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.

  • Mickey@lemmy.ca
    1·
    1 year ago

    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.

  • Melobol@lemmy.ml
    01·
    1 year ago

    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 :)

      • Melobol@lemmy.ml
        11·
        1 year ago

        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. :D

      • Melobol@lemmy.ml
        01·
        1 year ago

        I 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 :)

    • revelrous@sopuli.xyz
      1·
      1 year ago

      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. 🙁.