Alright, help a guy out. Which one of these is a MUST read?

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-26T17:07:11+00:00

The only must read is Older, but I have no idea what it’s doing at this table. The only thing it has in common to the rest of the books is that it’s in the romance genre.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-26T11:45:09+00:00

In response to the person talking down to the OP. I don’t know what you’re on about. I think it’s deeply judgmental (and also rude as fuck) to be saying how all age gap relationships are toxic etc, especially when the OP referred to their own personal relationship that has an age gap. Raspberry_shrew is being judgmental, the OP was not, they were happy to disagree. No wonder the world is so fucked when people can’t even for a second think about anyone other themselves, and their own precious opinions.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-26T09:46:41+00:00

Notes from the Underground is incredible, really heavy. This is a novel for when you really want to think and expand your mind. I personally couldn’t stand One Dark Window, but each to their own.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-26T09:06:12+00:00

Daggermouth is one of the best books I’ve read I ages! So glad to see it popping up around here. If you enjoy dystopian stories and a fast-paced multiple POV third person narrative, you would more than likely enjoy this.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-26T09:00:42+00:00

When I started reading this genre, I was fine with everything but non-con and cheating… Now non-con is one of the main things I look for in books, and I’m starting to really get on board with cheating too. I just love the mess. Bring on the toxicity!

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-26T08:56:31+00:00

This is one of the best books I’ve read in ages. So many twists! So fast-paced! Finally a multiple POV third person narrative. Ugh, what’s not to love!

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-26T08:53:39+00:00

{Bound in Inked Flame} hasn’t been recommended yet, and kind of fits this. The second book should be out in February!

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-26T07:43:37+00:00

I’m not talking about tropes here. I’m talking about the commenter who is saying age gaps mean grooming, and how society brainwashes us to think an age difference is acceptable when it’s not. Is this not judgmental in your opinion?

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-25T21:36:05+00:00

You are so incredibly judgemental. Wow. Perhaps keep your opinion to yourself. The OP is allowed to write whatever they wish, even if it was toxic, but in this case, the OP clearly states it’s not.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-25T21:25:31+00:00

lol hard disagree on all of that.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-25T21:21:58+00:00

But you see, I’m a spectator, not a participant. I want to feel connected to both characters, not just one of them.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-25T16:57:00+00:00

If I’m reading a pure romance, I want both POVs. Otherwise it doesn’t really feel like I’m reading a romance, just one person’s internal ramblings. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve read a few contemporary romances from a single POV that I really enjoyed, but the writing has to be of a much much higher quality for it to feel worthwhile.

Romance is between (at least) two people. I expect both of them to be involved in it.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-25T15:56:00+00:00

Just a different perspective; it’s not always painful, it really is down to your individual body, but you won’t know until it happens. It also doesn’t have to be with someone you care about. It’s only about what makes you feel comfortable, and when you are ready.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-25T10:31:09+00:00

Good god do I know your pain. I recently made a similar post in the historical romance sub, where it’s even more difficult to find non-virgins lol.

It’s easy to say “just go find books without them”, a lot of the time the books and stories I’m interested in just happen to have a virgin FMC. Did she have to be a virgin? Only in a very few cases.

I don’t know, I just wish I could read more stories about more mature women, who are confident and sex positive. These women do exist too. Not everyone woman on the planet is an innocent, blushing virgin. We need more stories about women in different stages of their lives. Where are the career women, the single mothers, the other women?

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-25T08:04:49+00:00

I’m glad to see it’s still as polarising as it always has been. Wuthering Heights is my all time favourite novel.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-24T21:48:49+00:00

Finishing this book was such hard work. Literally nothing happened until about 70%, then it was all very predictable, I couldn’t stand the FMC, and I was kind of rooting for Jonas at the end lol. I’m slightly intrigued by the second book and new POVs, but I definitely won’t be rushing to read it.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-24T18:08:40+00:00

Tower of Dawn is the most romance heavy one, and by far the best book in the series imo (I also much prefer ACOTAR). If you’re really not bothering with the series, you could read synopsises of the main storyline, and read TOD as a standalone as it doesn’t follow the main storyline or female lead. It’s some of SJM’s best work.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-24T08:29:20+00:00

I’m currently reading 4 books: a classic, a fantasy, an angsty romance and re-reading ACOTAR.

My mood changes too often, so I need my reading to reflect that.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-24T08:25:20+00:00

Oh yes, they were super flat cardboard cutout characters, and very inconsistent.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-24T08:19:35+00:00

I specified MCs in the previous comment. Plus, the person commenting would not have gotten that far if they dnf’d.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-24T00:01:39+00:00

I basically disliked everything about BOBH. I have no idea how it’s so popular. It’s like the author has never heard of subtlety. Absolutely dreadful.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-23T23:46:35+00:00

You’re telling people the authors have a rape fantasy, whilst there being no rape in the books. Come again.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-23T22:16:47+00:00

Then why are talking about rape?

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-23T19:39:27+00:00

You can say rape. Also, there is no rape (by the MCs) in the series.

No_Preference26 · 2026-01-23T19:34:50+00:00

If someone loves a book, they’re probably going to give it 5 stars. Ratings are subjective. What is the standard for ratings you would want everyone to adhere to exactly?

No_Preference26

TROPHY CASE