I need help avoiding a very specific relationship type in my books, but I don't know what to call it. I'm trusting the fanfic tag aficionados to tell me what this is called. Then I need any and all examples of books that do it down below so I don't ever read them.
This is your one warning that I'm about to spoil Heart of the Sun Warrior. If you intend to read it and don't want to be spoiled, leave now. And do not yell at me in the comments. I warned you.
I think it's a specific type of enemies to lovers. It's where there is major life altering betrayal or violence on the part of the MMC, where the termination of the relationship is deeply emotionally impactful and full of resonance, is absolutely necessary, and is fully resolved in the first book… AND THEN THE SECOND BOOK UNDOES ALL OF THAT AND THEY GET BACK TOGETHER.
I fucking hate it. I hated Heart of the Sun Warrior for doing that. I'm afraid the book I'm currently reading is about to do this too, and I can't watch another female character I love do this for a man with an unwashed ass.
He doesn't need forgiveness. He needs to walk into the ocean fully clothed and never return, and she needs to be smarter than this.
Is there a pithy name for this? And what books does it happen in so I never read them because they're not good for my blood pressure?
by queenmab120
1 Comment
ugh this is why i stopped reading fantasy romance after getting burned by like three series in a row that pulled this exact bullshit
i think people call it “forced reconciliation” or sometimes “unearned redemption arc” but there’s probably a more specific fanfic tag for it. the worst part is when authors spend whole book making you feel cathartic about the breakup and then just… nope, never mind, love conquers attempted murder i guess
can’t help with specific titles since i actively avoid them too but maybe check the reviews in goodreads before starting any series – people usually rage about this stuff pretty clearly