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Museology #2
Educated
Phoebe Whitford has mostly drifted through life, grateful that without a set plan, she completed graduate school, settled into a career, and become the go-to advice giver for her people. But after first watching her brother and then her best friend fall in love, she’s wondering when - or if - it will ever be her turn. One night, at the bar she’s been frequenting for years, Phoebe asks her favorite bartender a question that changes everything. Declan McFadden loves his bar. It may not have been the dream his family had for him, but he’s built a life he’s proud of, cobbled together like the tattoos on his body. Six years ago, he asked Phoebe out and she responded with silence. Content with being friends, he still gets a buzz every time she visits. When Phoebe proposes an arrangement between them, he agrees, grateful for any time with her can get. Maybe away from the bar, they could become something more. The more time they spend together, the more Phoebe and Dec learn about their individual desires and struggles. How can two independent people rely on each other to help them make their best futures? And does that future include each other?
Educated is a story about figuring out what it means to be an adult as a millennial, setting boundaries with careers, friends, and family, and being open to doing it with a partner by your side.
Educated is a story about figuring out what it means to be an adult as a millennial, setting boundaries with careers, friends, and family, and being open to doing it with a partner by your side.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2023
67 people are currently reading
1117 people want to read
About the author
Nellie Wilson
12 books261 followersNellie Wilson is the pen name of a teacher and historian in her 30s who doesn't want her students to read her spicy books. Originally from western Pennsylvania, Nellie spent time in Ohio and Colorado before settling in San Diego. She enjoys drinking beer, talking about true crime and medical history, listening to emo music from the 2000s, and making up songs about her dog. When not writing books, she teaches sixth grade. When not doing that, she studies the history of San Diego city planning. When not doing that, she pours beer. "Need S'more Time" is her first book, but she has many more planned. You can find her on Instagram at @woahnelliewrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
August 4, 2023
Nellie Wilson made us wait for Dec and Phoebe, but I am very pleased to report that they were more than worth it!
Considering we've been collectively waiting for this book since it was alluded this dynamic was alluded to back in Need S'More Time, I am very happy to report that Nellie does not make us sit through a slow burn! These crazy kids get together early and the reader is along for the ride as they navigate a "contractual relationship" and watch as it progresses into the real thing. Both Dec and Phoebes are so soft and vulnerable with each other.
Nellie Wilson knows how to write communication between her characters, and that is especially prevalent in this story! There is also a large focus on consent (of course) and kink exploration, both of which result in incredible conversations between the two characters.
It's great to be back with this friend group and to pick up on the Easter eggs Nellie has placed for future books. I absolutely cannot wait to go back to Vanberg with this cast of characters!
Considering we've been collectively waiting for this book since it was alluded this dynamic was alluded to back in Need S'More Time, I am very happy to report that Nellie does not make us sit through a slow burn! These crazy kids get together early and the reader is along for the ride as they navigate a "contractual relationship" and watch as it progresses into the real thing. Both Dec and Phoebes are so soft and vulnerable with each other.
Nellie Wilson knows how to write communication between her characters, and that is especially prevalent in this story! There is also a large focus on consent (of course) and kink exploration, both of which result in incredible conversations between the two characters.
It's great to be back with this friend group and to pick up on the Easter eggs Nellie has placed for future books. I absolutely cannot wait to go back to Vanberg with this cast of characters!
July 23, 2024
2.5⭐️ Started out promising, but I almost DNF several times. It got painful. The FMC went from relatable to unbearable by about 30% in. And I get it. She likes weed. But it’s in every. Single. Chapter. Literally. She can’t do anything without being high or at least having her pen with her and this is like normal? Idk. Maybe it’s just a personal preference, but I found it to be super annoying after the 87th mention. Declan was a dreamy MMC and the reason I’m rounding up. I think maybe this author isn’t for me bc a lot of the reviews were glowing and I just don’t get it.
August 7, 2023
If you’ve read Nellie’s other books, you’ve been waiting for this one. It does NOT disappoint.
As someone who was raised catholic as well, there was so many ways to relate to Declan. Phoebe’s work situation is too real in nonprofit/education work and Nellie knows just how to portray that perfectly.
And the poor boy has been down BAD for Phoebes for years. Not that he’s been alone in that. Luckily Phoebe gets some liquid courage one night and they start on their romantic journey.
It’s amazing to see them heal individually and together, as well as growing as individuals. Bi icons through and through as well.
I received an ARC from the author, book is out August 8th! Read it!
As someone who was raised catholic as well, there was so many ways to relate to Declan. Phoebe’s work situation is too real in nonprofit/education work and Nellie knows just how to portray that perfectly.
And the poor boy has been down BAD for Phoebes for years. Not that he’s been alone in that. Luckily Phoebe gets some liquid courage one night and they start on their romantic journey.
It’s amazing to see them heal individually and together, as well as growing as individuals. Bi icons through and through as well.
I received an ARC from the author, book is out August 8th! Read it!
September 19, 2023
Well, the first cold of the school year led to this wild day of reading, and this little rom did not disappoint. "A millennial love story" is correct. The word "rally" was used unironically and in a beautiful conversation about boundaries, consent, communication, and self-worth. If those aren't the buzz words of what millennial females care about, I'm not sure what they are. But also, we can still RALLY, ok??
It should be added that the female adhd rep in here is fantastic. It isn't the center of attention but also works its way into how the MC communicates, works etc. Sometimes books take the most "typical" presentations of adhd and this one touches on some lesser known adhd things. It was so nice to be seen.
It should be added that the female adhd rep in here is fantastic. It isn't the center of attention but also works its way into how the MC communicates, works etc. Sometimes books take the most "typical" presentations of adhd and this one touches on some lesser known adhd things. It was so nice to be seen.
August 8, 2023
Remember when I said that Nellie Wilson wrote Emmy in Curated just for me?? Well I take it back because PHEOBE IS EVERYTHING!! DECLAN IS EVERYTHING!!!! This book is just EVERYTHING!!!!!
⬆️ Initial thoughts || Review ⬇️
I enjoyed Nellie Wilson’s first book in her Museology series and eagerly signed up for an ARC of book two, Educated. Big thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC.
Phoebe has been skirting around a lot of things in her life. The fact that she really deserves a raise at work. Her romantic and sexual inexperience. And her six year crush / flirtatious situation with Declan, the bar tender at her and her friends local hangout. For the last six years, Declan has been harboring the same crush. So when Phoebe proposes a “sex contract” Declan eagerly agrees. However, the two quickly realize that hooking up with one another doesn’t account for the feelings that they’ve both been secretly (or not so secretly, if you ask their friends) harboring.
Seriously, I am such a fan of Nellie Wilson’s book. Not only because I’m from Colorado and work in museums, but also because Nellie Wilson writes with a refreshing realness that many romcoms don’t encompass. These books have all the big cheesy smile, feet kicking, butterfly evoking romcom vibes but they also have real things so many other books don’t: on page STD testing, casual marijuana use, lots of mental health discussion, etc.
I highly highly recommend and can’t wait for book three in this series!
⬆️ Initial thoughts || Review ⬇️
I enjoyed Nellie Wilson’s first book in her Museology series and eagerly signed up for an ARC of book two, Educated. Big thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC.
Phoebe has been skirting around a lot of things in her life. The fact that she really deserves a raise at work. Her romantic and sexual inexperience. And her six year crush / flirtatious situation with Declan, the bar tender at her and her friends local hangout. For the last six years, Declan has been harboring the same crush. So when Phoebe proposes a “sex contract” Declan eagerly agrees. However, the two quickly realize that hooking up with one another doesn’t account for the feelings that they’ve both been secretly (or not so secretly, if you ask their friends) harboring.
Seriously, I am such a fan of Nellie Wilson’s book. Not only because I’m from Colorado and work in museums, but also because Nellie Wilson writes with a refreshing realness that many romcoms don’t encompass. These books have all the big cheesy smile, feet kicking, butterfly evoking romcom vibes but they also have real things so many other books don’t: on page STD testing, casual marijuana use, lots of mental health discussion, etc.
I highly highly recommend and can’t wait for book three in this series!
August 8, 2023
4.5 rounded up!
Thank you so much to Nellie for an ARC of Educated! I was thrilled to be able to get the chance to read Declan and Phoebe's story after falling for them in Curated.
This book is definitely my new favorite of Nellie's! I absolutely loved the soft love and joy throughout it, as Declan and Phoebe came together after years and years of holding back and then realized how much they truly meant to one another. Nellie really has a gift for writing intimacy between people - showing it's not always flawless but it can be perfect in its imperfections. The presence and appreciation for found family also gets me every time. I loved that in Educated, we got to watch Phoebe ready to absolutely throw hands in defense of Dec, and see Declan find a family to truly love him for all that he is and does. And the little peaks of Colin/June and Emmy/Ryan were so swoon-worthy.
I also appreciate the inclusion and way Nellie writes about darker things, like millennial dread and also Phoebe's loneliness. So few books truly dive into the real experience of feeling stuck or lost or unheard in your work, or truly encapsulate what it's like to love your friends and be so beyond joyfully happy for their love stories, but still feel that gray inside wondering when it will be your turn. I always feel like Nellie has crawled inside my head to write my feelings out in a way more coherent than I could hope to do on my own. I love Dec and Phoebes, I love this book, and I can't wait for more from the little Vanberg family <3
I was given an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
You can expect: tattooed MMC, bartender/business owner MMC, late bloomer FMC, museum educator FMC, long time crush, queer MCs, exploring intimacy, he falls first
Thank you so much to Nellie for an ARC of Educated! I was thrilled to be able to get the chance to read Declan and Phoebe's story after falling for them in Curated.
This book is definitely my new favorite of Nellie's! I absolutely loved the soft love and joy throughout it, as Declan and Phoebe came together after years and years of holding back and then realized how much they truly meant to one another. Nellie really has a gift for writing intimacy between people - showing it's not always flawless but it can be perfect in its imperfections. The presence and appreciation for found family also gets me every time. I loved that in Educated, we got to watch Phoebe ready to absolutely throw hands in defense of Dec, and see Declan find a family to truly love him for all that he is and does. And the little peaks of Colin/June and Emmy/Ryan were so swoon-worthy.
I also appreciate the inclusion and way Nellie writes about darker things, like millennial dread and also Phoebe's loneliness. So few books truly dive into the real experience of feeling stuck or lost or unheard in your work, or truly encapsulate what it's like to love your friends and be so beyond joyfully happy for their love stories, but still feel that gray inside wondering when it will be your turn. I always feel like Nellie has crawled inside my head to write my feelings out in a way more coherent than I could hope to do on my own. I love Dec and Phoebes, I love this book, and I can't wait for more from the little Vanberg family <3
I was given an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
You can expect: tattooed MMC, bartender/business owner MMC, late bloomer FMC, museum educator FMC, long time crush, queer MCs, exploring intimacy, he falls first
August 2, 2023
Unfortunately this book was not for me. I found the secondary storylines more interesting than the main character’s storyline. I found the spicy scenes lacking connection and chemistry. I didn’t really find any growth among the characters and had a really hard time relating to and even really liking the characters at all.
August 16, 2023
I was bored. I slogged through this and had to force myself to finish. I didn't find the MCs connection believable (maybe because their history happened off-page). At times, the book felt too preachy and judgmental.
July 28, 2023
Can you even believe it’s about to be August?! I definitely cannot - however what I very much CAN believe is that Nellie Wilson has written another fantastic contemporary romance. Educated, book two in her Museology series is coming our way August 8th and you guys, go put this on your TBRs right freaking now.
I’d like to thank Nellie for the advance copy, thoughts below are my own, enjoy!
I’d like to thank Nellie for the advance copy, thoughts below are my own, enjoy!
August 8, 2023
Ya know I read romance because there's something about humans tumbling into love with each other that never fails to make my heart get all fluttery no matter how it's told. And there's so many ways to write it. Dec and Phoebe happened to be a gentle tumble into soul mate-dom and I cannot imagine a better journey into HEA for two vulnerable, soft souls like these queer icons.
A sex contract, two dummies that don't know the other reciprocates their feelings, and the gentle realization that this was how it was always meant to be was the perfect story for two humans we've seen throughout all of the books in the Nellieverse. So much vulnerability and yearning for each other when they're literally. right. there. The culmination of three books of cameos, sneak peaks, and glimpses was EVERYTHING I wanted it to be. I knew when Dec was first introduced with his tattooed hands and big ole Phoebe crush that he was going to be a series fav for me (no one tell Ryan k thanks s'much).
It's slow slides like this that remind me why I love romance so much. I mean Dec has been googly eyed over Phoebes for YEARS. And if you think he wasn't going to leap at the chance to spend rotations in her orbit?? I should have put boy obsessed because he's so gone for her, he's in a different planetary system.
And my sweet Phoebe is putting her most honest self on the line to snatch whatever glimmers of happy she can get in between her attempts to fix things for everyone around her.
And really, that's one of my favorite parts of the story: seeing her reach for what she wants for a change. She DESERVES.
I love this book. I love Nellie for writing these books and this fictional Colorado found family, queer, enthusiastically in love odes to millennial-hood and finding your person and your people. Vanberg 4Eva
Also Joe fux. I don't make the rules. Old man bestie for the win.
A sex contract, two dummies that don't know the other reciprocates their feelings, and the gentle realization that this was how it was always meant to be was the perfect story for two humans we've seen throughout all of the books in the Nellieverse. So much vulnerability and yearning for each other when they're literally. right. there. The culmination of three books of cameos, sneak peaks, and glimpses was EVERYTHING I wanted it to be. I knew when Dec was first introduced with his tattooed hands and big ole Phoebe crush that he was going to be a series fav for me (no one tell Ryan k thanks s'much).
It's slow slides like this that remind me why I love romance so much. I mean Dec has been googly eyed over Phoebes for YEARS. And if you think he wasn't going to leap at the chance to spend rotations in her orbit?? I should have put boy obsessed because he's so gone for her, he's in a different planetary system.
And my sweet Phoebe is putting her most honest self on the line to snatch whatever glimmers of happy she can get in between her attempts to fix things for everyone around her.
And really, that's one of my favorite parts of the story: seeing her reach for what she wants for a change. She DESERVES.
I love this book. I love Nellie for writing these books and this fictional Colorado found family, queer, enthusiastically in love odes to millennial-hood and finding your person and your people. Vanberg 4Eva
Also Joe fux. I don't make the rules. Old man bestie for the win.
August 12, 2023
I think it’s hilarious that whenever I publicly state something, the bookish universe jumps to challenge that claim 😅 For example, I have said that I’m not really a friends-to-lovers girly & yet, I read books like this & become absolutely feral!
I ate this book up — two bisexuals trying to be sexy but giggling at the wrong times & overthinking, written agreements, major Catholic guilt, feeling like a burden, consent & aftercare talks, millennial existential angst, effortless unwrapping of layers during conversations, empowering each other. It was all so real. I also thought “Is ✨nothing✨ about me original?” when Phoebe listened to a podcast as she bullet journaled her upcoming week hahaha. Overall, I had such a wonderful time getting to know these characters.
Nellie wrote each of them so thoughtfully and I appreciated that the love was so clearly present from the start, because you love your friends, right? Those are people you actively choose to spend time with & pour energy into. Personally, (and I think for many of us booktroverts), that’s not something to be taken lightly. That’s your chosen family (when many families let you down or refuse to see you for who you are)! This “found family” trope is one of my favorites because of how special it is to find the humans that get you in a world full of billions of possibilities!
I adored the cameos from Emmy & Ryan from Curated especially. This group of friends is adorable & I’d watch them banter on screen all day 😂
There are other romances (Curated, Need S'More Time, Storm Warning) which exist in this interconnected world of standalone romances & you should absolutely read them all 🥹
There are also more books coming, which I am ecstatic about! I can't wait to read Jeremy & Davis' & Foster & Flo's love stories in 2024 & beyond hehehehehe.
I ate this book up — two bisexuals trying to be sexy but giggling at the wrong times & overthinking, written agreements, major Catholic guilt, feeling like a burden, consent & aftercare talks, millennial existential angst, effortless unwrapping of layers during conversations, empowering each other. It was all so real. I also thought “Is ✨nothing✨ about me original?” when Phoebe listened to a podcast as she bullet journaled her upcoming week hahaha. Overall, I had such a wonderful time getting to know these characters.
Nellie wrote each of them so thoughtfully and I appreciated that the love was so clearly present from the start, because you love your friends, right? Those are people you actively choose to spend time with & pour energy into. Personally, (and I think for many of us booktroverts), that’s not something to be taken lightly. That’s your chosen family (when many families let you down or refuse to see you for who you are)! This “found family” trope is one of my favorites because of how special it is to find the humans that get you in a world full of billions of possibilities!
I adored the cameos from Emmy & Ryan from Curated especially. This group of friends is adorable & I’d watch them banter on screen all day 😂
There are other romances (Curated, Need S'More Time, Storm Warning) which exist in this interconnected world of standalone romances & you should absolutely read them all 🥹
There are also more books coming, which I am ecstatic about! I can't wait to read Jeremy & Davis' & Foster & Flo's love stories in 2024 & beyond hehehehehe.
July 2, 2023
As always Nellie has written absolute MAGIC. These characters make me so happy. Phoebe and Declan make me SO HAPPY. They were so freaking SOFT and sweet and vulnerable and real. And it has so many good things. Spice coaching, sweet nicknames, a LITTLE fake dating which turns so real so fast, a soft tattooed bartender who loves old school animation and sketching things, two people who think in different ways but are able to have SUCH GOOD COMMUNICATION.
Everything happened so fast but also it was such a slow burn. They have been dancing around each other for six years! And it was so good. While I’m sure quite literally everyone involved would have loved for them to figure their stuff out years ago, it was SO worth the wait.
I LOVED Phoebe and Declan together. They were exactly what the other needed. I loved how good Declan was with Phoebe. She didn’t have a lot of experience and he was so gentle with her. The way they communicated made my heart so freaking happy. Even though sometimes they realized they did things differently, they were still able to talk about it and make it work for them. And they were FUN. They were doing all these serious things with her work and with his family. But they were able having fun together, finding out what they like, and really getting to know each other. They were so imperfect perfect it was amazing.
The ending was absolutely wonderful. I cried through the whole thing??! I can’t wait to see everyone again because being able to check in with everyone is so special!
Thank you so much to Nellie Wilson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
Everything happened so fast but also it was such a slow burn. They have been dancing around each other for six years! And it was so good. While I’m sure quite literally everyone involved would have loved for them to figure their stuff out years ago, it was SO worth the wait.
I LOVED Phoebe and Declan together. They were exactly what the other needed. I loved how good Declan was with Phoebe. She didn’t have a lot of experience and he was so gentle with her. The way they communicated made my heart so freaking happy. Even though sometimes they realized they did things differently, they were still able to talk about it and make it work for them. And they were FUN. They were doing all these serious things with her work and with his family. But they were able having fun together, finding out what they like, and really getting to know each other. They were so imperfect perfect it was amazing.
The ending was absolutely wonderful. I cried through the whole thing??! I can’t wait to see everyone again because being able to check in with everyone is so special!
Thank you so much to Nellie Wilson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
December 14, 2023
Finishing Educated exactly a year after finishing Need S’more Time was an intentional choice that has had me feeling very sentimental the entire time.
For the last year, I’ve patiently waited for Dec and Phoebe’s story to make its appearance. And yes, it did come out in August. And yes, I did technically read it before the ARCs even went out. But for some reason, it took me until this month to count it for my reading goal. But it was worth the wait.
I got to fall in love with Dec and Phoebe and the whole Vanberg gang all over again. The slow burn between them was worth the wait. Seeing their friendship develop into something more was so beautiful and you can really see that under their romantic relationship, they are still the best of friends. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me message Nellie many “👀👀👀👀” messages when I connected the dots about something. And, of course, Nellie continues her streak of writing characters who feel so deeply personal and connect to me in ways I’m always surprised by.
I can’t say enough good things about the characters Nellie has created and the stories she tells. If you stumble across any of her books on KU (especially this one!!!) take the jump and read it. Trust me.
For the last year, I’ve patiently waited for Dec and Phoebe’s story to make its appearance. And yes, it did come out in August. And yes, I did technically read it before the ARCs even went out. But for some reason, it took me until this month to count it for my reading goal. But it was worth the wait.
I got to fall in love with Dec and Phoebe and the whole Vanberg gang all over again. The slow burn between them was worth the wait. Seeing their friendship develop into something more was so beautiful and you can really see that under their romantic relationship, they are still the best of friends. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me message Nellie many “👀👀👀👀” messages when I connected the dots about something. And, of course, Nellie continues her streak of writing characters who feel so deeply personal and connect to me in ways I’m always surprised by.
I can’t say enough good things about the characters Nellie has created and the stories she tells. If you stumble across any of her books on KU (especially this one!!!) take the jump and read it. Trust me.
August 7, 2023
4.5 Rounded Up. I felt so fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this highly anticipated romance between two beloved characters in this fictional world Nellie has created, everyone’s best friend Phoebe and the broody bartender Declan.
There were so many things I loved about this book - it was so soft and low-angst and felt like revisiting my favorite college bar to hang out with Dec & Phoebes. First, the inner monologues of both Phoebe and Declan were so relatable (I mean, it is a millennial love story…). I especially admired how Phoebe gained confidence to speak up for herself (in the workplace and in her personal life) and with how Declan came to realize his value as a friend and partner. The romance felt super realistic and natural, even with the dynamics of taking a friendship to a romantic relationship within an existing friend group. Plus - the nickname?! Get out of here with that ooey gooey sweetness. And, even though this was the first time I’ve read an STI test on page, I genuinely hope it’s not the last and that it’s a trend that catches on in romance because consent and transparency are so important. I loved all the little teasers to future books and can’t wait to read what Nellie writes next!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!
There were so many things I loved about this book - it was so soft and low-angst and felt like revisiting my favorite college bar to hang out with Dec & Phoebes. First, the inner monologues of both Phoebe and Declan were so relatable (I mean, it is a millennial love story…). I especially admired how Phoebe gained confidence to speak up for herself (in the workplace and in her personal life) and with how Declan came to realize his value as a friend and partner. The romance felt super realistic and natural, even with the dynamics of taking a friendship to a romantic relationship within an existing friend group. Plus - the nickname?! Get out of here with that ooey gooey sweetness. And, even though this was the first time I’ve read an STI test on page, I genuinely hope it’s not the last and that it’s a trend that catches on in romance because consent and transparency are so important. I loved all the little teasers to future books and can’t wait to read what Nellie writes next!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!
August 6, 2023
Phoebe Whitford has had a good life, but for the most part, she's simply existed in it. She likes her job at the museum after finishing grad school, but she can't help wondering what else there is out there for her. She's always been the therapist friend, giving out solid relationship advice to her friends any time they asked, but that doesn't mean she knows how to handle her own relationships. Her relationships are only short-term, and she can't figure out why.
One night, she proposes an idea to her favorite bartender, Declan McFadden. Declan considers himself the black sheep of his family, but he enjoys running the bar, especially because it gives him a chance to spend more time with Phoebe. But Declan soon realizes that his feelings for Phoebe might make the deal much more difficult than he thought.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
This was my first Nellie Wilson book, and I really enjoyed it! I had planned to read Curated before reading this ARC, but life happened and time got away from me. Nonetheless, I was able to enjoy this one just as well without having read the first one. I could relate to Phoebe in so many ways, and there were several times that I felt called out because of something that Phoebe did or the way that she responded was the exact way I would have done it. I loved the side characters in this one, and they added so much more to the story. I can't wait to go back and read the first one then read the next one when it's out!
One night, she proposes an idea to her favorite bartender, Declan McFadden. Declan considers himself the black sheep of his family, but he enjoys running the bar, especially because it gives him a chance to spend more time with Phoebe. But Declan soon realizes that his feelings for Phoebe might make the deal much more difficult than he thought.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
This was my first Nellie Wilson book, and I really enjoyed it! I had planned to read Curated before reading this ARC, but life happened and time got away from me. Nonetheless, I was able to enjoy this one just as well without having read the first one. I could relate to Phoebe in so many ways, and there were several times that I felt called out because of something that Phoebe did or the way that she responded was the exact way I would have done it. I loved the side characters in this one, and they added so much more to the story. I can't wait to go back and read the first one then read the next one when it's out!
August 9, 2023
5/5 Stars 3/5 Spice
Tropes:
Small College Town
Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Spicy Lessons (Kink Exploration)
He Owns A Bar
Bi Rep
i’m pretty sure she wrote this book just for me. curated is one of my all time favorite books & now i have another one to add to the list. phoebe & dec are ✨perfect✨ i loved their story so much. fake dating, spicy lessons & a ropes scene?! say less. he also owns a bar & is covered in tattoos. like are you kidding? 🥵😍🤩 the banter & spice was excellent & phoebe was so damn relatable. & did i mention they’re both bi? i told you, she wrote it just for me 🤣🤭 seriously just go grab it & read it - you won’t be disappointed.
Tropes:
Small College Town
Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Spicy Lessons (Kink Exploration)
He Owns A Bar
Bi Rep
i’m pretty sure she wrote this book just for me. curated is one of my all time favorite books & now i have another one to add to the list. phoebe & dec are ✨perfect✨ i loved their story so much. fake dating, spicy lessons & a ropes scene?! say less. he also owns a bar & is covered in tattoos. like are you kidding? 🥵😍🤩 the banter & spice was excellent & phoebe was so damn relatable. & did i mention they’re both bi? i told you, she wrote it just for me 🤣🤭 seriously just go grab it & read it - you won’t be disappointed.
July 5, 2023
Nellieeeeeee, what have you done to me!? A romance WITHOUT a third act breakup?! (Not my favorite trope) Who knew it could actually be done!? What starts as a contract of physical exploration evolves into so much more. I think the main think keeping me from a 5-star review is wishing there was more/a different resolution with Dec’s family. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 out of 5)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own (available on Kindle August 8!)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own (available on Kindle August 8!)
July 10, 2023
Thank you, Nellie for the ARC of this charming story! I loved that there wasn’t a third act breakup and they had good communication. I liked that it explored things you don’t typically see in romance, such as Shibari. Definitely a fun, light hearted friends to lovers story.
September 26, 2023
This was my favorite of this group so far. This author is hitting her stride. It had a different mold than the other romances I've been reading lately, loved that there was no third act breakup. I also love the complete consent in her books 💜
October 18, 2023
Actual 4.5 I had an excellent time
March 23, 2024
the palette cleanser i needed 🥹
August 21, 2024
This felt like a book written just for me?! Friends to lovers, late bloomer inner loner MCs?? But still found family that’s realistic and nuanced. Ugh this was so good.
August 30, 2023
4.5 rounded up
What to expect: friends-to-lovers, sex lessons, found family
Loved this one! All the cameos from previous characters was done really well, they never took over the story or made it about them.
Phoebe and Dec were a delight together, and I loved the intimate growth of their relationship alongside the physical one.
Spice: 3
What to expect: friends-to-lovers, sex lessons, found family
Loved this one! All the cameos from previous characters was done really well, they never took over the story or made it about them.
Phoebe and Dec were a delight together, and I loved the intimate growth of their relationship alongside the physical one.
Spice: 3
August 8, 2023
Educated is the second book in Nellie’s Museology series. It’s possible to be read as a stand-alone, but there’s some crossover from book 1 (Curated), so you may want to read that first. For those who’ve read Curated already, Educated overlaps the last part of Curated.
I have been PINING for this book since it was teased at the end of Need S’more Time and it’s all I could have asked for and more! And I’m not the only one who’s been pining!
Declan asked Phoebe out 6 years prior and she turned him down because she felt she was too inexperienced for him. Now that everyone around her is dating (her mom, brother, and bestie), she’s feeling really single and lonely. Although she has feelings for Dec, she’ll take what she can get and draws up a sex contract so she can get experience. He’s a good guy, so she trusts him. He’s also super swoony.
The book is definitely super spicy and I love that Dec is all about consent. It’s the first romance book I've read where the STI testing that's discussed is actually shown on page. I also like that these scenes are realistic, that they show that sometimes you think something is going to work in bed, but it doesn't.
I’ve recently discovered that “found family” is a trope I adore, and I love it here. Everyone deserves to be surrounded by people who bring them a sense of belonging. Declan really has only had his old man bestie, Joe, so when he realizes Phoebe’s friends have actually been his too, it just warms the heart. “Everyone needs a Dec in their life.”
I love how relatable these characters are with what they’re both dealing with, outside of the romance, and I loved seeing them both not only stand up for each other but stand up to each other when they’re seeing the other not seeing their needs met.
I loved the secondary romance involving Joe, and Nellie teases Foster’s story and Jeremy’s story, so I can’t wait for those! I also can’t wait for you to adore Educated as much as I do!
Thank you to Nellie for allowing me to Beta and ARC read this amazing book!
I have been PINING for this book since it was teased at the end of Need S’more Time and it’s all I could have asked for and more! And I’m not the only one who’s been pining!
Declan asked Phoebe out 6 years prior and she turned him down because she felt she was too inexperienced for him. Now that everyone around her is dating (her mom, brother, and bestie), she’s feeling really single and lonely. Although she has feelings for Dec, she’ll take what she can get and draws up a sex contract so she can get experience. He’s a good guy, so she trusts him. He’s also super swoony.
The book is definitely super spicy and I love that Dec is all about consent. It’s the first romance book I've read where the STI testing that's discussed is actually shown on page. I also like that these scenes are realistic, that they show that sometimes you think something is going to work in bed, but it doesn't.
I’ve recently discovered that “found family” is a trope I adore, and I love it here. Everyone deserves to be surrounded by people who bring them a sense of belonging. Declan really has only had his old man bestie, Joe, so when he realizes Phoebe’s friends have actually been his too, it just warms the heart. “Everyone needs a Dec in their life.”
I love how relatable these characters are with what they’re both dealing with, outside of the romance, and I loved seeing them both not only stand up for each other but stand up to each other when they’re seeing the other not seeing their needs met.
I loved the secondary romance involving Joe, and Nellie teases Foster’s story and Jeremy’s story, so I can’t wait for those! I also can’t wait for you to adore Educated as much as I do!
Thank you to Nellie for allowing me to Beta and ARC read this amazing book!
August 8, 2023
I’ve been waiting so impatiently for Declan and Phoebe’s story, and it didn’t disappoint.
Although we’ve seen them from a distance in Nellie Wilson’s other books, it’s so exciting to get to zoom in on Dec and Phoebe. And even though they certainly are inevitable, it’s so beautiful to see these 2 stumble into love. Not every relationship is easy from the ‘ask out’ to first kiss and first s€x and first experimenting… and it’s really beautiful to get to see that on page. And watch a couple choose each other regardless of stumbles.
NW has a way of making consent hot, of making every education level equally valid and worthy of love/happiness, and relating to modern readers. She can make you feel like you share hilarious inside jokes and you don’t even know her in real life.
Cannot recommend these books enough.
Thank you NW for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Although we’ve seen them from a distance in Nellie Wilson’s other books, it’s so exciting to get to zoom in on Dec and Phoebe. And even though they certainly are inevitable, it’s so beautiful to see these 2 stumble into love. Not every relationship is easy from the ‘ask out’ to first kiss and first s€x and first experimenting… and it’s really beautiful to get to see that on page. And watch a couple choose each other regardless of stumbles.
NW has a way of making consent hot, of making every education level equally valid and worthy of love/happiness, and relating to modern readers. She can make you feel like you share hilarious inside jokes and you don’t even know her in real life.
Cannot recommend these books enough.
Thank you NW for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2023
Where to begin, where to begin?!
So, 30% in, I knew this would be a 5 ⭐. The writing flows, in typical Nellie Wilson style, and it's really hard to put this book down.
I believe, of all 3 books (Need S'more Time/ Curated/ Educated), this is the one where love takes more room —which seems appropriate. We can be greedy. 😉
But that's what makes this one a straight hit. Their love is enough.
One of my favourite things about Nellie's books is the sensory delight I get from them. I will never not mention this because, if you're someone like me, who feels the world, then it's beautiful to read similar sensations on the page; the way his hair is described, or how her skin feels (like a polyester jumper!!). These are things that we often struggle to put into words, so it's incredibly important to see them on paper.
Also, the way Phoebe takes off her socks halfway leaving just the toes covered?!
I could feel this memory in my body and it was impossible not to giggle.
As for the spice, a funny thing happened, Dec and Phoebe may be the least steamiest of the lot *but* somehow, they ended up being sexier!?
This book seems to be so much about the little things that are very big things that you just need a little of to be overwhelmed. In a good way.
A really good way.
Phoebe is amazing; human, dedicated, has bees in her brain, takes care of everyone.
Declan is an amazing book boyfriend; knows when to ask, when to command, talks during sex, is Irish, takes care of Phoebe.
Bonus for revisiting our friends from other books, a great Camp pun (mandatory at this point), heartwarming moments, some giggles, a handful of "I do that too!" and that satisfied feeling that comes from reading a Nellie Wilson story;
This feels like something that is happening, somewhere, out there.
For real.
For the record:
People are attracted to women in sundresses
Making drinks can be sexy (positively pornographic even)
If she's drunk, you say no
Some brains are full of words, the same way others are full of pictures
Seize the day
So, 30% in, I knew this would be a 5 ⭐. The writing flows, in typical Nellie Wilson style, and it's really hard to put this book down.
I believe, of all 3 books (Need S'more Time/ Curated/ Educated), this is the one where love takes more room —which seems appropriate. We can be greedy. 😉
But that's what makes this one a straight hit. Their love is enough.
One of my favourite things about Nellie's books is the sensory delight I get from them. I will never not mention this because, if you're someone like me, who feels the world, then it's beautiful to read similar sensations on the page; the way his hair is described, or how her skin feels (like a polyester jumper!!). These are things that we often struggle to put into words, so it's incredibly important to see them on paper.
Also, the way Phoebe takes off her socks halfway leaving just the toes covered?!
I could feel this memory in my body and it was impossible not to giggle.
As for the spice, a funny thing happened, Dec and Phoebe may be the least steamiest of the lot *but* somehow, they ended up being sexier!?
This book seems to be so much about the little things that are very big things that you just need a little of to be overwhelmed. In a good way.
A really good way.
Phoebe is amazing; human, dedicated, has bees in her brain, takes care of everyone.
Declan is an amazing book boyfriend; knows when to ask, when to command, talks during sex, is Irish, takes care of Phoebe.
Bonus for revisiting our friends from other books, a great Camp pun (mandatory at this point), heartwarming moments, some giggles, a handful of "I do that too!" and that satisfied feeling that comes from reading a Nellie Wilson story;
This feels like something that is happening, somewhere, out there.
For real.
For the record:
People are attracted to women in sundresses
Making drinks can be sexy (positively pornographic even)
If she's drunk, you say no
Some brains are full of words, the same way others are full of pictures
Seize the day
August 18, 2023
3.5, 3.75 out of 5, rounded to 4
Overall, this is a good book. The writing is very good, the banter is witty, the character growth is on point, and the spice is very nice. However, I had a very hard time connecting with the book, especially the main character, Phoebe. I found myself not liking her throughout most of the book and wanting to yell at her to grow up, put the pot pen down, and deal with life's garbage. She is a very nice young woman, who really is not that young comparatively--she's 31--who doesn't seem to know who she is (but then again, that could be any of us at any time) and seems to be unable to go after what she wants, ever, until the night she finally does. She finally, after years of pining for him, propositions Declan who has also been pining for her.
They've been friends for something like seven years. Declan asked Phoebe out once, she said no (and we see her POV of this moment later on and jeez, was this one of those moments that I wanted to yell at her), and they move forward like nothing happened, but only as friends. While I didn't care for Phoebe--and yes, she is very sweet and nice and gives excellent, heartfelt advice to her friends--I loved Dec. He is the bad boy, sad boi, retired f*ck boy we all know and love. He seems to know who he is, what he wants in life, and while he doesn't always go after it (case in point: Phoebe), he does in other aspects (the bar he owns). He had no issues leaving his toxic family to pursue his own paths. Respect. He is in tune to Phoebe's wants and needs both in and out of bed. He's great.
I also loved the side characters, especially Joe. His side story of reuniting with a love lost after returning from Vietnam was one of the most enjoyable aspects of the book. The friends--especially Dec's friends who he doesn't even realize are his friends because as a bartender he's always behind the bar listening to others and never seeking his own solace and advice--are a special group of people and as much as Phoebe annoyed me, I kinda want to see each of these guys get their own HEA.
This is a very Millennial book. So if you are a Millennial, you will probably love this book and see yourself in one of the characters, nodding along with them as they make their way in the world. However, if you are not a Millennial, say a GenXer, you might be too old and cynical for this book and find yourself shaking your fist at Phoebe and muttering, dang nabbit, kids these days, get off my lawn, etc. (Don't "OK Boomer" me, I'm a very young GenXer, thank you very much.)
One last thing, the character growth, especially of Phoebe, is wonderfully done. She finds a lot of herself on her own but seeing herself through Dec's eyes helps push her to be more assertive and go after what she wants, and frankly, what she deserves. A massive credit to Nellie Wilson's writing/craft for being able to mature and move Phoebe forward in such an organic and subtle way. I appreciated how forward each character was in taking two major steps in their relationship with one another. There was no major hemming and hawing or dramatics. Both were rather matter-a-fact about it which felt very real life. Both moves also shocked me as they just happened but didn't feel out of place. Because when these moments happen (and if you read the book you should know what they are, one is from Dec and the other Phoebe), you see that they are so natural and so *needed* to show how much the character has come into themselves by being around and with the other.
Thank you Nellie for an advanced copy even if I cannot give it five stars. All opinions are my own.
Overall, this is a good book. The writing is very good, the banter is witty, the character growth is on point, and the spice is very nice. However, I had a very hard time connecting with the book, especially the main character, Phoebe. I found myself not liking her throughout most of the book and wanting to yell at her to grow up, put the pot pen down, and deal with life's garbage. She is a very nice young woman, who really is not that young comparatively--she's 31--who doesn't seem to know who she is (but then again, that could be any of us at any time) and seems to be unable to go after what she wants, ever, until the night she finally does. She finally, after years of pining for him, propositions Declan who has also been pining for her.
They've been friends for something like seven years. Declan asked Phoebe out once, she said no (and we see her POV of this moment later on and jeez, was this one of those moments that I wanted to yell at her), and they move forward like nothing happened, but only as friends. While I didn't care for Phoebe--and yes, she is very sweet and nice and gives excellent, heartfelt advice to her friends--I loved Dec. He is the bad boy, sad boi, retired f*ck boy we all know and love. He seems to know who he is, what he wants in life, and while he doesn't always go after it (case in point: Phoebe), he does in other aspects (the bar he owns). He had no issues leaving his toxic family to pursue his own paths. Respect. He is in tune to Phoebe's wants and needs both in and out of bed. He's great.
I also loved the side characters, especially Joe. His side story of reuniting with a love lost after returning from Vietnam was one of the most enjoyable aspects of the book. The friends--especially Dec's friends who he doesn't even realize are his friends because as a bartender he's always behind the bar listening to others and never seeking his own solace and advice--are a special group of people and as much as Phoebe annoyed me, I kinda want to see each of these guys get their own HEA.
This is a very Millennial book. So if you are a Millennial, you will probably love this book and see yourself in one of the characters, nodding along with them as they make their way in the world. However, if you are not a Millennial, say a GenXer, you might be too old and cynical for this book and find yourself shaking your fist at Phoebe and muttering, dang nabbit, kids these days, get off my lawn, etc. (Don't "OK Boomer" me, I'm a very young GenXer, thank you very much.)
One last thing, the character growth, especially of Phoebe, is wonderfully done. She finds a lot of herself on her own but seeing herself through Dec's eyes helps push her to be more assertive and go after what she wants, and frankly, what she deserves. A massive credit to Nellie Wilson's writing/craft for being able to mature and move Phoebe forward in such an organic and subtle way. I appreciated how forward each character was in taking two major steps in their relationship with one another. There was no major hemming and hawing or dramatics. Both were rather matter-a-fact about it which felt very real life. Both moves also shocked me as they just happened but didn't feel out of place. Because when these moments happen (and if you read the book you should know what they are, one is from Dec and the other Phoebe), you see that they are so natural and so *needed* to show how much the character has come into themselves by being around and with the other.
Thank you Nellie for an advanced copy even if I cannot give it five stars. All opinions are my own.
December 18, 2023
I keep waiting for another book that's as good as Curated was. Until then, I'd mark this book 2.5 stars if that were an option.
I went into this one really excited. Phoebe had been one of my favorite side characters in the other books, so it was exciting to get something from her perspective. While Emmy/June/Violet get in their own heads and run themselves down all the time, Phoebe was always on the side line cheering people on and having a clear sense of purpose.
I understand that people have their own voices to themselves and own internal worries and struggles that people on the outside do not see, but I was very disappointed that Phoebe is also this neurotic-worrier, not that there is anything wrong with that, but because it just made her the 4th MC in a row in Nellie's books to have this perspective, when her voice had been so distinctly different until now.
I did not feel like Dec's struggle was well-fleshed out. It seemed like this family pains were quite clear: they didn't get along, they didn't like each other. The resolution where he tells his parents to get lost (which isn't really a resolution because it's Phoebe who is the one who tells his dad off in the final scene at the museum), doesn't really have any emotional resonance with me because it felt like that was always clearly the paradigm between Dec and his family.
Similarly, there was very little conflict in this book. It felt like Phoebe and Dec wanted the best things for each other the whole time, and always knew what to say to the other person. There were no moments where the relationship felt challenged, or where one of them might want something more than the relationship, or there would be some sort of struggle that opposed the growth of the relationship.
To be fair, I thought Phoebe's struggle with standing up for herself at work was better told, though it still sort of thematically fell into the same under-appreciated/over-achiever struggle as Emmy/June/Violet, which is absolutely valid, but can be boring to read four times in a row.
Also, I really liked the Joe and Cynthia story. I liked the parts like the costume party where everyone was hanging out with each other. I thought the part where the guys all went to the zoo was cool as an idea, but was sort of caricature-y of what male friendships are like. The highlight of this book for me, and the series as a whole, is how Nellie has improved at what I would call Nellie's Lectures where she writes about some sort of struggle in the real world and delivers paragraphs lecturing her readers, whereas, this books was the best of the first four releases to meld those sections in stories, things that the characters are talking about or thinking, like when Phoebe goes and googles her ND tea group, which I think is much more elegant in its delivery than a lecture from June or Emmy about ND support.
I really wanted more scenes of Dec at the bar or of Phoebe at work at Scoop Dogg or the museum, separate from each other, but still confident and secure in the quality of work they do (it seems like when they are apart, they are only thinking of seeing each other again). I liked Emmy and Ryan's museum expertise. It made them feel like they were there to do more than be in a relationship. I want more of that feeling!
I went into this one really excited. Phoebe had been one of my favorite side characters in the other books, so it was exciting to get something from her perspective. While Emmy/June/Violet get in their own heads and run themselves down all the time, Phoebe was always on the side line cheering people on and having a clear sense of purpose.
I understand that people have their own voices to themselves and own internal worries and struggles that people on the outside do not see, but I was very disappointed that Phoebe is also this neurotic-worrier, not that there is anything wrong with that, but because it just made her the 4th MC in a row in Nellie's books to have this perspective, when her voice had been so distinctly different until now.
I did not feel like Dec's struggle was well-fleshed out. It seemed like this family pains were quite clear: they didn't get along, they didn't like each other. The resolution where he tells his parents to get lost (which isn't really a resolution because it's Phoebe who is the one who tells his dad off in the final scene at the museum), doesn't really have any emotional resonance with me because it felt like that was always clearly the paradigm between Dec and his family.
Similarly, there was very little conflict in this book. It felt like Phoebe and Dec wanted the best things for each other the whole time, and always knew what to say to the other person. There were no moments where the relationship felt challenged, or where one of them might want something more than the relationship, or there would be some sort of struggle that opposed the growth of the relationship.
To be fair, I thought Phoebe's struggle with standing up for herself at work was better told, though it still sort of thematically fell into the same under-appreciated/over-achiever struggle as Emmy/June/Violet, which is absolutely valid, but can be boring to read four times in a row.
Also, I really liked the Joe and Cynthia story. I liked the parts like the costume party where everyone was hanging out with each other. I thought the part where the guys all went to the zoo was cool as an idea, but was sort of caricature-y of what male friendships are like. The highlight of this book for me, and the series as a whole, is how Nellie has improved at what I would call Nellie's Lectures where she writes about some sort of struggle in the real world and delivers paragraphs lecturing her readers, whereas, this books was the best of the first four releases to meld those sections in stories, things that the characters are talking about or thinking, like when Phoebe goes and googles her ND tea group, which I think is much more elegant in its delivery than a lecture from June or Emmy about ND support.
I really wanted more scenes of Dec at the bar or of Phoebe at work at Scoop Dogg or the museum, separate from each other, but still confident and secure in the quality of work they do (it seems like when they are apart, they are only thinking of seeing each other again). I liked Emmy and Ryan's museum expertise. It made them feel like they were there to do more than be in a relationship. I want more of that feeling!
August 5, 2023
Phoebe Whitford has never been one to ask for anything, not wanting to be greedy, but she has found her way into a career she loves and a group of friends that mean everything to her. Declan may not have fulfilled all the dreams that his family had for him, but he has a life he loves…if only he could just get over his crush on Phoebe. One night after a few too many shots, Phoebe asks a question of Declan that could change the trajectory of their friendship...and their lives.
I have been obsessed with Phoebe and Declan finding their way to each other from the moment they were first introduced in NEED S’MORE TIME and I am so glad that we finally get their story! These two have been orbiting each other for quite some time so the tension has been building for awhile which made it so satisfying when they finally come together.
A fair warning for anyone who read CURATED and loved Emmy and Ryan together…this book starts during the third act of CURATED so don’t panic like I did. I definitely panicked real hard and had to talk myself down from entering Nellie’s DMs and yelling at her. But it became clear that there was no need to panic the further I read on so PHEW, don’t need to yell at any authors today!
Nellie has a beautiful way of incorporating real, regular, every day things into a story that I don’t know that I’ve seen elsewhere. In this story, it was on the page STI testing - something that does and should happen and is not something that is discussed on the page other than a quick “I’m clean” before…things happen. So it was refreshing to have this occur on the page and it turned into such a cute moment for the couple.
This book is filled with so much to love. There is fake dating, friends to lovers, found family…and NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! I love a good third act breakup, but it is such a breath of fresh air when there isn’t one and the story still works. Plus, both our main characters are queer (chaotic bisexual millennials unite!) and Phoebe is also neurodiverse…we love some good representation!
Declan is a king of consent and we absolutely love to see it. Despite their difference in level of experience, the pair understand the need to communicate, in and out of the bedroom, and it makes their relationship stronger for it. We could all learn a lot from the way that Declan and Phoebe communicate and would probably be better off for it.
Oh and the found family...love a good found family! It was especially gratifying to see old friends return in this book and continue to be as disgustingly in love as they were when their own books ended. The introduction of some new characters also had my heart swelling (WE STAND OLD MAN JOE) and I can't wait to see who gets their happily ever after next.
EDUCATED can be read as a standalone, but I personally think reading all of Nellie Wilson’s stories in the order she published them gives you the most in depth understanding of this friend group (and plus, they’re all fun!)
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the author for free and have voluntarily written this review.
I have been obsessed with Phoebe and Declan finding their way to each other from the moment they were first introduced in NEED S’MORE TIME and I am so glad that we finally get their story! These two have been orbiting each other for quite some time so the tension has been building for awhile which made it so satisfying when they finally come together.
A fair warning for anyone who read CURATED and loved Emmy and Ryan together…this book starts during the third act of CURATED so don’t panic like I did. I definitely panicked real hard and had to talk myself down from entering Nellie’s DMs and yelling at her. But it became clear that there was no need to panic the further I read on so PHEW, don’t need to yell at any authors today!
Nellie has a beautiful way of incorporating real, regular, every day things into a story that I don’t know that I’ve seen elsewhere. In this story, it was on the page STI testing - something that does and should happen and is not something that is discussed on the page other than a quick “I’m clean” before…things happen. So it was refreshing to have this occur on the page and it turned into such a cute moment for the couple.
This book is filled with so much to love. There is fake dating, friends to lovers, found family…and NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! I love a good third act breakup, but it is such a breath of fresh air when there isn’t one and the story still works. Plus, both our main characters are queer (chaotic bisexual millennials unite!) and Phoebe is also neurodiverse…we love some good representation!
Declan is a king of consent and we absolutely love to see it. Despite their difference in level of experience, the pair understand the need to communicate, in and out of the bedroom, and it makes their relationship stronger for it. We could all learn a lot from the way that Declan and Phoebe communicate and would probably be better off for it.
Oh and the found family...love a good found family! It was especially gratifying to see old friends return in this book and continue to be as disgustingly in love as they were when their own books ended. The introduction of some new characters also had my heart swelling (WE STAND OLD MAN JOE) and I can't wait to see who gets their happily ever after next.
EDUCATED can be read as a standalone, but I personally think reading all of Nellie Wilson’s stories in the order she published them gives you the most in depth understanding of this friend group (and plus, they’re all fun!)
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the author for free and have voluntarily written this review.
July 18, 2023
"It had to be something like penance, he thought, watching Phoebe lick a drop of her mule from her lips as she responded to a text message. That she was there, and he was here, and a sticky slab of wood had been set up as a perennial boundary between them."
Phoebe Whitford, a breakout character from Nellie Wilson's previous novels, wears several hats. She is a museum educator, a service worker, and a pretty fantastic sister/best friend/advice giver. Yet she's exhausted waiting for it to be her turn to fall in love. A late bloomer, she drunkenly proposes a sex contract to her favorite tattooed bartender/friend Declan, who readily agrees (considering he has been obsessed with her for six years). Together they educate themselves on how to ask for what they want without guilt, how to be in a relationship, and how to be a millennial adult.
This book was the first time I was both a beta reader and an ARC reader. And I am eternally privileged to have been both because it meant that I got to spend more time with Phoebe and Declan. Both characters are simply a joy, nuanced and complex and wholly entertaining.
I love that Nellie puts emphasis on the fact that progress is not linear, and there is no timetable or right way to do anything, especially education. Phoebe graduated with a masters degree yet has not had much real world experience. There's a particularly poignant scene where Phoebe, scooping ice cream at the wonderfully named Scoop Dogg, realizes that all of her managers are at least five years younger than her. She is neurodivergent without a diagnosis, trying to find her own ways of navigating in the world. She is confidently and unapologetically bi, but she lacks confidence in any and all romantic relationships.
Declan eschews his family's academia roots and is happy and thriving as a college drop-out and bar owner, schooled in the life lessons of septuagenarian superhero Joe. He may not be an economics professor like his brother, but he knows everything there is to know about classic animation (and has most of it tattooed on his body because he's incredible). He doesn't do labels, but he has explored his sexuality throughout his youth and maintains that he just loves people. And my god, does he love Phoebe Whitford.
Fans of Wilson's previous novels will be delighted in how the other characters pop up. Nellie knows just how obsessed I am with Ryan tooting his tiny horn. The timeline overlaps a bit with the end of Curated, so you get to relive Emmy and Ryan falling in love. June and Colin obviously play a role, with a few sly references to Violet and Julian from Storm Warning. You also get to see a sneak peek of Jeremy and his partner, and even though I have no idea the timeline for Exhibited, just know it is already on my calendar. There is also all of the nerdy content you could ever want, combined with a hefty dose of spice.
In short, come for: the nerdiness and spiciness that are hallmarks of Nellie Wilson
Stay for: discussions on religious guilt, queerness, and the most delightful seventy year old side plot
Much love to Nellie for this!!
Phoebe Whitford, a breakout character from Nellie Wilson's previous novels, wears several hats. She is a museum educator, a service worker, and a pretty fantastic sister/best friend/advice giver. Yet she's exhausted waiting for it to be her turn to fall in love. A late bloomer, she drunkenly proposes a sex contract to her favorite tattooed bartender/friend Declan, who readily agrees (considering he has been obsessed with her for six years). Together they educate themselves on how to ask for what they want without guilt, how to be in a relationship, and how to be a millennial adult.
This book was the first time I was both a beta reader and an ARC reader. And I am eternally privileged to have been both because it meant that I got to spend more time with Phoebe and Declan. Both characters are simply a joy, nuanced and complex and wholly entertaining.
I love that Nellie puts emphasis on the fact that progress is not linear, and there is no timetable or right way to do anything, especially education. Phoebe graduated with a masters degree yet has not had much real world experience. There's a particularly poignant scene where Phoebe, scooping ice cream at the wonderfully named Scoop Dogg, realizes that all of her managers are at least five years younger than her. She is neurodivergent without a diagnosis, trying to find her own ways of navigating in the world. She is confidently and unapologetically bi, but she lacks confidence in any and all romantic relationships.
Declan eschews his family's academia roots and is happy and thriving as a college drop-out and bar owner, schooled in the life lessons of septuagenarian superhero Joe. He may not be an economics professor like his brother, but he knows everything there is to know about classic animation (and has most of it tattooed on his body because he's incredible). He doesn't do labels, but he has explored his sexuality throughout his youth and maintains that he just loves people. And my god, does he love Phoebe Whitford.
Fans of Wilson's previous novels will be delighted in how the other characters pop up. Nellie knows just how obsessed I am with Ryan tooting his tiny horn. The timeline overlaps a bit with the end of Curated, so you get to relive Emmy and Ryan falling in love. June and Colin obviously play a role, with a few sly references to Violet and Julian from Storm Warning. You also get to see a sneak peek of Jeremy and his partner, and even though I have no idea the timeline for Exhibited, just know it is already on my calendar. There is also all of the nerdy content you could ever want, combined with a hefty dose of spice.
In short, come for: the nerdiness and spiciness that are hallmarks of Nellie Wilson
Stay for: discussions on religious guilt, queerness, and the most delightful seventy year old side plot
Much love to Nellie for this!!
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