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.
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 :)