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An Education in Longing
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26A darkly sexy romance about a young woman attending an enchanted school, who must defeat a malevolent force only through accessing a very powerful magic... one that’s rooted in her sexual desire.
When Mina manages to pass The Test and gain entry to a university that reveals a world of magic just beyond ours, she’s determined to go and prove her worth. But Harrowhall is full of dangers untold, and hardships unnumbered. And every one of them seems designed for only the privileged to pass. If she has any hope of becoming the witch she longs to be, she’s going to have to rely on the last person she wants to: Harker St James, the most lethal student to ever walk those haunted halls.
And once she unearths his dark secret, she has the means to persuade him. Not to mention a way to keep him at bay. Because Harker isn’t just the key to her salvation. He’s the deadly snare that daily threatens to drag her down. Desire fires her magic, but any feeling for him is a poison she simply can’t afford.
Even though the fate of Harrowhall, and the magic it was built on, may very well depend on doing all the things she really shouldn’t.
When Mina manages to pass The Test and gain entry to a university that reveals a world of magic just beyond ours, she’s determined to go and prove her worth. But Harrowhall is full of dangers untold, and hardships unnumbered. And every one of them seems designed for only the privileged to pass. If she has any hope of becoming the witch she longs to be, she’s going to have to rely on the last person she wants to: Harker St James, the most lethal student to ever walk those haunted halls.
And once she unearths his dark secret, she has the means to persuade him. Not to mention a way to keep him at bay. Because Harker isn’t just the key to her salvation. He’s the deadly snare that daily threatens to drag her down. Desire fires her magic, but any feeling for him is a poison she simply can’t afford.
Even though the fate of Harrowhall, and the magic it was built on, may very well depend on doing all the things she really shouldn’t.
- GenresFantasy Romance
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 7, 2026
About the author
Charlotte Stein
112 books2,185 followersCharlotte Stein is the RT and DABWAHA nominated author of over fifty short stories, novellas and novels. When not writing deeply emotional and intensely sexy books, she can be found eating jelly turtles, watching terrible sitcoms and occasionally lusting after hunks. For more on Charlotte, visit: www.charlottestein.net
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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April 2, 2026
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May 11, 2026Lovely and haunting and hot.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought this was going to be your typical fantasy dark academia book, boy was I wrong. There is a hugh reveal about 2/3 through the book that I had no idea was going to happen when I. started the book. I didn't even have an inkling until I got right up on it. And it was such a good surprise. Such a fun concept to think about.
Harker and Mina. I'm not going to ruin anything but when you get there good god do I burn in my soul to be spoken to like that. That is all I will say about that. Mina is who I imagine I would become in a magic school. I would have my nose buried deep in any books I could get my hands on. They would physically have to pry me out of the library at closing time. Who am I kidding, sans magic, I am Mina. The good she finds and the bad she remembers. My soul sister. Harker is not who I was expecting him to be. But I do love the bad boy energy. He is the embodiment of danger and that is always one of my favorite types of MMC.
The descriptions of the school and the grounds are so beautiful. I love gothic style so much. I would love to live in that architecture way more than the drab buildings of the modern day. Charlotte Stein's descriptions made this a fun escape to a breathtaking albeit dangerous place. All the best places are though.
Harker and Mina. I'm not going to ruin anything but when you get there good god do I burn in my soul to be spoken to like that. That is all I will say about that. Mina is who I imagine I would become in a magic school. I would have my nose buried deep in any books I could get my hands on. They would physically have to pry me out of the library at closing time. Who am I kidding, sans magic, I am Mina. The good she finds and the bad she remembers. My soul sister. Harker is not who I was expecting him to be. But I do love the bad boy energy. He is the embodiment of danger and that is always one of my favorite types of MMC.
The descriptions of the school and the grounds are so beautiful. I love gothic style so much. I would love to live in that architecture way more than the drab buildings of the modern day. Charlotte Stein's descriptions made this a fun escape to a breathtaking albeit dangerous place. All the best places are though.
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May 7, 2026An Education in Longing is a darkly atmospheric fantasy romance that combines magic, danger, and emotional intensity into a captivating and immersive story. Charlotte Stein crafts a world filled with mystery and tension, where ambition, desire, and power intertwine in ways that constantly raise the emotional stakes.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its unique approach to magic and emotional vulnerability. The connection between desire and power adds depth to both the worldbuilding and character dynamics, while the haunted academic setting creates a rich backdrop for the unfolding conflict. Mina’s journey through Harrowhall feels layered with both personal and supernatural challenges.
At its core, An Education in Longing is about ambition, temptation, and the risks that come with pursuing power and connection. The tension between the characters, combined with the darker elements of the story, creates a gripping balance of romance and fantasy. Atmospheric, emotionally charged, and imaginative, this book resonates strongly with readers who enjoy dark fantasy romance with high emotional stakes.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its unique approach to magic and emotional vulnerability. The connection between desire and power adds depth to both the worldbuilding and character dynamics, while the haunted academic setting creates a rich backdrop for the unfolding conflict. Mina’s journey through Harrowhall feels layered with both personal and supernatural challenges.
At its core, An Education in Longing is about ambition, temptation, and the risks that come with pursuing power and connection. The tension between the characters, combined with the darker elements of the story, creates a gripping balance of romance and fantasy. Atmospheric, emotionally charged, and imaginative, this book resonates strongly with readers who enjoy dark fantasy romance with high emotional stakes.
May 10, 2026
**** I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. ****
A love-through-the-ages story. I guess technically it could be called dark academia and enemies to lovers, but the setting is really immaterial. It could be set anywhere. What matters is that the “enemies” are questionable, until the question is resolved. There are clues and experienced readers of romantasy might pick up some of the foreshadowing. But so what? The story is gripping and touching, with enough angst and poignancy to keep your heart engaged and pounding.
Mina and Harker are at odds from the moment Mina arrives at school. She meets Anaya and they quickly become fast friends. Anaya is sharp-eyed and sees things Mina misses by being too close to Harker. And Mina knows she should keep Harker at arm’s length, but he just won’t let her. What follows is Mina’s slow discovery of a life that could have been. The explanation of names, when it comes, is an enjoyable little homage to the source material.
This was a quick read and I loved that it is a standalone. Would recommend. 🧛🏻
A love-through-the-ages story. I guess technically it could be called dark academia and enemies to lovers, but the setting is really immaterial. It could be set anywhere. What matters is that the “enemies” are questionable, until the question is resolved. There are clues and experienced readers of romantasy might pick up some of the foreshadowing. But so what? The story is gripping and touching, with enough angst and poignancy to keep your heart engaged and pounding.
Mina and Harker are at odds from the moment Mina arrives at school. She meets Anaya and they quickly become fast friends. Anaya is sharp-eyed and sees things Mina misses by being too close to Harker. And Mina knows she should keep Harker at arm’s length, but he just won’t let her. What follows is Mina’s slow discovery of a life that could have been. The explanation of names, when it comes, is an enjoyable little homage to the source material.
This was a quick read and I loved that it is a standalone. Would recommend. 🧛🏻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC received from Net Galley
3.5 stars
This book will not be everyone’s cup of tea. But it was absolutely mine! It had so many elements that I love: dark academia setting, magical rivalry, a whimsical & quirky narrative voice. Some of the phrasing, wordplay, and descriptions were so unexpected (the language made me think of Alice in Wonderland). The vibe & setting felt like a gothic fairy tale meets Harry Potter---does that make sense? 🙂 The book centers a paranormal romance between Mina & Hark that has deeper roots than what is initially perceived. The story (and their connection) unfolds like a dream-like puzzle. Although I absolutely loved Stein’s creativity with language and narration, it sometimes felt difficult to decipher. I found myself re-reading passages to make sure I understood who/what was being referenced. And this sometimes took me away from the story. I also kept wanting to picture Mina younger (like high school-aged) based on her inner thoughts and dialogue with Anaya. Overall, this was a super fun read!
3.5 stars
This book will not be everyone’s cup of tea. But it was absolutely mine! It had so many elements that I love: dark academia setting, magical rivalry, a whimsical & quirky narrative voice. Some of the phrasing, wordplay, and descriptions were so unexpected (the language made me think of Alice in Wonderland). The vibe & setting felt like a gothic fairy tale meets Harry Potter---does that make sense? 🙂 The book centers a paranormal romance between Mina & Hark that has deeper roots than what is initially perceived. The story (and their connection) unfolds like a dream-like puzzle. Although I absolutely loved Stein’s creativity with language and narration, it sometimes felt difficult to decipher. I found myself re-reading passages to make sure I understood who/what was being referenced. And this sometimes took me away from the story. I also kept wanting to picture Mina younger (like high school-aged) based on her inner thoughts and dialogue with Anaya. Overall, this was a super fun read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As an American reader, I’ll preface by saying it took me a moment to really sink into the almost lyrical and poetic flow of the author’s voice. Once my little brain caught onto the magical way this story is written, I couldn’t put it down. This world is unlike any I’ve read before, unique in its magic system and leaves nothing to the impossible. I was sure I knew the twists coming, and while I was partially correct - I wasn’t really, because I couldn’t have imagined the circumstances on my own. When you read this beautifully written story, will you see what’s coming? Either way, I’m confident it’ll getcha right in the feels.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really loved this book! It had such a fun gothic magical atmosphere, and the setting was creepy but whimsical and magical at the same time.
It was so cool seeing all the layers to Bram and Harker because things really started making more sense as the story went on.
And the romance was most definitely YEARNING and tension (my favorite), which made everything feel even more emotional.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC!
It was so cool seeing all the layers to Bram and Harker because things really started making more sense as the story went on.
And the romance was most definitely YEARNING and tension (my favorite), which made everything feel even more emotional.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC REVIEW
Thank you NetGalley for an early copy!
2⭐️
I was so excited to dive into this paranormal romance and dark academia…Unfortunately the writing needed a lot more finesse and it pulled me out of the story. There was a lot going on and it wasn’t easy to follow 😩
This story needs more world building or a deeper background into our MCs because I was genuinely so confused the whole time! I still have so many questions! Great concept, poorly executed. I’m sorry I didn’t love it!!!
Thank you NetGalley for an early copy!
2⭐️
I was so excited to dive into this paranormal romance and dark academia…Unfortunately the writing needed a lot more finesse and it pulled me out of the story. There was a lot going on and it wasn’t easy to follow 😩
This story needs more world building or a deeper background into our MCs because I was genuinely so confused the whole time! I still have so many questions! Great concept, poorly executed. I’m sorry I didn’t love it!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC REVIEW (thanks NETGALLEY!)
I’m sorry, can someone else read this? It made absolutely no sense.
I feel like paranormal romances need tons of description and lore and backstory, imo that is something not in Charlotte Steins wheelhouse. Throw in murder and reincarnation and there was no explanation for how or why. Why was Bram at the fucking witch school to begin with? He was a vampire? Who reincarnated everyone? Why did they?
I’m sorry, can someone else read this? It made absolutely no sense.
I feel like paranormal romances need tons of description and lore and backstory, imo that is something not in Charlotte Steins wheelhouse. Throw in murder and reincarnation and there was no explanation for how or why. Why was Bram at the fucking witch school to begin with? He was a vampire? Who reincarnated everyone? Why did they?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2026
I can’t even lie I was hooked from the first line of the book. I am always a fan of academia books and dark ones at that plus spicy paranormal? YUP 100% my type! I really liked the time jump cross overs and twists that came with that. Also the instant hatred from the characters was hilarious. The spicy scenes and the set up for them was written really well (which makes sense for the title)!
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May 17, 2026ARC
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews