I really liked the first book in this series (although, imo, it took a long while for it to click with me. I'd say 40% or so?). Have started and stopped reading the second one because something abt the writing style is not exactly boring, but a bit of a chore to read? IDK if that makes sense. I'm gonna give it one more try later this month and either DNF for realsies (since it'd be the THIRD time trying to read it) or actually finish it. #WeWillSee

So I have added this book to my library queue with one mind that I might not even get around to read it. FWIW, I haven't come across any actually!enthusiastic reviews for this book. The criticisms I've read have been v. similar to yours. Specifically that they aren't too convinced by the relationship and the romance itself. Hmmm.