The Rec League: Sexy, Magical Institutions

This Rec League request comes from Claire. Thanks, Claire!

I’m looking for a GOOD magical academy/other paranormal school romance. Preferably, but not necessarily, poly. I enjoyed the Cimmerian Cage by Cate Corvin but I felt like it was kind of rushed and I wanted a little more Sarah J. Maas-style SUFFERING before she began to find her power. Also, Corvin set up a *delicious* dynamic with the professor of Discipline but then they only had like two kinky interactions and after that it was just banging. The other magical academy stuff I’ve looked at frankly hasn’t been very good– I’m looking for well-developed characters, not just bland badasses or Mary Sues. I really don’t enjoy bully romances or ones where the heroes are just straight up awful (hence Zodiac Academy not working). Also, quality prose would be nice. Doesn’t have to be fancy just evocative and well-proofread.

To sum up: magical academy please. Good writing. I love a romance with a professor. I love a kinky professor. I love a slow burn or a drawn-out, torture-the-reader journey to *sexy world domination*. I much prefer adult or New Adult rather than young adult (no high schools please) and I would like it to be sexy even if there is limited boinking. I know this is a lot but if you have anything that fits just a few of those, I would be delighted!

Sarah: On behalf of our departed friend Catherine I want to suggest the Celia Lake books. She LOVED the series and it’s both slow burn and also teachers at a magic school.

There’s a guide to the world building as well.

Then there’s the Magic University series by Cecilia Tan. The magic is sex magic. So it’s v. sexy.

The first one is The Siren and the Sword ( A | BN | K | AB ).

A bit of a toughie! Got any recommendations?