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A Mortal Attachment
A lush, foreboding dark academia romance where secrets, tragedy, and a love worth killing for live within the walls of a secluded university.
Gwendolyn University, prestigious and notoriously private, conceals itself in the remote mountains of northeastern Vermont. It provides a world class education and only asks for a few things return:
Work hard. Surrender your personal devices. Stay inside after midnight.
Attending Gwendolyn is an unrealized dream for Astra Corrigan. She turned them down and, years later, finds herself at the gates as an independent journalist, invited to stay on campus to do an exclusive feature on the murder of five students at the hands of a professor they never caught.
Astra expected to have rules of engagement to follow. She didn’t expect a handler—the aloof and captivating Professor Dane Morgensen. Despite him thwarting her research efforts at every turn, she can’t fight her growing attraction to the astronomy professor.
After two more students die and Astra’s evidence vanishes, she discovers that something more sinister—and supernatural—might be at play with Gwendolyn and its cryptic faculty. She doesn’t know if she can trust the man she shouldn’t be falling in love with, either, but she must uncover the truth about Gwendolyn before she becomes a pawn in a battle of supernatural proportions.
Praise for A Mortal Attachment:
"The chemistry between Dane and Astra is undeniable and just as intriguing as the mystery Baron creates. Her consistent, lyrical writing conjures images of ominous shadows and uncertainty [and] descriptions of Gwendolyn create a haunting backdrop for murder, mystery, and vampires."
—The BookLife Prize Critic's Report
Gwendolyn University, prestigious and notoriously private, conceals itself in the remote mountains of northeastern Vermont. It provides a world class education and only asks for a few things return:
Work hard. Surrender your personal devices. Stay inside after midnight.
Attending Gwendolyn is an unrealized dream for Astra Corrigan. She turned them down and, years later, finds herself at the gates as an independent journalist, invited to stay on campus to do an exclusive feature on the murder of five students at the hands of a professor they never caught.
Astra expected to have rules of engagement to follow. She didn’t expect a handler—the aloof and captivating Professor Dane Morgensen. Despite him thwarting her research efforts at every turn, she can’t fight her growing attraction to the astronomy professor.
After two more students die and Astra’s evidence vanishes, she discovers that something more sinister—and supernatural—might be at play with Gwendolyn and its cryptic faculty. She doesn’t know if she can trust the man she shouldn’t be falling in love with, either, but she must uncover the truth about Gwendolyn before she becomes a pawn in a battle of supernatural proportions.
Praise for A Mortal Attachment:
"The chemistry between Dane and Astra is undeniable and just as intriguing as the mystery Baron creates. Her consistent, lyrical writing conjures images of ominous shadows and uncertainty [and] descriptions of Gwendolyn create a haunting backdrop for murder, mystery, and vampires."
—The BookLife Prize Critic's Report
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2026
About the author
Melissa Baron
2 books127 followersMelissa Baron is a technical writer and editor from Chicago. She holds a B.A. in English and a graduate certification in publishing and editing from the Denver Publishing Institute. She is a former Book Riot contributor. In her spare time she likes to play video games, watch horror movies, travel with her husband, and play with their two cats, Denali and Mango.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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August 19, 2025Dark academia vampire MF romance.
September 2, 2026
I recieved and Arc from the author for this one and I really enjoyed it!
It was a unique concept I’ve never read or heard about and I flew trough it.
Astra and Dane💓
It was a unique concept I’ve never read or heard about and I flew trough it.
Astra and Dane💓
September 18, 2026
That last 15% felt like a fever dream holy shit.
I love everything about this book.
Full review to come.
I love everything about this book.
Full review to come.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
A Must-Read for Yearners and Gothic Setting Lovers
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC copy from BookSirens. I am not being paid for this review and below are my honest thoughts.
This dual perspective novel was an absolute joy to read. It’s criminal that I’m already finished with the first installment and I have to wait for the next one.
It’s the full package; intriguing murders, conspiracies, jaw-dropping reveals, a yearning romance with a satisfying payoff, witty dialogue, and poetic writing that makes the reader experience the author’s version of our own world with pointed and gothically beautiful clarity.
I was consistently blown away by the evocative imagery, but the first line that stood out to me was during Astra and Dane’s first meeting:
“He needed to know if it was going to be more of the same—if she’d come here to pry open their coffins with a crowbar and sift through the remains, heedless of the pain it caused.”
It’s a thin line to balance a macabre and poetically beautiful writing style without becoming overly flowery or gratuitous, and Melissa Baron strolls on that line with confidence and ease, much like how she tastefully has Astra explore the murders through her journalism.
Outside of the poeticism, the inner monologue and moments of attraction from both Astra and Dane made me giggle out loud and yearning for more, as well as provided a welcome contrast with the sobering real-world stakes and a cleverly hidden-in-plain-sight supernatural reveal.
Apart from everything else, all aspects of knowledge were very well-researched by the author. Whether it be the small details of Astra’s content creation, any one of Dane’s astronomy lessons, or brief interjections of art history knowledge, I felt I was learning from a seasoned professional on all fronts.
I’ll finish this off with a quote from Dane:
“This little infatuation would surely pass.”
Spoiler: it did not for Dane and neither will my love for this book.
Book two cannot come soon enough!
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC copy from BookSirens. I am not being paid for this review and below are my honest thoughts.
This dual perspective novel was an absolute joy to read. It’s criminal that I’m already finished with the first installment and I have to wait for the next one.
It’s the full package; intriguing murders, conspiracies, jaw-dropping reveals, a yearning romance with a satisfying payoff, witty dialogue, and poetic writing that makes the reader experience the author’s version of our own world with pointed and gothically beautiful clarity.
I was consistently blown away by the evocative imagery, but the first line that stood out to me was during Astra and Dane’s first meeting:
“He needed to know if it was going to be more of the same—if she’d come here to pry open their coffins with a crowbar and sift through the remains, heedless of the pain it caused.”
It’s a thin line to balance a macabre and poetically beautiful writing style without becoming overly flowery or gratuitous, and Melissa Baron strolls on that line with confidence and ease, much like how she tastefully has Astra explore the murders through her journalism.
Outside of the poeticism, the inner monologue and moments of attraction from both Astra and Dane made me giggle out loud and yearning for more, as well as provided a welcome contrast with the sobering real-world stakes and a cleverly hidden-in-plain-sight supernatural reveal.
Apart from everything else, all aspects of knowledge were very well-researched by the author. Whether it be the small details of Astra’s content creation, any one of Dane’s astronomy lessons, or brief interjections of art history knowledge, I felt I was learning from a seasoned professional on all fronts.
I’ll finish this off with a quote from Dane:
“This little infatuation would surely pass.”
Spoiler: it did not for Dane and neither will my love for this book.
Book two cannot come soon enough!
Review of advance copy
A Mortal Attachment was such an easy story for me to fall into. Dark academia already has a special pull for me, and this had that wonderfully secluded, slightly foreboding quality that immediately made me want to settle in and discover what was hiding beneath the surface. There were definite Nocticadia type vibes in the atmosphere, which made the reading experience even more appealing to me.
What I appreciated most was how effortlessly the story moved. The writing is polished without feeling overly elaborate, the pacing remains steady, and there is a persistent sense of uncertainty that kept my curiosity alive. I never felt as though I was waiting for something to happen; there was always another subtle detail or unanswered question encouraging me forward.
I’m also a sucker for a well executed slow burn, and this one suited the darker tone beautifully. The chemistry develops with patience, giving the tension room to build rather than forcing the connection too quickly. Add in the supernatural element, particularly the vampire aspect, and this landed firmly within my favorite kind of reading territory.
This wasn’t a story I had to work to become invested in. I simply slipped into its world and stayed there. It was mysterious, atmospheric, romantic, and wonderfully readable without becoming unnecessarily complicated.
An engaging and genuinely enjoyable read that reminded me exactly why dark academia paired with supernatural romance works so well for me.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC.
What I appreciated most was how effortlessly the story moved. The writing is polished without feeling overly elaborate, the pacing remains steady, and there is a persistent sense of uncertainty that kept my curiosity alive. I never felt as though I was waiting for something to happen; there was always another subtle detail or unanswered question encouraging me forward.
I’m also a sucker for a well executed slow burn, and this one suited the darker tone beautifully. The chemistry develops with patience, giving the tension room to build rather than forcing the connection too quickly. Add in the supernatural element, particularly the vampire aspect, and this landed firmly within my favorite kind of reading territory.
This wasn’t a story I had to work to become invested in. I simply slipped into its world and stayed there. It was mysterious, atmospheric, romantic, and wonderfully readable without becoming unnecessarily complicated.
An engaging and genuinely enjoyable read that reminded me exactly why dark academia paired with supernatural romance works so well for me.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*4.5 stars*
Do I love vampire reads? Absolutely and this one delivered!
I loved how I didn’t even see the love interest coming, but somehow Dane wormed his way straight into my heart. I love that he’s a man who keeps to himself, yet loves sharing his knowledge about the stars with his students. What he reveals throughout the story surprised even me, although there were definitely a few hints here and there that I should have picked up on.
Astra, the FMC (LOVE her name), is the perfect match for Dane. They say opposites attract, and these two are definitely on opposite ends of the personality spectrum. However, they both share a love for the galaxy, and even Astra’s name feels so perfectly fitting for the story. I’m sure that was intentional and I absolutely loved it.
Astra is so afraid to let love in, and when she finally does, her heart gets broken… but maybe, just maybe, it gets a little repaired along the way? She also uncovers a huge secret the university has been hiding and as if that wasn’t enough, Dane has been keeping secrets from her too.
And when Dane goes into protector mode? MY HEART. I love when a man will fight for his girl, and Dane absolutely delivers in that department.
The story progressed so perfectly, and I’m seriously dying to read more of Dane and Astra. I need MORE of these two! ❤️🔥
✨Favourite Quotes✨
“Darling, I will read every page of your novel if you’ll let me. I will memorize every passage that tells me who you are, write in the margins to mark your most important truths, and read you cover to cover so I know you better than myself.”
Do I love vampire reads? Absolutely and this one delivered!
I loved how I didn’t even see the love interest coming, but somehow Dane wormed his way straight into my heart. I love that he’s a man who keeps to himself, yet loves sharing his knowledge about the stars with his students. What he reveals throughout the story surprised even me, although there were definitely a few hints here and there that I should have picked up on.
Astra, the FMC (LOVE her name), is the perfect match for Dane. They say opposites attract, and these two are definitely on opposite ends of the personality spectrum. However, they both share a love for the galaxy, and even Astra’s name feels so perfectly fitting for the story. I’m sure that was intentional and I absolutely loved it.
Astra is so afraid to let love in, and when she finally does, her heart gets broken… but maybe, just maybe, it gets a little repaired along the way? She also uncovers a huge secret the university has been hiding and as if that wasn’t enough, Dane has been keeping secrets from her too.
And when Dane goes into protector mode? MY HEART. I love when a man will fight for his girl, and Dane absolutely delivers in that department.
The story progressed so perfectly, and I’m seriously dying to read more of Dane and Astra. I need MORE of these two! ❤️🔥
✨Favourite Quotes✨
“Darling, I will read every page of your novel if you’ll let me. I will memorize every passage that tells me who you are, write in the margins to mark your most important truths, and read you cover to cover so I know you better than myself.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 22, 2026Received a free advance for this book. This review is 100% my own thoughts & not paid.
Overall I really enjoyed Mortal Attachments! When I first started I was disappointed in it being third person because I love a first person romance. However, Baron did a great job at making me still feel connected to each character and their feelings for each other which surprised me. Dane and Astra are likable characters who definitely do not give the typical alpha male & damsel in distress duo. The characters didn’t make decisions I couldn’t understand or just seemed stupid. I also like that this isn’t set in late teens. They are both adults who act like adults.
Now onto things I didn’t love about the book:
The world building and descriptive language is a bit much in the beginning but not enough to take away from the story. I know this is one of more books for their story but I wish I saw more romance scenes between them! First novels are a foundation but I think because it’s third person I needed more to feel connected to them.
4/5 stars because I am really looking forward to the next book or books! I can easily see them being 5 stars!
Overall I really enjoyed Mortal Attachments! When I first started I was disappointed in it being third person because I love a first person romance. However, Baron did a great job at making me still feel connected to each character and their feelings for each other which surprised me. Dane and Astra are likable characters who definitely do not give the typical alpha male & damsel in distress duo. The characters didn’t make decisions I couldn’t understand or just seemed stupid. I also like that this isn’t set in late teens. They are both adults who act like adults.
Now onto things I didn’t love about the book:
The world building and descriptive language is a bit much in the beginning but not enough to take away from the story. I know this is one of more books for their story but I wish I saw more romance scenes between them! First novels are a foundation but I think because it’s third person I needed more to feel connected to them.
4/5 stars because I am really looking forward to the next book or books! I can easily see them being 5 stars!
September 10, 2026
ARC
WOW. What a rush. From the beginning I was pulled into the story. I will for sure be on the lookout for the next in the series. There were multiple times I go so caught up in the story that I didn’t realize how much time had passed-you know it is good then!
I’m not normally a huge fan of vampire romance, but this was tasteful and stayed true to traditional vampire lore. The tension and chemistry between the two main characters was perfect. The writing was beautiful as well. I loved the vivid imagery Melissa uses to highlight various parts of the story. The campus was another character in the story the way she wove descriptions into the narrative.
The only thing I would change-the prologue gives the reader a look into the future, but when you are at that part later in the book, there is not space to relive the moment in the prologue. I went back and re-read the prologue to make sure I wasn’t missing anything when I finished the book. I like to have those “coming full circle” moments in books and I feel like an opportunity was missed to take that in.
WOW. What a rush. From the beginning I was pulled into the story. I will for sure be on the lookout for the next in the series. There were multiple times I go so caught up in the story that I didn’t realize how much time had passed-you know it is good then!
I’m not normally a huge fan of vampire romance, but this was tasteful and stayed true to traditional vampire lore. The tension and chemistry between the two main characters was perfect. The writing was beautiful as well. I loved the vivid imagery Melissa uses to highlight various parts of the story. The campus was another character in the story the way she wove descriptions into the narrative.
The only thing I would change-the prologue gives the reader a look into the future, but when you are at that part later in the book, there is not space to relive the moment in the prologue. I went back and re-read the prologue to make sure I wasn’t missing anything when I finished the book. I like to have those “coming full circle” moments in books and I feel like an opportunity was missed to take that in.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed the depth of Astra and Dane's characters. I loved that they grew into a relationship with each other slower than a few days. They were so great together. I was amazed by how much I found myself invested in Astra. She was fleshed out well, and refreshingly had her own goals and dreams outside of her love interest. I was hoping to learn more of Dane's history before the end. He was still quite the mystery after the final page. I did find the back and forth between their perspectives a bit jarring. Overall, a good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Astra and Dane have one of the best slow burn relationships that I have ever seen crafted. I liked Astra and her tenacity but I would have liked to know Dane a bit more on a deeper level and more of his past. The plot is so spooky and mysterious academy setting. I really enjoyed the chemistry and the circumstances of the mystery.
September 18, 2026
I love how the story incorporates astronomy, super interesting! The romance is so good. I really enjoy how the vampiric plot was written. Dane and Astra have excellent banter.
August 24, 2026
What can I say about this book apart from? Love love love ❤️ ❤️ ❤️.
It gave me Nocticadia vibes with its dark mysterious prestigious College, Moody professor, strange goings on, and a slow burn romance.
The characters were really engaging and the romance even though it was slow burn was very well written and thought through. Not particularly spicy so if that is your vibe, you would be disappointed, but there is a little bit of spice if that’s what you like.
Atmosphere was dark and moody.
I would definitely recommend this book to anybody that does love slowburn romance, dark academia, mysterious going on.
The ending finished well so there was not a cliffhanger, but open to more books hopefully moving on from this one.
I give this book 5 stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐. And I will really look forward to reading the next instrument if hopefully there is one. Well done Melissa Barton for this well written story.
It gave me Nocticadia vibes with its dark mysterious prestigious College, Moody professor, strange goings on, and a slow burn romance.
The characters were really engaging and the romance even though it was slow burn was very well written and thought through. Not particularly spicy so if that is your vibe, you would be disappointed, but there is a little bit of spice if that’s what you like.
Atmosphere was dark and moody.
I would definitely recommend this book to anybody that does love slowburn romance, dark academia, mysterious going on.
The ending finished well so there was not a cliffhanger, but open to more books hopefully moving on from this one.
I give this book 5 stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐. And I will really look forward to reading the next instrument if hopefully there is one. Well done Melissa Barton for this well written story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews