Deeper tension in the plot

Hello dear readers,

I'm quite new to HR, but I immediately fell in love with it. I just finished Fevered, the first book in the Carnal Court series by Devyn Sinclair, and I don’t know what to think. The plot was good—I liked the idea of fated mates and how they respected the bond, as well as the setting—but I felt like something was missing.🦔

I love smut in books, but the scenes didn’t fully pull me in. They were well described, yet I didn’t feel that strong, immersive sensation that’s typical of HR books. It felt as if the story was being narrated by someone observing rather than lived by the protagonist. I don’t know if that makes sense.

I don’t mean to diminish the book or the author’s work in any way—there was a lot I enjoyed—but I think I wanted the heroine to fight back more, to have a stronger personality, and for the story to be that spicy. I’d love to find a book where there’s more of a struggle or tension—not bullying or humiliation, though. She can be possessed, and I’m okay with non-con and darker plots, but I still want her to have a strong character. Also, I prefer no age gaps… unless we’re talking about centuries, in which case, bring it on! ✨️✨️

Has anyone else felt this way? Do you have recommendations for books that might fit what I’m looking for?💣🖤