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My Reading Confessions: Guilty Pleasures & Unpopular Opinions
- Theresa Wilson
- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
Let’s face it — book lovers can be a passionate (and sometimes opinionated) bunch. We all have our favorites, our hard no’s, and those genres we can’t stop recommending to anyone who’ll listen. But over the years, I’ve discovered that my taste in books tends to raise a few eyebrows, spark some debates, or get labeled with one very specific word: “porn.”
Yes, really.
If you’ve ever had someone judge your reading choices because they don’t fit some “acceptable” mold, you’re not alone. I’ve had people scoff at my book covers, make jokes about the content, or try to convince me to read something more “serious.” But here’s the thing — I love what I love, and I’m not sorry about it.
So today, I’m sharing my reading confessions: the guilty pleasures I proudly enjoy, and the unpopular opinions I stand behind. This post is for anyone who’s ever felt the need to hide their Kindle screen in public — or who just wants to be reminded that reading joy doesn’t need permission.
Grab your tea (or wine), and let’s get into it.
🔥 Guilty Pleasures: The Books I’ll Never Apologize For Loving
Everyone has those books they reach for when they want pure enjoyment — the ones that feel like comfort food, even if they don’t earn critical acclaim or book club approval. For me, these guilty pleasures are less about guilt and more about joy. They’re the stories that make me giddy, the tropes I never get tired of, and the spicy page-turners I’ll defend to anyone who side-eyes my TBR. Some people may roll their eyes at these choices, but I know exactly why they work for me — and I’m not giving them up anytime soon.
Guilty Pleasure #1: Steamy Romance with Fierce Women & Devoted Men
Let’s just get this out of the way — I read steamy romance. The kind that some people like to mock or dismiss, often without ever cracking one open themselves. It’s the type of romance that leans unapologetically into the spice — and I absolutely love it.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just about the heat. What really keeps me coming back are the heroines. These women are strong, outspoken, and never afraid to claim their space. They don’t play nice to make others comfortable. They’re layered, confident, and fully in control of their story.
And then there’s the men — not just hot, but obsessed. The ones who would quite literally move mountains or burn down the world for the woman they love. Unrealistic? Sure. But that’s the beauty of it. These books let me escape into a version of love that’s intense, dramatic, and larger-than-life.
They’re stories of power, passion, and mutual respect — all wrapped in a spicy bow. And while they may not be for everyone, they give me exactly what I want in a romance: characters who feel like fire, and relationships that leave me grinning, blushing, and sometimes fanning myself when the chapter ends.
Guilty Pleasure #2: Dark Romance That Dances on the Edge
This one’s a little more controversial, but I’m putting it out there anyway — I love dark romance. Stalking? Kidnapping? Murder? I know, it sounds awful on paper. These are things that would never be okay in real life. But in the pages of a dark romance novel, somehow it works.
There’s something undeniably compelling about characters who are damaged, dangerous, and morally complex. Dark romance gives you permission to explore messy emotions, twisted power dynamics, and high-stakes tension without needing it to reflect the real world. It's about the what if, not the what should be.
I like when characters wrestle with darkness. I like when love walks a fine line between redemption and obsession. And I especially like when authors don't pull punches — when they take risks and push boundaries to tell a story that’s raw and unforgettable.
Will I recommend these books to everyone? Definitely not. But in my own reading life, dark romance scratches a very specific itch — and I’m not giving it up.
Guilty Pleasure #3: All-Smut, No-Plot Novellas
These little novellas are like the literary version of junk food — quick, indulgent, and oddly satisfying. There’s not a lot of buildup, barely any plot to follow, and more often than not, the characters fall into bed by page ten. And you know what? I love them for that.
Sometimes I don’t want to invest in a slow burn or a 400-page emotional journey. Sometimes I just want something spicy, simple, and low-commitment. These “all smut, no plot” reads are perfect for breaking a slump or resetting my reading palette between heavier books.
They’re fast, they’re fun, and I go into them knowing exactly what I’m getting. Not every book needs to be deep, emotional, or life-changing — and these novellas remind me that reading for pure enjoyment is reason enough.
Guilty Pleasure #4: Taboo Romances That Push Boundaries
I have a soft spot for taboo romances — the kind that make you pause and say, “Wait, is this really happening?” Whether it’s stepfamily dynamics, huge age gaps, or other relationships that challenge social norms, these stories are undeniably messy and often eyebrow-raising. And yes, I’m also a sucker for reverse harems, where one character navigates complex feelings with multiple love interests at once — it’s a wild ride of emotions, tension, and complicated dynamics that keep me hooked from start to finish.
These romances don’t shy away from discomfort or moral ambiguity, which makes the stakes feel higher and the emotions rawer. There’s a certain thrill in watching characters navigate relationships that society might frown upon, while still rooting for their happiness in a fictional world where anything can happen. The tangled loyalties, forbidden feelings, and messy dynamics make these stories unpredictable and intense.
Reading these books lets me dive into a world where love isn’t always simple or easy — and that complexity? I find it addictive. Sometimes it’s the chaos and complications that make the romance feel most real, even if it’s all happening in fantasy pages.
Guilty Pleasure #5: Monster Romances & Supernatural Love
On the flip side, I also adore monster romances — shifters, demons, other supernatural creatures, and everything in between. There’s something thrilling about love stories that mix fantasy with passion, creating relationships that are literally otherworldly. It’s not just about the romance; it’s about the imaginative worlds, the unique challenges of being something beyond human, and the ways those differences complicate love.
I’m also a huge fan of alpha/omega dynamics and omegaverse romances — those fascinating worlds where social hierarchies and primal instincts create intense tension and unique relationship challenges. These stories blend raw emotion with fantasy world-building in a way that’s utterly captivating and often deliciously steamy.
A personal favorite is the Creatures & Coding series by Rhea Fox, which perfectly blends quirky tech vibes with monster romance flair. These books offer the kind of escapism that lets me revel in the weird and wonderful, with a side of spicy romance to keep things exciting. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing characters who are “monsters” on the outside find love and acceptance, and it reminds me that sometimes love transcends all boundaries — even species.
💬 Unpopular Opinions: My Hot Takes on Reading Culture
Now let’s get a little more controversial. Every reader has opinions that don’t quite match the mainstream — and I’m no different. These are the takes that might get me side-eyed in a bookish group chat or spark a few debates in the comments. But they’re also a reflection of how I’ve grown as a reader, and what I’ve learned about what works (and doesn’t) for me. Agree or not, these opinions are part of what makes my reading experience uniquely mine — and I’m standing by them.
Unpopular Opinion #1: Audiobooks Just Don’t Work for Me
This one gets a strong reaction anytime I mention it. Audiobooks are huge right now — they’ve helped so many people fit reading into their lives, and the voice actors truly do an incredible job bringing stories to life. I admire that. I even want to like them.
But no matter how many times I try, I just can’t get into audiobooks. My brain checks out within a few chapters. I miss details, I zone out, and I find myself rewinding constantly because I forgot to pay attention. It turns what should be a relaxing experience into a frustrating one.
Give me a paperback, an e-book, or even a graphic novel — anything I can see and engage with on the page. That’s how I absorb stories best. I fully support people who love audiobooks — I’m just not one of them.
Unpopular Opinion #2: Cliffhanger Endings Can Be Great
I know, I know — we all scream when a romance ends on a cliffhanger. The angst, the wait, the unresolved tension! But here’s my take: when it’s done well, a cliffhanger is actually a brilliant way to end a book. Especially in a duet or trilogy, where the story is clearly meant to unfold over time.
Not every romance needs a neat happily-ever-after in the first book. Let things stay complicated. Let the characters fall apart before they come back together. When the ending isn’t all wrapped up in a bow, it gives the next book real weight and emotional momentum.
A good cliffhanger makes me need the next book. It leaves me breathless, pacing, checking the release date. That tension? That feeling of “I’m not okay until I get more”? I love that. (Even if I also curse the author in the moment.)
Unpopular Opinion #3: Not Every Series Needs to Be 6+ Books
I love series. They let you fall deeper into a world and watch relationships grow over time. But — and this is a big but — I really think a lot of series drag things out way too long. Just because you can stretch a story across six or seven books doesn’t mean you should.
In some cases, the couple’s arc is clearly done by book two or three, but their story gets artificially extended to fill a longer series. Conflict starts to feel forced, and the emotional payoff gets watered down. It’s frustrating to see a story that had strong bones get stretched too thin.
That said, I do make an exception for series like Sophie Lark’s Brutal Birthright, where each book focuses on a new couple. When done well, a family or interconnected series like that can stay fresh while exploring different relationships and dynamics. I’m all for that kind of variety.
But with the same couple over and over? Sometimes, you just have to know when to end it.
Unpopular Opinion #4: I Won’t Debate My Favorite Books
If I loved a book and you didn’t, that’s totally fine — really, it is. I’m not here to argue or try to convince anyone why I liked it, and I hope others will respect that same boundary. Reading is such a personal experience, shaped by our own tastes, moods, and life moments. Just because a book didn’t resonate with me doesn’t mean it won’t hit home for someone else, and vice versa.
Honestly, sometimes I absolutely hate a book someone else calls their favorite. But that doesn’t make either of us wrong — it just means our preferences differ, and that’s the beauty of reading. It’s subjective. We all bring different experiences and expectations to a story, and those differences create diverse conversations and perspectives that enrich the community. So I’m happy to share what lights me up, but I won’t drag anyone into a debate over it. Let’s celebrate our varied tastes without the pressure to agree.
Unpopular Opinion #5: Publishers Need to Stop Marketing Every Book as a “Read-Alike”
This one frustrates me more than I’d like to admit. Publishers and marketers often try to hook readers by comparing new releases to hugely popular titles, slapping on labels like “For fans of [insert bestseller].”
While I understand the intent — to attract a wider audience — this approach frequently backfires.
When readers go in expecting a story just like their favorite book, they’re often set up for disappointment if the tone, pacing, or characters don’t match those expectations. It can unfairly skew a reader’s first impression before they even turn the page. I wish publishers would let books stand on their own merit, encouraging readers to approach each story with fresh eyes and open minds.
There’s something special about discovering a book without the shadow of a comparison looming over it. It allows the story to shine on its own terms and lets readers form genuine connections without preconceived ideas clouding their enjoyment. Sometimes the best reads are the unexpected ones.
Reading is personal—and sometimes the books that hit the hardest are the ones we’re least likely to admit loving out loud. But here’s the thing: we don’t owe anyone an explanation for what brings us joy, escapism, or the kind of butterflies that only fiction can deliver. Whether it's taboo tropes, spicy scenes, or chaotic plots that shouldn't work (but totally do), I’ll keep turning the pages. No guilt. No apologies.
What are your guilty pleasure reads? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for messy, addictive, no-shame recs. And if you liked this post, don’t forget to pin it, share it, or send it to a fellow reader who also refuses to feel bad about their bookshelf choices. 😉
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