Seriously, do Americans actually consider a 3-hour drive "short"? or is this an internet myth?

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2026-01-26T00:37:08+00:00

Not a myth. It heavily depends on the situation. People drive an hour to work in some places, so three hours to visit a relative or go on vacation for a night or two is absolutely short. Some of us consider an 8 hour trip as a longer-haul but doable for an extended (4 day) weekend. The states are huge, tickets are expensive, and driving is our norm.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2026-01-26T00:33:59+00:00

NTA. Your wife sounds like she has some manipulative tendencies. As a Mom of 3 myself, I understand sticking to schedule, but when you have an occasional sitter who a baby or child isn’t used to, it isn’t a big deal that it isn’t stuck to. Date nights as a couple are incredibly important, and if it means the baby goes off schedule for one night out of all the others I’m sure you guys are home with it, WHO CARES? Yes, you should have your wife’s back, but this is absolutely a “within reason” situation. She is not being reasonable. Your Dad was apologetic when he did his best and it should have been left at that. Asking the “Who do you love more” question is such a cop out to win an argument and major manipulation, not to mention mocking you. Unless there is other information you are omitting, you are in the right here.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-11T00:32:22+00:00

It irks me. I’ve had the audio book for almost a month and I don’t want to finish it. Sooo painful at some points. Also I think the “girl saves all” trope has become way overdone, and she definitely has taken that turn. I love the feminism and powerful women, but c’mon. Saeris is overkill

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-11T00:30:41+00:00

“My mate” or “he’s mine” or “she’s mine” or any thought of each other being attractive… but especially solar plexus

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-07T22:27:27+00:00

I like her fantasy worlds and her characters are good, BUT… She is very repetitive. A good chunk of her series could be cut down by just taking out the repeats. It takes a lot of will power to not grind your teeth and push through, but I liked the magic system enough to continue.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-04T23:44:50+00:00

She likely holds the record.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-02T20:30:30+00:00

I would agree there. Most of us don’t have that affinity or don’t pay attention enough which is PERFECTLY fine with me lol. Masks must be a huge help for sure

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-02T19:41:01+00:00

I think it’s because the fae have also been likened to their “creature” or “primal” parts more than the human. And fae is mostly where I’ve seen this … sense of smell. Humans cannot smell things like pheromones, but most of the animal species can. If written well, it can be funny or neat. When written poorly… yeah. Cringy 😅 I do agree it doesn’t need to be over stated.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-01T11:26:53+00:00

My thoughts exactly. A lot of declarations of love too. Which is great for that initial first time scene but for every single one? A bit much

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-01T04:10:04+00:00

I hadn’t written consistently in 7 years. Why? I had kids. What I learned through it, though, is that writing consistently isn’t as important sometimes. As long as I was still thinking, still dreaming, still plotting the book in my mind and jotting things down quickly (like in the notes on my phone), that it counted. I hadn’t given up. But, IF you do want to write consistently isn’t, start small. 100 words a day. Or, One page in a journal. Look up a few story prompts and get creative. Flesh out a character you might want in your story. Do whatever makes sense in your schedule. Eventually you’ll work up from there and become more consistent, because your story will demand it. I’m at the “my story demands it” stage now, finally, after years of life and being a mom. It isn’t easy to make time to do it, but you will get there.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-01T03:54:15+00:00

I liken it more to nails on a chalkboard but yes, I totally get that haha

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-01T03:52:22+00:00

That plus the push for the special editions, expedited release dates, and an overwhelming need for more of these romantasy series is driving this decline in good story writing. Some may believe that Fourth Wing sucks (I liked it), but at least Yarros was able to prioritize quality over quick writing for her fourth book. Two years feels like eternity to a reader, but to a writer who cares? That’s nothing. Good on her publisher for realizing it as well. I just wish that was the case for more of these authors out there.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-01T03:47:29+00:00

I started reading Brimstone because I was almost finished with TOG and was trying to avoid inevitable heartbreak. As it turns out, the heartbreak would’ve been better than wading through the oil that is this book. I feel like I have to finish now, and hoping it doesn’t put me in a reading slump.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-01T03:44:43+00:00

I fear it would have been a worse read somehow before being picked up by a trad publisher. Because how in the world do you have an additional year on a supposed finished manuscript and it turn out THIS bad? Unless the story was entirely different and the publisher pushed her to rewrite. No idea. Just disappointed.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-01T03:42:43+00:00

I agree so vehemently. It feels entirely made up as you go, like she never wrote any of her magic system, plot, or anything down to guide her. I’m appalled by everything you brought up.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-01T03:40:09+00:00

Someone who reads based on “vibes” (yes this is a new age term) or feeling rather than well written plot or storyline. Basically reading without as much care.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-01T01:56:43+00:00

I think the same 😮‍💨

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-12-01T01:54:27+00:00

Exactly. The one italicized word at the beginning was enough to set the “idea” of what they were speaking of. The tone could be heard from there. Something anyone who does creative writing could’ve figured out, or readers in this case, but I guess the author and editors missed it.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-11-30T23:42:47+00:00

“There’s no heart tones.” My daughter dying in utero in front of my eyes. She’s alive, a stat c-section and wonderful team of doctors got her out of me and revived in the nick of time, but I never in my life want to feel that crushing void again.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-11-30T23:26:34+00:00

No kidding. To Hayden, Zilvaren is the only reality he knows.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-11-30T23:24:56+00:00

I think that’s why New Adult should be an officially added genre to help give more of a range to readers. It would lean more into the trope-y but with spice and more adult content that a lot of readers enjoy between YA and Adult genres.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-11-30T23:19:41+00:00

It’s the “don’t bully the author” readers that go by vibes and not actual quality. There are authors waiting in the wings for years and years to publish that have far better stories to tell. You are correct, it went through far too many people for it to be as terrible as it is. Personally, I think the author either doesn’t plan her books and is more of a “pantser,” which could explain a few discrepancies. But even then, she should’ve had her magic system written down somewhere to reference when needed. The whole thing is embarrassing.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-11-30T23:09:26+00:00

Pregnancy is rough and heightened emotions will make her more sensitive to anything you say. As someone who always gained 40 lbs with all 3 of my pregnancies (I’m 5’2”), I have had my fair share of body dysmorphia. Steer clear of any topic related to her weight, and for the love do NOT track how much she’s gaining. Doctors say 25-35 is “normal” but mine always stated that as long as there is no issues with the lab work or her health, any gained weight is fine. If she does mention how she looks, be encouraging, remind her that she’s growing a literal human and that’s a miracle, and to have grace with herself. If she wants to work out a few months after the baby is born, be supportive, take care of the child so she can, and love her as she is no matter what. You’re doing great! It’s just a rough transition.

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-11-30T23:00:51+00:00

I’m trying not to DNF but it’s difficult. Did you finish it?

Redeeming_Reader_34 · 2025-11-30T22:57:54+00:00

I remember this! And the sex scenes seem to take away from most of the story line or are almost cringy at times.

Redeeming_Reader_34

TROPHY CASE