Best-selling author Monica Murphy's hit dark academia romance has officially made the leap from BookTok sensation to the screen.

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author has partnered with ReelShort for a new adaptation of "Things I Wanted to Say," the first novel in her signature Lancaster Prep series. The vertical-format original premiered June 30, bringing one of BookTok's favorite dark academia romances to a new audience.

Originally published as the first installment in Murphy's eight-book Lancaster Prep series, "Things I Wanted to Say" became a BookTok favorite after its release, earning more than 14,000 Amazon reviews and building a devoted fan base drawn to its elite prep school setting, morally gray romance and emotionally charged drama. The story follows Whit Lancaster, the powerful and intimidating heir to one of the school's most influential families, and Summer Savage, an outsider who becomes entangled in a dangerous game of power, secrets and attraction.

"It's been incredible to see readers embrace 'Things I Wanted to Say' and the Lancaster Prep series over the years," Murphy said in a statement. "Watching Whit and Summer's story come to life in a new format has been exciting, and I'm grateful that both longtime readers and new audiences will have the opportunity to experience these characters in a different way."

Murphy also gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the adaptation before its release, revealing on Instagram that ReelShort flew her to New York City to visit the set during production. She said seeing Kirby Elwood and Pablo Kaestli portray Summer Savage and Whit Lancaster was "such a surreal moment" after imagining the characters for years. Murphy also reassured longtime readers that while some scenes were condensed or combined for the adaptation, "the essence of the story is still there," adding, "This is going to be EPIC!!!"

While Murphy has written dozens of romance novels throughout her career, Lancaster Prep has become her signature series. "Things I Wanted to Say" launched what would grow into an eight-book collection that helped establish Murphy as one of contemporary romance's biggest names.

In addition to the Lancaster Prep books, Murphy is also known for bestsellers that include "One Week Girlfriend," "The Rules" and "Billionaire Bachelors." According to her author biography, she has sold more than one million books worldwide, with her novels translated into nearly a dozen languages. She also writes romance under the pen name Karen Erickson.

The new adaptation continues ReelShort's strategy of bringing bestselling romance novels to its mobile-first streaming platform while introducing one of BookTok's most popular dark academia stories to viewers who may be discovering it for the first time.