After being hidden from the Coven, Willow is found and forced to join her fellow witches at Hollow’s Grove University. Headmaster Alaric Grayson Thorne continues to be a thorn in her side, but nothing will distract her from her end goal of seeking revenge. Until dead witches start turning up at the school…

Alright I’m going to split this review down the middle. There’s a lot to unpack so let’s get into it.

What I liked:

The magic was fascinating! The way Willow used her magic and the rules on how she could use it were very interesting. Overall, I really enjoyed Willow as a character, she was determined and powerful! The story had it’s highs and lows, but the ending was chaotic in a surprisingly good way. It’s enough that I want to see what happens next!

What I didn’t like:

So, this is my first “dark romance”. Had I known the list of trigger warnings I might not have even engaged with this book. I know this book will be perfect for the audience that prefers their villains truly evil. This book contains “dubious consent”. In my reading I need consent to be explicit, instead of a grey or unexpressed area. I would recommend consulting the list of trigger warnings prior to reading, so you’re fully aware. I also feel like Willows age wasn’t directly addressed soon enough. There’s discussion before we meet her where the characters think she’s 16. After reading the trigger warnings I put down the book and did a deep dive google to confirm Willows age (20) before proceeding to read. It’s confirmed further along in the book, but I really think her age needs to be shouted from the rooftops. The Headmaster/Student relationship is NOT where we need confusion about age. That was enough that, if this wasn’t an ARC I felt obligated to finish, I probably would’ve put the book back down. Don’t make me fight to read your book. In addition, I wish we’d had more time in the story with Willow and her friends. They took such a far backseat that I genuinely forgot they existed until they were needed to progress Willow and Gray’s story.

I’m going to read the second book. There are enough interesting things going on to make me see how it ends.

When I requested this title, I was unaware of the content warnings. Once I was made aware from the warnings at the start of the document, I elected not to read this title. While I am glad the content warnings were there, I am disturbed by the romanticizing of dubious consent in romance novels lately. I also don't see the appeal of villains as romantic leads.

This book tells the story of a young girl named Kira, who is raised to be a weapon against the Coven that took away her father's sister and his birthright. Her duty leads her to the secret town of Crystal Hollow and the prestigious Hollow's Grove University, where she learns to practice her magic without fear of human judgment. Woods does an excellent job of portraying Kira's complex character. She is torn between her loyalty to her father and her desire to protect her younger brother from the same fate. Kira's internal struggle is relatable and adds depth to her character. She is a strong and determined protagonist, but she also has vulnerabilities and flaws that make her a well-rounded character.
The world-building in this novel is exceptional. Woods has created a unique and intriguing magical world that is both fascinating and dangerous. The setting of Hollow's Grove is described in vivid detail, making it easy for the reader to imagine themselves there. The history of the town and the University is shrouded in mystery, and as the secrets are slowly revealed, the tension and suspense build.
The relationship between Kira and the Headmaster, Alaric Grayson Thorne, is one of the highlights of this book. Their constant bickering and animosity towards each other add a layer of tension and romance to the story. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and sparks. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. As Kira and her fellow students prepare for the opening of the Coven's wards, they must also navigate the secrets and dangers that threaten to tear the school apart. One of the most intriguing aspects of this book is the Coven itself. The history and power of the Thirteen, the promising students who are destined to change the world, are shrouded in mystery. The ghosts of Hollow's Grove's victims add an eerie and chilling element to the story, making it even more compelling.
Overall, The Coven is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy and magic and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping and exciting read.

I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it! It did have a cool magic system and I did like the gothic atmosphere this book gave. I did like the tropes this book has:

Paranormal romance
Vampire/ Witch
Teacher/ Student

Overall I'd rate this a 3.

this book was fun! I loved the premise. It’s always fun when there is a magical gothic vibes. I loved the witches, vampires, and all the spice. This story could’ve been developed a little better and maybe some more depth but it was a good short fun time.

I thought this book would be up my alley because it being fantasy and also vampires (yay!). However, the world building was a bit all over the place. I did enjoy the chemistry between the two characters so that kept me interested.

This book was so addictive! I was a little weary at first because her other series wasn’t my favorite (not bad but not my favorite). However, I just couldn’t put this down! It was so fun and exactly what i needed. I will be reading the next book.

While I wasn’t sure exactly what kind of book this was going to be when I first started it, it quickly jumped into a story and floated along quite quickly in a haze of intrigue and lust. This book has the magic university trope, but makes it sexier both by design and through the chemistry of the two main characters. This book was a quick, dark, fun, delicious read that was achingly sexy in spots. It didn’t grip me as much as some fantasy books do: the worldbuilding is intriguing but not very deep. That could be chalked up to the fact that it’s the first book in a series. The magic systems, for example, have promise. There is a lot of potential for growth in the side characters.

I will definitely purchase and read the second book. I can’t wait to see what happens, and I’m hoping the world and the characters are fleshed out a bit more.

The sexiness and the potential here bumps it to a four for me!

Overall, this was an engaging, fairly fast-paced read! I enjoyed the concept of the story, the introduction to the magic system, the school environment, and the dark romance. That said, it felt VERY insta-love for a supposed enemies to lovers romance, and I would have loved to have a better understanding of the world-building (though this may come in future books!). It was probably closer to a 3-star read for me, but the ending shocked me and definitely bumped it up for me.

Loved the the plot, magic system as well as the witchy elements mixed with vampires. This book is fast paced, with a mix of character and plot driven elements. I loved that Willow was consistent in her hatred and motivation for wanting to bring down the Coven that killed her mother, often we see that element waver in books like this, can’t wait to read book 2. And this SE is stunning beautiful edges people are going to be feral for it!

I stopped after chapter 1 (5%) but the writing is well done, the humor is witty, and I think this will go over well for any reader who enjoys dark, steamy witches. I'd guess easy 3-4 stars with 5 for the right readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

This book started off strong and then seemed a little all over the place. There were things throughout this book that were a little not up my ally, but it had the possibility of keeping you reading. The hardest part was that it just wasn't well written throughout. The world building and such had a good premise, but as a whole this book just wasn't a favorite for me. I'm sure other readers will enjoy it, but this was a little predictable with characters that were mediocre at best. Good cover art which really drew me in, but overall just an ok read for me.

Thanks to NetGalley & Edelweiss for the ARCs.

I hated this book. I read it and hated every second of it. I didn't like the writing style and the worldbuilding just wasn't there. Also I just ddin't like the ending all that much.

I love everything Harper Woods, and this book is no exception. I love that there’s darkness to the story as well as witches with different types of magic and the ultimate darkness (won’t say more so as not to spoil). Willow is a bit of a loner who hasn’t had a lot of control in her life, and then she meets Gray. Whew! The steam is HOT with this man. Watching their careful dance around each other is quite interesting. And the end? It will have you running to read book two!

Willow has been raised as a weapon against the Coven by her father. She would also do anything to keep her brother safe. Because of this, she’s forced to attend Hollow’s Grove University, where the best go to learn their magic. There she butts heads with the infuriating headmaster and Vessel, Alaric Grayson Thorne. If that’s not enough, the university is embroiled with deadly secrets from massacre that forced Hollow’s Grove to close in the past. Now that it’s opened again to the Thirteen, they could change the world if something doesn’t kill them first.

As someone who hasn’t read a lot of dark romances, this was such a fascinating book to read. There were so many great elements this story had going for it: great banter, fascinating magic, an intriguing plot, and solid character building. I especially loved the spooky, gothic vibes and atmosphere The Coven presented. I also really loved the magic presented in The Coven particularly Willow’s affinity with nature magic. There was a beautiful balance and harmony to the give and take nature of her magic. The relationship between the two main characters was interesting to watch develop. They had all the hallmark traits of a hate-lust relationship fueled by great banter, which made the spice all the spicier (I’m a sucker for great banter). Think true enemies to lovers here instead of the watered down version depicted in most stories. The plot itself kept me interested in the story to learn what would happen next, but man oh man, I did not see that ending coming. Be ready for book two, because there is one mega cliffhanger that will leave your jaw dropped. If you love a solid plot coupled with a strong FMC, and an unhinged MMC, I highly recommend you pick this up.

50 years after a deadly massacre, Hollows Grove University will reopen for thirteen witches. But the school is a dangerous place full of temptation, corruption and danger.

Willow, a witch of a powerful bloodline, is forced to attend the school. She must learn to navigate the dangers and one very handsome, Headmaster Alaric Grayson Thorne.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- FIVE STARS!

What I Loved:
🍄 Witches and demons!
🍄 possessive and beyond morally grey male MC, Headmaster Alaric Grayson Thorne 😍. What’s better than that?
🍄 Willow is an incredible witch with a true connection to nature and a kind heart that will have you routing for her.
🍄 Great banter between MCs
🍄 As per usual, Woods brings the spice 😏
🍄 Loved the dark academia, gothic manor vibes
🍄 Twists and turns and a murder mystery!

An amazing first book! Woods did an excellent job painting the picture of a spooky, gothic boarding school. This book has a cliffhanger that will leave you picking up book two immediately!

check trigger warning before reading, this is a dark romance with elements that may be difficult for some readers.

📚Available: 08/06/24📚

📖My Thoughts📖

Witches. They’re my jam. Witchy romcoms, witchy fantasy books, witchy cozy mysteries etc. I just love them all and omg this one was definitely up there with one that I absolutely loved! These ones, these are the ones I live for. Bonus points for also including Vampires! Right from the get go it grabbed my attention and I was completely immersed in it! Another one that I could have easily burned through in one day had time been on my side. I loved the forbidden love trope! You could almost physically feel the sexual tension between the two! And the spice? Oh my! I haven’t read a ton of dark academia books, but I can definitely see myself getting more into them after reading this one.
A book that incorporates witches, vampires, magic, dark forbidden romance and spice? Yeah, this one is a total keeper! Definitely one that I recommend. Did I preorder the special edition? You bet your sweet bippy I did! I can’t wait to see it!
Thank you Netgalley, Harper L. Woods and Tor Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Hooked by chapter 3. Obsessed with this book. Love the FMC, Willow. Big fan of Gray too but so complicated by the end. Can’t wait to read the next book to see how it ends.

Did I pick this up because of the cover, and the promise of dark academia mixed with witches? Yea, yes I did. But this one just didn’t work for me. There were definitely parts that made me uncomfortable, and I’ve decided dark romance is definitely not my thing.

I’m sure others will love this though!

This book sucked me in! The trigger warnings had me a little nervous - because dark romance isn’t usually my jam - but the twists of the story were great.