In this day and age of social media, especially TikTok, books can go viral quickly thanks to catchy suggestions and interesting excerpts. However, not all of these Internet hits live up to the hype. Many people are drawn to books due to popular hashtags and glowing reviews, but they are let down by weak writing and overused stories.

This article details viral books that made people want their money back. We will discuss badly written books that became popular, focusing on the overused enemies-to-lovers trope. Come with us as we debate the quality behind the hype and the long-term feasibility of this well-known trope. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

When 19-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf, a terrifying creature demands retribution, dragging her to a magical land ruled by faeries. Feyre develops sentiments for Tamlin, her captor, that go from animosity to passion. As she adapts to this dangerous world, she uncovers an ancient evil threatening the faerie lands.

The book combines romance, adventure, and faerie lore, but some readers criticized its clichéd plot, predictable romance, and inconsistent character development, leaving them disappointed.

Haunting Adeline by H. D. Carlton

The book follows two perspectives: The Manipulator, who can control others' emotions but cannot sway a persistent stalker, and The Shadow, who becomes obsessed with The Manipulator. Their toxic relationship unfolds as he watches her incessantly. The Manipulator struggles with her conflicting desires.

Despite its attempt at a dark romance, readers criticized the book for its problematic portrayal of obsession and stalking as romantic, along with repetitive, shallow writing that lacks depth and character development, leaving many disappointed.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

The book follows 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail, forced by her mother to join a brutal war college for dragon riders despite her frail body. Facing deadly challenges and hostile peers, including the ruthless Xaden Riorson, Violet must rely on her wits to survive.

Violet must navigate a world where life and death are at stake as threats from outside sources grow and leadership secrets come to light. People who have read the book say it is annoying because the plot is easy to guess, the characters do not change naturally, and everyone knows the love story will end.

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Twisted Love by Ana Huang

Alex Volkov is a cruel man with a sad past who starts to care for Ava Chen, his best friend's sister. Their forbidden love grows, even though he has a cold heart and she had a scary childhood. It threatens to reveal secrets that could destroy them both.

Critics said the book relies on overused tropes, predictable plot twists, and limited character development. This disappointed readers who were hoping for a more original relationship.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

A psychological story about Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist who is determined to find out why famous painter Alicia Berenson stops talking after killing her husband. A family tragedy becomes a public puzzle because Alicia does not say anything, and Theo's fixation on her case leads to surprising turns.

Critics said the book is badly written because its plot is easy to guess, the characters are not fully developed, and the plot twist is obvious. This leaves readers who were hoping for a more original story disappointed.

The Fine Print by Lauren Asher

Rowan is a businessman tasked with renovating Dreamland, and Zahra is an employee whose critical proposal lands her a job working for him. Despite Rowan's rude demeanor and a mistaken kiss, their professional relationship turns personal, complicated by Rowan's deceptive alias.

Critics contended that the novel emphasizes formulaic romantic clichés, superficial character development, and lack of originality. This disappointed readers because of its uninspired narrative. 

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