I read the first stariel book and didn't feel I needed to continue, but this one was mm and could be read as a standalone so I tried it. I did feel a bit like there was a lot of flirting/ mutual antagonism in previous books that might have made the romance in this one more compelling if id read them. Overall though just didn't quite do it for me. There were too many times when it pulled me out of the sorry with repetitive or cliched phrasing, oddly anachronistic moments (maybe that doesn't seem fair for an alt version of England but that's how I felt), the stakes felt too low even with death and dying bring involved. Also idk how a mortal can be with a fae. Like the different lifespans? Maybe explained / hand waved in a previous book. There was a little too much hand waving. Sorry, I'm just really picky. And then there are super flawed books where I forgive all their flaws.