He is a bad antagonist, that plot was slow and meandering...
I rather Nyx tries again with a rival that isn't cartoonishly evil and actually feels like he can outsmart you.
Zane could be that, girls are actually into him and he seems pretty smooth.
Less police stuff and more relationship drama, that's more on Nyx wheelhouse anyway.
Ethan is a villain just for Erynn anyways, other girls might now who he is, but very limited in terms of actual interactions and effect.
Personally, I think Nyx was leaning into the 'childhood bully' there with Ethan being the antagonist.
As someone who was bullied when he was younger (god I wish someone would try now as things have changed) it definitely leaves an impression throughout the years.
I'm not sure I agree with 'cartoonish' though I definitely see what you mean.
Rather, as it was revealed his last name is Bloomberg, I'm taking it all to mean he comes from family/privilege/money and has people who are hanger-ons/bootlickers who will do whatever he tells them, to further their own goals and it in turn, props Ethan up.
Ethan is an A%%hole, hands down. And they usually are not smart, but definitely used to getting their way. That's part of what I think will lead to his downfall.
Remind me; Zane is the surfer dude always at the beach who was supposed to do the photoshoot with Erynn, right?
I think if anything, hes more of 'another' choice for the ladies affections/interest.
Personally, I think its late in the game to add that kind of layering, but as I have said before, this is Nyx story to tell. I'm just trying to enjoy the ride for as long as I can!
And I definitely agree, Ethan really only affects those on the Erynn path, so in that regard, I'm ok with less of him as I am not a big Erynn fan. She just seems way too needy for making poor life choices all around and is holding the MC up as her white knight to save her from bad choices.