2024 - take two.

Okay, I finished it this time. My fondness for and issues with Puck remain. He interjected a little too often, repeating similar pithy lines about humans/mischief/Shakespeare/etc. to the point of exasperation. I would say maybe about 50% of it was funny, or witty, or cute, or necessary exposition. It was a brilliant idea that needed more workshopping and tighter reigns.

I found it a bit easier to go with the flow of the story this time, knowing what to expect. The pacing wasn't ideal, but I found that I was more invested in the plot than the first time around. And I enjoyed the worldbuilding a lot more, understanding the anachronistic, dark fae/old gods vibe Hall was going for. I think it worked quite well, and I would absolutely read more in this world.

That being said, I found it just as hard to connect to the characters this time around, and nearly impossible to buy into the romance developing as swiftly as it did. There was a lot of telling, romantically speaking, and not a lot of building the tension organically for the reader to feel. Did the Duke of Annadale make me feel things? Sure, I'm a sub, it worked. But did I believe in the strength of their connection? Did I swoon at the romantic moments? No, and no.

I finished it. I will happily read a sequel. But it remains a disappointment.

DNF - 38%

Such a letdown. The premise seemed like exactly what I needed, so I ignored the low average rating and purchased myself a copy. I loved the beginning, and the saucy Duke of Annadale (plus the promise of a little kink), but eventually things soured. Using Puck as a narrator was a clever choice, but perhaps insistently overdone. The characters didn't feel super well fleshed-out. But my biggest gripe?

The MCs had already admitted interest and kissed before the halfway point - in a regency romance! I wanted so much more pining!!! I looove pining.

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I typically enjoy Alexis Hall, so I will give this another shot in the future now that my expectations are adjusted.