Actual stars: 3.75, probably. (Originally I gave this five stars, but my star rating has definitely been adjusted over the years - I don't think my enjoyment of the book is any different.)

I have so many feelings.

I love this. I hate this. I see why I liked it before. I see why I didn't continue the series before.

I read this eight years ago for the first time. I remember getting about halfway through and deciding I didn't like Tamlin and when I finished the book I didn't plan to continue the series. I couldn't put my finger on it and the fandom did not exist at that point, but Tamlin gave me the ick.

Tamlin still gives me the ick. There was one point in the book that I was thinking Tamlin was sweet, maybe it was the pond made of starlight. But so quickly he became the man we all love to hate. Possessive, controlling, manipulative ... the fact that he knows she can't read and just makes dirty limericks like it's a joke. Ugh.

My first review pretty much only talked about Lucien, who I was obsessed with for a second time in this re-read. He is just such a great character.

Fayre does hold her own more than I remembered. She has her damsel in distress moments and terrible taste in men, but she reads as so young right now, which is good because we get to see her character development over time.

She does seem to love the idea of love. She loves being saved from her horrible life. Tamlin is like the rebound after living her worst years. I'm trying not to fault her for her opinions here lol.

In the end, I see why I didn't want to continue this series before (thanks Camille for at least making me read book 2). I can also see why the fandom is SO obsessed. I'm actually looking forward to book two.