I generally liked the first two books of this series, but the romance in this one was insufferable.

The FMC was fine, delightful, etc, nothing really wrong with her. We learn her tragic backstory, as all of the FMCs in this series have, and her personality.

The MMC? Hated him. He was unpleasant when he was introduced in book one, and now that he has his own story, he’s just insufferable. He’s mean, he’s cruel, he’s still in love with someone else through most of the book. He blackmails the FMC, he distrusts her, he forces himself on her (even if she eventually acquiesces).

The whole plot line is heavy on dubious consent and after one scene in he breaks into the FMC’s room, steals her correspondence, immediately uses it to threaten and blackmail her, tries to seduce her and then starts talking about the woman he’s truly in love with again….. I just could never get past his behavior and unlike ability. I find it impossible to root for the relationship, as the FMC deserves better than the abusive MMC she’s got.