PHEW. My Dark Academia perfection streak continues, because I DEVOURED this. LIke, read in one sitting level of devoured.

The vibes of this were unmatched--it's dark without being bogged down in creating the atmosphere. You really get the "this is a dark and depressing college and everything is anxiety inducing" energy without being reminded about it every 2 minutes.

I LOVED the dual POV, and would read a whole book from Alex's POV, if I"m being honest. I loved that the chapter split wasn't 50/50--that we only occasionally get Alex's POV as a supplement. A little taste of what's going on in his mind. And the main reason I'm okay with it?

The BANTER. I loved all of the dialogue (And emails. And texts.) between Ophelia and Alex. I thought it was absolutely HILARIOUS and relatable, because I too am incredibly snarky constantly and thrive on wordplay and sarcasm whenever possible. I also commit to any bit that comes to my way, and both of them do as well. It's the perfect mix of genuine conversation and banter so it doesn't feel stale, and I think it grows really well with the character development they both have.

This story was so fun and doesn't fall victim to "everything happens in the last 10% of the book, so it feels like it comes out of nowhere." There's a really good ramping up of anxiety and pacing where things start coming together and falling through to the resolution without feeling rushed.

I love Ophelia's character arc, shifting from a small and unsure mess with one thing on her mind, to a more confident and angry women...who still has one thing on her mind, but also has a reason to live now. And Alex? We love a man in therapy. Men in therapy is my absolute favorite thing in fantasy/dark academia books, and this one was no exception.

I cannot WAIT for the second book to see what happens next, because these sweet baby angels deserve happiness!!

This one surprised me in the best way. It kicks off with tension and keeps twisting deeper with each chapter. There’s a darker, grittier tone under the romance and tropes that made it hard to walk away from once I got going.

Ophelia is sharp, guarded, and easy to root for. I liked how her grief and anger weren’t glossed over, and how that made her connection with Alex feel a little more earned. Their dynamic is complicated and yes, a little toxic at times, but it worked for me.

It’s dramatic, emotional, and just the right amount of chaotic. Great for anyone craving a darker academic setting with sharp edges and complicated characters.

WHAT IN TARNATION, OMG.

I truly needed a minute to sit with that ending because dear lord Autumn Woods, it just wasn’t even fair. Obviously I knew it was part one of a duet, but somehow I’m always shocked when the ending emotionally destroys my will to live.

Absolutely fabulously written, I had such a good time. I really connected with the author in this one. All of her references hit with me, and even some of the language she used. Felt very authentic university student, which I really enjoyed.

Ophelia, our dear sweet Ophelia. My heart bleeds for her, obviously trying to expose the man who had her parents killed takes a toll on her psyche. But I really just felt for her, all she really wants is people.

And Alex. So perfect, he’s a god tier yearning I swear. If you are here for the “who did this to you trope” I’m pretty sure this one changed my life. He just checked all of my boxes, mysteriously aloof, cold and distant BUT secretly a cinnamon roll. 10/10, I mean I guess he would have to be with SIX sisters.

Nightshade feels like mafia meets academia romance and I am so here for it. If you liked Nocticadia by Keri Lake, I think you will love this one too!!! I highly recommend it, but be cautioned- it hurt !!!! Also always check your triggers obviously!

4.5 ★
OKAY. I’ve been pressed about this one for weeks and when I got approved for the trad pub edition on NetGalley I smoooooth almost cried. I’d been seeing the author post about the vibes, the characters, the dark academia energy, and I just knew this would be my thing—and it was.

Let me start by saying: I had just DNF’d three books in three days. THREE. I was in a slump, a wasteland. Then Nightshade walked in with its fog-drenched Scottish university, mysterious deaths, enemies-to-lovers slow burn, and I was hooked. Ophelia Winters is that girl—sharp, hurting, on a mission—and I would follow her through fire. Alex Corbeau-Green? Unfairly hot. Tall, damaged, morally gray heir to generational trauma and a suspicious legacy? I’m listening (also this man is literally me, just a depressed king trying to off himself, hello??)

The chemistry between these two is fire. Like genuinely hot af. No thoughts, just vibes.

Also, this book had me in a chokehold with its pacing. I was getting toward the end thinking, “Okay, this is all wrapping up nicely… wait… huh… WHY IS THERE SUDDENLY EMOTIONAL DEVASTATION???” I was played. Utterly. It’s a duology and I have to wait??? WHEN WILL I KNOW PEACE???

Tbh, I really liked all of it—the atmosphere, the tension, the hidden motives, the heartbreak. It gave what it needed to give. If you're into dark academia, twisted legacies, and slow-burn romance with teeth, this one’s for you.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be screaming into the void until book two drops.

4.5 ★

“𝙈𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚. 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙝. 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩, 𝙢𝙮 𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙖𝙘𝙩, 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚."

Oh, this was ADDICTING. From the first chapter I was hooked, pulled into the dark mystery that Ophelia had been working to uncover. From there, it was the relatable emotions and insecurities, banter, and mysteriousness that had me wanting to read this non-stop.

Ophelia and Alex; a gloomy, introverted swimmer with a traumatized past on a mission for revenge, and a rich, sarcastic rugby player. They were never meant to be together yet worked so well. They became the light in each other's darkness, the comfort one another needed, the best of friends. I loved seeing their relationship develop from fiery angst to desire and yearning. Alex is a MAN, I loved him, have no notes. I loved Ophelia's development throughout the story, as well, seeing her grow from this broody, quiet woman to one who opened up and let others in.

Also, the emails?! I was living for those and the crossword flirting. The stalking, the mystery, the unraveling secrets, everything about this book kept getting more intense and more intriguing.

I can't wait to read book 2 after that ending because I desperately need to know what's going to happen between them now

This was a fun read! Was it a tad predicable? Yes. But was I hooked in to every moment with a brilliant cliffhanger! Eagerly waiting for the final part!
Dark academia, who done it, murder mystery, grumpy main characters with yearning and angst!!
This book really did take me by surprise with how much i enjoyed it.

🖤 Nightshade is the dark academia romance thriller you didn’t know you needed—until you can’t stop thinking about it.

Ophelia is an outcast with a plan: uncover the truth behind her parents’ suspicious deaths. But when she clashes with Alex Corbeau-Green—the son of her prime suspect—things get dangerously complicated. He’s as brooding as he is mysterious, and their fiery enemies-to-lovers chemistry is absolutely magnetic.

Expect:
🕵️‍♀️ Murder mystery & high-stakes revenge
🏰 Gothic Scottish Highlands setting
🔥 Grumpy x grumpy romance with forced proximity
🎓 Dark academia vibes with billionaire mafia intrigue
💔 Complex emotions and unexpected alliances

If you love Gothikana or Maxton Hall and crave a suspenseful, sexy story with edge-of-your-seat twists, this one’s for you. Bonus: the print edition includes a POV bonus chapter that adds even more depth to their first encounter.

This was my first Autumn woods book and I wasn't disappointed one bit. I love a good dark academia with a good love/hate grumpy relationship!!! That cliffhanger tho 😭 I will definitely be reading more by Autumn Woods. Thank you for the opportunity to arc read this book!

4/5 stars
2/5 peppers

This is my first book by Autumn Woods and I was not disappointed. Usually dark academia takes me a while to get into them but not Nightshade. I don't know what Ms. Woods did to make this book addictive and a page-turner but bless her for it. Plus I'm always down for a grumpy/grumpy love hate relationship. Although I am a spicy girly the slight tension and will they won't they kept me going. B the way that cliffhanger was rude... because what do you mean I have to wait.

Nightshade was mysterious and yet enchanting all at the same time. If you've never read Autumn Woods, you are missing out especially if you are a dark academia girly and need a new addiction. Thank you Netgalley and Zando/Slowburn for the opportunity to read this delicious book.

WOW
This was EVERYTHING, I'm actually not okay??
Nightshade is a dark academic romance, which bleeds raw emotion, insecurity, mystery and suspense. The two main characters, Ophelia and Alex are equally broken in different ways, Ophelia is left orphaned and finds herself at Sorrowsong University where she meets Alex, heir to a fortune and the caretaker of his entire family.
Ophelia has one goal - to find out who killed her parents, but re inescapable draw of Alex gets in the way.
I cannot express how much i enjoyed this story, it's filled with suspense, a stalker, death and heartbreak whilst we follow a raw and beautiful love story.
They flirt over email and crossword prompts and have such great banter it's just such a delight to read.
Ophelia is so scared to love, and be loved, whereas all Alex wants to do is love her and he cares so deeply.
Book two better come soon, i wasn't expecting the plot and writing to be this good, im so pleased i picked this up !

''It's you who's the sun, Ophelia. I am the moon. You keep me in this tortuous cycle, lighting me up for the shortest time before you disappear again and make me invisible."

"Stop looking at me like that, Alex."
"Like what?"
"Like I'm the only woman on the planet."
His eyebrows shoot up in very convincing surprise.
"There are other women on this planet?"

"One down. Seven letters. First letter O. I've had a long day, and I want her for dinner."

I cannot wait to get a hold of the physical copy of this book i utterly adore it <3

The vibes in this book were absolutely immaculate a perfect blend of dark academia and eerie, atmospheric moments that made it an ideal autumnal read. The setting was richly drawn and the moody, spooky undertones pulled me in right away.

The romance in the first half was a highlight. The slow burn, the yearning and the tension were incredibly well-written I was fully invested. But with all that buildup, I expected a more satisfying resolution. Unfortunately, it fell flat and didn’t quite match the emotional stakes that had been established.

As for the plot, it was engaging in the moment, with a thrilling buildup that kept me turning pages. But ultimately, the payoff didn’t land. The main twist was easy to predict and the ending felt rushed and underwhelming. I did enjoy the smaller twist at the very end it added a nice touch but it wasn’t enough to redeem the overall sense of disappointment.

In the end, this book had so much potential and started strong, but it didn’t quite deliver on its promises.

A great start to a duet.

I will say i found the first few chapters quite confusing and fast-paced. but I'm so glad I carried on. The banter and quick witt between Ophelia and Alex were 5 stars. i just wish we had a lot more of them.

Ophelia can come across as very self loathing at times and I personally don't think it needed as many pages as it did to describe it, however I can see how it was used to help us relate to her.

this is definitely a slow burn, but my god, when they finally get together, it is everything!!!!

"midnight, a hundred years from now,"

i can not wait to read the next part of their story. This does end in a big cliffhanger that will leave your jaw on the floor, so be prepared

Ahhh, I’m such a sucker for a broody bad boy who’s secretly a softie someone hold me, because I’m MELTING ❤️ This book was such a pleasant surprise, I got completely hooked and couldn’t put my Kindle down! 🔥

The story kicks off with Ophelia arriving at the university she absolutely did not want to attend 😤 The only reason she’s there is to prove that Cain Green, a powerful aviation tycoon, was responsible for her parents’ death 💔 And right from the start, she meets Alex... and let’s just say the enemies-to-whatever tension is instant ⚡ Things get even more complicated when she finds out he’s none other than Cain Green’s son 👀

💘 The characters completely won me over

Ophelia, with her fire and stubborn determination, challenges Alex at every turn 💥 And he... well, he’s that mysterious, cold-on-the-outside kind of guy who slowly wins you over with quiet gestures and heart-melting loyalty. ❤️‍🔥

Alex’s relationship with his sisters and his mom is so sweet 🥹 He’s always checking in, protecting them, taking care of everything… he’s a total softie! I wanted to put him in a little jar and keep him forever hahaha 😍 (okay, maybe I’m slightly possessive over him lol 😅)

The chemistry between the two leads? Off. The. Charts. 🔥💫
The tension, the snarky emails full of sarcasm and unresolved longing, the banter, the looks… this is enemies to lovers at its finest 😍 And once you start uncovering their pasts, their traumas, the secrets they’re carrying — it all hits even harder 💥💔

I also really appreciated how the author handled Ophelia’s friendships At first, she keeps everyone at arm’s length, trying to protect herself from getting hurt 😔 At one point, she even says she’s built walls too high to let anyone in, all out of fear of abandonment 💭 It was portrayed in such a sensitive and authentic way. Ophelia’s definitely more of an introspective character, and watching her slowly open up and let people in? That really touched me 💗

🖋 The author’s writing really worked for me too

It’s smooth, emotional, and engaging ✨ The characters’ feelings practically jumped off the page, I felt everything 💭 And the setting? Absolute perfection 🏰 A gothic Scottish castle full of secrets, dark hallways, and a moody atmosphere that fits the story’s tension and twists so well 🌫️ Also… I’m weak for a good university romance setting 📚💘

📚 All in all, I REALLY enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to dive into the next one! 😍 And that ending?! EXCUSE ME, I need answers right now 😭 Until then… I’ll just be here, dying a little inside 💘

💭 If you love dark academia, emotional scars, and layered characters with messy hearts… this one’s for you!

Nightshade was an enjoyable read, filled with secrets, mystery and a dark academia atmosphere. It’s the first in the Sorrowsong University duet, so this book does end on a cliffhanger.

It’s in the heroine’s POV only and there are some great tropes like grumpy-grumpy, hate to love, he falls first, close proximity and a slow burn romance.

There were a lot of elements I enjoyed in this book like the romantic suspense, the murder mystery, the Scottish castle setting and the rich dark academia romance. The writing was also easy to follow and the revenge plot kept me intrigued until the very end. While there were a few predictable moments, I still enjoyed where the story was heading. I loved all the secondary characters as well.

However, the pacing felt a bit weird and just all over the place. Several characters including the hero were also underdeveloped. I would have liked for the hero’s backstory to have been more explored upon.

The romance between the main characters was cute but very much a slow burn. Their banter was nice and I loved how understanding the hero was. I will say though, their romantic development wasn’t the strongest and lacked tension. There was also a lot of fade to black, so not a spicy romance.

Overall, just a quick and pleasant read that I’d recommend to dark academia lovers!

Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ophelia's fire and feisty attitude were absolute gold. From the moment her and Alex met she gave him a run for his money. I loved every second of it. I loved Alex's personality, and watching him take care of her through out was perfect. Especially with how much she really misjudges him. I really swooned hard for him.

I loved the dynamic between these two. The banter, and tension were so well done.

I love how broody, and gothic this story is described as being in a Scottish castle. That really demonstrated the perfect dynamic for the mysterious story line. The trauma and background of both of these characters were well thought out. You really got to understand their character and behavior.
I loved the side characters in this book and really hope they get their own book down the road!!!The cliffhanger ending was gold, and has left me so excited for the next book.

Tropes
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Dark Academia
Murder Mystery
Scottish Castle Setting


🌶️🌶️/5

"Until midnight."

🖤 Dark Gothic Academia
🖤 Romantic Suspense / Revenge
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Grumpy x Grumpy
🖤 He Falls First and Obsessed
🖤 Rugby Player x Swimmer
🖤 Scottish Castle Setting
🖤 Mental Health Rep
🖤 Himbo mafia heirs

If I could give this one more than 5 stars, I would! I devoured this book! Ophelia Winters accepts a prestigious scholarship to Sorrowsong University in Scotland in the hopes to prove her parents' deaths were at the hands of Cain Green, an American aviation tycoon. What she didn't anticipate was meeting Alexander Green, son of her enemy, the moment she gets to the university. She tries to avoid him at every turn but she soon finds herself the target of malicious threats and Alex may be the only one who can help.

This book is absolutely everything I could want in a gothic academic romance: dark and mysterious castle setting, enigmatic faculty, a delicious hate to love situationship with a man obsessed, all the angst and mental health representation, and feet kicking banter. We also get himbo mafia heirs, lethal ladies, found family, and short rugby shorts! What more could you want??

I absolutely loved Ophelia and Alex. They are both broken and just trying to survive, each with their own secret agendas in order to do so. They gravitate towards each other despite their hatred and their tension is palpable! Their banter, especially in their emails, had me kicking my feet! I couldn't get enough of them!

I quickly had the suspense figured out....until I didn't. That ending rocked me and I'm still in shock. What just happened?? I absolutely can't wait for the next book!

Thank you so much to Zando Slowburn for the advanced copy! 🖤

"Forget dying for her. I'd live for her. I feel like I could overcome all the darkness inside if only it meant I'd get a life in her company in return.”

🌸🩷Nightshade by Autumn Woods🩷🌸

⭐️⭐️⭐️. 75 out of 5: ARC Review

“Fucking hell, Twist, you’re obsessed with me.”

The beginning started off kind of weird. I didn’t really like the pacing because it felt like everything was happening way too fast. It would go from one scene to another pretty quickly. The book was dragged on and I felt like everything was happening but at the same time nothing was going on, if that makes sense. There were some parts that were entertaining but I mostly couldn’t connect with Ophelia’s character and I didn’t really feel the connection between the her and Alex until much later in the book. Her character was draining but I think that was the authors intention? Ophelia would constantly be crying and her emotions were all over the place that it made it hard to like her. I started to really like the book at like 70%. I do wish I could’ve liked this book earlier but for some reason I wasn’t feeling it. The ending did have me hooked tho!!I can’t wait to see what happened in book 2.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to review this book!

“Love makes a fool of us all in the end”

So, for some reason, I expected this to be a romantasy, but it wasn't at all. Romance, yes, fantasy no. But that did not matter at all.

I am completely invested in these characters and am desperate for the next book. The MMC was surprisingly swoony for such a dark premise.

Definitely recommended.

4.5 stars
This cliffhanger is going to haunt me forever. Or at least until I get the sequel in my hands. I absolutely loved this gothic academia romance with a hint of mystery and revenge. I will devour any book set at a university and this one worked really well for the plot. These characters had me absolutely HOOKED. The banter, the chemistry, the pining, I could go on forever but I just loved them. Alex Corbeau-Green, the man that you are. I had to pause reading to stare at the wall at one point because I was so overwhelmed by the tension, in the best way. I am going to be absolutely feral for the next book so I can find out what happens next for these characters that have lived in my mind rent free since I read this.

Academia Romance at its best

Alex Corbeau-Green, the man that you are. He's not like other guys, he's book boyfriend to the max. (he makes calling her Oliver Twist sexy??)

I've not highlighted a book like this in months.

x Eventually calls her baby
x Sweet misunderstood teddy bear MMC (for her)
x Grumpy/Moody FMC
x All the wit and banter you could ask for
x Scottish University setting
x She's being stalked
x Murder mystery??

The biggest shock for me whilst reading this was how witty and funny it was. I was actually laughing out loud during points of this book. This is in direct contrast to the gloomy setting and tone of the atmosphere throughout the novel. Woods manages to blend sharp wit into a world laced with tension, murder, grief, and mystery, expertly.

The dynamic between Alex and Ophelia is intoxicating. Alex brings charm to Ophelia’s broodiness, and their chemistry is undeniable from that first meeting. Despite Alex’s insistence otherwise, I knew he was a goner—and if there's one thing I love, it's a couple in denial. Their story is fuelled to the extreme; I flew through the pages.

Very if-we-were-villains-esque with less Shakespeare and more romance.

Huge thankyou to Panmacmillan and Netgalley for the e-arc