As an educator, this book was a fun read to see how it looks on the inside of the private prep schools and the indulgent world that is pretty far from my normal, public school!

I was not a fan of this read. I was lost at times and then at the end I felt like I was in a twilight zone episode.

I LOVED this novel! Corinne Sullivan has written a masterful character in Imogene, the new teaching apprentice at an all-boys boarding school. She develops an inappropriate crush on one of the senior students and from there, we watch her life get turned upside down in the course of a semester.

I have never read anything that so fully understands, describes, and feels like an unrequited crush. Everything is extremely realistic, and i makes you both feel and fear for Imogene. The heartache, the longing, the anxiety all jumps off the page and I so appreciated a look into this internal phenomenon of the crush. It is both nostalgic, and a warning.

I love stories set on campuses, and this one might be one of my favorites so far. I cannot wait to see what else Sullivan has in store, especially in regards to full and dynamic female characters.

As an apprentice at the prestigious Vandenberg School for Boys, Imogene Abney assists in the education of the most powerful men of the next generation. Her students are future doctors, lawyers, and politicians -- the wealthiest and brightest minds in upstate New York. The school has many rules for its apprentices, but the one of utmost importance has to do with appropriate contact.

In an all-boys boarding school, it’s likely that a student would develop a crush on, and maybe even pursue, an elusive apprentice in her early twenties. The key is not to give in. Imogene is determined to follow the rules, to excel in her role, and then she meets Adam Kipling.

Kip is everything that Imogene wants to be. He’s confident, attractive, well-spoken, and worldly. He knows who he is and what he wants, and what he wants is her. Imogene can’t believe that out of all the apprentices, Kip would want to be with her, and it’s not long before the two embark on an illicit and entirely indecent affair.

SOME MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD~

I requested Indecent from Netgalley because, first, I’m trying to read more debut authors, and second, because it sounded like an interesting twist on the taboo romance genre. Having finished Indecent, I’m not entirely sure that it was supposed to be a romance. Maybe it was supposed to be a cautionary tale? And that’s the problem I had with this book -- I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to be getting out of it.

One thing that really struck me about this book was the imbalance of power. You might expect that in this kind of situation, the teacher would control the relationship. That’s not the case. Although Imogene is an adult in a position of (semi) power and Kip is a student (though not her student), Imogene is so insecure and socially stunted that Kip is the one who holds all the cards. Kip is the one that controls the relationship. Imogene is happy to be at Kip’s beck and call, sneaking into his room and running out at all hours of the night to be with him.

While their relationship is certainly morally wrong, and certainly against the conduct code that Imogene agreed to, it isn’t illegal. Kip is seventeen years old, the age of consent in New York state, and not only does he consent to the relationship, but he initiates it and pursues Imogene until she gives in. Imogene, knowing that a relationship with a student is entirely inappropriate yet finding herself impossibly attracted to one, weakly protests until Kip wears her down.

I had a really hard time reading this book. I think it was partially the writing style and partially Imogene’s complete disregard for doing the right thing. Aside from some vague unease when she and Kip begin talking, Imogene really doesn’t have a problem with their relationship. She is so caught up in finally feeling desired that she engages in risky behavior after risky behavior. Kip is Imogene’s drug, and she’s willing to ruin her friendships, lose her job, and destroy her life for one last fix. At times, it seems like she wants to get caught because she’s so proud of herself for finally “dating” a popular boy.

I’m okay with being uncomfortable with this book. I think it’s supposed to make you uncomfortable. It’s supposed to make you think about the moral and ethical and legal ramifications of the relationship. I wish there’d been more of a discussion of what had actually happened at the end of the book. As it stands, the end of the book offers little resolution.

Similarly, a number of plot threads are left hanging. I don’t want to spoil the entire novel, but I was left wondering why none of the students reported Imogene’s odd behavior -- and why none of the teachers noticed that she was acting inappropriately. I wondered what became of the other apprentices and if they were surprised to learn about Imogene or if they saw it coming. I wondered about Imogene’s faculty advisor and the coach she worked so closely with, and whether they rethought her interactions with the students.

Indecent is a strong debut from Corinne Sullivan. As is fitting for the subject matter, the book is a little unsettling. I just wish there’d been a bit more exploration of the eventual fallout.

Final rating: ★★★☆☆

I received a free ARC of Indecent from the publisher (via Netgalley) in exchange for my honest review.

I tried....I just couldn't find my way into this one. I loved it from the description, but every time I tried to start reading it...I just couldn't get into the story.

2.5 Stars but I round up.

Wow. Where to start? Should I start by saying I didn't like the writing style at all? No, I should start with how much I disliked Imogene. She never got any better throughout the story either. I kept hoping and hoping that she would get what was coming to her for getting into a relationship with a student but.... that leads me to my next point, the ending was such a let down.

So, I'm sure you're wondering why I didn't give this book one star, Kip. He was the only reason I did not finish DNF this book. I don't know why, he's not the best character either but I just liked him.

Will go live on my blog at 11/16/2017 at 9AM EST
http://sweetcherry69.blogspot.com/

3.5-- Indecent surprised me with how well-written it was, as I was fully expecting it to be some kind of mommy porn, or disturbing like Tampa by Alissa Nutting. Instead, I felt fully engrossed in the story as Imogene's obsession is so relatable. Corinne Sullivan completely captures that insane and all-too-common feeling of unrequited "love" that becomes all-consuming. While I kept thinking "why are you doing this?!" and "get out now!", it was like I was watching myself walking into self destructive situations. The strength with this piece is that it doesn't fall into the trap of the pornographic. Had it done, I think it would've failed to keep my interest and empathy for Imogene.

Though I didn't really take to the characters in this novel, I was nonetheless very absorbed by them and what they got up to. The story moves slowly, but isn't boring. Imogene makes some terrible decisions, which made me want to know what happened next all the time. I'll keep my eye on this author.

My problem with Imogene is that she isn't a likable character. She literally was mentally unstable and I don't know if we were supposed to feel for her or what but it just annoyed me. Their relationship also didn't seem real or plausible to me because I couldn't understand how it even developed. He just shows up to her house and they go upstairs and make out, then the next time they have sex. There is no real rhyme or reason why they even want to be together.

Dramatic, risky, and filled with drama. This book takes the best kind of risks while establishing the issues

I will admit the synopsis is what grabbed me right away for this book. I was excited about a taboo read- but unfortunately, I couldn't get into the characters, the storyline, the writing, or pretty much any of it. I didn't make it past 20% and was either bored or confused.

Okay this book was kind of awesome. Not the subject matter because the idea of teachers and students getting it on is disgusting but the book is pretty good.

Temptation can lead you to behave in a manner that is irrational, out of character, and tarnishes your reputation. Indecent by Corinne Sullivan follows one teacher-in-training's struggle with a tantalizing and indecorous situation. 

Imogene Abney has long been enamored by the world surrounding prep schools and when she is hired as a teaching apprentice at the all-boy's prep school Vandenberg she finally has an opportunity to indulge her life-long fantasy. With little experience with boys herself, twenty-two year old Imogene quickly succumbs to the charming attention of a fourth year student Adam Kipling, known as Kip. As he pursues her and she returns his attention, a dangerous affair begins between them, escalating until the inevitable plummet from the high of attempting the forbidden that affects their futures in an unequal manner.

Well-written, this narrative captivates with the depiction of an illicit affair between a student and a young teacher and takes you along for the turbulent ride. Exploring issues of gender and class, the story demonstrates perspectives on relationships that develop between various people, as well as the views on victimhood associated with particular social combinations, which illustrates society's thoughts on student/teacher relationships. While my attention was consumed by the affair and I appreciated the flawed characters presented in both Imogene and Kip, I was unsettled by many of Imogene's actions and attitudes toward Kip; however, her behavior highlighted her own relative immaturity and inexperience, which, while no excuse, did further develop her pitiable character.

Overall, I'd give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

Wow.....What a book! There wasn't a point in the book where I didn't want to reach through the pages to slap Imogene upside the head....and giver her a hug. Her bad decisions while working at an all-boys boarding school are absolutely painful, but the book is so well-written that you truly understand her character and feel that you are right there with her throughout all of the highs and lows. A must read.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

At first glance, you think Imogene will be just fine. Then quickly you see, she is in way over her head. It seemed a bit innocent at first, and you know that it really isn't. Not at all. It didn't have a pretty bow on this book, and truthfully, that's ok.
Great book!