Melanie > Recent Status Updates

I wish more Tagalog terms were in the glossary.

Some of these references make me close my eyes, pinch my nose, open them and look around, but that's only after a long pause of eyes shut. Maybe that needed to be longer because I liked the first two novels more than this one. Or maybe it's Ronnie and Xander and so many messy new characters. I wonder how often they will appear in the next books because I would like less of them so far.

I do not care for the Duke since he believes himself to be practically a God in progress. I think his son can see through his vanity, callous and cavalier attitude. We see that Annaleigh's favorite gift of candles of sage and salt, which do not smell great, actually are more prudent than Verity realized as they are meant to ward off unwelcomed spirits. Verity isn't allowed to be as informed as she would like.

I am noticing inspiration from the French Language as the Laurent family is using French and English names. I am not that surprised. They are well versed in plants, being that the Duke is a botanist, and astethic decor. I believe this story is a Gothic Romance so far.

I know I shouldn't always escape through a book, but I kind of wanted that right now. We can't always get what we want, but we find we have to work through what we feel. I could always drop this book and pick it back up later, I suppose.

I am feeling frustrated by the ever opulent descriptions. What I mean to say is that while I so far enjoy the writing style of the author, I am frustrated by the attitudes of the rich. I am reading this book in 2025, and the uber-wealthy price gouged people at the grocery store, upped rent/mortgage payments, upped many insurance costs, etc. I think this book isn't keeping me from reality, though it doesn't have to.

I am hoping that I can get through this book and like it. I am not the most artistic/creative person, so I am struggling with this main character Verity describing what she sees in her mind's eye. I have aphantasia. I don't love her personality, though I can relate to her being the youngest I think out of all of the remaining/alive sisters and wanting to set out on her own. She is one of 12.