How Does It Feel?: Infatuated Fae, Book 1

Name: How Does It Feel?: Infatuated Fae, Book 1
Rating: 4.2 (24700 reviews)
Author: Jeneane O'Riley

by Jeneane O'Riley

4.2

About this book

When biologist Aislinn wanders into the forest and accidentally triggers a portal to the realm of the Fae, she is thrust into the path of Prince Caelum, a dangerously volatile Unseelie royal. Mistaken for a human assassin sent to end his life, Aislinn finds herself trapped in a world where her survival hinges on a deadly ultimatum. To earn her freedom, she must navigate three lethal trials designed to test the limits of her humanity.

The conflict is further complicated by an inexplicable, unwanted pull between captor and prisoner. Caelum views Aislinn as a parasite, a repulsive human whose very existence threatens his cold, calculated detachment. Yet, he is plagued by a burgeoning, obsessive fixation that defies his heritage and his hatred.

As Aislinn battles for her life, she realizes that the prince is as much a prisoner to his desires as she is to his court. Bound by a mutual distrust that smolders with forbidden tension, they are forced into a lethal dance where one wrong move could result in death—or a surrender to a passion that threatens to destroy them both. In a kingdom of shadows, their greatest threat may be the connection they cannot escape.

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What readers are saying

JustPaige

intoxicating

"This book sets the tone for the entire series perfectly. Dark, intoxicating, and emotionally charged from the very beginning. The worldbuilding is immersive without being overwhelming, and the tension simmers under every interaction. I loved how the story slowly unravels, making you feel just as unsure, curious, and drawn in as the characters themselves. Nothing feels rushed, but nothing feels safe either. This book lays the groundwork in such a deliberate way. The relationships, the power dynamics, the secrets… it all builds into something you know is going to explode later. And it makes you want that chaos. A strong, addictive start to the series. I was hooked from page one and immediately needed book two. ["

February 6, 2026 Verified Purchase

Chelsea

“No one expects an angel to set the world on fire.”

"From the books dedication: ‘To you. My hope is not that you finish this book but that this book finishes you.’ To the plot twist ending, I ate it up!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love how the story slowly builds up. It’s definitely a slower start but it was worth it to me! I really enjoyed the world building. I loved the plot twists and moments of what did that just happen..?! Malum Mendax is a super intense shadow daddy and I absolutely loved him, even when I hated to love him! Which is for about 1/2 the book, but then he switches it up and he’s instantly obsessed, and absolutely confused on why. Love the touch her and die vibes. This is a dark romance, enemies to lovers slow burn with so much tension & betrayal! The ending was intense and had a huge plot twist I did not see coming! I’m definitely looking forward to reading book 2! There are sooooo many great swoon worthy quotes ( from Malum) I highlighted soooo many!! “If you die tonight and I never get to tell you, you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” “I can lose everything, but not you. I can’t lose you,” he whispered so quietly I knew I wasn’t meant to hear. “I would destroy anyone for you…anyone including myself,” ["

February 14, 2026 Verified Purchase

Clarissa Pham

It's aight.

"How does it feel is kind of a hot mess. It doesn't really have any atmosphere, the romance feels forced, and the twist ending feels like it doesn't quite fit. In 'How Does It Feel?' Callie Peterson is looking for mushrooms when she ends up falling into the realm of the fae. There, she meets the ruthless and dangerous Mendax, prince of the unseelie fae. He's sure she's an assassin and proceeds to try to kill her. Of course, romance ensues. The romance feels very instalove. I felt like there was no chemistry at all. It was just an instantenous I have to have her vibes from Mendax which was more unrealistic than her falling into the realm of the fae. Is this a bad book? No. Is it a good book? I'm not sure. Am I curious about what happens next? Kind of, so I guess that's a good sign right? ["

April 3, 2026 Verified Purchase

Stephanie

It’s giving dark ACOTAR and I’m not mad about it

"How Does It Feel is a deliciously dark start to a series that’s perfect if you loved ACOTAR but always wished it were bloodier and more ruthless. This book leans hard into forced proximity and fated mates, with a morally black MMC who is as hot as he is cruel. Mendax is dangerous, commanding, and impossible to resist—10/10 would bang, even knowing he’s a terrible idea. From the start, the tension crackles between Callie and her captor. The author does a fantastic job immersing you in Callie’s perspective, giving her believable fear, cunning, and fierce survival instincts. The prose shines most in character development, making you feel every choice and betrayal. The worldbuilding is a little less robust, but the pacing is just right, keeping you hooked without dragging. The spice hits that steamy, tense vibe you want in dark romantasy—open door but not overdone. Honestly, I wished there was even more, because the chemistry is intense and the power dynamics are exactly the kind of twisted I enjoy. The big twist at the end was well executed, with enough hints to feel earned but still surprising. I’m already eager to dive into Book 2 to see where this story goes. If you want morally gray to pitch black, don’t mind a little blood with your fae politics, and need your villains attractive enough to ruin you, this is your next read. ["

July 7, 2025 Verified Purchase