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Reviewed by LiteraryLure · 10 February 2026

Nightshade

Autumn Woods

Sorrowsong University, book 1

Active longing

“Suspicion stays active even as the attraction grows, giving the romance genuine tension.”

📖 Nightshade by Autumn Woods Rating 4.75/5

Ophelia arrives at Sorrowsong University in Scotland on scholarship, determined to uncover the truth about her parents' deaths. She believes Cain Green is responsible, which makes his son Alex an obvious enemy. When an anonymous tormentor begins targeting her, Alex becomes an uneasy ally.

The university setting delivers shadowed libraries, secretive societies, old money, and a constant sense of surveillance. Ophelia's investigation gives the romance a useful source of conflict because trusting Alex could threaten both her safety and her reason for being at Sorrowsong.

The attraction is intense, but suspicion remains active throughout the story. That tension keeps the relationship from overtaking the mystery. A few revelations depend on withheld information, yet the escalating threats and divided loyalties sustain the pace.

Nightshade is a dark academia romantic suspense novel with grief, stalking, family secrets, and a cliffhanger ending. It is best approached as the first part of an ongoing story rather than a complete mystery.

Published by LiteraryLure.

Cards

Book cover for "Nightshade," the first book in the Sorrowsong University series by Autumn Woods. The cover features a gothic-style arched window surrounded by various flowers and leaves against a dark, moody background. Text on the cover reads: "He's her enemy. She's his everything." The image supplements a book review.Book cover for "Nightshade," the first book in the Sorrowsong University series by Autumn Woods. The cover features a gothic-style arched window surrounded by various flowers and leaves against a dark, moody background. Text on the cover reads: "He's her enemy. She's his everything." The image supplements a book review.

Each one carries its own alt text. Nothing is cropped to fit.

What is in it

  • Dark Academia
  • Romantic Suspense

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