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The Never Never Duet #1
Nevermore
“Sometimes the most forbidden fruit is the sweetest.”
Kieran Ten years ago, my world crumbled around me. Losing my wife turned me into a shell of a man, stuck teaching entitled Ivy League brats by day and drowning my pain in meaningless sex by night. The club has saved me countless times, until she walks into my classroom. There’s something behind the pain in her eyes that pulls me in, and even though I know she’s forbidden, I can’t stay away, no matter how hard I try.
Deirdre For the last year, I’ve been running from my tortured past, hiding amongst the shadows in hopes that he won’t find me. When I end up in a small town in Connecticut, I’m determined to take control of my life—so I fill my time as a cocktail waitress by night, and a student by day. I stick out like a sore thumb among these snooty frat boys and sorority girls, but one thing draws me the broody professor teaching my world literature class.
I know I shouldn’t cross the lines of temptation. But when an embarrassing incident forces us together, we find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of heated moments, and I start to wonder if I can really stay away… or if I even want to.
Kieran Ten years ago, my world crumbled around me. Losing my wife turned me into a shell of a man, stuck teaching entitled Ivy League brats by day and drowning my pain in meaningless sex by night. The club has saved me countless times, until she walks into my classroom. There’s something behind the pain in her eyes that pulls me in, and even though I know she’s forbidden, I can’t stay away, no matter how hard I try.
Deirdre For the last year, I’ve been running from my tortured past, hiding amongst the shadows in hopes that he won’t find me. When I end up in a small town in Connecticut, I’m determined to take control of my life—so I fill my time as a cocktail waitress by night, and a student by day. I stick out like a sore thumb among these snooty frat boys and sorority girls, but one thing draws me the broody professor teaching my world literature class.
I know I shouldn’t cross the lines of temptation. But when an embarrassing incident forces us together, we find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of heated moments, and I start to wonder if I can really stay away… or if I even want to.
423 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2025
158 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
May 13, 2025
ARC review: 💜 This was an amazing short (280 pages on kindle) & smutty read 🐦⬛
I enjoyed how the beginning jumps right into the plot and you meet all the main characters shortly after. Kieran (MMC) & Deirdre (MFC) are a match made in poetry heaven. Their pain from the past brings draws them together. Finding solace in each other’s touch and intellect. But will they be able to be together forever or is this just another sad story to add to their past?
The plot really ramped up at the end. I was NOT expecting an ending like that! I need book two ASAP!
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I enjoyed how the beginning jumps right into the plot and you meet all the main characters shortly after. Kieran (MMC) & Deirdre (MFC) are a match made in poetry heaven. Their pain from the past brings draws them together. Finding solace in each other’s touch and intellect. But will they be able to be together forever or is this just another sad story to add to their past?
The plot really ramped up at the end. I was NOT expecting an ending like that! I need book two ASAP!
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 3, 2025
✨4 stars✨
November 24, 2025
Dual style narration 4/5🎧Male narrator only has 3 chapters from MMC’s POV
Story 3/5⭐️
Spice 3/5🌶️
I started this audio very early today because I couldn’t focus on any of my current reads (love this for myself !🙄😵💫)and of course, by the way it was described and targeted towards the fans of Nocticadia and Gothikana, I said “why not!?”
Unfortunately it fell flat! A few sprinkled quotes from Edgar Allan Poe do not make this one “gothic romance”
! I felt no chemistry between characters … it was all rushed, insta lust, no build up and angst (which was all desperately needed for such a forbidden relationship, to gain roots!) Many cliche scenes (her spilling wine over both of them then somehow having to go change - at his place of course, cuz there’s no hot water in her dorm… him having some sort of crisis and blurting out his “tormented past”🙄about having so much sex with his wife and not being able to conceive… ) made this feel so bland like unseasoned chicken and made me roll my eyes more times than the roles on a cinnamon bun! (I am hungry therefore these food analogies 😜)
MMC is a jaded professor that drowns his sorrows in a smex “gentlemen’s club” 🙄 setting - exploring his dom/sub kinks with various submissives… 🥱FMC works in said club as a waitress and witnesses some of his private sessions (it turns out he couldn’t perform because he was developing attraction for FMC 🙄) Although we know FMC is running from her traumatic past, she came across, on several occasions, as snarky and annoying (that was even more accentuated because of her interactions with her even more annoying roommate 🤦🏻♀️) Had high hopes but was very much disappointed!
Story 3/5⭐️
Spice 3/5🌶️
I started this audio very early today because I couldn’t focus on any of my current reads (love this for myself !🙄😵💫)and of course, by the way it was described and targeted towards the fans of Nocticadia and Gothikana, I said “why not!?”
Unfortunately it fell flat! A few sprinkled quotes from Edgar Allan Poe do not make this one “gothic romance”
! I felt no chemistry between characters … it was all rushed, insta lust, no build up and angst (which was all desperately needed for such a forbidden relationship, to gain roots!) Many cliche scenes (her spilling wine over both of them then somehow having to go change - at his place of course, cuz there’s no hot water in her dorm… him having some sort of crisis and blurting out his “tormented past”🙄about having so much sex with his wife and not being able to conceive… ) made this feel so bland like unseasoned chicken and made me roll my eyes more times than the roles on a cinnamon bun! (I am hungry therefore these food analogies 😜)
MMC is a jaded professor that drowns his sorrows in a smex “gentlemen’s club” 🙄 setting - exploring his dom/sub kinks with various submissives… 🥱FMC works in said club as a waitress and witnesses some of his private sessions (it turns out he couldn’t perform because he was developing attraction for FMC 🙄) Although we know FMC is running from her traumatic past, she came across, on several occasions, as snarky and annoying (that was even more accentuated because of her interactions with her even more annoying roommate 🤦🏻♀️) Had high hopes but was very much disappointed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
I am so happy to have been chosen as an ARC reader because spicy romance with Edgar Allen Poe sprinkled in?! It doesn't get much better than that and this book knocked it out of the park with characters that felt realistic and relatable, and the kind of spice I was hoping for. Beware, it ends on a cliffhanger!!! Can't wait to read the second book!
May 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 [Rounded Up]
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🗓️ Release Date: TODAY!!!
📚 Book 1 of the "Never Never" Duet
⺁ Ends in the cliffiest of Cliffhangers!
HOW FREAKING COULD YOU!?!? 😭😭
I am soooo upset right now. That ending has me so worked up. Did I know this was a duet...YES...Did I know that it was going to end in a cliffhanger....Also YES buuuttttt.....I did not know it was going to be this type of cliffhanger!! I need book 2 immediately. I devoured this book in less than a day and could not put it down.
Ok, so to the ACTUAL review. Firstly, im from Baltimore and I also happen to be a huge Poe fan so as soon as I saw this book I was sold. The story jumps immediately into Deirdre's life with grief right up front. No easing you into this story thats for sure. Grief/guilt is a huge undertone throughout this book, and Kieran & Deirdre are both looking for a new start in each other, but both having to work through their grief separately and as things unfold together.
This is a "love a first sight" kinda vibe from Kieran's POV, and a quick follow for Deirdre. The supporting characters of Gabe & Claire add a camaraderie feel and give the main characters more depth so its not so tortured souls vibe constantly.
Throughout the book, each chapter has a Poe quote to start it out, which foreshadows the chapter. I also really loved the analysis that the characters do of Poe's work and the insightfulness of it. This book is also heavy on the spicy scenes just as a forewarning if that isnt your thing. Im super excited to see where the next book takes us, and how things progress not only between Kieran & Deirdre but also Clarie & Gabe.
Tropes
💀 Forbidden age-gap
🖤 M/F
💀 Broody Professor x College Student
🖤 Edgar Allan Poe Vibes
💀 He Falls FIRST
🖤 Touch Her and ☠️
💀 BDSM Exploration
🖤 Impact Play
💀 Smex in a library
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🗓️ Release Date: TODAY!!!
📚 Book 1 of the "Never Never" Duet
⺁ Ends in the cliffiest of Cliffhangers!
HOW FREAKING COULD YOU!?!? 😭😭
I am soooo upset right now. That ending has me so worked up. Did I know this was a duet...YES...Did I know that it was going to end in a cliffhanger....Also YES buuuttttt.....I did not know it was going to be this type of cliffhanger!! I need book 2 immediately. I devoured this book in less than a day and could not put it down.
“The death of a beautiful woman is unquestionably the most poetical topic in the world.”
-Edgar Allan Poe
Ok, so to the ACTUAL review. Firstly, im from Baltimore and I also happen to be a huge Poe fan so as soon as I saw this book I was sold. The story jumps immediately into Deirdre's life with grief right up front. No easing you into this story thats for sure. Grief/guilt is a huge undertone throughout this book, and Kieran & Deirdre are both looking for a new start in each other, but both having to work through their grief separately and as things unfold together.
This is a "love a first sight" kinda vibe from Kieran's POV, and a quick follow for Deirdre. The supporting characters of Gabe & Claire add a camaraderie feel and give the main characters more depth so its not so tortured souls vibe constantly.
Throughout the book, each chapter has a Poe quote to start it out, which foreshadows the chapter. I also really loved the analysis that the characters do of Poe's work and the insightfulness of it. This book is also heavy on the spicy scenes just as a forewarning if that isnt your thing. Im super excited to see where the next book takes us, and how things progress not only between Kieran & Deirdre but also Clarie & Gabe.
Tropes
💀 Forbidden age-gap
🖤 M/F
💀 Broody Professor x College Student
🖤 Edgar Allan Poe Vibes
💀 He Falls FIRST
🖤 Touch Her and ☠️
💀 BDSM Exploration
🖤 Impact Play
💀 Smex in a library
July 11, 2025
“You're mine, Deirdre. In any lifetime, in any universe, my soul is yours.”
I thought this would be a little gothic age-gap romance with vibes. I did not know I’d be left sobbing in a pile of emotional wreckage.
Let’s talk about Nevermore This book didn’t just hit, it devoured me.
Let’s get into it.
🖤 Broody professor with a tragic backstory, dominance issues, and a mouth that belongs in the sin hall of fame. 💜 College student with haunted eyes, a spine of steel, and secrets that made me want to protect her like a feral cat.
📚 SIR. NOT THE LIBRARY SCENE. I’LL NEVER LOOK AT A BOOKSTACK THE SAME WAY AGAIN. 💀 Every Poe quote hit like it was personally subtweeting my emotional damage. 🖤 “Touch her and die”? Oh babe, he meant that. 💔 That CLIFFHANGER??? It wasn’t just a cliff. It was the Grand Canyon of emotional violence. And she pushed me off it while whispering sweet nothings like “see you in book 2.”
He fell first. She fell hard. I fell apart.
Tropes that wrecked me:
🐦⬛Professor x Student (aka my Roman Empire)
🐦⬛Age-gap + Forbidden = The BEST kind of poor decision
🐦⬛BDSM exploration that was spicy and respectful
🐦⬛”You’re mine” energy that left me needing holy water
🐦⬛Emotional pain cuddled up with the spice like it’s a weighted blanket
I’d sell my soul for book 2. Actually, I already did. Monique owns me now.
If you want emotional chaos + academic thirst + a plot that dropkicks you in the chest, this is your book. Prepare to cry, scream, swoon, and reread the filthiest passages like it’s required homework.😏
I’ll be in the corner whispering “Nevermore…” until book 2 drops.
I thought this would be a little gothic age-gap romance with vibes. I did not know I’d be left sobbing in a pile of emotional wreckage.
Let’s talk about Nevermore This book didn’t just hit, it devoured me.
Let’s get into it.
🖤 Broody professor with a tragic backstory, dominance issues, and a mouth that belongs in the sin hall of fame. 💜 College student with haunted eyes, a spine of steel, and secrets that made me want to protect her like a feral cat.
📚 SIR. NOT THE LIBRARY SCENE. I’LL NEVER LOOK AT A BOOKSTACK THE SAME WAY AGAIN. 💀 Every Poe quote hit like it was personally subtweeting my emotional damage. 🖤 “Touch her and die”? Oh babe, he meant that. 💔 That CLIFFHANGER??? It wasn’t just a cliff. It was the Grand Canyon of emotional violence. And she pushed me off it while whispering sweet nothings like “see you in book 2.”
He fell first. She fell hard. I fell apart.
Tropes that wrecked me:
🐦⬛Professor x Student (aka my Roman Empire)
🐦⬛Age-gap + Forbidden = The BEST kind of poor decision
🐦⬛BDSM exploration that was spicy and respectful
🐦⬛”You’re mine” energy that left me needing holy water
🐦⬛Emotional pain cuddled up with the spice like it’s a weighted blanket
I’d sell my soul for book 2. Actually, I already did. Monique owns me now.
If you want emotional chaos + academic thirst + a plot that dropkicks you in the chest, this is your book. Prepare to cry, scream, swoon, and reread the filthiest passages like it’s required homework.😏
I’ll be in the corner whispering “Nevermore…” until book 2 drops.
May 12, 2025
First things first.
MONIQUE! YOU RUINED ME! HOW COULD YOU😭
.
.
Now that, that’s out of the way, I want to thank Monique for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this MASTERPIECE! I have never felt so connected to characters in a book! Monique did such an amazing job bringing all FMC’s & MMC’s personalities to the pages. THE DETAILS. THE PLOT! THE TWISTS! Monique nailed all of it! I truly felt like I was watching this all play out in real life. The genuine backstories of the characters tugged at my emotions throughout the book, but I had no idea my heart was going to be ripped out with that cliffhanger! Again, HOW COULD YOU?!😩
.
The chapters were very well thought out, but got straight to the point. None of the dragging out mess that makes you constantly look to see how many pages are left in the chapter🤣 I will say that I did look to see how close I was to the ending of the book, but that’s only because I was truly hoping that it would never end🖤
YOU ARE A GENIUS, MONIQUE!
MONIQUE! YOU RUINED ME! HOW COULD YOU😭
.
.
Now that, that’s out of the way, I want to thank Monique for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this MASTERPIECE! I have never felt so connected to characters in a book! Monique did such an amazing job bringing all FMC’s & MMC’s personalities to the pages. THE DETAILS. THE PLOT! THE TWISTS! Monique nailed all of it! I truly felt like I was watching this all play out in real life. The genuine backstories of the characters tugged at my emotions throughout the book, but I had no idea my heart was going to be ripped out with that cliffhanger! Again, HOW COULD YOU?!😩
.
The chapters were very well thought out, but got straight to the point. None of the dragging out mess that makes you constantly look to see how many pages are left in the chapter🤣 I will say that I did look to see how close I was to the ending of the book, but that’s only because I was truly hoping that it would never end🖤
YOU ARE A GENIUS, MONIQUE!
May 11, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, my first one, and HOLY MOLY am I so stoked that it’s my first one.
This book has it all: appropriate trigger warnings, a playlist, a dark and broody MMC, touch her and d*e, both MC with a traumatic past, and plenty more.
But, Monique!!! That ending has me DESPERATE for the next book, why must you make us wait!?
This book has it all: appropriate trigger warnings, a playlist, a dark and broody MMC, touch her and d*e, both MC with a traumatic past, and plenty more.
But, Monique!!! That ending has me DESPERATE for the next book, why must you make us wait!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
ARC REVIEW: Nevermore by Monique Shepherd is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat from the first page and doesn’t let go until long after the final chapter. It’s thrilling in every sense of the word—fast-paced, emotionally gripping, and laced with suspense that kept me up way too late at night.
The story is rich with tension, both of the pulse-pounding and slow-burn variety. Shepherd masterfully blends danger and desire, weaving a plot that’s as sexy as it is sinister. The chemistry between the characters crackles, and every scene feels drenched in dark energy that pulls you deeper and deeper into its spell.
There’s something almost gothic in the atmosphere—brooding and intoxicating. The characters are beautifully flawed, their pasts tangled in secrets that unravel in the most unexpected ways. And the twists? Just when you think you know what’s coming, Shepherd yanks the rug out from under you.
If you’re into moody, seductive stories with a bite, Nevermore delivers in spades. Darkly romantic and utterly addictive—I couldn’t put it down.
A must-read for fans of danger, desire, and the delicious unknown.
The story is rich with tension, both of the pulse-pounding and slow-burn variety. Shepherd masterfully blends danger and desire, weaving a plot that’s as sexy as it is sinister. The chemistry between the characters crackles, and every scene feels drenched in dark energy that pulls you deeper and deeper into its spell.
There’s something almost gothic in the atmosphere—brooding and intoxicating. The characters are beautifully flawed, their pasts tangled in secrets that unravel in the most unexpected ways. And the twists? Just when you think you know what’s coming, Shepherd yanks the rug out from under you.
If you’re into moody, seductive stories with a bite, Nevermore delivers in spades. Darkly romantic and utterly addictive—I couldn’t put it down.
A must-read for fans of danger, desire, and the delicious unknown.
May 12, 2025
I was over the moon to get an eARC of this book! The first time I saw the book come up for ARC sign ups I knew I had to get it!!
Nevermore was well written and a instant page turner! And the rollercoaster I went on was unreal. I read it in a morning 😂. It was so so so amazing! I love both Deidre and Kieran and their stories and how they both had a past of pain. The plot was so captivating and the spice level was perfect! The respect they both had for each other and trust.
The end of the book had me in tears!! I can't stop thinking about it!! I am in desperate need of the next book ASAP! Monique’s writing is absolutely amazing, this was my first book of hers but I'll definitely be adding as much as I can onto my tbr
SPOILER
“We’re playing with fire,” he says, voice rough, almost broken.
“Then we burn together, Professor.”
But if only she knew just how dangerous loving him was omg.
This quote had me laughing, crying, kicking my feet! I love it. I actually choked on my apple too 🤣
I had to go back and read the ending again because I genuinely could not believe that it would happen to Kieran again 😭
Nevermore was well written and a instant page turner! And the rollercoaster I went on was unreal. I read it in a morning 😂. It was so so so amazing! I love both Deidre and Kieran and their stories and how they both had a past of pain. The plot was so captivating and the spice level was perfect! The respect they both had for each other and trust.
The end of the book had me in tears!! I can't stop thinking about it!! I am in desperate need of the next book ASAP! Monique’s writing is absolutely amazing, this was my first book of hers but I'll definitely be adding as much as I can onto my tbr
SPOILER
“We’re playing with fire,” he says, voice rough, almost broken.
“Then we burn together, Professor.”
But if only she knew just how dangerous loving him was omg.
This quote had me laughing, crying, kicking my feet! I love it. I actually choked on my apple too 🤣
I had to go back and read the ending again because I genuinely could not believe that it would happen to Kieran again 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
ARC reader:
The way I devoured this book…I can’t wait for the second one to drop! 🫶🏼 I read this in 6.5 hours. It was a quick read and I couldn’t put it down. I was about a hour from finishing with my pace of reading when I fell asleep but I immediately picked it up in the morning to finish it because I had to know what happens and how it ends.
This book had me all over the place with my emotions. The suspense, the emotional trauma, the angst, the rollercoaster I never wanna get off. I’m in it til the end.
This is my first read from this author and now I can’t help but want to go read more from her!!
This story always had me guessing. I didn’t know what would happen next. It was 😏 then 🥵 then 💔 then 😈, then 😭, then 🥰 and I just ate it all up. I don’t wanna wait for the sequel.
Triggers and Tropes: Age gap, professor, student, college, Poe, academia, romantic, misunderstood, stalker, domestic violence, cancer, loss of parent, loss of spouse, Dom/Sub themes, forbidden love.
The way I devoured this book…I can’t wait for the second one to drop! 🫶🏼 I read this in 6.5 hours. It was a quick read and I couldn’t put it down. I was about a hour from finishing with my pace of reading when I fell asleep but I immediately picked it up in the morning to finish it because I had to know what happens and how it ends.
This book had me all over the place with my emotions. The suspense, the emotional trauma, the angst, the rollercoaster I never wanna get off. I’m in it til the end.
This is my first read from this author and now I can’t help but want to go read more from her!!
This story always had me guessing. I didn’t know what would happen next. It was 😏 then 🥵 then 💔 then 😈, then 😭, then 🥰 and I just ate it all up. I don’t wanna wait for the sequel.
Triggers and Tropes: Age gap, professor, student, college, Poe, academia, romantic, misunderstood, stalker, domestic violence, cancer, loss of parent, loss of spouse, Dom/Sub themes, forbidden love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2025
I’m so happy to have read this book as my first ever arc experience. I have loved every single second of it.
I am an absolute slut for a good professor/student relationship. Oooo it really makes my soul happy so this was the perfect book for me.
I enjoyed every single second of this book, my favorite part is the chapter headers. I love Poe so much so that was perfect. I feel like it was almost the perfect balance of plot & spice, I just wish there was a tiny bit more slow burn but overall it was absolutely perfect.
I love the plot and the fact you just get to jump right into it. Everything progresses so nicely and you can tell these two MCs are absolutely made for each other. That cliffhanger at the end is absolute perfection and makes me reaaaaally upset I have to wait for the next one now 😩.
10/10 would read again.
I am an absolute slut for a good professor/student relationship. Oooo it really makes my soul happy so this was the perfect book for me.
I enjoyed every single second of this book, my favorite part is the chapter headers. I love Poe so much so that was perfect. I feel like it was almost the perfect balance of plot & spice, I just wish there was a tiny bit more slow burn but overall it was absolutely perfect.
I love the plot and the fact you just get to jump right into it. Everything progresses so nicely and you can tell these two MCs are absolutely made for each other. That cliffhanger at the end is absolute perfection and makes me reaaaaally upset I have to wait for the next one now 😩.
10/10 would read again.
Read
May 22, 2025*ARC REVIEW* The book is written absolutely beautifully and when I say I have never devoured a book this explicit as quickly as I flew through this I wish I was joking. The writing is beautiful and despite not loving the characters at the start, they were adored by the end. Overall the book is a smutty and dark fiction which is beautifully themed and a great representation of some aspects of kink and consent as well. The beginning was somewhat slow but quickly picked up once both the MMC and FMC knew each other (obviously) but their relationship went from 0 to 100 real quick so if you're looking for slow burn this probably isn't for you! Once I got into the book I found it nearly impossible to put down. Flawless from start to finish!
May 13, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
A Poe-loving-student/professor forbidden romance with a sprinkling of BDSM? YES PLEASE. Deidre & Kieran are two star-crossed lovers with difficult pasts, but together they are 🔥🔥🔥. I'm a big fan of instalove (and lust) and Monique delivered here. I love that these two are imperfect people that together bring out the best versions of themselves. The side characters are fantastic (Claire & Gabe) and there's humor and lightness sprinkled in the dark. And the spice was phenomenal. Chef's kiss, I tip my hat to you, Monique!
Be warned this ends on a huge cliffhanger! Which honestly just makes me even more excited for the next book!
Thank you to the author for the ARC and chance to read & review. I've had this preordered since you started teasing it and it did not disappoint!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
A Poe-loving-student/professor forbidden romance with a sprinkling of BDSM? YES PLEASE. Deidre & Kieran are two star-crossed lovers with difficult pasts, but together they are 🔥🔥🔥. I'm a big fan of instalove (and lust) and Monique delivered here. I love that these two are imperfect people that together bring out the best versions of themselves. The side characters are fantastic (Claire & Gabe) and there's humor and lightness sprinkled in the dark. And the spice was phenomenal. Chef's kiss, I tip my hat to you, Monique!
Be warned this ends on a huge cliffhanger! Which honestly just makes me even more excited for the next book!
Thank you to the author for the ARC and chance to read & review. I've had this preordered since you started teasing it and it did not disappoint!
May 28, 2025
Once again, Monique has completely outdone herself! The spice? Perfection! The witty banter between Dierdre and Kieran? Amazing! That cliffhanger of an ending though? Rude and uncalled for!
But in all seriousness, for this being a duet and going into it knowing that, it really was the best way to keep you hooked and waiting on edge to read the next book! If you’ve ever wondered if any of Monique’s books are for you, definitely give this one a chance and check it out. You will not be disappointed, especially if you’re a sucker for forbidden romance, age gaps, and a sprinkling of Edgar Allen Poe!
But in all seriousness, for this being a duet and going into it knowing that, it really was the best way to keep you hooked and waiting on edge to read the next book! If you’ve ever wondered if any of Monique’s books are for you, definitely give this one a chance and check it out. You will not be disappointed, especially if you’re a sucker for forbidden romance, age gaps, and a sprinkling of Edgar Allen Poe!
May 12, 2025
I was so happy to get an eARC of this book! The first time I saw the NSFW character art, I knew I had to read it! this book was so well written and a instant page turner! I read it in just one day. It was so so so amazing! I love both Deidre and Kieran and their love story. The plot was so good as well as the spice level. Top tier, chef’s kiss for all of it! At the end of the book I was shookith. I am in desperate need of the next book asap! Monique’s writing is unmatched and I am a fan for life. Ugh! Bring it on!
May 15, 2025
I think I need to rethink my friends.... 🙄 all these people jumping on the Sadie bandwagon is not good for my health or eating habits for that matter....
This book. Wow. Like seriously wow. Monique, you really knew what you were doing when you wrote this because dang it's incredible. I've loved every single thing you've written so far, but this is top notch for me. The story, the development, the characters....everything is done in such a beautiful way....besides the ending. But we will get to that 😬
Deirdre and Kieran are a force to not be reckoned with. And woahhhh that man's mouth and hands and body and yeahhhhh you get the point. It's hot 🔥 🥵 🫠
The end? This is where I am second guessing the author friendships I have. @sadiewinchesterauthor is NO longer allowed to "discuss" her cliff-funishments ANY more! Done. Zip. Zilch. Over this nonsense.
Monique...get your booty in gear because I need book two...yesterday!
This book. Wow. Like seriously wow. Monique, you really knew what you were doing when you wrote this because dang it's incredible. I've loved every single thing you've written so far, but this is top notch for me. The story, the development, the characters....everything is done in such a beautiful way....besides the ending. But we will get to that 😬
Deirdre and Kieran are a force to not be reckoned with. And woahhhh that man's mouth and hands and body and yeahhhhh you get the point. It's hot 🔥 🥵 🫠
The end? This is where I am second guessing the author friendships I have. @sadiewinchesterauthor is NO longer allowed to "discuss" her cliff-funishments ANY more! Done. Zip. Zilch. Over this nonsense.
Monique...get your booty in gear because I need book two...yesterday!
May 22, 2025
I received a copy as an ARC and this is my voluntary review. This is the first book I read by Monique Shepherd and it won’t be my last, and not just because it ends in a cliffhanger. When I saw that this was dark romance mixed with Edgar Allen Poe vibes, I knew I had to read it. Then add in spice and oh Professor Kieran, aka my new book boyfriend. Thanks Monique for the ARC opportunity and I cannot wait for the second book!
May 13, 2025
PHENOMENAL! I love that I was chosen to be a ARC reader for this. Amazing book, if you can get your hands on this when it releases. DO IT!
Keiran and Deidre story makes me want to hug them both 😢 But at the same time It's all the spice a girl could need 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Monique killed it with this and I cannot wait for Book 2!
My heart aches that I have to wait 💀
Keiran and Deidre story makes me want to hug them both 😢 But at the same time It's all the spice a girl could need 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Monique killed it with this and I cannot wait for Book 2!
My heart aches that I have to wait 💀
May 20, 2025
I had the fortune of reading this book as an arc reader.
From the moment I started reading this book, I could not put it down.
The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book!
From the moment I read this line, "To me, it captures the way sorrow becomes all-encompassing........Poe has this way of making sorrow feel beautiful even when it's devastating." I knew that I was in for a rollercoaster of emotions with this book.
And then I read this: "Perhaps," he murmurs, just for me, "not all forbidden love ends in tragedy." and I knew that I was about to have my heart completely ripped out by this book.
The artistry of this book compares to some of the top authors of today.
I would compare the heart wrenching cliff hanger this book ends on as comparable to the pain I felt when a beloved character in a well known romantasy book was killed off, absolutely devastating.
I eagerly await the sequel to this book to finally see what happens with our beloved brooding professor and his feisty student.
From the moment I started reading this book, I could not put it down.
The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book!
From the moment I read this line, "To me, it captures the way sorrow becomes all-encompassing........Poe has this way of making sorrow feel beautiful even when it's devastating." I knew that I was in for a rollercoaster of emotions with this book.
And then I read this: "Perhaps," he murmurs, just for me, "not all forbidden love ends in tragedy." and I knew that I was about to have my heart completely ripped out by this book.
The artistry of this book compares to some of the top authors of today.
I would compare the heart wrenching cliff hanger this book ends on as comparable to the pain I felt when a beloved character in a well known romantasy book was killed off, absolutely devastating.
I eagerly await the sequel to this book to finally see what happens with our beloved brooding professor and his feisty student.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2025
ARC REVIEW
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you Monique Shepherd for trusting me with your book prior to release! Guys I enjoyed this one SO much! I was a little sad that at the beginning Kieran and Deirdre’s relationship seemed to happen too fast for my taste. I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more of them getting to know one another.
However, once I moved past, the book was INTENSE. This is a forbidden romance with a professor and his student. There’s a dom/sub dynamic that I think is done fairly well, but please don’t use this as guide. Claire is D’s best friend and she’s amazing - “It’s like you’re living in a romance novel, and I’m the best friend who gets to live vicariously through you.” Same girl.
Check your triggers. This book has some. And this book doesn’t wrap up at the end with a neat bow. We now all have to wait for book 2.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you Monique Shepherd for trusting me with your book prior to release! Guys I enjoyed this one SO much! I was a little sad that at the beginning Kieran and Deirdre’s relationship seemed to happen too fast for my taste. I would’ve liked to have seen a bit more of them getting to know one another.
However, once I moved past, the book was INTENSE. This is a forbidden romance with a professor and his student. There’s a dom/sub dynamic that I think is done fairly well, but please don’t use this as guide. Claire is D’s best friend and she’s amazing - “It’s like you’re living in a romance novel, and I’m the best friend who gets to live vicariously through you.” Same girl.
Check your triggers. This book has some. And this book doesn’t wrap up at the end with a neat bow. We now all have to wait for book 2.
May 26, 2025
Excuse. Me. 4 stars because HOW DARE YOU. 😭 #nevermore
June 20, 2025
WTF!
I just finished this book... not realizing that it is part of a duet..... how the hell could she leave me hanging like this. probably one of the biggest freaking cliff hangers. I loved everything about this book. the FMC and MMC are everything. If I were to ever go for an older man, please let it be Kieran 🥵. The spice was hot hot hot. The plot was there. OMG get me book 2 now!
I just finished this book... not realizing that it is part of a duet..... how the hell could she leave me hanging like this. probably one of the biggest freaking cliff hangers. I loved everything about this book. the FMC and MMC are everything. If I were to ever go for an older man, please let it be Kieran 🥵. The spice was hot hot hot. The plot was there. OMG get me book 2 now!
May 21, 2025
That cliffy!!!
Holy wow!!! The many emotions between Deirdre and Professor McKnight are high! The constant battle of feelings is through the roof. Monique always brings the feels and I’m here for it!! But that cliffy is brutal…the wait shall start or should I say until the next semester!!!
Holy wow!!! The many emotions between Deirdre and Professor McKnight are high! The constant battle of feelings is through the roof. Monique always brings the feels and I’m here for it!! But that cliffy is brutal…the wait shall start or should I say until the next semester!!!
May 11, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book. I am not usually into romance, but the author knocks it out of the park with this! Initially, I wanted to not like the characters together, but as their individual stories came out, I found myself rooting for them. I love/hate that this book ended on a major cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2025
Um excuse me! Wow this one was her best yet! I love the flirtatious back and forth and forbidden romance but the twists and turns had me turning the pages nonstop. This really had me all the way until the end. And now I’m craving for more!
December 24, 2025
ARC reader here!
This was such a good read! It was pretty fast paced and a lot happened in very short timespan in the book, but the dynamic between Kieran and Dierdre was sooo fun to read. The tension, their spark, the hidden moments. You can just feel their pull towards each other through the pages!
Claire and Gabe bring such a good vibe to this story too. Claire is Dierdre's opposite, but they both bring out the best in each other. Gabe is the "older brother" type.
That cliffhanger though.... I'm gonna need book two, like yesterday!
This was such a good read! It was pretty fast paced and a lot happened in very short timespan in the book, but the dynamic between Kieran and Dierdre was sooo fun to read. The tension, their spark, the hidden moments. You can just feel their pull towards each other through the pages!
Claire and Gabe bring such a good vibe to this story too. Claire is Dierdre's opposite, but they both bring out the best in each other. Gabe is the "older brother" type.
That cliffhanger though.... I'm gonna need book two, like yesterday!
December 3, 2025
this book 👀👀 I enjoyed every moment Deidre is amazing😍 (what she went through at the start 😥😥) she is strong and brave ( for what she does throughout the book with Kieran ) and Kieran 👀👀 I couldn't put it down , i cant wait for book two , enjoyed so much that I ordered the paperback
update
I just finished listening to the audio book, I loved it, Both narrators are amazing!
update
I just finished listening to the audio book, I loved it, Both narrators are amazing!
May 12, 2025
This was such a good read! I probably could have finished this in one day!
With a good mix of spice and plot it was a super fun read. It definitely checked the forbidden romance elements. Although it makes me wonder if the president of the university knew more than what he was letting on near the ends of the book.
As I was reading and watching the percent read number go up and as I was getting closer to the end I was waiting for the twist or the other show to drop. In almost all romance books I've read there is always a part about half to three quarters of the way though that causes our lovers to part ways before finding their way back to each other. But as I read on it didn't happen. I was prepared for a full on HEA. But then the ending....
Any author that puts together a playlist that goes along with their book has put a lot of thought into everything, and honestly I should have seen the ending coming with Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol listed as the last song. Anyone who has watched Grey's Anatomy knows that whenever that song starts to play nothing good happens.
Despite the sad and cliffhanger of an ending unloved this book! With it being told mainly from Deirdre's point of view we know what's going on in her mind. We do get enough chapters from Kieren's point of view to show what is going thigh his mind. Especially the last chapter. If I wasn't in shock I probably would have cried. I had to reread it all to see if I had read everything correctly.
I am waiting with bated breath for the next book.
With a good mix of spice and plot it was a super fun read. It definitely checked the forbidden romance elements. Although it makes me wonder if the president of the university knew more than what he was letting on near the ends of the book.
As I was reading and watching the percent read number go up and as I was getting closer to the end I was waiting for the twist or the other show to drop. In almost all romance books I've read there is always a part about half to three quarters of the way though that causes our lovers to part ways before finding their way back to each other. But as I read on it didn't happen. I was prepared for a full on HEA. But then the ending....
Any author that puts together a playlist that goes along with their book has put a lot of thought into everything, and honestly I should have seen the ending coming with Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol listed as the last song. Anyone who has watched Grey's Anatomy knows that whenever that song starts to play nothing good happens.
Despite the sad and cliffhanger of an ending unloved this book! With it being told mainly from Deirdre's point of view we know what's going on in her mind. We do get enough chapters from Kieren's point of view to show what is going thigh his mind. Especially the last chapter. If I wasn't in shock I probably would have cried. I had to reread it all to see if I had read everything correctly.
I am waiting with bated breath for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
I’m thrilled to have received an ARC copy of this book! But Monique… girly, we need to talk because what was that cliffhanger?! 😭
This book completely pulled me out of a reading slump. It’s fast-paced, spicy, and packed with all the things: forbidden romance, age gap tension, traumatic backstories, etc. I was absolutely hooked from the beginning.
That said, I did wish for a bit more depth and buildup in Deirdre and Kieran’s relationship. It felt like they went from meeting to confessing feelings almost instantly. Aside from their shared trauma, there wasn’t much time spent actually getting to know each other, which left their connection feeling a bit rushed.
The same goes for Deirdre’s friendship with Claire. I loved their dynamic, but it developed so quickly: one minute they meet, the next they’re best friends. I would’ve loved to see more layers to their bond and personalities outside of their roles in the story.
And finally, I really missed Gabe’s presence after Deirdre moved into her dorm. She describes him as the older brother she never had, but we barely see him after that point except in a few group scenes. Their friendship felt like it had potential to be something more meaningful, and I wish we got to explore it further.
Despite those critiques, I genuinely enjoyed this book. I could’ve devoured it in a single sitting if life hadn’t gotten in the way. I’m already counting down the days until book two, because that ending was so disrespectful (in the best way)!
This book completely pulled me out of a reading slump. It’s fast-paced, spicy, and packed with all the things: forbidden romance, age gap tension, traumatic backstories, etc. I was absolutely hooked from the beginning.
That said, I did wish for a bit more depth and buildup in Deirdre and Kieran’s relationship. It felt like they went from meeting to confessing feelings almost instantly. Aside from their shared trauma, there wasn’t much time spent actually getting to know each other, which left their connection feeling a bit rushed.
The same goes for Deirdre’s friendship with Claire. I loved their dynamic, but it developed so quickly: one minute they meet, the next they’re best friends. I would’ve loved to see more layers to their bond and personalities outside of their roles in the story.
And finally, I really missed Gabe’s presence after Deirdre moved into her dorm. She describes him as the older brother she never had, but we barely see him after that point except in a few group scenes. Their friendship felt like it had potential to be something more meaningful, and I wish we got to explore it further.
Despite those critiques, I genuinely enjoyed this book. I could’ve devoured it in a single sitting if life hadn’t gotten in the way. I’m already counting down the days until book two, because that ending was so disrespectful (in the best way)!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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