Apparently I have an aversion to reading popular books immediately after they're published, hence why I'm so late on the uptake with reading and reviewing the Court of Thorns and Roses series.  Having read the first two and a half books in the series (thanks to Kathy over at The Novelty of Life for proposing a buddy read), my impression of the characters, plot, world building, and writing style are all equally as positive, if not better, than when I first started A Court of Thorns and Roses.  And I'm now mentally kicking myself for my procrastination - why didn't I delve into this series sooner?!?