29 Shocking Real-Life Truths About Book-Worthy Things You’ll Find Repulsive
Ever find yourself utterly lost in the pages of a romantasy novel, only to pause and think, “Wait—would anyone actually act like that in real life?” Yeah, me too. It turns out some behaviors that make our hearts flutter in fiction can be downright cringe-worthy or even repulsive outside those glossy pages. From magically destined soulmates bonding over glowing crystals to the classic brooding alpha male who really needs a therapist, these tropes have minds of their own—thrilling to read but unpalatable when brought to reality. So, let’s dive deep into the quirks and quandaries that romantasy fans love to adore but might secretly dread encountering IRL. Ready for a wild ride through love’s literary oddities? Buckle up—it’s gonna be one heck of a conversation.
Many people read books to escape reality and get lost in the fantasy world. However, sometimes authors depict things in a way even the most dedicated fiction readers can’t get behind.
Recently, the romantasy genre lovers were discussing behaviors that are romanticized in books but actually are repulsive in real life. Scroll down to find them, and make sure to leave your own observations in the comments below.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out a conversation with Jeanne De Vita, award-winning author and editor, creative writing instructor at UCLA Extension, and founder of Book Genie, as well as Michelle M. Pillow, NYT and USA Today bestselling author of Romance, Cozy Mystery, and Paranormal Women’s Fiction, who kindly agreed to chat with us more about romanticized yet repulsive IRL tropes in romantasy books.
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Dirty talk. I’m sorry, it takes me out of it. I’m too analytical and in my head for it and a lot of the time it sounds cringey as h**l. Heck even when reading sometimes I hate it when it’s overdone and I’m like “dude, please stop talking, you’re ruining it for me!”.
Her favorite trope to write about that is quite disturbing in reality is the fated mate—two people irresistibly drawn together by an unbreakable, supernatural bond. “In fiction, it’s all-consuming, swoon-worthy, and layered with tension. But in real life? If someone showed up claiming destiny had decided we must be together, I’d be reaching for a restraining order,” she joked.
“This is a trope I love playing with in my books, especially in the fan-favorite relationships of my Dragon Lords series. These guys are the ultimate believers in love at first sight—they even have crystals that glow to tell them who they’re meant to be with. It’s excellent for futuristic fantasy, but can you imagine a stranger telling you a magic rock wants you to get married?”
Jealousy of any kind for me. like i love jealousy in books (not at dark romance levels but still) but IRL i have never truly experienced jealousy & it is pretty much a deal breaker. This is not including like healthy, developmentally normal jealousy, I mean the book kind if that makes sense.
Brooding.
– In real life you need therapy.
Calling the FMC “Baby”
– Didn’t realize just how much I hate this until I had to listen to my BIL and his boyfriend call each other “Babyyyy” every other sentence for an entire weekend. “Babyyy can you pass the ketchup?” “Babyyy will you make me some coffee?” “Babyyy what time do you want to leave?” 🤮.
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