BOOK REVIEW: Professed by Nicola Rendell

Title: Professed

Author: Nicola Rendell

Release Date: August 1, 2016

B L U R B

At a secret masked ball at Yale, Naomi Costa is literally swept off her stiletto-blistered feet by a man with a killer jawline, a perfect body, and an even-better kiss. They bust out of an emergency exit and have axis-shaking sex. He pours whiskey in her belly button and after they run out of condoms, they have to get creative. That kind of sex.                                                                                     

The next day, she learns that he is none other than Dr. Benjamin Beck, a brand new member of the Yale faculty and the hottest thing to happen to academia since… well, ever. She has to take his damned junior seminar to graduate, but it gets worse. He’s also her College Master: her boss, her advisor, her everything. And he’s just moved in, right downstairs.                                                                 

They can’t stay away from each other. They're either fusion or fission or both. They’re making out in libraries, hiding notes between stones, and sneaking off to nautically themed AirBnbs. Hear that sound? It’s the academic code of ethics going up in flames.                                                                                                                                                                                                           

If they're found out, he’ll lose his job and his reputation. She'll lose her scholarship and be forced to return to the life of lobster fishing that she thought she’d escaped.

And they will be found out, yes they will.

So what the hell are they going to do? 

M Y   R E V I E W 

4 of 5 stars

I have to be honest, this plot isn’t one of my favorites. But Nicola Rendell’s tempting prose kept me engrossed while reading this book. I found myself enjoying the forbidden dance between Master Ben and Naomi. 

“…she’s making me wild. She’s making me want in a way that I’d forgotten I could or ever did.”

Naomi had one important goal as of the moment—graduate without losing her scholarship. She was doing pretty well on that level. Well, not until she lost her heart to her college’s new Master. The story surrounding Naomi was heart-warming. She’s a relatable character and her moments of normalcy was made fun by her witty and naturally bubbly personality. 

“Ruthless and considerate. My kind of guy exactly.”

Benjamin Beck’s life is about to reach a turning point. As the incoming Master of a prestigious college, he had to behave the way a scholar behaves. If only a particular raven-haired goddess didn’t inspire his inner beast. There was a mysterious, carnal mix in Ben’s character that upped the fire in this book. That mixed with his sharp wit and tongue, makes Master Beck one dangerous creature. 

“There is no logic in wanting. Only feelings that ache and ache.”

The forbidden attraction between these two was absolutely exhilarating. I loved the stolen moments and how every delay made every meeting hotter and steamier. The delicious progress of the deeper emotion they possessed for each other was also something that made the book inviting. Although I expected a more scandalous conflict, I can definitely say that this book is worth the try. Professed was a steamy and exciting book made more tempting by the author’s smart prose and fun characters.