This book is an improvement on the first book mostly as it introduces new characters POV.  Elspeth remains first person and the other characters are written in 3rd person.  I think the series would have been better overall if it was completely 3rd person.  Personally I find 1st person makes the narrator seem younger and the novel resembles YA for most authors.   

The romance follows a different couple in the sequel although Elspeth and Ravyn's story continues.   However the love story told through 3rd person is more powerfully told.  Again this tells me the author should have written all characters this way.  

The spicy parts are very few and quick.  So if you are looking for a fast read with 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ this is not the series for you. 

If you enjoy mostly YA lit with a hint of 🌶️ - open door but not too many details and a rare occurrence - then you will probably rate the duology higher.

The storyline itself is original and reads more like an isolated fairy tale then a complex world building epic fantasy.   Once again it is not to my taste but for readers that do not like complicated political intrigue between nations or even a varied and diverse world beyond the humans this would be rated much higher.  

Overall it's not a terrible novel and my complaints are the same I have for any YA novel.  I always feel there is something missing.   But the story and characters are likeable and I never was bored or felt like I should DNF.   
For those that are not sure they like the fantasy genre or would like to dip their toe into a more spicy read or for those who want to move from a cozy world to something a bit darker,  this is a good introduction with just enough of each element to give readers a taste.