A twisty, addictive dark‑academia ride, Monica Murphy absolutely surprised me with this one. I knew she could write great romance, but I didn’t expect her to deliver such a gripping, atmospheric mystery on top of it. This book hooked me from page one and never let go. It’s the kind of story where every character feels like a suspect, every conversation feels loaded, and you’re constantly second‑guessing yourself—in the best way.
Billie Vale is the beating heart of the book, and I adored her. She’s tough, vulnerable, and so deeply loyal to her baby sister that you can’t help rooting for her as she steps into a world that was never meant for her. The elite boarding school setting is deliciously tense—full of secrets, privilege, and the kind of toxic dynamics that make you want to scream warnings at the page. Murphy builds that environment so well that you feel the pressure closing in on Billie right alongside her.
And then there’s the slow‑burn connection that develops along the way… tender, aching, and exactly the emotional counterweight the story needed. It never overshadows the mystery—it enhances it.
What impressed me most is how layered the plot is. There are so many moving pieces, but they all click together in a way that feels logical. The reveals land. The tension builds. And by the end, I was fully invested not just in the truth, but in the characters’ healing.
If you love dark academia, messy secrets, complicated families, and a romance that sneaks up on you, this one is absolutely worth your time. A standout read.
Purchase links
Amazon: https://bit.ly/4sLPBtj
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Kobo: https://bit.ly/4sWuLYs
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About the author
Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling romance author. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and have sold over two million copies worldwide. Both a traditionally published and independently published author, she writes young adult, new adult and contemporary romance.
A native Californian, she lives on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere with her husband, son, their goofy dog, and three cats. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. Or reading. Or binge watching something.
Connect with Monica
Website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com
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