Books and Bedsheets

Can I confess an embarrassing fascination with trashy romantic novellas? Here is a fantasy or two. This is my first attempt at adult fiction, and my millionth attempt at third person (haven't managed to pull it off yet. Does it work here?) Any feedback appreciated. I mostly want to know if the language is pretty or pretentious (both?).

• Chapter 1 - In the Stacks "Can I confess an embarrassi..."