How I love a dark academia read. This book has so many compelling elements of a Law and Lit class discussing such amazing classic books (Crime and Punishment!!!), discussings about power and revenge, and the academic world. All of this tied togeher really worked for me and made me realize how much I love dark academia

This was definitely a cat and mouse game between Jessica and Professor Crane. I liked the plot and how it was mainly about revenge and how far someone is to go for it. In this case, Jessica travels across the world to enroll in a program with Prof Crane. Jessica’s plan is to set up Prof. Crane for a fail because what he did to her sister. I loved the classroom setting and academic background and how it was almost parallel to what was happening in real life. I truly loved the books that were brought up and discussed, becaue even if many of them read them before, seeing them under an ethics and justic POV were interesting. The tension kept building throughout the book.

It addresses some difficult issues around the #metoo movement, & teacher/student relationships. A lot of social commentary on misogyny, and the justice system, focusing on how it can fail women. I do think the ending could have been done al ittle better, espeially when dealing with the subject of sexual assault.

I do wish we got to know more about Jess’ relationship with her sister, and learn more about their bond. More diary entries or flashback conversations would have helped the reader connect.

This is a powerful story with some really important messages throughout. It’s not a thriller, more of a domestic suspense filled with morally grey characters. If you like dark academia and revenge plots, also social commentary, this is the book for you!

Trigger warning: sexual abuse

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of this Book!

“The Favorites” is a classic revenge tale told with an atmospheric academic setting. Jessica/Jessie is an outsider to Franklin University, as a graduate student Jessie enters an exclusive cohort of law and literature students led by the charismatic professor Jay Crane. Jessie is convinced that Jay Crane has done level of involvement in a tragedy of her past. Jessie then becomes motivated to uncover the truth of the past, and take Jay Crane down.

The aspect I enjoyed most about this book was the discussion around literature. Each literary reference felt extremely pertinent to the plot. Because of this cutting literary commentary, and the thrilling plot, this book definitely feels like a staple in the dark academia sub genre.

Although this was an enjoyable read, I did not find myself wanting to consistently pick it up. I think this is a book that requires the reader to be in the mood for a suspense novel.

The Favorites is Rosemary Hennigan’s latest work. This was a very good read that kept me interested until the very end.

Jessie has an ulterior motive when she moves to Franklin and fights to get into the Law and Literature class. She has a plan and she's dedicated to seeing it through, even at the expense of making friends. I have to admit that the end of this wasn't nearly as exciting or shocking as I'd hoped it would be. The writing was enjoyable and I was sucked into this world of law students and fighting to become "The Favorite". Overall, this is a mild, but enjoyable thriller.

Jess Mooney has worked incredibly hard to secure her place in the highly competitive Law and Literature course at Franklin University. She has journeyed all the way from her home country of Ireland to Philadelphia with the hopes to study under the renowned law professor Jay Crane. For Jess, it's not just about a specialized Masters in Law, she has a clear and specific plan.

Hennigan skillfully creates tension, as we learn that Jess has Professor Crane in her crosshairs and has a plan larger than completing a degree. While Jessica slowly weaves a web of deceit to envelop Crane, Hennigan enhances the narrative with engaging classroom discussions that illustrate, rather than merely tell, her points on justice and power. Perfectly plotted and terrifyingly relevant, The Favorites is a novel to grab now!

If you enjoy dark academia and thrillers with a nuanced ribbon of intrigue, set against the backdrop of the 2016 election and the dawn of the #MeToo movement, The Favorites will keep you thinking long after the final page is turned.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley!
#harlequintradepublishing #thefavorites #rosemaryhennigan #darkacademia

I actually read this when it released earlier, and I usually don’t leave negative reviews. But I thought this book was HIGHLY problematic. The way the FMC literally lies about r@pe in the end bothered me because I’m a survivor myself, and I think the lying is why real victims feel like they can’t come forward. I did not like or agree with this book at all. This is my first ever one star.