When reading a romance novel, I think it’s safe to say we all have our pet peeves. Perhaps many.
Inconsistent descriptions get me every time. Sometimes, it’s just sloppy editing and, though annoying, doesn’t really ruin a good story. Like when a character’s eye color changes or descriptive elements are left out but prove important to the story.
My current source of irritation was perfectly illustrated in a novel I was deeply engrossed in. During the climactic scene, the layout of a house kept changing. It seemed that all exits and entrances were from the kitchen, which was ludicrous because it was set in a stately home. The kitchen seemed to be near the front door, library, and drawing room all at once. I could not figure out which rooms were upstairs or downstairs. Characters entered the drawing room and exited the library.
An excellent book that had me totally invested was ruined because I could not properly visualize people’s movements throughout the action.
Sad really. Visualization is very important to me. Books are like movies running through my head.
What are your pet peeves?
DEE HARPER LEWIS 