UPDATE: As I continued reading the first five chapters before deciding to drop or not (my rule is always to read five more), I discovered subtle hints of romantic moments. They were not abundant, but enough to make a difference. The tension and chemistry between the characters started to intrigue me, and I've decided to give the book another chance. I'm increasing my rating to 4 out of 5.
The original review below captures my initial frustration, particularly with the slow pace of the romance. The story itself is decent, with no unusual shapeshifter elements, and it's generally lighthearted. However, the primary reason I read romance novels is for the romance – the sweetness, the tension, and the development of feelings. This book, however, seems to be labeled as a slow burn, but it's more like a tepid simmer. There have been kisses, but the main character's reluctance to accept her feelings despite being attracted to the male lead becomes frustrating, especially since it persists long past a reasonable point in the story.
I expected more than just occasional sparks. It's not that the writing isn't good; it's just that as a romance novel, the focus on developing the relationship feels lacking. I even double-checked the tags and genre, ensuring I wasn't misunderstanding it – it's comedy, fantasy, and romance. But as a romance novel, it feels more like a slice of life with a thin layer of romantic elements.
If the rating remains at 3/5 after 30 days, I might have to reconsider and put the book down.