This book pulled me in from the beginning and kept me up past my adult work night bedtimes. It started off inconspicuous with a rich man meeting this girl with some amazing banter. I am here for the dark academia vibe this book took! I loved the back and forth between the MMC and FMC! I am so sad to have to now wait for book 2 (I need answers!). Overall writing and story were good! I have nothing negative to say about this book, I couldn’t stop reading it. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a book with rich/CEO posh dark Scottish academia vibes. I will be back for book 2!

Thank you NetGalley and Zando publishing for the arc!

Wow! I was not sure what to expect going into this book but I am SO glad I read it.

I was hooked from the first chapter. I was completely invested in the characters and the story. Even the side characters were a good and I hope they get their own books in the future. Nothing is what it seems. The relationship between Ophelia and Alex was just, heartwarming. They were each what the other needed. He knew she didn't come from money, but he never made her feel less than for not having it. The way his family embraced her without even having met her, it brought tears to my eyes. She tried so hard not to fall in love, but it was inevitable.

The writing was good and easy to follow. The story flowed really well and the pacing was on point. I didn't ever feel bored or rushed. That cliffhanger though!? How much can two people take before they completely break? I have thoughts on the end, but I will have to wait until part two to find out if I am right. It can't come soon enough, I am OBSESSED! I stayed up past my bedtime to finish this because I HAD TO KNOW!

Thank you #NetGalley for letting me review this!

3.5 Stars

Autumn Woods sets the stage for Nightshade with a strong hook: a grieving, revenge-fueled Ophelia Winters is enrolled at Sorrowsong University on scholarship to uncover the truth behind her parents deaths. Add-in a forbidden love interest, a creepy castle, and dark academia vibes. For a while, it works. There’s tension, high stakes, and a slow burn between the FMC and MMC. The banter is great, the friendships are mediocre, but the stalker/murder plotline is just creepy enough to keep you turning pages.

But, here’s where the story starts to unravel: the execution. It really needed a few more edits. This feels more like a first draft than a finished novel. It is odd, too, considering that this was originally an indie novel and is now being traditionally published. You would think that edits were made (and maybe they were, and in that case I suggest a new editor altogether). There are timeline jumps (weeks, months)—especially after emotionally pivotal moments—making it hard to stay grounded. Character motivations sometimes shift without enough buildup (Ophelia and Alex’s hate-to-love whiplash is a prime example), and too many plot points are introduced without being fully explored.

To name a few:
- Why doesn’t Ophelia just record the tape when she visits Laura?
- Why hasn’t anyone at Sorrowsong—where secrets are currency—figured out who Ophelia is and that her parents are actually dead?
- Why was Ophelia’s house changed at the last minute (Hemlock to Nightshade) if house assignments are preselected in the first place?
- What really happened between Bancroft and Annalise? He says that Annalise chose Ophelia, which is why he took the hit out on her parents. But there's no build up. This should have been included in the letter he (i.e. the stalker) left in Ophelia's room with all the polaroids.

All of these questions (and more) are introduced, but few are followed through with the weight they deserve. AND MY GOD, if they were elaborated upon...I'm telling you FIVE STARS ALL AROUND. Frankly, this book feels like a great early draft. More time developing the plot lines that matter, especially Ophelia’s backstory, her parents’ involvement at Sorrowsong, and the layers of betrayal leading up to their deaths would make this book a true standout. Also, I would not be offended by a dual timeline. It would have added emotional resonance and helped tie everything together more cohesively. Nonetheless, Nightshade is a bingeable read and I WILL be reading book 2 because the basic premise is fantastic. I just hope it's edited better than book 1.

I’ve been nursing this book since mid April. I really wanted to like it but I just was not connecting with the characters. DNF at 70%.

Thank you Netgalley and Zando for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Although this book held great promise, it fell flat for me. My expectations were very high since I knew many people who gave it 5 stars, but I was let down.

The writing wasn`t for me. It was repetitive, had too many pop culture references and the dialogue was cringe and unnatural. I also had trouble getting lost in the story as I didn`t really get the whole mafia university thing set in the modern world. The pacing was also strange, fast yet slow at the same time.

Even though this book wasn`t for me, clearly many people loved it!

This book had such a hooking beginning! It’s very mysterious, suspenseful, humorous/ sarcastic and tension-filled!

I couldn’t put it down! In my opinion, everything was put together well and I absolutely loved the dynamic between the FMC & MMC (Ophelia & Alex). The plot twists were great, and the anticipation and action were written so well!

It was amazing, but that ending was so crazy; I need book 2 right now!!!

This book exceeded all my expectations—it’s everything you could want in a romantic suspense. Raw emotion, deep insecurities, buried desires, and scorching-hot angst hit like a gut-punch in the best way.

I especially loved the healthy communication between the main characters. No over-the-top reactions to small secrets, just maturity and empathy.

While I guessed the stalker early on (thriller reader instincts), the final twist still surprised me.

If you’re into dark gothic academia and love watching two broken people slowly fall for each other, this one’s for you. I can’t recommend it enough.

Thank you Autumn Woods and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is my first book by this author and i absolutely loved it! Great flow, character development. I just wanted to keep reading it! Thanks for the ARC!

4⭐ / 1.25 🌶️

The standout element for me was the two main characters, Ophelia and Alex. Ophelia is one of the most relatable FMCs I’ve read in a long time—her grief and loneliness were portrayed so well. Both characters felt incredibly real. I also loved the humor—some moments had me laughing out loud, and the author balanced the light and serious themes beautifully.

The book was not without flaws. The writing was a little disjointed and unclear at times. The actual story itself was super unrealistic, so you’ll definitely need to suspend your disbelief. On top of that, the plot was fairly predictable.

Four stars because I loved the main characters and I thought the slow burn romance was written very well.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for advanced copy.

4.5 ⭐️ Thank you NetGalley and Autumn Woods for the ARC of Nightshade in return for an honest review.

What a vibe! Set in Scotland, Dark Academia, Slow Burn Enemies to Lovers

I hoovered this book up in less than a day. So easy to read... kept you invested in the enemies to lovers and the mystery.

What he said when she found the photo of him with his choice of clothing poking out of his jacket pocket had me mouth opened and slapping myself in the face. I bloody love books that make me have such a visceral reaction 🤣

I don't really think plain contemporary romance is for me... but actually this had enough in it to keep me not only interested but invested. The characters back stories and experiences were well written and made the book an emotional experience.

It had me high, low, shocked, giggling... and despite guessing the twist still found it checked that box for me. I am a sucker for a misunderstood MMC so I may have added on a star for that 🤣

Really enjoyed the writing style and story planning by the author so will 100% be looking for more of Autumns work in future. I'm especially looking forward to book two now I've just been left on that cliffhanger!

• Dark Academic Romance
• Enemies to Lovers
• Slow Burn
• Schmurder
• Stalking
• Rich Mafia x Working Class
• Family Secrets

Huge thank you to Zando and Autumn Woods for letting me get my little gremlin hands on this one early!

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

I - SIT. DOWN.

Now listen. I knew this was book one in a duet. I knew that. And yet, SOMEONE could’ve reminded me before the ending hit me like a truck and left me sitting there in emotional shambles.

I absolutely adore Ophelia. I want to wrap her in a heated blanket burrito and protect that soft, loyal little heart of hers. And Alex? That sweet, feral, too-tired-for-this 23-year-old boy has been holding it together for way too long. I just - I love them. Broken, bruised, constantly spiraling, and clinging to each other like they’re the last good thing on Earth. Delicious.

The murder mystery + stalker vibes? So good. The slow burn tension? Oof. The spice? Minimal, but it’s good when it’s there because the vibes demand it. And the twisty plot? I thought I had it. I did not. (To be fair, I’m not here to solve crimes. I’m here to highlight unhinged quotes and scream into the void.)

Anyway. 5 stars. No notes. Autumn, if you're looking for an early reader for book two, my calendar is wide open.

I am at a loss for words here. This was just phenomenal.

If you are looking to be sucked into a book that will emotionally ruin you? This is the book for you.

The MFC Ophelia is hellbent on revenge after her parent's tragically pass away. The MMC Alex is a rugby player who is struggling with his mental health and juggling sports, school and a tragic family situation. This one is a slow burn romance that had me SQUIRMING in my seat with anticipation. But wait-there's a twist. Alex is the son of the person Ophelia blames for her parents death.

Alex is everything a girl could want-- tall, dark, handsome and BROODY. He is a tortured soul who is fiercely protective of his loved ones and he will do absolutely anything for his family. Ophelia is resilient, vulnerable and her story and home life? Heart breaking. I just wanted to wrap her up in a blanket and hug her while I was reading this.

--

I love myself a dark academia with creepy mysteries and secrets lurking in the shadows. There's the enemies to lovers trope that I died for and the characters are just the perfect pair. They're complex but seem to bring out the best in one another. The banter was *chefs kiss* and had me giggling and kicking my lil feet. The characters made it impossible to have a favorite imo. I connected with and loved both of them for very different reasons.

Additional tropes I loved: slow burn and he falls first

BUT warning...the ending WILL WRECK YOU. I honestly cried and I don't know what to do with myself. What a cliffhanger like WHAT.

Overall, I loved the writing style and I highlighted the heck out of this. This book is a must read and I NEED book 2 nooooow. But I will settle for my physical trophy copy soon.

Wow, wow, wow... WOW. This book was just phenomenal. It exceeded every nonexistent expectation that I had. The emotions? Raw. The angst? 🥵.

Ophelia is probably one of the MOST relatable characters I've read about in a hot minute. I felt like I was on the page with the abandonment problems, trust issues, and a need/craving for validation.

The character development was incredible. It was elegantly crafted, so utterly raw, and progressive. Woods created such layers in her characters. I just wanted more and more, and she gave it.

The banter between Ophelia and Alex? Yes yes yes yes!

I didn't want it to end! It was such an incredible book. I just wanted to keep going!🖤

4.5
AUTUMN!?? AUTUMN WOODS!!

How dare you??? I’m gonna need serious damage control after that cliffhanger. My therapy bills will be hitting your inbox in the near future.

Alex?? ALEX!! He’s on my top book boyfriend list. Number 1, I’m not even joking. I made a whole list just to put him on top.

“Wherever you want, love. It’s home if we’re there.”

Guys I’m actually feral for him you don’t understand. Get you a man who will punch someone and do unspeakable things to them for even UTTERING your name. He understands how broken and fragile Ophelia feels and treats her with nothing but gentleness and pure devotion.

“I’d stop at nothing to see her happy.”

Please pleas please please tell me they’re alright!?? My babies. Ophelia and Alex. Their love is beyond what I could have expected. He loves her so much I physically ACHED me when they couldn’t fully be together because of circumstances ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 Love love love them.

I kept flipping the pages thinking I couldn’t possibly be more surprised, but Autumn really had me reeling. Gasping, choking, crying, all of the above. She doesn’t hold back the plot twists.

PLEASE GO READ THIS AMAZING BOOK ASAP!!

Thank you to Zando for the earc. Will definitely be getting a physical copy and the second book as soon as it’s out.
I will be updating with my Instagram review as soon as I post it.

This book forms the first half of a duet and the story will be completed in the second book.

This book had me hooked almost instantly, and if I wasn’t busy, I wouldn’t be putting it down.

There were a few moments where it kind of jumped from idea/place/scene to another which was a little bit confusing and made me have to reread some parts this could just be because it’s the ARC.

I had such a fun time reading this!! I need the second part ASAP!!

Thank you for the ARC :)

I found it hard to get into the very beginning of this book but honestly I don’t know how much of it was solely based on the actual words of the book and how much was just the god awful formatting of the earc I had but by a few chapters in I was so invested that I couldn’t put it down, even with the formatting that was actually giving me a headache. I fell in love with all the characters and I can’t wait for the next book in the series! If yall are fans of romance books with murder and mystery then I’d recommend this one

tropes:
hate to love
mystery
forced proximity
man obsessed
dual pov
who did this to you?

Honestly, even though it was a little predictable at times, I still really enjoyed it! The writing was super satisfying, and the banter between the characters was top tier. Autumn has a really natural, original voice, and I’m definitely curious to check out more of her books.

Was it a bit familiar? Sure. But it was one of those books where even if you can see where it’s going, you’re still fully along for the ride. I loved the dark academia vibes, the mafia drama, and the fact that both main characters had way more depth than you expect at first glance.

If you like dark romance, broody love interests, and a heroine who refuses to be anyone’s victim, Nightshade is worth picking up. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Autumn Woods.

Think gothic, moody dark vibes - with academia/murder mystery and slow burn romance sprinkled in there, and this is the book for you!
Gumpy sunshine Alex lives up to his name but is fiercely protective of Ophelia and she in turn is slow to trust and lonely. The banter is great, the book could do with a little bit polishing but overall I really enjoyed this!

This was so good!!!! Can I give it six stars?!?

I DEVOURED this ! A dark academia with a revenge plot that will have you on the edge of your seat! With the best romance I’ve read in a while! Cannot wait for the next book!

Romantic suspense has a new bar for me and this was it! It was so angsty and emotionally raw but it was also INSANELY hot. I’m already ready for the next one and can’t wait to request it for my grubby little hands.