Trading Names for Polite Sprites

Obscure Academy #6

by Laura Greenwood

When Essie breaks things off with Byron, she says it's because she doesn't want things to get complicated. But in reality, she has a secret she doesn't want him to expose. Byron isn't about to let Essie go without a fight, especially when even she admits they're good together. Can Essie learn to trust Byron before the truth comes out and ruins their chances of being together? - Trading Names For Polite Sprites is a light-hearted fae academy m/f romance set at Obscure Academy. It is Essie & Byron's complete story.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 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

[Laura Greenwood]

Obscure Academy (paranormal academy romance)

Main Series:

1. Shifting Forms For Clumsy Felines: books2read.com/shiftingformsforclumsy...
2. Drinking Blood For Squeamish Vampires: books2read.com/drinkingbloodforsqueam...
3. Enchanting Songs For Silent Sirens: books2read.com/enchantingsongsforsile...
4. Flipping Tails For Seasick Mermaids: books2read.com/flippingtailsforseasic...
5. Potion Making For Disastrous Witches: books2read.com/potionmakingfordisastr...
6. Trading Names For Polite Sprites: books2read.com/tradingnamesforpolites...
7. Minor Inconveniences For Annoyed Pixies: books2read.com/minorinconveniencesfor...


Side Stories:

- Bonfire Night For Flammable Dragons: An Obscure Academy Holiday Story: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...
- Secret Santa For Grumpy Elves: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...
- Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...
- Summer Break For Awkward Bears: books2read.com/summerbreakforawkwardb...
- Pumpkin Carving For Superstitious Witches: An Obscure Academy Story: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

Trading Names for Polite Sprites is the sixth book already in the Obscure Academy series and I am really enjoying the series so far. I was in the mood for a light and easy read and decided to pick this up. I enjoyed returning to Obscure Academy and following Essie and Bryon. Essie broke up with Bryon without telling him why, but they both miss each other. A group project forces them to talk to one another again and once they start talking again they grow closer again.

I thought this was an interesting set up with how Essie and Bryon had already been close in the past and when their relationship started to evolve Essie broke up as she was afraid of her secret coming out. I liked seeing them get together again and how they still have feeling for each other. I liked the second chance romance trope in this story. I thought it made sense why Essie broke up with Bryon and I liked seeing how they moved beyond the hurt of the break up and get together again. I liked how Byron made it clear he still cared for her, but was waiting for her to admit that too. I like seeing Essie figure out her true feelings and eventually tell Bryon the truth about why she broke up with him. They made for a great couple and I liked seeing their romance develop.

I liked the romance and seeing them deal with everything and grow closer again, although it did feel a bit different from the other romances in this series with how they already knew each other and had been close before. I found the other plot line about why Essie is here and how she traded names with her twin wasn't as interesting for me. I liked the concept, but I missed the tension for some reason. Maybe because the swap happened in the past already and there didn't seem to be as much of a danger of people finding out her secret. Nevertheless I liked seeing how it played out and I look forward to her twins story.

It was interesting to read about sprites in this book, although I would've liked to learn more about them. I felt like the story focused mostly on the romance and not as much on the other parts. I thought it was neat how Essie found her familiar, but there isn't much about how it all works. There's one instance where she uses her magic and some mentions about water, but I still felt like I didn't get as good of a vibe of what sprites are all about.

To summarize: Trading Names for Polite Sprites is another sweet paranormal romance book in this series. I liked returning to Obscure Academy for another story. I liked reading about Byron and Essie and I felt their connection and romance. I liked how they interacted with each other and how they grow closer again after Essie broke up with Bryon when a group project forces them to work together. It was a well done second chance romance, it made sense why Essie broke up with him and liked seeing them clear it all up now and growing even closer. I did feel that the trading names part of the plot lacked some tension, it just didn't grab me as much, I think because it didn't really feel like there was much danger of people figuring it out. I liked reading about sprites, but would've liked to see more about them and their magic. There are some details like the familiars and one scene where Essie uses her magic, but I wanted more.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that these books are not for everyone. I don't think any book is. There will always be people loving a book and always be people hating the same book. For me all the books by Laura Greenwood are those short moments of calm and warmth in a sea of drama, angst and fear. This series is one of my favorites and I was therefore really happy that I got an arc for this book via BookSprout.

One of the things this author does better than anyone else is writing healthy relationships. Some people might long for more drama, but I like that those characters will always respect each other and will always be honest. And in this case they might want to witheld information but at least state that they have a secret and aren't ready to share it yet.

I also feel like that this book helps building the world outside of the academy and connecting this series to the rest of the Obscure world. Even though we still don't leave the academy we know the reputation of the academy and the other options kids have to get their education. This book also made me very excited to read the twin sister's side of the story!

I'm also pretty sure that a lot of people will recognize the process when it comes to group work and the one person slacking. Luckily I never met someone as bad as the guy in this story but even the ones attending can submit horrible work that needs to be rewritten by an overeager volunteer afraid to get a bad score. Me. So, the plot was very very relatable.

I'm already looking forward to the next installment!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essie let Byron go because she was afraid it would come out that she and her twin sister had switched places at their academies. Now, Essie and Byron are forced to work together on a class group project. Will they use this opportunity to mend what was broken or will this only make their rift permanent? I’m a sucker for second chances and this one was just so sweet. I loved watching this pair fall in love all over again, and it was kind of adorable to see them opening up to one another. And Newton absolutely stole the show for me. I kind of want more of just him.
I received a complimentary copy of this story through Booksprout.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh, get ready for the ultimate in second chance loves!! Byron and Essie were great together. Granted, they tried to play it off as friends with benefits without any feelings involved, but we all know that never really works out like planned. 😄 Byron is the epitomizes a perfect college (maybe forever) boyfriend. He's intelligent, sweet, caring, charming & charismatic, wickedly funny, gorgeous, oozing s€x appeal, and totally into Essie. Essie is equally into Bryon, whip smart, sarcastically funny but serious when needed, cute as a button but alluring too. In general, the whole package.

Essie has a twin going to a different school. Before Christmas break she broke things off with Byron without explanation and has ignored him so far this term. That I'd until they are thrust into a group project together. They are going to try to disregard the sparks and chemistry between them for the good of the project. Will they succeed? Will Byron ever get an explanation for his broken heart (yeah, he needs to admit that's what it is)?

I adored this book. I have grown to like Essie in her cameos in the other books and really enjoyed getting to know her story. I received an ARC and volunteered this review. The rest of this series is equally as amazing and I hope you check it out! Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some things that Granny just doesn’t need to know

If you think “breaking up is hard to do” (apologies for the earworm), imagine having to be in a study group with your ex- - after not having spoken to each other in months. But our gal & guy at least know to have a wee chat beforehand…love the “rules” they set for themselves!


A good friend stands up for you; a true friend stands up to you. Surround yourself with people who will judge you safely so that you can grow as a person. Even just one person who will speak truth to you can change your life. Plus, friends don’t let friends drunk text.
Some sage life advice from such a friend:
‘You can't stop living your life because of a break-up.’


I wanna go back to school! Especially with a class named “Politics and the Supernatural”. And where do I find a local branch of “Desserts After Dark”?


‘Minor Inconveniences For Annoyed Pixies’ releases towards the end of July then ‘Cooking Classes For Vegetarian Ghouls’ 31 August and ‘Team Building For Friendly Hellhounds’ after mid-September.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essie was sure that ending her casual relationship with Byron was the only way to protect her secret. So what if it made her miserable. Everyone knows fae can’t be trusted and eventually she’ll get over him. Byron isn’t happy with the situation either. Sure that there’s more between them, he’s hurt that she ended things with no explanation. When they’re assigned as partners on a group project, they have a chance to clear the air, and maybe get a second chance. As they negotiate their terms for working together post breakup, they both find that what they really want is to be together.

Trading Names for Polite Sprites is book 6 of the Obscure Academy series that follows the romantic relationships of various supernatural young adults. Narrated from the alternating perspectives of Essie and Byron, with appearances from their flatmates from previous books, Ms. Greenwood has written another charming love story. Anyone who has let go of a potential love interest due to fear is sure to recognize themselves in Essie. I was definitely rooting for their happily ever after as much as their friends were.

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

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essie is a sprite with a secret. She is in her first year at the Obscure Academy but She and her twin sister switched places at school so they could both go to the school they wanted. Essie had passed the exam to be admitted into the elite fae academy but had no desire to go. Her sister didn't pass the entry exam but had always dreamed of going there. Essie loves being at Obscure Academy and has made a lot of friends. She met Byron and they were happy messing around together. They had agreed that feeling were to be kept out of their relationship but Essie was starting to fall for him. She was afraid to continue dating him because he might let something slip and her parents would find out about the swap so she ended things with him. However she can't get him out of her mind and anyone se goes out with doesn't measure up to him. Then she gets assigned to his group for a big class presentation. Somehow she will have to figure how to work with him.

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

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'd rather you make the lines crystal clear ."

Essi broke up with Byron back at Christmas. It's been a few months, and life is throwing them back into one another's paths, will Essi finally admit why she told Byron it was over?

This done in one quick read has multiple layers, each focused on how life can simultaneously feel complicated and appear simple. Whether it is a team effort where someone isn't pulling their weight, or a personal relationship where you want to be honest, get realize there is such a thing as too much honesty, and too soon.

I love the community of room mates and friends in this series, it's always a delight to see characters from previous stories... and to wonder which single friends may soon move center stage in a story of their own.

I was gifted with a copy of Trading Names For Polite Sprites and chose to share my thoughts.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed how Essie and Byron got back together and worked through her secret together. I thought it was so cute she knew they were meeting to start the group project and she automatically ordered his coffee for him, even though they were not together. Essie thought she was doing what was best to keep her secret, but found out she could get what she wanted and keep her secret as she and Byron spent more time together. I definitely related to the one student not working in a group and the frustration that has for a group. Newton is so cute, one of my favorite senses is where he was found. It is nice to see all of Essie’s other roommates in this book as well. I highly recommend you read this book, it is a sweet romance that is very engaging. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essie catches Mickie trying to make tea, and since the flat mates made a pact to prevent this as almost everything potion like ends up going horribly wrong, in Mickie’s witchy presence… well, we can’t let that happen. Lol. Essie is fae and this book about her, we learn a lot about the different types of fae and that they CAN LIE. Lol. The flat mates continue to tease Essie that she isn’t over Byron, now that she broke it off. Finding out the reason for this was a bit mind blowing. She is forced to deal with it in one of her classes because the group the Professor puts her in, includes Byron. There are feelings on both sides, and it was supposed to be no strings, type of thing.

Essie also finds her familiar and he is adorable. I had a pet one once. Although, he was more my brother’s. A lot is explained in this book. I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.

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

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can she trust him with her secret?

Essie shouldn't be at Obscure Academy but she can't let anyone know. She even broke up with her boyfriend to keep it a secret. Now she wishes she hadn't but she isn't sure how to make it right. How would that conversation go unless she tells him the truth? Brandon's a pretty special guy but can he keep her secret?

Young love! What a wonderful time of life - what a terrible time of life. Essie’s friends stood behind her even when they didn’t agree with her decisions. You can’t ask for more than that in a friend. It’s a short, sweet book for a day at the beach or a rainy afternoon. This is a fun series. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another quick and cute OA book.

It revolves around Essie and Byron. Apparently there is an upscale Fae Academy that Essie and her twin Frankie were made to try and attend by their parents. Essie didn't want to go but Frankie did. Naturally Essie past the entrance exam and Frankie failed so of course they switched places.
This essentially bites Essie in the butt as far as her love life is concerned. Or it would have if Byron wasn't as lovesick over Essie as she is over him. And fate steps in to lend a hand in a very subtle yet effective way. Essie even gets a familiar and he sounds so precious!

Two thumbs up and 5 stars!

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essie broke up with Byron months ago, tho their relationship was mostly physical. Now a group project has brought them back together. Will Essie be brave enough to tell Byron her secret and how it affected her decision to break up with him?

I love the Obscure Academy books, their characters are relatable and fun to watch the interactions. Laura Greenwood writes great stories and this one was no different. Sweet plot, love the surprise guest that stops in too!.

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoping for a Second Chance . . .

Essie had broken up with Byron in order to keep a secret. She lied to him about the reason for the breakup, saying she wanted to avoid complications. Now the two are put together to work on a project. She has been having second thoughts about wanting him back, but sees no way to do so without that secret getting out. But Byron has also decided that he wants her back and will do whatever it takes to convince her. Will she trust him? Will she figure out how to go back to him on her terms?

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Essie broke up with Bryon it was to keep a secret she doesn't want to be exposed. It's been a few months since their break up and now fate is getting in the way and they are put together to work on a project at school and the spark is still there. This is a fun read about a second chance at love with quirky characters, a great storyline, secrets, and a happily ever after. Trading Names for Polite Sprites is book six and a great addition to the Obscure Academy series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rediscovering Love

This is a lovely sweet story. Essie had split with Bryon but they are put in the same project group for one of their subjects. In working together, they realise they still have strong feelings for each other, but will they be able to have another chance at romance with the secrets she’s keeping.

A fun read, I particularly liked her familiar, Newton. Part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

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

[Tyrene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Essie has been out of sorts since her break up with Byron. She ends up in a group project with Byron and they are forced to work together. They both have suffered since the break up. Maybe she should come clean and tell him the truth. It just goes to show you shouldn't keep secrets. Highly entertaining story of torture that could of been avoided. A great series about friends coming together to help solve their issues and finding love along the way.

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

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Essie and Byon's story and the 6th book in the series. Essie and Byron were a couple before but Essie broke it off because of a secret she was keeping and couldn't trust anyone with. She is forced to work with him in a group project and those feelings are still there. I love that each book in this series has a bit of a real world problem that needs to be overcome and it is very nicely done by the authors. I'm quite enjoying this series and look forward to the next one.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essie and Byron’s story is one that is almost derailed by a decision made before they even met. A twin swap, a big secret and some fear and lack of communication almost ruin the good thing they have found in each other.
Good fun, a bonus with an extra cute newt familiar! Quick, light and entertaining read with a sweet romance.

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

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 6 in Greenwood's Obscure Academy series and another great addition to the series. Quick and captivating, we have Essie and Byron who are forced back together after Essie broke up with him to keep him from uncovering a secret...A well written, paranormal, school romance that is quick and sweet. loving this series!

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

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Afraid of getting caught in her switch with her twin Frankie, Essie broke off her relationship with Byron just before Christmas. Fortunately, Essie and Byron end up being in the same group of students in their Politics and the Supernatural class and they were able to clear up what Essie was afraid of. This quick read is funny, sweet, and romantic, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.

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

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Familiar First-Year Feelings

Essie breaks things off with Byron when she starts getting closer to him and she worries that she’ll spill a big secret. However, when they get assigned to the same group project, feelings begin to be rekindled. I enjoyed how these two characters has a history together, bringing them to a different place in their relationship than the other books in this series. A fun and sweet story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obscure Academy Essie & Byron.
Okay this is such a cute story with Essie and Byron. They are referenced multiple times in the previous stories that I was very eager to read their story. They are matched perfectly and learning Essie’s secret was brilliantly written out. I like how each character story focuses on that particular couple but yet introduces the next potential story couple. Well played.

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

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read about a young girl who breaks up with her boyfriend and later regrets it all because of a secret she doesn’t want revealed. Then the school teams her with him in a team project. I have to say that I think most team projects in college/university have an Ed who does nothing but gets the credit anyways. We had one on our team! A good story plot that was easy to read.

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

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Oh when you first begin to deceive...." This was a cute read. The author did a great job of taking a well-known gimmick and giving it new life with an academy setting, relatable characters and relationship insecurities. This felt so real - especially the group project!

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

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the banter in this book. Byron especially is great at funny little quips. They are so cute and perhaps a little awkward. This is such a feel good book even with all the drama and longing they are going through.

I love all the flatmates who are willing to tell Essie to get her head out of her behind and accidentally meddling. I hope we get more of Hana.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essie broke up with her boyfriends a few months ago for a good reason. So of course she must now see him a lot because that is how 'lucky' she is. I enjoyed watching the mayhem that occurred as these two deal with college and each other. and cannot forge their friends. Just a quick fun easy read in this series.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute n sweet story! "Frankie" enjoys being at Obscure Academy, the ole twin switch makes it possible. The Christmas holidays are a difficult time but things pick up after a while and a second chance is had and things work out, explanations are given and a happy ending is had!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a second chance for Essie and Byron when they are both assigned to a group project. Their flirting becomes serious as they admit their love for each other. This time they are completely honest with each other.