The book How Does It Feel? by Jeneane O'Riley is the first installment in the Infatuated Fae series. It follows Callie Peterson, a young biologist who accidentally falls through a portal into the dark realm of the Unseelie Fae. There, she is captured by the dangerous fae prince Mendax, who initially believes she is an assassin and tries to kill her multiple times. Despite this, a complicated and forbidden romance develops between them amid deadly court intrigues and power struggles
. The novel blends dark fantasy, romance, and adventure, exploring themes such as betrayal, loyalty, forbidden love, survival, guilt, redemption, and self- acceptance
. It is noted for its intense and immersive writing style that delves into the emotional turmoil of the characters
. Reader reactions are mixed: some find it addictive and intriguing with a compelling enemies-to-lovers romance and plot twists, while others criticize the writing as juvenile, the characters as stereotypical or poorly developed, and the plot as sometimes confusing or awkward
. Despite the criticisms, the book has gained popularity, especially on platforms like TikTok, and has a dedicated following eager for the series continuation
. In summary, How Does It Feel? is a dark fantasy romance with a strong emotional core and a mix of praise and critique regarding its execution and style. It is recommended for readers who enjoy fairy lore, intense romantic tension, and complex emotional narratives within fantasy settings
