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Hallow Ridge #1
Whatever Whispers
On the shadowy campus of Cypress University, where ghosts of long-dead secrets linger, an unlikely romance falls into the lap of Professor Jack Hollis.
Quite literally.
Quinn Ivor, a brilliant and enigmatic forensic psychology student, is in need of a nanny job. A girl can only survive on instant ramen and expired Red Bull for so long.
She’s exactly what Jack is looking for now that he’s caring for his daughter Sienna full time.
As their professional and intellectual bond deepens, so does their attraction, defying the boundaries of propriety.
But their burgeoning relationship is haunted by more than just the whispers of their peers.
As Quinn and Jack navigate the treacherous waters of academia and their own desires (not to mention Sienna’s projectile baby vom), they must also confront the illusory presence that threatens to tear them apart. Will their love survive the dark forces conspiring against them, or will they become yet another chapter in the town's haunted history?
Quite literally.
Quinn Ivor, a brilliant and enigmatic forensic psychology student, is in need of a nanny job. A girl can only survive on instant ramen and expired Red Bull for so long.
She’s exactly what Jack is looking for now that he’s caring for his daughter Sienna full time.
As their professional and intellectual bond deepens, so does their attraction, defying the boundaries of propriety.
But their burgeoning relationship is haunted by more than just the whispers of their peers.
As Quinn and Jack navigate the treacherous waters of academia and their own desires (not to mention Sienna’s projectile baby vom), they must also confront the illusory presence that threatens to tear them apart. Will their love survive the dark forces conspiring against them, or will they become yet another chapter in the town's haunted history?
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2024
141 people are currently reading
2660 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
October 23, 2024
I did nottt see that second plot twist coming 😮💨
August 22, 2025
⤳3.5 stars ★ | “you're our family. we want to be near you. i want to be near you.”
this was my first genna black book, but definitely not my last. shoutout to one singular trope post on instagram for convincing me to pick this up because i had a great time 🫡
i'm usually someone who actively avoids the teacher x student trope because ew gross not for me, but the dark academia and single dad overrode that and iclearly ended up reading this. i actually didn't mind the teacher x student dynamic in this one, honestly the extent of it was her complaining about how difficult his assignments were and we glossed over it otherwise. like, we knew the situation but we didn't hyperfixate on any weird power dynamics so i appreciated that.
on the note of romance, i really loved quinn and jack together. they had fun banter and great tension and i feel like they just worked. it was a little instalovey, definitely instalusty (fun meet cute tho), which i don't love but whatever it worked out fine.
i did enjoy the characters as individuals but not as much as i enjoyed the two together. idk they were kinda bland? they didn't have a whole lot of depth in my opinion which kept me from getting too connected to either of them, but they were each fun and entertaining at the same time. i'm really excited for the next book with though.
what really took my rating down was the plot and the progression of said plot. the beginning had all the makings of this mysterious secret society murder type of plot and i was really excited to get into that but it kinda got lost somewhere along the way. we don't learn much about the secret society or what it is they do, the mystery of quinn's dad's murder is left wide open by the end, it all took such a back seat to the romance. and i get that we're in quinn and jack's povs, and they don't know much about the society or anything, but for that to be a big point of the story and then it's just .. not? it threw me off. there was also this massive twist at the ending that i absolutely didn't see coming, but again it didn't have the effect that it should have because of the issues with pacing and amounts of the plot. but based on the ending of this i'm expecting to get a lot more of the secret society and everything in the next book so hopefully it all comes full circle and what not.
this might've been the first time that starting a book on a whim from one social media post was actually successful for me so that's exciting. but anyway this is a quick read that gives all the fall vibes without being dense or heavy like other dark academia books, so if that's what you're looking for then i def recommend this!
this was my first genna black book, but definitely not my last. shoutout to one singular trope post on instagram for convincing me to pick this up because i had a great time 🫡
i'm usually someone who actively avoids the teacher x student trope because ew gross not for me, but the dark academia and single dad overrode that and i
on the note of romance, i really loved quinn and jack together. they had fun banter and great tension and i feel like they just worked. it was a little instalovey, definitely instalusty (fun meet cute tho), which i don't love but whatever it worked out fine.
i did enjoy the characters as individuals but not as much as i enjoyed the two together. idk they were kinda bland? they didn't have a whole lot of depth in my opinion which kept me from getting too connected to either of them, but they were each fun and entertaining at the same time. i'm really excited for the next book with though.
what really took my rating down was the plot and the progression of said plot. the beginning had all the makings of this mysterious secret society murder type of plot and i was really excited to get into that but it kinda got lost somewhere along the way. we don't learn much about the secret society or what it is they do, the mystery of quinn's dad's murder is left wide open by the end, it all took such a back seat to the romance. and i get that we're in quinn and jack's povs, and they don't know much about the society or anything, but for that to be a big point of the story and then it's just .. not? it threw me off. there was also this massive twist at the ending that i absolutely didn't see coming, but again it didn't have the effect that it should have because of the issues with pacing and amounts of the plot. but based on the ending of this i'm expecting to get a lot more of the secret society and everything in the next book so hopefully it all comes full circle and what not.
this might've been the first time that starting a book on a whim from one social media post was actually successful for me so that's exciting. but anyway this is a quick read that gives all the fall vibes without being dense or heavy like other dark academia books, so if that's what you're looking for then i def recommend this!
March 10, 2025
This was underwhelming.
It started okay-ish, I do like secret society and academia, so you throw a student x professor (yes, sorry, I'm one of those people) relationship and I should be delighted, right?
No.
Halloween happened, and the plot was totally forgotten. The MMC started acting like a jealous caveman in front of his friends, then everything went downhill. Not once they were in danger with their 'secret relationship', the forbidden aspect was lacking, that was instalust/love, the 'plot' was put aside for their 'romance'. Like, at one point, the FMC discover she was being watched in her dorm room and after the first 30% of the book where she was feeling watched, anxious, etc., you would think it does something to her to hear about that? I guess we'll never know.
I know this is a series and the Assembly thing will come back later in these books but it's the first book, you have to give us something. The chapter with douchebag Stu was ridiculous, I almost DNF'd. The worse is, they don't even talk about it later, we just get next book MC's POV about it (you go girl, give us nothing), but the MCs don't talk about important stuff (like plot-related I mean).
This was a trope-fest, I couldn't understand some choices. This is supposed to be a Dark Academia with a secret society killing people, with a murder (close one to one of the MCs! will the MC discover the truth? no because they don't care), but also a forbidden student x professor relationship but don't worry it's also a employee x boss relationship bc she's a nanny because he's a single dad, and he has a secret kink (what was the point? it wasn't even discussed) and she's here for the LGBT quota (don't worry, she's bi, she said it 2 times in her head while having sex with a man for the first time). Fucking choose? For a book this short, that was too much, and it felt superficial.
I'm not sure why it was marketed as a dark romance. Yes, there's a murder at the beginning, there's some 'dark' topic mentioned, daddy has a kink (out of nowhere but okay, sure)... Maybe I'm desensitized, but it doesn't feel like a dark romance.
I won't read the next book, I don't care about the plot since it was non-existent. But I might read this author again.
It started okay-ish, I do like secret society and academia, so you throw a student x professor (yes, sorry, I'm one of those people) relationship and I should be delighted, right?
No.
Halloween happened, and the plot was totally forgotten. The MMC started acting like a jealous caveman in front of his friends, then everything went downhill. Not once they were in danger with their 'secret relationship', the forbidden aspect was lacking, that was instalust/love, the 'plot' was put aside for their 'romance'. Like, at one point, the FMC discover she was being watched in her dorm room and after the first 30% of the book where she was feeling watched, anxious, etc., you would think it does something to her to hear about that? I guess we'll never know.
I know this is a series and the Assembly thing will come back later in these books but it's the first book, you have to give us something. The chapter with douchebag Stu was ridiculous, I almost DNF'd. The worse is, they don't even talk about it later, we just get next book MC's POV about it (you go girl, give us nothing), but the MCs don't talk about important stuff (like plot-related I mean).
This was a trope-fest, I couldn't understand some choices. This is supposed to be a Dark Academia with a secret society killing people, with a murder (close one to one of the MCs! will the MC discover the truth? no because they don't care), but also a forbidden student x professor relationship but don't worry it's also a employee x boss relationship bc she's a nanny because he's a single dad, and he has a secret kink (what was the point? it wasn't even discussed) and she's here for the LGBT quota (don't worry, she's bi, she said it 2 times in her head while having sex with a man for the first time). Fucking choose? For a book this short, that was too much, and it felt superficial.
I'm not sure why it was marketed as a dark romance. Yes, there's a murder at the beginning, there's some 'dark' topic mentioned, daddy has a kink (out of nowhere but okay, sure)... Maybe I'm desensitized, but it doesn't feel like a dark romance.
I won't read the next book, I don't care about the plot since it was non-existent. But I might read this author again.
May 22, 2025
Rating: 4, good✨🎀
This was such a good dark academia. It wasn't that dark just like a mild dark academia but I still enjoyed it 🙂.
This book follows Quinn whose dad was the Dean of the university she attends but he dies. She doesn't necessarily feel bad because both of her parents abandoned her for this secret society called The Assembly.
In comes Jack a single dad 🤭🎀 professor who's looking for a nanny for his 8 month old baby girl Sienna🌸✨. This book was more like a filler for the next book which I'm not totally mad about 🤷🏾♀️🙂.
I guess we'll see more of the Assembly from Ezra's book because apparently he's a member 😬. I know for a fact that Ezra's book is going to be more unhinged than this one and I'm ready for it 🤭😭.
This was such a good dark academia. It wasn't that dark just like a mild dark academia but I still enjoyed it 🙂.
This book follows Quinn whose dad was the Dean of the university she attends but he dies. She doesn't necessarily feel bad because both of her parents abandoned her for this secret society called The Assembly.
In comes Jack a single dad 🤭🎀 professor who's looking for a nanny for his 8 month old baby girl Sienna🌸✨. This book was more like a filler for the next book which I'm not totally mad about 🤷🏾♀️🙂.
I guess we'll see more of the Assembly from Ezra's book because apparently he's a member 😬. I know for a fact that Ezra's book is going to be more unhinged than this one and I'm ready for it 🤭😭.
October 17, 2024
I like the overall idea behind the book, but I felt like there was something missing for me the entire time. The Assembly was basically nonexistent and then all of a sudden pops up for 5 seconds at the end with Jack's two best friends. The relationship between Jack and Quinn just kind of magicked into existence. I feel like Quinn kept repeating all this stuff about being bi and Jack being the first man she's had sex with was there just so that the book had that "woke LGBTQ" element added to it. There really was nothing taboo about Jack and Quinn's relationship since they very openly flouted it. It also wasn't really dark. I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but I was disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
ッ 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 ッ
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 - 🌶️
𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 - Release the Kronken. Heh.
But how do I word, I will forfeit all my mortal possessions if you promise to never leave my sight again, without scaring her off?
Maybe that’s what gets us through—the little bits of normalcy we hold on to, even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 -
✨he falls first
✨professor/student
✨dark romance but make it sweet
✨secret society
✨single dad
↳ First, I love Genna. She’s the freaking raddest human.
Okay, back to the book.
The characters in this book are freaking great. I love them all. The baby is adorable. The dog made my heart happy. They’re all chef’s kiss. 10/10
The plot twist had me turning back the pages to make sure I was reading it right. No lie, went back two pages. So uh, hats off on that one. & thennnnnnn. Yeah, aha. Buckle up, buttercup. HIT ME AGAIN.
This book held it all, and the one quote hit my freaking soul.
Maybe that’s what gets us through—the little bits of normalcy we hold on to, even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
So, let’s all remember that today. 🫶🏻
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 - 🌶️
𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 - Release the Kronken. Heh.
But how do I word, I will forfeit all my mortal possessions if you promise to never leave my sight again, without scaring her off?
Maybe that’s what gets us through—the little bits of normalcy we hold on to, even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 -
✨he falls first
✨professor/student
✨dark romance but make it sweet
✨secret society
✨single dad
↳ First, I love Genna. She’s the freaking raddest human.
Okay, back to the book.
The characters in this book are freaking great. I love them all. The baby is adorable. The dog made my heart happy. They’re all chef’s kiss. 10/10
The plot twist had me turning back the pages to make sure I was reading it right. No lie, went back two pages. So uh, hats off on that one. & thennnnnnn. Yeah, aha. Buckle up, buttercup. HIT ME AGAIN.
This book held it all, and the one quote hit my freaking soul.
Maybe that’s what gets us through—the little bits of normalcy we hold on to, even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
So, let’s all remember that today. 🫶🏻
October 19, 2024
the first 30% was great. Then the plot was just thrown out the window.
October 27, 2024
Author Services
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - various topics, including homicide, blood and gore, are mentioned or discussed as the FMC majors in forensic psychology, death by car accident (secondary characters, mentioned), death under mysterious circumstance (ruled a suicide, secondary character, mentioned), death of a parent (mentioned / alluded to), missing persons (secondary character, mentioned), terminally ill parent (father, pancreatic, mentioned), dying parent (mother, mentioned), broken family, child abandonment (past, mentioned), drug use / addiction (parent, past, mentioned including cocaine use), overdose (sibling, mentioned), sibling struggling with addiction (mentioned), driving under the influence of cocaine with an infant present (parent, past, recounted), selling of drugs (mentioned), brutal beating (among secondary characters, on page and later mentioned), murder of a parent and subsequent investigation (on page and mentioned), FMC has anxiety and anxiety induced paranoia, murder (of a secondary character, past, recounted), animal abandonment (past, mentioned), financial insecurity, paranormal activity (mentioned / speculation), parent in a long-term care facility (mentioned), light stalking (by the MMC), lewd comments (secondary character to the FMC), nightmares including where the FMC is being attacked with a knife, alcohol consumption, physical violence (past, recounted towards a secondary character), MMC shares prescription anxiety meds with FMC (these are taken after having drank alcohol), drugs, cybercrime, bribery, illegal surveillance (mentioned in passing), vomiting, poisoning of the FMC, knife violence, blood, gun violence, hospital setting, various crimes (mentioned), stalking
CW - toys (seen on page / mentioned, not used), piquerism (knife play with cutting and fantasised), hand necklace, restraints, somnophilia
Tropes - dark academia, teacher student, nanny, single dad, forced proximity, secret society (sub plot), obsessed, possessive, found family, halloween
Representation - bi rep, mental health
This was a fun read and I enjoyed following the characters in this story. Quinn (FMC) falls into Jack's (MMC) lap and the seem to hit it off straight away. They both have to navigate the weird things happening on campus and get to the bottom of it before someone gets hurt.
I thought there was a good balance of mystery, plot and romance. I didn't feel like I was being strung along at any point. The twist had me shocked and running into Genna's DMs 💀.
And ofc, as a Genna Black book, the smut was smutting. This isn't as dark / psychotic as Genna's previous books but I still enjoyed it all the same
I was paid to provide a breakdown of the TW/CW of this book
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - various topics, including homicide, blood and gore, are mentioned or discussed as the FMC majors in forensic psychology, death by car accident (secondary characters, mentioned), death under mysterious circumstance (ruled a suicide, secondary character, mentioned), death of a parent (mentioned / alluded to), missing persons (secondary character, mentioned), terminally ill parent (father, pancreatic, mentioned), dying parent (mother, mentioned), broken family, child abandonment (past, mentioned), drug use / addiction (parent, past, mentioned including cocaine use), overdose (sibling, mentioned), sibling struggling with addiction (mentioned), driving under the influence of cocaine with an infant present (parent, past, recounted), selling of drugs (mentioned), brutal beating (among secondary characters, on page and later mentioned), murder of a parent and subsequent investigation (on page and mentioned), FMC has anxiety and anxiety induced paranoia, murder (of a secondary character, past, recounted), animal abandonment (past, mentioned), financial insecurity, paranormal activity (mentioned / speculation), parent in a long-term care facility (mentioned), light stalking (by the MMC), lewd comments (secondary character to the FMC), nightmares including where the FMC is being attacked with a knife, alcohol consumption, physical violence (past, recounted towards a secondary character), MMC shares prescription anxiety meds with FMC (these are taken after having drank alcohol), drugs, cybercrime, bribery, illegal surveillance (mentioned in passing), vomiting, poisoning of the FMC, knife violence, blood, gun violence, hospital setting, various crimes (mentioned), stalking
CW - toys (seen on page / mentioned, not used), piquerism (knife play with cutting and fantasised), hand necklace, restraints, somnophilia
Tropes - dark academia, teacher student, nanny, single dad, forced proximity, secret society (sub plot), obsessed, possessive, found family, halloween
Representation - bi rep, mental health
This was a fun read and I enjoyed following the characters in this story. Quinn (FMC) falls into Jack's (MMC) lap and the seem to hit it off straight away. They both have to navigate the weird things happening on campus and get to the bottom of it before someone gets hurt.
I thought there was a good balance of mystery, plot and romance. I didn't feel like I was being strung along at any point. The twist had me shocked and running into Genna's DMs 💀.
And ofc, as a Genna Black book, the smut was smutting. This isn't as dark / psychotic as Genna's previous books but I still enjoyed it all the same
I was paid to provide a breakdown of the TW/CW of this book
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List
October 31, 2024
Ok I’m confused. Was this supposed to be a romance, professor X student?
I’m just a little confused on where “The Assembly” fits into this story. There’s not much back story into who, what, when, where, why, or how is “The Assembly”. This book was a good professor X student vibe. I felt that Jack and Quinn’s meeting was on par, but the longing for each other wasn’t immediate or strong. I mean it kind of made sense when Quinn revealed herself and her past as to why it didn’t feel like they had much attraction.
It wasn’t until chapter thirty when we finally get something about “The Assembly”. Too bad it was short lived. I need more. Sure it’s Jack and Quinn’s story but if this group is supposed to be part of their life somehow I think we need more.
Chapter 34 finally something exciting, but it’s short lived. Maybe we will get more info in book 2? I feel like this was a sprinkle of The Ritual by Shantel Tessier in the sense that they both had a hush hush group in the school scene. But this was just solely focused on Jack and Quinn’s relationship. If this was the case why bring in this assembly piece and not give much info.
Was the epilogue necessary?
I’m just a little confused on where “The Assembly” fits into this story. There’s not much back story into who, what, when, where, why, or how is “The Assembly”. This book was a good professor X student vibe. I felt that Jack and Quinn’s meeting was on par, but the longing for each other wasn’t immediate or strong. I mean it kind of made sense when Quinn revealed herself and her past as to why it didn’t feel like they had much attraction.
It wasn’t until chapter thirty when we finally get something about “The Assembly”. Too bad it was short lived. I need more. Sure it’s Jack and Quinn’s story but if this group is supposed to be part of their life somehow I think we need more.
Chapter 34 finally something exciting, but it’s short lived. Maybe we will get more info in book 2? I feel like this was a sprinkle of The Ritual by Shantel Tessier in the sense that they both had a hush hush group in the school scene. But this was just solely focused on Jack and Quinn’s relationship. If this was the case why bring in this assembly piece and not give much info.
Was the epilogue necessary?
October 18, 2024
Thank you, Genna Black, for sending me an ARC of Whatever Whispers— my very first!
This is the first book in a while that had me staying up late, insisting on just one more chapter. It delivers on all my favorite tropes, which feels especially perfect for spooky season:
🔪 dark academia
🖤 professor/student
🔪 dark romance with a fluffy side
🖤 slow burn
🔪 secret society
🖤 single dad/nanny
This book leans more dark academia than dark romance (again, it was fluffy in the best way), with Quinn as a forensic psychology student living in a creepy, potentially haunted dorm room, at a university full of whispered rumors about her dad’s involvement in a secret society. While juggling school, her nannying job, and her quirky dog, she falls into Professor Jack Hollis’ lap… literally.
The slow-burn romance between Quinn and Jack is full of witty, charming moments that made their connection impossible not to root for. Genna Black does a fantastic job of developing their chemistry while keeping the story engaging and the tension building.
My only complaint is that I wish it was longer— I would have loved more time to delve into the complexities of the secret society and see more of Quinn and Jack’s life together. Still, if you're looking for a cute, spooky read, I highly recommend it— out October 22nd!
Rating: 4.5 stars (rounded up)
This is the first book in a while that had me staying up late, insisting on just one more chapter. It delivers on all my favorite tropes, which feels especially perfect for spooky season:
🔪 dark academia
🖤 professor/student
🔪 dark romance with a fluffy side
🖤 slow burn
🔪 secret society
🖤 single dad/nanny
This book leans more dark academia than dark romance (again, it was fluffy in the best way), with Quinn as a forensic psychology student living in a creepy, potentially haunted dorm room, at a university full of whispered rumors about her dad’s involvement in a secret society. While juggling school, her nannying job, and her quirky dog, she falls into Professor Jack Hollis’ lap… literally.
The slow-burn romance between Quinn and Jack is full of witty, charming moments that made their connection impossible not to root for. Genna Black does a fantastic job of developing their chemistry while keeping the story engaging and the tension building.
My only complaint is that I wish it was longer— I would have loved more time to delve into the complexities of the secret society and see more of Quinn and Jack’s life together. Still, if you're looking for a cute, spooky read, I highly recommend it— out October 22nd!
Rating: 4.5 stars (rounded up)
October 15, 2024
Whatever Whispers- Genna Black
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Is there such thing as a fluffy dark romance? If there is, that’s what I’d call this. There are definitely dark undertones, like with the secret society, but we don’t get into the intricacies of the secret society so, honestly for the most part, I didn’t feel like this was too dark. Maybe I’m just desensitized. I do hope we get more in depth info about the secret society in future books in the series though.
The timing in this book was crazy. I mean, it is a slow burn, and by the time we got to the spice it felt like a year had passed since we started, but it’s only a 250 page book. It’s not very long, so there was a lot of story and build up up to that point. And our man Jack is such a golden retriever and the best girl dad, then he takes a turn I did not expect! 🤭
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Is there such thing as a fluffy dark romance? If there is, that’s what I’d call this. There are definitely dark undertones, like with the secret society, but we don’t get into the intricacies of the secret society so, honestly for the most part, I didn’t feel like this was too dark. Maybe I’m just desensitized. I do hope we get more in depth info about the secret society in future books in the series though.
The timing in this book was crazy. I mean, it is a slow burn, and by the time we got to the spice it felt like a year had passed since we started, but it’s only a 250 page book. It’s not very long, so there was a lot of story and build up up to that point. And our man Jack is such a golden retriever and the best girl dad, then he takes a turn I did not expect! 🤭
October 23, 2024
So far every book Genna wrote was pure gold. And when I heard she was writing a dark academia book, I couldn't wait to start reading! And my oh my, this book did not disappoint. This book gave me the creeps (in a good way!), it made me laugh out loud and it made me swoon.
As always from what I've read so far by Genna her writingstyle is amazing, it's fast paced and keeps the reader glued to the pages. I started it and right from the first chapter I was hooked, the twists and turns she put in the book were spot on and the spicy scenes were just perfection. I loved it that while you read you know you are working up to something and you keep on wondering what it's gonna be. There were things I did not expect and I can't wait to see how that will turn out in the next book!
Genna Black thank you so much for the ARC to read and review.
As always from what I've read so far by Genna her writingstyle is amazing, it's fast paced and keeps the reader glued to the pages. I started it and right from the first chapter I was hooked, the twists and turns she put in the book were spot on and the spicy scenes were just perfection. I loved it that while you read you know you are working up to something and you keep on wondering what it's gonna be. There were things I did not expect and I can't wait to see how that will turn out in the next book!
Genna Black thank you so much for the ARC to read and review.
October 22, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5
Author Genna Black knows how to build a story well. “Whatever Whispers” transitions flawlessly into something darker as readers are pulled into a professor/student/single dad/nanny situation. The mysterious “assembly” involving Quinn and the suspenseful moments I eagerly awaited throughout the chapters made me want to know what would happen next.
Genna Black’s talent for perfectly timed humor, steamy scenes, and romantically sweet moments are well done in “Whatever Whispers.” Jack is the ultimate guy. I enjoyed the story. It was a relatively quick read, and I look forward to Book 2.
Author Genna Black knows how to build a story well. “Whatever Whispers” transitions flawlessly into something darker as readers are pulled into a professor/student/single dad/nanny situation. The mysterious “assembly” involving Quinn and the suspenseful moments I eagerly awaited throughout the chapters made me want to know what would happen next.
Genna Black’s talent for perfectly timed humor, steamy scenes, and romantically sweet moments are well done in “Whatever Whispers.” Jack is the ultimate guy. I enjoyed the story. It was a relatively quick read, and I look forward to Book 2.
December 31, 2024
I loved it. Jacks inner monologues made the book for me. He is hilarious.
I loved the tension and mutual attraction but wanting to be respectful of each other. So good!
“I don’t remember any part of anything we talked about aside from let me feed you because apparently I’m a caveman now and hey, be my nanny.” - Jack
I loved the tension and mutual attraction but wanting to be respectful of each other. So good!
“I don’t remember any part of anything we talked about aside from let me feed you because apparently I’m a caveman now and hey, be my nanny.” - Jack
October 22, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for a fluffy and spooky read, then this one is for you. Whatever Whispers starts right off with an eerie and intense scene that had me hooked. I loved the plot line and how well the romance was written with the suspense. We get sweet and spicy moments between Quinn and Jack but also shocking twists that will have you turning the pages.
✨Quinn is a forensic psychology student and we get all of the dark aesthetic vibes between her school, thoughts, and haunted dorm. Within her school there are rumors and secrets about her dad being involved with a secret society. She tries to navigate her life around them and stay busy. It just so happens that the perfect job falls into her lap. She becomes a nanny for one of her professors, Jack Hollis.
✨Quinn and Jack both hold their own secrets. Their attraction to each other being one of them. A student is definitely forbidden for a professor. But with the nanny job comes the close proximity. This one is a slow burnnn. Once it starts to sizzle it is spicy.
Whatever Whispers has:
🖤 Dark academia
🕷️ Professor X student
🕯️ Single dad X nanny
🤍 Suspense
☠️ Spice
🖤 Slow burn
It releases today!!
Ps, check TW for this one.
Thank you @authorgennablack for the ARC! 🫶🏼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for a fluffy and spooky read, then this one is for you. Whatever Whispers starts right off with an eerie and intense scene that had me hooked. I loved the plot line and how well the romance was written with the suspense. We get sweet and spicy moments between Quinn and Jack but also shocking twists that will have you turning the pages.
✨Quinn is a forensic psychology student and we get all of the dark aesthetic vibes between her school, thoughts, and haunted dorm. Within her school there are rumors and secrets about her dad being involved with a secret society. She tries to navigate her life around them and stay busy. It just so happens that the perfect job falls into her lap. She becomes a nanny for one of her professors, Jack Hollis.
✨Quinn and Jack both hold their own secrets. Their attraction to each other being one of them. A student is definitely forbidden for a professor. But with the nanny job comes the close proximity. This one is a slow burnnn. Once it starts to sizzle it is spicy.
Whatever Whispers has:
🖤 Dark academia
🕷️ Professor X student
🕯️ Single dad X nanny
🤍 Suspense
☠️ Spice
🖤 Slow burn
It releases today!!
Ps, check TW for this one.
Thank you @authorgennablack for the ARC! 🫶🏼
October 17, 2024
I read this in one day and to say this is an incredible book would be an understatement. This was everything and more. When I got sent this arc I was so excited and it really gave me the autumnal vibes that I was looking for going into this book . It had the perfect amount of spice and it really dived into the characters backstories and allowed me to understand a lot more . Also the twists and runs in this book really allowed me to keep on reading until the book finished . I loved the dark academia aspect of this book and the teacher x student trope because I believe that Genna really did it justice and it was done beautifully . Also the cuteness of their little family really warmed my heart . Jack and Quinn were honestly so suited for each other and you were able to see how much they truly understood one another . I can’t wait for everyone to read this book and experience what I did because it was an awesome book that I am honestly eager to see what the second book in this series will be about 😏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I would recommend this if you want a spicy dark academia book with the teacher x student trope that will give you all of the spooky autumnal vibes 🎃🍁🍂
Make sure to grab your copy in the 22nd of October 🤭❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I would recommend this if you want a spicy dark academia book with the teacher x student trope that will give you all of the spooky autumnal vibes 🎃🍁🍂
Make sure to grab your copy in the 22nd of October 🤭❤️
October 16, 2024
ARC review 🖤
5⭐
3🌶️
🔪 Age gap
🫦 Professor x Student
🔪 Single dad x Nanny
🫦 Dark academia
🔪 Secret society
🫦 🩸 & 🔪 play
🔪 Marking
🫦 ...and more
When you are a college student, loose a family member, get fired from your job, stumble over hot stranger because your furry fluffball decides you need some help with dating, ruin his sandwitch, then get offered a job by said stranger nannying his sweetest little baby girl, what could go wrong?
Nothing right?
Right?
Screams I screamed, laughs I laughed, cries I cried, giggles I giggled... I am still in loss of words after this masterpiece! 🛐
Jack, the delulu posessive man he is, absolutely stole my heart and made his way to my top5 bookboyfriend list 🫦 he can mark me any day 🔪
Quinn, the bratty little woman she is, made me feel like it is okay to be like I am. She is me, I am her. I feel valued, I feel okay. 🖤
And if this book teached me something, it is to listen my damn instincts. I should have learned my lesson way before, but I haven't. And if im honest, I propably still didn't...
OH well, makes it more entertaining to anyone who gets my rants of them 🫣
And as always, check your trigger and content warnings, stay safe and happy reading 🖤
5⭐
3🌶️
🔪 Age gap
🫦 Professor x Student
🔪 Single dad x Nanny
🫦 Dark academia
🔪 Secret society
🫦 🩸 & 🔪 play
🔪 Marking
🫦 ...and more
When you are a college student, loose a family member, get fired from your job, stumble over hot stranger because your furry fluffball decides you need some help with dating, ruin his sandwitch, then get offered a job by said stranger nannying his sweetest little baby girl, what could go wrong?
Nothing right?
Right?
Screams I screamed, laughs I laughed, cries I cried, giggles I giggled... I am still in loss of words after this masterpiece! 🛐
Jack, the delulu posessive man he is, absolutely stole my heart and made his way to my top5 bookboyfriend list 🫦 he can mark me any day 🔪
Quinn, the bratty little woman she is, made me feel like it is okay to be like I am. She is me, I am her. I feel valued, I feel okay. 🖤
And if this book teached me something, it is to listen my damn instincts. I should have learned my lesson way before, but I haven't. And if im honest, I propably still didn't...
OH well, makes it more entertaining to anyone who gets my rants of them 🫣
And as always, check your trigger and content warnings, stay safe and happy reading 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2024
Professor/student and single dady/nanny. Say less.
Quinn is the daughter of the president of her college who is also part of this super secret dark society. She wants nothing to do with him or this society and he is trying to warn her...ominous much? But as soon as he tries to leave The Assembly, he dies 👀
In the midst of this, Quinn loses her nanny job and ends up in a meet cute situation thanks to her dog and falls into Jack's lap, literally. And he needs a nanny for his daughter.
A little bit of danger, stalking, flirting, banter, forced proximity. Aka all the good things. But what really got me was the plot twists that came at the end of the book! I can't wait to read what happens next because it's going to be intense.
Quinn is the daughter of the president of her college who is also part of this super secret dark society. She wants nothing to do with him or this society and he is trying to warn her...ominous much? But as soon as he tries to leave The Assembly, he dies 👀
In the midst of this, Quinn loses her nanny job and ends up in a meet cute situation thanks to her dog and falls into Jack's lap, literally. And he needs a nanny for his daughter.
A little bit of danger, stalking, flirting, banter, forced proximity. Aka all the good things. But what really got me was the plot twists that came at the end of the book! I can't wait to read what happens next because it's going to be intense.
October 16, 2024
3.5 stars 🤍
I really enjoyed this book! The mix of dark academia and the single dad/nanny, professor/student tropes made for an interesting setting. The characters are adorable, and the chemistry between the leads is fantastic. I loved how their romance developed slowly, with plenty of witty banter along the way.
However, I was hoping for more of the spooky elements and darkness that the tropes suggested. It felt a bit light in that regard. Overall, though, it’s a good read with amazing writing and lovable characters. Just wanted a touch more of the eerie vibe!
(ARC REVIEW)
THANKS FOR THE ARC 💕
I really enjoyed this book! The mix of dark academia and the single dad/nanny, professor/student tropes made for an interesting setting. The characters are adorable, and the chemistry between the leads is fantastic. I loved how their romance developed slowly, with plenty of witty banter along the way.
However, I was hoping for more of the spooky elements and darkness that the tropes suggested. It felt a bit light in that regard. Overall, though, it’s a good read with amazing writing and lovable characters. Just wanted a touch more of the eerie vibe!
(ARC REVIEW)
THANKS FOR THE ARC 💕
October 21, 2024
3.5
Thank you to Genna Black for providing me with an ARC on this new dark academia, professor/student forbidden romance.
We follow the story of Quinn who is on the verge of graduating, coming into her inheritance and finally being free of her father’s clutches. A man who is the dean of the college she’s at, and also tied into a secret deadly society. When he’s out of the picture, those looking to uncover his secrets turn to her. Luckily for Quinn, she takes on a new nanny position with her possessive professor who doesn’t like having what’s his touched.
This was a fun read that had a little bit of mystery & betrayal involved. Heavy on the romance 🌹It’s a dual POV which I’m thankful for because I was able to read all of the unhinged thoughts of Professor Hollis.
Thank you to Genna Black for providing me with an ARC on this new dark academia, professor/student forbidden romance.
We follow the story of Quinn who is on the verge of graduating, coming into her inheritance and finally being free of her father’s clutches. A man who is the dean of the college she’s at, and also tied into a secret deadly society. When he’s out of the picture, those looking to uncover his secrets turn to her. Luckily for Quinn, she takes on a new nanny position with her possessive professor who doesn’t like having what’s his touched.
This was a fun read that had a little bit of mystery & betrayal involved. Heavy on the romance 🌹It’s a dual POV which I’m thankful for because I was able to read all of the unhinged thoughts of Professor Hollis.
October 27, 2024
Thank you Genna for the ARC!
This book was so much fun! Teacher x student AND single dad x nanny? Spectacular, give me 14 of them right now!
Despite the plot being fairly predictable and feeling like the pace of story was not making much sense (to me!!!) at times, I truly did have a really good time reading this. So much so that I quite literally flew through it because I did not want to put it down. It was a very easy read and Quinn and Jack, along with Sienna and Kronk, were just adorable. And, if I was not already before, that ending left me very intrigued for Ezra’s story!
This book was so much fun! Teacher x student AND single dad x nanny? Spectacular, give me 14 of them right now!
Despite the plot being fairly predictable and feeling like the pace of story was not making much sense (to me!!!) at times, I truly did have a really good time reading this. So much so that I quite literally flew through it because I did not want to put it down. It was a very easy read and Quinn and Jack, along with Sienna and Kronk, were just adorable. And, if I was not already before, that ending left me very intrigued for Ezra’s story!
October 17, 2024
A cosy, dark academia read with Halloween vibes!
Thank you so much for the ARC! Giving this 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book and the characters, as well as the setting. Excited to read the next one when it's out to get more of the story too.
What to expect:
- teacher x student
- nanny & single dad
- he falls first
- secret society
- a goofy, loveable dog named Kronk
- slow burn
- steamy romance
- suspense and action
One thing I would have loved to read more of would be more of the forbidden aspect of teacher and student romance!
Thank you so much for the ARC! Giving this 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book and the characters, as well as the setting. Excited to read the next one when it's out to get more of the story too.
What to expect:
- teacher x student
- nanny & single dad
- he falls first
- secret society
- a goofy, loveable dog named Kronk
- slow burn
- steamy romance
- suspense and action
One thing I would have loved to read more of would be more of the forbidden aspect of teacher and student romance!
March 20, 2025
I am confusion. First 30 to 40 % = chef's kiss. Everything else = huh? Plus the second plot twist was soooo expected and unnecessary.
October 22, 2024
this was a really fun read. the tension was written so well, and there was real chemistry between our MCs.
I love the single dad trope, and I love when children are written into books this way where the relationship is sweet but without there being any cringeworthy moments, this was exactly that.
Kronk is my spirit animal.
I’d probably class this as a dark romcom, and I would have loved to see more of the secret society element but this may be explored more in future books - I’m excited to see what happens next!
thank you to the author for the arc!
I love the single dad trope, and I love when children are written into books this way where the relationship is sweet but without there being any cringeworthy moments, this was exactly that.
Kronk is my spirit animal.
I’d probably class this as a dark romcom, and I would have loved to see more of the secret society element but this may be explored more in future books - I’m excited to see what happens next!
thank you to the author for the arc!
November 10, 2024
“Everything about her feels like too much too soon, particularly the certainty I felt the moment she fell into my lap. The certainty roared through the rush of blood in my ears: mine.”
One more chapter is what I kept telling myself, until I finished this book in one sitting. Genna Black hooked me once again right from the start.
Quinn Ivers is a college student studying forensic psychology and is also a nanny. She goes to a university that is full of whispered rumors about her father’s death and involvement in a secret society. While walking her dog she literally falls into the lap of Professor Jack Hollis, who so happens to need a nanny. They immediately have a connection and Jack offers Quinn a job. Strange things start happening around campus and Quinn seems to be the target. Jack becomes very protective and has Quinn move into his house. The close proximity starts to blur the lines and they start to fall hard. Can Jack protect Quinn from the society?
Whatever Whispers is a dark academia romance with loads of witty banter between Jack and Quinn. Quinn’s quirky dog and Jack’s daughter elevated all of the sweet moments. I loved the development of their relationship. The chemistry between them was hot. This slow burn left me panting for these two. Genna did an amazing job on the suspense and the plot twist. I’m always excited to see what Genna has in store next. Especially in this dark academia world. Bring on the secrets. I’m dying to know more.
Tropes: dark academia, single dad/nanny, professor/student, slow burn, secret society, age gap.
Thank you so much Genna for the ARC!
One more chapter is what I kept telling myself, until I finished this book in one sitting. Genna Black hooked me once again right from the start.
Quinn Ivers is a college student studying forensic psychology and is also a nanny. She goes to a university that is full of whispered rumors about her father’s death and involvement in a secret society. While walking her dog she literally falls into the lap of Professor Jack Hollis, who so happens to need a nanny. They immediately have a connection and Jack offers Quinn a job. Strange things start happening around campus and Quinn seems to be the target. Jack becomes very protective and has Quinn move into his house. The close proximity starts to blur the lines and they start to fall hard. Can Jack protect Quinn from the society?
Whatever Whispers is a dark academia romance with loads of witty banter between Jack and Quinn. Quinn’s quirky dog and Jack’s daughter elevated all of the sweet moments. I loved the development of their relationship. The chemistry between them was hot. This slow burn left me panting for these two. Genna did an amazing job on the suspense and the plot twist. I’m always excited to see what Genna has in store next. Especially in this dark academia world. Bring on the secrets. I’m dying to know more.
Tropes: dark academia, single dad/nanny, professor/student, slow burn, secret society, age gap.
Thank you so much Genna for the ARC!
October 22, 2024
I haven't read a book by Genna that I haven't liked and that isn't changing anytime soon. I've recently discovered that I enjoy dark academia books and I was excited to read this one when she started teasing it. This one isn't as dark as ones I've previously read but I still ate it up.
The chemistry between Jack & Quinn was there from the beginning and I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance, and the way Quinn just fit into Jack & Sienna's lives so seamlessly.
Also Chapter 34! I'm sorry what was that? I thought we had already learned the plot twist but I didn't see that coming.
The chemistry between Jack & Quinn was there from the beginning and I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance, and the way Quinn just fit into Jack & Sienna's lives so seamlessly.
Also Chapter 34! I'm sorry what was that? I thought we had already learned the plot twist but I didn't see that coming.
October 27, 2024
Thank you Genna Black for the ARC! I’m so excited to be able to give my thoughts on this book.
Trigger or content warning? Yes. Included in book.
Details?
FMC’s name is Quinn Ivor and she is 22 years old. She is full time student who also nannies.
MMC’s name is Jack Hollis. His age is not outright included, but it is estimated that he is 32-34 years old. He has a daughter who he adopted (she is biologically his sisters and she didn’t want the baby). He works as a professor at the university.
Birth control is not really discussed, and the first time that they have sex they also do not use protection.
Quinn spent the majority of her life being attracted to women, and Jack is the first man she’s had enough sexual interest in to sleep with. She is not a virgin. Jack is not a virgin.
Brief mentions of past partners.
My thoughts?
There were two relationship tropes in this one, professor and student while also being a single dad and the nanny. It made for an interesting combination but I was left with questions at the end. Which I think was the intended purpose.
While I think that Quinn’s natural maternal instincts took over with Sienna (Jack’s daughter) and bloomed under his romantic attention it made me worried about Quinn’s future. While she was given the stability of a home within Jack and Sienna’s adoration I wondered when it would limit her potential. Jack already has a job and has set down roots in the town that Quinn grew up resenting, making it difficult for her original plans to leave. This wasn’t discussed but it stuck in my head after I finished the book. Jack’s kink was a constant theme of thought for him, he was usually admiring Quinn’s skin and how he would love to “mark her” but it was not featured in the majority of the book and was only introduced after a traumatic event took place. Which also leads me to- what do you mean Quinn and Jack got hot and heavy after she was hurt????? While I can grasp chemistry and how it can be important to a relationship, I also strongly believe in affection not being solely tied to sex. So when Quinn was hurt I was expecting some comfort cooking and then some comfort cuddling on the couch..*not* getting hot and heavy. Especially from a grown ass man who should know better.
At some points it just had me worried about Quinn? Maybe its the older sister instincts I have, but the idea of a 22 year old entering a relationship with a 32-34 year old man who has established his life felt like stability and a prison at the same time. She has these maternal instincts that makes her good with kids, but I was also so aware that it felt like a ready-made Mom whenever they interacted.
I really had no clue who or what was going to happen leading up to the end, and I knew that it was ramping up into something but I wasn’t pushing my brain into examining every detail. It left me surprised and I really enjoyed that. Quinn and Sienna’s bond was incredibly sweet to read about, and I found Quinn’s love for children to be a testament for how different she is from her parents (thank goodness for that).
I’m really interested to see how Jack and Quinn’s relationship shows up, and is tested in the next book in the series. It’ll definitely be an interesting read.
Trigger or content warning? Yes. Included in book.
Details?
FMC’s name is Quinn Ivor and she is 22 years old. She is full time student who also nannies.
MMC’s name is Jack Hollis. His age is not outright included, but it is estimated that he is 32-34 years old. He has a daughter who he adopted (she is biologically his sisters and she didn’t want the baby). He works as a professor at the university.
Birth control is not really discussed, and the first time that they have sex they also do not use protection.
Quinn spent the majority of her life being attracted to women, and Jack is the first man she’s had enough sexual interest in to sleep with. She is not a virgin. Jack is not a virgin.
Brief mentions of past partners.
My thoughts?
There were two relationship tropes in this one, professor and student while also being a single dad and the nanny. It made for an interesting combination but I was left with questions at the end. Which I think was the intended purpose.
While I think that Quinn’s natural maternal instincts took over with Sienna (Jack’s daughter) and bloomed under his romantic attention it made me worried about Quinn’s future. While she was given the stability of a home within Jack and Sienna’s adoration I wondered when it would limit her potential. Jack already has a job and has set down roots in the town that Quinn grew up resenting, making it difficult for her original plans to leave. This wasn’t discussed but it stuck in my head after I finished the book. Jack’s kink was a constant theme of thought for him, he was usually admiring Quinn’s skin and how he would love to “mark her” but it was not featured in the majority of the book and was only introduced after a traumatic event took place. Which also leads me to- what do you mean Quinn and Jack got hot and heavy after she was hurt????? While I can grasp chemistry and how it can be important to a relationship, I also strongly believe in affection not being solely tied to sex. So when Quinn was hurt I was expecting some comfort cooking and then some comfort cuddling on the couch..*not* getting hot and heavy. Especially from a grown ass man who should know better.
At some points it just had me worried about Quinn? Maybe its the older sister instincts I have, but the idea of a 22 year old entering a relationship with a 32-34 year old man who has established his life felt like stability and a prison at the same time. She has these maternal instincts that makes her good with kids, but I was also so aware that it felt like a ready-made Mom whenever they interacted.
I really had no clue who or what was going to happen leading up to the end, and I knew that it was ramping up into something but I wasn’t pushing my brain into examining every detail. It left me surprised and I really enjoyed that. Quinn and Sienna’s bond was incredibly sweet to read about, and I found Quinn’s love for children to be a testament for how different she is from her parents (thank goodness for that).
I’m really interested to see how Jack and Quinn’s relationship shows up, and is tested in the next book in the series. It’ll definitely be an interesting read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2024
Okay, so it’s a little slow to get into. I really loved the psychological aspect of this. The insight of the working criminal mind was fascinating, especially with the unclear paranormal vibe this books gives off.
It has a dark ominous tone, while also feeling charming and witty. I enjoyed this read, up until about 80% when the plot just happens to resolves itself in just a few pages. It felt rushed, and I found myself saying “that’s it.” I wanted SO much more.
Age gap
Single Parent/nanny
Secret society
Slow burn
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
It has a dark ominous tone, while also feeling charming and witty. I enjoyed this read, up until about 80% when the plot just happens to resolves itself in just a few pages. It felt rushed, and I found myself saying “that’s it.” I wanted SO much more.
Age gap
Single Parent/nanny
Secret society
Slow burn
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 4, 2024
starts with a promising plot and ends with tons of filler and random revelations.
October 17, 2024
Genre: New Adult / Adult Dark Academia Romance
Tropes: forced proximity, single dad x nanny, professor x student, age gap, suspense / mystery vibes, dangerous secret society, adorable baby girl, anti-social cat & doofus german shepherd, gentleman in the streets & freak in the sheets, bi-FMC that has little experience with men
Kink: knife play / marking, bondage, very light power play
Spoiler-free Summary:
Quinn is absolutely certain that the secret society that rules her town behind the scenes killed her father, and while she’s not sorry he’s dead, it has made her paranoid. To complicate things, her growing feelings for her employer (who is also her professor) is making it incredibly hard to keep professional, especially when the tension burns both ways.
Thoughts:
Whatever Whispers is what could be best described as cozy-dark, making it a perfect read for spooky season! It brings the heat, the romantic swoonies, and a teensy chill down your spine that keeps you hooked.
Quinn and Jack’s story is a slow-burn, delicious, fighting-the-inevitable situation. I adored their chemistry from the moment Quinn fell into Jack’s lap, literally. I really enjoyed their friendship and banter, all while getting to experience their tortured inner dialogue.
The side characters were phenomenal. I really enjoyed Jack’s daughter, Sienna, as well as his grumpy cat and Quinn’s goofy German shepherd. It was so sweet to see Jack falling for Quinn while Quinn fell in love with his daughter.
The secret society / murder mystery side plot took me on so many twists and turns, and I really enjoyed the final reveals. This book set up for some very interesting things to come in other books within the same town!
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, spicy read for Spooky Season, this is a wonderful choice!
***
The only thing that prevented me from giving this five stars is the underdeveloped forbidden aspect — the best part of a student x professor relationship (imo) is the tension and taboo of the forbidden. I felt this book was a little too lighthearted in this regard.
Tropes: forced proximity, single dad x nanny, professor x student, age gap, suspense / mystery vibes, dangerous secret society, adorable baby girl, anti-social cat & doofus german shepherd, gentleman in the streets & freak in the sheets, bi-FMC that has little experience with men
Kink: knife play / marking, bondage, very light power play
Spoiler-free Summary:
Quinn is absolutely certain that the secret society that rules her town behind the scenes killed her father, and while she’s not sorry he’s dead, it has made her paranoid. To complicate things, her growing feelings for her employer (who is also her professor) is making it incredibly hard to keep professional, especially when the tension burns both ways.
Thoughts:
Whatever Whispers is what could be best described as cozy-dark, making it a perfect read for spooky season! It brings the heat, the romantic swoonies, and a teensy chill down your spine that keeps you hooked.
Quinn and Jack’s story is a slow-burn, delicious, fighting-the-inevitable situation. I adored their chemistry from the moment Quinn fell into Jack’s lap, literally. I really enjoyed their friendship and banter, all while getting to experience their tortured inner dialogue.
The side characters were phenomenal. I really enjoyed Jack’s daughter, Sienna, as well as his grumpy cat and Quinn’s goofy German shepherd. It was so sweet to see Jack falling for Quinn while Quinn fell in love with his daughter.
The secret society / murder mystery side plot took me on so many twists and turns, and I really enjoyed the final reveals. This book set up for some very interesting things to come in other books within the same town!
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, spicy read for Spooky Season, this is a wonderful choice!
***
The only thing that prevented me from giving this five stars is the underdeveloped forbidden aspect — the best part of a student x professor relationship (imo) is the tension and taboo of the forbidden. I felt this book was a little too lighthearted in this regard.
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