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HighlanderJ I actually appreciate that the explicit scenes are included. I think there is generally too much censorship around that in fiction. It either doesn't exist at all or it is too much. In this instance, I just felt like it made them seem more human.
I didn't find it excessive in the first book. There is more in the second book though, and I do find myself generally just skipping a couple pages ahead when it happens because it has gotten a little much for me. I wouldn't say it needs to be changed because some might like it and it's easy enough for me to just jump ahead though.
I think one of the things that might drive people away is that you are deep in the mind of a flawed character. You are along for the ride with some really illogical but emotionally charged decision making. For more logical people the thought processes and feelings come across as very strange. I've had a few moments where I was being thrown off by how differently I think I would handle a decision. But then I remind myself that this isn't an insert character. That these are the internal differences between how people think and that is the essence of how conflict arises.
And I remind myself that is one of the core reasons I try to find authors with different life perspectives. There are a lot of female authors in my read list because I've actively challenged myself to find works by women because there are different points of view to be found there.
And this book brings a different perspective and smashes it right in my face. And I find myself better understanding some other people I've interacted with. The main character was actually reminding me strongly of someone I know. I ended up recommending the book to them. She said it was hard to find books she actually liked, but she's downright addicted to these now. She's further along than me, and I had a big head start.
I can definitely see how it might not appeal to everyone though.
