Cooking Classes For Vegetarian Ghouls

Obscure Academy #8

by Laura Greenwood

A vegetarian ghoul, a necromancer determined to impress her, and a meal mix-up.

Despite being a ghoul, Zoya has always loved vegetarian food, and now she's at Obscure Academy, she finally has a chance to explore what that means.

The last thing Cyprus expected was to fall head-over-heels for a ghoul, but now he has, he can't get her out of his head, and he's determined to prove that his feelings are real.

When a mix-up at the end of term dinner happens, Cyprus finally finds the chance to impress Zoya. Now it's up to her to give him a chance.

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Cooking Classes For Vegetarian Ghouls is a light-hearted ghoul-necromancer academy m/f romance set at Obscure Academy. It features a vegetarian ghoul determined to be true to herself, and a necromancer who wants to prove his worth.

If you enjoy upbeat and light-hearted paranormal romances with new adult characters, an academy/university setting, guaranteed happy endings, and quirky supernaturals, start the Obscure Academy today!

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2023

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy romance. When she's not writing, she drinks a lot of tea, tries to resist French macarons, and works towards a diploma in Egyptology. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set. Laura specialises in quick reads, with healthy relationships and consent-positive moments regardless of if she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-heavy urban fantasy, or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:

- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired urban fantasy)

- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)

- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)

- House of Blood and Roses (vampire fantasy romance)

- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)

- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired urban fantasy)

- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)

- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can check out Laura's Website here:
www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk

Join her mailing list here:
www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/mail...

Or join her Facebook Reader Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/theparanormal...

For a full book list, please see here:
https://www.authorlauragreenwood.co.u...


Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming along as another pair in the Obscure Academy series fall for each in Laura Greenwood's Cooking Classes For Vegetarian Ghouls.


Everyone seems to have preconceived notions about Cyprus, it seems very few actually know him. He wears a flirty mask but I like that there’s some substance to him. I like him, his teasing, his flirting, and his choice of interests.


Zoya has to fight some preconceived notions of her own. She's a little different from the norm but she's finding her way and learning to stand up for her choices and I can't fault that.


Ghouls aren't something I come across in reading, at least not in detail. Greenwood's take on ghouls was interesting, she gave a fair amount of details including the interactions and past with necromancers. I didn't realize all the similarities between the two groups and how mummies come into play as well. Besides all the cool new supernatural stuff, what drew me in was the cooking class aspect. I love it when authors make food a part of the story, it's just my thing and I really enjoyed the detailed cooking class scenes with Zoya and Bernie.


Cooking Classes For Vegetarian Ghouls was a fun, light, and quick read, something that I really enjoyed. This is only the second book in the Obscure Academy series that I've read but the more I read them the more I'm excited to get to know the other characters. Looks like I have some catching up to do.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author through Booksprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

I've been excited for this book since I read Drinking Blood For Squeamish Vampires where Zoya gets introduced as she's in the same cooking class as Bernie. I am so glad Zoya got her own story. This book was great and I really liked it. It's light and fun with a theme of acceptance and being yourself. And there's more about the cooking classes Zoya attends with Bernie.

Zoya is a vegetarian ghouls while most ghouls survive on ghoul enhanced meat, luckily at Obscure Academy she can be herself and eat vegetarian food. I really liked Zoya and I thought it was nice to read about a vegetarian character for a chance as I am vegetarian myself as well. Cyprus has been flirting with Zoya for a while, at first she thinks nothing of it and thinks he's just interested in her for her looks, but slowly they grow closer and fall in love.

I liked these two together and how they were both looking for a real connection, I liked how Zoya quickly amended her opinion of Cyprus when she gets to know him better. And Cyprus was just so sweet and accepting. I especially liked the scenes with the formal diner they went to with the societies and how that got resolved. he's really there for her and I liked how he accepts her. There's a super sweet scene where he cooks her too, so the image of the cover fits, especially as Zoya wears a Saree in that scene. I also liked learning a bit more about ghouls in this book and the mythology behind them. And there was a fun tidbit about Cyprus being related to a character from one of the author's other series. And there are some fun scenes of Zoya and Bernie as well as a few other characters form previous books who make an appearance.

There's just something so fun and enjoyable about this series. I like the theme of being different, but finding a place to be yourself really works for me. The recurring characters through the series are fun as well as the academy settings. The romances are sweet and touching.

To summarize: This was another great book in this series. I was so happy Zoya got her own story too. I liked how she was a vegetarian as it was fun to read about a vegetarian character for a chance. There are some fun scenes involved food and cooking. I liked the theme of acceptance and being yourself that this book (and series) has. I really liked Zoya and Cyprus together. I liked how Zoya adjusted her opinion of Cyprus when getting to know him better and how their connection deepens as they spend more time together. Cyprus is really sweet and I liked how accepting he is as Zoya being a vegetarian ghoul. This series is so fun and I am looking forward to the next one!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this installment in the series! Don't get me wrong, I love each and every story in this world so far, but we rarely get to see Ghouls in a more romantic setting and I was curious how Laura Greenwood was gonna make it work! I was therefore really happy when BookSprout notified me that a review copy was available.

This book was everything I had hoped it would be. Firstly because the author chose the not so famous, but much older, Ghoul mythology where Ghouls are actually beautiful and masters of illusion. Secondly because I love how the author once more managed to make this insanely beautiful Ghoul vulnerable in a very recognizable way.

Although this is a supernatural school, with supernatural children, they're are all dealing with very normal issues. In this case the heroine of the story is vegetarian because she simply can't stand the texture of meat. And all the issues our heroine encounters, only 1 or 2 vegetarian options per restaurant, parents refusing to cook without meat, are issues loads of people encounter every day.

Luckily this story also stars a really nice gentleman. At first he seems to be mostly flirty, but quite soon he shows a softer side and shows that he really cares about the heroine and all the issues she encounters. The world might not make it easy for him, but it's so sweet to see him try whatever he can to make our heroine feel comfortable!

I already can't wait for the next book in this series to be released!

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I really love about this series is the life lessons that are gently but firmly shared. In this story, Zoya is a ghoul who eschews meat. However, her family not only disagrees with her vegetarianism, they actively prohibit her from practicing is at home. Fortunately, at Obscure Academy, she finds the freedom to eat what she wants, and also makes friends (and perhaps a boyfriend) who support her and encourage her to make her own choices. Although I personally have no use for vegetarianism (meat makes the meal in my house), I thought it was sad how disrespectful her family was of Zoya's dietary choices. I enjoyed the story, and the romance that formed between Zoya and Cyprus. Although these are supernatural creatures, they seem very 'human' and are very easy to relate to. I look forward to more in the series, and I really hope to find out what/who Craig is.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve seen Zoya and Cypress as supporting cast in several of the books before this and I’ve been wanting to find out what they’ve been dancing around for about as long as we’ve known them. And, oh my gosh! That was so ridiculously adorable. Mind you, I think I say that with every book in this series I read. I really enjoyed the messages I picked out of this story, particularly being true to yourself and that there’s never only ever one right way. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s more to Classics than Greece and Rome…
…just like there’s more to cooking than animal flesh.

Hubby’d totally agree with Zoya’s father ‘If there's no meat, there's no point’, especially for our Shabbat and other holiday meals (with plenty of leftovers for during the week). And then…my adult stepdaughter went pescatarian a few years back. Fortunately, I remembered some of the basics from when I had been vegan and was able to serve up some delicious fare for her so she wouldn’t feel left out at the festive table.

There is a variety of food pairings that help with protein building blocks such as broccoli with sweet potatoes, lentils with rice, hummus and/or tahina with challah. And many plants have plenty of iron and protein…less fat and more fiber.
Thick slices of eggplant and Portobello mushroom caps are awesome substitutes as a meaty texture for those who need to avoid soy (it mimics estrogen). Lasagna and nachos can be fully loaded with veggies and cheese.
Eating a balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods is recommended for everyone, even ghouls.


Next in series are ‘Finding Answers For Confused Succubi’ (mid-November), ‘Mischievous Familiars For Cordial Fairies’ (late February), and ‘Recalling Memories For Forgetful Phoenixes’ (late March). Until then, I’m gonna go back over some of my vegan info and start incorporating more plants. But don’t tell Hubby!

[Sandra A · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love the most about this author is her choice of really different types of main characters! She doesn't stick to vampires, shifters, witches, etc. Sure, she includes those in her books, but whoever heard of a ghoul as a main character, let alone a vegetarian ghoul? To make things more interesting, Zoya's (the ghoul’s) main love interest turns out to be Cyprus, who is a necromancer, another type of character that is commonly not a main character (except as an evil bad guy). So it's really refreshing to read a story with a ghoul and a necromancer. I actually didn't know much about ghouls before reading this book. I really found it fun and entertaining, and both Zoya and Cyprus were very likeable, along with their friends (who are also very diverse - vampire, pixie, mermaid, mummy...). I would definitely recommend this as a fun read - the only problem is that I wish it were longer! I received an ARC copy, but the opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's ghoul magic, remember? I can make myself hideous if I want."

Zoya was in cooking class with Bernie, but here she moves center stage and we join her on her journey to be accepted for herself... and to accept herself instead of apologizing for not being like everyone else.

Cyprus may not understand Zoya's choices, but he respects her, and not only accepts her, but helps her come to see there is nothing wrong with being different... even better, with Cyprus she discovers the joy of being treated with care, compassion, and common courtesy.

This done in one quick read is a beautiful reminder that we don't have to have everything in common with someone else to treat them with respect, that they can make different choices than we would and still be our friends. I love how the friends in this story support, encourage and build one another up.

I was gifted with a copy of Cooking Classes for Vegetarian Ghouls and chose to share my thoughts.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoya thinks Cyprus is just a pretty boy flirt. Despite her attraction to him, she wants more depth. When they find themselves sharing a classic architecture class, she learns there’s more to him than meets the eye. But can he accept her for who she is when her own family can’t? And can a Ghoul & a Necromancer find happiness amid old prejudices and stereotypes?

I absolutely adore the Obscure Academy series. On the surface, these are light & fluffy sweet romances/first loves among young adults. Dig a little deeper and you’ll see these characters deal with real world issues with acceptance, empathy, and compassion. Despite their supernatural traits, they feel very human with the insecurities and frailties that all college kids face. Laura shines in showing that despite our differences we can accept and love others for who they truly are.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn]

The Obscure Academy series is about relatable characters. The twist is they are paranormals but they have problems to overcome or have something to prove to themselves. The characters are all new adults who are going to their first or second year at university, which is the Obscure Academy.
This the story of Zoya and Cyprus. Zoya is a ghoul and Cyprus is a necromancer. Zoya’s parents expect her to eat meat because Zoya is a ghoul and they don’t think a vegetarian diet is a good idea, so they won’t let her eat it at home. Zoya wants to eat vegetarian, so she’s taking a vegetarian cooking class with her friend Bernie. Zoya meets Cyprus through Bernie. They bond over flat parties (always at Bernie’s) and shared classes, and vegetarian food.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since Zoya was introduced in vampire Bernie’s book, I wanted to know more about the ghoul who doesn’t like meat. We find out why in this book. Cyprus, one of Bernie’s flat mates, has been flirting with Zoya since he met her, and she with him, but nothing happens until kinda pushes in. Zoya’s parents refuse to let her be a vegetarian at home. I feel really bad for her because her parents just don’t accept her for who she is. Learning about Cyprus and his family as well as his necromancer powers was fascinating as was learning more about ghouls. I laughed a lot during the book because Cyprus was just focused on Zoya. It was very cute and sweet. All of the books in the series are. I really enjoyed what I learned in this book and I can’t wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the “Obscured Academy Series”. Zoya is a ghoul and is a vegetarian and finds herself at Obscured Academy. Cyrus is a sexy necromancer and he is also at Obscured Academy. Cyrus and Zoya meet at Obscured Academy when she is on her way to class and gets lost and Cyrus helps her find her way. The two are getting to know each and start dating. Zoya is somewhat struggling with her vegetarian lifestyle which is her preference and her parents don’t seem to be happy with her choice. Cyrus and Zoya are great together. I so enjoy how Laura Greenwood is coming up with all kind of paranormal characters thus making her books more and more interesting and enjoyable.

I received an ARC via Booksprout and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyprus was such a huge flirt! At least that's all Zoya thought of his advances. One of the storylines pertains to dietary restrictions for Zoya. It was sad the amount of struggle she had simply feeling accepted when it was such a non-issue (or should have been). Cyprus on the other hand, had loads of family support, and was more than willing to share with her.

One of the aspects I particularly enjoy about Laura's works is that the focus is not on physical intimacy. The characters developed a friendship throughout the story. One based on shared interests, common goals, friends, etc. Frankly it is refreshing to read this type of romantic book.

Ii received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily reviewing. Highly recommend this (and the rest of the series). Happy Reading 📚

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our hero fell for our heroine pretty quickly, but he had a tough time figuring out get her attention. Turns out all he really needed was the right ingredients.

This is part of a series, but it is written as a standalone, so no prior reading is required.

The story is a paranormal romance with an academy setting. The story is well written and easy to read with a couple of fun characters as our leads. A perfect meal provides the impetus for our characters to really get to know each other in this unusual romance. Overall, this one was rather light and entertaining, which was perfect for a relaxing read. I look forward to visiting again in the future.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self Discovery and Acceptance.
What I like most about these feel good reads is that they cover certain human characteristics and needs. Zoya is Indian and a ghoul who is vegetarian. Cyprus is a necromancer who is smitten with Zoya. Seeing these two flirt and finally date is a sigh of relief. Knowing Zoya’s comfort lies in her dietary preferences and struggling with her family on accepting this is interesting. The fact she does get comfortable with her diet and finally gets accepted makes a good story about enjoying who she is.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoya is a ghoul who is a vegetarian. Her family are not happy about her choices and never allow non meat when she's home. She meets Cyprus at university. He's a necromancer. He is into the classics and architecture. For a semester they seem to just dance around each other. Then one evening they have time to get to learn about each other. Will they make a couple or will what others think of them turn them away from what could be?
A cute story that is light but with the content trust me the reader will be hungry for Indian food!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of cliches floated through my thoughts as I read this: "The way to a person's heart is through their stomach" and "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken". Both apply to poor Zoya, who is struggling to be just herself despite parental pressures. Culture shock via college was bad enough, but adding in familial cultural conflict? Ouch! Good thing that Cyprus is so supportive! I enjoyed how this sweet romance took its time to blossom, with a little help from cooking lessons!

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Series

Cyprus had fancied Zoya since the first moment he’d set eyes on her but could a vegetarian ghoul and necromancer find a way to be together?

I have to say every book within this series with all the different Supernaturals have all been warm and lighthearted reads with lots of romance so enjoy this new fun adventure as Cyprus and Zoya get to know each other and find they have a lot more in common than either expected.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start this review by mentioning that I've never read a book with a ghoul before and I didn't know much about them, so it was nice to learn some of the lore. Anyway, I thought this was really cute! Being a vegetarian myself, I could totally relate to Zoya - while my family doesn't force me to eat meat, they don't exactly feel as though I've made a good decision. I also really liked Cyprus, and I wish more guys were like him. Overall, I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoya and her vampire friend Bernie seem to have bonded over their choices to eat vegetarian, despite their ghoul and vampire natures

discovering food choices that are right for them, despite being different from their families can be challenging- especially when Zoya has a family that refuses her non meat choices at home

a flirt and friend turned considerate and boyfriend material- treating someone with respect goes a long way- well done Cyrus

another cute and informative Obscure Academy romance

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoya is an unusual ghoul. She prefers to eat vegetarian than the bloody meat that her parents keep pushing her way. Now that she is away from home, she is able to live her life the way she really chooses and she decides to take vegetarian cooking classes. Zoya is also taking a classic architecture class with Cyrus, a necromancer. He is always flirting with her. Then he comes to her rescue at a year end banquet and shows her that he likes her just the way she is.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Food and Flirting Leads To…

Zoya has been taking vegetarian cooking classes since she’s vegetarian - which, as a ghoul who is supposed to eat iron-supplemented meat, is a challenge. Cyrus has been flirting with Zoya for a while - she thinks it’s all superficial, but Cyrus wants it to be more. I enjoyed how caring and respectful Cyrus was, and Zoya was brave enough to open up to him. I loved seeing all the Obscure Academy characters, as well as the Easter egg with Sabine from the Cauldron Cafe series. A fun read.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine this: you are a supernatural and can’t do / be what you suposed to do.
This is something unheard of? Not in this series!
Shifters with their animal unbalanced, vampires that can’t stand blood, mermaid that can’t swim…. You name it.
And here is a ghoul with some dietary chalenges.
During sorting this problem, someone help her, and love bloom.
I love this stories! The chalenges that the supernaturals have to overcome, and the love find on the way.
I’m curious what Laura imagine next!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obscure Academy Series, Book 8

Another lovely, heart-warming romance; continuing the Obscure Academy series by Laura Greenwood. Can be read as a standalone.

Zoya is a vegetarian ghoul, though she's always had problems with all the others eating meat and her family not helping her. When she gets to the Academy though she catches Cyprus' eye and he's determined to help her with meals, as well as getting her to take a chance with him.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kitty Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Obscure Academy books are generally light, quick, closed-door reads. This one fits well with the series and can be read as a stand-alone book...or if you read them in order you will recognize some of the characters from earlier books. The author incorporates a few things from her real life...like being uncomfortable using mismatched flatware. This is a great book to devour on a rainy afternoon.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is definitely full of adorable meet cute moments and unexpected behaviors. In this instance a vegetarian ghoul and a necromancer dance around each other until they admit to their feelings. A sweet college age romance. Light, quick read heavy on the flirting and procrastinating but still with a hea that’s worth the wait.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoya was a ghoul who hated meat, when back at the academy she took cooking lessons to learn to cook for her vegetarian diet. Cyprus flirted with her but she didn’t think that he could be a serious person but one day she got lost going to class he helped her. They got to talking and realized they had quite a bit in common. Good book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a slow burn in terms of timeline, but it doesn't feel like it's dragging. Zoya and Cyprus have made a few guest appearances in other stories, so it was really nice to read their story. Not that you need to have read the others first.

I love how understanding Cyprus is. Even without knowing why she is a vegetarian he wants to support her. And it's so cute how excited he is to cook for her.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great instalment from the obscure academy. Zoya is a ghoul and a vegetarian . Cyprus is a necromancer who is attracted to Zoya even though she’s a ghoul.Can he show her that he’s worth his salt and to be trusted as he tries to make her see it’s alright for her to take a chance on him…. Well written supernatural genius.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Acceptance . . .

Despite the fact that she is a ghoul, Zoya loves her vegetarian meals. At Obscure Academy, she can experiment with her creations and get even more comfortable in her food preparations. Necromancer Cyprus has been flirting with her and she doesn’t know whether to take him seriously or not. Can he find a way to impress Zoya and let her know what she means to him? Is Zoya willing to open herself up to a relationship and give him a chance?