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The Masked Professor: a modern Phantom of the Opera
Christine Daae is struggling to survive college. Ever since her famous violinist dad passed away, leaving her all alone, music has caused more harm than good. When her dancer best friend convinces her to add a theater minor to her English degree during her third year, she is ill-prepared for how wild her life is about to become.
Professor Erik Dresler hates almost everyone. No one is more surprised than him when he comes across a shy but beautiful student singing in one of the practice rooms on campus and he cannot fight the need to listen. The music in her calls to his soul, and he’s compelled to unlock it. Desire becomes obsession, which leads to love.
Within a blink of an eye, Christine finds herself thrust into leading lady status for her university’s annual musical while suddenly face-to-face with an old friend who reminds her of better days. Unfortunately, he isn’t who he seems to be, and Christine is forced to decide if the risk of expulsion is worth finally finding the longed-for comfort and love.
As her childhood best friend continues to force himself into her life and threatens Erik’s job at the university, Christine and Erik discover what it means to let go of past hurts and distrust and rely on one another.
Can love and music actually conquer all?
This is a modern, age gap spicy Romance retelling of The Phantom of the Opera
Professor Erik Dresler hates almost everyone. No one is more surprised than him when he comes across a shy but beautiful student singing in one of the practice rooms on campus and he cannot fight the need to listen. The music in her calls to his soul, and he’s compelled to unlock it. Desire becomes obsession, which leads to love.
Within a blink of an eye, Christine finds herself thrust into leading lady status for her university’s annual musical while suddenly face-to-face with an old friend who reminds her of better days. Unfortunately, he isn’t who he seems to be, and Christine is forced to decide if the risk of expulsion is worth finally finding the longed-for comfort and love.
As her childhood best friend continues to force himself into her life and threatens Erik’s job at the university, Christine and Erik discover what it means to let go of past hurts and distrust and rely on one another.
Can love and music actually conquer all?
This is a modern, age gap spicy Romance retelling of The Phantom of the Opera
396 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2024
12 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Liz Zerkel
11 books24 followersLIZ ZERKEL writes romance filled with humor, heart, and spice. She is also a podcaster with various shows, including Dick of the Week, where she and her co-host discuss everything they love (and sometimes hate) about romance.
When not behind the keyboard or microphone, she can be found reading, daydreaming about her next camping trip, or finding her new favorite restaurant to try. She lives in St. Louis with her comedian husband and two black cats, Phantom Cat and Shelley. You can find out more at lizzerkel.com.
When not behind the keyboard or microphone, she can be found reading, daydreaming about her next camping trip, or finding her new favorite restaurant to try. She lives in St. Louis with her comedian husband and two black cats, Phantom Cat and Shelley. You can find out more at lizzerkel.com.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 7, 2024
Phenomenal! I adored this book for so many reasons. I’m a huge Phantom of the Opera fan, but not big on collegiate romances. However, this one completely hit the mark. Erik is a brooding brilliant music professor pining for his ingénue Christina. They are thrust together as she auditions for the main musical and sparks fly!
I loved how the author did a bit of a roll reversal between Erik and the Raoul character, Ray. She delves into Ray being the “nice guy” who is really not that nice while Erik is portrayed as a domineering professor but is truly just a misunderstood softie, at least when it comes to Christine.
I loved the spice. My gawd 🫠 I would LOVE to hear this in audiobook form. Like take my money to bring some of this man to life 👀
More so it showed excellent growth for Christine and Erik while really taking care with the power dynamic at play.
I LOVED this book.
Tropes include:
-Age Gap
-Professor/student
-Touch her & 💀vibes
-Brooding book boyfriend
-Forced proximity
-Found family
3.5 🌶️
I loved how the author did a bit of a roll reversal between Erik and the Raoul character, Ray. She delves into Ray being the “nice guy” who is really not that nice while Erik is portrayed as a domineering professor but is truly just a misunderstood softie, at least when it comes to Christine.
I loved the spice. My gawd 🫠 I would LOVE to hear this in audiobook form. Like take my money to bring some of this man to life 👀
More so it showed excellent growth for Christine and Erik while really taking care with the power dynamic at play.
I LOVED this book.
Tropes include:
-Age Gap
-Professor/student
-Touch her & 💀vibes
-Brooding book boyfriend
-Forced proximity
-Found family
3.5 🌶️
September 18, 2024
Erik and Christine... It's everything i wanted
When i was younger i was quite obsessed with Phantom but there was a part of me that wanted Erik to get the girl. I loved this modern retelling with a taboo touch. Highly recommend for any grown up theatre person. Sweet, spicy, a touch of darkness, laughs, and maybe a tear or two.
When i was younger i was quite obsessed with Phantom but there was a part of me that wanted Erik to get the girl. I loved this modern retelling with a taboo touch. Highly recommend for any grown up theatre person. Sweet, spicy, a touch of darkness, laughs, and maybe a tear or two.
February 15, 2025
Got to 26% but honestly didn't like the dialogue en the pacing was really bad.
Loved the idea and thought we would have more like a "gothicana" kind of tandem between the mmc and the fmc but they got together like at page 10. No longing, no desire buildup. Aspecially for a phantom retelling...
I am so sorry
Loved the idea and thought we would have more like a "gothicana" kind of tandem between the mmc and the fmc but they got together like at page 10. No longing, no desire buildup. Aspecially for a phantom retelling...
I am so sorry
November 7, 2024
Loved it!
February 10, 2025
DNF at 43%
I’m so sorry, I love Phantom of the Opera but this retelling wasn’t working for me
I’m so sorry, I love Phantom of the Opera but this retelling wasn’t working for me
May 1, 2025
Loved this book for around Valentine’s Day! Liz makes her characters come to life. I enjoyed reading a modern day forbidden spicy romance. The question everyone wants to know… why does he wear a mask?
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews