I see many 4.5 to 5 star fantasy books. I get excited and read about them only to find out they are really just “romance” or smut type books. Grrr.
I really wish these romance novels would separate themselves from the fantasy genre. It wastes my time seeking out highly rated fantasy books only to find out they are actually romance books.
I wish I could block the romance and smut books when searching for fantasy novels.
It’s disappointing that these romance novels are masquerading as fantasy novels. I do understand these romance novels really are, for the most part, fantasy, but I wish I wish there were a separate category either for the romance fantasy or for the traditional non-romance fantasy novels so I could block them in my searches. I’ve no interest in romance at all.
I don’t mind romance in my fantasy as long as it’s done well. I found a lot of terrible and extraneous “romance” in Teen/YA fiction growing up which convinced me at the time that I disliked any romance in my fantasy. Turns out what I actually dislike is clunky sex scenes written by Mormons whose only experience is being the third at a jump hump.
Had to Google that. All of my will power has been spent not downvoting you in revenge for this new cursed knowledge. Have a good day ma’am/sir/compatriot.
Yeah I am not a fan either. I did find that if you filter out YA in general that gets rid of a huge portion of these romance masquerading as fantasy novels. It seems to be super prevalent there. But now YA is bleeding into adult fantasy as well and for that I end up having to read reviews to see if anyone specifically mentioned it.
I mean they’re still fantasy books, just with a heavy lean towards romance. If your search criteria is just fantasy there’s no way to know whether you want romance included or not. I get it, I’m tired of YA romance but once you know the authors to look for you can get related books that generally skew towards your preferred type of fantasy
Honestly if a book has 4.5 stars it could worth a try. I have my book ‘rules’ to avoid and there’s nothing wrong not wanting read something you have no interest. Personally I like romance but I hate 16-20 old angsty stuff or even the 25+ yo ‘i’m a virgin omg’ kind … so I feel your pain :)
I gave a try to it and its fascinating so far. It’s not nailing me ino the seat more like stays in the corner and nags me from there. :)
The writing could be a bit better but I bet by the end it will be better, leveling up with the story. :DI will put on the list, thank you! The title reminds me of the Innkeeper Chronicles from Ilona Andrews and that was really good.
Right now I’m reading Raine Benares Series from Lisa Shearin. It’s a fantasy and I believe about book 3 there is going to be some serious romancing coming up :)
Just read reviews?
I am only getting new books from library systems and these fantastical romances make up most of the new acquisitions. I don’t really look forward to new book notices because it’s always like 85% were-badger smut now. And then I can’t even rant about it irl because I’d have to explain were-badger porn to people. 🙁.
Do you have the ability to request new books in your library so that that way you could get things you are into? There’s also always shadow libraries.
As an option of last resort I can always find what I’m looking for. But when the product is an individual’s effort I try and walk an honest path.
I’ve requested fairly main stream stuff before, my library systems weren’t responsive. It feels like maybe that the romance fantasy novels they can buy bundled cheaper? And the audience for them are not picky. So it’s an easy way to get a bigger collection numbers and boost patron check-outs, just at the expense of better written books in the broader fantasy genre.