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An Education in Longing
A 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.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2026
About the author
Charlotte Stein
112 books2,230 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 - 30 of 139 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Charlotte Stein We Trust.
Hot. Magical. Dark but swoony. Delicious tension.
Whats to love…
- magical school
- dark romance *light*
- enemies to lovers
- tension
- Ace FMC (at least thats how I read it, not sure of the authors intention on this one!)
- Vampires of the fey (fae) variety (honestly my fav variety)
- a little murder mystery subplot
What might not work for some…
- This was a 5 star read up until the lake situation after that I feel like the plot shifted so quickly and I just lost a bit of interest. The romance ramps from like 60% to 100% over the course of a single scene and while it works, it wasn’t really my favorite.
4.25⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Hot. Magical. Dark but swoony. Delicious tension.
Whats to love…
- magical school
- dark romance *light*
- enemies to lovers
- tension
- Ace FMC (at least thats how I read it, not sure of the authors intention on this one!)
- Vampires of the fey (fae) variety (honestly my fav variety)
- a little murder mystery subplot
What might not work for some…
- This was a 5 star read up until the lake situation after that I feel like the plot shifted so quickly and I just lost a bit of interest. The romance ramps from like 60% to 100% over the course of a single scene and while it works, it wasn’t really my favorite.
4.25⭐️| IG | TikTok |
May 22, 2026
Let me preface the review with the fact that I wanted to love this. The blurb was intriguing and I felt the book might really promise on some lush dark academia filled with longing and sexual tension. I got something watered down, however. It was a slog to get through the entire thing, hence the extra days it took me to read it.
The prose is intensely hyperbolic and heavy-handed. There are passages and word devices that just plain don’t make sense. I wish I could describe in more detail, but often things like similes and descriptions were awkward enough to make that difficult. And, the author is constantly repeating words within sentences like “I’m fine. I’m fine, fine.” or “Maybe. Maybe.” or “racing, racing, racing…”(actual examples). Not only did it get irksome because it happened every 2-3 pages, but it lessened the impact of the thought or statement when it was used repeatedly. Eventually I just started rolling my eyes.
The connection between power and desire can be seen as a treatise on women’s issues, but I don’t get the feeling the author had that depth of intention. On top of that Mina is so whiny she’s not much of a vanguard for feminism.
The characters overall were meh, with the exception of Harker who made some passages bearable.
The magic is almost an afterthought in the book. We do hear about it, mostly in relation to Harker and Mina, but it could be more developed.
While the concept is viable it’s poorly executed. Overall I found this to be an awfully terrible example of Dracula fanfic and I don’t recommend it.
The prose is intensely hyperbolic and heavy-handed. There are passages and word devices that just plain don’t make sense. I wish I could describe in more detail, but often things like similes and descriptions were awkward enough to make that difficult. And, the author is constantly repeating words within sentences like “I’m fine. I’m fine, fine.” or “Maybe. Maybe.” or “racing, racing, racing…”(actual examples). Not only did it get irksome because it happened every 2-3 pages, but it lessened the impact of the thought or statement when it was used repeatedly. Eventually I just started rolling my eyes.
The connection between power and desire can be seen as a treatise on women’s issues, but I don’t get the feeling the author had that depth of intention. On top of that Mina is so whiny she’s not much of a vanguard for feminism.
The characters overall were meh, with the exception of Harker who made some passages bearable.
The magic is almost an afterthought in the book. We do hear about it, mostly in relation to Harker and Mina, but it could be more developed.
While the concept is viable it’s poorly executed. Overall I found this to be an awfully terrible example of Dracula fanfic and I don’t recommend it.
Read
May 11, 2026Lovely and haunting and hot.
July 23, 2026
Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyager | Avon A and author Charlotte Stein, for providing me with the eARC of “An Education in Longing”.
💭My Thoughts
This book drops you straight into the world. And while I don't always mind that, it was more than 40% in with no real knowledge of the world we are in. We get most of the storyline from the characters Mina and Harker, and their hate for each other. I will say our FMC is also "dropped" into the magical university the same time we are. So this may be why it's written like this.
This is definitely a romantasy versus fantasy, since for the majority of the book we are with our main characters and getting their interactions with each other. Is it worth reading, yes. It was just not my favorite but a lot of those wanting to get into fantasy could really like this.
❣️Tropes❣️
Magical School
Dark Academia
Dark Romantasy
Enemies to Lovers
Vampires
Tension
🩵RATING🩵
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice Level: 🌶️
Length: 352 Pages
Publisher: Avon & Harper Voyager | Avon A
💭My Thoughts
This book drops you straight into the world. And while I don't always mind that, it was more than 40% in with no real knowledge of the world we are in. We get most of the storyline from the characters Mina and Harker, and their hate for each other. I will say our FMC is also "dropped" into the magical university the same time we are. So this may be why it's written like this.
This is definitely a romantasy versus fantasy, since for the majority of the book we are with our main characters and getting their interactions with each other. Is it worth reading, yes. It was just not my favorite but a lot of those wanting to get into fantasy could really like this.
❣️Tropes❣️
Magical School
Dark Academia
Dark Romantasy
Enemies to Lovers
Vampires
Tension
🩵RATING🩵
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice Level: 🌶️
Length: 352 Pages
Publisher: Avon & Harper Voyager | Avon A
July 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I really wanted to love this one because it had everything I usually look for:
• dark academia,
• a gothic magical school,
• enemies-to-lovers, vampires, and
• a romance centered around longing.
The atmosphere was easily my favorite part and gave the story a haunting, immersive feel.
Unfortunately, I struggled to stay invested because I spent a lot of the book trying to understand what was happening. The magic system and worldbuilding felt underexplained, so instead of being intrigued, I was often confused. I also wish the characters had been explored more, as I never formed a strong connection to them.
Even so, I can appreciate the originality of the premise and the beautiful gothic vibe. It wasn’t a bad read by any means it just didn’t deliver on its full potential. If you enjoy atmospheric fantasy with unique magic system, it may work better for you than it did for me. For me, it landed at a solid 3 stars.
I really wanted to love this one because it had everything I usually look for:
• dark academia,
• a gothic magical school,
• enemies-to-lovers, vampires, and
• a romance centered around longing.
The atmosphere was easily my favorite part and gave the story a haunting, immersive feel.
Unfortunately, I struggled to stay invested because I spent a lot of the book trying to understand what was happening. The magic system and worldbuilding felt underexplained, so instead of being intrigued, I was often confused. I also wish the characters had been explored more, as I never formed a strong connection to them.
Even so, I can appreciate the originality of the premise and the beautiful gothic vibe. It wasn’t a bad read by any means it just didn’t deliver on its full potential. If you enjoy atmospheric fantasy with unique magic system, it may work better for you than it did for me. For me, it landed at a solid 3 stars.
June 10, 2026
Thank you to the author, Avon Books, HarperVoyager and NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
DNF
I’m obsessed with dark academia so this book seemed promising but this was nonsense. It started off confusing but I kept going. It didn’t change. I had no idea what I was reading. Random words are slotted into sentences for no reason that I can discern. No plot that I could find. Such a bummer.
DNF
I’m obsessed with dark academia so this book seemed promising but this was nonsense. It started off confusing but I kept going. It didn’t change. I had no idea what I was reading. Random words are slotted into sentences for no reason that I can discern. No plot that I could find. Such a bummer.
July 12, 2026
I’ve read several books by Charlotte Stein, but Education in Longing is unlike the others, which is what drew me to it. Vampiric Dark Academia Vibes and S3x Magic—yep. I wanted to see how that works!
I’m so glad the story went in the direction that it did! I was full-on giddy with excitement as Mina’s visions were escalating. I knew something cool was building. And Harker! Oh my. He is quite the brooding type. But that makes sense with all those secrets he’s keeping.
The spice in Education in Longing was well written and steamy. Author Charlotte Stein also knows how to tap into the characters' emotions, especially Harker’s.
If you’re an experienced dark academia reader, this might feel pretty mild. However, if you're already familiar with this author’s work, understand you’re going to be getting into some much darker territory. I enjoyed the story and recommend it!
Thank you to Avon Books and Author Charlotte Stein for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m so glad the story went in the direction that it did! I was full-on giddy with excitement as Mina’s visions were escalating. I knew something cool was building. And Harker! Oh my. He is quite the brooding type. But that makes sense with all those secrets he’s keeping.
The spice in Education in Longing was well written and steamy. Author Charlotte Stein also knows how to tap into the characters' emotions, especially Harker’s.
If you’re an experienced dark academia reader, this might feel pretty mild. However, if you're already familiar with this author’s work, understand you’re going to be getting into some much darker territory. I enjoyed the story and recommend it!
Thank you to Avon Books and Author Charlotte Stein for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2026
4.25⭐
July 31, 2026
The burn was so slow for something where the blurb starts with the words "deeply sexy"
Did Not Finish
July 7, 2026As a long-time fan of Charlotte Stein’s writing, I always look forward to her unique voice, and given my love for the dark academia genre, An Education in Longing seemed like it would be a perfect match for me. Unfortunately, this one ended up being a DNF at this particular moment. While it breaks my heart a little to put down a book by an author I usually enjoy, I’ve come to realize that some books just demand a very specific headspace, and right now, the chemistry simply wasn't clicking.
My primary struggle lay within the pacing and the core character dynamics. Try as I might, I found myself unable to fully immerse myself in the unfolding story or find my footing within the narrative. More than that, I really struggled to connect with the character arcs of Mina and Harker. In a gothic or dark academic setting, the emotional tether to the protagonists is everything—it's the anchor that keeps me grounded while the atmosphere builds up. For me, that tether just wasn't there. I felt it was difficult to invest in Mina and Harker's choices, their personal growth, or the shifting ground beneath their feet. Instead of being swept away by the tension, I found my attention drifting.
That being said, I am highly inclined to believe this is a classic case of "wrong book, wrong time." Reading moods are incredibly fickle things, and sometimes an otherwise great story can suffer just because it didn't align with what a reader needed at that exact second. Because dark academia is right up my alley and I know how brilliantly Stein can spin a tale, I’m not ready to close the door on this book permanently.
For now, I am placing An Education in Longing back on the shelf and marking it as a temporary DNF. I fully intend to pick this one up again in the future when my reading palate shifts, hoping that a fresh pair of eyes and a different mindset will allow the atmosphere and character arcs to finally click the way they were meant to.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
My primary struggle lay within the pacing and the core character dynamics. Try as I might, I found myself unable to fully immerse myself in the unfolding story or find my footing within the narrative. More than that, I really struggled to connect with the character arcs of Mina and Harker. In a gothic or dark academic setting, the emotional tether to the protagonists is everything—it's the anchor that keeps me grounded while the atmosphere builds up. For me, that tether just wasn't there. I felt it was difficult to invest in Mina and Harker's choices, their personal growth, or the shifting ground beneath their feet. Instead of being swept away by the tension, I found my attention drifting.
That being said, I am highly inclined to believe this is a classic case of "wrong book, wrong time." Reading moods are incredibly fickle things, and sometimes an otherwise great story can suffer just because it didn't align with what a reader needed at that exact second. Because dark academia is right up my alley and I know how brilliantly Stein can spin a tale, I’m not ready to close the door on this book permanently.
For now, I am placing An Education in Longing back on the shelf and marking it as a temporary DNF. I fully intend to pick this one up again in the future when my reading palate shifts, hoping that a fresh pair of eyes and a different mindset will allow the atmosphere and character arcs to finally click the way they were meant to.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2026
Thanks to Avon and Libro.fm for the book. All opinions are my own.
3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable dark academia story by way of Bram Stoker’s Dracula 1992. If you’re a big fan of that movie, I think you’ll find a ton to love here. There’s an insane amount of longing, tension, frustration, and mystery.
Mina and Harker have the slooooooooowest of slow burns. Mina is also very frustrating at points. She’s got a huge mental block about sex that’s inexplicable for a long time. There’s a really pivotal lake scene late in the book. To me, things made so much more sense after that and I liked the reveal. A friend of mine had the opposite reaction.
This isn’t a perfect book, but for me, Ell Potter’s narration was so good that I was able to overlook a lot that I might not have if I’d read with my eyes. For that reason I’d highly recommend the audio.
3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable dark academia story by way of Bram Stoker’s Dracula 1992. If you’re a big fan of that movie, I think you’ll find a ton to love here. There’s an insane amount of longing, tension, frustration, and mystery.
Mina and Harker have the slooooooooowest of slow burns. Mina is also very frustrating at points. She’s got a huge mental block about sex that’s inexplicable for a long time. There’s a really pivotal lake scene late in the book. To me, things made so much more sense after that and I liked the reveal. A friend of mine had the opposite reaction.
This isn’t a perfect book, but for me, Ell Potter’s narration was so good that I was able to overlook a lot that I might not have if I’d read with my eyes. For that reason I’d highly recommend the audio.
July 12, 2026
I could not get past 100 pages. I was so excited for this book the premise sounded like everything I’d have wanted. Witches, Magic, spice! When the publisher send me the book I dived right in. And boy oh boy 🙈
I hate to say this. Because writing and reading is subjective. But for me, the writing was not good and at most times confusing and overly try hard.
It was literally a word salad that made absolutely no sense. There were sentences that didn’t actually mean anything. This book needed heavy editing to be honest. Let me give you an example:
“It was finally seeing his hideously handsome face. Because now that there was nothing to obscure her view of him, she couldn't pretend he might possibly be anything else. There was no more hope for something plain or made repulsive by centuries of in-breeding, courtesy of a probable upper class family.”
This is such a chore to read. It doesn’t even fully make proper sense. The book starts off with this overly intense writing which made it very hard to feel the world building, the university or even the main character. Her head felt like reading a text book not a story.
The university is clearly inspired by Harry Potter and hogwarts. And that is fine but you have to explain the world to a reader a bit before right away throwing us into this character driven story that felt so textbook like.
I found the storytelling very confusing and Impossible to visualise. Perhaps this is a style of writing for a specific audience. But as a romance reader of many fantasy, academias, dark romance and small town books I could not get past the confusion.
I’m sorry to say this was not it for me. I hope this book finds its audience.
I hate to say this. Because writing and reading is subjective. But for me, the writing was not good and at most times confusing and overly try hard.
It was literally a word salad that made absolutely no sense. There were sentences that didn’t actually mean anything. This book needed heavy editing to be honest. Let me give you an example:
“It was finally seeing his hideously handsome face. Because now that there was nothing to obscure her view of him, she couldn't pretend he might possibly be anything else. There was no more hope for something plain or made repulsive by centuries of in-breeding, courtesy of a probable upper class family.”
This is such a chore to read. It doesn’t even fully make proper sense. The book starts off with this overly intense writing which made it very hard to feel the world building, the university or even the main character. Her head felt like reading a text book not a story.
The university is clearly inspired by Harry Potter and hogwarts. And that is fine but you have to explain the world to a reader a bit before right away throwing us into this character driven story that felt so textbook like.
I found the storytelling very confusing and Impossible to visualise. Perhaps this is a style of writing for a specific audience. But as a romance reader of many fantasy, academias, dark romance and small town books I could not get past the confusion.
I’m sorry to say this was not it for me. I hope this book finds its audience.
July 29, 2026
★4
So so grateful to @instabooktours for having me along for this one! I had a great time!
- Dark Acadamia
- Gothic School vibes
- Enemies to Lovers
- Vampires? Say less 🙂↕️
My first read by this author and it will not be my last 🤭
This gave me a Dracula retelling kinda vibe and I was here for it! 🙂↕️
The magic system was written and executed really well, I really enjoyed it, I loved how it was connected to emotions.. it is so unique! The atmosphere was stunning! I’m here for all the gothic vibes!
Mina and Harker 😮💨 the longing.. the slow burn… the balance between the two of them - obsessed. I loved how the tension built with the first half of the book, I did feel that the end with it felt kind of rushed? But despite that I still ate this up!
So so grateful to @instabooktours for having me along for this one! I had a great time!
- Dark Acadamia
- Gothic School vibes
- Enemies to Lovers
- Vampires? Say less 🙂↕️
My first read by this author and it will not be my last 🤭
This gave me a Dracula retelling kinda vibe and I was here for it! 🙂↕️
The magic system was written and executed really well, I really enjoyed it, I loved how it was connected to emotions.. it is so unique! The atmosphere was stunning! I’m here for all the gothic vibes!
Mina and Harker 😮💨 the longing.. the slow burn… the balance between the two of them - obsessed. I loved how the tension built with the first half of the book, I did feel that the end with it felt kind of rushed? But despite that I still ate this up!
July 6, 2026
More like 4.5 stars. I liked the concept a lot - I didn’t realize it was a Dracula sort of retelling until mid way thru and that was when I was like oh now it makes sense! I thought the vampire story line was so well done and I loved the magic system. Bram/Harker and lili/Mina were the slowest of slow burn but also so intense with the longing. I have never read this author before and I really enjoyed the book and will definitely be reading more.
August 17, 2026
An Education in Longing is the perfect read for spooky season. There was magic, vampires, and plenty of spite. It was definitely a unique dark academia read.
July 18, 2026
Not what I was expecting but SUCH A FUN RIDE.
thank you to avon for the arc + LibroFM for the alc!
Full review to come!
thank you to avon for the arc + LibroFM for the alc!
Full review to come!
July 29, 2026
This was such a fast paced book that I don't even know where to start! Right from the star we're thrown into the mystical world of Harrowhall - a secret university for those with magic! Where there are spells to be learned, creatures to avoids and things lurking in the dark with secrets 👀
I love a fast paced book, which is defintely what you're getting with this. You're thrown in with Mina at the start of term and it's all systems go from there - in the first 30-40%, a lot of worldbuilding is thrown at you, and we have to see Mina grapple with that which was interesting to witness!
And then there's Harker, the brooding and mysterious MMC who has a lot more hidden up his sleeve than we might think. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that the entire plot line surrounding him was definitely what kept me most engaged in this story, that was done super well.
I enjoyed Mina and Harker's dynamic, the enemies/rivals to lovers was quite fun though I do wish it hasn't been resolved over just the 1-2 scenes - their tension and teasing was really well written and I would have loved more of that! Especially how it related to the magic system, which I found especially interesting.
I believe this book is a standalone, which I'm almost a bit sad about because in that last 15-20% the book dropped some really got interesting lore about the world, I would love to have spent at least a few more chapters exploring some of the locations outside of Harrowhall (trying so hard not to accidentally give spoilers 🤣)
That ending - I didn't see that coming but I really enjoyed it! The twist was executed well, if a little quickly! Which is really just me saying I will have absolutely read more of this story if there was more 👀
I love a fast paced book, which is defintely what you're getting with this. You're thrown in with Mina at the start of term and it's all systems go from there - in the first 30-40%, a lot of worldbuilding is thrown at you, and we have to see Mina grapple with that which was interesting to witness!
And then there's Harker, the brooding and mysterious MMC who has a lot more hidden up his sleeve than we might think. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that the entire plot line surrounding him was definitely what kept me most engaged in this story, that was done super well.
I enjoyed Mina and Harker's dynamic, the enemies/rivals to lovers was quite fun though I do wish it hasn't been resolved over just the 1-2 scenes - their tension and teasing was really well written and I would have loved more of that! Especially how it related to the magic system, which I found especially interesting.
I believe this book is a standalone, which I'm almost a bit sad about because in that last 15-20% the book dropped some really got interesting lore about the world, I would love to have spent at least a few more chapters exploring some of the locations outside of Harrowhall (trying so hard not to accidentally give spoilers 🤣)
That ending - I didn't see that coming but I really enjoyed it! The twist was executed well, if a little quickly! Which is really just me saying I will have absolutely read more of this story if there was more 👀
July 12, 2026
Title: An Education in Longing
Author: Charlotte Stein
Genre: Romantic Fantasy (Romantasy)
Subgenres:
• Dark Academia
• Paranormal Romance
• Gothic Romance
⭐ My Rating: 4/5
🌶️ My Spice Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: July 7th 2026
Tropes:
• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Dark Academia
• Magical University
• Forbidden Attraction
• Forced Partnership
• Haunted School
• Morally Gray MMC
• Slow Burn
• Hidden Secrets
• "Touch Her and Die" Energy
• Magic Fueled by Desire
• Opposites Attract
Trigger/Content Warnings
• Sexual content
• Emotional manipulation
• Class inequality
• Power imbalance
• Violence
• Supernatural peril
• Psychological tension
• Dark magical themes
• Death and loss
• Academic pressure
The Quick & Dirty Rundown:
The novel follows Mina, who finally earns admission into Harrowhall, a secret university where magic exists alongside danger. From the beginning she is determined to prove she belongs despite coming from a disadvantaged background. However, she quickly discovers the school is designed to favor privilege over talent (aren’t they all?). Her only chance at survival may lie with Harker St. James i.e. the school's most feared & “lethal” student. As dangerous secrets surrounding the academy begin to surface, Mina discovers that the very magic she needs to save everyone is fueled by desire, forcing her to confront feelings that may be just as dangerous as the darkness threatening Harrowhall.
Okay…So Hear Me Out…
I feel like Charolotte Stein was able to take this dark academia romance and give it more gothic sensual twist that was a bit more unique than I had previously anticipated. She didn’t simply use romance alongside fantasy, she made the intimacy part of the very mechanics of success for the FMC in that world. I think she created an idea and plotline that is a bit more fresh compared to other dark academia romance novels but she to me she was still able to embrace the familiar magical-school tropes.
For me, An Education in Longing feels like stepping into a candlelit gothic library where every hallway hides another secret and every glance between the main characters carries as much tension as the magic itself.
The atmosphere is one of the book's strongest qualities. Harrowhall is exactly the kind of magical school that feels both enchanting and unsettling. It has that perfect dark academia balance of beautiful architecture, hidden histories, whispered secrets, dangerous rituals, and the constant feeling that something isn't quite right beneath the surface. The setting almost becomes its own character, adding tension long before any obvious danger appears.
The FMC: Mina
Mina is the kind of heroine who quietly grows on you. She isn't the loudest person in the room or the most naturally gifted student, but she's incredibly resilient and determined. Coming from a background where she has constantly had to fight for opportunities, she enters Harrowhall with something to prove. For me this either a good thing or a bad thing for FMC’s because sometimes this leads them to doing stupid annoying things throughout the book. However this underlying insecurity and almost desperation does make her feel more human because it is in fact human nature to most when placed in this kind of situation.
One of the things I appreciated most about Mina is that her intelligence doesn't come from having all the answers. She's observant, curious, and willing to question what she's told rather than blindly accepting the traditions of Harrowhall. She pieces together information carefully, relying on persistence and critical thinking instead of simply being handed solutions. Watching her slowly uncover the truth while navigating an environment designed to keep people in the dark made her journey especially satisfying.
The MMC: Harker St. James
When I think dark academia hero, I think of someone like Harker St. James. He immediately commands attention without ever feeling like a carbon copy of other brooding romantasy love interests. I found him to be written with remarkable restraint; his present does a lot of the work at the beginning before the reader ever fully understands him.
For me what I found made him the most compelling isn't that he's mysterious for the sake of being mysterious, it's that every guarded response, every carefully chosen word, and every emotional wall feel intentional. Slowly the layers are pulled off, readers are rewarded with a glimpse of the person hiding underneath rather than dumping all the secrets at once. It kept me intrigued and guessing thus my attention issues remained largely non-issue.
The Chemistry Check: Mina & Harker Together
When they first begin crossing paths, there's an undeniable sense of caution between them, Harker is after all the danger student. Mina sees Harker as someone who is difficult to read i.e. the powerful, intimidating, and seemingly always several steps ahead type and while Harker regards Mina with an almost analytical interest that keeps you guessing about his true intentions. Neither character immediately offers trust, and that hesitation creates a delicious undercurrent of tension that persists throughout much of the novel.
One of my favorite aspects of their relationship is the balance between them. Harker may possess more knowledge about Harrowhall and its mysteries, but Mina brings a fresh perspective and a willingness to question things others have accepted without hesitation. They challenge one another intellectually as much as emotionally, creating a partnership where each person's strengths compensate for the other's blind spots. Neither feels like they're constantly rescuing the other; instead, they gradually become stronger because they're learning from one another.
Ultimately, Mina and Harker's romance embodies exactly what the title promises…longing.
The Author’s Pen:
Charlotte Stein's writing is incredibly intimate with a sensual edge. She spends a great deal of time inside her characters' minds, exploring every hesitation, longing, and emotional contradiction. That style won't work for every reader, especially those looking for a fast-paced fantasy and adventure, but if you enjoy romances where internal character growth matters just as much as external plot progression, there's a lot to appreciate here.
The pacing occasionally slows due to the introspective narration, I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the characters rather than wishing the story would move faster. By the final chapters, the emotional payoff felt earned because the novel had taken the time to build both the romance and the stakes carefully.
The Dopamine Hits:
A genuinely unique magic system tied directly to emotional intimacy.
Rich dark academia atmosphere full of gothic charm.
Fantastic slow-burn chemistry.
Emotionally layered romance.
Complex world that gradually reveals its secrets.
Strong emotional character development.
The Dopamine Deficits:
The introspective writing occasionally slows the pacing.
Some sections spend more time inside the characters' thoughts than advancing the plot.
Readers expecting nonstop fantasy action may find the romance-heavy focus surprising.
The Neurospicy Perspective
One aspect that really stood out to me was Mina's persistent feeling that she has to work twice as hard simply to prove she belongs. That experience may resonate with many neurodivergent readers who have spent years masking, over-preparing, or constantly feeling like they're being evaluated.
The emotional intensity between the characters reflects something many neurodivergent readers experience…feeling emotions incredibly deeply while struggling to express them safely. Both Mina and Harker carry layers of vulnerability beneath carefully constructed defenses, and their gradual willingness to trust each other feels especially rewarding because neither character is "fixed." Instead, they learn to be seen by one another.
The Bottom Line
An Education in Longing successfully blends gothic atmosphere, magical academia, emotional romance, and Charlotte Stein's signature sensual storytelling into a compelling read. While the pacing occasionally favors introspection over momentum, the emotional payoff, immersive atmosphere, and beautifully simmering romance make it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy character-driven romantasy with plenty of tension.
Diagnosis & Treat complete!
Side effects may include obsessively searching for magical universities, emotionally adopting morally gray book boyfriends, and adding just one more dark academia romance to your TBR (we both know it's already haunted).
Until next time…stay delightfully neurospicy, stay bookish, and don't forget to subscribe to The Neurospicy After Dark Archive for more reviews, ARC adventures, and beautifully chaotic literary hyperfixations!
- Dr. Neurospicy, MD
The Neurospicy After Dark Archive Curator
Disclaimer: Thank you to Charlotte Stein and the publisher for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of An Education in Longing. I am leaving this review voluntarily and received no incentive or compensation to do so. Receiving an ARC did not influence my opinions either. As always, every thought, emotional breakdown, happy sigh, and rating expressed here is entirely my own.
Author: Charlotte Stein
Genre: Romantic Fantasy (Romantasy)
Subgenres:
• Dark Academia
• Paranormal Romance
• Gothic Romance
⭐ My Rating: 4/5
🌶️ My Spice Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: July 7th 2026
Tropes:
• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Dark Academia
• Magical University
• Forbidden Attraction
• Forced Partnership
• Haunted School
• Morally Gray MMC
• Slow Burn
• Hidden Secrets
• "Touch Her and Die" Energy
• Magic Fueled by Desire
• Opposites Attract
Trigger/Content Warnings
• Sexual content
• Emotional manipulation
• Class inequality
• Power imbalance
• Violence
• Supernatural peril
• Psychological tension
• Dark magical themes
• Death and loss
• Academic pressure
The Quick & Dirty Rundown:
The novel follows Mina, who finally earns admission into Harrowhall, a secret university where magic exists alongside danger. From the beginning she is determined to prove she belongs despite coming from a disadvantaged background. However, she quickly discovers the school is designed to favor privilege over talent (aren’t they all?). Her only chance at survival may lie with Harker St. James i.e. the school's most feared & “lethal” student. As dangerous secrets surrounding the academy begin to surface, Mina discovers that the very magic she needs to save everyone is fueled by desire, forcing her to confront feelings that may be just as dangerous as the darkness threatening Harrowhall.
Okay…So Hear Me Out…
I feel like Charolotte Stein was able to take this dark academia romance and give it more gothic sensual twist that was a bit more unique than I had previously anticipated. She didn’t simply use romance alongside fantasy, she made the intimacy part of the very mechanics of success for the FMC in that world. I think she created an idea and plotline that is a bit more fresh compared to other dark academia romance novels but she to me she was still able to embrace the familiar magical-school tropes.
For me, An Education in Longing feels like stepping into a candlelit gothic library where every hallway hides another secret and every glance between the main characters carries as much tension as the magic itself.
The atmosphere is one of the book's strongest qualities. Harrowhall is exactly the kind of magical school that feels both enchanting and unsettling. It has that perfect dark academia balance of beautiful architecture, hidden histories, whispered secrets, dangerous rituals, and the constant feeling that something isn't quite right beneath the surface. The setting almost becomes its own character, adding tension long before any obvious danger appears.
The FMC: Mina
Mina is the kind of heroine who quietly grows on you. She isn't the loudest person in the room or the most naturally gifted student, but she's incredibly resilient and determined. Coming from a background where she has constantly had to fight for opportunities, she enters Harrowhall with something to prove. For me this either a good thing or a bad thing for FMC’s because sometimes this leads them to doing stupid annoying things throughout the book. However this underlying insecurity and almost desperation does make her feel more human because it is in fact human nature to most when placed in this kind of situation.
One of the things I appreciated most about Mina is that her intelligence doesn't come from having all the answers. She's observant, curious, and willing to question what she's told rather than blindly accepting the traditions of Harrowhall. She pieces together information carefully, relying on persistence and critical thinking instead of simply being handed solutions. Watching her slowly uncover the truth while navigating an environment designed to keep people in the dark made her journey especially satisfying.
The MMC: Harker St. James
When I think dark academia hero, I think of someone like Harker St. James. He immediately commands attention without ever feeling like a carbon copy of other brooding romantasy love interests. I found him to be written with remarkable restraint; his present does a lot of the work at the beginning before the reader ever fully understands him.
For me what I found made him the most compelling isn't that he's mysterious for the sake of being mysterious, it's that every guarded response, every carefully chosen word, and every emotional wall feel intentional. Slowly the layers are pulled off, readers are rewarded with a glimpse of the person hiding underneath rather than dumping all the secrets at once. It kept me intrigued and guessing thus my attention issues remained largely non-issue.
The Chemistry Check: Mina & Harker Together
When they first begin crossing paths, there's an undeniable sense of caution between them, Harker is after all the danger student. Mina sees Harker as someone who is difficult to read i.e. the powerful, intimidating, and seemingly always several steps ahead type and while Harker regards Mina with an almost analytical interest that keeps you guessing about his true intentions. Neither character immediately offers trust, and that hesitation creates a delicious undercurrent of tension that persists throughout much of the novel.
One of my favorite aspects of their relationship is the balance between them. Harker may possess more knowledge about Harrowhall and its mysteries, but Mina brings a fresh perspective and a willingness to question things others have accepted without hesitation. They challenge one another intellectually as much as emotionally, creating a partnership where each person's strengths compensate for the other's blind spots. Neither feels like they're constantly rescuing the other; instead, they gradually become stronger because they're learning from one another.
Ultimately, Mina and Harker's romance embodies exactly what the title promises…longing.
The Author’s Pen:
Charlotte Stein's writing is incredibly intimate with a sensual edge. She spends a great deal of time inside her characters' minds, exploring every hesitation, longing, and emotional contradiction. That style won't work for every reader, especially those looking for a fast-paced fantasy and adventure, but if you enjoy romances where internal character growth matters just as much as external plot progression, there's a lot to appreciate here.
The pacing occasionally slows due to the introspective narration, I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the characters rather than wishing the story would move faster. By the final chapters, the emotional payoff felt earned because the novel had taken the time to build both the romance and the stakes carefully.
The Dopamine Hits:
A genuinely unique magic system tied directly to emotional intimacy.
Rich dark academia atmosphere full of gothic charm.
Fantastic slow-burn chemistry.
Emotionally layered romance.
Complex world that gradually reveals its secrets.
Strong emotional character development.
The Dopamine Deficits:
The introspective writing occasionally slows the pacing.
Some sections spend more time inside the characters' thoughts than advancing the plot.
Readers expecting nonstop fantasy action may find the romance-heavy focus surprising.
The Neurospicy Perspective
One aspect that really stood out to me was Mina's persistent feeling that she has to work twice as hard simply to prove she belongs. That experience may resonate with many neurodivergent readers who have spent years masking, over-preparing, or constantly feeling like they're being evaluated.
The emotional intensity between the characters reflects something many neurodivergent readers experience…feeling emotions incredibly deeply while struggling to express them safely. Both Mina and Harker carry layers of vulnerability beneath carefully constructed defenses, and their gradual willingness to trust each other feels especially rewarding because neither character is "fixed." Instead, they learn to be seen by one another.
The Bottom Line
An Education in Longing successfully blends gothic atmosphere, magical academia, emotional romance, and Charlotte Stein's signature sensual storytelling into a compelling read. While the pacing occasionally favors introspection over momentum, the emotional payoff, immersive atmosphere, and beautifully simmering romance make it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy character-driven romantasy with plenty of tension.
Diagnosis & Treat complete!
Side effects may include obsessively searching for magical universities, emotionally adopting morally gray book boyfriends, and adding just one more dark academia romance to your TBR (we both know it's already haunted).
Until next time…stay delightfully neurospicy, stay bookish, and don't forget to subscribe to The Neurospicy After Dark Archive for more reviews, ARC adventures, and beautifully chaotic literary hyperfixations!
- Dr. Neurospicy, MD
The Neurospicy After Dark Archive Curator
Disclaimer: Thank you to Charlotte Stein and the publisher for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of An Education in Longing. I am leaving this review voluntarily and received no incentive or compensation to do so. Receiving an ARC did not influence my opinions either. As always, every thought, emotional breakdown, happy sigh, and rating expressed here is entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A special thanks to Avon for gifting me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review on NetGalley.
For me, this book sits on the dark academia shelf that is more romance/sexual tension-forward with a few clever plotting elements than a true romantasy ambitious world building attempt. It can be a fun read, but, for me, it fell short on some aspects.
We meet Mina, our female main character, as she passes the test that allows her to enter Harrowhall, a university of magic. Straight away she meets Harker St. James, captain of the Gauntlet team (the sport they play against other universities), super powerful and top student.
We get the story from Mina’s point of view and despite the fact that you learn first hand about how Mina feels in this new environment it doesn’t feel like you get to know her, or Harker, for that matter. She doesn’t seem to be reliable as a narrator, not because she’s trying to frame things a certain way or because she hides things from you but because her judgement is so clouded by preconceptions she appears to be incapable of seeing what is right in front of her. Her relationship with Anaya, her best friend, is instant, based on the fact that neither of them come from privilege. Her hate for Harker is just as instant based on the fact that he looks like he does. I found it very hard to see things from her point of view, I felt we get so little of her life before Harrowhall. She sounds resentful towards anyone who comes from a family that hasn’t seen the same financial struggle that she has, and complains about how everyone isolated her when I felt she also isolated herself by judging others only by their looks.
On the other hand, it’s easier to forgive the lack of context on Harker as he is supposed to be mysterious. He is clearly trying to drive her away while she claims he’s constantly tormenting her and that he is the absolute worse person to ever exist. But I could never read their interactions that way, it honestly felt like he was putting it on for her benefit. He is much more than meets the eye, he seems like he is constantly battling between letting her see him for who he is and hiding who he really is. This comes through every time they are together even when Mina is incapable of picking up on it.
I thought the basic idea behind connecting specific emotions to the ability to perform magic was very interesting and makes for a good background for their initial exploration of what draws them together. However, their individual motivations to agree to a dynamic in which he teaches her how to access her magic felt forced. I could understand why she would want to learn, but it is not clear what he gets out of it until much later, when the big plot twist is revealed. She distrusts him constantly yet seems to accept after he gives her, what looked to me like, half-baked reasons. Here the plot stagnates for a while, the slow burn consumes everything. Once the plot twist is revealed the narrative focus shifts and it turns into a murder mystery of sorts that felt like it was put there just to give the story an ending. An ending which unfolds much too quickly and honestly left me wondering about a few of the mechanics of the magic in this world. Not quite the magic system, that is clear, but how magic manifests itself in other aspects of souls and people’s lives.
One more thing I would like to mention is the attempt at social commentary which starts with Mina being outspoken about how elitist regulations on who gets to go to school to learn magic are, and it is even more relevant towards the end in the motivations of some of the characters. While I do agree with the points she makes about certain social groups gatekeeping access to knowledge based on race, social status or family relations I think it was very clumsily put. It doesn’t flow organically, it reads more like short rants here and there that aim to hint at Mina’s personality, and again, it doesn’t sound like a trait that she’s earned in her life. What made her see these injustices and think that way?
Finally, there were a few stylistic choices that hindered the reading experience significantly. When Mina wants to emphasise something she repeats it, three times, but then she does it so often that it gets annoying, annoying, annoying. The structuring of some sentences became unnecessarily complicated and distracting: "Sweet as syrup from something overripe, that sense informed her."
In my opinion, if you liked Harry Potter, the outcast character that goes to a magical school might appeal to you. If you enjoyed watching Bella and Edward fall in love despite her being his “own personal brand of heroin”, you might find something here for you. And if you find it fun to see references to gothic classics like names of the characters in Dracula (1992 movie adaptation of novel by Bram Stoker) then you’ll find a few Easter eggs.
(I’d rate this 2.5 stars if Goodreads allowed it, so I’ll round up to 3.)
For me, this book sits on the dark academia shelf that is more romance/sexual tension-forward with a few clever plotting elements than a true romantasy ambitious world building attempt. It can be a fun read, but, for me, it fell short on some aspects.
We meet Mina, our female main character, as she passes the test that allows her to enter Harrowhall, a university of magic. Straight away she meets Harker St. James, captain of the Gauntlet team (the sport they play against other universities), super powerful and top student.
We get the story from Mina’s point of view and despite the fact that you learn first hand about how Mina feels in this new environment it doesn’t feel like you get to know her, or Harker, for that matter. She doesn’t seem to be reliable as a narrator, not because she’s trying to frame things a certain way or because she hides things from you but because her judgement is so clouded by preconceptions she appears to be incapable of seeing what is right in front of her. Her relationship with Anaya, her best friend, is instant, based on the fact that neither of them come from privilege. Her hate for Harker is just as instant based on the fact that he looks like he does. I found it very hard to see things from her point of view, I felt we get so little of her life before Harrowhall. She sounds resentful towards anyone who comes from a family that hasn’t seen the same financial struggle that she has, and complains about how everyone isolated her when I felt she also isolated herself by judging others only by their looks.
On the other hand, it’s easier to forgive the lack of context on Harker as he is supposed to be mysterious. He is clearly trying to drive her away while she claims he’s constantly tormenting her and that he is the absolute worse person to ever exist. But I could never read their interactions that way, it honestly felt like he was putting it on for her benefit. He is much more than meets the eye, he seems like he is constantly battling between letting her see him for who he is and hiding who he really is. This comes through every time they are together even when Mina is incapable of picking up on it.
I thought the basic idea behind connecting specific emotions to the ability to perform magic was very interesting and makes for a good background for their initial exploration of what draws them together. However, their individual motivations to agree to a dynamic in which he teaches her how to access her magic felt forced. I could understand why she would want to learn, but it is not clear what he gets out of it until much later, when the big plot twist is revealed. She distrusts him constantly yet seems to accept after he gives her, what looked to me like, half-baked reasons. Here the plot stagnates for a while, the slow burn consumes everything. Once the plot twist is revealed the narrative focus shifts and it turns into a murder mystery of sorts that felt like it was put there just to give the story an ending. An ending which unfolds much too quickly and honestly left me wondering about a few of the mechanics of the magic in this world. Not quite the magic system, that is clear, but how magic manifests itself in other aspects of souls and people’s lives.
One more thing I would like to mention is the attempt at social commentary which starts with Mina being outspoken about how elitist regulations on who gets to go to school to learn magic are, and it is even more relevant towards the end in the motivations of some of the characters. While I do agree with the points she makes about certain social groups gatekeeping access to knowledge based on race, social status or family relations I think it was very clumsily put. It doesn’t flow organically, it reads more like short rants here and there that aim to hint at Mina’s personality, and again, it doesn’t sound like a trait that she’s earned in her life. What made her see these injustices and think that way?
Finally, there were a few stylistic choices that hindered the reading experience significantly. When Mina wants to emphasise something she repeats it, three times, but then she does it so often that it gets annoying, annoying, annoying. The structuring of some sentences became unnecessarily complicated and distracting: "Sweet as syrup from something overripe, that sense informed her."
In my opinion, if you liked Harry Potter, the outcast character that goes to a magical school might appeal to you. If you enjoyed watching Bella and Edward fall in love despite her being his “own personal brand of heroin”, you might find something here for you. And if you find it fun to see references to gothic classics like names of the characters in Dracula (1992 movie adaptation of novel by Bram Stoker) then you’ll find a few Easter eggs.
(I’d rate this 2.5 stars if Goodreads allowed it, so I’ll round up to 3.)
July 21, 2026
I want to preface this review with saying that I am a huge Charlotte Stein fan. I have been reading her books since 2012 and have read 20 of her novellas/books. I love her writing style and how she creates such emotional intensity and intimacy between her main characters. Plus her banter is usually top tier. She is in my top 5 of all time favourite authors. Which is why it pains me so much to write this review and I hope she never sees it as I would not want to hurt her feelings. Especially as she wrote in her acknowledgements that she has always want to write this particular book and it means so much to her.
She and her publisher kindly gifted this eARC to me and all opinions are my own.
This book was such a slog for me to read. It took me so long to read as I kept putting it down and taking days to pick it up again. If this wasn't a Charlotte Stein I would have DNF'd it. I found the magic and the magic system so vague that it felt underdeveloped and an afterthought. Also, the magic just seemed so brutal. For what reason? Let's just throw the children off a building to see if they have figured out to fly. If not, they get a coffin. I was confused throughout about what was happening in this college/university (?), nothing was explained just told. It was so hard to get a picture in my head of what things looked like and what was happening in the environment.
The writing was so verbose and confusing. She just kept adding in more and more and more words but it didn't add to the text. It just made things even more confusing to understand.
I was also so, so bored. Nothing happened. There was no plot. Mina and Harker just kept dancing around each other without saying or doing anything. This went on for the first 65% of the book. The speed in this book was up until that point 30 mph. At 65% it finally moved up to 40mph. At 75% it went up to 50mph. At the 85% mark it suddenly ramped up to 90mph but only for about 5% of the book and then went back down to 30mph. Something did start to happen but only for like 5 minutes and then resolved as quickly as it appeared. The pacing in this book was just so awful.
I really don't understand other reviewers who said this was so easy to read. I'm genuinely baffled.
Also, can someone explain to me how a book that is marketed as dark academia that involves the female MC only being able to access her magic by engaging and embracing her emotion of sexual desire, only has 1.5 scenes of sex in it?!?!?!? It just wasn't that sexy. Usually her banter and emotional intimacy and intensity is so good but it was just so superficial here. I don't know if it was because she took other aspects and put them into this book. By "this", I mean her obsession with the 1992 movie Dracula. Which I fully understand is incredible and imprinted on me too. But her references did not seem natural and just inserted. She also said this book is Dracula (1992) mixed with her book Never Sweeter, which is my favourite of all her books and why I was so excited to read this book. But she just reused scenes from Never Sweeter like the sex scenes in the library and the "bullying". Also the "banter" and conversations were so similar to Never Sweeter that it was jarring for me (I reread this book ever year so I'm very familiar with it).
I'm just devastated this didn't work for me. I really wanted to love it, inhale it in a day, and be giggling and kicking my feet with joy about it. I just don't know what happened with this one.
I am glad that there are people who are enjoying it and reviewing it differently to me. Reading is quite subjective at the end of the day. I just have my fingers crossed that if she attempts this kind of book again that it might be done a bit differently.
She and her publisher kindly gifted this eARC to me and all opinions are my own.
This book was such a slog for me to read. It took me so long to read as I kept putting it down and taking days to pick it up again. If this wasn't a Charlotte Stein I would have DNF'd it. I found the magic and the magic system so vague that it felt underdeveloped and an afterthought. Also, the magic just seemed so brutal. For what reason? Let's just throw the children off a building to see if they have figured out to fly. If not, they get a coffin. I was confused throughout about what was happening in this college/university (?), nothing was explained just told. It was so hard to get a picture in my head of what things looked like and what was happening in the environment.
The writing was so verbose and confusing. She just kept adding in more and more and more words but it didn't add to the text. It just made things even more confusing to understand.
I was also so, so bored. Nothing happened. There was no plot. Mina and Harker just kept dancing around each other without saying or doing anything. This went on for the first 65% of the book. The speed in this book was up until that point 30 mph. At 65% it finally moved up to 40mph. At 75% it went up to 50mph. At the 85% mark it suddenly ramped up to 90mph but only for about 5% of the book and then went back down to 30mph. Something did start to happen but only for like 5 minutes and then resolved as quickly as it appeared. The pacing in this book was just so awful.
I really don't understand other reviewers who said this was so easy to read. I'm genuinely baffled.
Also, can someone explain to me how a book that is marketed as dark academia that involves the female MC only being able to access her magic by engaging and embracing her emotion of sexual desire, only has 1.5 scenes of sex in it?!?!?!? It just wasn't that sexy. Usually her banter and emotional intimacy and intensity is so good but it was just so superficial here. I don't know if it was because she took other aspects and put them into this book. By "this", I mean her obsession with the 1992 movie Dracula. Which I fully understand is incredible and imprinted on me too. But her references did not seem natural and just inserted. She also said this book is Dracula (1992) mixed with her book Never Sweeter, which is my favourite of all her books and why I was so excited to read this book. But she just reused scenes from Never Sweeter like the sex scenes in the library and the "bullying". Also the "banter" and conversations were so similar to Never Sweeter that it was jarring for me (I reread this book ever year so I'm very familiar with it).
I'm just devastated this didn't work for me. I really wanted to love it, inhale it in a day, and be giggling and kicking my feet with joy about it. I just don't know what happened with this one.
I am glad that there are people who are enjoying it and reviewing it differently to me. Reading is quite subjective at the end of the day. I just have my fingers crossed that if she attempts this kind of book again that it might be done a bit differently.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow. Wow, wow, wow. What an incredibly whimsical and gothic read. I went into this expecting dark academic romance and came out with so much more. The vibes are immaculate, the magic system unique, and the romance was so full of tension and yearning that my heart ached for both Mina and Harker.
My absolute favourite thing about this book was Calabaraia. Everything from the magical and whimsical descriptions to the beings that inhabit it was CAPTIVATING to the max. My heart yearns for a book set entirely in somewhere similar, and I was slightly disappointed we didn't get to spend more time in that beautiful realm.
The magic system was also quite unique. I loved the idea that it not only manifests through the wielder’s emotions (a concept we’ve seen before), but that each wielder’s magic is tied to a specific emotion. I felt like there was so much untapped potential here, especially in exploring how different characters’ emotions might shape their abilities. I would've loved to see more development on that part, especially with the dark academic tag. That said, I particularly loved that Mina’s emotion was desire, and the contrast that creates with her character being a virgin. The scenes where she learns to channel her magic by eliciting desire were SO hot and so much fun.
And the romance, oh, the romance. The tension, yearning, and, true to the title of the book, pure LONGING in this book were immense, it almost drove me feral haha. The first 60% did an incredible job building up all the tension. I just WISHED the development after the 75% ish mark hadn’t happened quite so quickly, though it did make sense for the story. I think I was just reluctant to let go of that delicious push and pull phase.
And, y'all... When I say I will NEVER recover from the manacle scene.... That is my friggin ROMAN EMPIRE.
My only real issue with the book is that, while the vibes and romance were absolutely there, I struggled to acclimate to the writing style at the beginning. There were so many words for the sake of being wordy, and I felt confused for the first 30% or so. While the vagueness and fogginess may have added to the gothic atmosphere, I was often frustrated by how little clarity I had been given about what was going on.
I also felt the final act was quite rushed. The book could have easily benefited from being at least 50 pages longer. The pacing felt off, which made the final conflict feel slightly anticlimactic. The mystery subplot at the end was also fairly predictable, and I did find myself rolling my eyes at the reveal. I also found myself wishing for a bit more character development overall, some additional backstory or personality quirks would have helped them feel more fully realised at times.
That said… the yearning was so scrumptious I could not put this book down after reaching halfway. Despite its issues, this was undoubtedly a very memorable read. (Yes, I am indeed very biased, but I loved this book. Sue me.)
Thank you Avon a and Charlotte Stein for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
My absolute favourite thing about this book was Calabaraia. Everything from the magical and whimsical descriptions to the beings that inhabit it was CAPTIVATING to the max. My heart yearns for a book set entirely in somewhere similar, and I was slightly disappointed we didn't get to spend more time in that beautiful realm.
The magic system was also quite unique. I loved the idea that it not only manifests through the wielder’s emotions (a concept we’ve seen before), but that each wielder’s magic is tied to a specific emotion. I felt like there was so much untapped potential here, especially in exploring how different characters’ emotions might shape their abilities. I would've loved to see more development on that part, especially with the dark academic tag. That said, I particularly loved that Mina’s emotion was desire, and the contrast that creates with her character being a virgin. The scenes where she learns to channel her magic by eliciting desire were SO hot and so much fun.
And the romance, oh, the romance. The tension, yearning, and, true to the title of the book, pure LONGING in this book were immense, it almost drove me feral haha. The first 60% did an incredible job building up all the tension. I just WISHED the development after the 75% ish mark hadn’t happened quite so quickly, though it did make sense for the story. I think I was just reluctant to let go of that delicious push and pull phase.
And, y'all... When I say I will NEVER recover from the manacle scene.... That is my friggin ROMAN EMPIRE.
My only real issue with the book is that, while the vibes and romance were absolutely there, I struggled to acclimate to the writing style at the beginning. There were so many words for the sake of being wordy, and I felt confused for the first 30% or so. While the vagueness and fogginess may have added to the gothic atmosphere, I was often frustrated by how little clarity I had been given about what was going on.
I also felt the final act was quite rushed. The book could have easily benefited from being at least 50 pages longer. The pacing felt off, which made the final conflict feel slightly anticlimactic. The mystery subplot at the end was also fairly predictable, and I did find myself rolling my eyes at the reveal. I also found myself wishing for a bit more character development overall, some additional backstory or personality quirks would have helped them feel more fully realised at times.
That said… the yearning was so scrumptious I could not put this book down after reaching halfway. Despite its issues, this was undoubtedly a very memorable read. (Yes, I am indeed very biased, but I loved this book. Sue me.)
Thank you Avon a and Charlotte Stein for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 7, 2026
An Education in Longing
by Charlotte Stein
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark Romance | Romantasy | Dracula-inspired retelling
First of all, thank you to Avon, Charlotte Stein, and NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC read An Education in Longing.
Charlotte Stein rarely lets me down, and this was another wonderfully atmospheric, delightfully strange, and incredibly tension-filled read.
Hot. Magical. Gothic. Dark, but somehow still swoony. This book is absolutely overflowing with yearning, and if there is one thing Charlotte Stein knows how to write, it is chemistry that makes you want to scream at the characters to just admit how they feel already.
I went into this expecting a dark academia romance with vampires, and while I definitely got that, I also got a beautifully weird magical world that completely captured my attention.
Calabaraia was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. The descriptions were lush and enchanting, and I loved the feeling that there was so much more to discover. Between the magical atmosphere, unusual creatures, and gothic charm, I genuinely wanted more time exploring this world.
The magic system was such an interesting concept. I loved the idea that magic is connected to emotion and that each person's abilities are shaped by something so deeply personal. Mina's magic being tied to desire was especially fascinating, and watching her understand and embrace that part of herself made for some incredibly compelling moments.
And then we have the romance...
The yearning.
The tension.
The absolutely unbearable longing.
Mina and Harker's dynamic had me completely invested. The first half of the book does an amazing job building that slow, delicious tension where every interaction feels charged. I was completely hooked on their push-and-pull relationship and the way their feelings slowly developed.
That being said, I did feel like the romance accelerated a little quickly toward the end. The build-up was so effective that I almost wasn't ready to leave that stage of tension behind. It worked for the story, but a little more time in that space would have been perfection.
Also...
The manacle scene.
I will not be recovering.
That scene has officially taken up permanent residence in my brain.
My only real struggle was the writing style in the beginning. The prose is intentionally atmospheric and ornate, which fits the gothic setting beautifully, but I found myself feeling a little lost during the first portion of the book. Once I settled into the style and the characters, though, I was completely absorbed.
Overall, An Education in Longing was a memorable, darkly romantic, and beautifully unusual read. It gave me magical academia, vampires, mystery, yearning, and a romance that absolutely delivered on the tension.
Would I like more from this world? Absolutely.
Am I biased because I loved Mina and Harker? Maybe.
Will I apologize? Absolutely not.
by Charlotte Stein
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark Romance | Romantasy | Dracula-inspired retelling
First of all, thank you to Avon, Charlotte Stein, and NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC read An Education in Longing.
Charlotte Stein rarely lets me down, and this was another wonderfully atmospheric, delightfully strange, and incredibly tension-filled read.
Hot. Magical. Gothic. Dark, but somehow still swoony. This book is absolutely overflowing with yearning, and if there is one thing Charlotte Stein knows how to write, it is chemistry that makes you want to scream at the characters to just admit how they feel already.
I went into this expecting a dark academia romance with vampires, and while I definitely got that, I also got a beautifully weird magical world that completely captured my attention.
Calabaraia was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. The descriptions were lush and enchanting, and I loved the feeling that there was so much more to discover. Between the magical atmosphere, unusual creatures, and gothic charm, I genuinely wanted more time exploring this world.
The magic system was such an interesting concept. I loved the idea that magic is connected to emotion and that each person's abilities are shaped by something so deeply personal. Mina's magic being tied to desire was especially fascinating, and watching her understand and embrace that part of herself made for some incredibly compelling moments.
And then we have the romance...
The yearning.
The tension.
The absolutely unbearable longing.
Mina and Harker's dynamic had me completely invested. The first half of the book does an amazing job building that slow, delicious tension where every interaction feels charged. I was completely hooked on their push-and-pull relationship and the way their feelings slowly developed.
That being said, I did feel like the romance accelerated a little quickly toward the end. The build-up was so effective that I almost wasn't ready to leave that stage of tension behind. It worked for the story, but a little more time in that space would have been perfection.
Also...
The manacle scene.
I will not be recovering.
That scene has officially taken up permanent residence in my brain.
My only real struggle was the writing style in the beginning. The prose is intentionally atmospheric and ornate, which fits the gothic setting beautifully, but I found myself feeling a little lost during the first portion of the book. Once I settled into the style and the characters, though, I was completely absorbed.
Overall, An Education in Longing was a memorable, darkly romantic, and beautifully unusual read. It gave me magical academia, vampires, mystery, yearning, and a romance that absolutely delivered on the tension.
Would I like more from this world? Absolutely.
Am I biased because I loved Mina and Harker? Maybe.
Will I apologize? Absolutely not.
July 16, 2026
This book is hard for me to rate and review. There were things I enjoyed, things that didn’t work for me, and a lot of confusing feelings when all was said and done. I’ve read a handful of this author’s books, but all of them are more recent, and I’ve loved them all. I am aware she has a very good reputation for her earlier work and its more erotic elements. Due to the title and description of this story, I thought maybe she was going back to her roots. I don’t think that’s what this was. Again, I haven’t read those earlier works, so I can’t say for sure. There are some sexy scenes in this book, one in particular that was so intimate and seductive, without these two barely even touching each other. There is most definitely a slow burn happening, but Mina is very obtuse when it comes to Harker, and it gets to be too much at times.
Things I loved about this story: The atmosphere, the social justice angle, and the setting. All of these things pulled me into the story. I do not need a ton of world-building, yet there were things I missed. The atmosphere and setting helped fill in those weak spots.
I would have loved to see more of the relationship between Mina and her best friend, Anaya. While their relationship was important, you almost wouldn’t know it by the amount of time they are shown together. It’s almost like they are only friends because they are the outliers, neither being the usual rich, white, legacy type of student. Because of the pacing of this story and the way Anaya was thrown into the mix here and there, I thought this book was being set up to be a series. Possibly without there even being a resolution by the end of this book. (I believe I was wrong about the series part, and this story does have a conclusive ending with an HEA to boot.)
The last half of this book does a lot of heavy lifting. That is where I finally locked into the story. On one hand, that’s wonderful. But it lends itself to that uneven pacing of the overall book. I’m not sure, but it could be that I’m not a big Dracula fan. I don’t have anything against Dracula, and I read tons of paranormal that include vampires, but I haven’t read Dracula specifically. I know the basics, and that’s all. It didn’t occur to me that this was inspired by that story, but the author’s note speaks to it, and it made me realize I may not have had the puzzle piece I needed to feel more connected to this story.
When it comes down to it, I love the way Harker loves Mina. I love the little and big things he does throughout the book to show that love, whether she recognized that’s what he was doing or not. His devotion to Mina saved this book for me.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
Things I loved about this story: The atmosphere, the social justice angle, and the setting. All of these things pulled me into the story. I do not need a ton of world-building, yet there were things I missed. The atmosphere and setting helped fill in those weak spots.
I would have loved to see more of the relationship between Mina and her best friend, Anaya. While their relationship was important, you almost wouldn’t know it by the amount of time they are shown together. It’s almost like they are only friends because they are the outliers, neither being the usual rich, white, legacy type of student. Because of the pacing of this story and the way Anaya was thrown into the mix here and there, I thought this book was being set up to be a series. Possibly without there even being a resolution by the end of this book. (I believe I was wrong about the series part, and this story does have a conclusive ending with an HEA to boot.)
The last half of this book does a lot of heavy lifting. That is where I finally locked into the story. On one hand, that’s wonderful. But it lends itself to that uneven pacing of the overall book. I’m not sure, but it could be that I’m not a big Dracula fan. I don’t have anything against Dracula, and I read tons of paranormal that include vampires, but I haven’t read Dracula specifically. I know the basics, and that’s all. It didn’t occur to me that this was inspired by that story, but the author’s note speaks to it, and it made me realize I may not have had the puzzle piece I needed to feel more connected to this story.
When it comes down to it, I love the way Harker loves Mina. I love the little and big things he does throughout the book to show that love, whether she recognized that’s what he was doing or not. His devotion to Mina saved this book for me.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
August 2, 2026
Charlotte Stein’s An Education in Longing had me wondering whether I wanted to enroll at Harrowhall or stay very far away from it, preferably with the doors locked. Avon, thank you so much for the gifted book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You are my every torment.”
Mina has spent most of her life feeling like she has to work twice as hard just to be allowed in the room, so when she earns a place at Harrowhall, she is not about to let anyone scare her away. Not the dangerous classes. Not the strange magic. And definitely not Harker St. James, even though he seems determined to make her miserable from the second she arrives.
Harker was such a problem.
He is arrogant, secretive, rude, and somehow still impossible to ignore. I kept going back and forth between wanting Mina to stay far away from him and wanting them to be forced into another magic lesson together. Their relationship is mostly staring, arguing, resisting, and pretending they are not completely consumed by each other. Basically, the title is not lying. There is so much longing in this book.
I really liked the idea that Mina’s magic is connected to desire. It made her lessons with Harker awkward, intense, and occasionally so uncomfortable that I had to put the book down for a second and gather myself. Some of those scenes gave me serious secondhand embarrassment, but I also could not stop reading them. Make that make sense.
The beginning did take me a little while to settle into. I felt like Mina because I had been dropped into Harrowhall without a map, a rulebook, or even a polite little orientation packet. Eventually, though, the strange world, the gothic school, the danger, and the mystery started clicking into place.
I also loved Mina’s friendship with Anaya. Mina needed someone firmly in her corner, especially while Harker was busy being mysterious and emotionally exhausting. Their friendship brought some warmth into a story filled with shadows, secrets, and people making extremely questionable choices.
The ending moved faster than I expected, and I would have happily taken another fifty pages to sit with the reveals. Still, I had such a good time with this one. It was strange, romantic, dark, and much more emotional than I expected.
I’d hand this to the reader who loves magical schools, gothic atmosphere, vampires, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a man who has apparently never heard of simply saying how he feels.
Would you survive one semester at Harrowhall, or would you be packing your bags after the first dangerous lesson?
#AnEducationInLonging #CharlotteStein #BookReview #Bookstagram #DarkAcademia #Romantasy #FantasyRomance #EnemiesToLovers #SlowBurnRomance #GothicRomance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You are my every torment.”
Mina has spent most of her life feeling like she has to work twice as hard just to be allowed in the room, so when she earns a place at Harrowhall, she is not about to let anyone scare her away. Not the dangerous classes. Not the strange magic. And definitely not Harker St. James, even though he seems determined to make her miserable from the second she arrives.
Harker was such a problem.
He is arrogant, secretive, rude, and somehow still impossible to ignore. I kept going back and forth between wanting Mina to stay far away from him and wanting them to be forced into another magic lesson together. Their relationship is mostly staring, arguing, resisting, and pretending they are not completely consumed by each other. Basically, the title is not lying. There is so much longing in this book.
I really liked the idea that Mina’s magic is connected to desire. It made her lessons with Harker awkward, intense, and occasionally so uncomfortable that I had to put the book down for a second and gather myself. Some of those scenes gave me serious secondhand embarrassment, but I also could not stop reading them. Make that make sense.
The beginning did take me a little while to settle into. I felt like Mina because I had been dropped into Harrowhall without a map, a rulebook, or even a polite little orientation packet. Eventually, though, the strange world, the gothic school, the danger, and the mystery started clicking into place.
I also loved Mina’s friendship with Anaya. Mina needed someone firmly in her corner, especially while Harker was busy being mysterious and emotionally exhausting. Their friendship brought some warmth into a story filled with shadows, secrets, and people making extremely questionable choices.
The ending moved faster than I expected, and I would have happily taken another fifty pages to sit with the reveals. Still, I had such a good time with this one. It was strange, romantic, dark, and much more emotional than I expected.
I’d hand this to the reader who loves magical schools, gothic atmosphere, vampires, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a man who has apparently never heard of simply saying how he feels.
Would you survive one semester at Harrowhall, or would you be packing your bags after the first dangerous lesson?
#AnEducationInLonging #CharlotteStein #BookReview #Bookstagram #DarkAcademia #Romantasy #FantasyRomance #EnemiesToLovers #SlowBurnRomance #GothicRomance
July 23, 2026
When I first read the synopsis for An Education in Longing, I genuinely thought it might become a new favourite. Gothic fantasy, dark academia, Dracula-inspired elements, romance, longing, and a magical school? On paper, this had everything I usually look for in a book.
Unfortunately, while I loved the individual ingredients, they never quite came together into a satisfying whole.
The gothic atmosphere was compelling, and there were flashes of genuinely interesting ideas throughout the novel. The magic, when it appeared, could be wonderfully strange and unsettling, and there were moments where I caught glimpses of the story I had been hoping for.
What ultimately held the book back for me was the execution.
The magic system remained too vague for me to fully engage with. Rather than feeling intentionally mysterious, I often found myself searching for a stronger sense of the world's internal logic. The magical school setting also relied heavily on genre shorthand, and I never felt fully grounded in either the world or its rules. Instead of gradually learning alongside the characters, I often felt as though I was expected to already understand concepts that had never been properly introduced.
The novel also promises longing, but I found myself missing the emotional tension that word evokes. Rather than building anticipation or yearning, much of the story felt emotionally distant. Likewise, the Dracula-inspired elements continually felt as though they were building toward something larger, yet they never quite paid off in the way I expected.
There were also a handful of modern references that pulled me out of the otherwise gothic atmosphere. For me, they disrupted the tone more than they added to it, making the setting feel less immersive.
In the end, this was a book whose premise appealed to me far more than its execution. Every individual element sounded like something I would love, but they never fully came together into the rich, immersive reading experience I had hoped for.
I can still see this working for readers who enjoy highly atmospheric fantasy and don't mind being dropped straight into an unfamiliar world with minimal explanation. Sadly, it just wasn't the right fit for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, while I loved the individual ingredients, they never quite came together into a satisfying whole.
The gothic atmosphere was compelling, and there were flashes of genuinely interesting ideas throughout the novel. The magic, when it appeared, could be wonderfully strange and unsettling, and there were moments where I caught glimpses of the story I had been hoping for.
What ultimately held the book back for me was the execution.
The magic system remained too vague for me to fully engage with. Rather than feeling intentionally mysterious, I often found myself searching for a stronger sense of the world's internal logic. The magical school setting also relied heavily on genre shorthand, and I never felt fully grounded in either the world or its rules. Instead of gradually learning alongside the characters, I often felt as though I was expected to already understand concepts that had never been properly introduced.
The novel also promises longing, but I found myself missing the emotional tension that word evokes. Rather than building anticipation or yearning, much of the story felt emotionally distant. Likewise, the Dracula-inspired elements continually felt as though they were building toward something larger, yet they never quite paid off in the way I expected.
There were also a handful of modern references that pulled me out of the otherwise gothic atmosphere. For me, they disrupted the tone more than they added to it, making the setting feel less immersive.
In the end, this was a book whose premise appealed to me far more than its execution. Every individual element sounded like something I would love, but they never fully came together into the rich, immersive reading experience I had hoped for.
I can still see this working for readers who enjoy highly atmospheric fantasy and don't mind being dropped straight into an unfamiliar world with minimal explanation. Sadly, it just wasn't the right fit for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Review: An Education in Longing by Charlotte Stein
An Education in Longing had all the ingredients of a book I should have loved. A gothic magical academy, a romance built around longing, and a magic system fueled by desire sounds tailor-made for me. I adore stories steeped in yearning, but here the emotional tension never quite landed. While I enjoyed the atmosphere and several of the magical ideas, the story itself felt too trite and familiar to leave much of an impression.
Mina arrives at Harrowhall, a secretive academy where magic is drawn from desire itself. There she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Harker St. James, a feared student whose own secrets are deeply woven into the school’s history. As Mina uncovers the truth behind Harrowhall’s corrupt foundations and the dangerous cost of its magic, the two are forced into an uneasy alliance that slowly grows into romance. Their relationship ultimately becomes central to confronting the darkness consuming the academy and deciding what kind of future the school deserves.
The setting was undoubtedly the highlight. Stein creates an evocative, gothic atmosphere, and I loved the idea of longing functioning as literal magic. The premise is wonderfully romantic. Unfortunately, the emotional beats felt more prescribed than organic, and the romance relied on familiar tropes that made much of the story predictable. I kept waiting for the yearning to truly ache, to feel earned through the characters’ choices and growth, but instead it often felt like the novel insisted on its intensity rather than allowing it to develop naturally.
Even so, I’m glad I read it. The atmosphere, magic, and overall aesthetic kept me engaged, and there were flashes of the story I wanted this to be. While it didn’t fully deliver on its ambitious premise, readers who enjoy dark academia, magical schools, and very steamy romantasy may still find plenty to appreciate. For me, it was a solid three-star read: beautiful in mood, interesting in concept, but lacking the emotional depth needed to make its longing truly unforgettable. 3 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
An Education in Longing had all the ingredients of a book I should have loved. A gothic magical academy, a romance built around longing, and a magic system fueled by desire sounds tailor-made for me. I adore stories steeped in yearning, but here the emotional tension never quite landed. While I enjoyed the atmosphere and several of the magical ideas, the story itself felt too trite and familiar to leave much of an impression.
Mina arrives at Harrowhall, a secretive academy where magic is drawn from desire itself. There she becomes entangled with the enigmatic Harker St. James, a feared student whose own secrets are deeply woven into the school’s history. As Mina uncovers the truth behind Harrowhall’s corrupt foundations and the dangerous cost of its magic, the two are forced into an uneasy alliance that slowly grows into romance. Their relationship ultimately becomes central to confronting the darkness consuming the academy and deciding what kind of future the school deserves.
The setting was undoubtedly the highlight. Stein creates an evocative, gothic atmosphere, and I loved the idea of longing functioning as literal magic. The premise is wonderfully romantic. Unfortunately, the emotional beats felt more prescribed than organic, and the romance relied on familiar tropes that made much of the story predictable. I kept waiting for the yearning to truly ache, to feel earned through the characters’ choices and growth, but instead it often felt like the novel insisted on its intensity rather than allowing it to develop naturally.
Even so, I’m glad I read it. The atmosphere, magic, and overall aesthetic kept me engaged, and there were flashes of the story I wanted this to be. While it didn’t fully deliver on its ambitious premise, readers who enjoy dark academia, magical schools, and very steamy romantasy may still find plenty to appreciate. For me, it was a solid three-star read: beautiful in mood, interesting in concept, but lacking the emotional depth needed to make its longing truly unforgettable. 3 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2026
The premise had the right pieces: dark academia, an enchanted school, class tension, dangerous magic and desire-based power.
In the prologue and first two chapters third-person narration came across repetitive and distant. The word “She” showed up so much that it stood out. Mina’s perspective would have been better in first person, not 3rd.
Mina and Harker met early, but lacked chemistry and heat. Tension stayed weak, and their dynamic didn’t create enough danger, desire, or curiosity to keep engagement.
The bullying and class drama didn't create the pressure it should have. It was like standard magical-school hostility.
The school setup had a familiar magical-academy structure. That could have worked if the character tension had been stronger.
The erotic/desire-magic premise needed earlier tension. Not necessarily early sex, but some kind of pull between Mina and Harker. Their scenes didn’t have enough charge.
The spicy scenes seemed to start mostly around chapter 19. That timing could have been fine if the early chapters had built enough anticipation.
The sex scenes didn’t read like the more popular dark romance or romantasy style. The book seemed closer to literary, stylized dark academia than easy-consume romance.
The prose leaned hard on repetition, similes, figurative phrasing, and patterned sentence rhythms. Once that pattern stood out, it kept distracting from the story.
I noticed many readers gave low ratings, including people who liked the author before and thought this book sounded different from her previous work. I suspect the reason is that this book was likely AI drafted given the number of red flags that came up. AI drafting is not necessarily a problem, but it needed a lot more human editing than it received. That would explain why fans of this author comment that her writing style seems different in this book. The beginning seemed more cleaned up while later sections seemed rougher and more patterned.
In the prologue and first two chapters third-person narration came across repetitive and distant. The word “She” showed up so much that it stood out. Mina’s perspective would have been better in first person, not 3rd.
Mina and Harker met early, but lacked chemistry and heat. Tension stayed weak, and their dynamic didn’t create enough danger, desire, or curiosity to keep engagement.
The bullying and class drama didn't create the pressure it should have. It was like standard magical-school hostility.
The school setup had a familiar magical-academy structure. That could have worked if the character tension had been stronger.
The erotic/desire-magic premise needed earlier tension. Not necessarily early sex, but some kind of pull between Mina and Harker. Their scenes didn’t have enough charge.
The spicy scenes seemed to start mostly around chapter 19. That timing could have been fine if the early chapters had built enough anticipation.
The sex scenes didn’t read like the more popular dark romance or romantasy style. The book seemed closer to literary, stylized dark academia than easy-consume romance.
The prose leaned hard on repetition, similes, figurative phrasing, and patterned sentence rhythms. Once that pattern stood out, it kept distracting from the story.
I noticed many readers gave low ratings, including people who liked the author before and thought this book sounded different from her previous work. I suspect the reason is that this book was likely AI drafted given the number of red flags that came up. AI drafting is not necessarily a problem, but it needed a lot more human editing than it received. That would explain why fans of this author comment that her writing style seems different in this book. The beginning seemed more cleaned up while later sections seemed rougher and more patterned.
August 4, 2026
4.25⭐️
"I have never in my life felt so loved as I do in this moment. In fact, I know now that my life has been spent longing for some missing thing, because it knew that you were not in it."
I love a gothic dark academia story, and this does not disappoint.
It does start off a bit confusing, but then Mina and Harker are sensational together. Ugh loved them.
I think what really sold me on this though is like the last 100 pages or so. Because you spend most of the time thinking you've figured out the mystery element to it all. Every time someone or something is revealed it's like oh I called that but then you're wrong. Then it becomes clear again and you shout, "I knew it!" Wrong again lmao And most times I'm glad I was because all the things you think you know come a little too easy.
I loved their back and forth. Their heat and tension. It was palpable page to page and only grew as the story went on.
There is quite a bit of poetic prose up until that point (and it is a lot of buildup), but I didn't find it too flowery. It actually reminded me a lot of Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries. The author also kinda just has a bone to pick with society. There is a lot of social commentary that is straight on, no sugar coating.
While I deeply enjoyed this book I did have a few issues. I did feel as though the magic system could've been explained a bit better. I also feel like Anaya got lost in the mix there for a bit and then when she came back it felt rather disjointed. And it was awfully convenient what happened with her and Frank at the same time as Mina and Harker.
I still immensely enjoyed this. It was amusing, sensual, and unexpectedly funny.
-Paranormal Romance
-"Good Girl"
-Spicy Lessons
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"I have never in my life felt so loved as I do in this moment. In fact, I know now that my life has been spent longing for some missing thing, because it knew that you were not in it."
I love a gothic dark academia story, and this does not disappoint.
It does start off a bit confusing, but then Mina and Harker are sensational together. Ugh loved them.
I think what really sold me on this though is like the last 100 pages or so. Because you spend most of the time thinking you've figured out the mystery element to it all. Every time someone or something is revealed it's like oh I called that but then you're wrong. Then it becomes clear again and you shout, "I knew it!" Wrong again lmao And most times I'm glad I was because all the things you think you know come a little too easy.
I loved their back and forth. Their heat and tension. It was palpable page to page and only grew as the story went on.
There is quite a bit of poetic prose up until that point (and it is a lot of buildup), but I didn't find it too flowery. It actually reminded me a lot of Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries. The author also kinda just has a bone to pick with society. There is a lot of social commentary that is straight on, no sugar coating.
While I deeply enjoyed this book I did have a few issues. I did feel as though the magic system could've been explained a bit better. I also feel like Anaya got lost in the mix there for a bit and then when she came back it felt rather disjointed. And it was awfully convenient what happened with her and Frank at the same time as Mina and Harker.
I still immensely enjoyed this. It was amusing, sensual, and unexpectedly funny.
-Paranormal Romance
-"Good Girl"
-Spicy Lessons
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I wanted to love this book. It has my favorite tropes - enemies to lovers, dark academia, gothic setting, magic, vampires… but I spent much of the story confused by the plot.
Mina is a new student at a deadly magical academy. She comes from nothing and there is a prejudice against her because of that. In the prologue, she meets Harker, another student, who immediately tells her she doesn’t belong there. They become mortal enemies almost instantly, but as a reader, I didn’t fully understand why. Despite the animosity, Harker decides to help Mina understand her magic and survive the academy.
The academy itself was somewhat difficult for me to grasp. Even with pieces given from student handbook, I often struggled to understand the rules of the academy. The handbook feels almost like an unreliable narrator and the academy seems sentient with shifting corridors and danger lurking everywhere. The setting gave strong Harry Potter vibes with a sorting ceremony, wands, and broomsticks.
Mina does learn more about her magic, which was marketed as sex magic. Her abilities are fueled by desire, much to her dismay as a blushing virgin. There are some steamy verbal scenes between Harker and Mina as he makes her embrace her magic without touching her. Their relationship did feel charged and I enjoyed their interactions.
The big reveal was unexpected which should’ve been a good thing but I finished the chapter uncertain about what happened. I think a lot of it had to do with the lyrical prose and it not giving concrete answers. This is single POV story told in third person limited.
While the gothic atmosphere was interesting and unique, I didn’t fully connect with the characters and world building. It left me wanting more.
Thank you for a gifted copy, Avon!
Mina is a new student at a deadly magical academy. She comes from nothing and there is a prejudice against her because of that. In the prologue, she meets Harker, another student, who immediately tells her she doesn’t belong there. They become mortal enemies almost instantly, but as a reader, I didn’t fully understand why. Despite the animosity, Harker decides to help Mina understand her magic and survive the academy.
The academy itself was somewhat difficult for me to grasp. Even with pieces given from student handbook, I often struggled to understand the rules of the academy. The handbook feels almost like an unreliable narrator and the academy seems sentient with shifting corridors and danger lurking everywhere. The setting gave strong Harry Potter vibes with a sorting ceremony, wands, and broomsticks.
Mina does learn more about her magic, which was marketed as sex magic. Her abilities are fueled by desire, much to her dismay as a blushing virgin. There are some steamy verbal scenes between Harker and Mina as he makes her embrace her magic without touching her. Their relationship did feel charged and I enjoyed their interactions.
The big reveal was unexpected which should’ve been a good thing but I finished the chapter uncertain about what happened. I think a lot of it had to do with the lyrical prose and it not giving concrete answers. This is single POV story told in third person limited.
While the gothic atmosphere was interesting and unique, I didn’t fully connect with the characters and world building. It left me wanting more.
Thank you for a gifted copy, Avon!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mina is just a regular girl who gets into a magical university. There she's confronted with lots of rich snotty kids, personal danger, and Harker, a handsome rich kid who seems to hate her. But all is not as it seems.
I want so badly to say something positive about this book. I think I can see what the author was going for, but it just wasn't working for me.
The front three quarters of the book is roughly sketched out - the author relies on our knowledge of magical schools and tropes to fill in what's not said - everything is a bit foggy. And that might be a deliberate choice - I can see how it would fit in and work with the big reveal later on. But it's frustrating to have most of the setting feel like hand waving with only small bits coming into focus for a scene. Then those bits that feel most interesting to me are never explored. The magical system? The Underneath? I want to sink my teeth into that, but I never had the chance.
And the romance? It's totally unearned. I don't feel like any of the characters are adequately developed, and the action/battle/mortal peril at the end feels like it comes out of absolutely nowhere. For a while I was certain I was in part one of a duology because there wasn't a big bad, until there was, and then it was over.
I know this author can write a banger of a book. This isn't it though.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I want so badly to say something positive about this book. I think I can see what the author was going for, but it just wasn't working for me.
The front three quarters of the book is roughly sketched out - the author relies on our knowledge of magical schools and tropes to fill in what's not said - everything is a bit foggy. And that might be a deliberate choice - I can see how it would fit in and work with the big reveal later on. But it's frustrating to have most of the setting feel like hand waving with only small bits coming into focus for a scene. Then those bits that feel most interesting to me are never explored. The magical system? The Underneath? I want to sink my teeth into that, but I never had the chance.
And the romance? It's totally unearned. I don't feel like any of the characters are adequately developed, and the action/battle/mortal peril at the end feels like it comes out of absolutely nowhere. For a while I was certain I was in part one of a duology because there wasn't a big bad, until there was, and then it was over.
I know this author can write a banger of a book. This isn't it though.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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