Which Publishers Released The One-Star Romance Novels?

2025-08-18 12:08:40 184

4 Answers

Mila
Mila
2025-08-22 02:22:56
Some romance publishers are known for releasing books that don’t always land well. Harlequin’s Mills & Boon series often gets criticized for being too clichéd. Entangled Publishing has had a few misses, especially in their 'Scorched' line. Self-published authors on platforms like Amazon also contribute to the pool of one-star romances—lack of editing is a common complaint. Big publishers like Penguin’s Berkley imprint aren’t perfect either, with some titles getting slammed for weak plots.
Zane
Zane
2025-08-23 00:22:30
I’ve stumbled across some truly terrible romance novels in my time, and a few publishers keep popping up in those discussions. Harlequin’s category romances, especially their older titles, sometimes get roasted for being overly predictable or melodramatic. Then there’s Ellora’s Cave—they used to be huge in erotic romance, but quality control issues led to a ton of one-star reviews before they collapsed. Smaller presses like Samhain Publishing also had a few flops before shutting down.

Self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP are a mixed bag. Some authors put out amazing work, but others rush releases without proper editing, leading to disasters. Traditional publishers aren’t safe either—even big ones like St. Martin’s Press have released romance novels that readers absolutely hated. If you’re hunting for quality, it’s worth digging into reviews before buying.
Ian
Ian
2025-08-23 07:42:13
Romance novels can be hit or miss, and some publishers have more misses than others. Harlequin is notorious for their formulaic stories—some readers love them, but others give them one-star ratings for being repetitive. Entangled Publishing has a few stinkers in their lineup too, especially in their 'Brazen' line, which some find too cheesy. Then there’s the self-published side of things—Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing is full of poorly edited romances that readers tear apart in reviews.

Even bigger names like Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books have released romance novels that flopped hard. The key is to check reviews before diving in, because even the most reputable publishers occasionally drop a dud.
Kevin
Kevin
2025-08-23 09:43:38
I've noticed a pattern with one-star romance novels. Some of the worst-rated ones often come from smaller or indie publishers like Cleis Press, which specializes in erotic romance but has hit-or-miss quality, or Entangled Publishing, known for their mass-market romances that sometimes miss the mark. Harlequin’s Mills & Boon imprint also has a few duds in their extensive catalog—formulaic plots and outdated tropes tend to earn them harsh reviews.

Bigger names like Penguin Random House and HarperCollins aren’t immune either. Their imprints, like Avon or Berkley, occasionally release romance novels that readers absolutely tear apart for weak character development or cringe-worthy dialogue. Self-published works on Amazon Kindle Unlimited are another minefield—some are gems, but others are riddled with grammatical errors and clichés. If you’re looking to avoid one-star reads, I’d recommend checking reviews before diving in.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Hayle Coven Novels
Hayle Coven Novels
"Her mom's a witch. Her dad's a demon.And she just wants to be ordinary.Being part of a demon raising is way less exciting than it sounds.Sydlynn Hayle's teen life couldn't be more complicated. Trying to please her coven is all a fantasy while the adventure of starting over in a new town and fending off a bully cheerleader who hates her are just the beginning of her troubles. What to do when delicious football hero Brad Peters--boyfriend of her cheer nemesis--shows interest? If only the darkly yummy witch, Quaid Moromond, didn't make it so difficult for her to focus on fitting in with the normal kids despite her paranormal, witchcraft laced home life. Forced to take on power she doesn't want to protect a coven who blames her for everything, only she can save her family's magic.If her family's distrust doesn't destroy her first.Hayle Coven Novels is created by Patti Larsen, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author."
10
803 Chapters
A Second Life Inside My Novels
A Second Life Inside My Novels
Her name was Cathedra. Leave her last name blank, if you will. Where normal people would read, "And they lived happily ever after," at the end of every fairy tale story, she could see something else. Three different things. Three words: Lies, lies, lies. A picture that moves. And a plea: Please tell them the truth. All her life she dedicated herself to becoming a writer and telling the world what was being shown in that moving picture. To expose the lies in the fairy tales everyone in the world has come to know. No one believed her. No one ever did. She was branded as a liar, a freak with too much imagination, and an orphan who only told tall tales to get attention. She was shunned away by society. Loveless. Friendless. As she wrote "The End" to her novels that contained all she knew about the truth inside the fairy tale novels she wrote, she also decided to end her pathetic life and be free from all the burdens she had to bear alone. Instead of dying, she found herself blessed with a second life inside the fairy tale novels she wrote, and living the life she wished she had with the characters she considered as the only friends she had in the world she left behind. Cathedra was happy until she realized that an ominous presence lurks within her stories. One that wanted to kill her to silence the only one who knew the truth.
10
9 Chapters
Star Dust
Star Dust
Kristen Lambert has always been different from everyone else in the way she thought. She had long accepted that until she met him a High school teacher who was like her. He had some of the answers she needed. Gregor Bridger knew exactly what he was. He knew what she was as well the first time he saw her. While forging a friendship together they find even more about themselves out. A new life with a friend who after a long time becomes a lover and the love of each others lives they build a new future. One that it took over a hundred thousand years to make.
10
65 Chapters
STAR WISHES
STAR WISHES
It has always been the fairy tale princess life for Melissa Jones, a young and beautiful 21 years old upcoming model, who is also a daughter to a famous business mogul, until her 22nd birthday. Things fell apart for her, as she lost everything, including her three years old relationship to jason -- her Oddish temperamental boyfriend -- after she got to know, she had been betrothed to her father's friend right from childhood. However, unkown to her, there were still many troubles ahead, and secrets were still left untold, as Jason would do anything to keep her to himself.
Not enough ratings
4 Chapters
The lost Star
The lost Star
“I won't let time hinder our love, wait for me, I'm coming to get you.” Two different person trying to straighten their lives, happen to switch paths they are taking. Will this be a chaos? Or will they be able to find their lost stars? PART 1 & 2 will be combined in one book, so you wouldn't be needing to search it again. Enjoy reading!
7
114 Chapters
ONE AND ONLY: A second chance romance story
ONE AND ONLY: A second chance romance story
Elissa and Carson are happily married until one day she finds him intimate with a woman who she thought was a 'friend'. The pregnancy report from her hand slips to the floor along with her heart that shatters into pieces. The day turns out to be the worst day of her life. Not only did Carson accused her of cheating, announced sudden divorce but also told her to abort the child on his mother's orders. Cradling her broken heart, Elissa somehow manages to escape from the hospital and leaves A city with her brother. Three years later, when she returns back due to work with her boss, she encounters with her past again. Seeing her ex husband with the woman he cheated on her, Elissa's heart aches. However, Elissa isn't the naive, weak woman she once used to be. If someone strikes, she will strike back. With enemies lurking around in plans of destroying her, how will Elissa manage to save herself and her daughter? Moreover, will she forgive Carson for his actions?
8.3
72 Chapters

Related Questions

How Does All About Romance Compare To Other Romance Novels?

4 Answers2025-08-14 14:52:26
I find 'All About Romance' to stand out in its ability to blend classic tropes with modern sensibilities. Unlike many contemporary romances that focus solely on steam or fluff, this book delves into the emotional intricacies of relationships, making it feel more grounded. What really sets it apart is its character development. The protagonists aren’t just archetypes; they feel like real people with flaws and growth arcs. Compared to something like 'The Hating Game,' which leans heavily into banter, or 'Outlander,' which prioritizes epic historical drama, 'All About Romance' strikes a balance between heart and heat. It’s not as whimsical as 'Red, White & Royal Blue,' nor as tragic as 'Me Before You,' but it carves its own niche by focusing on authenticity.

What Romance

3 Answers2025-08-01 07:52:25
Romance is that fluttery feeling you get when you're swept away by a story, whether it's the slow burn of 'Pride and Prejudice' or the electric chemistry in 'The Hating Game'. For me, it's all about the emotional rollercoaster—the tension, the banter, the heartache, and finally, that satisfying payoff. I adore stories where love feels earned, like in 'The Song of Achilles', where every page aches with longing. It's not just about the happy endings, but the journey that makes them meaningful. Whether it's fantasy, historical, or contemporary, romance is the genre that makes me believe in magic, even if just for a few hundred pages.

How Does Dark Romance Differ From Other Romance Genres?

5 Answers2025-05-22 12:24:33
Dark romance is like stepping into a shadowy alley where love and danger intertwine, and it’s utterly addictive. Unlike traditional romance, which often focuses on sweet, heartwarming connections, dark romance dives into morally grey characters, intense power dynamics, and taboo themes. Think 'Captive in the Dark' by CJ Roberts or 'Twist Me' by Anna Zaires—these stories explore obsession, coercion, and redemption in ways that make your pulse race. The emotional stakes are higher, and the relationships are often more complex, blurring the lines between right and wrong. What sets dark romance apart is its willingness to confront the uncomfortable. While a typical romance might shy away from darker elements like kidnapping or psychological manipulation, dark romance leans into them, creating a gritty, visceral experience. The love stories here aren’t just about happiness; they’re about survival, transformation, and sometimes even destruction. For readers who crave something raw and unfiltered, dark romance delivers in spades.

How Does Unromantic Romance Compare To Other Romance Novels?

4 Answers2025-07-13 17:45:10
Unromantic romance is a fascinating subgenre that flips traditional love stories on their head. Instead of grand gestures and sweeping emotions, these stories focus on flawed, realistic relationships where love isn't always pretty or perfect. Take 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney—it’s raw, messy, and deeply human, showing how love can be as much about miscommunication as connection. Another standout is 'Conversations with Friends,' also by Rooney, where romance feels almost incidental to the characters' personal growth. Compared to classic romances like 'Pride and Prejudice,' unromantic romance lacks the fairy-tale polish. There’s no guaranteed happily ever after, and the conflicts aren’t neatly resolved. Books like 'The Lover’s Dictionary' by David Levithan or 'The End of the Affair' by Graham Greene explore love’s darker, more complicated sides. These stories resonate because they mirror real-life relationships, where love isn’t always enough to solve everything. For readers tired of idealized narratives, unromantic romance offers a refreshing, if sometimes unsettling, alternative.

How Does Dystopian Romance Differ From Other Romance Genres?

2 Answers2025-07-18 20:58:15
Dystopian romance hits different because it’s not just about hearts and flowers—it’s love with a side of survival. The stakes are sky-high, and the world itself is often the antagonist. In something like 'The Hunger Games' or 'The Handmaid’s Tale,' romance isn’t just a subplot; it’s a rebellion. The characters aren’t just fighting for love; they’re fighting against systems designed to crush human connection. The emotional intensity is cranked up to eleven because every stolen moment could be their last. It’s messy, raw, and often tragic, which makes it feel more real than your average meet-cute. What sets dystopian romance apart is how it uses love to expose the flaws of the world. The relationships aren’t just about chemistry; they’re political. In '1984,' Winston and Julia’s affair is an act of defiance against Big Brother. The romance itself becomes a metaphor for hope in a hopeless place. Even the tropes are different—instead of love triangles, you get love under surveillance, love as resistance, love that’s literally forbidden. The genre doesn’t shy away from darkness, and that’s what makes the moments of tenderness hit so hard. When two people find light in a broken world, it feels like a victory.

How Does Iljin Romance Differ From Other Romance Subgenres?

3 Answers2025-07-15 16:37:49
Iljin romance is a subgenre that stands out because it focuses on the dynamics between a tough, often delinquent character (the iljin) and their love interest. Unlike typical romance stories where leads are more polished or idealized, iljin romances thrive on raw, unfiltered emotions and conflicts. The iljin character usually has a rough exterior but a soft heart, which creates a compelling contrast. This genre often explores themes of redemption, personal growth, and the transformative power of love. What sets it apart is the tension—whether it's the iljin's struggle to change or the love interest's challenge to see past their flaws. The relationships feel more intense because they're built on overcoming societal judgments and personal demons. Works like 'Boys Over Flowers' and 'Wolf Girl & Black Prince' capture this vibe perfectly, where the romance isn't just sweet but also layered with drama and personal stakes.

How Does Rivership Romance Compare To Other Romance Novels?

4 Answers2025-07-25 00:19:47
As someone who devours romance novels like candy, 'Rivership Romance' stands out for its unique setting and slow-burn chemistry. The story unfolds on a charming riverboat, giving it a distinct atmosphere compared to typical small-town or big-city romances. The author masterfully blends the gentle rocking of the boat with the emotional turbulence of the characters, making every interaction feel intimate and intense. What I love most is how the confined space forces the characters to confront their feelings head-on, unlike other romances where miscommunication drags on for chapters. The supporting cast, especially the quirky crew members, adds layers of humor and warmth that remind me of 'The Hating Game' but with a nautical twist. While it may not have the high drama of 'It Ends with Us,' its quiet moments—like shared sunsets on the deck—linger in your heart long after reading.

How Does Romance Regency Differ From Historical Romance?

4 Answers2025-07-26 09:34:46
As someone who adores the intricacies of historical romance, I find the Regency era particularly fascinating because of its strict social rules and witty dialogue. Romance set in the Regency period, like Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice,' focuses on the rigid class structures, marriage markets, and the tension between propriety and passion. The language is often more formal, and the conflicts arise from societal expectations rather than external dangers like wars or political upheavals. Historical romance, on the other hand, spans a broader timeline, from medieval castles to Victorian ballrooms. Books like 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon or 'The Duchess War' by Courtney Milan explore deeper historical contexts, including wars, revolutions, or industrial changes. The stakes are often higher, blending personal romance with sweeping historical events. While Regency romance feels like a tightly choreographed dance, historical romance is more like an epic symphony, grand and varied.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status