I don’t usually like fantasy books that start in the real modern world and then the main character finds themself in a fantasy world through a portal, etc., so this wasn’t my favorite. I really struggled with the beginning and the backstory but once she fell into the fantasy world I was a little more intrigued.

This enemies to lovers but it also felt pretty insta-love-y, especially from the MMC which didn’t really make sense with his dark, brooding, evil prince portrayal. Plus their attraction was soo hot and cold, and not in a hot sexy way, in a confusing comes and goes out of nowhere way. Their relationship had the potential to be really good but it just didn’t work for me.

The non-cussing made Callie seem so juvenile. “Tuna-teeth” “turd face”? Please. I would have preferred nothing at all. And then she fell into the fae world and all the sudden has no problem saying fuck? Like what was the point?

Trials are one of my favoriteeee tropes/plot lines so that’s what really saved this for me.

I got this book as an arc with a promise to review, so I was determined to finish it even though I DNF'd it once last year. It took me forever to finish as it starts so slow, there was little to no world building, plot holes everywhere, and characters that were extremely unlikable. I spent a lot of it lost and confused! I'm only glad I'm done reading it so I can mark it finished on my Netgalley shelf.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading How does it feel! With the mixture of fantasy and romantic elements and twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat, I couldn’t put it down! I think it was very well written and I’m so glad I went in not knowing anything about the book before picking it up.

I enjoyed this book, but I also felt it was a little too hyped up for me and I expected it to be a bit different than it actually was. Still, it was a good novel and I will be reading the next one for sure.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

In "How Does It Feel," Jeneane O'Riley weaves an enchanting tale that seamlessly blends fantasy with romance, thrusting readers into a world filled with danger, intrigue, and unexpected passion. The story follows biologist Callie Peterson, whose noble quest to collect a rare mushroom for her research takes a shocking turn when she tumbles through a fairy portal, landing directly in the clutches of the brooding Unseelie Fae prince, Mendax. This captivating premise is not only a testament to O'Riley's imaginative storytelling but also sets the stage for a complex exploration of fear, desire, and the struggle for freedom. At the heart of the novel lies the tension between Callie and Mendax, whose initial encounter is steeped in misunderstanding and tension. Mendax's perception of Callie as an assassin sent to eliminate him creates a profound conflict that drives the narrative. His loathing for her quickly evolves into a dangerous obsession, illustrating the complexities of attraction that transcend the boundaries of their worlds. O'Riley brilliantly captures Mendax's inner turmoil, effectively portraying a character torn between his hatred for humans and an inexplicable attraction to Callie. This push-and-pull dynamic keeps readers riveted, eagerly anticipating each interaction between the two characters. What truly sets "How Does It Feel" apart is its exploration of the trials that Callie must face in order to secure her freedom. The three deadly challenges posed by Mendax not only test her physical abilities and intelligence but also force her to confront her own fears and insecurities. These trials serve as a crucible for character development, allowing Callie to grow from a scientist into a formidable force in her own right. O'Riley's skillful pacing and vivid descriptions enhance the tension of each trial, making the stakes feel increasingly dire as the story unfolds. Furthermore, O'Riley’s world-building deserves commendation. The Unseelie realm is richly imagined, filled with perilous landscapes and enchanting creatures that evoke a sense of wonder and foreboding. The contrasting nature of the Unseelie court, with its dark beauty and underlying treachery, serves as a perfect backdrop for Callie's journey. O'Riley's attention to detail ensures that readers are not just spectators but participants in this fantastical realm, experiencing the thrill and danger alongside the characters. As the plot progresses, themes of obsession, freedom, and the duality of nature emerge, prompting readers to reflect on the complexities of human emotion and relationships, even in the face of supernatural circumstances. The relationship between Callie and Mendax evolves into a nuanced exploration of trust, vulnerability, and the transformative power of love, proving that even amidst chaos, genuine connections can flourish. In conclusion, "How Does It Feel" by Jeneane O'Riley is an enthralling read that masterfully blends elements of fantasy, romance, and suspense. With well-drawn characters, a gripping plot, and a richly developed world, O'Riley’s novel captures the imagination and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you are a fan of fantasy or simply in search of a captivating story, this book offers a spellbinding escape into a realm where danger and desire intertwine. Prepare to be enchanted—this is a tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.

I heard so much about this book before cracking it open. Sometimes, that can put a lot of pressure on a book, but it worked out well this time. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of Callie's life before falling through the portal and after. It had a slow start, but I think it really paid off. I've been looking for a book that just goes bananas, and I think this is the one. I like that it ended in a way that I couldn't trust anything that I thought I knew. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series! I recommend this book to fantasy romance fans who are looking for a book that keeps them guessing.

4 Stars
WOW this was a scary one!! But I could not tear myself away. I was up until 2AM reading this one night. This is such a different twist on fantasy books. I ate it up! Our main character accidentally falls into the unseele land from earth and they think she was sent to assassin their prince. She of course is a bad ass and fights for her life. I can not wait for the next book in this series,

Thank you to Net Galley and Source Books/Bloom books for the opportunity to read this book.

Ce livre traîne depuis un petit moment dans ma liseuse, j’ai enfin décidé de le lire et j’ai passé un très bon moment!

Callie Peterson est une biologiste en plein voyage pour découvrir des champignons rares. Un soir, elle va traverser un portail qui va la transporter directement dans les bras du prince des Unseelies, Mendax. Celui-ci pense que c’est un assassin venu le tuer, il va tout faire pour lui faire révéler ses secrets mais à force il va tomber sous son charme et va lui faire passer trois épreuves dangereuses…

J’ai passé un très bon moment avec ce livre. Le début est assez lent et plat mais je me suis accrochée et j’ai bien fait car tout s'accélère ensuite pour que l’intrigue se développe, nous tient en haleine et arrive à nous surprendre! Callie est un personnage avec lequel j’ai eu un peu de mal à m’attacher car je l’ai trouvé un peu naïve et tête à claque à certains moments! Par contre, Mendax est vraiment un méchant comme je les aime, il est complexe mais aussi attachant au fil des pages! J’ai vraiment hâte de voir ce que va donner le second tome vu la fin de ce premier livre!!

En bref, un très bon premier tome, j’ai vraiment hâte d’avoir la suite

This was definitely an interesting read. It definitely is an enemies to lovers story that has some dark and heavy moments. There is a fair amount of spice as well as action and thrills. Furthermore, the story kept me guessing and I was very surprised by the journey that this book took.

This book is perfect for fans of Holly Black's Cruel Prince and Sarah J Maas' Throne of Glass and Elise Kova's A Deal with the Elf King.

I am a sucker for anything and everything fae - this book is no different.

This book is deserving of the hype and excitement it receives - I cannot wait for book 2 and cannot recommend it enough!

4 stars

Wow, this book was fascinating! It had a great combination of fantasy and science, I really loved the mix, plus such angst and tension happening between them while being enemies. There was a lot happening action wise, dramatic events and more on the darker side.
How Does it Feel, had an amazing introduction pulled me right in, animal rescue and facts, with little mysteries anomalies happening. The writing was dark, detailed and I got a certain atmospheric vibes while reading. It was really fascinating. The romance was so spot on. This was a true enemies to lovers, slow build where the main MMC falls hard. The attraction between them was undeniable but they both sure tried. Finally, I was shocked several times by the direction this story took at times, did not see it coming and I love when a story can do that. I will be picking up the next book. I need to know what is going to happen, highly recommend it.
I received an ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

The story itself had potential but the writing was so atrocious I couldn’t see past it… The prose was incredibly clunky and the repetition was infuriating. The foreshadowing was about as subtle as a repeated brick to the face. The stakes were quickly dwindled to nothing after the 20th time in 10 pages we were told he was going to kill her and didn’t. There was zero character development. The MMC went from threatening to kill our FMC every single page to suddenly being wildly in love with her after eating her kitty and sharing approximately 5 words (Those words being “I’m going to kill you”, of course).

This book blew my mind. I was hooked instantly! I loved this so so much! I can't wait to read the second book

‘How does it feel?’ if the first book in a new fantasy fae series. This book became even more popular after it went viral on TikTok and other book groups. I was excited to read this. I find now that it is difficult to release a fae fantasy without it being compared to other popular series so I felt it was important to read this without bias.
Callie is a highly intelligent biologist working in a small town with the hopes of progressing her career to study rare species. Callie is very isolated in the new town. Newcomers aren’t common and she is being isolated with a few exceptions among locals. After venturing into the forest to retrieve her microscope left behind after she went mushroom collecting, Callie stumbles into the unexpected. She ends up falling through a faerie portal and onto Unseelie prince Mendax, a ruthless prince who mistakes Callie for a human assassin.
The rest of the plot is difficult to discuss without spoiling so I’ll try and discuss it briefly. This is definitely enemies to some sort of lovers. It is definitely dark at times so I recommend reading any triggers warnings before diving in. Callie was a great character and was resourceful in difficult situations. Mendax is not the most likable character, but he develops throughout the book and I can imagine that this will continue in book 2. There were definitely times where the plot was not progressing or scenes that were uncomfortable to read.
I think for fantasy lovers looking for an adult book then this is a great read. For those who enjoy light-hearted fantasy with cute romance and beautiful world building then this is not the novel for you.

This book offers an exceptional and immersive reading experience that transcends the typical fantasy romance genre. The characters are well-developed and the plot is intricate, making it an engaging and unpredictable journey. The dynamic between the human protagonist and the enigmatic Unseelie Fae prince is complex and thrilling, infusing the story with a unique blend of tension and allure. Although the story starts at a measured pace, it quickly picks up and keeps the reader hooked till the end. The unexpected twists, particularly towards the end, left me eagerly awaiting the sequel. This book is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and nuanced relationships, and it stands out due to its refreshing and immersive storyline.

Thank you for the eARC NetGalley.

It started out slow, taking me awhile to get invested in the storyline but once it picked up I was hooked. Absolutely loved the plot twist and the main characters.

What I enjoyed:
Dual POV
Plot twist
Spice
Strong willed FMC
Adventure and action packed

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5

Enemies to lovers
Plot Twists
Fairy Tale magic
Fantasy Romance
Cliff Hanger
Spice

I was very confused in the beginning. A lot of science talk takes place but makes sense later. I kept checking to make sure I was reading the right book. It picks up a bit 20 percent in. The actual action comes to play at about 55 percent into the book. At about 65 percent I was hooked. There was tension, banter, and spice.
The ending has me so confused. Confused to the point as to were they tricking the reader or did she just forget. IYKYK.
I definitely need to read the next one to clear the ending up.
A very close 4 stars. Minimal spice. The spice amount was perfect in my opinion.

dnf @ 22%

Literally bored out of my mind. Nearly a quarter of the way through the book and she’s still in the human realm? I’m just not willing to stick it out.

*a massive thank you to the publisher for access in exchange for an honest review*

Everyone raves about this for fans of ACOTAR, and I get it. This is a fun fantasy with fae and an epic adventure.