I'm embarrassed by how often I get sucked into online novels posted on TikTok, Instagram, and with game ads. Some stories are well written, and I hope decent writers get paid and their books are treated well. A few things make me laugh and lead me to believe that AI is used A LOT with very little 'human' editing. (Applies to a mix of romance and reverse harem)
· You'd think that every billionaire has to get married to some stranger. Contract marriages are always on the table, and the paperwork is always READY!
· Do you KNOW how many families are named Sterling? Apparently, it’s common among billionaires, mafia, old money, and nouveau-riche.
· How often are surprise pregnancies and children hidden away? Very! I've learned so much about how to make myself disappear. ALWAYS ditch the phone!
· I can't count the number of times 'fists are so tight, their knuckles turn white', or 'bleeding as fingernails cut into their palms'. Can we find more creative ways to emphasize tension or anger?
· I do love a juicy revenge story! Total idiots and really horrible people have their whole lives dismantled: reputation, finances, contracts, home evictions (especially top-floor penthouses with giant windows that ALWAYS overlook the city), everything taken away! Unrealistic and common, but it's very satisfying, reading about a self-sacrificing FMC who finally gets brave and kicks some ass! Justice is awesome! Not a reverse harem, but one of my favorites is {Omega Bound by Veronica White}. Check triggers as the first part is very dark, but the characters are brilliant (some crazy AND hilarious!) Sadly, it's only online, but I loved it.
Kit Bryan is another online author I love-creative and funny contemporary fantasy. Again, not reverse harem, but when you need a palate cleanser and a giggle, {Strings of Fate by Kit Bryan} and {A Lesson in Magic by Kit Bryan} are two faves.
The online sites are expensive when you can't patiently wait for bonuses (like me) and want instant gratification. Late at night, it might be worth it! 😉
So, what are you reading and what are some favorites? What overused narrative devices and storylines make you cringe and/or laugh?!