Ambrose

by Kate Kimbrell

Dark Romance, Dark Academia, Secret Societies, Professor/Student, Age Gap

Ambrose is a standalone dark romance from Kate Kimbrell, the author of the tragic Vampyre Trilogy.

Vivian Blackfield comes to the elite Oakwood University for one thing and one thing only: to escape her controlling parents. What she finds instead is the haughty literature professor, Dr. Ambrose Wilder.

Ambrose is alluring, captivating, and addictive, and despite every moral fiber in her being telling her to, Vivian can’t stay away from him.

But if there’s one thing Oakwood University is good at, it’s keeping its secrets under wraps.

And no one on campus is safe.

Not even teacher’s favorite.

Genres: Dark Academia, Gothic

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2024

About the author

Kate has been in love with love as long as she can remember. She grew up running barefoot through the Ohio Valley forests, dancing around drum circles steeped in magic, and waiting for an angsty vampire to steal her away. Spoiler alert: he never did. A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, Kate lives and breathes romance of all kinds—and the spicier, the better. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, 3 kids, fat cat, and chocolate lab. When she isn’t writing (amongst the chaos of it all), she’s reading—of course, dancing ballet and/or hip hop, working on her PhD in Literature, and probably drinking too much coffee.

Reviews

[Jolanta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some things aren‘t entirely clicking. Like romance. Some things are too superficial.

[xi · Rating 2 out of 5]

[dnf @ 43%] i could not for the life of me find the chemistry between these main characters. reading this feels like watching a paint to dry

[Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't decide if I liked this more than Kate's vampyre books. They're all so good.
Loved this, Kate!

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ambrose – A Real Time Review

1. I found out about this book on TikTok. Kate Kimbrell popped up on my FYP with a video about this book, so I creeped her page. Saw some artwork. Noticed Ambrose looks like my man Adam Douglas Driver. Bought this book expeditiously. Then I bought her two other ones, but those are for a different review.

2. Ambrose is DREAMY. Full of tattoos, educated, a smooth talker….oh man. I need him in my life. I NEED HIM. Plus he’s fiercely protective of Viv. My husband and I were talking about how we should have had a son and named him Sterling Ambrose. That’s such a regal ass name. Ambrose is such a good name.

3. Re : Secret Society. (I’m typing this part out as I start Chapter 20)
I fucking knew Walter Jr (My mind keeps imagining Walt Jr from Breaking Bad lol) was part of the society. I knew Ambrose was part of it. I didn’t expect the ring thing, that threw me off, but I like to see how Ambrose struggles with his past and that ring. Or does he? Is it all an act to lure Viv to her slaughter? We shall see.

3A. Well I was wrong. My dude came in there guns a’blazing – literally. It reminded me of a scene I read in a Star Wars / Handmaid’s Tale fanfic called Little Bird. Oh I loved it.

I really liked this book. I can’t wait to read more of Kate’s work.

[Cecil Reads - anotherbookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,75 stars🖤
I had some issues with this book - but I still enjoyed it-ish.

If this is your type of genre you’ll probably love it!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age gap
Student professor
Dark academia
Virgin FMc
Secret society

Phenomenal! This set the bar so freaking high. This was a mid century academia romance but in modern times. Ambrose is a tweed jacket wearing, chain smoking Shakespeare professor who falls in love with his student. The FMc is being targeted by a secret society tha Ambrose is a part of and they both have to find a way to keep her safe while dismantling it. This is only told in the FMcs POV, it’s spicy with the BEST scenes 🥰 so swoony and honestly a masterpiece! The way Kate writes is so “classic” her writing is so intentional and you can’t help but lose yourself within the pages

[Casey Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Your mental health is important. Please do be advised of content warnings and keep yourself aware of and safe from any triggers you may have.

As a born and raised Vermonter whose favorite time of year is when the leaves turn in autumn, with a soft spot for Shakespeare, and who falls weak in the knees when men call their girl “darling”, this book dialed right into my soul. I love Kate Kimbrell, but even if that weren’t the case, I would have loved this book.

With an opening line that grips its reader by the throat and a story to follow that maintains that necklace to the very last page, Ambrose is likely to be your autumn obsession— and for reasons far beyond merely his exceptional mouth and his literary wiles.

⬇️Read if you love:⬇️
Morally gray MMC
Virgin FMC
Age gap
Academic setting
Secret society
Professor x student

Thank you so much, as always, to Kate for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a free ACR copy ahead of publication, thanks to the amazing author, in exchange for an honest review.

This book was everything I wanted it to be. It kept me hooked; literally, I couldn't put it down.

Viv is strong, and while she may come off as some rich guys daughter, she is in no way dumb. She wants adventure, love, excitement, passion, happiness, freedom, and above all else to know that her being herself is enough for those who truly love her and come to love her.

Dr. Wilde Jr. is not your average hot college professor. Sure, he is incrediblely smart and sexy but he is also compassionate, nerdy, mysterious, and would burn the world to the ground for what is right and what is HIS.

This story had age gap (adult characters), forbidden love, secret society, family drama, murder, strong friendships, and steaming hot SPICE!

I would 100% recommend this book to any who loves a good spicy forbidden romance with an edge of danger added.

Hats off to Kate Kimbrell for this one, truly loved it.

[Chelsie Denoia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I would live in these pages if I could? Kate created such a perfect mix of mystery and spice. This dark academia romance was clearly written with such love and effort. Definitely going to be in my top reads of the year.

[The Traveling Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Thank you so much to Kate for providing me with an ARC for this novel.

I want to start off my saying that I really enjoyed the novel and the premise for it. Kate created an immersive experience that brings the reader into the world of Oakwood University, bringing it to life. However, I do think the story has so much more potential had it been longer and the plot being more complex.

While, we’re brought into Oakwood University with Vivian, it seems as if we lack true insight into who Vivian—alongside Ambrose—really is. We know that she loves literature, she wants to be free of her parent’s grasps, and that she flunked out of NYU for being somewhat of the “rebel child”, but we don’t see this in action. As far as Ambrose goes, we know little about him and his life. I wanted to be more invested in these characters because it would in turn make me more invested in their story together and as individuals.

The other major thing that I think could use improvement is the aspect of the secret society. While there are hints of something going on behind the scenes, it’s not enough to really drive the plot. It doesn’t become a main focus until 50% through the book, and then it all feels rushed from there. I believe that had there been more suspension and eeriness (things happening unexplainably that impact the FMC and her experiences, all of these events building slowly throughout the novel) it could have built more tension, especially in her relationship with Ambrose.

Overall, the story is compelling and immersive, but I needed that drawn out tension and immersive character experience to really bring this story home.

[༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆ 𝘓𝘪𝘢 · Rating 5 out of 5]

˚ ࣪ *·˚ ˖ ᯓᝰ ⋆｡˚⋆ “𝕻𝖗𝖔𝖒𝖎𝖘𝖊 𝖒𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚’𝖑𝖑 𝖉𝖔 𝖎𝖙”,
” 𝖎 𝖛𝖔𝖜 𝖎𝖙” ᯓ *·˚ᝰ ࣪˖⋆｡˚⋆

5★

☽｡⋆𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 ☽｡⋆
ᝰ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲
ᝰ 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
ᝰ 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆
ᝰ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝘅 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁
ᝰ 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗽
ᝰ 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽
ᝰ 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗮

︵‿︵‿୨୧‿︵‿︵

જ⁀ 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖
𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘝𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥, 𝘢 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘢𝘬𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘋𝘳. 𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘳. 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘝𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘢𝘯’𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘋𝘳. 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴.

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જ⁀ 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖ 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖
𓂃 ࣪˖ ⋆.˚ 𝘿𝙧. 𝘼𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 : 𝘈 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘳, 𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤. 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘧, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘷𝘶𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘴. 𝘏𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘪𝘭, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯.


𓂃 ࣪˖ ⋆.˚ 𝙑𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙 : 𝘝𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨-𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥, 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺. 𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦���� 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘋𝘳. 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳. 𝘈𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦, 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴

︵‿︵‿୨୧‿︵‿︵

જ⁀ 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖ 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 🗝️⋆ ࣪˖
𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘢 𝘳𝘰��𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱. 𝘒𝘪𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘝𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺, 𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳, 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘷𝘶𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘩 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦.

[Brieona · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had such a good start! I was really enjoying it at first besides a couple things that bugged me, but the last half was just not it. I find myself just wanting it to be over. A lot didn't make sense and the characters guy annoying. More expla ation and SPOILERS ahead... 
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First, the way Ambrose and Vivian speak is sooo annoying. It just seems like the author was trying too hard to lean into the English nerd thing. Everything was so proper,and just didn't feel real. 

Second, Vivian wanted so badly to tell Ambrose she loved him but was nervous he didn't feel the same. But once he admitted he loved her she didn't say it back??? Like what? It made no sense! She had so many opportunities to tell him. Its like the author wanted a dramatic "I love you" moment even though it made zero sense and felt so forced. 

Third, they were so worried about Vivian being in danger but didn't leave?? Like just leave? 

Fourth, how could she possibly be okay with Ambrose just going along with innocent women being murdered every year!?!?? Why didn't he do something sooner? He only killed his dad because he wanted to kill Vivian. So she's just okay with Ambrose turning a blind eye to, and even participating in, the murder of innocent young women?

And LAST, how could so many young women go missing EVERY YEAR on the SAME DAY at the SAME SCHOOL and no one notices 😑 like come on 🙄 

[Sabrina Musse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4.5 Stars

Kate’s writing truly pulled me in and fully immersed me with each detail. This book completely consumed me in the two days I took me to read it - which to be honest if it wasn’t for real world responsibilities I would have finished it in one day.

Normally I do not read age gaps like this, its something I tend to usually steer clear of for my own personal reasons. Im happy I gave Ambrose a chance but it was so so worth it. Ambrose was such an alluring character. Vivian , at times did feel too naïve. I think thats because I am 32yo- Which is much closer to the Ambrose’s age than Vivian’s. It was more so her saying, doing things that I too probably would have done at 20yo but not now at 32.

I loved the subplot of the secret society and the mystery and thrill it brought into the story.

My only “complaint” and why I gave it a 4.5 star, would be that I wish there was more. Overall I felt like some things happened too quickly. I would have loved more tension and time building their relationship. Likewise more to do with the secret society plot.
Im not upset at all at the ending, but I do think I kept expecting a different type of plot twist.

Absolutely recommend to others!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute honor of reading this book and my god, it is spectacular.

Kimbrell really out did herself again with the gothic vibes and the romance and the PLOT TWIST.

The spicy was spicying as usual. But I could not put this book down. This is an absolute must read for fans of the dark academia vibes and the professor x student relationship. Heck, this is a must read for everyone.

Now to give alittle deets on the story line.
You have a college student, she transfers to a college STRAIGHT out of a New England dream. It had all the fall, "a nanny raised me", historically, moody vibes.
She runs into Ambrose, quite literally, then finds out he is her SHAKESPEARE professor.

It's hot and heavy and he falls quick but Kimbrell does it so well that it never feels forced or cringe.
Then she just blows everyone's freaking minds, literally had to pick my jaw up off the floor.
And that's all I can say or I will spoil it.

But main reason to read this book- it's amazing and it's a five star read and you will become OBSESSED.

Secondary reason- Ambrose is a fucking daddy of a man. I need him irl, on standby by, reading me old English poetry.

[Nancy Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh Kate! (sigh)

So, I had the honor and pleasure of reading this wonderful story in all of its phases and in all honesty, when I originally read it I loved it and there are always little comments and things (in the Alpha, Beta, Revision stages) you throw out there to an author just as you read and enjoy. But Kate takes those little things and RUNS WITH THEM.

Reading the polished and ready to release version was such a treat because I did not know how it could have gotten better. But it DID!

I love banter, snark, sass, personality in my FMC and our girl Viv is giving all that and more. She is simply great! Even if she doesnt know how to let an little accident go (lol)

Sam, I have to mention our Insta Bestie Sam and how amazing a sidekick she is. Hilarious!

Now...Dr. Dirty mouth Wilder. A.K.A Ambrose. Even just that name is so sexy. And he lives up to it in ALL of the ways we want our MMC to.

Age Gap
Secrets and Shadows
Virgin FMC
World/Character Building
Naughty Library Escapades...

The list goes on and on. But, I will let you see for yourself just how amazing it is. Make sure you read Ambrose on October 29th! You're welcome :)

[Kyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I’ll say I struggle going from any type of fantasy series to your contemporary/dark romance. That being said I was gripped by chapters 2-3. Professor Ambrose Wilder had me hooked the second he was introduced, such a grumpy asshole and I LOVED it! I loved that they were exploring Romeo & Juliet at the beginning of the semester. Having Ambrose and Vivian’s takes on Shakespeares writing that’s then kind of reflected in their own relationship together is so neat and adds a whole new depth to the characters. It made them feel so much more real and human. While secret societies are definitely my cup of tea, I didn’t find myself fully gripped by the mystery of it until about halfway through the book. However after that I found myself wanting to know how it affected their relationship and what Ambrose’s role in it all was. Who is the white dove? What is the white dove? What is this societies goal/ulterior motive? From there I was absolutely captivated until the end. Absolutely adored this book, it was quick but SO good!

[Chasity7474📚❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have by the is author. I thoroughly enjoyed all the romance and suspense of the story. This is an academia student/professor age gap with a great plot and a secret society.

The story is set in an academy. Vivian needed to switch colleges so her family agreed to let her attend Oakwood where her brother attends. Her parents are controlling and cold but her brother is nothing like them.

When Vivian is strolling through campus she stop’s suddenly and is bumped by someone with a regular coffee cup. It spills on her and him burning her. He is grumpy and blames her even though he had the regular cup instead of the travel cups. He doesn’t apologize and storms off.

On her first day she discovers that Ambrose is one of her professors. The attraction is there but he is older and her teacher.

[Tori Pritchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is one of the most talented writers that I have ever read. You don’t just read the words she puts on the page, you feel them.

Ambrose, like everything else Kate has written, is a phenomenal and unique story that captivates you from the first chapter.
She’s so good at dropping small hints right at the beginning to get you pulled in before you start getting bigger bombs that propel you into the ending.
I devoured this book in one day and quite literally could not put it down.
If you like dark academia with a lot of secrets mixed with a taboo age gap relationship, then this is the book for you.
I have salivated for this book for months from the first little teasers we received and it did NOT disappoint.

[Katarina Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is hands down one of my favorite authors… ever! When I spoke with her in the early stages of Ambrose, I didn’t think anyone could ever top the love I had for William (The Vampyre if you haven’t read it). But Ambrose is now easily tied for first of the Kate Kimbrell book boyfriends.

This story has everything you need and more!! The banter is TOP KNOTCH, the characters are intelligent, well-spoken, and sexy.

Kate will transport you to Oakwood University with her writing and you will not regret giving this book a chance. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and needing you to take a cold shower all at once.

If I could give this book ten stars, i would in a heartbeat. 🖤

[Alli Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the absolute honor of reading this spectacular book as an ARC.

Kate Kimbrell delivers gothic atmosphere, captivating romance, and a jaw-dropping plot twist in “Ambrose.” Her beautiful, poetic writing draws you into a dark academia world full of moody, New England vibes. The chemistry between the FMC and Ambrose, her Shakespeare professor, is intense yet perfectly paced, with the romance sizzling without ever feeling forced.

The plot twist? Absolutely mind-blowing. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves dark academia, professor x student dynamics, and atmospheric storytelling. Plus, Ambrose is the ultimate "daddy" figure you’ll be obsessed with!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age Gap
Secret society
Virgin FMC
Student/Professor romance
Dark academia

This book is amazing! Vivian was dealt a crap hand when it comes to her home life, her parents are less than desirable. Her arrival at Oakwood, allows her to try to escape those “parents”. Little does she know she’s about to meet Dr. Ambrose Wilder, the man who will change her whole world.
Unfortunately a secret society tries to prevent their relationship from happening. However Ambrose is having none of it!
If you like Shakespeare quotes, dark academia, forbidden love, spice, angst, suspense, & endings that leave you going “wow! What the heck just happened!?” You must read this book!

[Rose DeVault · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved Kate’s writing since I read her debut novel and she did not disappoint!

Ambrose is a dark academia suspenseful romance with twists and turns! Vivian and Ambrose are HOT HOT HOT. I was captive from the beginning to end.
I love that Vivian is not a helpless FMC is so strong and independent, but Ambrose is there for her no matter what.

This student x professor is such a hot trope, I love a good age gap! Between the scenes in his bed, office and library was I melting into my seat!

I’m going to start bullying her for a Walt story because he almost had me throwing my kindle towards the end 🤣

[Christina _readingwhilewet · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖Arc review

Wow.

I’ve been obsessed with Kate since book one .
Now
✍🏼Dark romance
✍🏼Professor/Student
✍🏼Secret Society

Absolutely perfection
I couldn’t put this book down, and when I had to I thought about it constantly.

Her way of writing is so captivating it immediately has you in a chokehold. God I loved Ambrose .

Even side characters of Walt and Sam (I hope they get a story ) I was so attached to them.

Now Kate being Kate I was incredibly nervous the last 20% . My heart was racing and I was sweating .

Absolute perfection !

5/5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished ARC reading this book. It was my first book by Kate and I do plan on reading her back log but this book fell a little flat for me. I still enjoyed it and would recommend but it took me a while to get into it and get through it. The story felt a little disconnected at times, almost like I was reading two stories. One about the love story with the professor and one about the secret society. The FMC was giving me I’m not like other girl vibes BUT it all ended tied up with a big bow and a HEA. Overall a good fall spooky Halloween read!

[Bookhookedmum📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars!! Five HUGE stars. There is just something about Kates writing that literally sucks me in immediately. When I say I devoured it, I mean I devoured it. I practically read it in one sitting because it was that great. Loved the story as it kept me on my toes the entire time. The feet kicking and squealing started around chapter 8 and it didn’t stop The way Ambrose spoke to Vivian had me fangirling for him so hard. What a great book. I definitely recommend this book!!

[Shannon Kleinknecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thankful to have been part of the ARC for Ambrose!

This book kept me on my toes from start to finish. Loved the characters, the setting, the love story, and the suspense! Would have loved to have delved more into the younger Ambrose and the society. How do they cover up so many murders every year?!

Overall, this book was amazing. It’s being added to the pile of books I want to read over and over to soak up every last detail.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the definition of what you would be looking for in a dark academia! I couldn't put it down! The MMC Ambrose is the Shakespeare professor and Vivian just recently transferred to this college from NYC to go to school with her brother and to escape her parents. Not realizing she was targeted by the secret society that runs the town. I absolutely loved this book with the mid century references and the story was just incredible! If you love dark academia this is the one!!

[Trinity Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an easy read, kinda bored me during some parts. Very insta lust/love, im more of a slow burn type of girl which is why i think i wasnt too big into the characters love story. I really didnt feel much chemistry between them. I feel like the FMC reactions were very lacking considering what she had learned. Overall the book had great potential i just feel as though the plot was a little rushed and lacked depth.

[Aly Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this thinking I would like this book - but WOW! I absolutely LOVED it.

Kate is an incredible author. She doesn’t just describe things - she makes you FEEL them. The banter between the characters, the New England backdrop, the twists and turns.

I was truly on the edge of my seat! I cannot recommend this book - or Kate - enough! I can’t wait for what Kate comes out with next!

[Lotus Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Arc and my first dark academia book. Where do I even start. This book absolutely amazing and beautiful.
I'm big on having duel POV, where we get to hear from both characters but how Kate wrote in just Vivian's was so so perfect. The uniqueness of this story was so perfect. People that adore darker themes and secret societies will love this beautiful story.