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The English Professor

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She thinks he’s a gentleman. He thinks she’s innocent. They’re both wrong...

Leyna Burrows is an impulsive free spirit with her heart set on opening an art gallery. For now, that’s only a dream. In reality, she’s stuck as an administrative assistant in the English Department at the prestigious Castle Eden University. Surrounded by historic old buildings and trapped by tradition and rules, Leyna finds the temptation of an enigmatic and brooding professor too hard to resist.

Jack Stanhope is a young English professor hiding secrets, repressed desires, and a growing attraction to the seemingly innocent departmental secretary. Through a chance encounter beyond the constraints of work, everything Jack thinks he knows about Leyna is upended—pushing his desire for her to new levels and releasing his inner Alpha.

When they realise that once isn’t going to be enough, Jack and Leyna embark on a cat and mouse forbidden office romance that results in some seriously inappropriate workplace antics…

This is a steamy contemporary romance set in the Castle Eden universe, a fictional Northern England market town. This standalone novel is Book One in the Professors of Castle Eden University series.

What to expect:
✔️University Workplace Romance
✔️Set in a Northern English Market Town
✔️Uptight, Brooding Professor
✔️Playful, Boundary-Pushing Heroine
✔️Steamy, Contemporary Romance
✔️Guaranteed Happy Ever After
✔️Not a Professor-Student Romance

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2022

7 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

Veronica Peartree

5 books15 followers
Veronica Peartree writes contemporary British romances and romcoms with the perfect blend of plot twists and sexy scenes. Her books feature well-developed, complex characters who often face daunting challenges. And you can guarantee a happily ever after with every read!

If you love a workplace romance, forced proximity, and plenty of steam and spice in your romances and romcoms, then you’ll love Veronica’s books.

She lives in the North East of England with her husband and four children. In between writing, Veronica spends her time doing school runs, drinking endless cups of tea, and staring out of windowpanes splattered with raindrops (it rains a lot!).

Look for Veronica’s new series of sports romcoms set in Scotland starting with MAKING THE CUT (Jun 2024), followed by SECOND SHOT (coming Sept 2024).

Veronica also writes a forbidden love workplace romance series, Professors of Castle Eden University, set in a fictional Northern English market town. Book 1, The English Professor features a repressed hero, Jack, and the quietly adventurous Leyna who works as an admin assistant in the English Department. Veronica is currently writing Book 2, The Rogue Professor, where a one-night stand turns into two strangers (Dalton and Eliana) becoming work colleagues. Their time is split between the university, the Castle Museum, and his ancestral home in the wild Northumbrian countryside.

You can also find Veronica on social media (probably in this order):

Instagram: @veronica_peartree

TikTok: @veronica_peartree

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VeronicaPeart...

Sign up for Veronica's newsletter via her website: https://www.veronicapeartree.com/

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Sabrina.
4,318 reviews2,399 followers
September 27, 2022
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Amazon US * Amazon UK

The English Professor was my first book by Veronica Peartree. It was a quick and easy read but was still full of romance. The connection between Jack and Leyna was more of a slow burn than I was expecting but it worked really well for them. It made for a really fun reading experience to see them flirting around each other before they gave in to what they both wanted.

Overall, this is the perfect book if you're looking for an easy and sexy read.
Profile Image for Taryn.
419 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2022
First of all thankyou for the ARC read!! Didn't take me long to finish this epic book. After reading her debut novel the red phone box I just knew I needed to get my hands on more of her work! And this one was just as amazing as her first book. I fell in love the MCs leyna and Jack!! Also the secondary character were also fan favorites. I love how easy this book reads. A fast paced, tension building spicy romance and let's face it who doesn't love a good professor/ work place romance. I cannot wait for more in this series I will be impatiently waiting for spring of 2023. I highly recommend Veronica and her work!!
91 reviews
October 12, 2022
The English Professor: A steamy British romance by Veronica Peartree. is one of the books I am seriously considering to be my favorite book that I have read this year. I give it five stars wishing I could give it more.
The book is about an administrative assistant, Leyna Sullivan, who works in the English department, and Jack Stanhope, an English professor, working at Castle Eden University in the fictional town of Castle Eden in Britain.
Jack is attracted to Leyna and has been teasing her for about a year, wishing to ask her out. Jack set strict rules for himself and has not broken them. His rule is not to date anybody who works with him because if the relationship ends badly, he would still have to work with her, which would be uncomfortable.
Jack cared about Leyna so much that he didn't want her to become the subject of gossip. Another reason is that he was afraid if someone from the University saw them together, talk would start, and it isn't always the friendliest thing. He knew that some workers at the University thought the administrative assistants should not mix with the higher-ups like the professors. Leyna's boss, Lorna, who was always grouchy, came out and told her. Lorna told Lena that even though she was dating a professor, it would never work out as Leyna would never be as good as him since she was just a poor officer worker. The professor doesn't understand how hard it is to be poor.
Leyna has a degree in Art History from Oxford. When she was at Oxford, her dream was to get a job at an art gallery or a museum and have art shows when she graduated. She wanted to show all the various inexpensive but good paintings that meant something to her from not well-known artists she bought at charity shops. She wanted to try to help these artists be known or maybe just let them have a little recognition.
Her dream didn't work out, as all the jobs at art galleries and museums went to graduates with wealthy families or a family with connections who had those connections get them the jobs. The jobs didn't go to poor students on full scholarships like Leyna.
Leyna's parents thought art history was a waste of time, but Leyna loved art so much that she had to study it. That didn't stop Leyna from following her dreams. She could not afford to stay in Oxford after she graduated and couldn't find a job. So she had to give up her pride and return to her parents, who weren't very happy when Leyna went to Oxford to study art history. They made her feel like they were telling her they knew Leyna wouldn't be able to get a job with her degree.
To continue to follow that dream, she decided she was going to open an art gallery herself one day. Since there was no way she could afford to open one, she posed naked at an art class on the Castle Eden University campus to earn money she was saving to open an art gallery. She put on a wig and sunglasses and used the name Cinnamon, telling herself that nobody recognized her.
Jack used to paint in the past, and his colleague signed him up for an art class. He had no idea Leyna would be the model for this class. Jack didn't even know it was Leyna at first. When Jack recognized her, he didn't tell her. It was part of the games they played at the beginning of their relationship.
Eventually, Leyna realized Jack had recognized her. Even though she loved posing as it made her feel good, Leyna decided to stop modeling for the class.
There was an announcement that the model would leave her job modeling, and the class would not start again until the course got a new model. Since it might be a long time, if at all, to get a new model, Jack decided to be brave.
Jack waited outside class and asked Leyna while pretending he didn't know her true identity if she would come to his house once a week and model naked for him. He offered to pay her well for her work. She decided her art gallery was worth it and agreed to do it. They continued to play the game and pretended they didn't recognize each other.
Leyna showed up at Jack's house in her wig and sunglasses until she decided to show up without them and let him know she isn't pretending they didn't know each other anymore.
Eventually, during one of the painting sessions, Leyna suggested they have one night in bed without the University workers knowing, and it would just be one night. Jack decided he needed more of Leyna that one night. Jack can't stand the idea of being away from Leyna after their time in bed. Jack asks Leyna to go away on a midweek trip with him for work.
Leyna notices there are grants to be given out, and she applies for one to start an art gallery if she gets it. She never stops chasing her dreams.
Jack has a restaurant that he has taken over from his stepdad, a man Jack admired and loved very much. He is getting phone calls from employees that hint something is wrong, but the callers don't tell him what. He will check on the restaurant when he takes Leyna to see it. Jack doesn't tell Leyna who the owner of the expensive restaurant where they went to dinner is until they leave when she reminds him to pay. He said to her that he, as the owner, didn't pay for his food.
At first, she wonders what else she doesn't know about him. He is honest; they talk about it, and she doesn't get mad. I love how perfect they are together; they talk when angry and don't always get mad and assume the worst. They always try to be honest with each other.
Jack asks Leyna to go to the off-campus poetry reading, where he is helping out as he is proud of Leyna and wants to show her off. The professor in charge of the event was rude to Leyna, telling Leyna she didn't think she would be there, inferring she was just an administrative assistant. She even had the nerve to say that she didn't invite Leyna. Jack was furious as that was a public poetry reading. Leyna and Jack had a little intimacy in the room to upset the professor and left early to go for dessert.
Jack decided he cared about Leyna so much that he invited her to the Vice Chancellor's house for a cheese and wine event for professors. He asked her to show all his colleagues they were interested in each other. All went well until a professor recognized Leyna as the model from the art class on campus. The professor started talking in a booming voice that had everyone looking at them, saying that she was once a nude model and said vulgar remarks about Leyna's various body parts. Jack's friends dragged the professor out of the Jack was getting ready to fight him physically.
Leyna was so upset that she ran off. When Jack left the Vice Chancellor's house right after that, Leyna had already driven off in her car, and Jack and his friends had no idea where she was.
Where did Leyna drive off to, and will Jack ever find her? Will Leyna ever get her dream of an art gallery? I will leave you with those questions so that you will read the book.
I loved Leyna and Jack as a couple; they cared deeply about what the other was feeling. If you like a slow-burn romance, this book is for you.
If I wanted to give a moral to this book, it would be to never give up on your dreams.
I would recommend anyone who likes romance books to read this book.

i received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Francis.
231 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2022
Oh my!

This was such a great book to read (in 1 setting).
Veronica is a new to me author, but she has me hooked on her writing style and plot.

This is book #1 of the series and is about Jack, an English professor, and Leyna, an assistant secretary.
They had feelings for eachother for quite a while, but didn't act on it. Until...

I really loved reading this book. It got steam and spice in a good amount.

Leyna has had a dream for a long time, but will it stay just a dream after what happened after a party?
And will Jack find his true love with Leyna?
You'll find out reading and so much more.

Again... I really loved reading this book. You will too if you love these tropes:
- workplace romance
- forced proximity
- dreams coming true
- HEA
Profile Image for Joy Hunt.
Author 1 book4 followers
September 30, 2022
I loved Jack and Leyna’s story. I loved how it started and how it evolved. There was something so poetic and romantic with Jack painting Leyna and her becoming his muse. ❤️

These two were soulmates from the start with their love of art but it only gets clearer the more pages you read.
I especially loved the ending, the little coincidence that just proves that they were meant for each other all along. (No spoilers, that’s all I’ll say about it)

The secondary characters are all very vividly described and interesting in their own ways, which sets a really good basis for the next books in the series!
The setting, an old university in a typically British small town, is very pleasant as well and gives off the perfect vibes to go with the story. 🍂

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book. It was quickly read, sweet and very spicy/steamy/smutty so that’s five stars from me. ☺️
Profile Image for Emma.
393 reviews14 followers
September 29, 2022
Thankyou so much to Veronica for sending me an ARC copy of her latest book (released today) in return for an honest review.

I don't think I can fully express just how much I loved this book and how glad I am that I requested to read it. This book is really well paced with the perfect blend of sexy scenes and plot twists as well as having likeable well developed characters. I loved both Jack and Leyna, as well as how funny all his friends are.

I absolutely flew through this book and was very disappointed when it was over. I will definitely be looking out for the next book in the Professors of Eden Castle University series when it comes out in Spring 2023.
Profile Image for Nerdy Norie.
561 reviews6 followers
September 27, 2022
You know what I liked about this book, Leyna's attitude. She was not afraid to go for what she wanted. She wasn't in your face with it or arrogant but she also wasn't careless and irrational either. She was just passionate and you felt that in the aspect of her life; even in their relationship. I also liked that he opened up because of her desire to be her true self. Good book with a great storyline for sure!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.L. Grice.
Author 7 books18 followers
September 11, 2023
This was a very good book to read. The book is about Leyna and Jack, who both work at Castle Eden University: Jack as an English professor and Leyna as a secretary. At first, there is some flirting going on. Leyna poses nude at an art class, but when she can no longer pose nude, Jack asks her if she'll pose for him privately. Leyna wears a disguise whilst getting painted, but Jack knows it's her.
Once they get past the back and forth, things start to heat up.
There is a bit of drama near the end of the book, which I also enjoyed reading about.
Profile Image for Mrs A.
1,396 reviews29 followers
September 26, 2022
This is my first book by this author. I was intrigued by the blurb and kept seeing it on Booktok. I’m glad I invested the time to read this. The plot is really good with some twists and the book flows in a good pace combing tension and spice. I found myself totally engrossed, Leyna and Jack are both likeable characters. If you enjoy a workplace romance with a hot professor you’ll enjoy this. I can’t wait to read more in the series.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
236 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2022
She thinks he’s a gentleman. He thinks she’s innocent. They’re both wrong...

Playful, steamy, Workplace romance!!

Jack and Leyna’s chemistry was amazing. Both characters hiding parts of themselves but growing together. I was crying by the end but loved every minute of their love story!
I Cannot wait for the book in the series!

I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
30 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2022
I liked so much about this book - the old English town setting, the weirdly irritating department politics, the digs at academics (my partner is a prof) that rang so true, the rejection of classism.

And of course the characters and their connection - first flirty then steamy.

I was a bit confused about why Jack's side biz's were included in the story exactly but it didn't detract.

I finished this in less than a day. Can't wait for Book 2!

Thanks for the ARC.
394 reviews8 followers
September 17, 2022
This story is great. I really enjoyed these characters and their stories. This one took me on some twists and turns I never expected and it was a true delight.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
106 reviews3 followers
September 21, 2022
I updated my Bookstagram calendar yesterday and realized this book is coming out in about a week, so I decided last night that I should start it. I guess it went pretty well considering I finished it!!
It was a nice, fluffy (and spicy) romance - a good palette cleanser if you’re in the midst of a horror/thriller streak like I am.
My only critique is that the stresses the main characters were facing seemed shallow. I don’t mean shallow like as in no thoughts or something, but that they only seemed stressed when it was convenient. Maybe forced would be a better word?
I will say that I almost didn’t apply for this ARC after seeing the title, but I feel like most of you will be happy to know that Leyna, the female protagonist, is an administrative assistant and NOT a student, which is what I’m always scared of.
All in all, a nice read - and an easy one too, I zoomed right through it.
Profile Image for Hard Back Life.
249 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2022
The determination and fiery spirit of the FMC immediately sucked me in! Her confidence in both pursuit of her life long dream and her love interest the MMC English Professor was phenomenal. She’s playful and boundary pushing while he is uptight and brooding. This is a light hearted work place romance that’s is packed full of spicy scenes.
1,760 reviews45 followers
September 15, 2022
Words can’t express how much I enjoyed this fantastic, steamy romance. The characters are so well developed, and the challenges they face, truly daunting. I was completely immersed in the story not wanting it to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
648 reviews6 followers
October 14, 2022
I loved this!! The characters are written so well and so real to me. I easily got into the storyline. Jack and Leyna both struggling with both sides of their lives and finding each other was an excellent journey that kept me glued to the pages. I loved their chemistry, banter, steam and even their arguments. This was my first book by this author and I am definitely a fan now!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mae of Scotland.
386 reviews
November 20, 2022
Veronica Peartree has the magical writing touch – her second novel not only delivers the same juicy plot and characters that draw you into their world, but it also surpasses with charm and explores the different types of masks we wear in different aspects of our lives. Upon finishing the first book of the Professors of Eden Castle University, I was left wondering why my English professors weren’t as hot as Jack Stanhope at University?!

I loved the chemistry in this story and the exploration of the different types of personalities we have in different situations. So many times, I found myself nodding along while reading the scenes set in the work environment. Well except for that one seen. Not found too many scenarios in real life where people get naughty at the office.

The plot is meaty, and enticing and kept me on the edge of my seat with every page turn. There is a genius paced will they or won’t they scenario going on throughout the chapters – and it’s not about the romance between Leyna and Jack. The sparks of chemistry flying off them from the first scene they appeared on the page together was enough to make solid promises of guarantee a happy ending was ensured along with plenty of sizzle and spice.

I look forward to reading the next installment in the series to learn more about the cahoots of Professor Jack Stanhope and Castle Eden University. Hopefully, news about the next book won’t be too far off.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
October 15, 2022
Leyna and Jack's Story . . .

The focus of this story is on an administrative assistant, Leyna Burrows, working in the English department and Jack Stanhope, an English professor with his own strict rules about dating. He wanted to ask Leyna for a date, but there were many reasons that might not be a good idea, so he held back. But when he attended an art class, Leyna was in disguise as the naked model, but he didn’t say anything about it to her. Sometime later, he asks her to model for him. They eventually decide to have one night together, but that is not enough for Jack.

Leyna has a dream to open an art gallery, and she never loses sight of that dream. Her modeling was all about making extra money toward her gallery. After that one time with Jack, she agrees it won’t be enough. But not everything goes smoothly and they will have some challenges. Will they continue to hide their relationship? Or will they make it official?
Profile Image for S.
1,552 reviews39 followers
October 17, 2022
This is the first time I am reading this author and I really enjoyed this fast paced tension filled steamy romance. The plot was well written and characters were well developed. I liked both Leyna and Jack characters. I don’t want to give any spoilers but if you are looking for a well written captivating read than look no further. Highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Taylor.
82 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2022
ANOTHER AMAZING STORY!!! Definite 5/5!! If I could rate it any higher I would! I received this as an ARC and fell in love with the whole book! It's fun, romantic and very sexy!! Can't wait for the rest of the series !!!
59 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2022
I thought the book was good. I thought the idea was great. The characters were likable and it was a good way to spend my time!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,629 reviews
October 23, 2022
An easy and steamy read that focuses on Leyna, an administrative assistant, and Jack an English professor romance story.
She thinks he’s a gentleman. He thinks she’s innocent. They’re both wrong...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christina Bowling.
1,600 reviews15 followers
October 17, 2022
I really liked the book. Jack and Leyna made a good couple, and I had a lot of fun reading about them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Louise Hudson.
Author 8 books38 followers
November 16, 2022
I love Jack and Leyna's story. I love how it started and evolved into their happy ever after. It's a really refreshing twist on a Professor romance.
Profile Image for R.A. Hutchins.
Author 30 books67 followers
February 5, 2023
This is a stand-out romance which draws you in quickly and is one of those books that you don't put down till it's finished! I live in the area where the story is set, so I really enjoyed the sense of place. The story has the perfect balance of description, emotion and action that is so hard to achieve. The characters are real and relatable and above all, memorable. A highly recommended read!
Profile Image for Spicy_bookcorner .
501 reviews8 followers
September 2, 2024
📕BOOK RECOMMENDATION📕

After reading ‘Making The Cut’ by @veronica_peartree, I was desperado to read more to fill the void and voila, this book appeared 🤣

Jack is a professor and Leyna is an administrative assistant at Castle Eden University. Jack is unlike the other professors, for starters, he’s younger and a lot more pleasing on the eye. Leyna, who wants to open her own gallery, poses as a life model for an art class and who should also happen to turn up???? That’s right, our main man Jack.

I read this is in a few hours because I was just obsessed with everything about it:
British ✅
Hot Professor ✅
Cinnamon roll with a delicious mouth ✅
Sexy MFC ✅
Co-workers to lovers ✅

This book had it all. There was also a nice little mystery element as Jack owns restaurants and something fishy is going on.

I just loved everything about Leyna. She was intelligent, sexy, caring and funny. Jack was absolute perfection and their relationship was 🥵 He really wasn’t a snob, and was all for Leyna and her choices.

This is 💯 worth a read.

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Brigid Finn.
Author 21 books39 followers
February 3, 2023
This was a delightful read with a unique style and premise. The steamy scenes were very well written. The photocopy room scene lives in my head now for all time.
Profile Image for Megan Danielle.
468 reviews16 followers
January 25, 2024
This one was recommended to me and I tried it out. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. It was just a book. Spicy for sure, so it was definitely enjoyable. But it just felt like it was lacking something for me personally. Still a good book.
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