Why I DNF’d This Book (a.k.a. I Don’t Like Assholes)

Let me start by saying I’m not naming the book. This isn’t about bashing a specific author or title—it’s about me venting. Because here’s the short version: I don’t like assholes.

And by assholes, I mean the kind of male love interest who shows up and immediately starts throwing his weight around like the female main character owes him something just because he’s big, powerful, and hot. You know the type.

Now, why did I pick up this book in the first place? Let’s rewind.

It came recommended in a Facebook group I follow for urban fantasy lovers. That group hasn’t missed once for me. I’ve binge-read several series based on suggestions there, and I’ve loved every single one—until now. And honestly, this is on me. I usually read reviews before buying a book. This time? I dove in blind. Lesson learned.

The book starts strong. The prose is solid, the FMC is likable, and the premise immediately hooked me. I was convinced I’d just stumbled into another binge-worthy series. My TBR pile? Ignored. My social life? Postponed. I was ready.

Then the MMC (that’s male main character, for anyone new here) enters the scene.

And two things happened:

He’s an entitled jerk to the FMC right out of the gate.

Instead of fantasizing about murdering him or at least verbally eviscerating him, the FMC thinks he’s hot (she's annoyed too, but mostly thinks he's so hot).

And that’s where I checked out.

I know this dynamic works for some readers, and I’m not judging that. Everyone has their thing. But personally? The moment I start fantasizing about killing the love interest instead of rooting for the couple, I’m out.

What makes it worse is that I was already deeply invested in the FMC. She has this really cool ability—something rare and powerful—but she refuses to use it for ethical reasons. The cost of suppressing it? Brutal migraines. The inciting incident pushes her to her limit, so she seeks out a spell to block the ability completely. Good setup, right?

Enter the MMC, who barrels into her life, finds out about her ability, and decides she will use it for his benefit. He doesn't ask. He doesn't reason with her. He just pops open the magical locket holding her power and overrides her consent like it's no big deal.

Spoiler: two paragraphs later, we find out the blocking spell wasn’t working right anyway. But that's not the point. The point is: this man, who barely knows her, decides he gets to make that choice for her. It's all about what he needs, what he wants. There's no seducing, just taking.

And we’re supposed to find that hot?

Nope. Hard pass.

Again, I know there’s an audience for this dynamic. If that's your thing, you do you. The book has plenty of glowing reviews from readers who loved it—so clearly, it hit the mark for the right people. I'm sure he'll have some redeeming qualities later in the book, but I've already lost interest.

But for me? If I wanted to read about a hot jerk ignoring boundaries, I’d reread my email inbox. I get tons of spam telling me what I need to do. I read fantasy to escape that nonsense.

So no, I won’t be finishing this one. Maybe I’ll change my mind. Maybe I’ll skim ahead to see if he gets a redemption arc that doesn’t make me roll my eyes out of my head. But right now? I’m not in the mood. Rant over.

And yes, I’m reading the reviews next time.