What do you like in a book?

Someone on one of my writing forums recently asked what women like to read and write about (because we all know that is considerably different than what men like to read and write about).  This was my answer.  It might be a little simplified, but seems to get the just of it.  :)

  I think people all tend to like good plotting and good characterization at the foundation of what they read. Beyond that, I love dark stuff. I like war, science, magic, and creative world building. I like villains I can sometimes understand and heroes I sometimes can't. I like choices that require great sacrifice and endings that aren't perfectly happy. At the heart of it all, I like a sprinkling of good romance, especially if it leads to some of those really difficult choices aforementioned. Still, I offer the opinion of only one woman.