As a romance reader and author, I’m often on social media pages that discuss the romance genre and specific books. There are often detailed conversations about tropes, subgenres, etc., and as a writer, I find these discussions invaluable.

A while ago, I read a post and thread about trigger warnings. It shocked me that so many people hated them. I’ve always figured anyone who didn’t need a trigger warning would just skip right over it and not give it another thought. It blew my mind that some readers will put down a book with trigger warnings, not because the subject matter upsets them, but because the author included a warning at all.

So, I figured I’d explain why I use them. It’s simple, really. I’d feel guilty if I didn’t.

My books often include darker topics like self-harm, abuse, and references to drug use and incarceration. I’m not a dark romance writer, so someone stumbling upon my small-town romances with their pretty floral covers wouldn’t start reading with the expectation there could be something upsetting. (Beyond the usual broken hearts that often come before the HEA in romance).

The absolute last thing I want to do is hurt my readers. So, I include trigger warnings to put the power in their hands. Read this or not.

A recent review of For You Always confirmed why I include warnings. Cammie’s story has extensive references to domestic violence, and one of the book’s ARC readers had unfortunately experienced DV. They still read the book and wrote a thought-provoking review. Why? Because they chose to. Their words made my heart ache and solidified that I’d always include trigger warnings in my work.

Every reader has the power to choose to read a book or not. Most decide based on the blurb, reviews, or a friend’s recommendation. Trigger warnings are just a little extra info to ensure readers have the best experience.

So, if you don’t like trigger warnings, skip them. Skip the book if you feel that strongly about it. That’s your choice, just like it’s my choice to include them.

All too often, the lack of power creates the wounds that trigger. Anyone who needs a trigger warning deserves the opportunity to take that power back.