Lessons in Love and Deathblows: Love & War Diaries

Assassin U

by C.L. Rain

Attraction is the deadliest weapon.

Angelica is the top student at Assassin University, ruthless and determined to succeed in the male-dominated world of Departure Day Coordination. But cocky Jason aims to take her spot—and he doesn't care whose toes he steps on in the process.

When Angelica tries to teach Jason a lesson with a series of lethal pranks, he retaliates, and their bitter rivalry escalates into an all-out war. Dodging each other's dangerous surprises by day, the feuding assassins try to one-up each other with increasingly extreme antics.

But when the competitive pair gets paired up for a deadly class project, their simmering hatred might just transform into something even more dangerous. Thrust together into life-threatening peril, they’re forced to rely on each other to survive.

As tensions boil over, Angelica starts to suspect there’s more to Jason than meets the eye. Is this just a fling? Or the real thing?

The line between disdain and desire is razor thin, and getting involved with a rival is playing with fire. But at Assassin U, risking your life—and heart—comes with the territory. And succumbing to temptation can get you killed.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2023

Reviews

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It did take me a few chapters to really get into the story and to like the FMC. Angelica was a little much at first (and I wish we had more of her back story).This is a slow burn, with no spice I hope to read more about Assassin U, the background of the school and the storyline is very intriguing.

[Lexie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd definitely recommend this book to a younger teenager. There's lots of action, but it definitely feels more like a high school romance, with essentric death defying missions. Personally, I was looking for more character development, and more details on the university itself too. It had a great rom-com feel to it though, and I enjoyed the authors writing style. If it was more my cup of tea, I'd definitely want to read more and see who the mole is. I'm the kind of person who enjoys a good cliffhanger- when the author makes you feel like you MUST find out what happens next. And I feel like CL Rain did that really well here.

[Kamber mcknight · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5) (average but not quite a 4.) just didn't want to down the book for some of my preference critiques.
This review was very hard for me to put together. Trying to truly judge the book itself on content and not my hopes/preferences. I received an ARC for an honest review. I loved the blurb/synopsis for this book. However, when diving into the reading, it wasn't capturing me how I imagined. There wasn't a lot of character development or growth. The idea of the story was very intriguing. I didn't love the reality of it. It was a decent read. It just didn't capture me. This was a first for me from this author.
I found it very hard to connect to some of the concepts as well. I'm all for an assassin university, however I found it a bit stretchy as students that the university would allow them to actually try to kill each other or do real life missions and such.
I got a little irritated by the fmc in the beginning too. Like ohhh I'm so great but I'm just gonna act humble and brag in my inner monologue. Like I'm so good to hit an off button while everyone else couldn't see the obvious. Not that that wouldn't be a thing in a test of skilled assassins but didn't seem believable to me.

It does end on a cliffhanger and I'd be interested in seeing where the series goes. I hope to have maybe a bit more development and details (and spice) in the next book.

Again I love the concept of this story. The wording/development wasn't necessarily for me but it was a decent read. If you like assassin/killer dystopian books, it could be more your style. I also wish it was a smut book lol. But that's definitely just my preference I know.

[Joy Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

Angelica is a the student to beat at the Assassins University (AU), she is training to become an elite Departure day coordinator (an Assassin). She has a nemesis In a fellow student. She holds records for being the best in her class that is until Jason shows up (what appears late in then”school year”) and without ease breaks her records with ease and becomes a threat for her title as the best.

This book turns into an no spice or build up really an enemy's to lovers, with life and death missions that need to be completed by the two of them. There are similarities in their pasts that lead them to AU but not enough depth to the characters as I would have like. Although they’re 23 and adults their actions is that of childish pranks with the intent of her trying to kill him and he is just showing she’s not that sneaky. Leading to them being force to be around each other (forced proximity) zero spice but quick to touch her or him and die. They fail as expected but yet end as assassin a but undercover for a mole.

I loved the plot of the story, and the idea behind it. I enjoyed an idea of University specifically for assassins. I would love to see another book really diving in to the university with more details about it and investigating depth to track the mole amoung them and the history of the school, the writing style was great and I would be open to reading more work by this author! And would be more than happy to read book two! Excited to potentially see if my guess of who the mole is accurate or not

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5) This was a really difficult review for me to write. I had extremely high hopes for this book. I have not read many spy romances, but the idea of schooling coupled with pranks and danger was very enticing. However, this book did not capture and enrapture me the way I hoped it would. Written in first person, this dual perspective enemies to lovers romance did indeed have a lot of the danger. Our main characters play deadly pranks on each other – they literally try to kill each other. This seems to be not uncommon in their school. In addition, these youngsters are sent out to do crazy high-level tasks as part of class assignments. Obviously I knew I was entering fantasy for this book, but a bit of it did seem too far-fetched for me. I wouldn’t expect a school to be okay with losing top students due to petty emotional grievances. Nor would I expect students to be sent out to do top level operative work around the world. The writing seems to be well put together. This is my birth first book from this author, so I do not know if The authors writing style is not for me, or if it was this specific book and how it was put together.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Missy Staheli · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: Angelica is a top student at the Assassins University, she is training to become an elite Departure day coordinator (an Assassin). She holds records for being the best in her class until Jason comes along and becomes a threat for her title as the best. This book turns into an no spice enemy’s to lovers, with life and death missions that need to be completed by the two of them.

I loved the plot of the story, and the idea behind it. I have yet to read anything quite like it and enjoyed the unique idea of a University specifically for assassins.I had a really hard time connecting with the characters though. In my opinion they just seemed to lack depth and development throughout the book. As you were introduced to both of them you got the personality you would see throughout the whole story.

I would love to see another book really diving in to the university with more details about it, the writing style was great and I would be open to reading more work by this author! Excited to potentially read the second book in this series as it does end on a bit of a cliff hanger!

[Sara Gustafson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! An action filled, enemies to lovers! A different topic than my usual reads. Enemies to lovers, multiple POVs, fast paced, easy read. This is well written. Keeps your attention. This was my first book by this author and it didn’t disappoint!!


The FMC, Angelica, is the top student at Assassination University. The MMC, Jason, is looking to give her a run for her money. They have a competitive rivalry. Pranking one another, then they have to work together.

The only thing I didn’t love was I got annoyed with the FMC constantly talking to herself directly to herself: “come on, Angelica”, “Angelica, you can do this”, “Really, Angelica?” It just made me eye roll a little. I also feel like the dialog between characters or the internal dialog seemed kind of young for university students, it felt a little like high school thoughts.

Would love a prequel/sequel that goes into more detail about being an assassin or info on AU.

[Kayla Hanon · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review:
Angelica is the star student at AU who always only has one goal, to be the top. Once Jason begins attending he challenges Angelica at every turn causing the two to constantly battle and play deadly pranks on each other. I enjoyed the premise and plot of this book, it was interesting and different than most plots. I had a hard time getting into the book for a couple of reasons. The characters were a little stagnant and didn’t grow as much as I anticipated. I felt the plot was rushed and could have been better laid out to give the story more depth as well as the characters. Some things didn’t make sense within reason such as the drastic turn in dynamics of relationship. The way the interrogation scenes played out could have had better finesse, but overall it was a decent book and I am curious how the second book turns out. The last five chapters captured me the most making me want to read the next book with the cliffhanger.

[Christina Yau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the banter of the characters in this book. Seriously they all have the I'm the best I am going to one up you attitude! What else would you expect though from a bunch of assassins in training?!?! This story follows Angelica who is already attending Assassin U and newbie Jason! Angelica has a plan straightforward no time for fun way of things and Jason is a carefree guns a blazing roll with it guy. They have an undeniable attractive that everyone can see but them. They are constantly trying to one up each other and of course it's deadly since they are assassins in training! 🥷 The two head strong individuals must learn to work together trust in themselves and friends to accomplish what's never been done before. You will meet Viola the first nemesis of Angelica Brooke the roomie and Ollie Jason's roomie and you will love them all equally as the MC's! Does end with a cliffhanger of a sort and unanswered questions! I definitely need to find out more about Rathbone!

[Katy Montana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had so much potential. I received an ARC of this book from the author. The premise of the book really caught my attention when they mentioned that it was like Mr. and Mrs. Smith at college. Unfortunately I had a hard time getting into the book after the first few chapters. I felt like I was starting a book series with the fifth book and didn’t read the first four. I didn’t feel like there was enough introductory information at the beginning to really explain what the world in this book was like. I also didn’t feel like there was much character development and the romances felt forced, especially between the two characters. It was like someone kept encouraging them to get together and that was the only point where they seemed attracted to each other. It was really weird and I’m not even sure how it ended, it just all seemed to happen so fast and then all of a sudden the book was over. This was a fast read to get through but not easy to get through in terms of content.

[Eden Huntsman · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this book i feel like was a 3.5/5 ⭐️

I try not to go into books with high hopes for a particular things so I can be surprised. So when I read this it wasn’t a huge let down as others have said. Not that this book was horrible or anything just felt like I was missing information and things would happen. I guess it just didn’t feel complete. I think I need to go back and reread to see if it was just me being tired and getting the book done with my schedule or if it was the writing. I love the idea and the characters. I love this spy type book and it definitely had my interest when I heard about it. I think it just needed a little more information and umph if you know what I mean. This may not be a 5⭐️for me but people should give it a try and see if it is for them. Everyone is so different. Like I said I enjoyed the book because of certain aspects so don’t let all these reviews throw you from giving it a try.

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, it's fast paced and action packed. The main characters had me constantly laughing. I didn't put it down until it was finished. It definitely kept my attention the whole way through.

Angelica is our fmc, she's all about school, being the top dog. She's one of the top students at the assassin's uni. She's really got no time for anything else. That is until the newbie turns up.

Jason is our mmc, he's so relaxed and carefree. And he's going to ruff angelicas feathers a little.

They got to work together, and are competitive with everything, they love to prank each other. But they must trust each other aswell. There banters is hilarious, had me laughing loads. There is definitely chemistry between the pair. You would be blind not to see it.

So much happens you need to read it for yourself. And it's ends on a cliffhanger, leaving me with unanswered questions. I need to know more. Highly recommended.

[Hannah Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really like the plot and backstory for this book. The idea of having an Assassin University, missions, every decision you make could be life or death… literally.

I enjoyed the book, but I did feel as though the two main characters drastically changed their habits and minds rather quickly. I felt a little disconnected when it came to that and how they went from trying to kill each other to “I have butterflies in the stomach when he/she is around”. I would have loved more development there as it felt thrown in sometimes.

The thoughts of the characters too sometimes felt childish and that the characters were more high school age, rather than the 20 something year old adults they are.

I did enjoy this read! The banter was fun, the plot is something I haven’t read before so I truly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more!

[Mackenzie Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: 3.5/5 ⭐️

I truly loved the book as a whole. I felt the setting of the book was really fun and unique to feature an Assassin University. It did take me a few chapters to actually get into the book. The main character, Angelica, was really annoying and aggravating for the first few chapters of the book. I would have loved to have more on her backstory as well as Jason. As it was getting into the action packed part of the book, I felt that’s when I was really getting hooked, then it ended quickly. I guess I was expecting more to the story! But I am truly excited for the next books to come out in this series! I am curious to see if the same characters will be played into each book! Overall I thought it was a good read, the main character did grow on me towards the middle of the book. And I loved that it had action and slow burn love.

[Claudett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc read reveiw:
It starts off slow at the beginning and then starts picking up. The story line is a little confusing at the beginning but then get into detail that explains the situations.
It's sortve like a high-school bicker between two of the main characters since Angelica and Jason are in two different after hour groups.
It then goes to a slow simmer close to half way again. But it's an on edge burn romance.
The closer you get to the end is where it gets better. I feel like there could have been a drawn out stage where something else could've happened that that's ehy they got closer, it just happened too fast.
The ending wasn't expected but I feel like could've went into more detail as well.

[Books With Babes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am grateful to have been given the opportunity for the ARC and the authors writing is well rounded and descriptive, and i’m sure this book is great. However, the book was not for me.

It wasn’t until 10% of the way in that our main female character has actually held a real conversation with another character without “loosing interest”. Angelica is narcissistic, and self absorbed and bluntly put; insufferable. She’s the “star-pupil” and clearly lets it go to her head, as she refers to herself as “perfection” and makes other comments like “humble-brag”.

i made it 21% of the way, and i’m sorry, but i gave up. i tried over and over, but the cocky “i’m better than everyone else” feel that our FMC has is a character type i can’t stand.

[Anna Kaaiakamanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Lessons in Love and Deathblows is a fun and entertaining read. I was drawn to the idea of an Assassin school and the danger involved. Angelica is the top of the class and Jason is the new student. The two become instant enemies and pranks turn to full war. When the Chancellor has had enough to two must become partners for their final project forcing them to learn more about each other. The love that blossoms is quirky and exactly what I would expect from two soon-to-be assasins. The story ends with a bit of a cliffhanger as the two are given a new assignment. I am excited to see where the story goes in the next book.

[Shawnna Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

LESSONS IN LOVE AND DEATHBLOWS BY C.L. RAIN

Welcome to the world of Assassination University. C.L. Rain writes a fascinating story of classes about how to be a top Assassin. Angelica and Jason are the top two students fighting for the top spot at Assassin U. Along the way they get into a lot of trouble and get themselves teamed up on the most deadly mission ever given to a student. Not one student has made it out of this assignment alive. Will they survive this deadly assignment or will they discover passion might be the deadliest mission?
Ends on a semi-cliff hanger until the next book of Assassination University…I CANNOT WAIT!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC review* I really enjoyed the unique concept of an assassin university in this book. I think Angelica and Jason are great in their extreme enemies to lovers development. Going from pranks that could kill each other to protecting each other on actual missions. The assassin group is a fun element and the classes sounded really interesting. I didn’t necessarily care for Angelica’s muttering to herself or the over the top need to be the best. Also, I found the villain portion to be a little cheesy but I really hope we see more of the secret societies and Jason’s background in future installments.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this, but it was a bit of a struggle to get into. Angelica and Jason were presented with the premise of Mr. and Mrs. Smith in assassin/spy school. It was okay, however, pacing was one of the issues about why I got into this book. Another reason was that it is in first person point of view, with both Angelica and Jason's view that switches between chapters. There was only so much suspension of disbelief I can handle and this one just left a bit concerned because these students are sent out on some wild missions that seem a little too much at times. It wasn't a bad read, but this just wasn't for me. I did receive an ARC and have chosen to leave a review.

[Elise A Peculiar Mademoiselle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I was so excited to start reading this book. The premise of an assassin university and pranks happening sounded so intriguing.

Overall, it was a fun story, but I just didn't click with it like I hoped to. I had a hard time keeping the timeline straight in the beginning during the pranks, and I feel like the 2 main characters went from trying to kill each other to being romantic very quickly without a lot of development.

The plot is interesting, and the characters are enjoyable. I just feel like there was a lot that could have been developed more to make the story more enjoyable.

[Julie Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angelica is by far the spunkiest heroine you will ever meet. She is brash and confident and self- assured. Her character is a refreshing read!
For the readers who love Neil Shusterman's Scythe series, you will love this Assassin!
Angelica is a student who attends Assassin's University. She desires to be the best and exceeds at everything she does. However, once Jason shows up at school, everything she knows about herself is questioned! Be sure to read along as Angelica meets assassins, fights for top student, and comes to terms with feelings she is not sure she wats to feel!

[kiab.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

ARC REVIEW

It could just be me but I felt like the story was moving really slow. I was trying to see just when they’ll meet each other and when they finally do and I get the details of each pov, I felt excited to see how they’ll grow together and see how their love would blossom. I did however like when they went on their mission and the guy they went to go catch was a romanticized person who in the end helped them realize their feelings for each other. I think overall I might not be a school rival type of reader lol.

[Kara Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angelica the FMC is the sassiest assassin you will meet. She is this confident, strong, and knows what she wants. She is the top of her class because it just comes naturally. But enters Jason the MMC. He comes in with his smug and confident personality. And Angelica can’t help but hate him. He’s breaking her records without breaking a sweat. She then decides that he’s got to go. The banter and the fights will bring them closer.
Follow along with Angelica as she starts to question everything about her self and her feelings.
Can’t wait to read more from C.L Rain!!

[Kiandra Pinto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great read! A slow start at first but the book picks up speed. A unique read of assassins in training. From enemies to lovers and everything else in between. I loved the plot; from the prank wars, to friendships and navigation of being a student at AU. The last 10 chapters had me in a chokehold….could not put this book down. Would have loved the ending assignment scene to last longer. However the book ends on a semi cliff hangers that leaves you wanting more. Cannot wait for the next book in the series!!

[Iysis Bethea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lesson in Love and Deathblows turned out way better than what i was expecting in the beginning. I dont really like Angelica’s character she is bratty, close minded, impulsive, and a know it all. She is a my way or no way character. Jason on the other hand is more laid back and relaxed and goes with flow, he keeps himself and others around him grounded. This dual pov mainly takes place from Angelica’s perspective, most of the book is described by her. It is very action packed but the love and romance is low. I love the ending the most about this book and can’t wait to see where this goes!

[Jessica Estes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had super high hopes for this book and honestly I just could not get into it, I’m giving it more stars because I feel that I was in fact well written but I feel like I was dumped into this book world with no background, the main characters kept attempting to be forced together while trying to kill and one up another and it just did not work in my opinion. I thought I’d get super into it and love it but I just couldn’t. I guess this genre just isn’t my cup of tea so props to C.L. Rain for writing this book but that is my honest review for this one.

[Jaime Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Assassin U Series. I love the storyline and the characters. I love Angelica. She is the top student at the University, and she doesn’t have a care in the world. Enter Jason and she has some competition. She does not like it one bit. They are forced to work together on a mission. Can they get over their rivalry? I love that even though this is a clean read you don’t even think about that there isn’t any spice because you become invested in the story. This is my first read by C.L. Rain and it will not be my last!

Happy reading!

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creative action packed adventure with comedy moments, dangerous rivalries, disastrous pranks, forced alliances and a slow burn enemy to lover romance.
This is a school for assassins, making mistakes can be lethal, missions are dangerous, and trusting others can be fatal. When two of the best students are forced to work together can they put their bitter rivalry aside, or will the desire to kiss or kill each other overrule.
The first book in a suspenseful spy series.

[Keisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and the only reason I didn’t give it a 5 is because, the first 6 chapters I struggled to get into, but after that I couldn’t put it down! It was written very well, giving you details without over explaining or providing too much information. Some books it gives you so much your like what’s happening or who is who, this wasn’t the case with this one it just was slower to start. I highly recommend this book and will be reading more from this author