The Dean&#x27;s List

What a wild, tangled web of deception!
This book hooked me from the very beginning and I read it every chance I got to see what happened next. There’s so many lies, betrayals, just pure unadulterated psychological torment and I’m glad I was here for it.

Lilah and Jude have been best friends for years but it’s beginning to blossom into more and everything changes in the course of one night. She must start over and try to trek through her grief for the next 7 yrs when once again, she’s right on the cusp of graduating college, starting her life and everything gets turned upside down again!
The emotions run strong in this one along with some tense anxiety.
If you like wealthy families and their dirty laundry you will love this!
I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Thank you @rachvd and @wildfire for letting me read it early!

PP's Bookshelf

2,901 reviews409 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

alpha-hero angsty-romance antihero

Rachel Van Dyken Delivers Premium Quality Angst!

Rachel Van Dyken never fails to bring epic, top-tier angst, and The Dean’s List absolutely checked every single one of my boxes. Jude and Lilah's story thoroughly destroyed my heart on every single page. They are literal soulmates, but years of manipulation, lies, and betrayal tore them apart. When their paths finally cross again, there is a mountain of animosity standing between them. I was so deeply buried in their story that hours flew by without me even noticing.

📚 The Tropes:
• Enemies-to-Lovers / Second Chance Romance
• Forbidden College Romance (Professor/Student)
• Best Friends-to-Lovers (With a dark twist!)
• Romantic Suspense & Thriller

Lilah has spent years mourning the death of Jude Hell—the love of her life and her former best friend. She carries the crushing weight of knowing she had to betray him after trusting the wrong people, leaving her with no other choice. But the past isn't dead. The ghost of her past walks right into her college classroom, very much alive, completely untouchable, and harboring a deep, burning hatred for her.

I thought this would be a straightforward "misunderstandings cleared up" plot, but RVD gives us something so much more convoluted and sinister. Enter The Dean’s List—an infamous, anonymous list containing names of people whose lives are basically finished. Suddenly, Jude and Laila aren't just fighting their own demons; they are dodging murders, mind games, power plays, and a hidden enemy fighting against their happiness. The suspense and thriller elements added so much depth to the romance!
My heart broke for Jude over and over. He is convinced that the only girl who ever made him feel safe—the calm in his storm—betrayed him and sent him to prison. Even with all that hatred, he can't fight the truth: he never stopped loving Lilah. She is still his ultimate weakness.

Lilah is such a fascinating contradiction. On one hand, she’s vulnerable, bleeding-hearted, and drowning in guilt, grief, and shame. But on the other hand, she shows incredible, resilient strength when facing Jude’s animosity.

Sometimes the "miscommunication" trope can be a slippery slope, but RVD handled it brilliantly here. Because it’s layered with heavy suspense and genuine danger, the angst feels earned and completely devastating.

This book was heartbreaking, soul-shattering, and so beautifully executed. It completely took my soul out. We still have so many questions left unanswered and I cannot wait to dive right back into this world. If you love dark college romance with high stakes and heavy angst, run to get this one!

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

Erin Kathleen

216 reviews11 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Thank you to Wildfire Marketing and author Rachel Van Dyken for an advanced reader copy of The Dean's List

Pre-read thoughts: the synopsis was giving me Gossip Girl x The Thrashers x Scandal. I like the cover a lot!

Being on The Dean's List isn't an academic achievement, it's more like the big reveal of your dirty little secret, capable of setting your future on fire. No one wants to make this list.

It’s been seven years since Lilah lost her childhood love, and seven years of festering guilt from her testimony. Meanwhile, Jude has spent those same seven years fueled by resentment, rage, and a revenge agenda after serving prison time for a crime he didn't commit. Naturally, he's especially interested in settling the score with her and everyone who wronged him.

I was invested in the plot and curious how the big list reveal would play out. I’m used to reading long books, heavy on character and plot development so this was a change of pace for me. The story moves fast, serves up plenty of drama, secrets, and deception, and kept me turning pages. That said, neither main character fully clicked for me. I didn’t feel like I was really rooting for them. The story alternates between the MC teen years and the present day, during Lilah's final semester of college. Think scorned lovers, bully romance energy, dark undertones, and plenty of emotional baggage. I was honestly expecting more spice. There were a few plot threads that felt unanswered, though Lilah and Jude's story reaches a resolution that feels complete enough while still leaving the door open for more of their story in book two, which will focus on Axel and Charlie. I really liked Charlie and Axel...right up until that reveal at the end. 🤔😳🤯

I can absolutely see readers who enjoy dark romance and bully romance eating this up. Readers who prefer longer books with deeper character and plot development may find it a bit surface-level in comparison.

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Semi-spoiler question below
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Axel is Jude’s cousin.

Charlie know’s she shares a father with Jude, making them half-siblings.

Axel knows what’s on The Dean’s List, including Charlie’s secret.

So... how exactly are Axel and Charlie positioned as a romantic pairing? This seems a little too close for comfort and blurred branches from the family tree. Am I missing something? I genuinely hope so, because this reveal gave me the ick at record speed.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Heather

1,628 reviews26 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

The Dean's List was full of twists, turns and emotions that were all over the board!

Jude and Delilah were inseparable when they were in high school. While nothing romantic ever happened between them, they both felt that they would end up together when the time was right. What happened next neither of them could have foreseen. Delilah watched as Jude's funeral took place and she grieved the boy she loved.

Right after the funeral, Delilah's parents moved the family so that they could start over and she could attend Brighton University where her father would also be working. Lilah, as she rebranded herself, has two classes left before she graduates when the last thing she ever could imagine happens; Jude shows back up in her life very much alive!

When they learn about The Dean's List, it is a list that can not only ruin you, it could literally end your life. Lilah is still beside herself that Jude is actually alive and all Jude is focused on is revenge for what happened in the past. But is what Jude knows really what happened?

The way the story unfolds will have you asking what is actually true and what isn't, who was involved and who wasn't. All I know is it was complex and emotional as the truth was uncovered. When I got to the last portion of the book there is no way I could have put it down without finishing it.

I'm already very much looking forward to the next book in this series!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**

World Of Books 65

3,401 reviews63 followers

Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers

If, like me, you sometimes want a romance with a real bite to it—one packed with twists, turns, secrets, and heartbreak—then Rachel Van Dyken has you covered with The Dean’s List.

Delilah Quinn and Jude Mercer take readers on a raw, heart-pounding ride. Seven years ago, they stood on the threshold of a future together, only for everything to be torn apart. Delilah believes Jude died. Jude is convinced Delilah betrayed him. Now, seven years later, fate throws them back into each other’s lives at the same college.

What I loved most is that this isn’t one of those romances where one look magically fixes everything. The pain, the mistrust, and the unanswered questions run deep. Instead, Rachel Van Dyken slowly peels back the layers, revealing the truth piece by piece until the full picture finally unfolds.

This story kept me completely hooked. Every chapter seemed to uncover another secret, another twist, another reason to question everything I thought I knew. The chemistry between Delilah and Jude is undeniable, but it’s the mystery surrounding their past that will have you frantically turning the pages.

Sit down before you start this one. I would say relax, but honestly, that’s impossible. The Dean’s List will have you perched on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, desperate to discover the truth and hoping these two wounded souls can finally find their way back to each other.

Sammyll

378 reviews18 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

🥰🥰 Jude & Lilah, best friends as teens, never crossing the line. But plenty of tentative moments. I eagerly dived straight in with this, as the plot was intriguing and boy did RVD deliver. Written with ease the story unfolds in ways not expected. Full of angst, betrayals, lies and truths.

The Dean's list is a fast paced start to a new dark academia series that promises twists & turns that a RVD book can deliver, her writing is on point, abeit a couple of errors, but as an ARC reader this can be expected in no way does this change the ease & delivery.
I devoured this in one sitting, Jude is a charasmatic charmer, Lilah is downfall in more ways than one. Losing her other half , her soulmate & for her to be the centre of it all crushes Lilah. She tries to move on until her past catches up with her and leaves her with enemies she didn't know she had, people are not who they seem and betrayals run deep.
A fanatstic start to what is going to be a gripping series, I loved this, the plot is a catnip of mine and plenty of characters can be developed further in the series. Loved Lilah & Jude. Totally recommend, a fairly short read but packs a punch and doesn't stop from start to fi ish!
Thanks to Wildfire & Rachel for the arc copy, I eagerly await the next book for unanswered questions and more intrigue!

PurpleGypsyBookLover

246 reviews8 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Delilah and Jude were inseparable in high school and a part of each of them always thought they would be together forever when the time came. They had that time ripped away from them before they could ever have a relationship. Delilah watched Jude get lowered into the ground at his funeral. The funeral she wasn't allowed to attend and had to watch from across the street. Her heart was shattered.

Delilah's parents moved so she could go to Brighten University and her dad became the dean there. That is where she became Lilah. She only had 2 classes left until she could graduate and that's when her world is shattered once again. Jude is standing before her. Not his ghost, but actually him. Nothing is as it seems and apparently Delilah's parents deceived her.

Things get very complicated when rumors fly about the Dean's List. It's a list that can ruin not only your reputation but your life. Delilah is in shock and Jude is there for revenge for Delilah testifying in court, resulting in him spending 3 years in prison.

Once the pieces start falling into place, you won't want to put this book down. It's dark, moody, and angsty all in the right places. I will say I was able to figure out who played what part about halfway in, but the character development was so good that I kept those pages flipping, devouring the truths revealed.

Anastasia

427 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

I read this book in less than 5 hours. I could not put it down. The twist, the turns, the emotional roller coaster had my heart racing the entire time. The way Rachel Van Dyken writes is unbelievable. Her words pull you right in. This book is book one in this series and I can tell you that you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait for book #2. I did not want it to end.

There is so much that happened in this book that I do not want to spoil anything. But I will say that losing your soulmate, your best friend, and your person is one of the hardest things to ever go through. They take a piece of you with them, when they die and you will never get it back. Some become a shell of themselves, others put on a show for the people around them. And that is what Lilah had to do when she lost Jude. It’s been 7 years and every day she thinks of him, she cries when she is alone, and everything around her is a trigger to bring back the memories they shared. But what is everything was a lie, and you didn’t know. What if, what you thought and was told happened was not the truth at all?

Received this ARC for my honest review and opinion.

Krista

1,164 reviews66 followers

Review of advance copy

The Dean's List was the perfect quick read—packed with mystery, twists, chemistry, and just enough longing to keep me turning the pages.

Seven years ago, Lilah's life changed forever, and ever since, she's simply been trying to survive one day at a time. The last person she ever expected to see again was Jude. After all, she was told he was dead. But Jude is very much alive—and he's back, carrying years of anger and a desire for revenge.

What neither of them realizes is that they've both been living with the wrong version of the story.

I loved watching the layers of the past unravel as secrets came to light and the truth slowly emerged. The tension between Lilah and Jude was undeniable, and the mix of heartbreak, heat, and suspense kept the story moving at a great pace. It's a fast read, but it still delivers plenty of emotional impact along the way.

If you're looking for a romantic suspense with twists, mystery, and second-chance vibes, this is one to add to your TBR.

Definitely a one-click recommendation from me, and I can't wait to see what Rachel Van Dyken has in store for the next book in the series!

Marisela M. Chavez

1,454 reviews8 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

The Dean’s List has it all, mystery, lies, secrets, hatred, grief and so much more. Rachel will take you along for a ride.

Jude and Lilah have been childhood best friends for years. They both have had feeling for one another neither made a move. They’ve never wanted to ruin the friendship they share. Until one night changes everything for the worse. Fast forward seven years later Jude is out for revenge. He believes Lilah betrayed him and he will do everything to destroy her. Lilah on the other hand believed he died, so she’s been grieving his loss. And making something of her life. Now he’s back, they both have loads of questions with very little answers. They must work together to figure out who is behind the Dean List and who was behind all the lies and secrets that tore them apart. The chemistry between them is electric. They can’t denied what’s been all along. It’s great to see how they navigate their feelings and emotions.

All the twist and turns you won’t see coming. It will leave you on the edge of your seat. That ending was everything and I can’t wait to see what Rachel has in stores for the next installment.

Arc was provided for honest review.

2026reads

Vivien R

2,547 reviews30 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

This plot is really good. Lilah is the MFC, who carries a lot of guilt about past events that she was involved in. There are some surprising plot twist that I didn’t see coming. It’s more of an emotional bully/love story with only minor physical connections. I really wish there had been more spice. If the book had been longer I think there would’ve been more time to explore all that. The last several chapters seemed a bit rushed, and it was sometimes hard to tell which character was speaking at which time, since there was not an “insert-character-name..said” at the end of some of the quotes. So I did have to reread some pages a few times for clarity. I think technically this couple’s story concluded, but there there is going to be a second book that focuses on a different character in book 2. I absolutely loved the story, but I would’ve loved to see a more fleshed out resolution of Lilah and her man’s relationship. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two. And I do hope we get answers to some of the unresolved parts of this story.

Vanessa

423 reviews10 followers

Review of advance copy received from Publisher

From childhood best friends. To enemies after a fake death and enough lies to implode a world.

I literally couldn’t put this book down and read it in like 5 hours on Friday night. The tension, the miscommunication (which I normally hate), but the love between 2 childhood friends - my heart 😭

With both of their dads looking to protect their own families, lies get out of hand - a faked death, a prison sentence, and so much guilt. Seven years later, Jude shows up at Lilah’s college and is determined to make her life a living hell. But he also wants answers on how she could just be bought.

Everything ties back to this ledger, an investigator that’s dug deep into crooked families, politicians, and anyone else with deep pockets. They also call it The Dean’s List (hello title).

And there’s SUCH a slow burn. Not all that smutty. But definitely was a good read!

A huge thank you to Wildfire Marketing and Rachel Van Dyken for an eARC in return for an honest review.

arcs

Ann (Literary Lust)

1,681 reviews27 followers

Review of advance copy

I loved The Dean's List. While it may be a relatively short read, it is packed with drama, suspense, and intrigue. The pacing felt perfect throughout, keeping me engaged from beginning to end.

Lilah and Jude take center stage in this story, and their journey is an emotional one. There are so many secrets and lies waiting to be uncovered, and the twists and turns make this a true page-turner.

This is the first book in Rachel Van Dyken's new series, and dark academia remains my favorite genre from her. If you haven't read the Eagle Elite series, you're missing out on one of the best mafia series out there!

I absolutely cannot wait for the next book and to learn more about a certain character. My only niggle is that I would have liked a little more explanation in a few places. Otherwise, this would easily have been a 5-star read.

A highly recommended read - 4 stars.

Jennifer

721 reviews101 followers

Review of advance copy

arc-wildfire-marketing kindle wishlist

4.5 stars

Omg, I could not put this book down! I started reading it the moment I got the eARC, and was immediately sucked in! I read it in less than 24 hours.

The TENSION in this book is top-tier! The emotions!! *chef's kiss*

I've been reading a lot of fantasy lately, and this is more of a dark academia romance thriller, so a great change from my norm.

Based solely on my enjoyment of the book, 5 stars no question. I did read an arc though, so my copy does need a round of editing, and I did feel that what the Dean's List actually WAS and why it was so important could have been explained more.

Highly recommend this one!! If it comes out on audio as a duet narration, I am absolutely ear-reading it again!!

Meryl Markowitz

701 reviews6 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

In this first book, or a new series, I was pulled right in.
Lilah's and Jude were best friends, when they were children.
Tragedy happens and Lilah has been punishing herself with guilt. She believes Jude is dead and he haunts her thoughts.
Imagine her shock, when seven years later, she finds him alive and filled with hate and vengeance against her.
At the university, there is a thing called The Dean's List, however this one you don't want to be put on, it will ruin you.
My heart hurt so much for both Lilah and Jude, they are both filled with so much pain.
There a bit of intrigue, a lot of sexual tension and of course, from the Mafia Queen, there is Mafia.
Thank you to Rachel Van Dyken for the advanced copy.

Vanessa

715 reviews55 followers

Rachel Van Dyken does not disappoint in this new world she has given us. Jude and Lilah take you on a wild ride full of angst, secrets, betrayals and hurt that will keep you in a chokehold from beginning to end. The chemistry between them will have you melting and falling right along with them. Their journey towards their HEA and towards finding answers to what really happened 7 years ago will have you on the edge of your seat. I loved these characters and that ending reveal was totally unexpected that I was literally shocked by it. The ending will have you wanting for the next book and more of what is to come. I need more of this world and can’t get enough of it. Hands down a definite must read!

Reading In the Red Room

3,526 reviews74 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

A dark read with a page turning story. Lilah Is sooo close to finishing school…two more classes. But when you have a dark past and don’t know who and what to truly believe…what do you do. Just when she thinks she might have this…a blast from the past walks through the door. Jude is part of her past and is full of secrets of his own. Then we have the Dean list…this is a dark and complicated list you definitely don’t want to be on. This dark read is layers and layers of secrets, twisted truths and everything in between. This author writes dark reads that are beautiful and intense and this book was no exception. Bring on the next book!

Stephanie Villere

1,443 reviews7 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

The Dean’s List is by Rachel Van Dyken. This book has everything! Suspense, steamy sexy times, a well rounded and totally consuming plot! I finished this one in no time and turned right back around to start over at page 1! Jude and Delilah have a deeply disturbing history but it seems as if they had totally different experiences. As they run from the past and attempt try to flesh out the lies they have lived and figure out who is threatening their futures, they are drawn to each other, albeit unwillingly. Will Jude get his revenge? Is Delilah telling the truth? Where does the truth lie? You will enjoy finding it all out on your own! Pay close attention to the man behind the curtain.

Timitra

1,858 reviews12 followers

Review of advance copy

Rated 4.5 Stars

I devoured The Dean's List in one sitting, it kept me up way past my bedtime. I have zero regrets. This story swept my attention off its feet and kept it captive until the very end. It was fast paced. Parts of it felt rushed especially the romance aspect but man did it keep me invested. There was drama, angst, suspense, mystery, twists and turns. While I figured out some of the twists and turns before they were revealed it did not in any way, shape or form detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. I loved it and can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I most definitely recommend it.

Copy provided by PR company

Beth Knight

1,174 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish)

Rachel!!! What have you done to me? I loved this book so much! And the ending, really?!?!?!?! I am not sure I can wait that long for Axel's book. I have so many questions. What is on the list? What really happened because we definitely didn't get the full confession. Are you just teasing me? Yes, you probably are. Charlie? Did not see that coming at all, that little minx! I think I have more questions than answers at this point, but I do love Lilah and Jude.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book. I really do need all the details. Fantastic book, I probably could have read it without eating or drinking but you know, I wanted to take my time.

arc

2,976 reviews120 followers

Review of advance copy

MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog

This is one heck of a book and I really wish I could put all the bad words because WOW! Just wow!

You will be on the edge of your seat from the very beginning until the very last word.

I am not going to name characters because I want some surprises for readers just as I got surprises. Their twists and turns are deliciously funny exciting! There is a lot of angst in this book between our villainous hero and gorgeous heroine. So many unresolved feelings and again…WOW!

RVD did it once again! She crafted a story and executed it perfectly. Had no idea of the many crossing webs and cannot wait to see what comes next!

1,503 reviews277 followers

Review of advance copy

college dark-academia enemies-to-lovers

(3.7 stars)
The deans list isn’t what you want your name in this story, it’s the opposite! Lilah Quinn started a new life after something awful happened seven years ago. She is now in college and so close to finishing until ghosts from the past resurface. Are they there as friend or foe? When you realize everything you thought you knew was a lie can you right the wrongs? This is a dark academia romance with a two people that slow discover the truth of what they thought happened. Told in first person and souls POV with flashes of the past to get the whole story.

Jennifer

32 reviews3 followers

The Dean’s List consumed me. Jude and Lilah broke my heart and then put it back together again. The story was addictive, emotional, and full of suspense. Rachel Van Dyken absolutely nailed this one. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and finished in one sitting! I was granted an ARC and wished I made it last a little longer now! RVD is just one of those writers that pull you in from the very first word. I'm off to reread The Count of Monte Cristo now... haven't read it since HS but feel it's a must ♥️♥️

Susan

566 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy

What happens when the person you loved as a teenager suddenly returns after you’ve believed they were dead for the last seven years? Well you try to continue on as normal while being very aware that your once best friend wants revenge, Lilah and Jude need to talk to each other and actually listen in order to discover all of the truths that have been hidden deep. While doing this, they discover so much more.
This is a great start to a new series! Can’t wait to see more of them and read Axel’s book next.

Kristi T

34 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

1 Day... 1 Day is how fast I consumed this book. I Love a book that has it all. Romance, twist, turns, suspense, throw in some big grumpy alpha males & I am hooked. The words just flowed effortlessly. The chemistry between these characters is off the charts. The side characters don't even feel like sides. Rachel has a gift of making characters real & relatable. The tension kept me turning pages long into the night. If you are new to Rachel or a long time reader, this book will have you rereading her back list.

June Skapik (Fortune)

132 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Welcome back! I know what you're thinking. Welcome back? Yes. You see Rachel Van Dyken is known for her Eagle Elite series and The Dean's List? Its like... its like finding your way home. Those characters that you see yourself in, the chaos, the book that you pick up when you want a escape from the real world. This is it. All new characters, funny liners, pages that suck you in and dont let go. I love it! I cant wait to see whats next.

Patti

1,516 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

What did I do with my entire weekend? I devoured The Dean's List by RVD. Oh, this brings me back to the very beginning with the Eagle Elite. I love both Lilah and Jude as characters. They are both strong and broken in a way that only Rachel can bring them back piece by piece. The story is full of twists and turns and surprises that you cannot stop reading because you really want to know what is going to happen next. And Holy Wow that snippet at the end!!! Cannot wait for book 2.

Vanessa Ramirez

1,127 reviews10 followers

Review of advance copy

✨ Review ✨
***
The Dean's List was so good. I loved Jude and Lilah. The writing was so good and easy to read. I loved all the secrets and emotions. The slow burn and hate were perfect. The characters were amazing and the story was great. I cannot wait for the next book!
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 🩷🩷🩷
Spice: 🔥🔥
***

Melanie Cesa

1,054 reviews36 followers