Author: Farah Faqir

Felix

Dancing is everything to me. It’s the mother I lost, the father who never sees me. It’s the fiery love of my life, and I’ll defend it to my last breath—that’s what it means to be the lead principal at one of the best ballet companies in the world. Just when I thought I was on top, my greatest rival—my eternal nemesis—waltzes back into my Nicoló Savini. The ache in my bones and the bane of my existence.

If he thinks I’ll sit back and let him steal my spotlight, he’s sorely mistaken. No one’s taking this from me—not my father, not my ridiculously hot rival, and certainly not the confusing feelings that twist inside me every time I see Nico dance up close. He’ll regret coming here, to my city, my company. I’ll make damn sure of it.

Nico

Felix Taylor-Brooke has been my fiercest competition for years. I should loathe everything about his entitlement, his arrogance, that painfully captivating beauty. Felix was born for ballet; I was forged by it. People call us rivals, but that’s just the surface matter. Anyone who bothers to look any closer would see there’s something else simmering beneath, something we’ve both been fighting against for years.

When I walked away from ballet two years ago, I thought I was free. But then I was offered the one thing I’d always wanted, and I knew I’d regret not seeing this through. I know he’ll hate it, and I know he’ll likely make my life a waking nightmare, but honestly, I don’t sleep that well anyway. We might kill each other, but if we don’t, then we might be about to take on the greatest roles of our lives.

Raving reviews

This is book two in the Famous Young Things series, but can be read as a standalone. Felix Taylor-Brooke is less than pleased to learn that his longtime rival, Nico Savini, has accepted a spot at the London Ballet Company after a mysterious 2-year absence. Nico is the only dancer in the world better than Felix, and he can’t stand it. But everything Felix thinks he knows about Nico is about to be turned upside down…

There is romance, and then there is Scarlett Drake.

You can always expect exceptionally beautiful prose that never crosses over into purple, and emotions so visceral they grand jeté right off the page.

As Deveraux mansion was in Oleander, the ballet backdrop is the perfect setting for this rivalry, and the ballet itself almost feels as if it’s another character in the story.

This book is truly a romcom masterpiece

This book is truly a romcom masterpiece, with delightful banter, stunning visuals, and a touch of angst to top it all off. There are a few fun surprises in this one that fans of Hamartia will spot, and there’s a great preview of one of the book three MCs as well. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say – if you read ONE book this year, it should be Limerence.

To say I’m obsessed with them is putting it mildly. 

Nico Savini was one of the greatest ballet dancers on the planet, and the only true competition for Felix Taylor-Brooke. Two years ago, he dropped out of the game, taking a hiatus with no established end date. Now he’s back, and he’s headed to London Ballet Company, where Felix dances. The rivalry is intense, but these men are carrying hidden depths, and the question is – what will they become to one another?

Scarlett is writing at a depth of characterization and plot that is unmatched.

I don’t know how to review this without flailing, but I’ll try. Scarlett is writing at a depth of characterization and plot that is unmatched. While this is her “rom-com,” and definitely lower in angst than her previous work, it’s filled with characters who are fully fleshed in all their idiosyncrasies and imperfections. I felt like I was falling in love alongside Nico and Felix, and that’s my favorite experience when reading a romance. While on the surface, Nico and Felix couldn’t be more different, the chemistry between them is incredible. Even at the peak of their supposed enmity, each is obsessed with the other in their own special way.

One of my favorite musical theater quotes is, “I’m looking for baggage that goes with mine,” and that is these two to a tee. Discovering the ways they fit together despite all appearances to the contrary is the epitome of love. Their incandescent connection extends to the bedroom, as well! They have some of the most emotionally charged spicy scenes I’ve read, and they’re also exquisitely filthy.

Just perfection.

Limerence is a story about ballet, about friendship, about family and truth and lies. A story about trauma and loss and growing up, and of course, about love. I adore this with every cell in my body and I hope everyone reads it and experiences the joy of these ballet boys. This is book two of Famous Young Things, but can be read as a standalone.

Tags Famous Young Things

Bonus Content

The Christmas Present

Post author By Farah Faqir
Post date 13 November 2024

Tags Oleander

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Oleander

Post author By Farah Faqir
Post date 22 March 2023

Oleander

A great expectations reimagining

Caspien Deveraux was poison.

It took me years to realise that he hadn’t been born like that. He’d been cultivated and nurtured by a careful hand and a bitter heart.

When I first met him, he was a bud. One primed to bloom beautifully and deadly. One I should have torn out at the root.

I loathed him. I loved him. And until him, I hadn’t known just how completely those two things could exist at once.

Oleander is a contemporary romance with Gothic notes and dark adult themes. Please see below for content warnings. This list has been compiled to the best of my ability to allow you, the reader, to make an informed choice about whether to continue reading. Spoilers below:

The following triggers and content warnings relate to the main characters whilst age 15-18:

Minors engaging in mild sexual exploration and (potentially) age-inappropriate discussions of sex
Sex between 16 year olds.
Sexual relationship of a 15 year old with an adult. (This book will NOT include sex scenes between these characters)
Underage drinking.
Suggestions of child neglect (this will not be described on page).
Loss of a child through miscarriage (this will be mentioned on page).

The following triggers and content warnings relate to the main characters aged 18+:

Alcohol abuse.
Drug use.
One sex scene featuring dubious consent.
Descriptions of Domestic Violence and SA. (This will not be described on page but will be discussed on page.)

Other possible content which readers may find harmful are listed below:

Grooming of a minor, sexual assault of a minor (sexual relationship between a 15 year old and a 32 year old)
Miscarriage (on page, though not detailed, and the grief resulting from it)
Domestic violence / prolonged abusive relationship (physical abuse not depicted on page, but the consequences (bruises & injuries) are, as well as one violent outburst with hateful language and a resulting physical altercation)
Cheating (on MCs and other partners)
Depression (mentioned suicidal ideations)
Using drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism
Taboo relationship (student / professor, aged 19 and 29)
Emotional neglect / abuse of a child
Loss of parent/s

Raving reviews

Oleander is an absolute knockout, and I can’t recommend it enough, especially if you’re in the mood for a chest crusher. It pulled me straight under and rolled over me like a heavy wave. In fact, I ended up marathoning the book because it was so intense, but I mean that in the best way possible.

This book is fairly different from many romances out today because it reads more like a Greek epic melodrama, spanning years. There’s potent tragedy, malevolence, pain and lessons learned. Every character & interaction is afforded the perfect amount of detail and time.

The story is lush and beautifully fleshed out.

Both boys are lonely, sad and broken in very different ways and couldn’t be more opposite in personality. It’s told from Jude’s POV throughout, but this makes Caspian’s life mysterious and lends to a sense of dread. You want resolution for Jude, while at the same time you become more intensely curious about Caspian. They make their separate choices to choose love before they even know what it means or how to show it to each other, and after years of pining, heartache, growth and healing they eventually get their HEA. 

Oleander is going to stay with me for a long long time.

This is my absolute favorite book of all time.

Of any genre. Of anything I’ve EVER read. I don’t even know how to put words to the brilliance that is Oleander, but I’ll try.

Caspien Deveraux is the most vile, reprehensible boy that Jude Alcott has ever met. Caspien is conniving at worst and intolerable at best, and the two are forced to get along when Jude’s uncle is hired to renovate the gardens at Deveraux House, where they will live on the property. Jude can’t stand Cas, and yet…he can’t seem to stay away from him, either.

This is a “reimagining” of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, but you certainly do not need to have read this classic to enjoy Oleander. Cas and Jude’s story stands wholly on its own as one of the most raw and beautiful love stories I’ve ever read. This is not a typical romance as we’re used to in the genre these days, but pulls heavily from its classic inspiration in the style of the storytelling. These characters are flawed and broken. They make wrong choices for the wrong reasons and for the right reasons. I’m not a big crier, but this book had me ugly crying more than once. The story is told in first person single POV from Jude’s perspective, and we get to see him grow from a boy to a man and get to know Caspien entirely through his eyes.

You just need to experience him.

And ohhhh, Caspien. My vile little disaster duckling. I can’t talk much about Caspien without spoiling the story (or without crying, let’s be honest), but suffice it to say that of the hundreds of books I’ve read, he is my favorite character ever written, and you just need to experience him – and Jude’s love for him – yourself.

If you’re looking for a classic retelling with a hard-earned HEA, this book is for you.

Tags Standalone

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Hamartia

Post author By Farah Faqir
Post date 22 March 2022

Famous Young Things #1

Hamartia

A rockstar x kpop idol romance

Raphael

We met once two years ago – a few awful moments I’d rather forget – but he’s lived in my head ever since. Lee Jaehyun. K-pop idol and star of every filthy fantasy I have these days.

I should be thinking about the fact we just won our first Grammy, I should be focussing on our next album. I should be planning my wedding. But I’m not; I’m thinking about him. About what his mouth might taste like and what that body might look like under those carefully curated clothes. About how he might feel in my arms and what my name might sound like from his mouth when he’s turned on.

I’m not sure what this is; the near obsession I have with this guy, but it’s burrowed itself deep and refuses to give an inch. I’ll go insane if I can’t have him just once. Once to scratch the itch, douse the flames.

Except it turns out once isn’t enough, and it’s not dousing the flames it’s striking a match and I’m about to blow my entire life up.

Jaehyun

Raphael Scott is going to break my heart.

He’s an American rockstar, engaged to be married, and straight. He’ll get tired of whatever this is soon enough.

Then he’ll go back to his beautiful actress girlfriend and I’ll be alone again. I’m fine with that.

But it doesn’t mean I won’t take what he’s offering me right now. His shining American smile, his beautiful open heart, the desperate kisses he presses into my skin.

No, Raphael Scott won’t break me, nothing can. I’ve fortified myself against this sort of thing. My body, my art, all of it is armour. This soft American boy has no hope on earth of breaking it.

EXCLUSIVE Original Song : GREEN TEA

Scarlett Drake | Author · Green Tea

Raving reviews

Hamartia by Scarlett Drake is the beautiful story of a “straight” rockstar and a K-pop idol falling in love. It is insta love for Rapha, but it doesn’t take long for Jae to be enamored either. The book is rife with their struggles.

There are obvious difficulties, the fame the each of them live with, their insane schedules, distance. But they also both have internal issues, childhood abandonment and rejection, Jae’s feelings of worthlessness, Raphael’s past with women. In the end, none of it matters, they work hard to make their love beautiful. 

I was so inspired by this story!

This lovely tale of an unlikely couple, who love each other so much, the only choice they have is to love each other fully and completely.

The steam is unparalleled!

The angst is real and the humor sweet. Well-written and just wonderful! I cannot recommend it loudly enough!

I got a whole 3% into this book before I knew I loved it and immediately purchased the paperback.

Raphael is the lead singer of a rock band, and one night, out of the blue, he comes face to face with Jaehyun, a K-pop idol who literally flips his world upside down. He’s never felt this way about anyone before – man or woman – and Rapha’s life instantly becomes “Before Jae” and “After Jae.” Everything else in his world takes a backseat – including his band and his fiancée.

Every single thing about this book was perfect.

This book has tropes I thought I didn’t like (many I love too, don’t worry), and yet it completely worked for me. And now I actually think I like the tropes I thought I didn’t too! Every single thing about this book was perfect. I’m telling you, this book is ADDICTIVE. I didn’t want to put it down, and yet I wanted to savor it because I knew it would be a book I wish I could read for the first time again. It’s one of those stories that we’re all searching for when we read: something that will sink its claws into you and not let go for the few hours in which you’re reading; something that impacts you in a way you know you won’t soon forget. I could go on and on about this book, but truly you just need to experience it for yourself.

You just need to experience it for yourself.

If you like rockstar romance, lust which evolves into all-encompassing love, and a HEA forged through perseverance in spite of mistakes, this book is for you.

Tags Famous Young Things

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A Dark Fall

Post author By Farah Faqir
Post date 22 March 2020

The Dark Duology #1

A Dark Fall

M/F romance

Darker than love…

From the outside looking in, Dr. Alex Marlowe has it all. A comfortable middle-class upbringing, a great job as a GP, a picturesque cottage in a quiet village, and all the support she could need to get over her cheating ex-fiancé. So, when dark and dangerous Jake Lawrence appears bleeding on the doorstep of her late-night surgery in London’s East End, she isn’t prepared for the myriad of feelings he leaves behind.

Deeper than lust…

Respected and feared in London’s violent criminal underworld, Jake lives the furthest life from Alex’s safe suburban existence, yet he can’t get the classy doctor out of his mind. He’s forged his reputation from nothing on these streets, but no amount of fancy cars or high-end apartments can make him feel as if he belongs. Could Alex finally be his key to redemption, or will his growing obsession only lead them both into greater danger?

A fall so hard there is no coming back.

One thing’s for sure: Neither of them want to let go. But with so many secrets lurking in the shadows, Jake’s relentless pursuit of Alex starts to attract some unsavory attention. With all eyes on them and no clear way out, Alex soon realizes she hasn’t just fallen in love…but into something much darker.

Raving reviews

Full disclosure: I’ve loved this series for ages from its earlier version and was beyond excited that it’s finally available to buy. In this polished version the dynamic between Jake & Alex is thoroughly addictive. You get sucked into their chemistry from the start – it’s almost tangible. Kudos to the author for her gorgeous, fluid writing style.

Thoroughly addictive.

Jake is the mysterious and moody deviant with an airport’s worth of personal baggage trying to win the affections of a women he thinks is far outside his worth. Alex is a cynical, cautious physician grappling with the chaos of desire and emotion this delicious man evokes in her.

Together, they are sexy and explosive.

Although the ending is a cliffhanger, with Jake & Alex, it’s one I’ll happily leap from. Can’t wait for the next book in this series

This fall is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Jake and Alex sizzle from moment one and the way their chemistry begins to bubble and boil is perfection. The writing is cinematic and if this doesn’t end up on the big screen… Epic scenes still on replay in my mind.

I need more!

Although dark, this will quickly become a comfort read and you will be returning for your fix. The only thing in my head when I finished was the fact that I need more! Jake is so well developed, so complex and written to jump off the page with his alpha protective streak, gah! Perfection. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a steamy love story that you just can’t quit.

Tags A Dark Duology

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Into The Dark

Post author By Farah Faqir
Post date 22 March 2020

The Dark Duology #2

Into The Dark

M/F romance