Swinging is often a part of the polygamous community, yes. But swinging and no strings attached again means that it is not a relationship. This is nothing against casual sex, but that is VERY different from what is implied with Halsin.

I am not arguing against this type of thing being represented, it should be. Halsin was the wrong character to do it with, entirely. His entire personality and arch is such a jumbled mess, that it begins to look like a creepy middle aged man with a midlife crisis.

The poly community is usually really respectful of feeling and agency. Halsin doesn't show any of that, which is the issue. That is why he is a poor representation of the community.

Example:

You call him a relationship anarchist - Halsin dialogue if you "break up with him": I will stay with you as an ally, advisor and friend, all of this - save for as a lover"
Right there he puts into words what they are, while he would not earlier.

He doesn't want commitment? Halsin's actions: Searches for a family, a place of belonging, he gravitates towards purpose and long term commitments in general - except for the one thing that he truly expresses he needs: a partner
This is further supported by "I can't imagine my life without you".

All power to wanting this type of romance. Laezel is up that alley and it really works. Halsin is a disjointed and messed up choice for it, and he should never have been given this typ of romance, because the poor writing.

I am pleased you love him (I do too) and that you got exactly the type of romance you wanted.

But as an author, story teller, marketing and commercial specialist and analysist: This was a wrong choice for Halsin, and as this thread is evidence of completely missed the target audience they were trying to cater to.

The ending is sweet, but lackluster and when you see the romance in its entirety it is extremely manipulative. Meaning it makes Halsin either extremely cruel and selfish, or extremely ignorant and unaware of the emotional impact he has on others.

I do believe that all of us agree that cruel, selfish, ignorant, and emotionally unintelligent are not words we would have ever believed would be actually relevant for Halsin's character.

By the looks of it, you are lucky and will keep your romance as is. I can appreciate the minority getting a win smile