Bookish Blog Hops' VALENTINES HOP, Day 6!

Leslie Conzatti (Me!)

I am an absolute sucker for any kind of fairy-tale adaptation or re-telling! So long as it doesn’t take a hard nosedive into “straight-up kinky smut” I am 100% sold on it. I love the quaint thoughtfulness of a good fairy tale, the didactic nature that wasn’t there just for entertainment, diversion, or fetish fulfillment--these tales were meant to get people thinking from a different perspective, to see real-life circumstances in a whole new light through a strong, innately beautiful method of storytelling. The Lunar Chronicles is hands-down my absolute favorite, but I’ve also come across some gorgeous fairy-tale tellers in their own right: Cameron Dokey makes no bones about the fairy tales she re-tells, and most of them are pretty beguiling; Cornelia Funke takes the flavor and atmosphere of a fairy tale and spins something completely new and original for her readers, not just in the Inkheart Trilogy but also her YA series, “Mirrorworld”, and the stand-alone novels she’s crafted. Now, there are dismal failures in that realm, such as Michael Buckley’s ill-conceived Sisters Grimm that could have been such a fantastic launching point for kids who shirk at fairy tales--but for too much emphasis on gross substances or crass habits that adults actively try to discourage in kids… It dumbs down the tone of the story, I feel, shifting right into the kind of immaturity that kids reading chapter-books should be quickly growing out of. But there are some fantastic ones out there, such as books by Shannon Hale, Marissa Burt, and Rick Riordan (though he’s more mythology, not exactly “fairy tale”)!

Kim Jacque www.writersideoflife.com

Forbidden love has to be the top one for me. Location, culture, class or circumstances stops them from being a couple - think Poldark or The Princess Bride. Here, we have a lot of soul-searching, whispered conversations and loaded looks, as well as a heart-swell at the end when the couple stands together against the world and love conquers all.

Kristin F: Jørgensen -- https://luktenavtrykksverte.blogspot.com/

I can't deny I have this thing for books about World War II. I know it's not a cosy and pleasant theme at all, but as it's such a big topic, there's always new angles to check out.

Brandy Potter www.brandypotterbooks.com

I NEVER liked romance novels, well modern ones anyway. (I like The Bronte’s and Ms. Austin, but there isn’t any sex in them ;) ) Until I caught onto Nora Roberts. I really like the murder/mystery/thriller romance books. I loved Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, etc., and my librarian told me about Birthright and instantly Nora was a favorite. I can skip the Sex if I wanna or read it if I like the couple. But I ALWAYS like a good mystery!

Stormi Johnson-- https://bewitchedreader.wordpress.com/

I enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers romance. The banter back and forth and seeing them grow fight their attraction is always a fun adventure. Endurance by Amy Daws and Boys of Brayshaw High by Meagan Brandy are two of my favorites in this genre.

Jo Linsdell -- www.JoLinsdell.com

I love a good "who did it?" The more grey the characters, the better (author Ethan Cross is awesome at doing this). Give me action, suspense, and mystery any day!

I also love the friends to lovers trope. When I get to the end of the story it’s easier to imagine them living happily ever after.

Another favourite of mine is strong, dorky characters. I love seeing them grow and become the amazing character they always were but just didn’t realise it. This is probably one of the reasons why I love the Percy Jackson series so much.

How about you? What are some tropes or themes that never get old for you when you read? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! 

See below for a complete schedule and links to the other blogs. For more Blog Hops featuring The Upstream Writer, click >HERE<

Day 1: Where is your favourite place to read?

Host: Jo Linsdell (www.JoLinsdell.com)

Day 2: Which book do you wish had a sequel?
Host: ME! (*You Are HERE)

Day 3: Who gave you your love for reading?

Host: Laura Morningstar (http://sawdustandspoons.com)

Day 4: Who’s your book crush?
Host: Stormi Johnson (www.bewitchedreader.wordpress.com)

Day 5: A book you bought for it’s beautiful cover that’s just as beautiful inside too.
Host: Sarah Nowicki (www.paranormalpeach.com)

Day 6: A popular theme, or trope you will never get bored of reading.
Host: ME again! (You are HERE!)

Day 7: A loyal sidekick you can’t help but love more than their counterpart.
Host: Brandy Potter (www.brandypotterbooks.com)

Day 8: Full on Romance Books Or Action-Packed With A Few Love Scenes? Host: Brandy Potter (www.brandypotterbooks.com)

Day 9: Love triangles, yes or no?
Host: Brandy Potter (www.brandypotterbooks.com)

Day 10: A book with a heart on the cover?
Host: Jo Linsdell (www.JoLinsdell.com)

Day 11: A book you dislike that everyone else seems to love?
Host: Kim Jacque (www.writersideoflife.com)

Day 12: One book at a time or several?
Host: ME again! (You Are HERE!)

Day 13: An author you would love to interview?
Host: Lili Marcus (https://lilisblissfulpages.wordpress.com/)

Day 14: Last book you recommended to someone?
Host: Kim Jacque (www.writersideoflife.com)

Day 15: A fictional world you'd love to visit?
Host: Stormi Johnson (www.bewitchedreader.wordpress.com)