When it comes to reading (and I do a lot of it), not all tropes are built the same. At least, not for me! There are tropes that I eat up every single time. Seriously, if a trope I love is mentioned in the synopsis – and even if it’s in a story I wouldn’t normally be attracted to – I am absolutely more likely to buy the book, add it to my wishlist, or see if I can get it from KU or Libby. I will gradually start highlighting those tropes, but tonight I was thinking of the tropes I have very, very rarely enjoyed, but want so to love! There are plenty of them. Where, oh where, should I begin? Ah, I know!

Public Enemy Number One!

Second chance romances.

I can’t really explain why this one offends my delicate sensibilities so much. I have tried so hard to love reading about former lovers getting their second chance. More often than not, I end up setting the book aside and never picking it up again. Give me a moment to contemplate my dislike.

For real, I need a moment. Maybe listen to a song. I recommend In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly. Rock out while I think.

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I thought about it. I don’t love second-chance romances because I feel like I’m missing a very important portion of the history between said characters. There has yet to be a book with this trope that presented the material in a way that fills the gap and convinces me I should care. There has yet to be a story with a dual timeline that was written well enough for one timeline to complement the other. Now, as my friends and family will tell you, I am notorious for choosing books that I end up feeling just “meh” about or not finishing because I just cannot push myself through something I know I am going to give a low rating to. I don’t want to do that because it’s not the book or the author’s fault, really! Chances are, I could pick up another book by the same author that doesn’t include second-chance romance and love it.

This is one trope I am not going to give up on, though! One day, I will find a second-chance romance that was written for me!

Until then, I will likely continue to judge those fictional couples trying to make a second go of it.

Siemelle