Book Review: The Unrequited By Saffron A. Kent
The Unrequited By Saffron A. Kent
The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent
Tropes: Student X Professor, Age Gap, Forbidden Romance, Stalking, Tortured Poet, Unrequited Love, Quirky FMC, Cheating
Summary:
The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent is an intense, provocative story of forbidden love and obsession. Layla Robinson, desperate to move on from her unrequited feelings, becomes captivated by Thomas Abrams, her moody and married poetry professor. Despite his harsh demeanour, Layla sees through to his loneliness and finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. Their connection turns into a dangerous, consuming affair as both characters cross boundaries they swore they wouldn’t. Kent’s novel dives into the raw complexities of human desire and the emotional turmoil of pursuing something—and someone—out of reach.
💚 LD
The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent - Wow, just wow! This book was an instant five-star read for me, and I could feel it from only 20% in. Thomas has quickly become one of my all-time favorite male main characters—he’s complex, intense, and has that irresistible dark charm that makes him unforgettable. And then there’s Layla, who is unlike any female character I’ve ever read. She’s chaotic, obsessive, and flawed in a way that felt incredibly real, and I absolutely loved her.
This book made me feel a whirlwind of emotions, from heartache to anticipation to shock. By the time I reached the last quarter, I was reading with goosebumps and my heart racing, completely absorbed in the story. If you’re a fan of forbidden romance, especially with an age gap and a brooding, complicated male lead, please read this book! You will not be disappointed. This was my first Saffron A. Kent book, and now I can’t wait to dive into her other works!
“You’re in my fucking blood, and I’ll tear apart anyone who dares to fucking touch you.”
🤍 AD -
I’ve been on a teacher-student romance binge, and The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent absolutely nailed every aspect I love about this trope. This book has all the forbidden, slow-burn, age-gap tension you could want—and Kent masterfully keeps you on edge the entire time. Layla, our main character, is completely unique: she’s obsessive, flawed, and her intensity often had me gasping. She’s raw and sometimes makes you uncomfortable, but as her story unfolds, you can’t help but empathise with her and even root for her. By the end, she felt like a part of me.
And then there’s Thomas. What can I say? He’s a total “chef’s kiss” male lead. Moody, blunt, and layered with red flags, he’s not the type you can easily love, but he’s impossible to ignore. The dynamic between Layla and Thomas is a complete train wreck in the best way possible—messy, beautiful, and so intense that I couldn’t put the book down. I devoured every page, and by the end, I was both exhilarated and emotionally spent. The Unrequited has this dark, magnetic pull that makes it hard to look away, and Kent’s writing style is nothing short of brilliant. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a forbidden romance with heart and edge!
“Because unrequited love is like a dead, useless organ. It’s functionless. It’s sicker than a disease. You can cure a disease, but you can’t fix a defective soul.”
💙 AG -
The Unrequited is unlike any other teacher-student romance I’ve read. From the very start, I was hooked by the electric chemistry between Layla and Thomas. Their tension builds in such a captivating way, making every interaction between them feel charged and meaningful. There’s a gritty realism to their connection, as though you’re right there experiencing every stolen glance and unspoken word.
What really sets this book apart is how well Kent builds up the story. It’s packed with moments that made me gasp, where the characters’ vulnerabilities come through so clearly. And the ending? Absolutely beautiful. I’ll definitely be exploring more of Saffron A. Kent’s books because this one left me wanting more. For anyone who loves teacher-student tropes with an intense emotional depth, I highly recommend giving The Unrequited a read. You won’t regret it!
“Because I’m selfish, Layla. I’ll ruin you, set you on fire, and won’t even look back. I’ll take and take until you’re empty and hollow.”
The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent is a standout in the realm of forbidden romance. With its unforgettable characters, emotional intensity, and masterful storytelling, this novel has left a powerful impression on us. If you’re looking for a romance that dives deep into complex emotions and flawed, yet compelling characters, this is a must-read. We highly recommend picking up The Unrequited and immersing yourself in a story that will stay with you long after the last page.
