It always feels like a gamble to me, to pick up a book from an author you love. What if they don’t live up to that initial book? What if this new genre doesn’t work for them?
Reader, I’m beginning to suspect that Victoria Lee can write whatever the hell they want to and it’ll be a banger every time.
A Shot in the Dark is a contemporary romance story between two queer, recovering addicts set in NYC. Ely is ex-Orthodox, having been kicked out of her family for her addiction and since having complicated feelings of her Judaism, but back in New York to attend a prestigious photography summer program. She meets a hot trans man in a club her first night back, but the next day she realizes that the guy she had amazing sex with is actually, Wyatt, a famous photographer and her professor. The book follows the two of them trying to balance professionalism and the chemistry between them.
Lee, as always, excels with their characters. Ely truly steals the show here. Her journey with finding her feet again after so many years adrift and especially her religious arc had me near tears. I wanted a little more from Wyatt, but I still loved him and his journey (and his introduction scene? Woof!). And the side characters! They were all so good!
I rated this book 3.75 stars! Wyatt and Ely’s love story is a little heavier than perhaps your “standard” romance, but there are more than enough sweet scenes to balance everything out. I’m really pleased with this book and I hope Lee writes more romance in the future!

A Shot in the Dark by Victoria Lee is an academic romance that addresses multiple deep topics in a balanced and effective way. Ely is our main character who has gone through a lot to be where she is. She has been sober for four years after some traumatic events in her past sent her on four years of partying and suffering on the west coast. She discovered photography during that time and has returned to New York to begin her art school dream. There she has a one night stand with a man whom she can't stop thinking about, only to find out that he's her professor, the man she has traveled across the country to study under.
Despite the premise of this book and its promise of forbidden romance and student/teacher romance, this book ended up being a lot more than that. Usually those are tropes that make me run far far away from a book, but I did power through, knowing that deeper themes were at play.
This book does deliver, and not just on the romance. There's a lot of discussion about sobriety and what that means for a person and the struggles that lead one to use. There are critiques of religion as well and how fundamentalism is not a good pairing with it, but also how they can exist separately. I definitely want to talk more about these, but want to keep this review spoiler free.
If any of these parts appeal to you, I recommend that you check this book out!

Eally is excited and nervous about going back to New York she’s going to go to school and her professor is Wyatt Cole a man whose work she admires. Her pictures are her voice and even through her years of addiction and after leaving her orthodox religion, she took pictures but now she is clean and ready to focus on what’s important. She is so excited when she meets her two roommates and instantly feels a connection that night they go out to a club and she meets a handsome guy at first she is confused because the club they are at is not one you would find such a handsome straight guy in but once he explains with the southern twang she totally understands and is in love. The night they spend at a luxury hotel is one of the best nights of her life and when she wakes up and finds a note from the guy whose name she never did catch she is excited but must rush because she will be late for her first class. When Wyatt Cole walks in the classroom Eally is floored it’s her handsome one night stand. After the class is over he asked her to stay and then tells her he cannot possibly be her teacher or any position of power due to their recent history she feels devastated because she came all the way to New York just to be taught by him it due to no fault of her own it may be over before it begins he offers her a compromise and although it’s not what she wanted she takes it because something is always better than nothing right? Are usually I’m not a big fan of Artist or books about Artist but I loved these two and loved how they really got to know each other the good the bad and the ugly I loved Wyatts character and Eally’s. The topics the book touches on or important ones such as allowing women to walk whatever path they choose whether you agree with it or not because how can you expect freedom when you’re not willing to give it I love how they both find acceptance I just love love love this book and if you love real love you will love it as well. This book has some of the most lovable characters I’ve ever found in a book I absolutely would definitely read a book about her roommates I just love this whole slice of New York heaven. Don’t get me wrong they had hard hitting topics in the book but it will leave you with such a wonderful feeling. This is definitely a five star read only because I cannot give it any more than that. I want to thank random house and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Ely has returned to Brooklyn after leaving her family and then getting sober. She has burned bridges with her family but is determined to succeed in her new art program. She is surprised to find out her professor is the man she had a one night stand with once she moved.

This was my first of Victoria Lee’s books and I’m very glad I tried it. It was a romance but has some additional tropes that really interested me: addiction recovery, lgbtqia romance, and religious identity. I enjoyed the information about the Orthodox Jewish community and Ely’s cognitive dissonance after leaving. The parallels between this and Wyatt’s conflict with his family well very well done.

“I wonder what it’s like to exist in the world as someone who didn’t ruin their life when they were eighteen.”

A Shot in the Dark comes out 9/5.

This one was REAL good. The story felt extremely immersive -- I'm not an artist nor an art lover by any means, but the way art was portrayed in this story drew me in from the first chapter. Both characters were so gritty and I was rooting for them so hard, both as a couple and as individuals. Addiction is such an evil disease, and it takes so much strength to be in recovery, and I thought the other captured this with exceptional detail and care. Read the TW beforehand, but otherwise, give this one a read!!

It didn’t take long for me to be obsessed with this book.

I love a book with good banter between the main characters, but I also love a book that has funny lines. So when our main characters meet each other and almost immediately fall into a conversation where the love interest describes himself as “a connoisseur of beaver butt juice”? I could not put this book down and ended up finishing the whole thing in one day!

A Shot In The Dark follows Ely, a girl whose photography idol is teaching a class across the country. She moves to New York solely to attend the class, but goes out to a club the night before and ends up spending the night at a hotel with a hot stranger.

To no reader’s surprise, she goes to class the next morning to find that her one night stand is her new teacher/photography idol, Wyatt Cole.

Most of this book focuses on the two’s relationship amidst their worries about how their pasts with drug addiction will affect their futures. Both Ely and Wyatt actively struggle with addiction throughout the book, and this affects the way these characters interact with both each other and the world.

But this book also has a large focus on righting past wrongs and reconnecting with the people and communities Ely and Wyatt broke away from in their pasts. Ely spends a majority of this book lurking on the outskirts of religion, attending events as an outsider and questioning whether or not she wants to take the plunge and reenter a world she was forced out of as a teen. Meanwhile, Wyatt ran from an abusive father to stay true to himself, but that decision meant running from the other members of his family as well.

The plot and the writing style do a very good job at balancing each other out. This book is neither entirely humorous nor sad, but a good mix between the two. Having characters I could easily love made it easy to care for their stories and see the way this book went, and I was really surprised to find myself finishing this whole book within a single day.

I definitely highly recommend this book, and I’m 100% picking up a physical copy for my own bookshelf once A Shot In The Dark is published!

Ely and Wyatt are both recovering addicts and theirs is an unusual love story. She left her Orthodox community to get clean and she's come back to NY to study photography with Wyatt, who as it turns out, she unknowingly hooks up with the night before class starts. Wyatt is trans and he's still coping with the fact that he lost his job and his family when he came out. This is one of those love stories where nothing happens and everything happens. It's a bit slow in spots but it's got a huge heart. And, it's good to see a novel that represents. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

This book did nothing for me. It was very corny and lackluster. The synopsis was much more interesting than the actual novel. I also think the author didn't handle the transgender character with care. Felt very forced and undeveloped. The love story was silly and rushed. Such a paper-thin plot. Forgettable fluff.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨⬜
Title: A Shot in the Dark
Author: Victoria Lee
Genre: LGBTQIA+ Romance
Setting: New York, New York
Month Read: August 2023
Book Type: E-Arc
Publication: September 2023
Publisher: Dell
Pages: 320
*Thank you to Netgalley and Dell for the E-Arc, this in no way influences my review, which is completely my own.


TRIGGER WARNING-
Addiction / OD / Homophobia / Transphobia / Drug & Alcohol Use / Sex / Religion / Family Desertion


Review:
I really loved the cover of this book on Netgalley, and was so hyped when I scored an ARC of this. Not my typical romance book, this featured an Ex-Orthodox Jewish woman and a trans man as the leads! I've been trying to read more books that go across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, and thought the sex scenes in this (in particular) were really well written and respectful. The love story, which could have been gross (professor/student, but not really???) but was actually really well-done and handled in a way that isn't gross at all. It did help that Ely was not a teenager, though I don't know how old she actually was except old enough to drink at a bar but I'm assuming a little older than 21? It also helped that Wyatt was 32 and not like 50.

I don't know much about any religion, I'm not religious at all- but learning about different forms of Judaism through Ely's project was really cool. I thought that the traditions and holidays seemed really beautiful, and I liked how Victoria also weaved in Ely's past (and familial trauma) into her art. I do think Wyatt telling her that art can be painful, and it's about what you do with that pain was super real, and I'm glad it forced her to face some of the burdens she had been carrying with her, all while reconnecting with her faith (or lackthereof) and starting new.

I don't like reading about addition, it gives me a ton of anxiety and really stresses me out, but this book handled it all with such car, and I feel like even the missteps seemed so real and true. Wyatt has a lot of really beautiful insight and I am glad no one was a perfect recovering addict. I would be careful if you struggle with addiction (drugs or alcohol) as this book does not tiptoe around descriptions of both. There is a scene with an overdose as well, so just be aware.

I do think part of this book were boring, and wish the pacing were a bit more sped up in the beginning/middle section. I loved the beginning and loved the past like 1/3 of the book, but I felt there was too much back and forth with Wyatt and Ely, and also that we spent too much time with Ely being sort of all over the place. Definite parts of the book I think could have been edited and taken out, and maybe add in more of Wyatt's backstory. I would have loved to see more about his transition, specifically. Overall I liked it, and can't wait to see what Victoria Lee does next. I'm also interested in reading their other books, even though they're a completely different genre! Have you read anything else by them? Let me know!

This was soooooooo good, student x teacher romances will always be loved by me. I know he isn't her teacher after the first day but it still counts. Wyatt and Ely have such good chemistry and it was so funny watching them become friends while trying to hide that they want to be together. They did stuff together all the time and were basically dating but didn't want to actually give in to it. They are so cute and I want more content of the two of them.

TW: both characters are recovering addicts and the book talks about it in detail multiple times

I received an arc through netgalley.

DNF @52%

The character's feel underdeveloped and hard to connect to and the story feels emotionless and detached.

This is a really wonderful story. It is the emotional journey of two people to finding inner peace. Ely is a young lady who is a recovering addict returning to where the worst of her addictions took place. Wyatt is a transgender man and a recovering addict attempting to live a great life. The story is told from the point of view of both characters as they explore the events in their past that have brought them to where they are. Their relationship is tested throughout the story and is cemented and strengthened in the the end. The author really has created beautiful and realistic characters that I believe readers will identify with.

Something about the synopsis made me think I might not like this. I was so wrong. About 80% through, there were so many open threads that I didn't know how the author was going to land it. I shouldn't have worried, it wrapped up gracefully, but with room for the characters to keep living after this book.

So many things are done well—the characters, the place, the pacing, the way the backstory is integrated—but I'll especially call out the way the traditions of Shabbos work in the story. Constant explanation of the Hebrew terms would have killed the momentum, so there is precisely enough explanation, context, and care with them. I have slight familiarity with them, enough to get the humor in "We'd be happy to have you tonight, even if you spend the whole evening turning light switches on and off."

This is a wonderful book. Read it.

This one just wasn't for me. I tried more than once, but had trouble staying engaged in the story, both on audio and on kindle. Thank you so much for letting me try. (beautiful cover!)

When Elisheva receives a scholarship to study at a prestigious art program in New York, she is horrified to realize that her professor is someone she’s already met. Last night, in fact, at a queer club. Ely is an artist and recovering addict. Her religious past in Crown Heights haunts her as she works to create art that tells her story. Wyatt Cole is a trans art professor who understands Ely’s struggle- he’s ten years sober. Can Wyatt and Ely pursue their connection or is a one night stand all they’ll share?

A Shot in the Dark is such a beautiful and intricate book. Victoria Lee tells the story of a passionate romance between two imperfect people, both of whom are trying to be better. They cover the relationship between queerness and religion (and how they coexist), addiction and sobriety, and the power of family (biological and found). Ely and Wyatt have complicated relationships with their families. There are no easy answers, but I liked how Ely and Wyatt ultimately experienced realistic growth and some form of closure.

Wyatt and Ely are such a lovely pairing- they share so much in common and also bring out the best in each other. The LGBTQ+ rep was excellent and thoughtful. Wyatt is trans and Ely is pan, and I related to how Ely wasn’t as concerned with labels and instead focused on the individual person. I was interested in how Lee showed the intersection of religion and queerness. Ely finds a form of Judaism that accepts her for who she is, providing hope and community. A Shot in the Dark offers plenty of reflection and shows the characters’ experiences in sobriety and staying clean. I liked how Wyatt helps Ely learn that there is no one right way to be sober. Victoria Lee has incredible range in writing and I can’t wait to see what they write next!

A Shot in the Dark is a beautiful, heartfelt, and emotional book. I would highly recommend it to anyone! Readers who enjoy forbidden romance, LGBTQ+ romance, and found family will love A Shot in the Dark.

Thank you so much to Victoria Lee, Ballantine, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc

A Shot in the Dark by Victoria Lee deserves every one of the five stars I gave it. This novel is a masterful exploration of various themes, ranging from consent and communication during intimate moments to faith, substance abuse, and power dynamics. The author's ability to delve into these topics with depth and sensitivity truly impressed me.

The novel shines in its approach to consent and communication during sexual encounters. Lee's portrayal of characters navigating these conversations felt both authentic and refreshing. The way the characters navigate their desires and boundaries is a testament to the importance of open dialogue in relationships.

Furthermore, the exploration of faith and its impact on one's identity within the context of the Orthodox community adds another layer of complexity to the story. Lee handles this topic with great care, highlighting the struggles and conflicts faced by Ely as she grapples with her past.

Substance abuse is tackled with a nuanced perspective, portraying the protagonists' journey through recovery with empathy and realism. Lee's portrayal serves as a reminder of the challenges individuals face on the path to sobriety, and how recovery is a continuous process.

The examination of power dynamics is another highlight of the novel. The teacher-student relationship between the characters introduces a layer of tension and complexity that is brilliantly executed. The internal struggles of the characters as they navigate their feelings while maintaining a professional boundary is both engaging and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, A Shot in the Dark is an exceptional read that skillfully weaves together a myriad of important themes. Victoria Lee's ability to approach subjects such as consent, communication, faith, substance abuse, and power dynamics with sensitivity and depth is truly commendable. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating story that sparks introspection and provides a platform for meaningful discussions.

While a good book, this was tougher to get through than expected. Quite heavy for something being marketed as a genre romance.

Every once in a while a book comes a long that just takes your breath away. This book is one of those books. This book follows Ely, an ex-orthodox woman, who goes back to NYC for a prestigious photography course. Her first night there, she has an amazing one night stand with a trans man she met at a LGBTQ+ bar only to find out later that her hot hook-up is her professor, Wyatt. (!!!!!).

If that doesn’t immediately catch your attention, here is what else to expect:
✨Found Family 💕
✨Trans Rep 🏳️‍⚧️
✨LGBTQ+ Romance 🏳️‍🌈
✨College Novel
✨Forbidden Relationship
✨Heartbreaking and Healing
✨Recovering Addicts
✨One Bed 🛏️
✨Healing through art
✨Deep dive into Judaism
✨Some good spice 🌶️

This book is heartbreaking and and tender and raw as we learn more and more about Ely and Wyatt and all the pieces that have shaped them into the humans they are. It is so human and real- messy and ugly and beautiful all at the same time. It deals with addiction and recovery in such a positive way. This book is important and it was incredible to see all the representation within this book. I laughed, I cried, I cannot recommend this book enough.

It releases on September 5th and you all HAVE to read it!

This is a beautifully emotional romance which is also a journey of healing, acceptance and connection. The author has given us an amazing couple with Ely and Wyatt. Their lives, personalities, and feelings have been lovingly crafted and I felt so much for both of them. The world and the secondary characters added so much to this story as well. The pace was a little slower than I usually like, but I really enjoyed this one.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

Ely moves across the county to attend art school. During her first night out with her new roommates she meets a mysterious man and spends the night with him. Of course, her hookup is her teacher and the person she has looked forward to studying under, but she didn’t know what they looked like?. After an intense night, they agree to end all feelings to focus on courses. Several situations arise that force them together, like a relapse, a family death, and school. The story was fine, nothing new or that interesting.