Review: Unsupervised by S.M. Shade (Slumming It #1)

Note: An advanced reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions.

Ah, but how this book did my heart good today! With a whole lot of drama-rama happening online, I decided to step back and do a bit of social media distancing. There was a lot of stress and anxiety because like it or not, one of the best ways to stay connected is to do so online in this day and age of a pandemic. So, I really needed a break and thank goodness I had this romantic comedy sitting prettily, patiently waiting, as my very next read in my tablet!

My introduction to S.M. Shade came by way of her Tragic duet, which I read and fell in love with in January of this year. I've yet to make my way through her back list, but after having read this brand-new series starter of hers, it's clear that I'm going to have to get a-crackin', thanks in large part to the Slumming It series being a spin-off of Shade's Violent Circle series. However, I think it's safe to say that you can still read this new book totally on its own.

Unsupervised is the story of nineteen-year-old college freshman Kelly Bryant and twenty-eight-year-old economics professor Layton Aldrich. She's trying to live life free of her parents' archaic expectations, but even with the love and support of her older brother and sister-in-law and having found three roommates who are now fab friends, Kelly still feels lost. Then she meets Layton, the first guy she's wanted in forever. The problem? He's her professor.

I loved the humor in this book, and I seriously needed something to laugh about. There was an awkwardness to Kelly, but I liked seeing her come into her own and finding firmer footing for herself, recognizing her passions and not having to cater to everyone else. Layton was also a really good guy, who seemed to be looking for a clearer path for his own life as well. The supporting cast of characters were a hoot, and I hope we see more of them soon!

This worked well as a rom-com, although if I'm being perfect honest, there was a heavier dose of comedy than there was romance. I wished we were able to see more of the development of Kelly and Layton's relationship because there were moments where it felt rushed and we went from teacher-student to kinda-sorta-maybe something more and then not-so-much and then it was back on. Otherwise, Unsupervised was still a four-star read. ♥

Date Read: 08 May 2020

Learn more about S.M. Shade.

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