What did I just read?!?!?!

I wanted to start this series because I absolutely adored Dark Rise, by the same author. Well. This one is nothing alike.

I know I read only 37% of the book, and the second part is said to be less graphic and all but still.

How is this classified under 'romance'?! Given what happens in these 37%, I don't think any of the characters should develop a romance.
I was also told it had a huge political plot, and I can see the beginnings of it, but for me it's too overshadowed by the constant sexual assaults and abuses that the characters suffer literally every paragraph