I do judge books by their covers and also by some of the words on the blurbs. So I’ve brainstormed two lists of phrases – one that lists all the phrases that has me shouting “Yes! Give me that book right now!” And the other that has me side-eying the book and muttering, “I don’t know about that.” 

Does this mean I’ll never read a book if I don’t like the cover or the blurb includes a phrase that makes me raise an eyebrow? Not at all – especially as I get older I find myself more willing to read almost anything. But it usually takes a recommendation from a trusted source to break out of my comfort zone. What a fun list to think about!

“Yes! Give me that book right now!” 

Found family – I absolutely love this trope.
Library/Librarian – if those are mentioned, I’m in.
Cozy – I love the cozy vibes, especially when the world feels messy.
Heartwarming – This can go either way for me. I love a book I want to hug when it’s over, but I’m not a fan of crying books.
Addictive/page-turning – Yes, please. Sometimes I need a book I can fall right into!
Character driven – Some folks avoid this phrase, but I often don’t mind sinking in and really getting to know a character.
Enemies to lovers – Love that tension!
Fake Dating – These romances often contain a lot of humor.

“I don’t know about that…”

Satire – I just never understand it.
Gut wrenching – No thank you, I do not like to cry.
Emotional – See above.
Lyrical – I feel like this often leads to crying…see above.
Mind bending – Not sure I want to work that hard. My family teases me that I don’t like “weird.”
Second chance romance – Often there is a lot of miscommunication which makes me insane.
Anything that suggests kids or animals are in danger – Speaks for itself. I definitely raise an eyebrow if there is an animal on the cover.