus who is imprisoned by a magician, the other about an incubus/dream demon who commits the ultimate sin of falling in love with one of his "victims." I love the way Lisa Cach writes fairytale & fantasy scenarios.

Danielle, I've read a couple of PNR novels that I really enjoyed. And I'm a sucker (pardon) for old-school vampires. I guess I have read (or begun to read) too many where the author substitutes a gimmick for the more difficult development of an emotionally intense human story. To be fair, I will admit to making an exception for some Highlander time travel series, especially Karen Marie Moning's. Those mostly rely on the time travel gimmick as a means to bring modern women into the world of Historical Romance, where men are dominant by nature, law and tradition, and both hero and heroine have a lot to learn about the opposite sex before it's over.

Lisa Cach wrote two paranormals that really charmed me, one about a succubus who is imprisoned by a magician, the other about an incubus/dream demon who commits the ultimate sin of falling in love with one of his "victims." I love the way Lisa Cach writes fairytale & fantasy scenarios.

I still love a good time-travel back to Scotland...or forward said brawny Scot in time! That makes me wonder: are all time-travel basically about Scots? Still seem to enjoy bad-boy sports figures too.

I am not a BDSM reader and there are SO many series about that now. I guess everybody wants to cash in...

I'm tired of the demon thing also, plus its a bit creepy when I think about it. Also not reading anymore Fallen Angel stuff either. It seems like when a writer starts with something new, ALL I SEE is more of that! So lately I've found myself going back to UF/Fantasy and cozy-mysteries just to get a variety of topics.

In the hands of the right writer, I never get tired of the gruff angry hero who is on the run and has to kidnap the heroine.

Somehow I can't bring myself to complete these YA books. Like I've picked them up so many times, and then sneakily given them the toss while helping myself to some more Romantic-Suspense or Historical Romance.

I kinda feel they're all written on the same template: Awkward-yet-cluelessly-beautiful-girl meets the aloof-popular-dropdeadgorgeous-guy. (Till here I can manage probably) At school (Naahhhh!)
And I've noticed that I usually stop reading them post the first kiss.

What book trends/genres/sub-genres that are really popular right now are you avoiding? New Adult involving innocent college bookish shy girls and the whorish bad boys or overly tortured souls, there are just so many of them. Anything about rock gods. Anything similar to the Grey series, I did not jump on that bandwagon. Oh and any book that has warning that says "dubious consent". That's just telling there will be sexual or physical abuse and I'm not with that. Not a fan of YA books or adult books that read like YA books.

Which ones are you following to the very end? I'm still a huge fan of paranormal romance and Urban Fantasy but very selective on the authors I'll read. The same with Historical romance and romantic suspense. Some romantica but even that become an over-saturated market and a lot of it is no longer all that well written. It almost like some of it is being written by virgins. lol

Also can't get into YA, probably because I'm OA. Teenaged angst bores me, and dystopian YA fiction that has teenagers as victims is silly, considering that our society worships youth.

Also can't get into YA, probably because I'm OA. Teenaged angst bores me, and dystopian YA fiction that has teenagers as victims is silly, considering that our society worships youth.

I feel as if society worships certain types of youth. However, when you don't quite fit into one of the pre-established molds, it's conform or die time. (hyperbole noted.) That's where I think the popularity of the YA dystopians stem from.

Paganalexandria **wicked juices bubbling over** wrote: "What book trends/genres/sub-genres that are really popular right now are you avoiding?

Step-brothers. That's a world of ick to me. I have a lot of book friends into it, but coming from a blended f..."


Step-brothers is definitely a trend I don't like. I can't bring myself to read one of them. Ick is right :)

Susan wrote: "In the hands of the right writer, I never get tired of the gruff angry hero who is on the run and has to kidnap the heroine."

Agreed.

Susan wrote: "Danielle, I've read a couple of PNR novels that I really enjoyed. And I'm a sucker (pardon) for old-school vampires. I guess I have read (or begun to read) too many where the author substitutes a g..."

Regarding the PNR genre, just like any other, it gets saturated and many authors throw their hat in and don't always write the best books.

I think there are some fantastic works and series in the genre. It remains one of my favorite for that reason.

I think I prefer Middle Grade/Juvenile books to YA. Less adherence to formula and slavish following of trends.

I won't say I don't ever read YA. I do, but I'm leery of the trendy ones.

KMM is probably the author that had me reconsidering my dislike of time travel theme. I don't love it, but hers are very good.

Danielle The Book Huntress (Self-Proclaimed Book Ninja) wrote: "KMM is probably the author that had me reconsidering my dislike of time travel theme. I don't love it, but hers are very good."

I have to agree on that. I used to universally dismiss that theme as not being for me until someone forced me to read , and an author obsession was born.

Hi everyone! This is my first post and I have to say I loved everyone of KMM HIghlander/Time Travel series. Some more than others but they were very good. I really enjoyed her Fever series too.

KK wrote: "Hi everyone! This is my first post and I have to say I loved everyone of KMM HIghlander/Time Travel series. Some more than others but they were very good. I really enjoyed her Fever series too."

Welcome, KK!

Paganalexandria **wicked juices bubbling over** wrote: " Danielle The Book Huntress (Self-Proclaimed Book Ninja) wrote: "KMM is probably the author that had me reconsidering my dislike of time travel theme. I don't love it, but hers are very good."

I h..."

I think like most themes, it can be done really well.

Susan wrote: "In the hands of the right writer, I never get tired of the gruff angry hero who is on the run and has to kidnap the heroine."


Have to agree with you on that one