I dislike the romances I’ve read that feature protagonists in the military. Admittedly, I haven’t read very many, but every one I have picked up seems to be written for people who have never been exposed to military life. Using a common military acronym like MRE (“Hey, you want a MRE?”) and then replying, “Meals Ready to Eat? Sure, pass me one.” is not only lame, it’s totally unrealistic. Glamorizing or romanticizing the military is also unrealistic, and you’re talking to a gal who loved every minute of her time in the military. But it’s not glamorous or romantic. *sigh* Just not my cuppa, I guess. I wonder if military stories written outside of romance are also written this way?
Maybe it’s the editors saying, “What is this? Can you explain for the layman?” Dunno. But it doesn’t work for me. I keep getting yanked out of the story.
(925 views)
There’s jargon for every subgroup. I’m sure you had to explain a few nautical terms, too. I know I had to define a bunch of society words and collegiate terms. It’s going to be worse with the sequel, because the first time I got to define it to a character who wasn’t fmailiar with it. This time around, she will be, but I’ll stilll have to define it.