Been trying to take time off and catch up on reading, and came across a book that had a synopsis that had a man returning to purchase the estate he grew up on (as the caretaker’s son). He ends up starting a relationship with the realtor (who also happens to be the daughter of the estate owner), but then it goes on to talk about how his quest for revenge/payback becomes something more as he becomes obsessed with the girl.
And people, this is a ROMANCE.
I hear you. I hear you.
The idea of a man starting a relationship to punish someone then becoming obsessed with her is more horror and fiction noir than happy ever after.
I’m so sad and irritated that in 2012, we are still writing stories where a possessive, borderline abusive man is still considered “romantic” and “heroic.”