Good evening, PBees!

So, if you've been in the online space for some time now, you may have seen the argument on whether Dark Romance (DR) is morally alright or not. One argument states that DR (especially the ones with R*pe or other non-consensual acts) trivialise and normalise the horror behind the actual crime, especially since FCs are always apparently OK with it bc it's hot. I've read a few paragraphs of my own where the scene is weirdly graphic, and while the FC repeatedly said no, "her body wanted it," so it becomes OK. And I have to admit, that was very....um...interesting to read.

The other argument is that dark romance doesn't pretend to be morally alright, rather it's simply a niche form of fantasy for people interested. After all, no one is forced to pick up a DR or subscribe to Fc's belief, and they are mostly catered to adults, who should already be aware of the trigger and underlying messages. And to be fair, I don't see this much discourse surrounding books on murders and other violent crimes. So idk.

I'm pretty open to any discussion on the topic, bc I'm trying to get a general consensus in the issue. Feel free to explain why you think DR is or isn't a problem and why!

what do u guys think are the most popular book genres? (i personally think romantasy) ...and why do so many people hate on dark romance?

Does 1st P.O.V always have to be a bit cringey, or is it just the cultural differences I'm not picking up on? Do Americans actually talk like this? Not that the book itself is bad or anything, I'm hooked lmao.

So today I was talking with a bookclub I was going to join, but decided against it because unfortunately I was very very different from them and they just wouldn't have a good time since I don't fit in at all. (Womp womp for me. Maybe next time!!)

For a moment, we actually almost started an argument. They brought up the last book they read, and I meantioned that I also read it and unfortunately didn't like it... I know I shouldn't have said this, I was just nervous and blurted it out!! But the conversation basically turned into an argument that hate-reviews and/or overly negative reviews should not be public if they aren't constructive because the author spent a lot of time on their book and it won't change now that it's published, that if you aren't an editor or author yourself you don't have the credentials to offer such criticism, and that all reviews should offer some kind of constructive criticism to help the author grow for their next work...

And more, but... I didn't really feel like retelling how a group of people yelled at me... 😭

So. I write pretty negative things about a lot of books. Unfortunately I am very fussy and picky with books most of the time, and I have definitely written a hate-review(?) or two before. But I NEVER tag authors or insult them as a person. I always thought that if you buy a product, you are open to criticize and dislike it, because reviews aren't for the one that made the product... but for people looking to buy said product.

The whole thing made me feel some type of way, and I'm not sure if I'm just being sensitive because they called me out but I just wanted to know what other people think and how you guys write your reviews! Do you think authors belong in reader/review spaces? How do you go about writing your reviews? I'm very curious and I want to do better with my own reviews.. 🦭