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RCA: Royal Crown Academy #4
Love In The Dark
"I do want you, jailbait.” His gaze drops to my lips, his eyes darkening with lust. “I just can’t let myself have you.”
I’ve been banished to Switzerland with a fake name, forced by my father to spend a year teaching spoiled rich kids as punishment for humiliating him.
I’m supposed to stay out of trouble, to avoid scandals, to learn responsibility.
I’m not supposed to meet her.
I fucked up before I even set foot within the hallowed halls of RCA.
And there she is.
In my class.
In the halls.
In my veins.
Every fucking where.
She’s going to be my downfall.
Or maybe, my salvation.
Love In The Dark is book four of the Royal Crown Academy series. It can be read as a standalone novel, but for better understanding of the universe, it’s recommended that you start with the first three books in the series, Long Live The King, Pay For Your Lies, and I Was Always Yours.
This is a mature, new adult romance with a jealous and possessive hero, lots of angst and even more trigger warnings. It contains situations that some readers might find offensive.
I’ve been banished to Switzerland with a fake name, forced by my father to spend a year teaching spoiled rich kids as punishment for humiliating him.
I’m supposed to stay out of trouble, to avoid scandals, to learn responsibility.
I’m not supposed to meet her.
I fucked up before I even set foot within the hallowed halls of RCA.
And there she is.
In my class.
In the halls.
In my veins.
Every fucking where.
She’s going to be my downfall.
Or maybe, my salvation.
Love In The Dark is book four of the Royal Crown Academy series. It can be read as a standalone novel, but for better understanding of the universe, it’s recommended that you start with the first three books in the series, Long Live The King, Pay For Your Lies, and I Was Always Yours.
This is a mature, new adult romance with a jealous and possessive hero, lots of angst and even more trigger warnings. It contains situations that some readers might find offensive.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2023
454 people are currently reading
3766 people want to read
About the author
Khai Hara
7 books712 followersKhai Hara is an American author currently based out of New York City. An avid fan of the romance genre, her debut novel 'Long Live The King' comes after years of planning. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading and spending time with her boyfriend and their dog Thunder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
November 14, 2023
This raiting is very very generous as I love this author so much!
I absolutely hated Nera! I do not understand why Tristan had to grovel for 4 months? For not telling her his last name!
In my opinion, she had to grovel for him for being such a motherfucking self righteous wanker bitch.
All three stars are going to Tristan who knew his faults, who acknowledged his faults and who was man enough to understand his mistakes and remedy them immediately. He was so real, he was a man who in real life I would kill to have.
Nera did not deserve him. Of all her problems , of all the secrets she kept from her family and friends… and the moment H discovered them, she demanded same from him. His situation was really dire, I mean life and death and she was horrible person for not being there for him in this extremely hard time while playing herself a victim.
That said, I cannot wait for Tess’s book! OMG! I wanna know who is her fiancé! He seems the type of man I love in books aka completely scary, unhinged kidnapper. Yay!
Ooh , and Luca! I love a good jokester. Hopefully, he gets a book too.
🔶 h not virgin (had one boyfriend)
🔶 H was a manwhore
🔶 no ow drama but plenty om drama as h antagonises H with it
🔶 no cheating
🔶 student/ teacher
🔶 18/24 y
🔶 epic sex scenes. Like you need jesus, holy water and 200 hail marys after it
🔶 condoms used and then not
🔶 h on pill
🔶 separation 4 months
🔶 unjustified grovelling from H
🔶 tw: bulimia, alcoholism, domestic violence
🔶 Very satisfying Epilogue 6 years later
I absolutely hated Nera! I do not understand why Tristan had to grovel for 4 months? For not telling her his last name!
In my opinion, she had to grovel for him for being such a motherfucking self righteous wanker bitch.
All three stars are going to Tristan who knew his faults, who acknowledged his faults and who was man enough to understand his mistakes and remedy them immediately. He was so real, he was a man who in real life I would kill to have.
Nera did not deserve him. Of all her problems , of all the secrets she kept from her family and friends… and the moment H discovered them, she demanded same from him. His situation was really dire, I mean life and death and she was horrible person for not being there for him in this extremely hard time while playing herself a victim.
That said, I cannot wait for Tess’s book! OMG! I wanna know who is her fiancé! He seems the type of man I love in books aka completely scary, unhinged kidnapper. Yay!
Ooh , and Luca! I love a good jokester. Hopefully, he gets a book too.
🔶 h not virgin (had one boyfriend)
🔶 H was a manwhore
🔶 no ow drama but plenty om drama as h antagonises H with it
🔶 no cheating
🔶 student/ teacher
🔶 18/24 y
🔶 epic sex scenes. Like you need jesus, holy water and 200 hail marys after it
🔶 condoms used and then not
🔶 h on pill
🔶 separation 4 months
🔶 unjustified grovelling from H
🔶 tw: bulimia, alcoholism, domestic violence
🔶 Very satisfying Epilogue 6 years later
September 29, 2024
mayonnaise with boiled chicken plot
September 12, 2024
⤷ ꒰ 3.5 ☆ ꒱
tristan noble, just one chance… give me ONE chance
tristan noble, just one chance… give me ONE chance
March 31, 2024
Tristan deserved better than Nera. There I said it. She was insufferable, always being cold and distant whilst Tristan was literally being the most patient and lovely boyfriend. Bro went from being a billionaire to sleeping in a car in the cold for her and she still took 4 months to forgive him. And guess what she was so upset about?? Him lying about his last name and being a billionaire. Like honestly what the actual fuck. The two stars are for Tristan because he genuinely deserves the world but please can you stop fucking every 2 seconds it does get a bit boring I had to skip a couple of pages of LONG smut. Anyways, this is the first time I ABSOLUTELY defend the main male character with my whole life and think he deserves better. Overall, the writing was quite good, it's just Nera that pissed me off.
The main issue I think with Nera, is that she was trying to be this strong female character who stands on business but ended up being insensitive, bitchy and completely unreasonable.
The main issue I think with Nera, is that she was trying to be this strong female character who stands on business but ended up being insensitive, bitchy and completely unreasonable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2024
*ೃ༄ 4.5 stars⭐️
” 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 ”
OMGOMG TRISTANNERA IS EVERYTHINGGGG. This is my first student teacher book and OKAYYY?? It has a bit of angst but it was honestly so good ?? like I LOVE TRISTAN NOVAK. he. HES THE MAAAAAN OKAY. AND NERA??? she was so 🤌🏻🤌🏻 I loved the glimpses we saw of the other couples in the series and their chemistry was CHEMISTRYINFGFG !!!
Wow wow can’t believe I’m finished w this series but his sisters book is out (DEVIL MINE) which everyone is talking about so I can’t wait to dive into that one later onnn🥰🥰
If you like Rina Kent books??? Dive into this authors world <33 thank me later
” 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 ”
OMGOMG TRISTANNERA IS EVERYTHINGGGG. This is my first student teacher book and OKAYYY?? It has a bit of angst but it was honestly so good ?? like I LOVE TRISTAN NOVAK. he. HES THE MAAAAAN OKAY. AND NERA??? she was so 🤌🏻🤌🏻 I loved the glimpses we saw of the other couples in the series and their chemistry was CHEMISTRYINFGFG !!!
Wow wow can’t believe I’m finished w this series but his sisters book is out (DEVIL MINE) which everyone is talking about so I can’t wait to dive into that one later onnn🥰🥰
If you like Rina Kent books??? Dive into this authors world <33 thank me later
August 12, 2024
the book was going great, so great that yesterday i didn’t sleep until 4 am to read it but the fmc had to ruin everything. he lies about his name and his career but he had a good reason to. he told her why and she made him wait 4 MONTHS to finally forgive him. he slept outside of her house, in his car, every night, making her dishes cause he is a chef and he wants her to taste what he made, he goes up to the door and it’s never her that’s answered, i hate her GUTS. yes, you need to make him grovel but that was so stupid omg what a stupid woman, idc about her, i want tristan with me he doesn’t deserve her, not one bit.
June 22, 2024
Tristan & Nera
January 2, 2024
5/5 stars.
let me start off by saying how much i loveeeeeeeeeee tristan and nera together. our mystery man since the first book has finally been revealed as a hot teacher with zero liking towards his students who he clearly doesnt give a damn about.
the first chapters stole my heart. i felt the chemistry from day one, and not just sexual. nera and tristan were my favourite couple just like i knew they'd be.
the smut was honestly amazing. i didn't feel bored not even for minute while reading this book, in fact i felt more alive than i did in a while.
the characters made the series so much more enjoyable. i didn't finish sixtine and phoenix's story but i will after this (oops)
the storyline was sad but soooooo good. unlike other books, the storyline actually had a plot that didn't just revolve around sex like most books do nowadays.
if you haven't read this book, DO IT.
let me start off by saying how much i loveeeeeeeeeee tristan and nera together. our mystery man since the first book has finally been revealed as a hot teacher with zero liking towards his students who he clearly doesnt give a damn about.
the first chapters stole my heart. i felt the chemistry from day one, and not just sexual. nera and tristan were my favourite couple just like i knew they'd be.
the smut was honestly amazing. i didn't feel bored not even for minute while reading this book, in fact i felt more alive than i did in a while.
the characters made the series so much more enjoyable. i didn't finish sixtine and phoenix's story but i will after this (oops)
the storyline was sad but soooooo good. unlike other books, the storyline actually had a plot that didn't just revolve around sex like most books do nowadays.
if you haven't read this book, DO IT.
October 29, 2023
Oh. My. God.
I’ve been waiting for this book since I Was Always Yours and it did NOT disappoint.
Khai Hara is OFFICIALLY the queen of groveling men🙇🏻♀️
I was a bit unsure in the beginning, since the first half was a bit slow. I didn’t see a lot of romantic connection between Nera and Tristan and if I’m being honest I would’ve preferred less sex scenes and more talking.🫣But BOY did that change in the second half. The progression of their relationship was perfect and the ANGST!! So well done. I loved seeing all of the other characters in this book as well. Phoenix was hilarious!
Tristan’s groveling was so perfect and I loved how he didn’t force Nera to do anything. Khai Hara nails how to make a man dark without making him disregard the heroine’s feelings!!
He may honestly be my favorite out of the guys, and that’s saying something. His dedication to Nera was the absolute best.
I’ve been waiting for this book since I Was Always Yours and it did NOT disappoint.
Khai Hara is OFFICIALLY the queen of groveling men🙇🏻♀️
I was a bit unsure in the beginning, since the first half was a bit slow. I didn’t see a lot of romantic connection between Nera and Tristan and if I’m being honest I would’ve preferred less sex scenes and more talking.🫣But BOY did that change in the second half. The progression of their relationship was perfect and the ANGST!! So well done. I loved seeing all of the other characters in this book as well. Phoenix was hilarious!
Tristan’s groveling was so perfect and I loved how he didn’t force Nera to do anything. Khai Hara nails how to make a man dark without making him disregard the heroine’s feelings!!
He may honestly be my favorite out of the guys, and that’s saying something. His dedication to Nera was the absolute best.
April 15, 2024
ate the house BOOTS down houston im deceased. tristan is a #REAL man
February 18, 2025
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4 / 5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Tristian
Heroine : Nera
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Overall Opinion :
Nera and Tristian are here! I have been waiting for these two ever since we got a glimpse of them in the last book and also from when Rhys teased Nera lmao , that was funny XD. Student-teacher genre is a trope that I have seen very less author excel at but Khai Hara has aced that too.
These two have some amazing chemistry that had me hooked right from the first page and I read this one in a single sitting. The chemistry was good , and so was the plot of the book. We also get a glimpse of the upcoming characters I think , which would be Tristan's sister. I am so excited for her book! Apart from a great storyline , another thing that made me like this book so much was the dynamic between all the characters as a whole. There are amazing angsty scenes as well as a mix of funny scenes that makes me fall for the characters even more. We get plenty of cameos from our fav characters which I loved a lot too.
Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people like me! This one is a bit taboo with the student-teacher genre in place so keep that in mind before picking this one up.
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December 21, 2023
While this book has so many dimensions to it, let me say first, this book has some of the HOTTEST spice I’ve read in a while, and it starts right out the gate! The forest scene?!?!?!? Seriously!??! 🥵
At first I didn’t think I’d like Tristan. His character makes some unwise choices in the beginning. But the way he was with Nera very quickly changed my mind. They absolutely trauma bond, both chained to their families in ways that are completely unfair. They understand each other and take a little bit of the pressure off by being unfiltered and raw with each other.
Nera is striving for perfection, the good girl who has stayed her path to impress her family while Tristin does anything (and everyone) he can to rebel against his dads wishes. This is a student/teacher relationship even though he’s only 24 and she’s 18. They do meet before she finds out he’s her new professor.
Ironically, Tristan ends up being the BEST part of this book. Nera is a lot more complex and difficult of a character for me but given her family and past I tried to be understanding of that. Tristan is an amazing boyfriend which is a total 360 from the guy we get in the beginning.
There is a third act breakup and I read another review saying Nera made him grovel too hard and I’m here to tell you that’s CRAZY talk. While Nera was coerced and forced to share her demons with Tristan, he hid his WHOLE identity from her. It wasn’t just his last name that was the issue, it was everything in between. You can’t demand the truth from someone and gain their trust when you’re lying to their face daily.
Not to mention, she said she’d forgive him, on the spot if he told her his plan. He knew he had a marriage awaiting him eventually picked by his dad. A company to take the reins of. A life to get back to after a year. He fully committed to a relationship with Nera knowing he was still under his fathers thumb. THAT was the issue. It took a lot for Nera to get to the point where she could accept love and freely give it to Tristan, just to find out he’d been keeping pretty serious stuff from her with no way to fix it. We finally got to see a side of Nera that I felt deserved Tristan andddddd then the big reveal. Tristan’s grovel was some of the best I’ve read commitment wise even if it did perhaps go on a little longer than needed. Check your triggers as well, this book has some heavy topics.
There was a lot of grammatical errors. I’ll agree to that. The writing wasn’t bad but the mistakes are noticeable when they’re more on the frequent side so if you do read you’ll have to skip over those but to me it was worth it.
At first I didn’t think I’d like Tristan. His character makes some unwise choices in the beginning. But the way he was with Nera very quickly changed my mind. They absolutely trauma bond, both chained to their families in ways that are completely unfair. They understand each other and take a little bit of the pressure off by being unfiltered and raw with each other.
Nera is striving for perfection, the good girl who has stayed her path to impress her family while Tristin does anything (and everyone) he can to rebel against his dads wishes. This is a student/teacher relationship even though he’s only 24 and she’s 18. They do meet before she finds out he’s her new professor.
Ironically, Tristan ends up being the BEST part of this book. Nera is a lot more complex and difficult of a character for me but given her family and past I tried to be understanding of that. Tristan is an amazing boyfriend which is a total 360 from the guy we get in the beginning.
There is a third act breakup and I read another review saying Nera made him grovel too hard and I’m here to tell you that’s CRAZY talk. While Nera was coerced and forced to share her demons with Tristan, he hid his WHOLE identity from her. It wasn’t just his last name that was the issue, it was everything in between. You can’t demand the truth from someone and gain their trust when you’re lying to their face daily.
Not to mention, she said she’d forgive him, on the spot if he told her his plan. He knew he had a marriage awaiting him eventually picked by his dad. A company to take the reins of. A life to get back to after a year. He fully committed to a relationship with Nera knowing he was still under his fathers thumb. THAT was the issue. It took a lot for Nera to get to the point where she could accept love and freely give it to Tristan, just to find out he’d been keeping pretty serious stuff from her with no way to fix it. We finally got to see a side of Nera that I felt deserved Tristan andddddd then the big reveal. Tristan’s grovel was some of the best I’ve read commitment wise even if it did perhaps go on a little longer than needed. Check your triggers as well, this book has some heavy topics.
There was a lot of grammatical errors. I’ll agree to that. The writing wasn’t bad but the mistakes are noticeable when they’re more on the frequent side so if you do read you’ll have to skip over those but to me it was worth it.
July 11, 2024
okay what was that. i hated nera so much. she made him grovel for 4 MONTHS??!! how have you not had enough time to forgive him you’ve literally been sitting in your room and doing nothing and you still haven’t forgiven him yet. one, he lived in his car for 4 MONTHS, just so he could drive from london to wherever you live (2 AND A HALF HOURS) EVERY NIGHT, just so he could offer you and your friends food, BECAUSE HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU ATE! two, he went to events and clubs seeing you dance with other guy, and stared at YOU THE WHOLE TIME. JUST STARRING AT YOU!!
“But for the next five or so more hours, I’m going to be looking at her. I’m going to take advantage of the fact that, for the first time in four months, I’m in the same room as her for an extended period of time and I’m going to look at her. I’m going to stare at her face. I’m going to watch her smile and laugh. I’m going to bask in how fucking beautiful she is. I’m going to resist punching that bloke in the face and kissing the fuck out of her and I’m just. going. to. stare.”
LIKE HOW IS THAT NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU!?
“Are you ever going to stop?” I ask. He doesn’t need to clarify what I’m asking. He knows. “No.” He smiles. “I’ll crash every event you go to. Every wedding, graduation, birthday party, bridal shower, gender reveal. Hell, every funeral. Every single one of them for as long as it takes for you to forgive me.”
“That’ll keep you busy,” I say, softly. “I have nothing else worth doing with my life if I don’t have you.”
MAYBE YOU SHOULD KEEP BUSY BY THINKING ABOUT HOW TO FORGIVE HIM!!!
in conclusion, i would have been sold after he brought me food for maybe 3 days
“But for the next five or so more hours, I’m going to be looking at her. I’m going to take advantage of the fact that, for the first time in four months, I’m in the same room as her for an extended period of time and I’m going to look at her. I’m going to stare at her face. I’m going to watch her smile and laugh. I’m going to bask in how fucking beautiful she is. I’m going to resist punching that bloke in the face and kissing the fuck out of her and I’m just. going. to. stare.”
LIKE HOW IS THAT NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU!?
“Are you ever going to stop?” I ask. He doesn’t need to clarify what I’m asking. He knows. “No.” He smiles. “I’ll crash every event you go to. Every wedding, graduation, birthday party, bridal shower, gender reveal. Hell, every funeral. Every single one of them for as long as it takes for you to forgive me.”
“That’ll keep you busy,” I say, softly. “I have nothing else worth doing with my life if I don’t have you.”
MAYBE YOU SHOULD KEEP BUSY BY THINKING ABOUT HOW TO FORGIVE HIM!!!
in conclusion, i would have been sold after he brought me food for maybe 3 days
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2023
Absolutely amazing
I’ve read all four books and I’m absolutely in love with each one. Tristian and Neras story is absolutely beautiful. There are a couple triggers if you have any eating disorders, but the way the struggle was written and how Tristian comforted her in his arms made my heart jump. I’m so happy I finally got to read this story and get to know this mystery man. Also spoiler ahead:
Finding out all the girls are pregnant at the same time!! I hope there will be a series of the kids and their lives. Also I want to know more about Tess and this intimidating fiancé 😆.
Overall I fell in love with this book and series❤️
Book: 5/5
Spice: 3/5🌶️
I’ve read all four books and I’m absolutely in love with each one. Tristian and Neras story is absolutely beautiful. There are a couple triggers if you have any eating disorders, but the way the struggle was written and how Tristian comforted her in his arms made my heart jump. I’m so happy I finally got to read this story and get to know this mystery man. Also spoiler ahead:
Finding out all the girls are pregnant at the same time!! I hope there will be a series of the kids and their lives. Also I want to know more about Tess and this intimidating fiancé 😆.
Overall I fell in love with this book and series❤️
Book: 5/5
Spice: 3/5🌶️
December 25, 2025
I loved this book. Honestly, it was so much better than all the other books in this series.
I’ll admit, I was scared to pick this one up because of my experience with the previous books. But I’m genuinely glad I did, because this one felt different in the best way possible. There was no unnecessary toxicity or over-possessiveness, and that alone made it stand out. Instead, we got emotional depth, real bonding moments, and most importantly consent. Everything felt intentional and respectful, and I appreciated that so much.
Tristan Noble… this man. 🤌🏻❤️
I absolutely loved him. The way he loved Nera, helped her love herself, and respected her throughout the story was beautiful. There wasn’t a single moment where he truly disrespected her (maybe once or twice during intimate moments, but even that stayed within boundaries). There was a softness to him that I didn’t expect and ended up loving deeply. The aftercare, the gentle reassurance, the way he comforted her it all felt so genuine and tender.
Nera broke my heart in the quietest way. She was strong, resilient, and deeply human. My heart ached for her, especially seeing how no one seemed to notice her struggle with food.
That said, there were a couple of things that didn’t fully work for me. I didn’t love how Nera didn’t communicate with Tristan right away when she thought he was double-crossing her (especially since he wasn’t). And while I understand why she was hurt about him hiding his last name, the four months of groveling felt a bit extreme, considering he did it to protect his mother’s life. Still, I have to admit the groveling itself was very well done. The effort he put in was sincere and commendable.
Overall, this book surprised me in the best way. It was emotional, respectful, and beautifully written. Easily the best book in the series for me.
I’ll admit, I was scared to pick this one up because of my experience with the previous books. But I’m genuinely glad I did, because this one felt different in the best way possible. There was no unnecessary toxicity or over-possessiveness, and that alone made it stand out. Instead, we got emotional depth, real bonding moments, and most importantly consent. Everything felt intentional and respectful, and I appreciated that so much.
Tristan Noble… this man. 🤌🏻❤️
I absolutely loved him. The way he loved Nera, helped her love herself, and respected her throughout the story was beautiful. There wasn’t a single moment where he truly disrespected her (maybe once or twice during intimate moments, but even that stayed within boundaries). There was a softness to him that I didn’t expect and ended up loving deeply. The aftercare, the gentle reassurance, the way he comforted her it all felt so genuine and tender.
Nera broke my heart in the quietest way. She was strong, resilient, and deeply human. My heart ached for her, especially seeing how no one seemed to notice her struggle with food.
That said, there were a couple of things that didn’t fully work for me. I didn’t love how Nera didn’t communicate with Tristan right away when she thought he was double-crossing her (especially since he wasn’t). And while I understand why she was hurt about him hiding his last name, the four months of groveling felt a bit extreme, considering he did it to protect his mother’s life. Still, I have to admit the groveling itself was very well done. The effort he put in was sincere and commendable.
Overall, this book surprised me in the best way. It was emotional, respectful, and beautifully written. Easily the best book in the series for me.
May 24, 2024
Nera and Tristan's story is beautiful, forbidden because he is her professor and a little bit angsty.
They are absolutely trauma bonded, both chained to their rich abusive families in ways that are completely unfair while fighting their own demons. They just complement each other in the best way!
Tristan and Nera had an amazing chemistry and the fact that he was her professor made everything more spicy. Khai writes the best smut! The forest scene, the classroom scene OMG my kindle was on fire!!
It would have been five stars if the first chapter about his "escapades" was not so detailed and the ending was not stretched!
‼️No cheating, no ow drama‼️
They are absolutely trauma bonded, both chained to their rich abusive families in ways that are completely unfair while fighting their own demons. They just complement each other in the best way!
Tristan and Nera had an amazing chemistry and the fact that he was her professor made everything more spicy. Khai writes the best smut! The forest scene, the classroom scene OMG my kindle was on fire!!
It would have been five stars if the first chapter about his "escapades" was not so detailed and the ending was not stretched!
‼️No cheating, no ow drama‼️
July 24, 2024
This book was freaking everything.
I loved it from the start till the very end and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to my new comfort characters.
The found family trope in this series hits different ngl.
I haven’t read a better professor x student forbidden romance with GROVELLING than this one. Nera and Tristan both had me in a chokehold. I absolutely loved how the guys took care of Nera and how they protected her. And then eventually melted down after knowing Tristan pov and his grovelling.
The best grovelling trope I’ve ever read omg like the grovelling was sooo good that it made me cry and wanna hug Tristan.
♾⭐️
I loved it from the start till the very end and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to my new comfort characters.
The found family trope in this series hits different ngl.
I haven’t read a better professor x student forbidden romance with GROVELLING than this one. Nera and Tristan both had me in a chokehold. I absolutely loved how the guys took care of Nera and how they protected her. And then eventually melted down after knowing Tristan pov and his grovelling.
The best grovelling trope I’ve ever read omg like the grovelling was sooo good that it made me cry and wanna hug Tristan.
♾⭐️
July 13, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
The book was okay…
the groveling though was chef kiss 💋
The book was okay…
the groveling though was chef kiss 💋
August 15, 2024
70% into the book is when things finally started to move..
August 10, 2024
»I'll slay your monsters, every single fucking last one of them.«
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑵𝒆𝒓𝒂
She is so strong and hides her problems from the rest of the world. I liked her attitude and ambition in sports. She is a good friend and a relatable character.
❥ 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏
This man, I want one. He is so obsessed with Nera and treats her with so much love, I‘m jealous.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Gosh, I wish I could read this whole series for the first time again. It was wonderful. Each book is dark and twisted with amazing characters and a great love story.
Khai Haras writing style is very good and fluent. The story is easy to read and I had no trouble understanding everything (as a non native english speaker).
Nera and Tristan have a special place in my heart. Both have such tragic family stories and traumata. It was heartwarming how they healed each other. The professor x student trope was well done and I enjoyed the secrets. The banter is this book is so good and the way Tristan cares about Nera >>>
Overall this book was amazing and I had a lot of fun reading it. It‘s emotional, dark and funny - a perfect read.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes, yes, yes!!
My RCA rating:
1. Pay For Your Lies 🦋
2. I Was Always Yours 💍
3. Love In The Dark 🔥
4. Long Live The King 👑
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓
plot: 5/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 5/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
possessive and protective hero, professor x student, age gap, instant attraction, lies and secrets, forced proximity, he falls first and harder, college, morally dark hero, darkromance, family problems
𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: Nera (18) and Tristan (24)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: light breeding, dominance
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Long Live The King ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Pay For Your Lies ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 I Was Always Yours ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Love In The Dark ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑵𝒆𝒓𝒂
She is so strong and hides her problems from the rest of the world. I liked her attitude and ambition in sports. She is a good friend and a relatable character.
❥ 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏
This man, I want one. He is so obsessed with Nera and treats her with so much love, I‘m jealous.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Gosh, I wish I could read this whole series for the first time again. It was wonderful. Each book is dark and twisted with amazing characters and a great love story.
Khai Haras writing style is very good and fluent. The story is easy to read and I had no trouble understanding everything (as a non native english speaker).
Nera and Tristan have a special place in my heart. Both have such tragic family stories and traumata. It was heartwarming how they healed each other. The professor x student trope was well done and I enjoyed the secrets. The banter is this book is so good and the way Tristan cares about Nera >>>
Overall this book was amazing and I had a lot of fun reading it. It‘s emotional, dark and funny - a perfect read.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes, yes, yes!!
My RCA rating:
1. Pay For Your Lies 🦋
2. I Was Always Yours 💍
3. Love In The Dark 🔥
4. Long Live The King 👑
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓
plot: 5/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 5/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
possessive and protective hero, professor x student, age gap, instant attraction, lies and secrets, forced proximity, he falls first and harder, college, morally dark hero, darkromance, family problems
𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: Nera (18) and Tristan (24)
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: light breeding, dominance
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Long Live The King ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Pay For Your Lies ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 I Was Always Yours ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Love In The Dark ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 4, 2024
4.5/5
I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would.
I don’t really like the Teacher x Student trope, from past reading experiences, so I’m surprised this one was a hit.
Like many people, I was intrigued, when I saw a reel about Khai Hara’s books on Instagram, so I decided to add them to my TBR.
Then I read the reviews, where one of them said, and I quote, “Rina Kent’s books on steroids.”
Now I was even more curious, so I decided to give them a try. Loved them. I won’t lie, it felt very inspired by the Royal Elite series, but I still love them, cause they had their own unique story anyway.
I am now excited to read about Thiago and Tess, after their scene in Love In The Dark! (iykyk)
I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would.
I don’t really like the Teacher x Student trope, from past reading experiences, so I’m surprised this one was a hit.
Like many people, I was intrigued, when I saw a reel about Khai Hara’s books on Instagram, so I decided to add them to my TBR.
Then I read the reviews, where one of them said, and I quote, “Rina Kent’s books on steroids.”
Now I was even more curious, so I decided to give them a try. Loved them. I won’t lie, it felt very inspired by the Royal Elite series, but I still love them, cause they had their own unique story anyway.
I am now excited to read about Thiago and Tess, after their scene in Love In The Dark! (iykyk)
July 7, 2025
That was a beautiful read, I really enjoyed it. It’s a gentle, emotional story about love, healing, and understanding. The characters felt real, and their connection was heartfelt. It’s a slow read, but the 0 are strong and honest. A quiet but touching romance that stays with you.
"𝑯𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒙 𝒎𝒆. 𝑯𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝑰 𝒏𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒕."✨
"𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆."✨
"𝑯𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒙 𝒎𝒆. 𝑯𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝑰 𝒏𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒕."✨
"𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆."✨
May 14, 2025
1 star extra only for Tristan. and Tristan. you deserve better.
honestly this is the first book where fmc pissed me off. I understand her hiding her problems from him. I'm not mad about that. Oh and the way Tristan handled it. mwah. Tristan tried his best to talk to her to solve her problems.
But when Tristan did the same she is mad like. Tristan hid his last name and lied about being a billionaire because his father threatened his mother and forbade him from telling anyone. like boy was there saving his mother and you're mad because he did something he never wanted to do.
And when he actually needed her she was playing hurt. Fmc made him grovel for 4 months. he left his billions and slept in a car just for her.
And when she actually forgave him it was so random. like on a random day she saw another girl hitting on him and thought let's get back together??? okay no thank you.
honestly this is the first book where fmc pissed me off. I understand her hiding her problems from him. I'm not mad about that. Oh and the way Tristan handled it. mwah. Tristan tried his best to talk to her to solve her problems.
But when Tristan did the same she is mad like. Tristan hid his last name and lied about being a billionaire because his father threatened his mother and forbade him from telling anyone. like boy was there saving his mother and you're mad because he did something he never wanted to do.
And when he actually needed her she was playing hurt. Fmc made him grovel for 4 months. he left his billions and slept in a car just for her.
And when she actually forgave him it was so random. like on a random day she saw another girl hitting on him and thought let's get back together??? okay no thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
3.5 stars.
this is my first book by the author and i really liked it. the characters had so much chemistry and the fact that he was her teacher made everything more spicy. the storyline actually had a plot, and didn’t just revolve around sex.
the one who took all the attention was without a doubt tristan. even though at the beginning he’s portrayed as a womaniser, ironically he ends up being the BEST part of this book. the way he supports her and tries to help her heal her trauma is everything. he was constantly taking care of her and just trying to be his best version with her.
the only downside was the third act breakup towards the end, which in my opinion was rushed and unnecessary since it was about something so silly (i don’t want to spoil it) and the fact that he had to grovel 4 freaking months for it, nop it wasn’t my cup of tea.
“i wish you could see yourself the way I see you. beautiful inside and out.”
this is my first book by the author and i really liked it. the characters had so much chemistry and the fact that he was her teacher made everything more spicy. the storyline actually had a plot, and didn’t just revolve around sex.
the one who took all the attention was without a doubt tristan. even though at the beginning he’s portrayed as a womaniser, ironically he ends up being the BEST part of this book. the way he supports her and tries to help her heal her trauma is everything. he was constantly taking care of her and just trying to be his best version with her.
the only downside was the third act breakup towards the end, which in my opinion was rushed and unnecessary since it was about something so silly (i don’t want to spoil it) and the fact that he had to grovel 4 freaking months for it, nop it wasn’t my cup of tea.
“i wish you could see yourself the way I see you. beautiful inside and out.”
July 9, 2024
REASONS WHY TRISTAN SHOULD BE THE STANDARD
1)goes broke and homeless for her
2) gets her last name
3) names his restaurant after her
4)slept in his freezing car for 3 months just to be near her
5) grovelled hard for months
1)goes broke and homeless for her
2) gets her last name
3) names his restaurant after her
4)slept in his freezing car for 3 months just to be near her
5) grovelled hard for months
June 12, 2024
I'm so thankfull to the bookstagramm community that introduce me to this author and her amazing writing that I became In love with.
After one big scandalous night Tristan is send by his father to teach as professor in Geneva as punishment.
Little did he know that there he will meet the love of his life and the person who will change him forever.
This forbidden,age gap (24/18)romance between Tristan and his fellow student Nara absolutely shake my world.
They both have the same family trauma one their shoulders,that connect them even more.
In the beginning I was not sure if I was going to like Tristan character,but damn in the second part I was already smitten so bad ,that I was droling lol.
His is to die for, and the way he was caring toward Nara was making me into pudle.
Nara was character that my heart broke for.
The perfect daughter, who was doing everything in her family name,and still not enough for them.
But in the same time she is one young ,but strong girl that know what she wants.
And meeting Tristan she find the best missing part in her miserable life that she was fighting so bad to stay away from.
This story have plot that ripped my heart, but smut that left me one pure fire!🫠
Khai writing was rollercoaster of emotion and sooooo good,that was carrying me into the story in full force
I'm looking forward to read more books by her and to enjoy her unhigienly men that I was able to get glimpse from in this book.
Definitely I can admit that this book is added to my favorite ones this year.
After one big scandalous night Tristan is send by his father to teach as professor in Geneva as punishment.
Little did he know that there he will meet the love of his life and the person who will change him forever.
This forbidden,age gap (24/18)romance between Tristan and his fellow student Nara absolutely shake my world.
They both have the same family trauma one their shoulders,that connect them even more.
In the beginning I was not sure if I was going to like Tristan character,but damn in the second part I was already smitten so bad ,that I was droling lol.
His is to die for, and the way he was caring toward Nara was making me into pudle.
Nara was character that my heart broke for.
The perfect daughter, who was doing everything in her family name,and still not enough for them.
But in the same time she is one young ,but strong girl that know what she wants.
And meeting Tristan she find the best missing part in her miserable life that she was fighting so bad to stay away from.
This story have plot that ripped my heart, but smut that left me one pure fire!🫠
Khai writing was rollercoaster of emotion and sooooo good,that was carrying me into the story in full force
I'm looking forward to read more books by her and to enjoy her unhigienly men that I was able to get glimpse from in this book.
Definitely I can admit that this book is added to my favorite ones this year.
April 27, 2024
4.5⭐️ TRISTANNERA ATE OMG. tristan novak i love you i love you. tristan was everything. literally didn’t care about a single student except nera. the way he fought for her, cared for her & protected her. not to mention, he slept outside her place the whole FOUR months they were broken up in a CAR. and he fell first🫶🏾 tristan is such a lover boy i want him so bad. also the scenes of the other couples were SO cute😭😭 even phoenix was cute in here. anyways back to tristan, don’t even get me started on how he literally fell to his knees in the snow and begged for his girl back (real lover boy like i said) & when he said it felt like there was a drought inside him without nera😭😭
“Of course, he’s here,” Thayer says, a smile stretching across her face. “You’re here, Nera, so where else would he be?”
“You know how it feels to see you coming out of a car with another man? It hurts me,” he exclaims, inches from my face. He grabs my hand in his and clasps it over his heart. It beats wildly, frantically, and I’m certain I can feel the remnants of that pain. “Mentally and physically. It’s like having a dagger the size of the Burj Khalifa buried inside my heart. It’s all I can think about, it’s all I can feel because it hurts every time I fucking breathe. Do you understand me? I’m in physical pain seeing you with him, imagining you with anyone who isn’t me.”
tristan saying he’s in PHYSICAL pain imagining nera with another man🙁 stuck with me forever🫶🏾
“There is no Tristan that exists without Nera anymore. That’s what I’m trying to make you understand. This wasn’t a fling or a distraction or a game for me. This, you, are the most important thing in my life.” Slowly, I reach for her. I cup her face with my hand, my thumb finding those cute little marks on her nose and brushing softly over them. Her dark, sultry eyes spear mine unwaveringly. “If you smile, I smile. If you hurt, I hurt. If you die, I die. Get it? I will be your shadow for the remainder of your days whether you like it or not.”
“My family and my mates, I missed. You, I yearned for,” he declares, the words avowed against the shell of my ear. “I woke up in the mornings craving your smell and needing your touch, I looked for you in every room I was in, I imagined you curled up on my couch in my shirt every time I walked past it. Fuck, I even sniffed your shampoo every time I took a shower. I couldn’t stop thinking about you, Nera.”
“You’re back in two weeks?” He asks.
“Two weeks and five days. Almost three weeks.”
He groans unhappily, dropping his forehead against mine. “Call me every day,” he demands.
“We don’t have to if you don’t wan–”
“Every day.”
tristan novak my forever man i love him i love him i love him🫶🏾
“Of course, he’s here,” Thayer says, a smile stretching across her face. “You’re here, Nera, so where else would he be?”
“You know how it feels to see you coming out of a car with another man? It hurts me,” he exclaims, inches from my face. He grabs my hand in his and clasps it over his heart. It beats wildly, frantically, and I’m certain I can feel the remnants of that pain. “Mentally and physically. It’s like having a dagger the size of the Burj Khalifa buried inside my heart. It’s all I can think about, it’s all I can feel because it hurts every time I fucking breathe. Do you understand me? I’m in physical pain seeing you with him, imagining you with anyone who isn’t me.”
tristan saying he’s in PHYSICAL pain imagining nera with another man🙁 stuck with me forever🫶🏾
“There is no Tristan that exists without Nera anymore. That’s what I’m trying to make you understand. This wasn’t a fling or a distraction or a game for me. This, you, are the most important thing in my life.” Slowly, I reach for her. I cup her face with my hand, my thumb finding those cute little marks on her nose and brushing softly over them. Her dark, sultry eyes spear mine unwaveringly. “If you smile, I smile. If you hurt, I hurt. If you die, I die. Get it? I will be your shadow for the remainder of your days whether you like it or not.”
“My family and my mates, I missed. You, I yearned for,” he declares, the words avowed against the shell of my ear. “I woke up in the mornings craving your smell and needing your touch, I looked for you in every room I was in, I imagined you curled up on my couch in my shirt every time I walked past it. Fuck, I even sniffed your shampoo every time I took a shower. I couldn’t stop thinking about you, Nera.”
“You’re back in two weeks?” He asks.
“Two weeks and five days. Almost three weeks.”
He groans unhappily, dropping his forehead against mine. “Call me every day,” he demands.
“We don’t have to if you don’t wan–”
“Every day.”
tristan novak my forever man i love him i love him i love him🫶🏾
July 1, 2024
Obsessed is an understatement. I'm completely in love with this story. Khai Hara, you just got yourself a new huge fan. I picked the book up because it had the professor/student trope which is my all time favorite. The story follows a 24 year old Tristan who provoked his father and got sent to Switzerland to teach at a prestigious college as a punishment. Two weeks before started his job, he had hooked up with beautiful Nera and once the academic year started, he found out she's a student in his class. The tension!!!!! I love how brave and badass Nera was. I couldn't judge Tristan because I would be obsessed with her too. And with him... Gosh, this man. He was so whipped for her and so sweet and supportive. And the way he grovelled!!! Nera, girl, you're so strong. I would take him back after a few days. Their support for each other's passions was just so perfect and I truly couldn't get enough of them. I'm so excited to dive into this series from the start. I already love the other couples and bet I'm going to make a Khai Hara Girls post as soon as I'm done reading.
July 21, 2024
4.5⭐️
This book is officially my favourite in this series!!! i adore Tristan and his backstory is so sad🥲. I love how this dark romance isnt like all the others where the MMC treat the FMC like absolute shit. One thing i liked about Nera is that she knew her worth and when he lied to her and she made him grovel. hard. he worked hard just to prove his love to her and thats why hes my favourite, he worships the ground she walks on.
But at the same time Tristan didnt deserve what he went through. she made the poor man grovel for four damn months?!! this book was only amazing mostly because of him😭
Everyone who’s interested in dark romance books should check this series out! its amazing!!! and he even took her last name and named his restaurant after her🥹
Tropes:
🍪 teacher x student
🍪 age gap (18/24)
🍪 hot smut scenes
🍪 DV, alcoholism, bullying, ED
🍪 obsessive MMC
🍪 top tier grovelling
🍪 rich prep school
🍪 japanese FMC
This book is officially my favourite in this series!!! i adore Tristan and his backstory is so sad🥲. I love how this dark romance isnt like all the others where the MMC treat the FMC like absolute shit. One thing i liked about Nera is that she knew her worth and when he lied to her and she made him grovel. hard. he worked hard just to prove his love to her and thats why hes my favourite, he worships the ground she walks on.
But at the same time Tristan didnt deserve what he went through. she made the poor man grovel for four damn months?!! this book was only amazing mostly because of him😭
Everyone who’s interested in dark romance books should check this series out! its amazing!!! and he even took her last name and named his restaurant after her🥹
Tropes:
🍪 teacher x student
🍪 age gap (18/24)
🍪 hot smut scenes
🍪 DV, alcoholism, bullying, ED
🍪 obsessive MMC
🍪 top tier grovelling
🍪 rich prep school
🍪 japanese FMC
April 27, 2025
6 stars.
I truly have no idea why this took me so long, even though they are my favourite couple. I think it’s simply because I didn’t want to accept that it’s over.
Um, I’m truly crying.
Nera and Tristan… I think they will be hard to top for me. Not a lot of books put me in my feels like this.
The yearning from Tristan’s end, the help he was giving Nera for her Eating Disorder, the endless support for her fencing career… goodness gracious.
Nera deserves all that and more.
She is my sweet, angel, princess baby. My heart was hurting every chapter of hers that was delving into her family and struggles. No idea how I didn’t break down crying.
I truly have no idea why this took me so long, even though they are my favourite couple. I think it’s simply because I didn’t want to accept that it’s over.
Um, I’m truly crying.
Nera and Tristan… I think they will be hard to top for me. Not a lot of books put me in my feels like this.
The yearning from Tristan’s end, the help he was giving Nera for her Eating Disorder, the endless support for her fencing career… goodness gracious.
Nera deserves all that and more.
She is my sweet, angel, princess baby. My heart was hurting every chapter of hers that was delving into her family and struggles. No idea how I didn’t break down crying.
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