(The sound of a pen scratching.) LOGO.
(The sound of a pen scratching.) LOGO.

Hellooo everybody! I have big news! Big!
Hellooo everybody! I have big news! Big!

HUGE! That's what she said... The Savior's  Sister audiobook is finally here! BUY IT! The  
HUGE! That's what she said... The Savior's  Sister audiobook is finally here! BUY IT! The  

Savior's Sister is my number one best-selling  dark fantasy romance novel! It is a companion  
Savior's Sister is my number one best-selling  dark fantasy romance novel! It is a companion  

to my number one best-selling novel The Savior's  Champion, which was rated one of the best books of  
to my number one best-selling novel The Savior's  Champion, which was rated one of the best books of  

all time by Book Depository, I'm just sayin'...  And now you can listen to Leila's story as an  
all time by Book Depository, I'm just sayin'...  And now you can listen to Leila's story as an  

audiobook, and you totally should, 'cause it's  amazing! My narrator Emma Tigan did a PHENOMENAL  
audiobook, and you totally should, 'cause it's  amazing! My narrator Emma Tigan did a PHENOMENAL  

job! I cannot say enough amazing things about  her! Thank you Emma so, SO much! Honestly,  
job! I cannot say enough amazing things about  her! Thank you Emma so, SO much! Honestly,  

working with Emma was a dream! She was fantastic! She's SO talented, she was so easy to work with,  
working with Emma was a dream! She was fantastic! She's SO talented, she was so easy to work with,  

and she brought Leila's story to life! The link  to the TSS audiobook is listed in the description  
and she brought Leila's story to life! The link  to the TSS audiobook is listed in the description  

below! And even better, if you're new to  audiobooks, you can listen to The Savior's Sister  
below! And even better, if you're new to  audiobooks, you can listen to The Savior's Sister  

for free on Audible! I am also hosting a giveaway! As a thank you for checking out the TSS audiobook,
for free on Audible! I am also hosting a giveaway! As a thank you for checking out the TSS audiobook,

one lucky winner is going to be walking away  with a signed copy of TSS! The giveaway entry  
one lucky winner is going to be walking away  with a signed copy of TSS! The giveaway entry  

form is in the description below! All you have  to do is provide proof of purchase for the TSS  
form is in the description below! All you have  to do is provide proof of purchase for the TSS  

audiobook and you're good to go! Redeeming  free credits to listen to the TSS audiobook  
audiobook and you're good to go! Redeeming  free credits to listen to the TSS audiobook  

ABSOLUTELY counts, so you can enter this giveaway  without paying a dime. If you listen to the TSS  
ABSOLUTELY counts, so you can enter this giveaway  without paying a dime. If you listen to the TSS  

audiobook for free, you can enter. If you use  your credits, you can enter. It's all good,  
audiobook for free, you can enter. If you use  your credits, you can enter. It's all good,  

so long as you get that audiobook! Pick up a copy  of the audiobook, enter the giveaway, and you will  
so long as you get that audiobook! Pick up a copy  of the audiobook, enter the giveaway, and you will  

get to listen to an adventurous, romantic tale,  AND you might be winning a prize! On to the topic!  
get to listen to an adventurous, romantic tale,  AND you might be winning a prize! On to the topic!  

Today, I am listing 10 adored, beloved tropes that  I DESPISE. I hate them! I am 100% in the minority,  
Today, I am listing 10 adored, beloved tropes that  I DESPISE. I hate them! I am 100% in the minority,  

here. I know people LOVE these tropes! You  probably love them, too! But I don't like 'em,  
here. I know people LOVE these tropes! You  probably love them, too! But I don't like 'em,  

and I'm gonna tell you why! A couple disclaimers:  I am a human being with evolving tastes, so I  
and I'm gonna tell you why! A couple disclaimers:  I am a human being with evolving tastes, so I  

reserve the right to change my mind. Additionally,  there are always exceptions to the rule. Just  
reserve the right to change my mind. Additionally,  there are always exceptions to the rule. Just  

because a trope is on my list doesn't mean I hate  every incarnation of it. But generally speaking,  
because a trope is on my list doesn't mean I hate  every incarnation of it. But generally speaking,  

these tropes grind my gears, and since this is  my channel I reserve the right to bitch about it.  
these tropes grind my gears, and since this is  my channel I reserve the right to bitch about it.  

Before we get started, a friendly reminder to  subscribe to my channel and ring that bell! I post  
Before we get started, a friendly reminder to  subscribe to my channel and ring that bell! I post  

videos on Wednesdays where I talk about writing  and reading, and writerly things, and reading things,
videos on Wednesdays where I talk about writing  and reading, and writerly things, and reading things,

and I bitch about writerly, readerly things that  I hate. It's lovely! I'm a ray of sunshine! Number  
and I bitch about writerly, readerly things that  I hate. It's lovely! I'm a ray of sunshine! Number  

One (1): The gravelly voiced, dead inside  hero. This hero is everyone's favorite,  
One (1): The gravelly voiced, dead inside  hero. This hero is everyone's favorite,  

so much so that we see him over and over and over  again... They're always the main character. They  
so much so that we see him over and over and over  again... They're always the main character. They  

always talk like they smoke a pack of cigarettes  a day. They always have some trauma from their  
always talk like they smoke a pack of cigarettes  a day. They always have some trauma from their  

past that turns them into an emotionless husk of a  man who saves the day and gets laid along the way.  
past that turns them into an emotionless husk of a  man who saves the day and gets laid along the way.  

I don't have an issue with the existence of this  character, I just don't want to follow him as the  
I don't have an issue with the existence of this  character, I just don't want to follow him as the  

protagonist. It's not interesting to follow a man  who can't emote or only has one facial expression.  
protagonist. It's not interesting to follow a man  who can't emote or only has one facial expression.  

Brooding! Stink face! Big boy pouting! I just shit  my pants! Can he be a side character? Fuck, I did  
Brooding! Stink face! Big boy pouting! I just shit  my pants! Can he be a side character? Fuck, I did  

that with Orion. I want to follow a character who  actually grows and develops. I want to follow a  
that with Orion. I want to follow a character who  actually grows and develops. I want to follow a  

character who can be kind, or funny, or hell, have  a personality at all! Number Two (2): Bad boy,  
character who can be kind, or funny, or hell, have  a personality at all! Number Two (2): Bad boy,  

good girl. I don't have a problem with the  idea of the bad boy and good girl pairing.  
good girl. I don't have a problem with the  idea of the bad boy and good girl pairing.  

I just have a problem with the way it's usually  executed. I love a 'bad character' who's a rebel  
I just have a problem with the way it's usually  executed. I love a 'bad character' who's a rebel  

or an edgelord, and a 'good character' who is  smart and compassionate. But this is almost  
or an edgelord, and a 'good character' who is  smart and compassionate. But this is almost  

NEVER how the trope is executed. The bad boy  is always an asshole chauvinist. The good girl  
NEVER how the trope is executed. The bad boy  is always an asshole chauvinist. The good girl  

is always an insecure dishrag. Can we maybe see  layers in this trope? It has so much potential!  
is always an insecure dishrag. Can we maybe see  layers in this trope? It has so much potential!  

Why are we going with the gross power imbalance of  a predator and prey? A bad boy who defies societal  
Why are we going with the gross power imbalance of  a predator and prey? A bad boy who defies societal  

standards and marches to the beat of his own  drum could be sexy. A 'bad boy' who gaslights his  
standards and marches to the beat of his own  drum could be sexy. A 'bad boy' who gaslights his  

love interest is trash. Throw the whole book  away! I read to get away from men like that,  
love interest is trash. Throw the whole book  away! I read to get away from men like that,  

so please stop putting them in fiction...thank  you. Number Three (3): Flashbacks. I'm sure  
so please stop putting them in fiction...thank  you. Number Three (3): Flashbacks. I'm sure  

they have a time and a place, but I cannot  think of a single book I've read where a  
they have a time and a place, but I cannot  think of a single book I've read where a  

flashback brought any value to the story. I'm not  talking about time skips or non-linear writing.  
flashback brought any value to the story. I'm not  talking about time skips or non-linear writing.  

I mean when the story itself is halted so we get  to see a brief memory from long ago. It fucks up  
I mean when the story itself is halted so we get  to see a brief memory from long ago. It fucks up  

the flow, it's jarring and displacing, and there  is almost always a better option. Why didn't you  
the flow, it's jarring and displacing, and there  is almost always a better option. Why didn't you  

just create a prologue? That way we're not yanked  out of the story to relive a memory we're not even  
just create a prologue? That way we're not yanked  out of the story to relive a memory we're not even  

interested in in that moment. A conversation  between characters where they're discussing  
interested in in that moment. A conversation  between characters where they're discussing  

that memory could easily do the same job without  yanking the readers out of the specific scene.  
that memory could easily do the same job without  yanking the readers out of the specific scene.  

This shit just ain't for me. Use a non-linear  format or a prologue. It works WAY better!  
This shit just ain't for me. Use a non-linear  format or a prologue. It works WAY better!  

Number Four (4): The 'historically accurate' fantasy  world...that isn't actually historically accurate,  
Number Four (4): The 'historically accurate' fantasy  world...that isn't actually historically accurate,  

but that's beside the point. This 'fantasy world'  features an all-white cast, 90% of which is  
but that's beside the point. This 'fantasy world'  features an all-white cast, 90% of which is  

male. The remaining female cast, of course, is  subjugated and sexually assaulted, because that  
male. The remaining female cast, of course, is  subjugated and sexually assaulted, because that  

is 'historically accurate' to the fictional land  this author completely made up. We get long info  
is 'historically accurate' to the fictional land  this author completely made up. We get long info  

dumps about climate and farming and other shit no  one REMOTELY cares about and everything is dreary  
dumps about climate and farming and other shit no  one REMOTELY cares about and everything is dreary  

and gray. Would it kill you to make a world with  some color? What kills me is the neckbeard who  
and gray. Would it kill you to make a world with  some color? What kills me is the neckbeard who  

wrote this story is clearly trying to replicate  medieval Europe, but then proudly proclaims they  
wrote this story is clearly trying to replicate  medieval Europe, but then proudly proclaims they  

spent 10 years building this world. How did  it take you 10 years to copy a history book,  
spent 10 years building this world. How did  it take you 10 years to copy a history book,  

and then not even copy it right? The most exciting  facet of fantasy is that you can do literally  
and then not even copy it right? The most exciting  facet of fantasy is that you can do literally  

ANYTHING you want, and you chose to regurgitate  the same tired setting and characters that every  
ANYTHING you want, and you chose to regurgitate  the same tired setting and characters that every  

incel before you has already beaten into the  ground. Congratulations on your complete and utter  
incel before you has already beaten into the  ground. Congratulations on your complete and utter  

lack of originality and creativity! Number Five  (5): The mentor. People love the mentor, and I get  
lack of originality and creativity! Number Five  (5): The mentor. People love the mentor, and I get  

it! They're paternal or maternal and they bring  the warm, fuzzy feelings...in you, not me. Mentors  
it! They're paternal or maternal and they bring  the warm, fuzzy feelings...in you, not me. Mentors  

have never done much for me. I can think of one,  maybe two, that I've enjoyed in any form of media.  
have never done much for me. I can think of one,  maybe two, that I've enjoyed in any form of media.  

The reasons for this are one, they almost always  follow the same formula. The mentor teaches the  
The reasons for this are one, they almost always  follow the same formula. The mentor teaches the  

character how to become the hero they need to be.  We get long training montages and deep bonding,  
character how to become the hero they need to be.  We get long training montages and deep bonding,  

and pretty soon they're more than a mentor.  They're like family! The parent that character  
and pretty soon they're more than a mentor.  They're like family! The parent that character  

never had. And that's when they tragically die!  It's just the same story over and over again  
never had. And that's when they tragically die!  It's just the same story over and over again  

and I'm bored with it! The second reason is I just  can't relate to a main character with a mentor.  
and I'm bored with it! The second reason is I just  can't relate to a main character with a mentor.  

I never had that kind of relationship. No  one taught me how to achieve my goals. I  
I never had that kind of relationship. No  one taught me how to achieve my goals. I  

had to figure it out on my own! So when a main  character is blessed with a mentor, it distances  
had to figure it out on my own! So when a main  character is blessed with a mentor, it distances  

me from that character's story. I can't relate. In  fact, I feel like the character has it too easy.  
me from that character's story. I can't relate. In  fact, I feel like the character has it too easy.  

Obviously, this is a personal thing, but I would  much rather watch a main character figure shit out  
Obviously, this is a personal thing, but I would  much rather watch a main character figure shit out  

on their own and succeed. That's the kind of story  that would inspire me. Number Six (6): Ownership  
on their own and succeed. That's the kind of story  that would inspire me. Number Six (6): Ownership  

romance. I don't know what else to call this. I've  heard it referred to as bonded or mated romance,  
romance. I don't know what else to call this. I've  heard it referred to as bonded or mated romance,  

but that doesn't feel very accurate... You  can be bonded or mated without all the,  
but that doesn't feel very accurate... You  can be bonded or mated without all the,  

'I own you,' rhetoric. This trope is very popular  in multi-genre romance and it usually revolves  
'I own you,' rhetoric. This trope is very popular  in multi-genre romance and it usually revolves  

around one love interest owning the other love  interest for sexual reasons. So a sex slave?  
around one love interest owning the other love  interest for sexual reasons. So a sex slave?  

That's...hot. People love this trope because  of the power play. One person is dominant,  
That's...hot. People love this trope because  of the power play. One person is dominant,  

the other is submissive. You can play with a dom  and sub role without adding slavery to the mix!
the other is submissive. You can play with a dom  and sub role without adding slavery to the mix!

And if you must add slavery to the mix, at least  make it consensual. This story always ends up with  
And if you must add slavery to the mix, at least  make it consensual. This story always ends up with  

the sex slave falling in love with their master  and I can't get into it. I'm sorry, it makes me  
the sex slave falling in love with their master  and I can't get into it. I'm sorry, it makes me  

uncomfortable. Your horrible story has affected  me in the following ways! Number Seven (7): The  
uncomfortable. Your horrible story has affected  me in the following ways! Number Seven (7): The  

secret baby. Secret love child, secret twin,  secret father, secret any blood relative at all.  
secret baby. Secret love child, secret twin,  secret father, secret any blood relative at all.  

I rebuke it! Anytime a series reveals a secret  family member, I assume it's time to pack it in.  
I rebuke it! Anytime a series reveals a secret  family member, I assume it's time to pack it in.  

The author is running out of ideas and they're  relying on soap opera plot points to keep the  
The author is running out of ideas and they're  relying on soap opera plot points to keep the  

motor running. I'm singling out the secret baby  trope because this particular trope has gotten SO 
motor running. I'm singling out the secret baby  trope because this particular trope has gotten SO 

popular that authors are STARTING with it in their  book series as opposed to relying on it as a last  
popular that authors are STARTING with it in their  book series as opposed to relying on it as a last  

resort. Writers, why you leading with the secret  baby? It's just not clever or interesting. Plus,  
resort. Writers, why you leading with the secret  baby? It's just not clever or interesting. Plus,  

babies kinda suck. All they do is cry and shit.  How you gonna make that a compelling plot point?  
babies kinda suck. All they do is cry and shit.  How you gonna make that a compelling plot point?  

Number Eight (8): The villain's point of view. I  can only think of one book I've read where reading  
Number Eight (8): The villain's point of view. I  can only think of one book I've read where reading  

the villain's point of view improved the overall  quality of the story. Usually the villain's point  
the villain's point of view improved the overall  quality of the story. Usually the villain's point  

of view is there to show the readers the depth  of their motivation. I understand that lots of  
of view is there to show the readers the depth  of their motivation. I understand that lots of  

people got shit for brains, but some of us  don't need a whole other point of view to  
people got shit for brains, but some of us  don't need a whole other point of view to  

understand a bad guy's motivation. Power, greed,  corruption, entitlement, and ego have been very  
understand a bad guy's motivation. Power, greed,  corruption, entitlement, and ego have been very  

common motivators throughout all of history. We  also don't need every single villain to have a  
common motivators throughout all of history. We  also don't need every single villain to have a  

tragic past. In fact, a lot of villains throughout  history had pretty easy lives...and that's what  
tragic past. In fact, a lot of villains throughout  history had pretty easy lives...and that's what  

made them such garbage people. Hardship breeds  empathy! Not EVERY villain needs to be damaged.  
made them such garbage people. Hardship breeds  empathy! Not EVERY villain needs to be damaged.  

We usually don't need to see their sad childhood  or deep emotional scars. I know you think it adds  
We usually don't need to see their sad childhood  or deep emotional scars. I know you think it adds  

layers to the character, but for me it just makes  'em less believable to the story. It's also kinda  
layers to the character, but for me it just makes  'em less believable to the story. It's also kinda  

boring. Number Nine (9): Best friends to  lovers. Friends to lovers can be tolerable,  
boring. Number Nine (9): Best friends to  lovers. Friends to lovers can be tolerable,  

but best friends to lovers–particularly best  friends who have known each other for years–  
but best friends to lovers–particularly best  friends who have known each other for years–  

fucking sucks! Reason Number 1: One of the best  parts of a fictional romance is the meet cute.  
fucking sucks! Reason Number 1: One of the best  parts of a fictional romance is the meet cute.  

We don't get a meet cute because we don't get  to see them meet! They've known each other  
We don't get a meet cute because we don't get  to see them meet! They've known each other  

since they were in diapers. Reason Number  2: If they've known each other for years,  
since they were in diapers. Reason Number  2: If they've known each other for years,  

why are they only starting to date NOW? We either  get the, "Gee, I never saw them in this light,"  
why are they only starting to date NOW? We either  get the, "Gee, I never saw them in this light,"  

angle, which is honestly kind of offensive.  WHY did you never see them in this light?  
angle, which is honestly kind of offensive.  WHY did you never see them in this light?  

Let me guess. Did they suddenly get hot, you  shallow piece of shit? Or the writer goes with,  
Let me guess. Did they suddenly get hot, you  shallow piece of shit? Or the writer goes with,  

"They've loved each other for years but never  acted on it...for reasons." And the reasons are  
"They've loved each other for years but never  acted on it...for reasons." And the reasons are  

always trash, like, "They're scared of rejection." In  ten years you couldn't grow a spine? "They didn't  
always trash, like, "They're scared of rejection." In  ten years you couldn't grow a spine? "They didn't  

want to ruin the friendship." Is it even a real  friendship if you're just fapping every time  
want to ruin the friendship." Is it even a real  friendship if you're just fapping every time  

they leave the room? Or the best one of all, "They  would have pursued a romance, but their best friend  
they leave the room? Or the best one of all, "They  would have pursued a romance, but their best friend  

was dating other people." So the object of your  affection is busy fucking someone else and you  
was dating other people." So the object of your  affection is busy fucking someone else and you  

didn't take that as an answer? If they wanted to  fuck you, they'd be fucking you. I just can't with  
didn't take that as an answer? If they wanted to  fuck you, they'd be fucking you. I just can't with  

this trope. It's not romantic at all! Make it make  sense! And Number Ten (10): The redemption arc.  
this trope. It's not romantic at all! Make it make  sense! And Number Ten (10): The redemption arc.  

Everyone goes nuts whenever I mention this,  because it is one of the most on-trend tropes  
Everyone goes nuts whenever I mention this,  because it is one of the most on-trend tropes  

right now. "You hate redemption arcs? What  about Zuko!" Look, I'm not saying I hate ALL  
right now. "You hate redemption arcs? What  about Zuko!" Look, I'm not saying I hate ALL  

redemption arcs. I don't hate all of anything on  this list, except maybe ownership romance–that's  
redemption arcs. I don't hate all of anything on  this list, except maybe ownership romance–that's  

pretty gross any way you slice it. But redemption  arcs have become so popular that villains are  
pretty gross any way you slice it. But redemption  arcs have become so popular that villains are  

getting redeemed even after they've done things  that are irredeemable. Why ya trying to  
getting redeemed even after they've done things  that are irredeemable. Why ya trying to  

make me sympathize with a rapist? I don't wanna  root for a dude who committed genocide! Look,  
make me sympathize with a rapist? I don't wanna  root for a dude who committed genocide! Look,  

I'm a simple bitch. I just wanna see bad guys fall  off a cliff! So that's all I got for you today!  
I'm a simple bitch. I just wanna see bad guys fall  off a cliff! So that's all I got for you today!  

Were any of your favorites on this list? If  so, I'm sorry.
Were any of your favorites on this list? If  so, I'm sorry.

(Mouths: "I'm not sorry...")
(Mouths: "I'm not sorry...")

If you hate any of these tropes, please comment  below! Misery loves company! Be sure to check out  
If you hate any of these tropes, please comment  below! Misery loves company! Be sure to check out  

The Savior's Sister, my number one best-selling  dark fantasy romance which is available in  
The Savior's Sister, my number one best-selling  dark fantasy romance which is available in  

audiobook RIGHT NOW! I have it linked below! Check  it out! If you are brand new to Audible, you can  
audiobook RIGHT NOW! I have it linked below! Check  it out! If you are brand new to Audible, you can  

listen to TSS for free! And I also have a giveaway  going on! Everyone who checks out the audiobook  
listen to TSS for free! And I also have a giveaway  going on! Everyone who checks out the audiobook  

and enters the giveaway will be in the running  to receive a signed copy of TSS! Check out the  
and enters the giveaway will be in the running  to receive a signed copy of TSS! Check out the  

audiobook, enter the giveaway, yeah! Don't forget  to subscribe to my channel! I post new videos on  
audiobook, enter the giveaway, yeah! Don't forget  to subscribe to my channel! I post new videos on  

Wednesdays, and if you want to be alerted as  SOON as I upload, ring that bell! And be sure  
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to follow me on social media! I'm on Instagram,  Tumblr, Facebook–and of course, you can tweet  
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me @JennaMoreci! Bye!
me @JennaMoreci! Bye!

(Lighthearted Female Voice) It's me,  Pippa! Have you subscribed to Jenna's channel yet?  
(Lighthearted Female Voice) It's me,  Pippa! Have you subscribed to Jenna's channel yet?  

Oh, you must! It's so much fun! She talks about  writing and heroism and romance...and sometimes  
Oh, you must! It's so much fun! She talks about  writing and heroism and romance...and sometimes  

she says very naughty words. But I rather enjoy  it! Subscribe to her channel, and ring the bell!
she says very naughty words. But I rather enjoy  it! Subscribe to her channel, and ring the bell!