This was something I bought without knowing shit about it other than 'gothic' and 'queer' and as soon as I actually read the blurb I was a little concerned. The modern setting and general vibe didn't seem like I'd enjoy it - and I was right.

I was largely uninterested in what the characters were doing, even though I think the setup of everything and the tropes etc were good. I just didn't click it with at all.

Two things that got me to put it down were the 'reveal' that she had been living in Umbria in Italy, Dark Heir by C S Pacat has made Umbria a very loaded location for me, and the line "I didn't trust them to handle him gently enough. I didn't trust him to handle himself kindly" on page 175 which is so outta left field. What do you mean you are suddenly protective of Jonathan girl I simply do not believe you. I think he's neat and interesting and exactly the gothic sickly romantic interest I want to read about but this is mental.