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Bleeding Rose
When Noella Rose signed the contract to become Delmarth Academy’s first official school counselor, she thought she was agreeing to work at a boarding school in upstate New York. Unbeknownst to her, the moment her pen left that page, she magically bound herself to a school in a completely different dimension, in the kingdom of Cavale. Now trapped in Cavale until the school year comes to a close, Ella is forced to work alongside beings of immense power called Primordials, who view emotions as pesky hindrances and have been taught to despise humans from what they call the Earthly Plane. Ella’s coworkers are determined to send her back to her own land, believing her presence in their world will be a dangerous influence on the students of Delmarth—particularly Kellen Kilic, the Varmin department head who’s made it his personal vendetta to make her life a living hell. Ella must find a way to do her job, being an advocate for the student’s mental wellbeing, and survive the school year, hoping to prove to these formidable beings that the most powerful magic of all can be the embracement of feeling.
Kellen Kilic has spent the past twelve years fighting a system designed to fail him in order to protect his two younger siblings. He gave up everything for his future to take care of the twins and against all odds finally gained full custody of them. The arrival of the human Noella Rose at Delmarth Academy threatens all the hard work Kellen has done to protect the twins from their mother. He hates Noella with every fiber of his being, yet finds himself inevitably drawn to her as his siblings begin seeing her for counseling. Noella makes him question what he was taught to view strength as, finding power and beauty in the way she teaches both the students and him to not fear their emotions. Kellen finds himself in a battle between his head and his heart, between what he believes he needs to do to protect the twins and what he wants for himself, which slowly overtime becomes the human he’s supposed to despise.
Kellen Kilic has spent the past twelve years fighting a system designed to fail him in order to protect his two younger siblings. He gave up everything for his future to take care of the twins and against all odds finally gained full custody of them. The arrival of the human Noella Rose at Delmarth Academy threatens all the hard work Kellen has done to protect the twins from their mother. He hates Noella with every fiber of his being, yet finds himself inevitably drawn to her as his siblings begin seeing her for counseling. Noella makes him question what he was taught to view strength as, finding power and beauty in the way she teaches both the students and him to not fear their emotions. Kellen finds himself in a battle between his head and his heart, between what he believes he needs to do to protect the twins and what he wants for himself, which slowly overtime becomes the human he’s supposed to despise.
562 pages, Paperback
Published September 6, 2024
118 people are currently reading
2738 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
August 19, 2024
There were so many things that I loved about this book:
- It's like Zodiac Academy meets Percy Jackson but from the professor's pov
- the mental health representation and communication is incredible
- Kellen is swoony
- Ella is so fricking cute
- I love the little world
- I love the premise
- THE TWINS!?! I love them so much
- I want more of all of it
- It's like Zodiac Academy meets Percy Jackson but from the professor's pov
- the mental health representation and communication is incredible
- Kellen is swoony
- Ella is so fricking cute
- I love the little world
- I love the premise
- THE TWINS!?! I love them so much
- I want more of all of it
September 12, 2024
This book really was so beautiful in more ways than one. Not only is it a thrilling fantasy romance with true enemies to lovers, but it was also really healing in a way
I found myself crying throughout it multiple times purely because of some of the things Kyla wrote. They were things I wished had been told to me growing up and even now. Mental health and the importance of having a strong support system is something so close to my heart. Since I deal with depression and anxiety, a lot of the situations and dialogue throughout the book hit home. Noella is someone to look up to and strive to be! She doesn’t back down and I LOVE that
Giving it a solid 4.7 rating! ⭐️
I really fell in love with the characters and were so invested in them! Especially the twins. The ENDING has me begging for more and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Kyla, you wicked thing you, thank you so much for writing such an amazing and important book. I can’t even imagine how many souls you’re going to save with this one. 🥰🫶🏼
I found myself crying throughout it multiple times purely because of some of the things Kyla wrote. They were things I wished had been told to me growing up and even now. Mental health and the importance of having a strong support system is something so close to my heart. Since I deal with depression and anxiety, a lot of the situations and dialogue throughout the book hit home. Noella is someone to look up to and strive to be! She doesn’t back down and I LOVE that
Giving it a solid 4.7 rating! ⭐️
I really fell in love with the characters and were so invested in them! Especially the twins. The ENDING has me begging for more and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Kyla, you wicked thing you, thank you so much for writing such an amazing and important book. I can’t even imagine how many souls you’re going to save with this one. 🥰🫶🏼
November 19, 2024
This book is way too repetitive and sappy for me! I love the plot, the enemies to lovers at first made sense. Once he decides he likes her. it becomes annoying how much he proclaims it.
It felt like the author noticed they were out of a conflict and threw in a basic “it’s wrong because I’m the the counselor” trope. It was way too abrupt.
I craved more plot with her secret identity, or with the parents of the twins, and a lot less I love you and crying.
For God sake, they couldn’t even leave each other alone for war. I get it- you guys are going in two different directions- but I don’t need to know that you will be thinking about them. It is understood that you guys like each other. Not to mention, they can literally communicate through their mind.
If we’re talking spice: the dreams were “spicy” but for it to happen twice was overkill and should not have dragged out the real thing so long! Literally lost in the sauce.
I don’t think I’ll be reading the next book. I had to skim through one too many declarations of love with absolutely zero relevance to the story.
It felt like the author noticed they were out of a conflict and threw in a basic “it’s wrong because I’m the the counselor” trope. It was way too abrupt.
I craved more plot with her secret identity, or with the parents of the twins, and a lot less I love you and crying.
For God sake, they couldn’t even leave each other alone for war. I get it- you guys are going in two different directions- but I don’t need to know that you will be thinking about them. It is understood that you guys like each other. Not to mention, they can literally communicate through their mind.
If we’re talking spice: the dreams were “spicy” but for it to happen twice was overkill and should not have dragged out the real thing so long! Literally lost in the sauce.
I don’t think I’ll be reading the next book. I had to skim through one too many declarations of love with absolutely zero relevance to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2024
INCREDIBLE
I need another please i beg 😭😩🤭 i had a feeling that was gonna happen at the end, im glad i was right BUT I CANT BE LEFT LIKE THIS
I need another please i beg 😭😩🤭 i had a feeling that was gonna happen at the end, im glad i was right BUT I CANT BE LEFT LIKE THIS
July 31, 2024
First thank you, Azala Press and NetGalley, for giving me an advanced copy of this book!
— there is GENUINE healing and mental heath rep in this book. if that is not a theme you would seek out, this book likely isn’t for you —
Tropes/Themes:
• Gods/Goddesses
• Found Family
• Spicy
• Mental Health Rep
• Dark/Traumatic Theme
• Forced Proximity
Rating: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World building: 4.5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
Lore: 4.5/5
My review comes with the caveat that this is the first book of a series so the questions I don’t have answers to are because of that and I don’t knock stars off for that.
Review:
— This book is perfect for those who love romantasy and love the enemies to lovers trope (biggggg emphasis on enemies). The book is about our human FMC Noella Rose, who is brought to the world of Cavale under false pretenses and is stuck in another realm for an entire year, to be the counselor for the beings who live in Cavale — the Primordials.
Her main goal: survive; while also trying to stay alive and provide mental health support and guidance to the students of Delmarth. In the world of Cavale, humans are the ones who are the absolute worst beings to ever exist. They’re slow, without power, emotional, gross, etc. The Primordials despise them and she is the ONLY one in the entire realm and she’s stuck with all of them, for a whole year. This gets her beaten and threatened, and from one person in particular — Kellen Kilic the of heads of the Varmin department.
Kellen Kilic is our MMC, and about as stone cold as you can possibly imagine. He is abrasive, angry, intelligent, quick, and without emotion. He is our dragon shifter (which..swoon) and boy does he love to hate Noella. Her presence angers him and he spends his time trying to find ways to get her to quit and leave Cavale. He believes she taints the realm and her existence is a mockery of their realm. But thanks to the lovely micro trope of a little forced proximity — Kellen may discover that the human he’s forced to see everyday, mayyy not be that bad? Just maybe. And maybe he thinks about her a little bit - sometimes - okay all the time. But he still HATES her..right(?)
For those who love found family, this is your book. Josefyn and Akio, are by far my absolute favorite side characters. They’re beautiful, kind hearted, loving people who offer so much support and love for Noella where everyone else hates her. They give her a safe space to be herself, and are there to pick her up when she can’t do it herself. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. More of them PLEASE 😭
We see Noella and Kellen go through so much together, from horrible interactions to respectful ones to loving ones. They’re forced to work together, but end up being a formidable duo. They feel a force that always keeps them unintentionally coming back for more, and the slow drip of information they reveal while uncovering why they’re so drawn together, is one that creates more questions than answers.
Overview:
— I absolutely LOVED this book and I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I share a lot of the same kind of trauma as our FMC Noella. She is NOT your typical FMC in the way that her strength is described. Her strength is her mind and her ability to read people given her training AND her experiences in life. She is soft, loving, caring, hopeful, but strong, determined, witty, and so incredibly intelligent. I love her to pieces.
Kellen? I love him too. The way he unraveled and laid his heart and soul bare for Noella was something I’ve NEVER seen done this way and I love that he was written to have emotional scenes. I think it’s so important to show men have these moments and it’s OKAY. They are raw and real and I just can’t express how much I love them. He learns that there is strength aside from the physical kind and that it doesn’t make him less than.
I’d read it again. I will absolutely be suffering until book 2 comes out but until then, 5/5 for Bleeding Rose!
— there is GENUINE healing and mental heath rep in this book. if that is not a theme you would seek out, this book likely isn’t for you —
Tropes/Themes:
• Gods/Goddesses
• Found Family
• Spicy
• Mental Health Rep
• Dark/Traumatic Theme
• Forced Proximity
Rating: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World building: 4.5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
Lore: 4.5/5
My review comes with the caveat that this is the first book of a series so the questions I don’t have answers to are because of that and I don’t knock stars off for that.
Review:
— This book is perfect for those who love romantasy and love the enemies to lovers trope (biggggg emphasis on enemies). The book is about our human FMC Noella Rose, who is brought to the world of Cavale under false pretenses and is stuck in another realm for an entire year, to be the counselor for the beings who live in Cavale — the Primordials.
Her main goal: survive; while also trying to stay alive and provide mental health support and guidance to the students of Delmarth. In the world of Cavale, humans are the ones who are the absolute worst beings to ever exist. They’re slow, without power, emotional, gross, etc. The Primordials despise them and she is the ONLY one in the entire realm and she’s stuck with all of them, for a whole year. This gets her beaten and threatened, and from one person in particular — Kellen Kilic the of heads of the Varmin department.
Kellen Kilic is our MMC, and about as stone cold as you can possibly imagine. He is abrasive, angry, intelligent, quick, and without emotion. He is our dragon shifter (which..swoon) and boy does he love to hate Noella. Her presence angers him and he spends his time trying to find ways to get her to quit and leave Cavale. He believes she taints the realm and her existence is a mockery of their realm. But thanks to the lovely micro trope of a little forced proximity — Kellen may discover that the human he’s forced to see everyday, mayyy not be that bad? Just maybe. And maybe he thinks about her a little bit - sometimes - okay all the time. But he still HATES her..right(?)
For those who love found family, this is your book. Josefyn and Akio, are by far my absolute favorite side characters. They’re beautiful, kind hearted, loving people who offer so much support and love for Noella where everyone else hates her. They give her a safe space to be herself, and are there to pick her up when she can’t do it herself. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. More of them PLEASE 😭
We see Noella and Kellen go through so much together, from horrible interactions to respectful ones to loving ones. They’re forced to work together, but end up being a formidable duo. They feel a force that always keeps them unintentionally coming back for more, and the slow drip of information they reveal while uncovering why they’re so drawn together, is one that creates more questions than answers.
Overview:
— I absolutely LOVED this book and I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I share a lot of the same kind of trauma as our FMC Noella. She is NOT your typical FMC in the way that her strength is described. Her strength is her mind and her ability to read people given her training AND her experiences in life. She is soft, loving, caring, hopeful, but strong, determined, witty, and so incredibly intelligent. I love her to pieces.
Kellen? I love him too. The way he unraveled and laid his heart and soul bare for Noella was something I’ve NEVER seen done this way and I love that he was written to have emotional scenes. I think it’s so important to show men have these moments and it’s OKAY. They are raw and real and I just can’t express how much I love them. He learns that there is strength aside from the physical kind and that it doesn’t make him less than.
I’d read it again. I will absolutely be suffering until book 2 comes out but until then, 5/5 for Bleeding Rose!
September 3, 2024
If you are a fan of Zodiac Academy- this is for you. Imagine ZA but told from the teachers POV… and without crazy illogical plot lines (this is no hate to ZA- I LOVE THAT SERIES). This was such a fun ride with TRUE enemies to lovers. I loved the characters and the topic of mental health woven throughout the story. If you are looking for a unique story that has you captivated from start to finish- look no further!
I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!!
I CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!!
September 22, 2024
This book in three words: exaggerated, excessive, Rhys-and-freyre-knockoff
Yes, its kinda cute but the writing is too much SCREAMING, CRYING, SPATTING, YELLING in almost every sentence.
They can’t stop telling each other how great they are and how much they love each other. Which is kind but tooooo much. After these confessions they cry a lot.
The mind reading and mate part is so like a court of thorns and roses. Thats cute but i‘ve read that too many times already…
Ending was also quite predictable and i guessed it after like 40% of the book.
Spice: 🌶️
HEA: yes
Genre: fantasy, like court of thorns and roses
Yes, its kinda cute but the writing is too much SCREAMING, CRYING, SPATTING, YELLING in almost every sentence.
They can’t stop telling each other how great they are and how much they love each other. Which is kind but tooooo much. After these confessions they cry a lot.
The mind reading and mate part is so like a court of thorns and roses. Thats cute but i‘ve read that too many times already…
Ending was also quite predictable and i guessed it after like 40% of the book.
Spice: 🌶️
HEA: yes
Genre: fantasy, like court of thorns and roses
September 6, 2024
4.25 well earned stars!!!
This book has everything: mental health representation and empowering counseling, a school full of magical beings, children being cared for after leaving bad parents, dragon shifters, the slowest of burns enemies to lovers, prophecies, true friendships, and so so much more!!
Novella Rose is a trained school counselor- except the school she’s now set to counsel at is in another plane, and they don’t want her there. Teachers throw her into walls, students ignore her, and no one wants to hear her social emotional learning units!! But she’s no quitter! She shows up day after day, builds trust, and worms her way into the hearts of a family of dragon shifters: teacher with a vengeance and a tough exterior, Kellen Killic, and his twin student siblings, Laya and Jarion.
I was overwhelmed by just how incredible the mental health conversations that were happening in this book were. As someone who works in the field, with experience of being one of the support systems in schools, it felt so true to life, despite the magical elements of the world. Everyone needs a reminder that you can do hard things, that it’s okay to take space for yourself, and that you do deserve good things to happen to you!!
While the book was a little long (and I’m not complaining, I could live in this world for so long), the story felt full and rich the whole way through! The characters and their journeys were so beautifully written and handled, the plot points were given space and sensitivity, and I was able to really feel everything as I was reading! I loved picking up on the lil foreshadowing elements and was screaming for them to just get there!! I’m so so curious about where we go from here and will be patiently (impatiently) waiting!!!!!
Thank you so much to Kyla Shinder and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!
This book has everything: mental health representation and empowering counseling, a school full of magical beings, children being cared for after leaving bad parents, dragon shifters, the slowest of burns enemies to lovers, prophecies, true friendships, and so so much more!!
Novella Rose is a trained school counselor- except the school she’s now set to counsel at is in another plane, and they don’t want her there. Teachers throw her into walls, students ignore her, and no one wants to hear her social emotional learning units!! But she’s no quitter! She shows up day after day, builds trust, and worms her way into the hearts of a family of dragon shifters: teacher with a vengeance and a tough exterior, Kellen Killic, and his twin student siblings, Laya and Jarion.
I was overwhelmed by just how incredible the mental health conversations that were happening in this book were. As someone who works in the field, with experience of being one of the support systems in schools, it felt so true to life, despite the magical elements of the world. Everyone needs a reminder that you can do hard things, that it’s okay to take space for yourself, and that you do deserve good things to happen to you!!
While the book was a little long (and I’m not complaining, I could live in this world for so long), the story felt full and rich the whole way through! The characters and their journeys were so beautifully written and handled, the plot points were given space and sensitivity, and I was able to really feel everything as I was reading! I loved picking up on the lil foreshadowing elements and was screaming for them to just get there!! I’m so so curious about where we go from here and will be patiently (impatiently) waiting!!!!!
Thank you so much to Kyla Shinder and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!
August 26, 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Relationship: M/F
Romance Level: Slow Burn
POV: Multi, third person
Rating: 3.5/5, rounding to 4 ✨
Spice: 2/5 🌶️ …that’s me being generous. It’s the vulgarity and sexual openness of dialogue that bumps it up. There are only a few open-door scenes.
Darkness: 2/5 🖤
Series/Stand Alone: Book 1
Cliffhanger: Yes
Themes/Tropes: Secrets, hidden identities, secret powers, trauma healing, enemies to lovers, found family, mates, shifters, meddling gods, bulling, dark academia, revenge, softie MMC, strong/fierce FMC, sunshine/grumpy, and cute banter
Check Triggers: yes
I found myself struggling to get through this book for the following reasons:
1. The awkward and random POV shift. The beginning of each chapter is one of the MC’s names. You would assume that you’re reading from that character's POV, but wrong! It randomly changes to another MC POV mid-chapter. Sometimes there’s a page break for the change and sometimes there wasn’t. Not to mention, this book was written in the 3rd person, which made it even more difficult to follow the change in character POVs.
2. While I appreciated the rep of mental illness and overcoming trauma, I was confused by Kellen’s 180 personality change. We’re taken into a cruel other world-dimension that supposedly doesn’t understand the concept of emotions. Showing or expressing emotions will deem you as weak and worthless. Kellen, the MMC, is like all the other characters in this world…. Actually, he’s more. He’s the strongest, toughest, smartest, etc, etc….well in the beginning. Then there’s a drastic personality change where he’s always “sobbing”. No, I’m serious. He was literally always sobbing. Even more than the “human.” Again, I loved the emotional well-being aspect and I understand that something had to give in order to reinforce the main concept of the book, but making Kellen a submissive, blabbering, crying, groveling mess really made it hard for me to finish.
3. The very obvious upcoming “plot twist.” This was a big one for me. This almost made me stop the book completely. I was already struggling to begin with and, since the ending was so painfully obvious due to the very obvious foreshadowing, what was the point of finishing?
4. Last but not least, The FMC, Noella. While I liked her in the beginning, she became annoying towards 40%. By annoying, I mean, entitled, disrespectful, bratty, and ignorant. I brushed it off due to her circumstances, but as the story went on, she became worse. I hate when these traits equate to a character being strong. It’s not. She made me want to apologize for her behavior and explain that not all “humans” are like this. She had strong opinions on a world/gods she knew nothing about. It was the equivalent of me going to a different country, publicly disrespecting their way of life, their Gods, their history, etc. and then excusing my behavior because I’m not from there. I’m not exaggerating. I quote: “I’d be careful what you say about the Gods. They hear everything, and they forget nothing.” “I don’t care,” she dismissed with a shrug of her shoulders. “They’re not my Gods, so they can’t punish me.” 😑 And while she required everyone to acknowledge her feelings and opinions, she threw a temper tantrum and dismissed one of her ONLY best friends because he couldn’t tell her something…
Besides those 4 issues, I would still recommend this book. I enjoyed the concept of the plot and it was unique. I loved the found family trope and side characters. I even enjoyed the dog, Freya. If you enjoy mild-fantasy (minimal world building), enemies to lovers, slowwww burn romance, then this is the book for you.
Thank you Netgally & Azala Press for this ARC opportunity.
Relationship: M/F
Romance Level: Slow Burn
POV: Multi, third person
Rating: 3.5/5, rounding to 4 ✨
Spice: 2/5 🌶️ …that’s me being generous. It’s the vulgarity and sexual openness of dialogue that bumps it up. There are only a few open-door scenes.
Darkness: 2/5 🖤
Series/Stand Alone: Book 1
Cliffhanger: Yes
Themes/Tropes: Secrets, hidden identities, secret powers, trauma healing, enemies to lovers, found family, mates, shifters, meddling gods, bulling, dark academia, revenge, softie MMC, strong/fierce FMC, sunshine/grumpy, and cute banter
Check Triggers: yes
I found myself struggling to get through this book for the following reasons:
1. The awkward and random POV shift. The beginning of each chapter is one of the MC’s names. You would assume that you’re reading from that character's POV, but wrong! It randomly changes to another MC POV mid-chapter. Sometimes there’s a page break for the change and sometimes there wasn’t. Not to mention, this book was written in the 3rd person, which made it even more difficult to follow the change in character POVs.
2. While I appreciated the rep of mental illness and overcoming trauma, I was confused by Kellen’s 180 personality change. We’re taken into a cruel other world-dimension that supposedly doesn’t understand the concept of emotions. Showing or expressing emotions will deem you as weak and worthless. Kellen, the MMC, is like all the other characters in this world…. Actually, he’s more. He’s the strongest, toughest, smartest, etc, etc….well in the beginning. Then there’s a drastic personality change where he’s always “sobbing”. No, I’m serious. He was literally always sobbing. Even more than the “human.” Again, I loved the emotional well-being aspect and I understand that something had to give in order to reinforce the main concept of the book, but making Kellen a submissive, blabbering, crying, groveling mess really made it hard for me to finish.
3. The very obvious upcoming “plot twist.” This was a big one for me. This almost made me stop the book completely. I was already struggling to begin with and, since the ending was so painfully obvious due to the very obvious foreshadowing, what was the point of finishing?
4. Last but not least, The FMC, Noella. While I liked her in the beginning, she became annoying towards 40%. By annoying, I mean, entitled, disrespectful, bratty, and ignorant. I brushed it off due to her circumstances, but as the story went on, she became worse. I hate when these traits equate to a character being strong. It’s not. She made me want to apologize for her behavior and explain that not all “humans” are like this. She had strong opinions on a world/gods she knew nothing about. It was the equivalent of me going to a different country, publicly disrespecting their way of life, their Gods, their history, etc. and then excusing my behavior because I’m not from there. I’m not exaggerating. I quote: “I’d be careful what you say about the Gods. They hear everything, and they forget nothing.” “I don’t care,” she dismissed with a shrug of her shoulders. “They’re not my Gods, so they can’t punish me.” 😑 And while she required everyone to acknowledge her feelings and opinions, she threw a temper tantrum and dismissed one of her ONLY best friends because he couldn’t tell her something…
Besides those 4 issues, I would still recommend this book. I enjoyed the concept of the plot and it was unique. I loved the found family trope and side characters. I even enjoyed the dog, Freya. If you enjoy mild-fantasy (minimal world building), enemies to lovers, slowwww burn romance, then this is the book for you.
Thank you Netgally & Azala Press for this ARC opportunity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2024
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC copy!
This was my favorite read of the year.
Ella was such a wonderful counselor and has an even greater personality. Lose your morals, Ella! It's time for a super steamy teacher x teacher romance. I felt like it was a little slow in some places, but it was such a fast read.
Touch her and die
SHIFTERS
found family
I also absolutely loved the twins. They were so darn cute and accepting of Ella. Hopefully there's a second book, the cliffhanger at the end killed me! I hope we get to read more from Ella and Kellen.
This was my favorite read of the year.
Ella was such a wonderful counselor and has an even greater personality. Lose your morals, Ella! It's time for a super steamy teacher x teacher romance. I felt like it was a little slow in some places, but it was such a fast read.
Touch her and die
SHIFTERS
found family
I also absolutely loved the twins. They were so darn cute and accepting of Ella. Hopefully there's a second book, the cliffhanger at the end killed me! I hope we get to read more from Ella and Kellen.
September 12, 2024
Really enjoyed this story it has magic. Powers. Cool creatures. Some shifters. A magic school and more. I love how all the main characters have their own traumas that they are working on healing and that they are all powerful in their own way. The only thing is I guessed the ending. I really did enjoy the found family. The romance and her dog
September 24, 2024
DNF 59%
I hate leaving a book before I reach the end, but I just couldn't force myself to continue with the torture.
The world building was weak and I was cringing through most of the dialogue between the main characters.
Also, the FMC was such a Mary Sue that it caused me physical pain.
I hate leaving a book before I reach the end, but I just couldn't force myself to continue with the torture.
The world building was weak and I was cringing through most of the dialogue between the main characters.
Also, the FMC was such a Mary Sue that it caused me physical pain.
September 19, 2024
The reels I saw for this book made me really interested, but I forget I can’t trust reels for book recommendations.
Not going to lie, this was bad. The simultaneous third person and first person writing was distracting, phrases were repetitive, the dialogue was blocky and didn’t flow, the descriptions of characters and world building was often done through conversations that were just a “what’s this? Oh that’s this!” Ex:
Not going to lie, this was bad. The simultaneous third person and first person writing was distracting, phrases were repetitive, the dialogue was blocky and didn’t flow, the descriptions of characters and world building was often done through conversations that were just a “what’s this? Oh that’s this!” Ex:
““Remind me again what Herculea means?” Ella smiled. “The Herculeans are the Primordials that possess strength-based powers, or abilities like super speed or flying or healing injury. They’re known as wielders.””
November 3, 2024
It was so good and kept me interested in the story the entire time but I hate that it ends on a cliffhanger!! I need answers.
August 9, 2024
I received this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a rollercoaster of a book. I loved how it began, a human tricked into signing a year long contract as a school counsellor for supernaturals. Noella has spent the first four weeks being belittled, beaten and broken. Well, her body has, but her spirit never falters.
Noella is smart, sassy and kind. She has her own past trauma but isn't afraid to stand up for herself. She's a strong FMC but not pushy. Sometimes she goes a bit overboard and becomes sappy and lovey dovey but I think it's on keeping with her character because she is so empathetic. She's a counsellor so I guess she has to be. I loved her ideas and reading about her working with students and taking pride in their progress. Her determination to do her job despite the barriers she faces is admirable.
Kellen is one of the teachers who initially makes her life a living hell and while I hated him a bit, I could understand his position and reluctance. The author writes a cold and broody male extremely well and I loved it. I loved his journey.
Freya was the cutest side character and I honestly wanted more.
I knew I was going to enjoy this book when I picked it up every chance I got. The world building was well done, snippets of information dropped here and there while foreshadowing what was to come subtly.
I loved the enemies to lovers section of the book. I adored the banter, wit and snide remarks between Noella and Kellen throughout the book. The story was good too, I loved the dynamic between Kellen and his siblings, his utter devotion to them and how that part of the story evolved.
There were a few things that irritated me as I got further along in the story. Kellen's character changed from being a scary, brooding badass to a complete sap once he decided he didn't hate Noella anymore. It didn't ring true and he lost a bit of his swagger for me. The overuse of endearments pulled me out of the story. 'my love', 'sweetheart', 'baby' were words that saturated the pages and it made me cringe. I felt that the 3rd act break up was a bit weak and as sappy went, Kellen got worse. He was too poetic and didn't mesh well with the Kellen from the beginning of the book. The prophecy wasn't too difficult to work out either, although what came of it wasn't high on my prediction lists, even though looking back, it should've been.
There were a few spicy scenes and the chemistry between Kellen and Noelle are off the charts from the beginning. Their support and acceptance of each other is sweet and feel-good if you can ignore the lovey dovey, flowery language that is too over the top for me.
I did enjoy the story, there are a few storylines playing out and well spaced out so that I'd forgotten to remember small details that had flagged ideas and predictions, being so sucked into the current plot.
A solid and enjoyable book with an enticing ending.
This was a rollercoaster of a book. I loved how it began, a human tricked into signing a year long contract as a school counsellor for supernaturals. Noella has spent the first four weeks being belittled, beaten and broken. Well, her body has, but her spirit never falters.
Noella is smart, sassy and kind. She has her own past trauma but isn't afraid to stand up for herself. She's a strong FMC but not pushy. Sometimes she goes a bit overboard and becomes sappy and lovey dovey but I think it's on keeping with her character because she is so empathetic. She's a counsellor so I guess she has to be. I loved her ideas and reading about her working with students and taking pride in their progress. Her determination to do her job despite the barriers she faces is admirable.
Kellen is one of the teachers who initially makes her life a living hell and while I hated him a bit, I could understand his position and reluctance. The author writes a cold and broody male extremely well and I loved it. I loved his journey.
Freya was the cutest side character and I honestly wanted more.
I knew I was going to enjoy this book when I picked it up every chance I got. The world building was well done, snippets of information dropped here and there while foreshadowing what was to come subtly.
I loved the enemies to lovers section of the book. I adored the banter, wit and snide remarks between Noella and Kellen throughout the book. The story was good too, I loved the dynamic between Kellen and his siblings, his utter devotion to them and how that part of the story evolved.
There were a few things that irritated me as I got further along in the story. Kellen's character changed from being a scary, brooding badass to a complete sap once he decided he didn't hate Noella anymore. It didn't ring true and he lost a bit of his swagger for me. The overuse of endearments pulled me out of the story. 'my love', 'sweetheart', 'baby' were words that saturated the pages and it made me cringe. I felt that the 3rd act break up was a bit weak and as sappy went, Kellen got worse. He was too poetic and didn't mesh well with the Kellen from the beginning of the book. The prophecy wasn't too difficult to work out either, although what came of it wasn't high on my prediction lists, even though looking back, it should've been.
There were a few spicy scenes and the chemistry between Kellen and Noelle are off the charts from the beginning. Their support and acceptance of each other is sweet and feel-good if you can ignore the lovey dovey, flowery language that is too over the top for me.
I did enjoy the story, there are a few storylines playing out and well spaced out so that I'd forgotten to remember small details that had flagged ideas and predictions, being so sucked into the current plot.
A solid and enjoyable book with an enticing ending.
December 31, 2024
EVERYONE IS CRYING. All the time. They’re not drinking enough water for all this crying and sobbing.
I really was enjoying this until it became emotional dumps from the FMC and MMC. I am a fast reader and I was skimming through the final third of the book because I was bored of hearing how much they loved each other and the main point of contention once they finally did get together was resolved in about 3 pages (through the power of sex?!)
The twist - you can see it coming from a mile off.
The expositional dumps of info in the form of conversations could have just been world building up front - it was written like a screen play in parts.
I really was enjoying this until it became emotional dumps from the FMC and MMC. I am a fast reader and I was skimming through the final third of the book because I was bored of hearing how much they loved each other and the main point of contention once they finally did get together was resolved in about 3 pages (through the power of sex?!)
The twist - you can see it coming from a mile off.
The expositional dumps of info in the form of conversations could have just been world building up front - it was written like a screen play in parts.
October 4, 2024
I wouldn’t really say this is spicy at all. I thought I loved this book and then I got to the last 150pages. I must say it’s crazy how much a small amount can change my whole perspective of the book!
For a start the story of Rose and how she aids in students mental health is amazingly descriptive. The next part I won’t spoil but I could guess the ending from a mile away, that didn’t matter because I loved how the FMC and MMC story developed. The way that this book was written felt like what it would be like in real life, I could understand the characters they are easy to relate to with most things.
But my god I had 150 pages left and it was dire, so much was compiled into such a short amount, nothing was really great. I think the writer would’ve benefited from keeping the “I love you” part between the characters with the development in one book and a new book on the topics stated in these pages (last 150ish).
The obvious ending was just so stretched out that I skipped majority of the pages to get to it so I could be done.
I enjoyed the fantasy aspect but it doesn’t really develop on the separate houses too much, just kind of adds it in as a buffer. I don’t really rate it after the ending, it’s a shame it really could’ve gone somewhere.
And why was everyone just crying all the time…
For a start the story of Rose and how she aids in students mental health is amazingly descriptive. The next part I won’t spoil but I could guess the ending from a mile away, that didn’t matter because I loved how the FMC and MMC story developed. The way that this book was written felt like what it would be like in real life, I could understand the characters they are easy to relate to with most things.
But my god I had 150 pages left and it was dire, so much was compiled into such a short amount, nothing was really great. I think the writer would’ve benefited from keeping the “I love you” part between the characters with the development in one book and a new book on the topics stated in these pages (last 150ish).
The obvious ending was just so stretched out that I skipped majority of the pages to get to it so I could be done.
I enjoyed the fantasy aspect but it doesn’t really develop on the separate houses too much, just kind of adds it in as a buffer. I don’t really rate it after the ending, it’s a shame it really could’ve gone somewhere.
And why was everyone just crying all the time…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2024
This would've been a solid 4 stars for me if it wasn't for the last 30% of the book
The writing style changed in my opinion and became very wattpad esc
The main live intrest became a sap when he started off so dark and cool and that ruined it, he was a push over and I ended up skimming it just to finish the darn thing. It started so good tho! Very disappointing
... also there where hints at the big event that happens at the end, which is great! Love hints, but it pretty much tell you it's almost fully confirmed ages before it happens and your menna act like your surprised??? Nah not for me thanks
The writing style changed in my opinion and became very wattpad esc
The main live intrest became a sap when he started off so dark and cool and that ruined it, he was a push over and I ended up skimming it just to finish the darn thing. It started so good tho! Very disappointing
... also there where hints at the big event that happens at the end, which is great! Love hints, but it pretty much tell you it's almost fully confirmed ages before it happens and your menna act like your surprised??? Nah not for me thanks
October 22, 2024
I just couldn't help but cringe a fair amount throughout the book.. difficult to finish and the ending was quite predictable so the book dragged a fair amount past the half way point. I did enjoy the earlier character building and the friendship side of it, as well as the earlier counselling chapters.
January 8, 2025
Ha sido todo muy predecible..... pero bueno, me da igual. Ha sido buenísimo. No sé qué me esperaba cuando me lo recomendaron, pero ha superado con creces mis expectativas.
Es un libro MUY bonito. Presioso, maravilloso, perfecto✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Es un libro MUY bonito. Presioso, maravilloso, perfecto✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
December 19, 2024
This book was really fucking long for how little it explained by the end of it. I usually don't have a problem with 600+ pages, but in this case, I knew the same amount of information since 30% of the book. Of course, the author was giving little clues all throughout the book about the final plot twist but honestly, for me, it was crystal clear from the very beginning.
So although I loved the characters, their development, the mental health focus the story has... in the end, all of that got a bit overshadowed by the unnecessary stretching of the story.
Like honestly, when the school games start towards the end of the book, around 70% of it, I think, we all know what's going to happen, what needs to happen, but instead of anything actually happening we still get I-don't-know-how-many chapters of random war(ish) games that I couldn't care less about because I knew what was coming and I WANTED SOME ANSWERS. So you can imagine my disappointment when things actually started to happen and everything was so fucking rushed and then the book ends. WITHOUT EXPLAINING ANYTHING. ON A FUCKING CLIFFHANGER.
So you see what my problem with this book is.
I know authors need to keep some things for the next book or books, but you need to give the readers something. At least, explain the main event that resulted in this story. The whole fucking book, everyone walked around it in circles, claiming that they could not explain it unless the main characters "did the thing", that when that happened they would understand everything. So imagine my surprise when the characters "do the thing", and then the book ends BEFORE ANY EXPLANATIONS ARE GIVEN.
So it just makes me so angry, because it feels to me that selling the next book is more important than writing a cohesive story. Or does the author think that the readers are so stupid that they wouldn't see the last third of the book coming?
Anyway, as I said, not all of it is bad. Up until 70% of the book I was sure it was going to be five stars for me, which usually never happens. Can you tell I'm a bitch bit critical? I'm aware of that.
Some other reviews complained about the lack of world-building and how it felt like the story was set in "Earth #2 (this time with Gods and magic)" but honestly the characters and their development, the dialogue, the interactions, the side characters, even the fucking dog! Everything was so beautifully crafted that I did not care, not for one minute, for what it was lacking. In fact, it was quite the opposite, the simplicity of it was one of the strongest points about this book and something that set it apart from all of the other highly complex but incredibly shallow "romantasies" we have been getting recently. There is an indescribable beauty in doing something simple expertly. And the author does that for most of the book, but as the story gets more complex (more fantastical) the quality of it declines exponentially. So in the end you just feel like a lot was promised but not delivered.
Do I recommend this reading? Sure. You can read up until you hear anything about school games. Then you stop and wait for the next one. Or you're going to be very angry and/or dissappointed and won't want to read the next one, like me.
So although I loved the characters, their development, the mental health focus the story has... in the end, all of that got a bit overshadowed by the unnecessary stretching of the story.
Like honestly, when the school games start towards the end of the book, around 70% of it, I think, we all know what's going to happen, what needs to happen, but instead of anything actually happening we still get I-don't-know-how-many chapters of random war(ish) games that I couldn't care less about because I knew what was coming and I WANTED SOME ANSWERS. So you can imagine my disappointment when things actually started to happen and everything was so fucking rushed and then the book ends. WITHOUT EXPLAINING ANYTHING. ON A FUCKING CLIFFHANGER.
So you see what my problem with this book is.
I know authors need to keep some things for the next book or books, but you need to give the readers something. At least, explain the main event that resulted in this story. The whole fucking book, everyone walked around it in circles, claiming that they could not explain it unless the main characters "did the thing", that when that happened they would understand everything. So imagine my surprise when the characters "do the thing", and then the book ends BEFORE ANY EXPLANATIONS ARE GIVEN.
So it just makes me so angry, because it feels to me that selling the next book is more important than writing a cohesive story. Or does the author think that the readers are so stupid that they wouldn't see the last third of the book coming?
Anyway, as I said, not all of it is bad. Up until 70% of the book I was sure it was going to be five stars for me, which usually never happens. Can you tell I'm a
Some other reviews complained about the lack of world-building and how it felt like the story was set in "Earth #2 (this time with Gods and magic)" but honestly the characters and their development, the dialogue, the interactions, the side characters, even the fucking dog! Everything was so beautifully crafted that I did not care, not for one minute, for what it was lacking. In fact, it was quite the opposite, the simplicity of it was one of the strongest points about this book and something that set it apart from all of the other highly complex but incredibly shallow "romantasies" we have been getting recently. There is an indescribable beauty in doing something simple expertly. And the author does that for most of the book, but as the story gets more complex (more fantastical) the quality of it declines exponentially. So in the end you just feel like a lot was promised but not delivered.
Do I recommend this reading? Sure. You can read up until you hear anything about school games. Then you stop and wait for the next one. Or you're going to be very angry and/or dissappointed and won't want to read the next one, like me.
August 22, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Azala Press for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ok, let me start of by saying I LOVED this book. It’s like Zodiac academy told from the teachers perspectives, but also mixed with Assistant to the villain vibes??? Idk but it worked so well and the legitimate mental health rep/resources was absolutely beautiful to see in this genre.
** SPOILERS AHEAD **
Keep in mind I gave this 4 stars EVEN WITH these issues in mind; the plot and the characters make up for all of these twofold. I would’ve given it five if it weren’t for the following things (sorry if these sounds harsh at all as that’s not my intention!)
• I think it would’ve made a lot more sense if eulaylia and jarion were 14-15 rather than 12 based on their maturity (I understand they went through A LOT to get to this point, but in no world is a 12 year old using words like “mantle” and “” correctly lol). It honestly wouldn’t change the story very much if they were a few years older so it would just make the most sense
• while I love Kellen, I wish he kept his hard exterior much longer as he was already kinda soft and devoted to Noella 100 pages in. And then after that, even though he’s supposed to be this big bad imposing guy, he cries more than Noella— don’t get me wrong, I am all for men with emotions and tears, these just didn’t seem natural to him/his character :/
• I also wish the lustful thoughts didn’t start so hot and heavy so soon into the book with how much they were supposed to hate each other. Idk it kinda minimized all the work the other parts of the book that made it a slow burn, especially since Kellen could read and participate (I think?) in Noella’s dreams. I wanted to bask in their loathing of each other a bit longer, see their attraction grow (for legitimate reasons rather than the almost insta-love spell Kellen was under— like his insane amount of concern for Ella when she was drunk came out of nowhere), and see Ella fight it more instead of forgetting about all her ethics and morals until the last second
• dinner with Kellen’s mother - in no way did Ella playing the part as “pet” ever make sense. It didn’t fit the vibes of the book and came out of left field and overall felt extremely forced for even the characters to admit how pointless it was. Trust me I’m usually a sucker for this type of scene but it didn’t make sense for any of the characters to agree with or even consider, especially with how quickly the act got “found
out”
• overall, i think the book just needed a bit more grace over some parts to help the voice and tone flow better
• i also wish a bit more suspicion was placed on the voice in Ella’s head but for some reason it was always dismissed as normal
• in terms of editing, it switches back and fletch between Ella and Kellen’s perspectives ( I honestly think I would’ve enjoyed this book more is it was just Ella’s) but sometimes in the middle of chapters without warning it’ll switch perspectives. This is just an arc so maybe this will be fixed, but it really threw me through a loop a few times
• the games at the end of book (roughly pages 420-470) were much too long for my taster I kinda skipped over them, sorry! Although Laya’s win was really touching
I cannot wait for the second book!!!!
Ok, let me start of by saying I LOVED this book. It’s like Zodiac academy told from the teachers perspectives, but also mixed with Assistant to the villain vibes??? Idk but it worked so well and the legitimate mental health rep/resources was absolutely beautiful to see in this genre.
** SPOILERS AHEAD **
Keep in mind I gave this 4 stars EVEN WITH these issues in mind; the plot and the characters make up for all of these twofold. I would’ve given it five if it weren’t for the following things (sorry if these sounds harsh at all as that’s not my intention!)
• I think it would’ve made a lot more sense if eulaylia and jarion were 14-15 rather than 12 based on their maturity (I understand they went through A LOT to get to this point, but in no world is a 12 year old using words like “mantle” and “” correctly lol). It honestly wouldn’t change the story very much if they were a few years older so it would just make the most sense
• while I love Kellen, I wish he kept his hard exterior much longer as he was already kinda soft and devoted to Noella 100 pages in. And then after that, even though he’s supposed to be this big bad imposing guy, he cries more than Noella— don’t get me wrong, I am all for men with emotions and tears, these just didn’t seem natural to him/his character :/
• I also wish the lustful thoughts didn’t start so hot and heavy so soon into the book with how much they were supposed to hate each other. Idk it kinda minimized all the work the other parts of the book that made it a slow burn, especially since Kellen could read and participate (I think?) in Noella’s dreams. I wanted to bask in their loathing of each other a bit longer, see their attraction grow (for legitimate reasons rather than the almost insta-love spell Kellen was under— like his insane amount of concern for Ella when she was drunk came out of nowhere), and see Ella fight it more instead of forgetting about all her ethics and morals until the last second
• dinner with Kellen’s mother - in no way did Ella playing the part as “pet” ever make sense. It didn’t fit the vibes of the book and came out of left field and overall felt extremely forced for even the characters to admit how pointless it was. Trust me I’m usually a sucker for this type of scene but it didn’t make sense for any of the characters to agree with or even consider, especially with how quickly the act got “found
out”
• overall, i think the book just needed a bit more grace over some parts to help the voice and tone flow better
• i also wish a bit more suspicion was placed on the voice in Ella’s head but for some reason it was always dismissed as normal
• in terms of editing, it switches back and fletch between Ella and Kellen’s perspectives ( I honestly think I would’ve enjoyed this book more is it was just Ella’s) but sometimes in the middle of chapters without warning it’ll switch perspectives. This is just an arc so maybe this will be fixed, but it really threw me through a loop a few times
• the games at the end of book (roughly pages 420-470) were much too long for my taster I kinda skipped over them, sorry! Although Laya’s win was really touching
I cannot wait for the second book!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Azala Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
True rating: 3.5
I have mixed feelings regarding this book. On one hand, the plot is decent and entertaining but on the other, there were some issues that were just hard to ignore.
1) I'm not a big fan of the formatting when it comes to the POV's. Each chapter starts off with the name of the character, telling you exactly whos' perspective we will be getting in that section. Unfortunately, this didn't always ring true. Occasionally, the chapter would randomly switch perspectives to the other character with no forewarning. Most of the time it did have an obvious break in the page that once you noticed, prepares you for the change, but there were a few times that the break was missing. It was a bit jarring and broke the flow of the book, pulling me out of my immersion into the story.
2) I was IN LOVE with this book being a true enemies to lovers story. I was so excited that our MMC, Kellen, was actively trying to torture and kill our FMC, Noella. The premise of the world being that these beings have no time for emotions. They value strength over everything and see emotions as weakness. So when Noella gets a job as a guidance counselor for these children, she is enemy number one from everyone at the school, staff included. At least until 20% into the book where suddenly he no longer wants to drive her out of the academy. It was such an abrupt change that I put the book down for a while, unable to pick it back up as I felt lied to and robbed. I wish that we had more of a slow burn between them, more of the chemistry as they butt heads and clash, slowly shifting into that lovers mindset instead of the random genre shift that we were given.
3) I absolutely loved the mental health representation in this book! We see kids and even some teachers overcome trauma that was forced on them as a race of people. The author does a fabulous job of showcasing tips and tricks that we can do ourselves in real life if that is something that you struggle with. Watching the characters in the book realize that emotions are not a weakness, and watching them grow and become better people for embracing their pain and struggles, was such a beautiful thing and I truly admired it.
4) The plot twist wasn't a twist at all. The author gave us so much foreshadowing that it was glaringly obvious around 30% of the book what was going to happen. I think that she needs to learn how to subtly weave information in for the reader in throwaway comments or simple nods that aren't so in your face. It would have made the reveal satisfying if we weren't spoon-fed the information throughout the book.
5) While I loved the twins, Eulaylia and Jarion, their mental maturity was too great for that of a 12 year old. The author should have aged them up just a smidge to align more with how she portrayed the characters. I do understand that these two characters had so much trauma on them that it forced them to grow up before they should have, but their age just didn't vibe with what the author was giving us. However all that being said, I do think that they were more of the better side characters in the story. I loved their journey, their growth and just their overall personalities.
Overall, despite the flaws in the book it was a decent read, if not a little long. I will probably continue with the series as it comes out and ends up on my radar but I won't be going out of my way to do so.
True rating: 3.5
I have mixed feelings regarding this book. On one hand, the plot is decent and entertaining but on the other, there were some issues that were just hard to ignore.
1) I'm not a big fan of the formatting when it comes to the POV's. Each chapter starts off with the name of the character, telling you exactly whos' perspective we will be getting in that section. Unfortunately, this didn't always ring true. Occasionally, the chapter would randomly switch perspectives to the other character with no forewarning. Most of the time it did have an obvious break in the page that once you noticed, prepares you for the change, but there were a few times that the break was missing. It was a bit jarring and broke the flow of the book, pulling me out of my immersion into the story.
2) I was IN LOVE with this book being a true enemies to lovers story. I was so excited that our MMC, Kellen, was actively trying to torture and kill our FMC, Noella. The premise of the world being that these beings have no time for emotions. They value strength over everything and see emotions as weakness. So when Noella gets a job as a guidance counselor for these children, she is enemy number one from everyone at the school, staff included. At least until 20% into the book where suddenly he no longer wants to drive her out of the academy. It was such an abrupt change that I put the book down for a while, unable to pick it back up as I felt lied to and robbed. I wish that we had more of a slow burn between them, more of the chemistry as they butt heads and clash, slowly shifting into that lovers mindset instead of the random genre shift that we were given.
3) I absolutely loved the mental health representation in this book! We see kids and even some teachers overcome trauma that was forced on them as a race of people. The author does a fabulous job of showcasing tips and tricks that we can do ourselves in real life if that is something that you struggle with. Watching the characters in the book realize that emotions are not a weakness, and watching them grow and become better people for embracing their pain and struggles, was such a beautiful thing and I truly admired it.
4) The plot twist wasn't a twist at all. The author gave us so much foreshadowing that it was glaringly obvious around 30% of the book what was going to happen. I think that she needs to learn how to subtly weave information in for the reader in throwaway comments or simple nods that aren't so in your face. It would have made the reveal satisfying if we weren't spoon-fed the information throughout the book.
5) While I loved the twins, Eulaylia and Jarion, their mental maturity was too great for that of a 12 year old. The author should have aged them up just a smidge to align more with how she portrayed the characters. I do understand that these two characters had so much trauma on them that it forced them to grow up before they should have, but their age just didn't vibe with what the author was giving us. However all that being said, I do think that they were more of the better side characters in the story. I loved their journey, their growth and just their overall personalities.
Overall, despite the flaws in the book it was a decent read, if not a little long. I will probably continue with the series as it comes out and ends up on my radar but I won't be going out of my way to do so.
January 2, 2025
When Noella Rose signed the contract to become Delmarth Academy’s first official school counselor, she thought she was agreeing to work at a boarding school in upstate New York. Unbeknownst to her, the moment her pen left that page, she magically bound herself to a school in a completely different dimension, in the kingdom of Cavale. Now trapped in Cavale until the school year comes to a close, Ella is forced to work alongside beings of immense power called Primordials, who view emotions as pesky hindrances and have been taught to despise humans from what they call the Earthly Plane. Ella’s coworkers are determined to send her back to her own land, believing her presence in their world will be a dangerous influence on the students of Delmarth—particularly Kellen Kilic, the Varmin department head who’s made it his personal vendetta to make her life a living hell. Ella must find a way to do her job, being an advocate for the student’s mental wellbeing, and survive the school year, hoping to prove to these formidable beings that the most powerful magic of all can be the embracement of feeling.
Kellen Kilic has spent the past twelve years fighting a system designed to fail him in order to protect his two younger siblings. He gave up everything for his future to take care of the twins and against all odds finally gained full custody of them. The arrival of the human Noella Rose at Delmarth Academy threatens all the hard work Kellen has done to protect the twins from their mother. He hates Noella with every fiber of his being, yet finds himself inevitably drawn to her as his siblings begin seeing her for counseling. Noella makes him question what he was taught to view strength as, finding power and beauty in the way she teaches both the students and him to not fear their emotions. Kellen finds himself in a battle between his head and his heart, between what he believes he needs to do to protect the twins and what he wants for himself, which slowly overtime becomes the human he’s supposed to despise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Human councillor Noella Rose unwittingly enters a contract that has her spend a year at the mystical boarding school, Delmarth Academy, where more enemies than friends are hidden behind its doors. Primordial Kellen Kilic immediately detests Ella's presence in the school and his younger siblings' lives. Still, as the novel progresses, his guard falls, leading to a love story neither knew would unfold.
Kyla Shinder has written a captivating novel that ticks the boxes of dark academia and dark romance, merging several popular tropes into a multi-genre narrative. Although the story is engaging, it is uneven at times and can cause the plot to slow down.
Overall, although Kyla Shinder's Bleeding Rose doesn't break any ground in the dark academia, dark romance, or fantasy genres, it is an enjoyable read that serves as a good introduction for anyone wanting to enter the dark academia and dark romance spheres who enjoy larger books.
Thank you, NetGalley and Azala Press for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Kellen Kilic has spent the past twelve years fighting a system designed to fail him in order to protect his two younger siblings. He gave up everything for his future to take care of the twins and against all odds finally gained full custody of them. The arrival of the human Noella Rose at Delmarth Academy threatens all the hard work Kellen has done to protect the twins from their mother. He hates Noella with every fiber of his being, yet finds himself inevitably drawn to her as his siblings begin seeing her for counseling. Noella makes him question what he was taught to view strength as, finding power and beauty in the way she teaches both the students and him to not fear their emotions. Kellen finds himself in a battle between his head and his heart, between what he believes he needs to do to protect the twins and what he wants for himself, which slowly overtime becomes the human he’s supposed to despise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Human councillor Noella Rose unwittingly enters a contract that has her spend a year at the mystical boarding school, Delmarth Academy, where more enemies than friends are hidden behind its doors. Primordial Kellen Kilic immediately detests Ella's presence in the school and his younger siblings' lives. Still, as the novel progresses, his guard falls, leading to a love story neither knew would unfold.
Kyla Shinder has written a captivating novel that ticks the boxes of dark academia and dark romance, merging several popular tropes into a multi-genre narrative. Although the story is engaging, it is uneven at times and can cause the plot to slow down.
Overall, although Kyla Shinder's Bleeding Rose doesn't break any ground in the dark academia, dark romance, or fantasy genres, it is an enjoyable read that serves as a good introduction for anyone wanting to enter the dark academia and dark romance spheres who enjoy larger books.
Thank you, NetGalley and Azala Press for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2024
Thank you netgalley for the ARC
Bleeding rose by Kyla Shinder :
" And if I ask for a star?"
"I'll shred the galaxies apart to find you the biggest one"
Rating:4.5⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Tropes-
🖤 Grumpy x sunshine
🖤 Opposite attract
🖤 found family
🖤 Mental health Rep
🖤 human X Shifter
🖤 slow burn
🖤 touch her and die
When Noella Rose signed up to be Delmarth Academy’s first school counselor, she thought she was heading to a cozy boarding school in upstate New York. Plot twist: she’s magically stuck at a school in another dimension called the kingdom of Cavale, where she’s now dealing with powerful beings called Primordials who think humans are emotional train wrecks. Her new colleagues, especially the ever-grumpy Kellen Kilic, see her as a bad influence and want to ship her back ASAP. Kellen, who’s been the ultimate big brother, initially despises Noella but starts to get all flustered when his siblings actually enjoy her counseling. Now Noella has to survive the school year, prove that feelings aren’t the end of the world, and navigate Kellen’s hilarious struggle between hating her and maybe, just maybe, liking her a little too much.
I like how Noella tries her best, to help every student sent her way, even when they are not receptive. She makes the most out of her situation after understanding that she has to stay for a year at Delmarth. She finds her people (Aiko and Josefyn) eventually and these two along with Kellen become the reason she starts to enjoy her time at Delmarth. She doesn't just forget everything Kellen did in the beginning and makes him grovel.
“ I'm going to kill you, Kilic. You don't deserve quick. It's going to be slow and agonizing. "
“ why does it sound like you're flirting with me, Rose?"
Kellen, oh my God, he is so well written, he will remain one of my favorite book boyfriends. The way Kellen acts around the twins is so swoon-worthy. His character development is so good, we see him going from despising Noella since she is a weak human to adoring her as the strongest person he has ever known.
" until you do that, Kilic... unit you tke some accountability for the way you've hurt me, there's no conversion to be there. You and I are not friends. We're nothing. It's better if you just stay away from me"
The banter between him and Noella is hilariously entertaining and the tension 🤌. At some point after every chapter, I would yell 'Just kiss each other already' in my head.
“Let me prove myself to you, Noella Rose. Make me work for it. Give me your wrost, so I can give you my best"
You can kinda guess the plot twist but it was still interesting to read what happens next and how it'll play out. The last few chapters felt a little rushed but overall I loved the book. Can't wait to read the second book to find out more.
Bleeding rose by Kyla Shinder :
" And if I ask for a star?"
"I'll shred the galaxies apart to find you the biggest one"
Rating:4.5⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Tropes-
🖤 Grumpy x sunshine
🖤 Opposite attract
🖤 found family
🖤 Mental health Rep
🖤 human X Shifter
🖤 slow burn
🖤 touch her and die
When Noella Rose signed up to be Delmarth Academy’s first school counselor, she thought she was heading to a cozy boarding school in upstate New York. Plot twist: she’s magically stuck at a school in another dimension called the kingdom of Cavale, where she’s now dealing with powerful beings called Primordials who think humans are emotional train wrecks. Her new colleagues, especially the ever-grumpy Kellen Kilic, see her as a bad influence and want to ship her back ASAP. Kellen, who’s been the ultimate big brother, initially despises Noella but starts to get all flustered when his siblings actually enjoy her counseling. Now Noella has to survive the school year, prove that feelings aren’t the end of the world, and navigate Kellen’s hilarious struggle between hating her and maybe, just maybe, liking her a little too much.
I like how Noella tries her best, to help every student sent her way, even when they are not receptive. She makes the most out of her situation after understanding that she has to stay for a year at Delmarth. She finds her people (Aiko and Josefyn) eventually and these two along with Kellen become the reason she starts to enjoy her time at Delmarth. She doesn't just forget everything Kellen did in the beginning and makes him grovel.
“ I'm going to kill you, Kilic. You don't deserve quick. It's going to be slow and agonizing. "
“ why does it sound like you're flirting with me, Rose?"
Kellen, oh my God, he is so well written, he will remain one of my favorite book boyfriends. The way Kellen acts around the twins is so swoon-worthy. His character development is so good, we see him going from despising Noella since she is a weak human to adoring her as the strongest person he has ever known.
" until you do that, Kilic... unit you tke some accountability for the way you've hurt me, there's no conversion to be there. You and I are not friends. We're nothing. It's better if you just stay away from me"
The banter between him and Noella is hilariously entertaining and the tension 🤌. At some point after every chapter, I would yell 'Just kiss each other already' in my head.
“Let me prove myself to you, Noella Rose. Make me work for it. Give me your wrost, so I can give you my best"
You can kinda guess the plot twist but it was still interesting to read what happens next and how it'll play out. The last few chapters felt a little rushed but overall I loved the book. Can't wait to read the second book to find out more.
August 30, 2024
⭐ - 4.5/5 - ⭐
Thank you #netgalley and #azalapress for the ARC of this book!
I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I cheered, and every other reaction you can think of!
✦ Touch her and die
✦ Mental health rep
✦ Enemies to lovers
✦ Grumpy x Sunshine
✦ Slow burn
✦ Dark Academia
✦ Trauma/Abuse Healing
⚠️ - Yes - trauma, abuse, etc
🌶️ - 2/5
💕 - 4.5/5
👥 - 4/5
🌎 - 5/5
🗡️ - 2/5
💀 - 2/5
𝙾𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠:
Noella Rose gets a job offer to become the school counselor for Delmarth Academy. Unknown to her, this school is in another dimension, ruled by Gods and home to beings called Primordials, who happen to hate humans. After a year, she will be allowed to return home...if she survives that long.
Kellen Kilic is a Primordial teacher at Delmarth Academy. His life is spent protecting his heart and his twin siblings. Noellas arrival turns his whole world upside down. He's supposed to hate humans, so why is this one invading his every thought?
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
● The author does such a good job at making us feel the pain that Ella is going through in the first few chapters of the book, that when she’s shown true compassion and friendship, I actually teared up a little bit.
● Points for the use of ‘spoons’ when talking about mental health and energy spent
● Mental health representation throughout
● I’m not usually a huge fan of 3rd person books, but honestly, this was written so well I barely noticed.
● The relationship between Kellen and Freya (Noella's dog) is just too stinking cute!
● Focuses more on the characters within the story, versus the fantasy and magic of the world. Not to say that the world building was incredible!
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅:
● This being an ARC, I definitely overlooked a few things, but some of the paragraphs were LOOONG...like pages long.
● Sometimes the POV switches mid chapter and it's a bit confusing
● 3rd act breakup...however it was VERY brief.
● Mildly predictable twist(s)
𝒬𝓊𝑜𝓉𝑒𝓈
This is probably one of my favorite books of 2024. The whole book kept me on my toes and that cliffhanger left me screaming! I cannot wait for the next book and to read more of this authors books!
Thank you #netgalley and #azalapress for the ARC of this book!
I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I cheered, and every other reaction you can think of!
✦ Touch her and die
✦ Mental health rep
✦ Enemies to lovers
✦ Grumpy x Sunshine
✦ Slow burn
✦ Dark Academia
✦ Trauma/Abuse Healing
⚠️ - Yes - trauma, abuse, etc
🌶️ - 2/5
💕 - 4.5/5
👥 - 4/5
🌎 - 5/5
🗡️ - 2/5
💀 - 2/5
𝙾𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠:
Noella Rose gets a job offer to become the school counselor for Delmarth Academy. Unknown to her, this school is in another dimension, ruled by Gods and home to beings called Primordials, who happen to hate humans. After a year, she will be allowed to return home...if she survives that long.
Kellen Kilic is a Primordial teacher at Delmarth Academy. His life is spent protecting his heart and his twin siblings. Noellas arrival turns his whole world upside down. He's supposed to hate humans, so why is this one invading his every thought?
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
● The author does such a good job at making us feel the pain that Ella is going through in the first few chapters of the book, that when she’s shown true compassion and friendship, I actually teared up a little bit.
● Points for the use of ‘spoons’ when talking about mental health and energy spent
● Mental health representation throughout
● I’m not usually a huge fan of 3rd person books, but honestly, this was written so well I barely noticed.
● The relationship between Kellen and Freya (Noella's dog) is just too stinking cute!
● Focuses more on the characters within the story, versus the fantasy and magic of the world. Not to say that the world building was incredible!
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅:
● This being an ARC, I definitely overlooked a few things, but some of the paragraphs were LOOONG...like pages long.
● Sometimes the POV switches mid chapter and it's a bit confusing
● 3rd act breakup...however it was VERY brief.
● Mildly predictable twist(s)
𝒬𝓊𝑜𝓉𝑒𝓈
"Selfishness is defined as concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others. Taking care of yourself is different than putting yourself above someone else. It doesn't mean you don't care for others to care for yourself. I'm both our dimensions, apparently, we have all been conditioned to think that prioritizing our needs or setting boundaries is a selfish thing to do, but it's not. Putting yourself first is not selfish."
"But I know depression. I know how it moves. I know how it operates. I know how it takes hold, and I know how it can destroy."
This is probably one of my favorite books of 2024. The whole book kept me on my toes and that cliffhanger left me screaming! I cannot wait for the next book and to read more of this authors books!
August 6, 2024
Bleeding Rose is a unique story full of vivid imagery and beautifully written prose.
I love that there is a map and a pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book. It makes imagining the academy and reading the names much easier.
Noella Rose, who goes by Ella, is a human school counselor at an academy full of fairytale creatures called Primordials. In fact, she's the only human in all of Cavale, bound by a contract created under false pretenses. Students and teachers alike treat her like she is a lesser being (because they're taught to believe she is), and Ella has come to expect almost everything that they throw at her. She is determined to help the students of Delmarth and to survive every day remaining in her contract, so she accepts their nearly unbearable treatment in order to do so. She's an inspiration and a badass throughout this story.
Kellen Kilic is an instructor at Delmarth, and Ella's number one enemy. He slings verbal insults at her in passing, and occasionally to her fave. He can't stand her, mostly because she's human. He's all fire and rage, pressing her buttons as much as he can. He's determined to get rid of her by any means necessary.
Knowing that her job is to help the students handle their emotions, he reluctantly calls on her when a student of his is having a panic attack. That student happens to be a dragon shifter who may or may not attempt to unalive Ella, and Kellen can't help but smirk at the idea.
The banter between them is sexy as hell. Every shot Kellen takes, Ella matches it with her own wit. She doesn't back down, and fights him tooth and nail to prove that she can help and that she does belong at Delmarth, at least for the next 9 months. The slow burn with them is fire. I loved every moment of it.
There are some characters that I absolutely hate, and others I adore. I don't want to go into detail about them, but both help to build this world that Ella is thrust into, and they shape her into the woman she must become, whether she likes it or not.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers, slow burn, found family, touch her and die, spicey, forced proximity, mental health rep, grumpy/sunshine.
I love that there is a map and a pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book. It makes imagining the academy and reading the names much easier.
Noella Rose, who goes by Ella, is a human school counselor at an academy full of fairytale creatures called Primordials. In fact, she's the only human in all of Cavale, bound by a contract created under false pretenses. Students and teachers alike treat her like she is a lesser being (because they're taught to believe she is), and Ella has come to expect almost everything that they throw at her. She is determined to help the students of Delmarth and to survive every day remaining in her contract, so she accepts their nearly unbearable treatment in order to do so. She's an inspiration and a badass throughout this story.
Kellen Kilic is an instructor at Delmarth, and Ella's number one enemy. He slings verbal insults at her in passing, and occasionally to her fave. He can't stand her, mostly because she's human. He's all fire and rage, pressing her buttons as much as he can. He's determined to get rid of her by any means necessary.
Knowing that her job is to help the students handle their emotions, he reluctantly calls on her when a student of his is having a panic attack. That student happens to be a dragon shifter who may or may not attempt to unalive Ella, and Kellen can't help but smirk at the idea.
The banter between them is sexy as hell. Every shot Kellen takes, Ella matches it with her own wit. She doesn't back down, and fights him tooth and nail to prove that she can help and that she does belong at Delmarth, at least for the next 9 months. The slow burn with them is fire. I loved every moment of it.
There are some characters that I absolutely hate, and others I adore. I don't want to go into detail about them, but both help to build this world that Ella is thrust into, and they shape her into the woman she must become, whether she likes it or not.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers, slow burn, found family, touch her and die, spicey, forced proximity, mental health rep, grumpy/sunshine.
September 30, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this book. For me, as I have seen some other people say, this book is marketed as a fantasy book with romance but should probably be marketed as a romance book with fantasy as the storyline I would say is a lot more focused on the romance with the plot being assisted by the fantasy aspects rather than the other way around.
The plot started off at a snails pace, the slow-burn romance was incredibly slow. There was a point around the two-thirds to three quarters mark where they could have gotten together and it would have been just the right length of time, but something happens to make one of the characters pull away which kind of tipped me over the edge from anticipation to frustration. It is something that, in my opinion, didn’t even need to happen it was just shoved in to make the slow burn last longer. Ella (the FMC) goes from super lovey to completely shut off, and while there is some explanation as to why, it just doesn’t feel realistic that she would react the way she does. And then, when the relationship reaches the peak we have all waited for… it’s on the very last page and the book ends with a “to be continued…”
I really enjoyed a lot of the characters, but sometimes they felt very two dimensional and not completely fleshed out, I would have liked to see more depth to them, played out realistically (or as realistically as possible in a world of shapeshifters and elemental wielders). Kellen (the MMC) was very moody and broody for the first third of the book… and then just seemed to become a bit of a wet wipe? Yes, I know, love softens us all, but it feels like we lost the character we actually started to fall in love with along side Ella and he becomes a completely different person. In my opinion, the only characters that actually showed any realistic character growth were the twins Jarion and Layla, and they are the most adorable (they almost made me cry several times). At times Ella was very annoying, honestly I’m not even sure why, she just seemed to grate on me at times.
When it came to plot progression and twists and turns in the story, they were all very obvious. I saw them coming several chapters ahead and was consistently correct. Does this make them bad? No, but sometimes it’s nice when something (good or bad) comes completely out of left field and leaves you wondering how you didn’t see it before. And this story did not give me that at all I’m afraid.
Overall I did enjoy this story and I would read the next one. 3.25 ⭐️
For full disclosure I was provided an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this story through NetGalley in return for my honest review.
The plot started off at a snails pace, the slow-burn romance was incredibly slow. There was a point around the two-thirds to three quarters mark where they could have gotten together and it would have been just the right length of time, but something happens to make one of the characters pull away which kind of tipped me over the edge from anticipation to frustration. It is something that, in my opinion, didn’t even need to happen it was just shoved in to make the slow burn last longer. Ella (the FMC) goes from super lovey to completely shut off, and while there is some explanation as to why, it just doesn’t feel realistic that she would react the way she does. And then, when the relationship reaches the peak we have all waited for… it’s on the very last page and the book ends with a “to be continued…”
I really enjoyed a lot of the characters, but sometimes they felt very two dimensional and not completely fleshed out, I would have liked to see more depth to them, played out realistically (or as realistically as possible in a world of shapeshifters and elemental wielders). Kellen (the MMC) was very moody and broody for the first third of the book… and then just seemed to become a bit of a wet wipe? Yes, I know, love softens us all, but it feels like we lost the character we actually started to fall in love with along side Ella and he becomes a completely different person. In my opinion, the only characters that actually showed any realistic character growth were the twins Jarion and Layla, and they are the most adorable (they almost made me cry several times). At times Ella was very annoying, honestly I’m not even sure why, she just seemed to grate on me at times.
When it came to plot progression and twists and turns in the story, they were all very obvious. I saw them coming several chapters ahead and was consistently correct. Does this make them bad? No, but sometimes it’s nice when something (good or bad) comes completely out of left field and leaves you wondering how you didn’t see it before. And this story did not give me that at all I’m afraid.
Overall I did enjoy this story and I would read the next one. 3.25 ⭐️
For full disclosure I was provided an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this story through NetGalley in return for my honest review.
August 30, 2024
This book is so special to me. It was my very first ARC read, and I am so glad it was.
Let me start this out by saying that I love me a fantasy/romantasy book that has a pronunciation guide in the front! Thank you, thank you, thank you for that, Kyla!
I will not lie. It did take me a moment to get used to the universe. Everyone is uncommonly cruel to Ella. That's just how things work in their world. I'm a soft-hearted one, like Ella, so the enmity (with magic making it even more frightening) made me angry. Not at the author, but at the people of Cavale. It was very well done.
I loved Aiko and Josefyn so much. They were Ella's anchor in a very stormy sea when she needed it most. Their friendship is truly lovely.
Kellen... is magnificent. The change in him is truly dynamic character development. I ship he and Ella so hard. What is their ship name? Kella? NoKellen? Unsure here, but it's beautiful. His relationship with his siblings is so complicated and truly heartwarming. Jarion and Laya are absolutely fantastic little people. Brave and strong, in ways they don't even realize. Also, I'm always here for a twin dynamic.
My absolute favorite part was the therapy. It was real, it was raw and it was obvious that these children, these people, were so very in need of it. I loved the fun ways that Ella came up with to actually help the kids, even if they seemed silly. Ella is brilliant, and she cares so much about the people around her. Her relationship with her sister is also very special. I love that Rylee raised her and is basically her mom. It's very nice.
I'm getting very long-winded, so I will wrap this up. All the fantasy elements were here for me. Magic. An awesome school for magic kids (even if the whole point of their schooling is to prepare them for war). Gods, monsters, shape-shifters. The fact that Kellen's dragon had a name and his own... soul? was a very fun little surprise.
I can't wait for the sequel!
Let me start this out by saying that I love me a fantasy/romantasy book that has a pronunciation guide in the front! Thank you, thank you, thank you for that, Kyla!
I will not lie. It did take me a moment to get used to the universe. Everyone is uncommonly cruel to Ella. That's just how things work in their world. I'm a soft-hearted one, like Ella, so the enmity (with magic making it even more frightening) made me angry. Not at the author, but at the people of Cavale. It was very well done.
I loved Aiko and Josefyn so much. They were Ella's anchor in a very stormy sea when she needed it most. Their friendship is truly lovely.
Kellen... is magnificent. The change in him is truly dynamic character development. I ship he and Ella so hard. What is their ship name? Kella? NoKellen? Unsure here, but it's beautiful. His relationship with his siblings is so complicated and truly heartwarming. Jarion and Laya are absolutely fantastic little people. Brave and strong, in ways they don't even realize. Also, I'm always here for a twin dynamic.
My absolute favorite part was the therapy. It was real, it was raw and it was obvious that these children, these people, were so very in need of it. I loved the fun ways that Ella came up with to actually help the kids, even if they seemed silly. Ella is brilliant, and she cares so much about the people around her. Her relationship with her sister is also very special. I love that Rylee raised her and is basically her mom. It's very nice.
I'm getting very long-winded, so I will wrap this up. All the fantasy elements were here for me. Magic. An awesome school for magic kids (even if the whole point of their schooling is to prepare them for war). Gods, monsters, shape-shifters. The fact that Kellen's dragon had a name and his own... soul? was a very fun little surprise.
I can't wait for the sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2024
I am convinced this has become one of my all time favorite books!!
5/5 ⭐️
HEAR ME OUT, THIS BOOK HAS EVERYTHING I WANT AND NEED, a GOOD enemies to lovers, banter, EXQUISITE found family, AMAZING worldbuilding, the best dynamics, twists, EVERYTHING.
Noella Rose, our FMC, has just signed a contract to become Delmarth Academy's first counselor, but instead of working at the boarding school in upstate New York like she thought, as soon as she signs she is bound to work in an Academy of another realm, of the Kingdom of Cavale. Now she has to survive the whole academic year between primordial beings with incredible power who hate humans and despise emotion. Especially, the Varmin department head, Kellen Kilic, who is set on making her life a living hell.
HAVE I MENTIONED THAT KELLEN IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND A DRAGON SHIFTER!?!??!? I just love him so much, he and his siblings are THE BEST. I really loved their dynamic. And Kellen is definitely dreamy, I want that dragon shifter to be my love, thank you very much and yes, I never stop with my delulu. Noella Rose is my queen and I loved her POV, her strength, her insight and how she is set in not letting the other primordials diminish her efforts, always trying and always being there for her students even when they don't want to. I really liked how we saw her relationship with some students develop throughout the book. Laya and Jare were AMAZING, I just wanted to cry with some of their parts and then laugh like a crazy person. They're so brave and wise beyond their years and I just want to protect them at all cost.
I can't stress enough how much I've fallen in love with this book, the character, and the world created by Kyla. Just go read this enemies to lovers between a human counselor and a dragon shifter teacher. NOW.
Love you all and happy reading 💋💋
5/5 ⭐️
HEAR ME OUT, THIS BOOK HAS EVERYTHING I WANT AND NEED, a GOOD enemies to lovers, banter, EXQUISITE found family, AMAZING worldbuilding, the best dynamics, twists, EVERYTHING.
Noella Rose, our FMC, has just signed a contract to become Delmarth Academy's first counselor, but instead of working at the boarding school in upstate New York like she thought, as soon as she signs she is bound to work in an Academy of another realm, of the Kingdom of Cavale. Now she has to survive the whole academic year between primordial beings with incredible power who hate humans and despise emotion. Especially, the Varmin department head, Kellen Kilic, who is set on making her life a living hell.
HAVE I MENTIONED THAT KELLEN IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND A DRAGON SHIFTER!?!??!? I just love him so much, he and his siblings are THE BEST. I really loved their dynamic. And Kellen is definitely dreamy, I want that dragon shifter to be my love, thank you very much and yes, I never stop with my delulu. Noella Rose is my queen and I loved her POV, her strength, her insight and how she is set in not letting the other primordials diminish her efforts, always trying and always being there for her students even when they don't want to. I really liked how we saw her relationship with some students develop throughout the book. Laya and Jare were AMAZING, I just wanted to cry with some of their parts and then laugh like a crazy person. They're so brave and wise beyond their years and I just want to protect them at all cost.
I can't stress enough how much I've fallen in love with this book, the character, and the world created by Kyla. Just go read this enemies to lovers between a human counselor and a dragon shifter teacher. NOW.
Love you all and happy reading 💋💋
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