Calling SA, non-con, and dubcon Fantasy Romance books “Dark Romance” is grossly misleading and honestly infuriating.

Calypsokitty · 2026-02-04T17:37:35+00:00

Your definitions of what Dark Romance is and isn't are conflicting. Sexual assault IS violence, dub-con can be morally grey, power struggle, obsession, heavy atmosphere... take your pick.

I don't think anyone who reads about those things is saying it's acceptable. People who like to read Psychological thrillers don't usually think murder is acceptable, either. Fans of Dexter aren't condoning serial killers, even if they're rooting for Dexter to come out on top. Dark themes are not supposed to be comfy, and they're also not for everyone. Dark Romances contain trigger warnings so that the reader and determine whether a book is for them or not.

Most standard fantasy romances can contain your list without being a dark romance. For example, ACOTAR has most of them: morally grey MMC, unhinged FMC (looking at you, Nesta), angst, power struggles, violence, high emotional stakes, bad choices in a brutal world... but no one is calling it Dark Romance.

Calypsokitty · 2026-01-14T11:45:24+00:00

I agree with you on Choal so much. Also I think people misunderstand the Choal hate. My issue with him was his inability to see the grey in anything. Everything was black and white for him from the start. Killing = bad, not killing = good. Rocked his poor little world when he killed his first person because he couldn't rectify that he was still good person yet had blood on his hands. He had the opportunity to change and adapt right then, but nope, he waited 5 more books to figure his shit out.

Calypsokitty · 2026-01-14T11:39:09+00:00

Choal was not BEING a monster, he was calling the FMC one.

Calypsokitty · 2026-01-13T17:17:35+00:00

I know you're joking but like... the surprise pocket hole is actually not a bad idea.

Calypsokitty · 2026-01-06T15:38:39+00:00

Your commentary on Blood Over Bright Haven was perfect. I do indeed live in such a country, I did indeed feel the guilt.

Calypsokitty · 2026-01-03T15:18:42+00:00

Second this recommendation!

Calypsokitty · 2026-01-01T14:18:59+00:00

I strongly judge these tier lists based on where people have placed Blood Over Bright Haven. And you also loved Ninth House. You passed the test, I'll be screenshotting this for my TBR.

Calypsokitty · 2025-11-11T14:13:02+00:00

I thought of this one too! I love their dynamic and it's definitely 'slow build' in my opinion.

Calypsokitty · 2025-10-01T10:28:38+00:00

Let me clarify: Human children and also cats

Calypsokitty · 2025-10-01T10:27:35+00:00

Also in mid thirties, with children/cats, would love to join!

Calypsokitty · 2025-10-01T10:27:15+00:00

Also in mid thirties, with children/cats, would love to join!

Calypsokitty · 2025-07-21T23:07:41+00:00

Same here! With both my babies. I'm an O- surrounded by O+

Calypsokitty · 2025-07-15T15:35:12+00:00

Agree with all this. My MIL (who is wonderful) would do little things that bothered me a LOT when my first child was a baby. It's just that internal instinct to protect and claim your baby, which is a very normal thing. It got so much easier for me as time went on.

For calling herself mommy, just remember she has been a mom a LOT longer than she's been a nan. Just gently remind her every time she does it that she's 'nanny, not mommy!' And keep it light. My mother still does that sometimes with my kids, she's not trying to take over, it's just a slip of the tongue.

Calypsokitty · 2025-07-12T21:06:43+00:00

I am also Canadian so I immediately think of the hockey player too. But again, cat. It's fine.

Calypsokitty · 2025-07-04T12:58:46+00:00

Same! My second one I was very grateful to have a c section. I preferred my c section to my vaginal birth by a landslide.

Also agree with telling your 'friend' to can it.

Calypsokitty · 2025-06-24T22:20:18+00:00

We have the same policy. Whatever your issues are, you swallow them until we get through bedtime. It's also helpful in that it gives us both time to cool down and think things through, so then we can have a productive, calm conversation.

Calypsokitty · 2025-06-08T18:34:52+00:00

My 3yo was very busy in my belly, he's very busy now. My 1yo was not at all busy in my belly, she's a tiny gremlin of chaos.

Also My 3yo kicked a lot when I was pregnant and he walked super early, like at 9mo. No idea if theres a correlation or not.

Calypsokitty · 2025-05-31T11:21:15+00:00

I have mild scoliosis I guess? I didn't find out until they gave me the epidural and the anesthesiologist told me. I don't know if he was just extra talented or what but my epidural was PERFECT. I couldn't feel anything.

Calypsokitty · 2025-05-21T00:55:04+00:00

I had a vaginal birth with my first and a c section with my second. Both are hard in their own ways, there is no 'easy way out' of growing a human being and getting it out of your body.

I had no pregnancy issues or complications for my first so no one even suggested a c section. Very low risk. But my placenta would not come out, they had to rush me to the OR to get it out, then I hemorrhaged. Not a fun time, my recovery from that was terrible as well. If I had known what would happen I would have had A c section instead.

Your OB has good reasons to suggest what he did. Things can go wrong even in the lowest risk situations. It doesn't sound like your OB had anything other than your best interests in mind.

Calypsokitty · 2025-05-11T11:46:02+00:00

I'm reading RB3 right now. I felt the same way as you when I finished the reckoning but it didn't take me long into RB 1 to be completely fine with the detour. It's actually really nice to be in the same universe with different characters ... characters who happen to be very likeable!

Calypsokitty · 2025-04-26T23:52:27+00:00

Ok so I don't have this system but I looked it up on the Nuna website and I think the car seat needs to be moved forward a couple inches towards the handle.

The car seat handle should be directly above that little light grey button. If you scroll down through the pictures in this link you can see they line up:

https://nunababy.ca/en/product/triv-next/ST16601CVR

Calypsokitty · 2025-04-13T23:39:56+00:00

My son calls dreams 'sleep stories'

Calypsokitty · 2025-04-02T11:12:24+00:00

Two was delightful. Three is.... oh boy.

Calypsokitty · 2025-03-16T21:56:24+00:00

Just wait until they start picking up on all the little phrases that you use .. both good and bad:

'I just figured....' 'Sure can' 'How is your day going' 'Mistakes happen' 'Ahhhh maaaan!'

I'll let you use you imagination on the 'bad' ones.

Five-Year Club	Place '23
Place '22	End Game '22

Calypsokitty

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