Absolutely devoured this one. Nightshade is a gritty romantasy full of sharp edges, slow-burning enemies-to-lovers tension, and one seriously badass heroine. The pacing is relentless - in a good way! And the emotional stakes hit hard. I especially loved the way the author peeled back the characters’ layers over time, revealing vulnerabilities beneath all that strength.

The world felt dark but immersive, with a hint of political intrigue and a heavy dose of danger. Definitely a standout in the romantasy space.

🔥 Main takeaways: Addictive chemistry, complex leads, and top-tier angst
🖤 Would recommend if you enjoyed: Throne of Glass, The Bridge Kingdom, or The Shadows Between Us

This book is so incredible i cant recommend it enough, the setting, plot characters, chemistry everything about this book is perfection. i was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC and i have no doubt this book is going to blow up from how amassing it is.

Pre thoughts
- romance?

Post thoughts
- Very atmospheric read
- The tension and plot twists!!!
- Vincenzo is a great side character


Overall:
I need the second book in the series!!! I devoured this book in two days and it was an absolutely beautiful read, the healthy development of the characters and mental health representation is lovely. I can’t wait to see how this series’s progresses.

Stars 4/5
Spice 2/5


Tropes:
Slow burn
Enemies to lovers

Thank you net gallery, zando and Autumn woods for the opportunity to review this ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own xx

I enjoyed this! Loved the setting at the university and all mystery surrounding Ophelia’s parents death! Loved the characters and that they had so many differences but actually were quite similar. Love the relationship Alex has with his sisters! Looking forward to the next book!

It was hypnotizing and intoxicating. The banter between Ophelia and Alex was so funny. I swear you could feel the tension between them through the screen. 💙

Ophelia is a sassy red head and Alex is the tough rich kid in the school. I found myself snickering each time Ophelia talked to Alex.

Ophelia has her walls so high up and is set for revenge/justice but she eventually finds herself in a conflicting situation. Should she follow her heart or get justice for her parents. This story gives off gloomy weather, gothic vibes, and the feeling that you are always being watched.

💙Hate to Love
💙 Cute & Funny Banter
💙 Kinda a slow burn
💙Anonymous stalker
💙Murder Mystery
💙Low spice, like pretty tame imo

I knew who the stalker was pretty quick but I think it was the lack of male characters that could keep me guessing and only one character fit the criteria. I wish there were more options so I could keep guessing.

The book ends on a cliffhanger but I’m dying to dig into Autumn’s brain to get spoilers. I definitely recommend this story for those cold, gloomy, shady days. It’s a quick read so grab a cup of coffee and your cuddle buddy to binge this book.

Thank you so much to Zando, Slowburn and Autumn Wood for the eARC! I am dying for the second book. 😭🥺

I still think that this book was perfect!!

From the very first chapter, Nightshade had me hooked. The tension between Alex and Ophelia is unreal, they bicker, banter, and glare at each other like they’ve been at war for years, and yet the chemistry is just chef’s kiss. They’re both so sarcastic I started giggling like crazy. Like actually out loud. It’s the kind of witty back-and-forth that makes you fall for the characters without even realizing it.

And let’s talk about THE EMAILS. When Ophelia was hiding under the couch and emailing him? Pure. Perfection. I was literally smiling like an idiot through the whole thing, kicking my feet and everything. It was the perfect mix of tension, awkwardness, and that slow burn magic that makes you keep turning the page at 2 a.m.

The mystery at the heart of the story is just as gripping as the romance. Ophelia’s parents d!ed in a helicopter crash, but someone deleted the evidence. She’s sure Cain (ugh, I forgot his last name too but you know who I mean) is behind it. So what does she do? She marches herself right into his territor, the university his son attends, to find out the truth.

And he is suspiciously hot who nearly runs her over with his car on day one. Because of course he does.

The university setting is so atmospheric, it honestly gave me Harry Potter vibes with the different “houses,” the eerie paintings, and the strange, secretive energy lurking in the halls. It’s the best feeling, being pulled into a world that feels both magical and dangerous.

In short: the romance? Flawless. The mystery? Addictive. The vibes? Immaculate.
Nightshade is one of those books you finish and immediately want to reread just to feel it all again

Nightshade by Autumn Woods follows Ophelia Winters, who earns a scholarship to Sorrowsong University, a secluded and elite school. She has one goal: uncover the truth behind her parents’ mysterious deaths near the university grounds and get revenge on those responsible. Things become more complicated when she crosses paths with Alex Corbeau-Green, the son of the man she suspects.
It’s very much an enemies-to-lovers setup, but what made it work for me was the slow build. The tension between Ophelia and Alex is really well done, intense without being rushed.
The writing style took a little time to get used to. At first, I found it a bit confusing, but as the story unfolded it got better and I was to curious to find out what happens next.
One detail I really loved was the use of word definitions as email subject lines. Those moments added so much personality and depth to Alex and Ophelia’s dynamic.
Honestly, I didn’t think I’d get so invested in this book, but by the end, I was completely hooked. The mystery kept me curious, the emotional beats hit harder than I expected, and the romance was just so good. Also, guys with sisters? Always a win. There's something about that quiet emotional intelligence that just hits.
Nightshade ended up being an unexpectedly great read. Dark, atmospheric, and a little messy in the best way. If you like tension, layered characters, and a touch of revenge, this one’s worth picking up.
Thank you netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book early! And I really can’t wait for book two!!

3.75 stars

While I liked this book, I definitely didn’t LOVE it. I love a dark academia so was excited for this one but it just felt like it didn’t quite know what it wanted to be. There were some very dark and very mysterious parts but then other parts were very lighthearted. I get that that’s kind of the point and they’re pretty young so it makes sense it just didn’t feel totally cohesive. The dislike between the main characters was very heavy handed without a good reason, especially on Alex’s end. (I get why Ophelia didn’t like him lol). Once they stop hating each other there’s some sweet parts and I like how Alex took care of Ophelia. He really showed her that she deserved good things which was very sweet.
I will probably read the second book but it’s not at the top of my tbr.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for the ARC!

I went into this book with no expectations and ended up really enjoying it! The eerie school, the suspense in both the plot and romance, the cast of characters, and the authentic insecurities and struggles were all very well balanced. Though this book was predictable, and some of the events felt a bit rushed/could use a bit more fleshing out, this story is so easy to get lost in, you'll read it in one sitting! Looking forward to book two!

If you enjoy mystery, suspense, drama, romance with great banter, a dark academia setting, and some found family, pick up this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Zando for this ARC!

“We deserve each other.” “Until midnight.” I can hear his grin. “Until midnight, a hundred years from now.”

Thank you thank you to Zando/Slowburn for reaching out to me and asking if I’d like to read this book cause I LOVED IT. I haven’t read a dark academia in a while and this book was what my soul was missing! The twists, the turns, and the suspense was everything I could want. Ophelia and Alex were everything! The hate to love/ enemies to lovers/ grumpyxgrumpy vibes were PERFECT. The ending though was absolutely diabolical. It was evil. Such a good cliffy though. I am completely feral for the next book! I need it like I need air!!

“One down. Seven letters. First letter O. I’ve had a long day, and I want her for dinner.” Holy fuck.

While this book was not spicy really it didn’t matter. The story was what drove me but also the A&O had such chemistry. It felt like it was spicier than it was! Add this to your tbr ASAP! Trust me. It’s also on KU. I’ve already gotten one friend to become obsessed with it…let’s see how many more I get to join the obsession.

I stumbled over this book and thought why not give this new to me author a try. And I found a new favorite read of mine.
Nightshade by Autumn Woods, published by Zando Projects, is the first book in the Sorrowsong University Series. Nightshade is not a stand alone, the story ends with a cliffie and continues in the next book, coming supp 2025.
This is the introduction to Ophelia and Alex' story, their lives, their pasts and maybe their destinies.
A slow burn that gripped me and didn't let go anymore. After finishing this gem of a story I'm waiting for the next installment to released. I recommend the book, 5 well deserved stars.

From: Mysticbooksandmae
Subject: five stars (adjective) a rating you give a book when it consumes your every thought
Date: Friday 18th April 10:30 CST
To: Anyone who needs and amazing book rec

Alex mf-ing Corbeau-Green!!!! I haven’t been enamoured with a mmc like this in a long while!! I loved Alex and Ophelia’s dynamic from the moment they were introduced to one another and it just kept getting better! They were both so well fleshed out, and I really appreciated each of their unique quirks. Am I going to start dressing like Oliver Twist and carrying crosswords now? Quite possibly! Also, where is a man who will send me flirty emails because I blocked his number but he’s so obsessed with me he needs to keep reaching out?!
Not only were our main characters lush and dynamic, but I also adored the dark academic setting Nightshade takes place in. Sorrowsong is not a normal university, it is filled with students from powerful and corrupt families from across the world. There were some truly dark moments, and the setting only amplified them!
I cannot believe I don’t have book two of this planned duology to immediately dive into because my babies were left in the worst situations!!:,)

I’m obsessed
I’m obsessed
I’m obsessed
Did I forget to mention, that I’m obsessed??
This scratched every itch I didn’t even know I needed scratched. I’m quite literally chomping at the bit for more. And since I know this is only part one of the duet, I’ll get my fix of Ophelia and Alex soon enough.
Some of the storyline felt predictable, in the most nostalgic way possible. Their banter was unmatched and I have secured myself another book boyfriend for sure.

I am quite literally HUNGOVER from staying up wayy too late reading this from start to finish 😭😍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

This book was everything with its dark academia vibes, the slight dark romance vibes, a creepy stalker, mysterious deaths and an enemies-to-lovers romance 🔥🔥

The banter in this had me actively cackling out loud. I loved the way they had this intense chemistry but also fought back and forth flirtatiously. This one is a slowwww burn but it had me HOOKED.

I loved Ophelia’s character and how she was determined to find out what she could about her parents deaths. Did I think she was a little technologically stupid? Absolutely. Like girl come on, but at the same time she spends her time doing crosswords in those little books that I only ever see the elderly doing so I guess it checks out.

Alex was my favorite though. This broody, dark man who not only fell first but had so much love for his mother and sisters that it makes it impossible to hate him. (I can see why Ophelia couldn’t make herself hate him honestly).

THAT ENDING. Please give me the next book ASAP because I needdddd to know what’s going to happen. If this book isn’t on your radar it really should be!

🖤 Big thanks to Zando, Autumn Woods and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!!

Rating: 4.25 stars

I FLEW THROUGH THIS ONE.

This was fast, intriguing and a good time.

The characters grow and they are very easy to invest in.

The romance develops at a good pace and is really addicting. The banter is so so good!!!

The story unfolds really nicely and there were definitely moments where I thought we were going to go down a very cliche route but I was pleasantly surprised.

The mystery element is executed nicely. It keeps you on your toes and though it may not be the most twisty, it’s still satisfying.

I’m so so excited for the next book.

4.75

This exceeded all of my expectations!! It was so captivating and Alex was so sweet. I loved the characters and the setting and oh my goood <b>the ending</b>. Brutal. Give me the second book — now please.

I do have a few minor complaints, because when do I not.

Primarily, the transition from the like first half of the book (enemies) to the second half (lovers) was very sudden. They went from like a 6 to 100 on feelings towards each other in like two chapters, but when it happens it HAPPENS.

The reveal could be seen from a mile—let’s be real, ten miles—away, but I wasn’t reading this book for the mystery so it didn’t bother me too much.

All in all though, this was so good, especially for a book and author I’d never heard of. I would definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

omg 😱I need book 2 like yesterday please & thank you 😱



I honestly devoured this book.
The story was so intriguing I just couldn’t stop reading it!

I feel for Ophelia & Alex so much. They both went through way too much sh*t at their age and I loved how perfect they were for each other ! I can’t wait to see more of them in book 2 ❤️

I honestly don’t know how Ophelia managed to keep her secrets from Alex that long. I swear she had so many chances to tell him the truth & I was like “JUST TELL HIM” but she didn’t 😅 I get why she didn’t but that doesn’t mean that the anticipation wasn’t killing me!

Also the banter between them was just chef’s kiss. 💋 i highlighted so many quotes 🤭

The ending had me 😱🤯 i thought I knew who the villain was but now I don’t think do 🤯

I truly can’t wait for the next one !!

okayyyy and when i tell you i need the next one immediately then what?! this was the dark academia (with a hint of romance 🙂‍↕️) of my dreams!! i already love this world and these characters sm i need to know what happens next

This book was HEAVEN!!!
Dark Academia University with a twisted MMC and a FMC who has a heartbreaking backstory but still keeps going no matter what.
A Stalker, murders and more gripping your attention while reading this book and keeping you in suspense.
Alex and Ophelia were strangers to haters to lovers but then the ending happened and it broke me.
I also really loved the side character Vincenzo...he's like a golden retriever mob boss...absolutely adorable and hilarious and the right amount of comedic relief one needed.
I can't wait to find out what happens in Book 2!
And Thank you for sending me this Arc. i really loved diving into this world!

This was a really good college, academy setting, mystery romance. Full of hilarious side characters, Vincenzo I hope you get your own book, and MCs that were both lovable. This book had tons of mystery and drama mixed in with the elite class of people who are okay with killing anyone who gets in their way. I never guessed who Ophelia’s stalker was and the major twist regarding her parents took me by surprise. The ending was a completely rollercoaster and I’m definitely looking forward to book two!
Thank you so much Zando for the review copy!