Guest Post: Kelsey of Verbosity Book Reviews

Today I am thrilled to have Kelsey of Verbosity Book Reviews here to start the discussion of Insta-Love in YA and NA books. I met her through Twitter (@VerbosityRevws). I enjoyed reading Kelsey’s take on this subject, so without further ado, take it away Kelsey!

Thoughts on Insta-Love

One of the most annoying things in YA fiction is insta-love. It’s like wham, bam, that’s the prettiest thing I have ever seen so now I will pine over blue eyes and brown bangs that I so desperately want to run my fingers through and aghhhhhhh what is his name?

I mean, sure, maybe in real life there are scenarios that happen every now and then. But every book? Once handsome boy with the face of an angel comes in stage right, I’m sitting over here all like, Uh, huh. Yeah, that’s your man, girl. Because why wouldn’t I automatically ship the beloved protagonist with the hottest dreamboat this side of the county?

First off, you totally can’t base a relationship off of looks. That’s not smart or realistic. Really, all these books are training me to believe is that if I’m awesome enough to have my own book then clearly the hottest guy around is going to be my future husband/wife.

Secondly, half of the time in these books, the protagonist has no knowledge of who their love interest even is. I mean, is there a reason you’re so infatuated? Do you even have any common interests? Or are all these protagonists interested in is this kissy kissy mush relationship with no ground to stand upon?

I’m rolling my eyes over here. Insta-love doesn’t necessarily ruin a book for me, but you know how it makes me feel?

I mean, really? I don’t mean any offense to authors, but most of the time I feel like I’m supposed to be a lot stupider when I’m reading this. Maybe it’s because I’ve read so much over the years and a ton of books with insta-love. I need something more challenging. I prefer something more. . .real.

I want to watch two friends turn into a couple. I want to watch people slowly realize that they love each other. I don’t believe in love at first sight. To me, love is something that comes from knowing someone.

I may be crazy, but that’s my take on insta-love. What are your opinions? Tell me in the comments below! I’d love to hear them.

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Thank you so much Kelsey!

You can follow Kelsey at Verbosity Book Reviews, and on Twitter,  @VerbosityRevws or @kelhotsauceg, and on Facebook.

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I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of Insta-Love in YA and NA books, and I’m sure Kelsey would too, so please feel free to leave a comment.

Have something longer than a usual comment? Are you a YA/NA author or blogger interested in writing a guest post on this topic? Let me know!