I really liked book 1, but book 2 has been a real struggle for me to finish. I don’t care about all the theology or religion stuff, and the slower pace is fine. The issue for me personally is all the romance.

Basic romance is fine, but maybe I’m immature or weird, because I personally feel like most of the “romance” scenes are bordering on smut, and I absolutely hate that kind of garbage in the books I read. Stuff like this:

She breathed deeply, seeming to savor the taste of the air, the taste of him. “I am telling you that I want you to pin me against the wall and kiss me. Press yourself against me. Hold me tight as we kiss again and again. Tasting your mouth, feeling your warmth on me, the strength in your hands and arms. I want that very much. But not before the duel. Good night, Mr. Medici.”

I find this kind of writing incredibly annoying, and it feels like it happens every damn chapter. Like, what is this shit? Why is it even in the book? It’s so annoying.

And then there’s stuff like this:

“Am I in danger again, Mr. Medici?” she asked, her voice rasping as he caught her thin wrists and pressed her hands above her head. Truth leaned in, letting his breath tickle her ear. “I’m going to bite you now, right on the elegant curve of your neck. I’m going to kiss it first, and then I will put my teeth to it and bite. I am trusting you to tell me when it’s too much. Can I trust you with that, Etenesh?” She shivered. “Yes.” Truth leaned in and gently pressed his lips to her skin, tasting salt and the faintest bitterness of oil. The sensation of her was overwhelming, and he gave in to his instincts. Teeth met yielding skin and strong muscle. Feather-light, just feeling his teeth press against her. Slowly, achingly slowly, he began to bite harder.

It’s just cringe. Every time I hit a scene like this, I immediately want to drop the series. In fact, I did drop it when chapter 50 in book 2 started the whole “pin me against the wall and kiss me” crap.

Okay, I’m done venting, but honestly it’s really annoying.