Forgotten

DNF 191 pages / 59% 
Because of the cliffhanger in book one, I was curious enough to want to find out more about Effie and what she truly was. I also hoped that maybe I'd get through book two and find more to enjoy. Unfortunately, I was wrong. The only emotions this book evoked were anger and boredom.
Caed was my favorite character in book one, but this sequel complicates things too much. Effie now has five mates, one of whom has a dual nature — essentially a separate entity that's millennia old.With all of society's issues, Effie's character background, difficult/abusive parents, and psychotic deans, she's already considered a prize and a broodmare. Why add the complexity of an extinct race or a sixth mate who shares a body with one of her mates? This just feels excessive.
The only scene I genuinely enjoyed in book two was when Effie protected her friend, though even that was ruined by Julian/Coffin imposing his alpha command. I was glad Effie stood up for herself, expressing how much his command hurt her, but even his promise not to do it again was half-hearted:“Promise me that you won't force me to do anything again,” she murmured.
“I promise that I won't unless I truly believe you are in harm's way.”

While I understand the appeal of a sheltered, naive FMC trope (and often enjoy it), here it feels uncomfortable. With constant descriptions of how tiny and insecure Effie is, she comes across almost childlike, which doesn't sit right given how her mates handle her. Rather than empowering her, they coddle her, putting her on their laps and shielding her. Why not build her up instead?