Popular Fantasy Romance Books I’ll Never Read (Unless You Change My Mind)

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I love fantasy romance but some of the most popular and recommended books, I just can’t see myself getting into. 

I’ll be talking mostly about series. Some I have read the first and/or second book but will not be reading the rest of the series. And some series I just don’t want to start for various reasons. 

Please keep in mind that popular is subjective and these are just my opinions. And like I said, if you can change my mind about any of the books on this list, I might be convinced to give some of these books a read. 

But more importantly, if you love any of these books that I am not a fan of, please don’t take it personally.

So let’s dive in!

(Also, for the sake of time, I’m going to add just the first book in the series for the photo. I will update once I’ve made my graphics of the book covers to avoid copyright.)

The Mortal Fates series by J. Bree. 

I have read The Crown of Oaths and Curses and found myself wanting to throw my Kindle across the room by the time I finished it. 

This book had all the popular elements and tropes I like in a fantasy romance: witches, enemies to lovers, and fated mates. 

The problem was that the enemies ‘enemied’ too hard, and I spoiled the second book for myself only to find out that there is no groveling.

Even after all of Soren’s nonsense, he didn’t grovel.

At this point I think this series is just rage bait. 

Which is super disappointing because elements and tropes aside, I genuinely really love Rooke (Rookesbane) as a female main character. 

She is strong and level-headed and can handle herself. It was her annoying love interest, Soren, who made me want to ripe my hair out. 

Kindred’s Curse by Penn Cole

I know, I know, everyone who loves this series says to keep holding on. That the slow burn is really, really, really slow.

But unlike The Crown of Oaths and Curses, I could not stand the main character, Diem. 

It was the love interest, Luther, who kept my attention.

I wanted Diem to make a smart decision for once in her life and stop tormenting me.

I’m tempted to continue this series but will need some serious persuading. 

The Powerless Trilogy by Lauren Roberts

Ya’ll lied to me. You kept ranting and raving about how good this was; I gave in.

I even made reading vlogs for the first two books. That’s how much faith I put on the internet for book recs. 

Well jokes on me. 

The writing was bad. Use of tropes was okay. The main character was as insufferable as Diem. 

The tension was chef’s kiss, but so much of the story needed work. And that goes for not just the first book, but the second as well. 

With the third book and last book in the series publishing soon, I don’t know if I even want to read it. I can’t take another jumbled mess that doesn’t make sense. 

Crescent City series by Sarah J Maas

I know what you’re thinking, you’ve read ACOTAR and are currently reading TOG but you won’t read CC?

No. I do not like urban fantasy. I started the first book in the series, House of Earth and Blood and quickly DNF’d it.

Then I proceeded to read a summary of the book (that took me like 30 minutes) and I just don’t want to commit to this series. 

Especially when I’ve seen reviews online that the series is going downhill. 

So while I love Sarah’s books that are more fantasy romance than urban fantasy romance, this series is a no go for me. 

Moonfall series by Sarah A. Parker

This book came out during a time when we were all reeling from our Fourth Wing and Iron Flame hangovers. 

We needed dragons, action, romance, and this book seemed like it would deliver. 

But I started this book, and quickly DNF’d.

The writing came off very wordy, the main character super unlikeable, and even though I at first enjoyed the giant glossary at the front of the book, it quickly became confusing, anyway. 

Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This series tempted me when I first got into Fantasy romance and as soon as I read the words “virgin trope” I immediately lost interest. 

I have ready only a few virgin tropes and some done well, some done horribly.

Is this one done well? If you’ve read these books, you’ll have to let me know and I might consider. 

Zodiac Academy series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Listen, I love anything zodiac. I love astrology and reading horoscopes and poking fun at people’s sun signs for the fun of it.

But what I do not like is the bully romance trope. This was one reason I couldn’t like The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. 

I’ve also read a couple of reviews that talked about non-consensual acts and that’s a straight up no from me.

This series is also super long and feels intimidating to get into on top of not liking some tropes in these books. 

So, what do you think? Should I reconsider any of the series on this list? 

If so, let me know in the comments and I’ll post an update if any of the series make it back onto my TBR!

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