This is a little difficult to answer, as I usually finish books, even if I’m not a big fan. But here are several things that make me dislike a book, when I may have enjoyed it otherwise.
A Hero Who Thinks the World Owes Him Everything
I mainly read this type of thing in medieval fiction, and I’ve read it farrrrr too many times that it gets annoying. Basically, the hero wants land. He coerces or tricks a titled woman to marry him to get said land, forcing/tricking the consummation to make it official.
This type of character just isn’t likeable for me, even after I gave them a chance to learn from their greed and mistakes.
Trading the Story for the Sake of a Sex Scene
Ugh, I hate this! I’ve read several books that have had an amazing storyline, amazing characters, and then instead of ending the book with awesome amazingness, the author ends the book with sex. Umm. No. I hate this. I don’t think this is a good way to end a book.
Excessive Sex
Now that we’re on the topic of sex, I really dislike books with excessive sex. One or two scenes, fine. But when it keeps going and going. And going. I can’t stand it, especially if they’re detailed and take up pages in the book. It detracts from the story and the sexual tension is suddenly gone because the characters crossed that line.
Skipping Vital Scenes
I recently read this book that said something along the lines of “We went on the first date last night…” Umm, what? Why didn’t we get to see this date? Romance in retrospect is a no-go for me. I would much rather see romantic scenes in the moment, that way I can root for the characters to get together and feel a connection to them.
Long, Drawn-out Paragraphs
Excessive inner reflection. Descriptions that go on a bit too long. For this, I will actually put down a book before I even reach page two. It doesn’t necessarily mean the book is bad, but if I’m looking for the next book to read, a book that doesn’t immediately grab my interest likely won’t make the top spot.
Sydney Winward 
Yeah, I don’t like heroes like that either.
My post.
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Great post!
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I so agree with the sex for sex’s sake!!! once, twice is good. More than that is intrusive and…boring!
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Yes, definitely boring! All right, I read this two times before. Can we move on now? lol
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If a book doesn’t grab you in the first five to ten pages, people drop it. It’s called a hook, if you start with excessive description or inner thoughts, that’s a no go for me.
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Yes, agreed! I recently read Monster Hunter International, and the scene began with amazing action. It hooked me immediately. If the first page begins slow, I’m more likely to drop it.
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Wow, great list and I agree with everyone of them. Sex for sex’s sake is irritating and a plot spoiler for me. As is a hero you describe. Don’t get me started on inter reflection that goes on for paragraphs. Also I’m glad you mentioned the date thing. I’ve see that more often recently. I don’t mind if you say they ate dinner, but I want to know what kind and how the date went. Thanks for sharing. Here’s mine. https://www.tenastetler.com/topics-that-make-me-stop-reading-a-book-lsrs-wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-september-2-2020/
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Tena, definitely. The date is a great opportunity to create sexual tension and connection between the characters. By skipping the scenes, I feel a little robbed.
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Enjoyed your post, yet I disagree with the first one, Sydney. I love the intimacy and tender moments between the couple at the end of a story. It doesn’t have to be sex, but it can be snuggling with conversation, feelings about the future, etc. Or even playful banter that will eventually lead to the bedroom, but doesn’t go there. It fades out. Does this make sense? As a reader, I do love these types of endings, especially in romance books. Perhaps it’s only me. 🙂 Thanks for letting me share.
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Mary, thanks for sharing your opinion! I like seeing what other readers enjoy that I might not like quite so much. I usually tend to lean more toward sweeter stories rather than sensual. I enjoyed your post as well 🙂
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I don’t mind the excessive sex, but if I’m reading a book with that, then I know it going in and that’s what I want to read. But the rest of it, I agree 100%. Good post!
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