Tourists are not encouraged, and are occasionally shot at on sight
You know, when I'm browsing in a bookstore nothing turns me away from a potential read than a summary that supposedly features a strong heroine yet there plastered on the cover is some leather bound vixen, plunging neckline exposed midriff, most likely sporting a tramp stamp of some kind.
Is it me? Am I just that much of a prude or over generalizing? For all I know, most of these books are actually well written. I just can't believe any book that boasts of a compelling heroine and still has a cover that makes her look like a Maxim model. Less clothes does not mean more kickass, IMO.
And as for such heroines- I'm generalizing once again, I'm sure, but they all sound like the same person. They will usually have some ridiculous, quixotic name like Evangeline Firestorm and she will not only be a exorcist/sorceress/demon slayer/ detective (usually all at once) but will also be the best in her field while getting seduced by a hot demon. It all just smacks of Mary Sue to me. Bonus points if they have a dark backstory that features death of a loved one at the hands of the Big Bad.
I would rather read a story where the main character is named Sarah Stewart and is a librarian with the potential for development than a story where the character is already so badass, the author doesn't feel the need for any growth since they are just so perfect as they are now. This is why I stay away from romance novels (though I am a romantic) and paranormal romances are usually a double gag for me. Especially since the "hero" is some sort of supernatural creature whose main attribute is that he's hot. Sorry, if I wanted that, I would be squealng over Edward Cullen instead of pointing out that what a d-bag he would actually be in real life.
I tried reading one paranormal romance and was so repulsed by it and the OTP, that I sold it and have not touched the genre since. I can't even remember the story only that I despised it.
Speaking of the dumb and paranormal, here's a clip of the Soup that parodies "Ghost Adventures". The show itself may be a poor man's Ghost Hunters but the clip is funny especially when the main guy says "Pasty Irish ghost, face me you dickweasel." I have to give props to the cast for being able to poke fun at themselves.
Is it me? Am I just that much of a prude or over generalizing? For all I know, most of these books are actually well written. I just can't believe any book that boasts of a compelling heroine and still has a cover that makes her look like a Maxim model. Less clothes does not mean more kickass, IMO.
And as for such heroines- I'm generalizing once again, I'm sure, but they all sound like the same person. They will usually have some ridiculous, quixotic name like Evangeline Firestorm and she will not only be a exorcist/sorceress/demon slayer/ detective (usually all at once) but will also be the best in her field while getting seduced by a hot demon. It all just smacks of Mary Sue to me. Bonus points if they have a dark backstory that features death of a loved one at the hands of the Big Bad.
I would rather read a story where the main character is named Sarah Stewart and is a librarian with the potential for development than a story where the character is already so badass, the author doesn't feel the need for any growth since they are just so perfect as they are now. This is why I stay away from romance novels (though I am a romantic) and paranormal romances are usually a double gag for me. Especially since the "hero" is some sort of supernatural creature whose main attribute is that he's hot. Sorry, if I wanted that, I would be squealng over Edward Cullen instead of pointing out that what a d-bag he would actually be in real life.
I tried reading one paranormal romance and was so repulsed by it and the OTP, that I sold it and have not touched the genre since. I can't even remember the story only that I despised it.
Speaking of the dumb and paranormal, here's a clip of the Soup that parodies "Ghost Adventures". The show itself may be a poor man's Ghost Hunters but the clip is funny especially when the main guy says "Pasty Irish ghost, face me you dickweasel." I have to give props to the cast for being able to poke fun at themselves.
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