Low-Rated Books That I (Unapologetically) Love

Every reader has their “hot takes”, some books people loathe is other peoples peak literature. I went through my Goodreads and sorted by average rating, just to see which books I rated high that most people didn’t.

Here are the lowest-rated books on Goodreads that I gave 4 or 5 stars:

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey

Average rating: 3.27
My rating: ★★★★☆
This book is a chaotic rom-com. It has that signature Tessa Bailey steam, plus a sunshine x grumpy dynamic that I ate up. Sure, the plot was a little wild, but that’s part of the charm. Sometimes I just want to read about a vineyard, a garden-obsessed heroine, and a man who’s entirely too serious.

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Average rating: 3.36
My rating: ★★★★☆
Was the twist a little dramatic? Yes. Did I still fall for it? Also yes. I love a good unreliable narrator, and even though this wasn’t as universally loved as The Silent Patient, I was fully entertained the entire time. Dramatic rich people on an island? Say less.

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey

Average rating: 3.38
My rating: ★★★★☆
This holiday romance was messy, festive, and full of second-chance goodness. Maybe people were expecting something different, but I was here for the drama, the music, the snow, and the spice.

Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

Average rating: 3.48
My rating: ★★★★☆
I thought this book was brilliant. The writing is haunting and lyrical. It’s a bold retelling with gothic vibes and power hungry women. What more do you need?

I’ll Get Back to You by Becca Grischow

Average rating: 3.5
My rating: ★★★★☆
This was a short, sweet romance that felt like a warm hug. Was it the most groundbreaking thing I’ve ever read? No. But did it make me smile and give me the cozy vibes I was hoping for? Absolutely. It deserves more love.

A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

Average rating: 3.5
My rating: ★★★★☆
Soft fantasy, court intrigue, forbidden love, and all wrapped in a fairytale-feeling world. I’m surprised this didn’t get more attention. If you're into slow-burn romances with a touch of magic, this one is worth checking out.

The Long Game by Elena Armas

Average rating: 3.57
My rating: ★★★★★
This one got way too much hate. I adored it. Grumpy small-town soccer coach meets sunshine PR disaster? Perfection. Elena Armas gave me exactly what I wanted, banter, chemistry, and emotional payoff. This is my favorite Elena Armas book and it surely does not deserve the low average rating.

What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods

Average rating: 3.57
My rating: ★★★★★
Dark fantasy romance with fae, prophecy, and a morally gray love interest. I flew through this one and immediately wanted the next book. This was a guilty pleasure book, but as the next books came out, well, I might understand the lower rating on this one.

The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

Average rating: 3.57
My rating: ★★★★★
This is one of my comfort reads. It’s quiet, emotional, and full of tension between two writers who used to be best friends (and co-authors). The writing feels intentional and layered and it hit me hard in the feelings.

Gild by Raven Kennedy

Average rating: 3.59
My rating: ★★★★★
This book is divisive, and I get why. It starts slow, and the main character feels a little passive. However, the series evolves so much, and this intro sets the stage. This book itself also picks up and has some badass moments. I loved the darker tone, the unexpected direction, and the emotional payoff. Trust the process.

Final Thoughts

Just because a book has a low average rating doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. Taste is personal, and sometimes what makes a book “bad” to others is exactly why I love it. So here’s your reminder: don’t let ratings scare you off from picking up a book that sounds interesting. You might find your next favorite in the underrated pile.

What are your favorite low-rated books? I want to hear all the unpopular opinions.