My experience has been similar. I work in the office 1-2 days a week and it’s just the right amount for me. More than that, I start getting frustrated with the commute. Less than that, my mood plummets very quickly.
Hybrid working has been the best for me.
I think it holds up pretty well. I actually enjoyed the second book more than the first because the MC is a little bit older and really grows throughout the story. The third one also has a time gap between books and I’m enjoying it a lot too. I love the political intrigue!