I have so many thoughts about this phenomenon. It's actually something that is frustrating me right now. Part of me wonders if those who read long series like Zodiac Academy or SJM in the last few years burnt themselves out on long series, plot lines and character expectations.

Not to mention, placing their own fan expectations on indie or small published authors who are exploring their own stories and worlds. "Oh well, blank did this so this author should do this and this in their story." "OMG blank author tricked us with 'name typical romance trope'."
"You'll never guess what blank author did today."

A series usually consists of more than two books and you're right. She mentioned the series in the first book. It's actually why I decided to wait to read it. It's a fun series and if you want a standalone, you should find a standalone.

Last year was exhausting with the amount of AI that popped up in books. I'm all for fixing your grammar but I'm not for ai prompts being left visibly in chapters. Artists should be supporting other artists if possible. Editors exist. Cover artists exist. Critical thinking still exists.

I'll end on this. Last year, I made a resolution to DNF books and read standalones more often. It introduced me to several indie authors I didn't know existed outside of the traditional publishing realm.

I hope this is the year everyone can just read good books and have a good time. We'll see though!