Releases 3rd September!

I'm a sucker for a dark academia gothic romance. A strange and mysterious boarding school in the Appalachian mountains? Jane Eyre vibes? Special 10th anniversary illustrations? An age gap, forbidden romance? Sign me up!

25 year old Gwendolyn desperately needs a job and a place to stay, she's alone and living day by day until she heard about a school that's in need of an English teacher. She goes, and instantly falls in love with the academy and the cottage she's given to stay at, not to mention her new boss and headmaster of the academy, Edwin Yorke, is a honest and enigmatic gentleman.

The romance is very instalove but since the book is short I wasn't fussed too much. It did feel forced at times, especially as Edwin wasn't easy to like at first, he's cold and distant, but as the mutual attraction grows so does his personality. It doesn't develop too much, and admittedly I didn't fall head over heels for him or anything, but his and Gwen's interactions always left me wanting more.

Alongside the romance there's an air of mystery and possibly paranormal. There's unanswered questions about the sudden leaving of the previous English teacher Miss Muir, and the odd specter like figure haunting the grounds known as The Bride. Is she real? Is she an intruder? A ghost? Imagination?

The banter and caring relationship between Gwen and the children was heartwarming. Whilst the writing felt simple, the story definitely had me hooked. It's horror-like at times, and though Gwen does act a little too forward and inappropriate at times, for the sake of the romance I let it go. The spice was well written though got repetitive towards the end with the sameness, and as we discover revelations I had a new look at the romance.

Some twists at the end had me shocked and jaw dropped, whilst the main one I predicted from early on. This book does feel a little cliché in terms of gothic romance and the route it took at the end, but nonetheless was a dark yet bittersweet novel.

4/5 🌟

This book is a masterclass in storytelling, with characters that feel like old friends and a plot that's both timely and timeless.

The headmaster himself is a fascinating, complex creature - equal parts charismatic leader and flawed human being. Tiffany's writing is evocative and immersive, transporting me to the hallowed halls of the boarding school with ease.

What resonated with me most, though, was the way the story explores the gray areas of human nature. It's a powerful reminder that we're all multifaceted, messy, and beautifully imperfect.

If you're looking for a read that'll keep you up late at night, make you feel all the feels, and linger in your thoughts long after you finish the book, then 'The Headmaster' is a must-read. Tiffany's writing has a way of getting under your skin, and I can't wait to see what she does next."

A sizzling page-turner! The author’s vivid descriptions and compelling characters make this book an absolute must-read for dark romance lovers. I couldn’t put it down. Five stars all the way!

Had I not seen the tenth year edition on NetGalley, I probably never would have read The Headmaster. I'm glad I did, though. I really enjoyed the story, the setting, and the romance. It was a really short book but I didn't need more to like every page. And the illustrations were pretty which is a great bonus!

Thank you 8th Circle Press & Edelweiss (& NetGalley) for this super fun ARC!

Looooove the updated cover art!

I super enjoyed this! It kept me interested from beginning to end. I knew something was off the entire time, but the twist reveal still had me shocked! If I was Gwen I would’ve done the same. I forgive her for being annoying for literally 90% of the book!

Edwin is perfect and can do no wrong in my eyes <3