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Sorrowsong University #2
Daybreak
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26Alex’s Corbeau-Green’s world is burning down around him, and Ophelia Winters is desperate to prove she didn’t light the fire.
When Ophelia first accepted a scholarship from Sorrowsong, an elite university in the Scottish Highlands, she wanted nothing more than to destroy Alex and his family at any cost. But that was before she knew him, before they became each other’s everything. Now, after an unthinkable betrayal and the disappearance of his father, Alex is forced to return to New York, desperate to forget what they had, and salvage the damage done to his family. In Scotland, Ophelia is left reeling, alone . . . and watched.
With a new anonymous tormentor threatening to release evidence that Ophelia and Alex committed a murder on campus, it’s clear that they’re going to need each other once again. But can they find a way to trust each other, and repair the love that they had? And even if they can—will it be enough this time to keep them alive?
When Ophelia first accepted a scholarship from Sorrowsong, an elite university in the Scottish Highlands, she wanted nothing more than to destroy Alex and his family at any cost. But that was before she knew him, before they became each other’s everything. Now, after an unthinkable betrayal and the disappearance of his father, Alex is forced to return to New York, desperate to forget what they had, and salvage the damage done to his family. In Scotland, Ophelia is left reeling, alone . . . and watched.
With a new anonymous tormentor threatening to release evidence that Ophelia and Alex committed a murder on campus, it’s clear that they’re going to need each other once again. But can they find a way to trust each other, and repair the love that they had? And even if they can—will it be enough this time to keep them alive?
416 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 28, 2026
About the author
Autumn Woods
3 books3,150 followersAutumn Woods is the Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sorrowsong University series. She writes gothic and gloomy settings with love stories that’ll tear you apart just to put you back together again. Her books have been translated into twenty languages.
Outside of writing, she is a book illustrator and an aerospace engineer, and you’ll often find her climbing, painting, baking, or walking the British countryside with Mr Woods and their dog.
Outside of writing, she is a book illustrator and an aerospace engineer, and you’ll often find her climbing, painting, baking, or walking the British countryside with Mr Woods and their dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 618 reviews
April 26, 2026
[arc review] daybreak is the perfect conclusion to the duet and I’m sad I can’t read the series again for the first time.
you know when you read on a kindle, and it shows excerpts that other people have highlighted? there is SO many that I highlighted and want to talk about. however, you’ll have to wait—but trust me, they’re worth it.
daybreak continues immediately after the end of the first instalment, nightshade. if you haven’t read the first book, you can’t read this as it won’t make sense given the events that occurred in the previous book.
while the first book was definitely darker, this one has that tiny bit of hope. there’s hope, more romance, and the character development is perfect.
the points of view between both ophelia and alex are evenly split in daybreak—compared to nightshade where we only got approximately 2-3 chapters of alex. I really liked this because it meant the reader could see what he was feeling firsthand.
the mental health representation was done so beautifully. you can tell autumn woods really took her time to make sure it was represented so authentically, and it was one of my favourite aspects of the book.
another part that I really enjoyed—it’s one of my favourite parts—was ophelia finally finding her place. after what happened to her parents in the first book, it became her mission to keep everyone at arm’s length. the reader gets to see ophelia pull back some of the walls she’s built, let people in, and find home in her female friendships.
I liked that we got to see more of alex, his work life, and home life. it added so much more depth to his character, and for us to understand the struggles he’s facing trying to keep his head above water.
overall the book is fantastic, and autumn woods couldn’t have done a better job. daybreak ties everything together so well and I didn’t finish it asking any questions, or worried a plot point was left unanswered.
if you haven’t read nightshade, you have until july to do so!
daybreak is going to be one of the most talked about and read books of 2026, and you’re not going to want to miss out.
thank you pan macmillan for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
you know when you read on a kindle, and it shows excerpts that other people have highlighted? there is SO many that I highlighted and want to talk about. however, you’ll have to wait—but trust me, they’re worth it.
daybreak continues immediately after the end of the first instalment, nightshade. if you haven’t read the first book, you can’t read this as it won’t make sense given the events that occurred in the previous book.
while the first book was definitely darker, this one has that tiny bit of hope. there’s hope, more romance, and the character development is perfect.
the points of view between both ophelia and alex are evenly split in daybreak—compared to nightshade where we only got approximately 2-3 chapters of alex. I really liked this because it meant the reader could see what he was feeling firsthand.
the mental health representation was done so beautifully. you can tell autumn woods really took her time to make sure it was represented so authentically, and it was one of my favourite aspects of the book.
another part that I really enjoyed—it’s one of my favourite parts—was ophelia finally finding her place. after what happened to her parents in the first book, it became her mission to keep everyone at arm’s length. the reader gets to see ophelia pull back some of the walls she’s built, let people in, and find home in her female friendships.
I liked that we got to see more of alex, his work life, and home life. it added so much more depth to his character, and for us to understand the struggles he’s facing trying to keep his head above water.
overall the book is fantastic, and autumn woods couldn’t have done a better job. daybreak ties everything together so well and I didn’t finish it asking any questions, or worried a plot point was left unanswered.
if you haven’t read nightshade, you have until july to do so!
daybreak is going to be one of the most talked about and read books of 2026, and you’re not going to want to miss out.
thank you pan macmillan for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Want to Read
April 2, 2026Ur girl just secured an arc of this book I’m literally shaking???? Like daybreak is actually in MY hands rn?? 🥹🥹🥹 Best believe imma be ditching everything to start this 🙏🙏🙏
Want to Read
January 8, 2026PREPARE FOR ME TO BE SO ANNOYING UNTIL WE GET THIS.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC REVIEW 🌹
‼️ Disclaimer ‼️
This book makes up the second part of the Sorrowsong University Duet. Reading the first book, Nightshade, is essential in order to fully understand the events in this book.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️
• Stalker • Mental health struggles (inc. suicidal thoughts) • Bereavement • Declining health of a parent • Murder • Drowning • Violence and physical injury • Explicit sexual content •
🖤 My Thoughts 🖤
I stayed up until ungodly hours of the night to read this. I kid you not, I was staring at my kindle, wide eyed, forgetting to blink, shovelling maltesers into my face much akin to a human-sized version of the board game Hungry Hungry Hippos, while hunched over like some feral goblin desperate for juuust one more chapter before bed. I'M OBSESSED, I TELL YOU!
I really enjoyed Nightshade, but I really REALLY enjoyed Daybreak. Very much like with the first book, I was totally hooked by not only the romance, but also the mystery and suspense which quite literally had me white-knuckling my kindle at several points.
Sorrowsong University had the perfect atmosphere: Gothic and gloomy, yet also surprisingly cosy (despite the, y'know, stalking and whatnot). The environment and overall vibe of the setting was so perfectly written, allowing me to easily immerse myself in the characters' world.
The character development throughout this book was so damn satisfying. I loved that we got more chapters written from Alex's point of view compared to the first book, and I adored how much he was dedicated to providing the best possible life for the women in his life. He was such a sweetheart! And the yearning, Oh Lord, the YEARNINGGG — I fear no future book boyfriend will ever compare.
I also found the way Alex's depression was written to be incredibly realistic and well incorporated. It was handled in a manner that perfectly balanced sensitivity and the bone-crushing realities of depression.
And Ophelia! Oh Ophelia, I'm so proud of you! I was begging for her to let her guard down and accept the love and support from those around her, and I am SO glad she finally learned to trust people. My gal just needed a support network and some peace; I'm so happy for her I could cry!
Also, a moment of appreciation for that epilogue! It was so so sweet, and such a wholesome addition to the story. I think it was the perfect way to end this duet!
I am devastated that my time in Sorrowsong has come to an end but I'm so grateful that I was able to be reunited with Alex and Ophelia three months early! And yes, I'm lucky enough to have received this arc copy, but I've still pre-ordered my own physical copy because it was just THAT good! I'm not a very big re-reader of books, but this duet is one I will absolutely be reading again!
Thank you to NetGalley, Autumn Woods, and Pan MacMillan for gifting this eBook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
1 across: Eight letters, first letter D.
Clue: My most recent five star read.
Answer: 🄳🄰🅈🄱🅁🄴🄰🄺
‼️ Disclaimer ‼️
This book makes up the second part of the Sorrowsong University Duet. Reading the first book, Nightshade, is essential in order to fully understand the events in this book.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings ⚠️
• Stalker • Mental health struggles (inc. suicidal thoughts) • Bereavement • Declining health of a parent • Murder • Drowning • Violence and physical injury • Explicit sexual content •
🖤 My Thoughts 🖤
I stayed up until ungodly hours of the night to read this. I kid you not, I was staring at my kindle, wide eyed, forgetting to blink, shovelling maltesers into my face much akin to a human-sized version of the board game Hungry Hungry Hippos, while hunched over like some feral goblin desperate for juuust one more chapter before bed. I'M OBSESSED, I TELL YOU!
I really enjoyed Nightshade, but I really REALLY enjoyed Daybreak. Very much like with the first book, I was totally hooked by not only the romance, but also the mystery and suspense which quite literally had me white-knuckling my kindle at several points.
Sorrowsong University had the perfect atmosphere: Gothic and gloomy, yet also surprisingly cosy (despite the, y'know, stalking and whatnot). The environment and overall vibe of the setting was so perfectly written, allowing me to easily immerse myself in the characters' world.
The character development throughout this book was so damn satisfying. I loved that we got more chapters written from Alex's point of view compared to the first book, and I adored how much he was dedicated to providing the best possible life for the women in his life. He was such a sweetheart! And the yearning, Oh Lord, the YEARNINGGG — I fear no future book boyfriend will ever compare.
I also found the way Alex's depression was written to be incredibly realistic and well incorporated. It was handled in a manner that perfectly balanced sensitivity and the bone-crushing realities of depression.
And Ophelia! Oh Ophelia, I'm so proud of you! I was begging for her to let her guard down and accept the love and support from those around her, and I am SO glad she finally learned to trust people. My gal just needed a support network and some peace; I'm so happy for her I could cry!
Also, a moment of appreciation for that epilogue! It was so so sweet, and such a wholesome addition to the story. I think it was the perfect way to end this duet!
I am devastated that my time in Sorrowsong has come to an end but I'm so grateful that I was able to be reunited with Alex and Ophelia three months early! And yes, I'm lucky enough to have received this arc copy, but I've still pre-ordered my own physical copy because it was just THAT good! I'm not a very big re-reader of books, but this duet is one I will absolutely be reading again!
Thank you to NetGalley, Autumn Woods, and Pan MacMillan for gifting this eBook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
Want to Read
February 8, 2026
꧁𓊈𒆜Pre-Read𒆜𓊉꧂
To the man who ruined me for all others,
Alex, you are a cathedral of contradictions—obsidian and ivory, cruelty and care, silence and symphony. From the moment you stepped into my (Ophelia's🙂↕️) life, cloaked in mystery and moonlight, I knew I was doomed. You weren’t written to be loved easily. You were written to be devoured.
I have memorized your wounds like scripture. I have traced your silences like constellations. You are the kind of man who makes pain feel like poetry, who turns longing into a ritual. And I—foolish, devoted, dramatic—have built an altar in your name.
You are my top 1 book husband.
Not because you are perfect. But because you are true. You carry your darkness like a crown, and your love like a curse. You make me ache in ways I didn’t know I could. And I would choose you, again and again, even if it breaks me.
As Daybreak approaches, I am terrified. I am trembling. I am begging Autumn Woods not to destroy you. Not to unravel the fragile threads of hope you’ve given me. But if you must fall, let it be beautiful. Let it be unforgettable.
Alex, if you break my heart, I will write sonnets in your name.
I will scream into the void. I will tattoo your final words onto my soul. I will mourn you like a widow and love you like a storm.
You are not just a fictional man. You are a fever. And I am burning.
Forever yours in fiction and fury,
Saranya
💌💋💋💋
To the man who ruined me for all others,
Alex, you are a cathedral of contradictions—obsidian and ivory, cruelty and care, silence and symphony. From the moment you stepped into my (Ophelia's🙂↕️) life, cloaked in mystery and moonlight, I knew I was doomed. You weren’t written to be loved easily. You were written to be devoured.
I have memorized your wounds like scripture. I have traced your silences like constellations. You are the kind of man who makes pain feel like poetry, who turns longing into a ritual. And I—foolish, devoted, dramatic—have built an altar in your name.
You are my top 1 book husband.
Not because you are perfect. But because you are true. You carry your darkness like a crown, and your love like a curse. You make me ache in ways I didn’t know I could. And I would choose you, again and again, even if it breaks me.
As Daybreak approaches, I am terrified. I am trembling. I am begging Autumn Woods not to destroy you. Not to unravel the fragile threads of hope you’ve given me. But if you must fall, let it be beautiful. Let it be unforgettable.
Alex, if you break my heart, I will write sonnets in your name.
I will scream into the void. I will tattoo your final words onto my soul. I will mourn you like a widow and love you like a storm.
You are not just a fictional man. You are a fever. And I am burning.
Forever yours in fiction and fury,
Saranya
💌💋💋💋
Want to Read
January 6, 2026WAR IS OVER I can finally buy and read the first book THANK GOD it's a duet and OMFG the cover??? hellooo???
Want to Read
April 2, 2026I miss your thunder rugby thighs Alex Corbeau Green 😞
Read
July 6, 2026I have the arc heheheh
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
i just can't stay away from alex so here we go 🤭
anticipated-new-releases
November 19, 2025♡˖꒰ 💌 ꒱ Pre release
OMGGG SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP — life is worth living again autumn finally gave us the release date, you guys are not ready for the person I'll become when this releases litr one of my most anticipated releases ever!!!
I NEEEED THE ARC PLSSSSSS !!!
OMGGG SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP — life is worth living again autumn finally gave us the release date, you guys are not ready for the person I'll become when this releases litr one of my most anticipated releases ever!!!
I NEEEED THE ARC PLSSSSSS !!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
i’ll never get over this book
Currently Reading
March 23, 2026ˏˋ 📓 pre-read log ˎˊ˗
↳ march 23, 2026
oh alex corbeau-green, you down bad mf 🤞
______________
Thank you to Slowburn/Zando for the ARC.
↳ march 23, 2026
oh alex corbeau-green, you down bad mf 🤞
______________
Thank you to Slowburn/Zando for the ARC.
Want to Read
November 16, 2025will not know peace until this is in my hands
Want to Read
May 28, 2026This book has been consuming my thoughtss... UGHH July 28 can't come fast enough!!!
June 27, 2026
I finished Daybreak just as much as it finished me. 6 stars. Infinity stars. There is no rating scale in existence that will do this book, and the duology in its entirety, justice.
My emotions and my brain are a scattered, illegible mess that that no words will ever truly do justice to encapsulate everything that I am experiencing right now. The way that this duology has captured my heart and consumed my every waking thought needs to be studied because I didn't think it was possible to get any better than Nightshade... until I read its sequel and was immediately proven wrong.
Daybreak is such a beautifully raw and vulnerable exploration of young love, selt-exploration, trauma recovery and mental illness that reduced me to tears on multiple occasions. I devoured this book within the same day (with a few breaks where I just disassociated to stare at my ceiling and process my emotions) and I cannot express just how perfect the entire experience was. The discussions surrounding mental illness and the way that Woods refuses to diminish and understate the devastating impact this can have on not only the individual fighting within themselves, but also on their circle of loved ones, reduced me to tears on more than one occasion. This is a heavy and emotionally draining journey in the best possible way. The found family elements were perfect as always and I loved every moment that we get to share with Vincenzo, Belladonna, Collette, and all of the other incredible side characters. I feel like this wasn’t just a book that I read but a journey that I have had the privilege to share alongside our two main characters, and I would gladly return to this universe time and again throughout the narrative of our wonderful side characters should the opportunity arise.
Alex and Ophelia are everything to me and I couldn't be happier in the way that their story evolves throughout the entire duology. This is as much their story as two young individuals battling through their struggles and fears as it is their journey as a couple.
Alex, as always, broke my heart on multiple occasions and I desperately wished that I could reach through the pages to give this beautiful and selfless man a hug. His love and devotion for his family is such a beautiful attribute to his character which borders on self-sacrifice on several instances. His experience with depression felt all-consuming and exhausting in the most realistic way, especially in the emphasis that this isn’t something that can just be ‘fixed’ and is often a life-long battle. I was so happy to see Alex slowly learn how to communicate better his needs better when his struggles become too great and to allow the people that he trusts to shoulder some of that emotional weight. Seeing him willing to fight against his foes for the happier life that realises can be attainable was everything that I had been hoping so see, and I couldn’t with the way that Alex’s journey concludes in a way that is as much a beginning as it is an ending. His story is far from over… it’s just the end for us readers and what we get to see.
It might sound silly to say that you’re proud of a fictional character but I truly couldn’t feel anything but for our darling, grumpy Ophelia throughout this book. She truly progresses in leaps and bounds throughout her journey as she finally begins to recognise that she has a place and community within Sorrowsong University. That she has a family of people that are willing to choose her day after day despite sharing no biological relation which is what makes those connections all the more powerful. Ophelia has a lot of love to give to the right people and I felt nothing but sheer joy in getting to witness her find a permanent home with those who genuinely care for her. I adore that she’s stayed true to herself from beginning to end and hasn’t tried to change in order to better fit in amongst her wealthier peers. Ophelia really steps up in support of Alex throughout this book and I couldn’t be more proud in the growth that her character undertakes in tackling her fears as a result. She truly deserves the happy ending that we leave her upon and I couldn’t feel any more settled in knowing the bright future that Ophelia has waiting for her.
The chemistry and banter between Alex and Ophelia during Nightshade was easily one of the highlights of the entire book so I’m thrilled to see that dynamic continue into Daybreak. The witty remarks and dry flirtations work so well for two characters that desperately attempt to fight against a deeper emotional connection that will leave them feeling vulnerable and exposed. The yearning was written to absolute perfection (obviously) and I just loved getting to explore the story about two young, broken people who desperately want to be together and yet cannot presently do so. The time, patience and understanding that Alex and Ophelia regard each another with is so vital to the success of their relationship which shows so much growth and maturity. Their love is so gentle and filled with tenderness which is such a breath of fresh air to experience. They continue to show up for one another no matter what and I loved getting to see both characters continue to lean on one another without second thought. I adore Alex and Ophelia’s love story with everything that I have and I’m equally devastated and relieved that it’s over. Devastated because I will never tire of them and always wish for more… and yet relieved in knowing that their suffering if finally over.
This is such a beautiful conclusion for a beautiful couple who deserve nothing but the world. It feels bittersweet to be saying goodbye to the world of Sorrowsong University... unless our man Vincenzo decides to step forward and demand a love story of his own? I'd run to read that should it ever exist. Just saying.
All I have to left to say is preorder this book. Right now. You haven’t gotten around to reading Nightshade yet? That’s okay. Order your copy and preorder Daybreak at the same time because now is the perfect time to do so. You won’t regret it.
Alex and Ophelia how I love you so. What an utterly perfect duet for all Romance lovers to devour and obsess over just as much as I have.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
The 'Sorrowsong University' duology:
1. Nightshade - 5 stars
2. Daybreak - 5 stars
My emotions and my brain are a scattered, illegible mess that that no words will ever truly do justice to encapsulate everything that I am experiencing right now. The way that this duology has captured my heart and consumed my every waking thought needs to be studied because I didn't think it was possible to get any better than Nightshade... until I read its sequel and was immediately proven wrong.
Daybreak is such a beautifully raw and vulnerable exploration of young love, selt-exploration, trauma recovery and mental illness that reduced me to tears on multiple occasions. I devoured this book within the same day (with a few breaks where I just disassociated to stare at my ceiling and process my emotions) and I cannot express just how perfect the entire experience was. The discussions surrounding mental illness and the way that Woods refuses to diminish and understate the devastating impact this can have on not only the individual fighting within themselves, but also on their circle of loved ones, reduced me to tears on more than one occasion. This is a heavy and emotionally draining journey in the best possible way. The found family elements were perfect as always and I loved every moment that we get to share with Vincenzo, Belladonna, Collette, and all of the other incredible side characters. I feel like this wasn’t just a book that I read but a journey that I have had the privilege to share alongside our two main characters, and I would gladly return to this universe time and again throughout the narrative of our wonderful side characters should the opportunity arise.
Alex and Ophelia are everything to me and I couldn't be happier in the way that their story evolves throughout the entire duology. This is as much their story as two young individuals battling through their struggles and fears as it is their journey as a couple.
Alex, as always, broke my heart on multiple occasions and I desperately wished that I could reach through the pages to give this beautiful and selfless man a hug. His love and devotion for his family is such a beautiful attribute to his character which borders on self-sacrifice on several instances. His experience with depression felt all-consuming and exhausting in the most realistic way, especially in the emphasis that this isn’t something that can just be ‘fixed’ and is often a life-long battle. I was so happy to see Alex slowly learn how to communicate better his needs better when his struggles become too great and to allow the people that he trusts to shoulder some of that emotional weight. Seeing him willing to fight against his foes for the happier life that realises can be attainable was everything that I had been hoping so see, and I couldn’t with the way that Alex’s journey concludes in a way that is as much a beginning as it is an ending. His story is far from over… it’s just the end for us readers and what we get to see.
It might sound silly to say that you’re proud of a fictional character but I truly couldn’t feel anything but for our darling, grumpy Ophelia throughout this book. She truly progresses in leaps and bounds throughout her journey as she finally begins to recognise that she has a place and community within Sorrowsong University. That she has a family of people that are willing to choose her day after day despite sharing no biological relation which is what makes those connections all the more powerful. Ophelia has a lot of love to give to the right people and I felt nothing but sheer joy in getting to witness her find a permanent home with those who genuinely care for her. I adore that she’s stayed true to herself from beginning to end and hasn’t tried to change in order to better fit in amongst her wealthier peers. Ophelia really steps up in support of Alex throughout this book and I couldn’t be more proud in the growth that her character undertakes in tackling her fears as a result. She truly deserves the happy ending that we leave her upon and I couldn’t feel any more settled in knowing the bright future that Ophelia has waiting for her.
The chemistry and banter between Alex and Ophelia during Nightshade was easily one of the highlights of the entire book so I’m thrilled to see that dynamic continue into Daybreak. The witty remarks and dry flirtations work so well for two characters that desperately attempt to fight against a deeper emotional connection that will leave them feeling vulnerable and exposed. The yearning was written to absolute perfection (obviously) and I just loved getting to explore the story about two young, broken people who desperately want to be together and yet cannot presently do so. The time, patience and understanding that Alex and Ophelia regard each another with is so vital to the success of their relationship which shows so much growth and maturity. Their love is so gentle and filled with tenderness which is such a breath of fresh air to experience. They continue to show up for one another no matter what and I loved getting to see both characters continue to lean on one another without second thought. I adore Alex and Ophelia’s love story with everything that I have and I’m equally devastated and relieved that it’s over. Devastated because I will never tire of them and always wish for more… and yet relieved in knowing that their suffering if finally over.
This is such a beautiful conclusion for a beautiful couple who deserve nothing but the world. It feels bittersweet to be saying goodbye to the world of Sorrowsong University... unless our man Vincenzo decides to step forward and demand a love story of his own? I'd run to read that should it ever exist. Just saying.
All I have to left to say is preorder this book. Right now. You haven’t gotten around to reading Nightshade yet? That’s okay. Order your copy and preorder Daybreak at the same time because now is the perfect time to do so. You won’t regret it.
Alex and Ophelia how I love you so. What an utterly perfect duet for all Romance lovers to devour and obsess over just as much as I have.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
The 'Sorrowsong University' duology:
1. Nightshade - 5 stars
2. Daybreak - 5 stars
Want to Read
January 3, 2026My most anticipated read of 2026! 🙌🏻
Best believe I will drop everything to read this one the instant I have it in my possession! July, please come quickly!
Best believe I will drop everything to read this one the instant I have it in my possession! July, please come quickly!
Want to Read
January 9, 2026I never craved a book so badly before but here we are a first for everything... currently in withdrawal apparently 😫
November 25, 2025
12 letters, 2 words; what will happen to me if i don't get this book in my hands rn
[INSTANT DEATH]
[INSTANT DEATH]
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
daybreak is the sequel to nightshade, the first book in the sorrowsong university duology. it’s hard to do a synopsis without spoiling events from the first book so.. if you haven’t read it yet, you definitely should because you’re missing out. 👀
2026 IS THE YEAR OF YEARNING BABY AND ALEX DID NOT DISAPPOINT. honestly, neither did ophelia. the drafted e-mails? the crossword puzzles? the mutual yearning found within the pages of this book is enough to melt even the coldest of hearts.
“𝘪’𝘮 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘺 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴.”
the mental health representation in this book was just wonderful, specifically when it comes to alex’s character. i find that books usually gloss over the ugly side of things, especially when it comes to depression. this book faced those truths head on, and the hard work that it takes to work through those things on a daily basis.
to no surprise to anyone, i devoured this book in less than 24 hours (just like i did with nightshade). i swear this woman puts something in her books to make them unputdownable. i’m still grieving the fact that this duology is over, but i am also so excited to see what’s next for autumn woods.
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘴, 𝘻𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰/𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. ❤️🔥
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆˚࿔
i still cannot believe i got approved for this arc??? i no longer have the self control needed to put off starting this closer to its release date so here we fucking go. 🤸♀️
2026 IS THE YEAR OF YEARNING BABY AND ALEX DID NOT DISAPPOINT. honestly, neither did ophelia. the drafted e-mails? the crossword puzzles? the mutual yearning found within the pages of this book is enough to melt even the coldest of hearts.
“𝘪’𝘮 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘺 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴.”
the mental health representation in this book was just wonderful, specifically when it comes to alex’s character. i find that books usually gloss over the ugly side of things, especially when it comes to depression. this book faced those truths head on, and the hard work that it takes to work through those things on a daily basis.
to no surprise to anyone, i devoured this book in less than 24 hours (just like i did with nightshade). i swear this woman puts something in her books to make them unputdownable. i’m still grieving the fact that this duology is over, but i am also so excited to see what’s next for autumn woods.
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘴, 𝘻𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰/𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. ❤️🔥
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⋆˚࿔
i still cannot believe i got approved for this arc??? i no longer have the self control needed to put off starting this closer to its release date so here we fucking go. 🤸♀️
Want to Read
December 21, 2025loving the cover 👀 saving my read of book 1 for right before this comes out! i’m excited though
Want to Read
July 2, 2026OMG get released already! lol
Want to Read
June 11, 2026SHUT THE FUCK UP. THE COVER??? OH MY GOD???
I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE FOR THE PERSON I WILL BECOME WHEN THIS DROPS BECAUSE MY BOYFRIEND ALEX CORBEAU GREEN WILL BE BACK HOME TO ME.
I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE FOR THE PERSON I WILL BECOME WHEN THIS DROPS BECAUSE MY BOYFRIEND ALEX CORBEAU GREEN WILL BE BACK HOME TO ME.
March 27, 2026
was it cheesy? yes.
was it corny? yes.
was i still utterly obsessed? also yes!
was it corny? yes.
was i still utterly obsessed? also yes!
June 4, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐️
We started off pretty strong, even though our characters were separated. The plot felt aimless, like it was lost somewhere along the way. It was worth it, because Ophelia and Alex are characters I already know and love. Don’t get me wrong—it wasn’t a bad book by any means. But it wasn’t the utterly gripping page-turner that Nightshade was. I think I was expecting to be blown away in a way that I just wasn’t. I seesawed between 4 and 5 stars for a while, before landing in the middle.
My rating is largely for Alex. We got a lot of his POV in this one, and that’s one thing I can’t complain about. My love for him was already maxed out, but living in his head to this extent just made me appreciate him even more, if that was possible. He was carrying so much on his shoulders, and ugh, he’s just such an angel. Truly, the world does not deserve this man (the world also doesn’t have this man, but I digress). Anyone would be lucky to have a brother, son, father, or partner like him. And I love how his depression didn’t just disappear when he got Ophelia back. We see that too often in romance, and it’s idiotic every time.
I loved the side characters too, but to be honest, they were kind of neglected. Divya and Colette were a big part of the first section, then were MIA for much of the middle. Vincenzo and Belladonna accompanied Ophelia to New York, then just disappeared.
I also wish the sisters’ individuality was developed a little better. The only ones we actually got to know were Fleur, Mia, and Josie. The other three left virtually no impression, and removing them probably wouldn’t even affect the story. The only thing their presence truly accomplished was to hammer home how hard Alex’s dad tried for another son.
The storyline with Ophelia’s stalker was quite underwhelming, to be honest. I didn’t really like who it turned out to be, but I also thought it would play a bigger role than it did. Unfortunately, it was resolved way too easily and far too quickly. At that point, we still had almost half the book to go, and that’s when things sort of began to drag.
The story started to pick up again close to the finish line. Loose ends were tied up, and there was a beautiful epilogue, but by then, I was just bored and ready to be done with the book. Despite my issues with it, though, I truly had a great time. I love these characters, and I’d love to revisit this world in the future. I certainly wouldn’t complain if Colette or Belladonna got their own book.
𝒯𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓌𝒶𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈
I’m sorry, but this man is so stupid for thinking the only reason Ophelia entered his life in the first book was to get information when he was always the one instigating and she only ever tried to stay away from him.
Sorry again, but sometimes Ophelia is dumb as fuck. Is it just me or was she not this stupid in the first book?
P.S. Everybody and their mother knows what mademoiselle means.
I love how Belladonna humbled Ophelia—more than once, but especially right before they went to see Alex. Sorry for the third time, but she desperately needed it.
Alex’s sister Mia was 14 years old in Nightshade, but one month later, she’s 16 in Daybreak. Make it make sense. I also found quite a few grammar errors/typos, but hopefully those will be fixed before publication.
𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝑒𝒷𝒶𝓉𝑒
I read this with my friend Shannon and we had some differing thoughts about the section of the book where Ophelia and Alex were apart. Feel free to chime in.
I would recommend skipping this part of my review if you haven’t read the book yet and intend to.
Ophelia says: There are too many obstacles between us. My stalker, his mom, the distance, my fear of flying, the media, his father. We can’t do long distance and neither of us can move to where the other is.
Alex says: We can overcome any difficulties, they’re worth it for a shot at a future together.
My take: I feel like none of these obstacles are actually that big of a deal if two people genuinely love each other and want to be together. If you cared enough, you would make it work despite these things. I don’t think there’s anything truly keeping them apart, and though I can see why she’s afraid, Ophelia’s unwillingness to try just made me doubt her love. I also don’t agree with justifying the separation by saying you don’t want to add to the list of things he has to deal with, because you’re still adding in a different way. You’re adding misery, and taking away his choice.
Shannon’s take: I think that the obstacles are pretty big. Ophelia and Alex could love each other, but it takes more than that to make a relationship work. At that point, Alex had to take care of six girls, his sick mom, and his dad’s business, which is a lot on his plate. If I were Ophelia, I wouldn’t want to add to that, especially with the distance.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
thank you to the publisher for the arc♡
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
not having to wait for this is a privilege i am not taking for granted.
4.5 ⭐️
We started off pretty strong, even though our characters were separated. The plot felt aimless, like it was lost somewhere along the way. It was worth it, because Ophelia and Alex are characters I already know and love. Don’t get me wrong—it wasn’t a bad book by any means. But it wasn’t the utterly gripping page-turner that Nightshade was. I think I was expecting to be blown away in a way that I just wasn’t. I seesawed between 4 and 5 stars for a while, before landing in the middle.
My rating is largely for Alex. We got a lot of his POV in this one, and that’s one thing I can’t complain about. My love for him was already maxed out, but living in his head to this extent just made me appreciate him even more, if that was possible. He was carrying so much on his shoulders, and ugh, he’s just such an angel. Truly, the world does not deserve this man (the world also doesn’t have this man, but I digress). Anyone would be lucky to have a brother, son, father, or partner like him. And I love how his depression didn’t just disappear when he got Ophelia back. We see that too often in romance, and it’s idiotic every time.
I loved the side characters too, but to be honest, they were kind of neglected. Divya and Colette were a big part of the first section, then were MIA for much of the middle. Vincenzo and Belladonna accompanied Ophelia to New York, then just disappeared.
I also wish the sisters’ individuality was developed a little better. The only ones we actually got to know were Fleur, Mia, and Josie. The other three left virtually no impression, and removing them probably wouldn’t even affect the story. The only thing their presence truly accomplished was to hammer home how hard Alex’s dad tried for another son.
The storyline with Ophelia’s stalker was quite underwhelming, to be honest. I didn’t really like who it turned out to be, but I also thought it would play a bigger role than it did. Unfortunately, it was resolved way too easily and far too quickly. At that point, we still had almost half the book to go, and that’s when things sort of began to drag.
The story started to pick up again close to the finish line. Loose ends were tied up, and there was a beautiful epilogue, but by then, I was just bored and ready to be done with the book. Despite my issues with it, though, I truly had a great time. I love these characters, and I’d love to revisit this world in the future. I certainly wouldn’t complain if Colette or Belladonna got their own book.
𝒯𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓌𝒶𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈
I’m sorry, but this man is so stupid for thinking the only reason Ophelia entered his life in the first book was to get information when he was always the one instigating and she only ever tried to stay away from him.
Sorry again, but sometimes Ophelia is dumb as fuck. Is it just me or was she not this stupid in the first book?
P.S. Everybody and their mother knows what mademoiselle means.
I love how Belladonna humbled Ophelia—more than once, but especially right before they went to see Alex. Sorry for the third time, but she desperately needed it.
Alex’s sister Mia was 14 years old in Nightshade, but one month later, she’s 16 in Daybreak. Make it make sense. I also found quite a few grammar errors/typos, but hopefully those will be fixed before publication.
𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝑒𝒷𝒶𝓉𝑒
I read this with my friend Shannon and we had some differing thoughts about the section of the book where Ophelia and Alex were apart. Feel free to chime in.
I would recommend skipping this part of my review if you haven’t read the book yet and intend to.
Ophelia says: There are too many obstacles between us. My stalker, his mom, the distance, my fear of flying, the media, his father. We can’t do long distance and neither of us can move to where the other is.
Alex says: We can overcome any difficulties, they’re worth it for a shot at a future together.
My take: I feel like none of these obstacles are actually that big of a deal if two people genuinely love each other and want to be together. If you cared enough, you would make it work despite these things. I don’t think there’s anything truly keeping them apart, and though I can see why she’s afraid, Ophelia’s unwillingness to try just made me doubt her love. I also don’t agree with justifying the separation by saying you don’t want to add to the list of things he has to deal with, because you’re still adding in a different way. You’re adding misery, and taking away his choice.
Shannon’s take: I think that the obstacles are pretty big. Ophelia and Alex could love each other, but it takes more than that to make a relationship work. At that point, Alex had to take care of six girls, his sick mom, and his dad’s business, which is a lot on his plate. If I were Ophelia, I wouldn’t want to add to that, especially with the distance.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
thank you to the publisher for the arc♡
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
not having to wait for this is a privilege i am not taking for granted.
dnr
November 15, 2025“desperate to forget what they had” 🧐
Note: if he’s not celibate DNR
Note: if he’s not celibate DNR
Read
November 16, 2025I'll literally cry if I get this Arc copy 🤞🏾😭
Want to Read
April 20, 2026Coming out July 28
FUCKING FINALLY, I’M BEING REUNITED WITH MY BABES!!
I love them so much and after that cliffhanger (that totally broke me by the way) I’m finally ready to continue their story🙂↕️
FUCKING FINALLY, I’M BEING REUNITED WITH MY BABES!!
I love them so much and after that cliffhanger (that totally broke me by the way) I’m finally ready to continue their story🙂↕️
May 25, 2026
3.5
I finished this book within a couple of hours, so something clearly kept me hooked and flying through the pages. That said, I was slightly disappointed. I'm not entirely sure what I expected going into book two.
Everything just felt a little... bland. There wasn't much of a plot, and every problem that came up seemed to resolve itself rather quickly. I really thought Ophelia's stalker storyline would play a bigger role, but it was wrapped up with a neat little bow and didn't really matter too much in the end. I also don't remember Ophelia being this ditzy in Nightshade, but I did love how the author had Belladonna humble Ophelia throughout the book. I need a book with Belladonna because she was such a fab character!
What I did love, though, was Alex & Ophelia's relationship, as well as their friend group. The side characters are phenomenal in this series, and honestly, I would have loved even more Vincenzo (and Belladonna, of course). I loved Ophelia overcoming her fear of flying for Alex and when she spent time with his mum and sisters. It was these little moments that had me smiling!
Overall, an interesting read that I flew through in a day but just not quite what I was expecting. I think if the plot had been flushed out a little, this could have easily been a five stars for me! I'm really interested to see what Autumn Woods does next - she definitely has a talent!
I received an advanced reading copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I finished this book within a couple of hours, so something clearly kept me hooked and flying through the pages. That said, I was slightly disappointed. I'm not entirely sure what I expected going into book two.
Everything just felt a little... bland. There wasn't much of a plot, and every problem that came up seemed to resolve itself rather quickly. I really thought Ophelia's stalker storyline would play a bigger role, but it was wrapped up with a neat little bow and didn't really matter too much in the end. I also don't remember Ophelia being this ditzy in Nightshade, but I did love how the author had Belladonna humble Ophelia throughout the book. I need a book with Belladonna because she was such a fab character!
What I did love, though, was Alex & Ophelia's relationship, as well as their friend group. The side characters are phenomenal in this series, and honestly, I would have loved even more Vincenzo (and Belladonna, of course). I loved Ophelia overcoming her fear of flying for Alex and when she spent time with his mum and sisters. It was these little moments that had me smiling!
Overall, an interesting read that I flew through in a day but just not quite what I was expecting. I think if the plot had been flushed out a little, this could have easily been a five stars for me! I'm really interested to see what Autumn Woods does next - she definitely has a talent!
I received an advanced reading copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25
This was sooo good!! I love these characters so much. I don't wanna let go :c<3
how lucky am i? AHHHHHHHHHHH starting this immediately.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC copy of this book.
This was sooo good!! I love these characters so much. I don't wanna let go :c<3
how lucky am i? AHHHHHHHHHHH starting this immediately.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC copy of this book.
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