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Sorrowsong University #2
Daybreak
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
3 days and 00:12:55
100 copies available
U.S. only
Maxton Hall meets RuNyx in the stunning conclusion to the Nightshade duology, a dark academia romance brimming with snarky banter and sizzling tension, in which Alex and Ophelia must fight through betrayal, heartbreak, and deadly new threats.
Alex’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?
Alex’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?
416 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2026
About the author
Autumn Woods
4 books3,964 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 7,227 reviews
August 8, 2026
A million stars. Hands down my favorite duology EVER. I’m distraught that it’s over I feel like there’s a gaping hole in my heart.
I laughed, I cried, I giggled, I died over and over again every time Alex corbeau green opened his mouth.
Wow wow wow wow. Alex corbeau green is THE fictional yearner, I felt it so deep in my bones I wanted to jump out of my skin THIS MANNNNN!! God tier, sets the standard for all other contemporary romance men I’m so ruined it’s not even funny. But my god did he also make me sob. The mental health rep in this couldn’t have been more perfect. I related to Alex in so many ways with his depression and how to navigate that in a relationship, jt spoke to my soul on so many levels. He’s so perfect the world doesn’t deserve him, my heart BROKE for him. The way he loves Ophelia needs to be studied. THIS IS WHAT ROMANCE BOOKS ARE LACKING!! Real, raw characters who are vulnerable and struggle but love so deeply!!! Every single word out of his mouth!!! He literally bought and shipped his rental care overseas because it smelled like her. He constantly wrote her emails during the breakup and didn’t send them because he missed her so much. He found out she was going to be a nude model for a painting class so her had his hacker cancel the class, refund all the tickets, buy them for himself then flew from New York to London and proceed to make 7 paintings of her!!!!!!
“I’m sick with envy at the wind that slips through the holes in your knitted sweaters, Winters. Jealous doesn’t cover it.”
He sketched her every night they were apart. He started drawing in color again for her. He goes to THERAPY!!!!
“I’m so tired of treading water, Ophelia. I just want to let go.”
I scratch my fingers through his hair. “I know.”
“I’m all out of fight. I don’t want any of this anymore.”
“I know. But I’m here to tread water for the both of us.”
Ugh and Ophelia how I adoreeeee her!!! The trauma these two have experienced cannot be overlooked. I’ve never wanted two people to be safe and happy more than these two. Her character growth was incredible and the way she never wavered with Alex literally brought tears to my eyes.
I ate up the stalker plot but I did love how this leaned more on the romance and character development. I loved everything about it. Also the found family and side characters I need more books!!!
The mouth on this man!!! No I’m going to pass away I can’t handle him like I actually don’t know how to move on.
“I’m incapable of producing a drawing that doesn’t curve, bend, flow in the same way that her body does. I love her. God, I love her. She becomes every thought I have and every shaky exhale I make. She’s the subject of my most rattling nightmares and my most carnal dreams.“
“I got used to anchoring my own breathing to Ophelia’s, got used to wanting to fall asleep just to wake up beside her. The fierce copper of her hair was my sunrise, and those two torturous dimples at the base of her spine were my grip on reality.”
“I don’t need you in front of me, Ophelia. I don’t need you as a model. I know the curves of your waist better than the hallways of my own home. I could draw you in any lifetime, together or apart. I haven’t produced a drawing since January that isn’t you in some way or another. If we have to be long distance, I know I could do it, because you’re never further from me than my pencil.”
I laughed, I cried, I giggled, I died over and over again every time Alex corbeau green opened his mouth.
Wow wow wow wow. Alex corbeau green is THE fictional yearner, I felt it so deep in my bones I wanted to jump out of my skin THIS MANNNNN!! God tier, sets the standard for all other contemporary romance men I’m so ruined it’s not even funny. But my god did he also make me sob. The mental health rep in this couldn’t have been more perfect. I related to Alex in so many ways with his depression and how to navigate that in a relationship, jt spoke to my soul on so many levels. He’s so perfect the world doesn’t deserve him, my heart BROKE for him. The way he loves Ophelia needs to be studied. THIS IS WHAT ROMANCE BOOKS ARE LACKING!! Real, raw characters who are vulnerable and struggle but love so deeply!!! Every single word out of his mouth!!! He literally bought and shipped his rental care overseas because it smelled like her. He constantly wrote her emails during the breakup and didn’t send them because he missed her so much. He found out she was going to be a nude model for a painting class so her had his hacker cancel the class, refund all the tickets, buy them for himself then flew from New York to London and proceed to make 7 paintings of her!!!!!!
“I’m sick with envy at the wind that slips through the holes in your knitted sweaters, Winters. Jealous doesn’t cover it.”
He sketched her every night they were apart. He started drawing in color again for her. He goes to THERAPY!!!!
“I’m so tired of treading water, Ophelia. I just want to let go.”
I scratch my fingers through his hair. “I know.”
“I’m all out of fight. I don’t want any of this anymore.”
“I know. But I’m here to tread water for the both of us.”
Ugh and Ophelia how I adoreeeee her!!! The trauma these two have experienced cannot be overlooked. I’ve never wanted two people to be safe and happy more than these two. Her character growth was incredible and the way she never wavered with Alex literally brought tears to my eyes.
I ate up the stalker plot but I did love how this leaned more on the romance and character development. I loved everything about it. Also the found family and side characters I need more books!!!
The mouth on this man!!! No I’m going to pass away I can’t handle him like I actually don’t know how to move on.
“I’m incapable of producing a drawing that doesn’t curve, bend, flow in the same way that her body does. I love her. God, I love her. She becomes every thought I have and every shaky exhale I make. She’s the subject of my most rattling nightmares and my most carnal dreams.“
“I got used to anchoring my own breathing to Ophelia’s, got used to wanting to fall asleep just to wake up beside her. The fierce copper of her hair was my sunrise, and those two torturous dimples at the base of her spine were my grip on reality.”
“I don’t need you in front of me, Ophelia. I don’t need you as a model. I know the curves of your waist better than the hallways of my own home. I could draw you in any lifetime, together or apart. I haven’t produced a drawing since January that isn’t you in some way or another. If we have to be long distance, I know I could do it, because you’re never further from me than my pencil.”
July 5, 2026
This was the most mediocre shlt i have read in a while.
——
I have the arc hehehe
(Rtc maybe)
——
I have the arc hehehe
(Rtc maybe)
July 24, 2026
Me reading this book:
This book in one word would be: Lackluster.
Nightshade should have been a standalone 🌚 Look, the reason why I even gravitated toward 2.75 stars is because I enjoy Autumn Woods' writing. It is very entertaining and easy to read. I lowkey binged it whenever I picked it up, but tbvh there was no substance in the book 🙏 When I saw the page count, my ARC was around 280 pages, so I thought that it would be sort of action-paced and fast-paced, but it was the total opposite. Nothing significant happened. The romance took more of a focus, and the plot sort of sidetracked AGAIN, which is not something that I mind if done well. Nightshade was an example of this, but I ended up enjoying it. This, however 🧍
There was nothing happening in this book for the most part. The main reveal was jarring and came out of nowhere; there was no build-up to it. The whole mystery part was rushed and messy. There was no incentive to hook us, save for the characters, who did the most that they could. Like, there could have been so much that the author could have cut out. It could have actually been an email 🤷 If the actual significant stuff was added to the first book, that would have been a straight five stars for me.
I do admit my expectations for this were a bit high because I enjoyed book 1, and even though I wasn't expecting a steady, solid plot, I was expecting balance and a good resolution to the things that were set up. But it was messy and weak.
Ophelia, I love her character. She was a bit smarter in this one, and her anxiety is explored well. Alex was also charming and easy to love. Their frustrations were understandable and well explored. We did see some growth, and the characters themselves were likeable. However, a major part of the characters was the romance, which is okay because they have been set up in a way where we can appreciate them along with the romance, but I still wanted more from them where they could stand on their own.
Romance, the main focus of the book. I loved the romance of the first book. It made me disregard the deficiencies in the plot, but I was a teeny tiny bit underwhelmed with it. But that doesn't mean it was bad because this aspect was the most enjoyable part of the book. The dialogues were swoon-worthy. Some of the scenes were heartwarming, while others were heart-wrenching. The one where Ophelia says, "Hi better not be the first thing he says," and then Alex proceeds to say "Hi" got me 😭 I appreciate the spice level; it worked well for the books. We got enough to be satisfied. It wasn't overpowering, nor did it overshadow the romance. I liked the romance, but that wasn't enough for me to enjoy or appreciate the book as a whole.
Side characters, we got to meet more, but I'm not attached to any. It was still fun to read about them. Belladonna being the real MVP!!
---> 2.75 stars!
Overall, an okayish duet that could have been one amazing standalone.
____
As soon as I imagined Sadie Sink as Ophelia, I knew it was game over for me because I've been looking at the book like:
*Thank you to the publishers for the E-Arc *
This book in one word would be: Lackluster.
Nightshade should have been a standalone 🌚 Look, the reason why I even gravitated toward 2.75 stars is because I enjoy Autumn Woods' writing. It is very entertaining and easy to read. I lowkey binged it whenever I picked it up, but tbvh there was no substance in the book 🙏 When I saw the page count, my ARC was around 280 pages, so I thought that it would be sort of action-paced and fast-paced, but it was the total opposite. Nothing significant happened. The romance took more of a focus, and the plot sort of sidetracked AGAIN, which is not something that I mind if done well. Nightshade was an example of this, but I ended up enjoying it. This, however 🧍
There was nothing happening in this book for the most part. The main reveal was jarring and came out of nowhere; there was no build-up to it. The whole mystery part was rushed and messy. There was no incentive to hook us, save for the characters, who did the most that they could. Like, there could have been so much that the author could have cut out. It could have actually been an email 🤷 If the actual significant stuff was added to the first book, that would have been a straight five stars for me.
I do admit my expectations for this were a bit high because I enjoyed book 1, and even though I wasn't expecting a steady, solid plot, I was expecting balance and a good resolution to the things that were set up. But it was messy and weak.
Ophelia, I love her character. She was a bit smarter in this one, and her anxiety is explored well. Alex was also charming and easy to love. Their frustrations were understandable and well explored. We did see some growth, and the characters themselves were likeable. However, a major part of the characters was the romance, which is okay because they have been set up in a way where we can appreciate them along with the romance, but I still wanted more from them where they could stand on their own.
Romance, the main focus of the book. I loved the romance of the first book. It made me disregard the deficiencies in the plot, but I was a teeny tiny bit underwhelmed with it. But that doesn't mean it was bad because this aspect was the most enjoyable part of the book. The dialogues were swoon-worthy. Some of the scenes were heartwarming, while others were heart-wrenching. The one where Ophelia says, "Hi better not be the first thing he says," and then Alex proceeds to say "Hi" got me 😭 I appreciate the spice level; it worked well for the books. We got enough to be satisfied. It wasn't overpowering, nor did it overshadow the romance. I liked the romance, but that wasn't enough for me to enjoy or appreciate the book as a whole.
Side characters, we got to meet more, but I'm not attached to any. It was still fun to read about them. Belladonna being the real MVP!!
---> 2.75 stars!
Overall, an okayish duet that could have been one amazing standalone.
____
As soon as I imagined Sadie Sink as Ophelia, I knew it was game over for me because I've been looking at the book like:
*Thank you to the publishers for the E-Arc *
July 30, 2026
I don’t think I can put in words how much I loved this duet
July 31, 2026
3.5 stars ✨
"To be loved by Alex Corbeau-Green is unlike anything I've ever known."
I think this was good, simplistic and easy to read book. Had a lot of fun with it despite its flaws. But the most that stood out to me was Alex. The man was the heart of the book. He carried the entire book and in fact the duology, the emotional depth to his character in this one felt raw and wounded. I ate that up. That man has been through so much, his inner monologues were a knife to the heart.
I did like Ophelia but there were moments when she just frustrated me. Her decisions didn't always feel natural, felt a little forced in that particular direction. It made me feel a little disconnected from her. Though she did have some really hilarious comebacks, gotta hand it to her.
The miscommunication, the back and forth of the break up phase could have been dealt better. Idk maybe it's just me but that 'no strings attached' thing made no sense. And although the conversations were mature, the actions to stick to certain decisions were not. But anyhow, I'm relieved it did not last throughout. The angst was pretty well written and something I enjoyed. The clash of emotions and yearning was painful. I felt a child of divorce at one point 💀
Now the stalker reveal and the reasoning behind it? Eh... Too simple, but something I'm willing to overlook cause of the emotional setting I got in this book. Though, Alex definitely needed therapy, proper healing arc and I'm a bit surprised by how the rugby side was sort of neglected. I get the whole he needed Ophelia by his side but with how his depression was portrayed? A missed opportunity to not explore that.
Anyway, not a perfect book. But something I enjoyed more than book one. Maybe my expectations were far lower than I thought 🤷♀️
~•~•~
Here for Alex and his sculpted, god tier, gorgeous rugby thighs...
"To be loved by Alex Corbeau-Green is unlike anything I've ever known."
I think this was good, simplistic and easy to read book. Had a lot of fun with it despite its flaws. But the most that stood out to me was Alex. The man was the heart of the book. He carried the entire book and in fact the duology, the emotional depth to his character in this one felt raw and wounded. I ate that up. That man has been through so much, his inner monologues were a knife to the heart.
I did like Ophelia but there were moments when she just frustrated me. Her decisions didn't always feel natural, felt a little forced in that particular direction. It made me feel a little disconnected from her. Though she did have some really hilarious comebacks, gotta hand it to her.
The miscommunication, the back and forth of the break up phase could have been dealt better. Idk maybe it's just me but that 'no strings attached' thing made no sense. And although the conversations were mature, the actions to stick to certain decisions were not. But anyhow, I'm relieved it did not last throughout. The angst was pretty well written and something I enjoyed. The clash of emotions and yearning was painful. I felt a child of divorce at one point 💀
Now the stalker reveal and the reasoning behind it? Eh... Too simple, but something I'm willing to overlook cause of the emotional setting I got in this book. Though, Alex definitely needed therapy, proper healing arc and I'm a bit surprised by how the rugby side was sort of neglected. I get the whole he needed Ophelia by his side but with how his depression was portrayed? A missed opportunity to not explore that.
Anyway, not a perfect book. But something I enjoyed more than book one. Maybe my expectations were far lower than I thought 🤷♀️
~•~•~
Here for Alex and his sculpted, god tier, gorgeous rugby thighs...
March 28, 2026
That double epilogue healed me 🥹💗
Guys this was so freaking good. Like this is romance. I fear loads of romance authors these days have forgotten there’s supposed to be romance and the yearning and angst that comes with it, focusing more on chemistry, heat and tension sacrificing the best part: romancing their partners. But not miss woods. Never miss woods. She has romance down to a T. I fear I’ll always come back to AlexOphelia diaries whenever I need the perfect concoction of sweet angst 😝💋
The suspense aspect of this book was so good for the first half but I think I sorta could predict the rest after that which is the reason for the 4 stars. Maybe if the order of the reveals/plot twists changed then it could have kept the suspense for longer.
I know most of the scenes in this book felt a little repetitive but I think it was necessary for their characters independently and their relationship together. I fully appreciate the way miss woods tied up every loose thread and gave us that satisfying ending, it was exactly everything I was looking forward to from this book.
With the end of Daybreak, AlexOphelia diaries comes to a close. How crazy is that to say omg like I kept stretching this book for ages just to stay with them longer but now it’s over and idk what to do with my life actually! ❤️🩹😭🤚
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Vincenzo and belladonna better get their own books or I will riot‼️
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀: 🎧
No furniture — absolutely
Talk about — yana
Like you do — yana
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
╰┈➤ ❝ She becomes every thought I have and every shaky exhale I make. She’s the subject of my most rattling nightmares and my most carnal dreams. ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ I thought distance from her would make it easier. Easier on me if I chose to live, easier on her if I chose to die.❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “You and I are doomed, Alex.”
Right people, wrong universe. ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “I’d rather put myself into a blender.”
“I can put some rotating blades in the car, if that’d help.”
“Only if you put your head through them.”
“Oh, you know very well that I’d put my head wherever you ask me to, Ophelia,” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ She doesn’t bolt, but she does look like she might snap my neck. At least her hands would be the last ones to touch me. ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “You agreed to leave.” A small smile lifts his lips.
“I was young and foolish back then.”
“Two days ago?” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “No strings.”
“Strings, Ophelia. So many fucking strings. Strings in every cell of my body.” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “Four letters, first letter F—”
I splutter, squeezing my thighs together beneath the skirt of my dress. “I … we … no, I wasn’t …”
“Such a dirty mind, Winters, I was going to suggest you get some food.” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “You have enough on your plate. I can be difficult.”
“You’re the easiest decision I’ve ever made.”
“You deserve better.”
“We deserve each other.”
“I’m bland and boring.”
“You’re every color I’ve been missing.” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “Seven letters, first letter O. The sun, the moon, the world, and everything in it.” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “I’m sick with envy at the wind that slips through the holes in your knitted sweaters, Winters. Jealous doesn’t cover it.” ❞
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
We’re going back to sorrowsongggg 🗣️‼️
***
Ur 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 🙏🙏🙏
Guys this was so freaking good. Like this is romance. I fear loads of romance authors these days have forgotten there’s supposed to be romance and the yearning and angst that comes with it, focusing more on chemistry, heat and tension sacrificing the best part: romancing their partners. But not miss woods. Never miss woods. She has romance down to a T. I fear I’ll always come back to AlexOphelia diaries whenever I need the perfect concoction of sweet angst 😝💋
The suspense aspect of this book was so good for the first half but I think I sorta could predict the rest after that which is the reason for the 4 stars. Maybe if the order of the reveals/plot twists changed then it could have kept the suspense for longer.
I know most of the scenes in this book felt a little repetitive but I think it was necessary for their characters independently and their relationship together. I fully appreciate the way miss woods tied up every loose thread and gave us that satisfying ending, it was exactly everything I was looking forward to from this book.
With the end of Daybreak, AlexOphelia diaries comes to a close. How crazy is that to say omg like I kept stretching this book for ages just to stay with them longer but now it’s over and idk what to do with my life actually! ❤️🩹😭🤚
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Vincenzo and belladonna better get their own books or I will riot‼️
𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀: 🎧
No furniture — absolutely
Talk about — yana
Like you do — yana
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
╰┈➤ ❝ She becomes every thought I have and every shaky exhale I make. She’s the subject of my most rattling nightmares and my most carnal dreams. ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ I thought distance from her would make it easier. Easier on me if I chose to live, easier on her if I chose to die.❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “You and I are doomed, Alex.”
Right people, wrong universe. ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “I’d rather put myself into a blender.”
“I can put some rotating blades in the car, if that’d help.”
“Only if you put your head through them.”
“Oh, you know very well that I’d put my head wherever you ask me to, Ophelia,” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ She doesn’t bolt, but she does look like she might snap my neck. At least her hands would be the last ones to touch me. ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “You agreed to leave.” A small smile lifts his lips.
“I was young and foolish back then.”
“Two days ago?” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “No strings.”
“Strings, Ophelia. So many fucking strings. Strings in every cell of my body.” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “Four letters, first letter F—”
I splutter, squeezing my thighs together beneath the skirt of my dress. “I … we … no, I wasn’t …”
“Such a dirty mind, Winters, I was going to suggest you get some food.” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “You have enough on your plate. I can be difficult.”
“You’re the easiest decision I’ve ever made.”
“You deserve better.”
“We deserve each other.”
“I’m bland and boring.”
“You’re every color I’ve been missing.” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “Seven letters, first letter O. The sun, the moon, the world, and everything in it.” ❞
╰┈➤ ❝ “I’m sick with envy at the wind that slips through the holes in your knitted sweaters, Winters. Jealous doesn’t cover it.” ❞
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
We’re going back to sorrowsongggg 🗣️‼️
***
Ur 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 🙏🙏🙏
November 18, 2025
➳ disappointed is an understatement ☆
dragged out romance, stupid miscommunication, tedious familial drama, corny ass mystery plot, useless side characters = this should’ve been a standalone.
i am so sorry. this was an absolute and complete disaster on my end. i gotta give my usual disclaimer here. as always, this review is gonna be a slightly negative review; take everything with a bucket of salt. i will be going through the whole book and there will be spoilers. some‼️SPOILERS‼️are in this review. i will be going into the details of why this didn't work. my opinion is just that—MY opinion. if you love this book, i am VERY happy for you. this will only be a review of the book, NOT the author/fans of the series. autumn seems like a lovely person so read whatever you like. <3
ugh. trust me when i say: this is the last thing i expected. if you know anything about me, you will know that the first book in this duet—nightshade—is one of my all-time favorite dark academia romances. i legitimately could not wait for the second book. this, however, was so fucking jarring. this story felt like an absolute letdown, and nothing was cohesive about the plot, or the characters. i do feel like the delays and the constant pushback on the release date made an impact because i honestly did not remember anything about the first book. i understand that this is probably my fault, however, given the subject matter of this book—i don’t feel like this is rocket science to be able to comprehend…but it sure did feel that way.
this book essentially does pick up exactly where the last book ended but nothing is cohesive. i felt like this book should’ve just been a standalone but maybe tacked on 100 pages to make a more well-rounded story because splitting this into a duet did nothing but ruin their story for me. the main appeal of the first book is definitely the romance and the romantic storyline of alex & ophelia. unfortunately, this book did nothing but lose that dynamic between them. for almost 400 pages of this book, both of them were running around in circles in the same loophole of nothingness—fighting about superfluous shit that has nothing to do with anything. i’m tired, grandma.
the narrative structure is all over the place and this is ultimately a direct reflection of dragging on a story that didn't need to be dragged on. both characters faced severe regression and this whole will i, won't i got tiring so quickly. their dynamic really got lost in all this flowery language and over the top theatrics. what i loved about book one was the CONCEPT. the story. while, yes, grumpy x grumpy was a main trope, the narrative isn't filled with cliche shit that no one cares about. this book took all the compelling characteristics and threw that shit out the damn window. if i have to read about alex taking care of his one million sisters for another minute...omg. these parents need to stop fucking. close your legs, hoe. do not piss me off.
onto what really was the tipping point...the reveal of the stalker??? bitch LMFAOOOO. literally, get out. who the hell is laura? WHO? i don't even remember this clown because she was in this book for all of one minute before she was killed off. so again. who cares? this is another aspect of dragging the story for the sake of dragging because why did we need another bad guy? as i previously mentioned, if she just made book one 500 pages, this would've been an absolute hit of a book. instead, this was dragged into another 400+ page bore-fest and did nothing but make this duet unreadable as fuck. autumn really tried to throw several different plots and storylines together, and thought that it would read normally…she did way too much, without knowing how to juggle any of it. i will probably never pick up nightshade again, knowing how this flop story ends. the constant back and forth and back and forth...lord have mercy.
in a day where abusers are constantly getting praised in all their glory, it's nice to see authors writing about kind men. but it also gets to a point because the authenticity vanished with its crippling plot. this really should’ve just been another slow burn romance. instead, we got this batman ass plot, a clear ad for birth control, mental health representation, miscommunication that aged me by 10 years, friendship fall outs, mommy AND daddy issues, very oddly written “smut”, and a bunch of rich people problems. i’m over it.
this is what happens when you favor aesthetic over craft.
dragged out romance, stupid miscommunication, tedious familial drama, corny ass mystery plot, useless side characters = this should’ve been a standalone.
i am so sorry. this was an absolute and complete disaster on my end. i gotta give my usual disclaimer here. as always, this review is gonna be a slightly negative review; take everything with a bucket of salt. i will be going through the whole book and there will be spoilers. some‼️SPOILERS‼️are in this review. i will be going into the details of why this didn't work. my opinion is just that—MY opinion. if you love this book, i am VERY happy for you. this will only be a review of the book, NOT the author/fans of the series. autumn seems like a lovely person so read whatever you like. <3
ugh. trust me when i say: this is the last thing i expected. if you know anything about me, you will know that the first book in this duet—nightshade—is one of my all-time favorite dark academia romances. i legitimately could not wait for the second book. this, however, was so fucking jarring. this story felt like an absolute letdown, and nothing was cohesive about the plot, or the characters. i do feel like the delays and the constant pushback on the release date made an impact because i honestly did not remember anything about the first book. i understand that this is probably my fault, however, given the subject matter of this book—i don’t feel like this is rocket science to be able to comprehend…but it sure did feel that way.
this book essentially does pick up exactly where the last book ended but nothing is cohesive. i felt like this book should’ve just been a standalone but maybe tacked on 100 pages to make a more well-rounded story because splitting this into a duet did nothing but ruin their story for me. the main appeal of the first book is definitely the romance and the romantic storyline of alex & ophelia. unfortunately, this book did nothing but lose that dynamic between them. for almost 400 pages of this book, both of them were running around in circles in the same loophole of nothingness—fighting about superfluous shit that has nothing to do with anything. i’m tired, grandma.
the narrative structure is all over the place and this is ultimately a direct reflection of dragging on a story that didn't need to be dragged on. both characters faced severe regression and this whole will i, won't i got tiring so quickly. their dynamic really got lost in all this flowery language and over the top theatrics. what i loved about book one was the CONCEPT. the story. while, yes, grumpy x grumpy was a main trope, the narrative isn't filled with cliche shit that no one cares about. this book took all the compelling characteristics and threw that shit out the damn window. if i have to read about alex taking care of his one million sisters for another minute...omg. these parents need to stop fucking. close your legs, hoe. do not piss me off.
onto what really was the tipping point...the reveal of the stalker??? bitch LMFAOOOO. literally, get out. who the hell is laura? WHO? i don't even remember this clown because she was in this book for all of one minute before she was killed off. so again. who cares? this is another aspect of dragging the story for the sake of dragging because why did we need another bad guy? as i previously mentioned, if she just made book one 500 pages, this would've been an absolute hit of a book. instead, this was dragged into another 400+ page bore-fest and did nothing but make this duet unreadable as fuck. autumn really tried to throw several different plots and storylines together, and thought that it would read normally…she did way too much, without knowing how to juggle any of it. i will probably never pick up nightshade again, knowing how this flop story ends. the constant back and forth and back and forth...lord have mercy.
in a day where abusers are constantly getting praised in all their glory, it's nice to see authors writing about kind men. but it also gets to a point because the authenticity vanished with its crippling plot. this really should’ve just been another slow burn romance. instead, we got this batman ass plot, a clear ad for birth control, mental health representation, miscommunication that aged me by 10 years, friendship fall outs, mommy AND daddy issues, very oddly written “smut”, and a bunch of rich people problems. i’m over it.
August 21, 2026
Emo sad boys love the hardest and that is a FACT.
I liked the first book more, but still enjoyed this one! The way Alex loves Ophelia, Ophelia learning to love herself and the love they have from the people around them made this book wonderful.
I need a book for Vincenzo and a book for Belladonna STAT.
I liked the first book more, but still enjoyed this one! The way Alex loves Ophelia, Ophelia learning to love herself and the love they have from the people around them made this book wonderful.
I need a book for Vincenzo and a book for Belladonna STAT.
July 28, 2026
3⭐ I enjoyed it, but I don't think this is what I was expecting... Perhaps my expectations were a bit too high.
The 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 was carrying the story while the plot takes a backseat, and a lot of the conflict relies on miscommunication rather than meaningful progression. Which is annoying 😐.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.
A large portion of the book revolves around the aftermath, which made the pacing feel noticeably slower since much of the conflict is internal rather than action-driven. And it was more character/romance-focused, Which is–unfortunately–dragged and have taken too much of the book just relying on
miscommunication.
I understand why this book might not work for everyone; some readers might appreciate the slower emotional development, while others (myself included) might feel like the story takes too long to move forward.
I have to say, 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 is the best thing in the book. He was absolutely carrying this book. THIS MAN❤️🔥❤️🔥!! His obsession with Ophelia is the best🙂↕️. He has fallen down SO hard and his chapters are enough to show that🫠. And he literally bought all event tickets so he can be alone with her!! 🥹🥹. 𝗢𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮 remains a complicated character. She annoyed me at many points throughout the book, especially with how often she pushed Alex away. But I also understood her sometimes. She’s not simply right or wrong, and I appreciate that the book showed both her hurt and her flaws.
The 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 was good for what the book was trying to do, and I think it gave Alex and Ophelia the closure they needed. And even tho it didn’t completely erase my issues with the book as a whole, It still wrapped up the emotional side of the story well.
“We’re doomed, Alex”
“We’re fated, Ophelia.”
“Until midnight?”
“A hundred years from now.”
|𝐏𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 ࣪˖𖥔 ִֶ ࣪ ›
𝖳𝗁𝖾 ‟𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵.„ Quote o𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗋𝗋?!!
𝖨 𝗆𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖻𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗒 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗐𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾🙂↕️🫣
The 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 was carrying the story while the plot takes a backseat, and a lot of the conflict relies on miscommunication rather than meaningful progression. Which is annoying 😐.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.
A large portion of the book revolves around the aftermath, which made the pacing feel noticeably slower since much of the conflict is internal rather than action-driven. And it was more character/romance-focused, Which is–unfortunately–dragged and have taken too much of the book just relying on
miscommunication.
I understand why this book might not work for everyone; some readers might appreciate the slower emotional development, while others (myself included) might feel like the story takes too long to move forward.
I have to say, 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 is the best thing in the book. He was absolutely carrying this book. THIS MAN❤️🔥❤️🔥!! His obsession with Ophelia is the best🙂↕️. He has fallen down SO hard and his chapters are enough to show that🫠. And he literally bought all event tickets so he can be alone with her!! 🥹🥹. 𝗢𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮 remains a complicated character. She annoyed me at many points throughout the book, especially with how often she pushed Alex away. But I also understood her sometimes. She’s not simply right or wrong, and I appreciate that the book showed both her hurt and her flaws.
The 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 was good for what the book was trying to do, and I think it gave Alex and Ophelia the closure they needed. And even tho it didn’t completely erase my issues with the book as a whole, It still wrapped up the emotional side of the story well.
“We’re doomed, Alex”
“We’re fated, Ophelia.”
“Until midnight?”
“A hundred years from now.”
|𝐏𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 ࣪˖𖥔 ִֶ ࣪ ›
𝖳𝗁𝖾 ‟𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵.„ Quote o𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗋𝗋?!!
𝖨 𝗆𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖻𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗒 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗐𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾🙂↕️🫣
April 2, 2026
DNF 53% (I don't usually rate dnfs but this book was giving me 2 stars from the start so 2 stars it shall remain)
I'm so sorry Alex, but even your thighs could not save this💔
This was infinitely BORING I'm sorry😭 53% of NOTHING bruh😓 I wasn't that big of a fan of book 1; it was a decent read with Alex as a definite highlight, so my expectations for this one were not that high. However, this one was just a pile of nothing.
The stalker plot was so silly to me.. and why are we halfway through the book with no leads no nothing? (Laura also told me who the stalker ended up being and wow I'm glad I dnfed because I would have been fuming with such a reveal with a dumb as hell motive.) 53% of Just Alex and Ophelia on this merry-go-round of yes and no-which was also tedious and dull to me. I never really vibed with them that much since book 1, and it got worse here😅
The spice...was once again a choice. Listen just make it YA because this door ajar nonsense got on my last nerve (This was for you Imbi🤣) Either open the door WIDE or keep it CLOSED for the love of god. Serving us unseasoned salt instead of spice smh😅
This should have been a YA standalone I said what I said🫡
__________________________________________________________
pre-read:
I am here for Alex's thunder rugby thighs 👹 I honestly don't have very high expectations but all hail rugby thighs!
I'm so sorry Alex, but even your thighs could not save this💔
This was infinitely BORING I'm sorry😭 53% of NOTHING bruh😓 I wasn't that big of a fan of book 1; it was a decent read with Alex as a definite highlight, so my expectations for this one were not that high. However, this one was just a pile of nothing.
The stalker plot was so silly to me.. and why are we halfway through the book with no leads no nothing? (Laura also told me who the stalker ended up being and wow I'm glad I dnfed because I would have been fuming with such a reveal with a dumb as hell motive.) 53% of Just Alex and Ophelia on this merry-go-round of yes and no-which was also tedious and dull to me. I never really vibed with them that much since book 1, and it got worse here😅
The spice...was once again a choice. Listen just make it YA because this door ajar nonsense got on my last nerve (This was for you Imbi🤣) Either open the door WIDE or keep it CLOSED for the love of god. Serving us unseasoned salt instead of spice smh😅
This should have been a YA standalone I said what I said🫡
__________________________________________________________
pre-read:
I am here for Alex's thunder rugby thighs 👹 I honestly don't have very high expectations but all hail rugby thighs!
July 27, 2026
okay i had fun with this and i really enjoyed being back with alex and ophelia! but i can’t lie and say that i’m not a tiny bit disappointed that i didn’t love this as much as nightshade. i never went into this with any expectations but to have fun, & that i did - however i still think i was expecting to feel slightly differently about it.
look, if i was rating this for alex alone, well 5 stars of course - this man is down so bad and so hot. another man who gets away with smoking being hot cause he’s fictional.
however, something felt a bit stagnant about this book & slightly off pace compared to book one.
i really liked seeing alex and ophelia work their way through everything & seeing their love really grow. i mean it wasn’t perfectly done but i guess i wasn’t expecting that either. but part of me felt like i was missing a bit of their banter and the dynamic that they had previously, because this is what i adored so much about their initial development. i didn’t find myself giggling and kicking my feet as much. the energy just felt a little bit different. also i wanted a bit more angst and heat between them. however, i still had fun with what we got. i am so happy they found their happy ending together, they deserve it.
as for the reveal on the mystery side of the plot. i really wasn’t expecting it but i also found myself feeling slightly underwhelmed by it. i was like a bit like, oh, okay? 😅 it felt so random to me.
there was also a few times i found myself feeling like we were taking detours with the plot that didn’t really add anything of value. in hindsight- i really think this could have been one book that was 150-200 pages longer, rather than a duology. i reckon that would have been peakkkkk.
overall, i did enjoy this duology as a whole, i had a lot of fun with it. and i will be dreaming of alex’s thighs for a time to come - my imagination is better than the sprinkle of spice these books have.
this was really easy to fly through too - i mean i finished it in one day, i had no issue turning the pages that’s for sure. i will just regret my life choices at work tomorrow.
i have nothing bad to say - it just didn’t hit for me as expected but it doesn’t put a dampener on it - i still love these two as a fictional couple, and the whole found family. i do feel like this book was a bit of a let down in a few areas but, as mentioned, i don't have any negative thoughts towards it - i am just feeling a bit meh about it to be honest. but it definitely wasn't unenjoyable to read!!
random side note i kept thinking ‘wow alex’s carbon footprint is crazy work’ and then he acknowledged it 🤣
__________
it is time to be reunited with alex corbeau-green's rugby thighs 😛😛 i’m so excited!!! please be fun!
look, if i was rating this for alex alone, well 5 stars of course - this man is down so bad and so hot. another man who gets away with smoking being hot cause he’s fictional.
however, something felt a bit stagnant about this book & slightly off pace compared to book one.
i really liked seeing alex and ophelia work their way through everything & seeing their love really grow. i mean it wasn’t perfectly done but i guess i wasn’t expecting that either. but part of me felt like i was missing a bit of their banter and the dynamic that they had previously, because this is what i adored so much about their initial development. i didn’t find myself giggling and kicking my feet as much. the energy just felt a little bit different. also i wanted a bit more angst and heat between them. however, i still had fun with what we got. i am so happy they found their happy ending together, they deserve it.
as for the reveal on the mystery side of the plot. i really wasn’t expecting it but i also found myself feeling slightly underwhelmed by it. i was like a bit like, oh, okay? 😅 it felt so random to me.
there was also a few times i found myself feeling like we were taking detours with the plot that didn’t really add anything of value. in hindsight- i really think this could have been one book that was 150-200 pages longer, rather than a duology. i reckon that would have been peakkkkk.
overall, i did enjoy this duology as a whole, i had a lot of fun with it. and i will be dreaming of alex’s thighs for a time to come - my imagination is better than the sprinkle of spice these books have.
this was really easy to fly through too - i mean i finished it in one day, i had no issue turning the pages that’s for sure. i will just regret my life choices at work tomorrow.
i have nothing bad to say - it just didn’t hit for me as expected but it doesn’t put a dampener on it - i still love these two as a fictional couple, and the whole found family. i do feel like this book was a bit of a let down in a few areas but, as mentioned, i don't have any negative thoughts towards it - i am just feeling a bit meh about it to be honest. but it definitely wasn't unenjoyable to read!!
random side note i kept thinking ‘wow alex’s carbon footprint is crazy work’ and then he acknowledged it 🤣
__________
it is time to be reunited with alex corbeau-green's rugby thighs 😛😛 i’m so excited!!! please be fun!
February 15, 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 to read it—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 to read it—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!
Read
May 28, 2026♾️⭐
The most amazing, incredible, delightful, scrumptious, delectable, lovely, hot, sizzling, funny, heart-breaking, PERFECT conclusion ever!!! 🕛🕛🕛🕛🕛
Once this was in my greedy hands it wasn't going anywhere. Finished this in one sitting. I now have a cricked neck but I have NO REGRETS. ZERO.
My babies Ophelia and Alex 🥺 They went through so much in this book and I'm glad they had each other because I wouldn't have been able to handle them ever being separated again 🙅♀️ Their love for each other knows no bounds ❤️🩹
Alex is still the absolute king of yearning 👑 and Ophelia is still just as grumpy, humorous and fierce 🤭I'm so proud of everything she has achieved and having more of a glimpse into Alex's depression was such an eye opening and heartfelt experience🥹 I'm so glad they both found their happy in a world that was looking so grey 💖 (PS - please find me a man that draws, has reading glasses and refunds a whole bunch of peoples tickets bc he is protective... asap🙏)
✨"Until midnight?"
"A hundred years from now." ✨
pre-read:
Back to losing brain cells over Alex Corbeau-Green!!!!😍💃😝 (and yes I’m here for Ophelia too, don’t worry…😉)
The most amazing, incredible, delightful, scrumptious, delectable, lovely, hot, sizzling, funny, heart-breaking, PERFECT conclusion ever!!! 🕛🕛🕛🕛🕛
Once this was in my greedy hands it wasn't going anywhere. Finished this in one sitting. I now have a cricked neck but I have NO REGRETS. ZERO.
My babies Ophelia and Alex 🥺 They went through so much in this book and I'm glad they had each other because I wouldn't have been able to handle them ever being separated again 🙅♀️ Their love for each other knows no bounds ❤️🩹
Alex is still the absolute king of yearning 👑 and Ophelia is still just as grumpy, humorous and fierce 🤭I'm so proud of everything she has achieved and having more of a glimpse into Alex's depression was such an eye opening and heartfelt experience🥹 I'm so glad they both found their happy in a world that was looking so grey 💖 (PS - please find me a man that draws, has reading glasses and refunds a whole bunch of peoples tickets bc he is protective... asap🙏)
✨"Until midnight?"
"A hundred years from now." ✨
pre-read:
Back to losing brain cells over Alex Corbeau-Green!!!!😍💃😝 (and yes I’m here for Ophelia too, don’t worry…😉)
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.
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Currently Reading
November 19, 2025pre-read:
buddy reading with my baby girl, Mani<3. Here we come for our shared hubby, aka Alex Corbeau-Green;p
buddy reading with my baby girl, Mani<3. Here we come for our shared hubby, aka Alex Corbeau-Green;p
July 25, 2026
i stood up, and i walked away...dnf @ 15%. botched everything, everyone and their moms.
im sat.
im sat.
September 24, 2026
Yea, umm, some books should’ve wrapped up in one book and stayed standalone, and this being one of them 🫤
I mean, this book was a ‘good time,’ no doubt 🙂↔️ but at the same time, the whole book felt unnecessary. Honestly, finishing this book has exhausted me to the point where I can’t even write a review 😭 so I’m gonna end this here.
Yea, that’s it guys. Love y’all 🫶💜
———————————————————
‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. pre-read ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.
Saw some mixed reviews of this, but I’m missing Alex’s thighs, so here I am 😔💜
I mean, this book was a ‘good time,’ no doubt 🙂↔️ but at the same time, the whole book felt unnecessary. Honestly, finishing this book has exhausted me to the point where I can’t even write a review 😭 so I’m gonna end this here.
Yea, that’s it guys. Love y’all 🫶💜
———————————————————
‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. pre-read ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.
Saw some mixed reviews of this, but I’m missing Alex
July 31, 2026
➳ three point seven five happy to be a mess stars ⟢
i’m so sorry but who can resist cigarette smoking, rugby thighs, tattooed broody french man alex corbeau green?
i can’t and ophelia cannot either.
going into this book, i was expecting a sequel that correlated with book 1 - one that would take place in the university, with the same set of characters and a plot that made sense. unfortunately, only half the things that happened in book two made sense or even needed to happen in the sequel. this could’ve easily been a standalone. add 200 pages more to your 350 page book: and bam! a standalone that will grip your attention through the length AND it doesn’t even need to be a series.
was this book perfect? no. far from it actually - but my attachment to these characters added a layer of emotional connection that i wouldn’t have had if i hadn’t read book one and loved it.
so let’s break it down :
the bad:
- the stupid miscommunication = could’ve been prevented if they had an actual adult conversation without wanting to fuck. every other chapter, either alex or ophelia (especially the latter) got mad over something stupid and then ignored the other one for a week. one of them begged for forgiveness (mostly alex,) and to reconcile their relationship, they fucked. fucked, fucked and fucked 🌝
- the smut. please, i’m begging on my knees, someone tell autumn woods to never write smut again. oh my god this was the most cringe enduring, corny, unrealistic, made me drier than the sahara desert smut scenes written in the history of spicy books. this could’ve been closed door without the HORRID dirty talk. please never fuck on a painting ever again and NO more phone sex 😐
- the murder mystery. corny. predictable. a mess. came from the ass crack of my great aunt twist removed = came outta nowhere.
- insta lust. yearning where? 🥸
- the setting. please no more books being set in nyc. i’m tired of reading about yellow taxis, bars and cheap pizza. scotland being a setting was so much more spooky with an eerie vibe that was perfect for autumn.
- i needed more of the university. definitely the highlight of book one, and nothing was even mentioned. no classes, no students, no professors. the principal? dead apparently.
the mid :
basically everything else in this stupid book 🌚
the good:
- the found family. a found family that doesn’t secretly hate each other and with dynamics that truly make sense? unheard of! i absolutely loved everyone in this found family. it was so adorable & definitely a highlight.
- alex’s sisters. if autumn ever decides to set another book in this world - i want one of the sisters to be the protagonists. badass, funny, and stables for alex and ophelia’s relationship.
- bingable as fuck. i read this book in a day and a half, whilst on vacation. definitely kept me hooked!
- alex. no lube, no protection, all night, all day, from the kitchen floor to the toilet seat, from the dining table to the bedroom, from the bathroom sink to the shower, from the front porch to the balcony, vertically, horizontally, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, while I gasp for air, scream and see the light, missionary, cowgirl, reverse cowgirl, doggy, backwards, sideways, upside down, on the floor, in the bed, on the couch, on a chair, being carried against the wall, outside, in a train, on a plane, in the car, on a motorcycle, the the bed of a truck, on a trampoline, in a bounce house, in the pool, bent over, in the basement, against the window, have the most toe curling, back arching, leg shaking, dick throbbing, fist clenching, ear ringing, mouth drooling, ass clenching, nose sniffling, eye watering, eye rolling, hip thrusting, earthquaking, sheet gripping, knuckles cracking, jaw dropping, hair pulling, teeth jitterbug, mind blogging, soul snatching, overstimulating, vile, sloppy,moan inducing, heart wrenching, spine tingling, back breaking, atrocious,gushy, creamy, beastly, lip biting, gravity defying, nail biting, sweaty, feet kicking, mind blowing, body shivering, orgasmic, bone breaking, world ending, black hole creating, universe destroying, devious, scrumptious, amazing, delightful, delectable, unbelievable, body numbing, bark worthy, can't walk, head nodding, soul evaporating, volcano erupting, sweat rolling, voice cracking, trembling, sheets soaked, hair drenched, flabbergasting, lip locking, skin peeling, eyelash removing, eye widening, pussy popping, nail scratching, back cuts, spectacular, brain cell desolving, hair ripping, show stopping, magnificent, unique, extraordinary, slendid, phenomenal, mouth foaming, heavenly, awakening, devils tango ever bro could cause a nuclear bomb inside me and I'd still ride.
me if i ever got my hands on my man, alex corbeau green. oui oui baguette. my french passport will come in clutch 💦
- depression and grief representation = one of the best. i really enjoyed the fact that alex had a stable “perfect” life yet was still diagnosed as depressed - usually, in books, the depressed character that we are introduced to has lost their parents, their partner, has turned to drugs, and while alex has gone through so much - i still thought it was a really refreshing take on mental health.
- ophelia!!!! another highlight. still such a raw, honest and vulnerable character. even though her flaws are blaring in your face 99.9 percent of the time - i can’t help myself but to love her. but please, for the love of god, MISCOMMUNICATION is never THE SOLUTION!!!!!
- autumn woods’ writing is so easy to read, fast paced and with beautiful metaphors. my favourite comparison that she brought up a lot was that ophelia was alex’s color in his life. count me in for a delicate, thoughtful metaphor and i’m all in. the depiction of his depression gradually getting worse and how the colors turned to grey..? stunning. clever. amazing 🥹
whilst i do understand the complaints, of it being too long, or the romance dragging (which it did,) or even the mystery being unpredictable in a bad way - i thought that this book was executed well, with care and i enjoyed being back with our characters.
i’m so excited to see what autumn is publishing next! 🩷
i’m so sorry but who can resist cigarette smoking, rugby thighs, tattooed broody french man alex corbeau green?
i can’t and ophelia cannot either.
going into this book, i was expecting a sequel that correlated with book 1 - one that would take place in the university, with the same set of characters and a plot that made sense. unfortunately, only half the things that happened in book two made sense or even needed to happen in the sequel. this could’ve easily been a standalone. add 200 pages more to your 350 page book: and bam! a standalone that will grip your attention through the length AND it doesn’t even need to be a series.
was this book perfect? no. far from it actually - but my attachment to these characters added a layer of emotional connection that i wouldn’t have had if i hadn’t read book one and loved it.
so let’s break it down :
the bad:
- the stupid miscommunication = could’ve been prevented if they had an actual adult conversation without wanting to fuck. every other chapter, either alex or ophelia (especially the latter) got mad over something stupid and then ignored the other one for a week. one of them begged for forgiveness (mostly alex,) and to reconcile their relationship, they fucked. fucked, fucked and fucked 🌝
- the smut. please, i’m begging on my knees, someone tell autumn woods to never write smut again. oh my god this was the most cringe enduring, corny, unrealistic, made me drier than the sahara desert smut scenes written in the history of spicy books. this could’ve been closed door without the HORRID dirty talk. please never fuck on a painting ever again and NO more phone sex 😐
- the murder mystery. corny. predictable. a mess. came from the ass crack of my great aunt twist removed = came outta nowhere.
- insta lust. yearning where? 🥸
- the setting. please no more books being set in nyc. i’m tired of reading about yellow taxis, bars and cheap pizza. scotland being a setting was so much more spooky with an eerie vibe that was perfect for autumn.
- i needed more of the university. definitely the highlight of book one, and nothing was even mentioned. no classes, no students, no professors. the principal? dead apparently.
the mid :
basically everything else in this stupid book 🌚
the good:
- the found family. a found family that doesn’t secretly hate each other and with dynamics that truly make sense? unheard of! i absolutely loved everyone in this found family. it was so adorable & definitely a highlight.
- alex’s sisters. if autumn ever decides to set another book in this world - i want one of the sisters to be the protagonists. badass, funny, and stables for alex and ophelia’s relationship.
- bingable as fuck. i read this book in a day and a half, whilst on vacation. definitely kept me hooked!
- alex. no lube, no protection, all night, all day, from the kitchen floor to the toilet seat, from the dining table to the bedroom, from the bathroom sink to the shower, from the front porch to the balcony, vertically, horizontally, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, while I gasp for air, scream and see the light, missionary, cowgirl, reverse cowgirl, doggy, backwards, sideways, upside down, on the floor, in the bed, on the couch, on a chair, being carried against the wall, outside, in a train, on a plane, in the car, on a motorcycle, the the bed of a truck, on a trampoline, in a bounce house, in the pool, bent over, in the basement, against the window, have the most toe curling, back arching, leg shaking, dick throbbing, fist clenching, ear ringing, mouth drooling, ass clenching, nose sniffling, eye watering, eye rolling, hip thrusting, earthquaking, sheet gripping, knuckles cracking, jaw dropping, hair pulling, teeth jitterbug, mind blogging, soul snatching, overstimulating, vile, sloppy,moan inducing, heart wrenching, spine tingling, back breaking, atrocious,gushy, creamy, beastly, lip biting, gravity defying, nail biting, sweaty, feet kicking, mind blowing, body shivering, orgasmic, bone breaking, world ending, black hole creating, universe destroying, devious, scrumptious, amazing, delightful, delectable, unbelievable, body numbing, bark worthy, can't walk, head nodding, soul evaporating, volcano erupting, sweat rolling, voice cracking, trembling, sheets soaked, hair drenched, flabbergasting, lip locking, skin peeling, eyelash removing, eye widening, pussy popping, nail scratching, back cuts, spectacular, brain cell desolving, hair ripping, show stopping, magnificent, unique, extraordinary, slendid, phenomenal, mouth foaming, heavenly, awakening, devils tango ever bro could cause a nuclear bomb inside me and I'd still ride.
me if i ever got my hands on my man, alex corbeau green. oui oui baguette. my french passport will come in clutch 💦
- depression and grief representation = one of the best. i really enjoyed the fact that alex had a stable “perfect” life yet was still diagnosed as depressed - usually, in books, the depressed character that we are introduced to has lost their parents, their partner, has turned to drugs, and while alex has gone through so much - i still thought it was a really refreshing take on mental health.
- ophelia!!!! another highlight. still such a raw, honest and vulnerable character. even though her flaws are blaring in your face 99.9 percent of the time - i can’t help myself but to love her. but please, for the love of god, MISCOMMUNICATION is never THE SOLUTION!!!!!
- autumn woods’ writing is so easy to read, fast paced and with beautiful metaphors. my favourite comparison that she brought up a lot was that ophelia was alex’s color in his life. count me in for a delicate, thoughtful metaphor and i’m all in. the depiction of his depression gradually getting worse and how the colors turned to grey..? stunning. clever. amazing 🥹
whilst i do understand the complaints, of it being too long, or the romance dragging (which it did,) or even the mystery being unpredictable in a bad way - i thought that this book was executed well, with care and i enjoyed being back with our characters.
i’m so excited to see what autumn is publishing next! 🩷
July 29, 2026
5 🌟 “𝒰𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓂𝒾𝒹𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉?”
“𝒜 𝒽𝓊𝓃𝒹𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓎𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝓃𝑜𝓌.” 🖤✨
𝟏. 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬, 𝟒 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀
𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘦: 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘣𝘢𝘥, 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘴
🄰🄻🄴🅇
…and inhaled i did 🙂↕️
god i love these characters + this world so much!!
Ophelia my grumpy witty baddie!! LOVE HER 💗💞💘
Alex Corbeau-Green 🫦 the yearning UGHH!! and the way he cares for his family. like HELLLLOOO???? this man is 10/10 i am obsessed!! 💖💕💓
and THE ROMANCE??? soo fucking good 💝
˚˖➴ 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘺 ₊˚⊹♡
i really enjoyed the plot + the mystery and suspense aspect. it was gloomy and had my heart aching the whole time
once again i love the use of the crossword puzzles and emails. soo cute hehe 💌
overall this duology was perfection. that epilogue was absolutely everything 🥹💟 sad to be leaving this world and characters but my heart is full.
⋆ 𖤓.˚𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚞𝚗 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐, 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎, 𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚞𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚠𝚘 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚍𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚞𝚙 ⋆˚࿔
“𝒜 𝒽𝓊𝓃𝒹𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓎𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝓃𝑜𝓌.” 🖤✨
𝟏. 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬, 𝟒 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀
𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘦: 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘣𝘢𝘥, 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘴
🄰🄻🄴🅇
…and inhaled i did 🙂↕️
god i love these characters + this world so much!!
Ophelia my grumpy witty baddie!! LOVE HER 💗💞💘
Alex Corbeau-Green 🫦 the yearning UGHH!! and the way he cares for his family. like HELLLLOOO???? this man is 10/10 i am obsessed!! 💖💕💓
and THE ROMANCE??? soo fucking good 💝
˚˖➴ 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘺 ₊˚⊹♡
i really enjoyed the plot + the mystery and suspense aspect. it was gloomy and had my heart aching the whole time
once again i love the use of the crossword puzzles and emails. soo cute hehe 💌
overall this duology was perfection. that epilogue was absolutely everything 🥹💟 sad to be leaving this world and characters but my heart is full.
⋆ 𖤓.˚𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚞𝚗 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐, 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎, 𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚞𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚠𝚘 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚍𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚞𝚙 ⋆˚࿔
Want to Read
August 16, 2026 ⸺ 𑣲⋆˚࿔ preread
my boyfriend got me this hehe it is time to be reunited with alex corbeau-green 😽 please be fun!
my boyfriend got me this hehe it is time to be reunited with alex corbeau-green 😽 please be fun!
October 4, 2026
“she’s everything. she’s the words, the clues, the black spaces that hold the whole puzzle together. she’s every color in my paint set, and the brush that turns them into something beautiful.”
this duology is just absolutely everything. alex corbeau green, the YEARNER that you are. that man makes me feral. the way he uses his words??? NO I CAN'T.
now, here's the thing. did i cry my heart out? yes. did i feel the agony and yearning through the pages? absolutely. am i obsessed with these two? undeniably. BUT i think this could've honestly been just one book. i enjoyed the first one way more, and i had such high expectations going into this one… my bad, i guess.
it just felt a little flat for me in comparison. i kept expecting more of… everything. or maybe it needed to be longer so we could've gotten more details and more of THEM. i think it also didn't help that they were separated by a fucking OCEAN for most of the book.
but the writing was still beautiful, the mental health rep still hit hard, and the essence of the story was everything. the atmosphere, the characters, the emotions… all of it. the yearning was genuinely painful.
oh alex, i'll miss that insane mouth of yours !!!!
“i’m incapable of producing a drawing that doesn’t curve, bend, flow in the same way that her body does. i love her. god, i love her.”
“strings, ophelia. so many fucking strings. strings in every cell of my body.”
“twice in my adult life, i’ve forgotten how to inhale. both times involved you in a backless dress.”
“you’ve painted the world in color, ophelia.”
this duology is just absolutely everything. alex corbeau green, the YEARNER that you are. that man makes me feral. the way he uses his words??? NO I CAN'T.
now, here's the thing. did i cry my heart out? yes. did i feel the agony and yearning through the pages? absolutely. am i obsessed with these two? undeniably. BUT i think this could've honestly been just one book. i enjoyed the first one way more, and i had such high expectations going into this one… my bad, i guess.
it just felt a little flat for me in comparison. i kept expecting more of… everything. or maybe it needed to be longer so we could've gotten more details and more of THEM. i think it also didn't help that they were separated by a fucking OCEAN for most of the book.
but the writing was still beautiful, the mental health rep still hit hard, and the essence of the story was everything. the atmosphere, the characters, the emotions… all of it. the yearning was genuinely painful.
oh alex, i'll miss that insane mouth of yours !!!!
“i’m incapable of producing a drawing that doesn’t curve, bend, flow in the same way that her body does. i love her. god, i love her.”
“strings, ophelia. so many fucking strings. strings in every cell of my body.”
“twice in my adult life, i’ve forgotten how to inhale. both times involved you in a backless dress.”
“you’ve painted the world in color, ophelia.”
Want to Read
November 16, 2025WAR IS OVER I can finally buy and read the first book THANK GOD it's a duet and OMFG the cover??? hellooo???
October 15, 2026
Si alguien me pregunta cómo percibo yo el amor, no tendré más que enseñarle este libro.
Daybreak es el desenlace de Nightshade, la bilogía Sorrowsong de Autumn Woods, y para mí estamos ante un 5 estrellas en toda regla para ambos libros.
Retomamos la historia en un punto emocionalmente delicado y me daba miedo que el conflicto derivase en malentendidos innecesarios y un "lovers to enemies" exagerado y gratuito. Pero nada más lejos de la realidad. Si he derramado lágrimas prácticamente en cada capítulo ha sido por ver cómo dos personas con contextos tan distintos se esfuerzan por encontrarse en un mismo lugar, comprenderse y resolver sus diferencias desde el MISMO amor, de elegir al otro incluso cuando las cosas se complican.
En cuanto a la trama de misterio, el peso de la historia sentimental ha hecho que pasara a un segundo plano. Entiendo que el verdadero peso del misterio estaba en Nightshade y que aquí quedaban principalmente dos cabos por atar, pero me habría gustado que la resolución tuviera algo más de recorrido, especialmente en lo relacionado con el padre, cuya escena habría disfrutado más si fuera más larga simplemente. La trama del stalker, en cambio, me interesó bastante menos... como que prácticamente me dio igual. Esto puede ser un punto muy negativo si no tienes mucha conexión emocional con los personajes y su romance, la verdad.
Me ha encantado, sorprendido y, sobre todo, encogido el corazón la forma en que se abordan la depresión y la enfermedad de cierto personaje. Esos momentos me han parecido tremendos y creo que aportan una profundidad emocional enorme a la historia. Entre mis escenas y conceptos favoritos encontramos: la galería de arte, la familia de Álex, el «hasta la medianoche» y ese «volvió a pintar en color». No estoy preparada para superar nada de esto. 😭 También me ha hecho inmensamente feliz ver más protagonsimo en Belladonna y Colette, y ahora necesito otro libro protagonizado por Vincenzo o Fleur.
Me quedo con todo lo que me han hecho sentir esta bilogía y con unas ganas inmensas de seguir leyendo a Autumn Woods, porque a estas alturas, cualquier libro nuevo que publique esta autora entra automáticamente en mi lista de must read. 💘
Daybreak es el desenlace de Nightshade, la bilogía Sorrowsong de Autumn Woods, y para mí estamos ante un 5 estrellas en toda regla para ambos libros.
Retomamos la historia en un punto emocionalmente delicado y me daba miedo que el conflicto derivase en malentendidos innecesarios y un "lovers to enemies" exagerado y gratuito. Pero nada más lejos de la realidad. Si he derramado lágrimas prácticamente en cada capítulo ha sido por ver cómo dos personas con contextos tan distintos se esfuerzan por encontrarse en un mismo lugar, comprenderse y resolver sus diferencias desde el MISMO amor, de elegir al otro incluso cuando las cosas se complican.
En cuanto a la trama de misterio, el peso de la historia sentimental ha hecho que pasara a un segundo plano. Entiendo que el verdadero peso del misterio estaba en Nightshade y que aquí quedaban principalmente dos cabos por atar, pero me habría gustado que la resolución tuviera algo más de recorrido, especialmente en lo relacionado con el padre, cuya escena habría disfrutado más si fuera más larga simplemente. La trama del stalker, en cambio, me interesó bastante menos... como que prácticamente me dio igual. Esto puede ser un punto muy negativo si no tienes mucha conexión emocional con los personajes y su romance, la verdad.
Me ha encantado, sorprendido y, sobre todo, encogido el corazón la forma en que se abordan la depresión y la enfermedad de cierto personaje. Esos momentos me han parecido tremendos y creo que aportan una profundidad emocional enorme a la historia. Entre mis escenas y conceptos favoritos encontramos: la galería de arte, la familia de Álex, el «hasta la medianoche» y ese «volvió a pintar en color». No estoy preparada para superar nada de esto. 😭 También me ha hecho inmensamente feliz ver más protagonsimo en Belladonna y Colette, y ahora necesito otro libro protagonizado por Vincenzo o Fleur.
Me quedo con todo lo que me han hecho sentir esta bilogía y con unas ganas inmensas de seguir leyendo a Autumn Woods, porque a estas alturas, cualquier libro nuevo que publique esta autora entra automáticamente en mi lista de must read. 💘
July 2, 2026
The first 50% of this book? I was having a GREAT old time laughing, kicking my feet, absolutely living for the draft emails from Alex and all that YEARNING!! Omg, chef’s kiss. 🤌 I genuinely thought this was heading toward a 4–5 star read.
I absolutely LOVE Vin, and Bella has my attention!! These siblings need their own books ASAP.
But after the 50% mark… I got bored. The plot just stopped moving, nothing was really happening, and even the stalker reveal was… meh. Let’s just leave it there. 😭 Everything started to feel repetitive, and unfortunately, I lost interest.
I did appreciate the portrayal of Alex’s depression and the burden he was carrying on his shoulders. I genuinely felt so bad for him. But I wish the book had explored that more deeply. Battling depression doesn’t just disappear in a day, and it felt like something that deserved more time and attention.
I also really missed the dark academia atmosphere we got in book one. I kept waiting for those vibes to show up here, and they never really did.
I absolutely LOVE Vin, and Bella has my attention!! These siblings need their own books ASAP.
But after the 50% mark… I got bored. The plot just stopped moving, nothing was really happening, and even the stalker reveal was… meh. Let’s just leave it there. 😭 Everything started to feel repetitive, and unfortunately, I lost interest.
I did appreciate the portrayal of Alex’s depression and the burden he was carrying on his shoulders. I genuinely felt so bad for him. But I wish the book had explored that more deeply. Battling depression doesn’t just disappear in a day, and it felt like something that deserved more time and attention.
I also really missed the dark academia atmosphere we got in book one. I kept waiting for those vibes to show up here, and they never really did.
November 16, 2025
this should’ve been one book… so incredibly boring
July 30, 2026
I quite literally could not have loved this duology more!!!! 6⭐️ for both books and quite possibly my favorite romance ever. The way their love healed each other 😭 Ophelia & Alex are so 3D they just jump out of the page. The inner monologue, banter, and pure LOVE are the best I’ve ever read
January 23, 2026
Man…. I can kinda see why people struggling with this second book I wanted to love it but despite the book being so slow especially in the plot when your wanting things to happen… like fine fair there setting the scene with the whole father drama. It was still an easy read book still couldn’t put this down once it started even with it being slowburn still had fun time especially with having Alex back in my life 😭 I missed him so much since read Nightshade. I do feel like he did make the book what it was I know Ophelia was the main female aswell here but I found her pretty boring and too annoying at times I got so excited to deep when his povs came up.!
˚┊✦Alex :
That man just has my heart throbbing for him I get so excited when his povs comes up he just has the purest heart especially when it comes to his loved ones wants to keep them all safe. Like can he be any hotter? Had me kicking my feet when it came to Alex like he actually shined in this one a lot more than the first book!
˚┊✦ Ophelia:
Ugh that girl pisses me off idk why I think wanna say it’s her humour at times she just drove me insane with how stupid she can be especially when she’s acting like one always making wrong decisions that could put her or others in harms way… I loved her in first book but the writer just made her seem so self absorbed throughout.
The romance:
To say that they had such a rocky moment after that huge drama in first book from being stalked people threatening their families they would do anything to keep there families safe even if it meant sometimes to not be together for a sacrifice 😭
I just loved how they act like they hate each other after being let down together but once there together again man is the sex and the banter together is so hot ! 🥵 like mannnnnnn.
I do feel bad for some scenes I can’t reveal for spoilers but fuck I didn’t expect that to happen if you read this book hopefully you know what scene I’m on about which the two didn’t expect to be together in same room 😭😭
The ending :
Okay the ending I can’t tell you how hard I was crying with Alex pov and his situation I can’t reveal for spoilers but fuck that got me so bad 😭I just love how Alex is so down to earth when it comes to his family and Ophelia he just melts me in so many ways…
The reveal of that stalker though I kinda suspected it was them!! Wasn’t flabbergasted was highly known really.. I am glad Alex is known he needs help and healing process after years of mental health issues which I highly respect when someone recognises there own struggles when they have support around them such as Ophelia and his team 😭with someone who had deep thoughts with mental issues I can understand this completely don’t feel neglected for the support system they need!
I get why this isn’t the perfect book for everyone but I do get the same struggles of some aspects of this book it written beautifully for mental health I can’t wait for next one whenever it gets releeased hope it even better too!
🏖⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒˚.⋆ 🏖 ⋆⭒
﹏﹒✦﹒✶﹏﹒✦﹒﹏✦﹒
Side characters
˚┊✦ Belladonna :
I loved belladonna here to say she’s so grumpy such a hard ass I do feel like she’s also really brave with the line of work she’s doing aswell even when she doesn’t get on with most people she is still willing to help but always for a price especially when it comes to danger of her own life which is pretty understandable. She’s by fav my favourite side character.
﹏﹒✦﹒✶﹏﹒✦﹒﹏✦﹒
𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋🍉⋮ ⌗ pre read ⋆˙⟡
⤷ ゛ ˎˊ˗ Started August 2026
i am getting fomo with. everyone reading this book! i cant wait to finally start reading. this one i remember enjoying first one alot so hopefully it doesn't disapoint !!!
﹏﹒✦﹒✶﹏﹒✦﹒﹏✦﹒
Pre release 🥳😈❣️💋
OMGGGG I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS TO COME OHT WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE JULY THOUGH!! I saw this on my kindle immediately added it to my list on my journal for that month !
Want to Read
October 31, 2026❀⊹⊱ 𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ⊹⊱❀
⤿ immediately moving on to book two because I NEED MORE 👀🫠🏃🏻♀️➡️
⤿ immediately moving on to book two because I NEED MORE 👀🫠🏃🏻♀️➡️
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
i just can't stay away from alex so here we go 🤭
August 20, 2026
OBSESSED 😝
I have been waiting for this ALL YEAR! There is something so unique and haunting about Sorrowsong that I cannot get enough of 🙇🏻♀️
‘Revenge brought them together. Love might tear them apart’ 💔
‘Daybreak’ is part two of the Sorrowsong University duet, picking up just after the first book, ‘Nightshade’, left off. In preparation for reading this I re-read Nightshade and would highly recommend doing so. It made diving into this one all the more exciting 🤭
From the first page to the last, this book was an emotional, angsty journey of love between Alex and Ophelia. Destined to be together, even as the world tore them apart. Woods took a deep plunge into themes of depression and grief, lacing the narrative with a sense of tension and melancholy. It was heartfelt and captivating. And I am so sad it is over 😢
Following on from the events at the end of Nightshade, Alex’s world is burning down while Ophelia is desperate from him to know she wasn’t the one to spark it off…In the wake of his father’s disappearance, Alex is forced back to living in NYC, caring for his mother and sisters. Meanwhile, Ophelia is left reeling back at Sorrowsong in the Scottish Highlands. She may feel alone, but she has a new stalker, hunting her every move 👀
It is obvious they both need each other, but can they trust each other enough to repair what was sent up in flames? 🔥
This was a beautiful, raw, and achingly accurate exploration of love, loss, and mental illness. Woods had me absolutely captivated, not only by the romance, but also by the sense of mystery and suspense.
While Nightshade was thick with mystery, this plot was rooted more in emotions 🖤 Woods did an absolute fantastic job at portraying the gut-wrenching reality of depression. She somehow encapsulated exactly how it feels to be deeply overcome by mental illness (I say from experience). While it was difficult to read at times, I love that Woods refused to diminish the devastating impact that it has on both the individual and their loved ones. It was incredibly realistic and emotional. But despite the bone-crushing ache, Woods somehow managed to incorporate the heaviness into a plot that balanced it out with a sense of lingering hope.
I saw great development of Alex’s character in this book. We had more chapters from his POV, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a great insight into both his mental condition and his family. His pure love and devotion for his family is so heartfelt, his loyalty undeniable. It broke my heart to see him suffering so much, but I really appreciated the true representation Woods portrayed through his character, and seeing how he took charge of life and turned things around for himself and his family was honourable.
Ophelia, I am so proud of you my girl! I love that she leaned into her found family, let a small number of close friends in, accepted their support, all whilst still being true to herself. After the deep loneliness she experienced in book one, this felt like a massive step forward for her. And, in turn, she also steps up in supporting Alex and his family. She seemed so much more mature in her actions, whilst still holding on to that grumpy Ophelia we know and love.
The romance was front and centre throughout this story. The chemistry and banter between Alex and Ophelia was as strong as ever. Their witty humour and flirtatious nature was a highlight for me in the first book, so I was pleased to see it carried through into Daybreak, despite the heaviness they were both carrying. It made their connection even more special. Because they were so lost without each other, the yearning was stronger than ever, particularly on Alex’s side. It was written so well, feeling genuine and desperate. Woods timed their love story perfectly. Every element of it felt like it slotted together exactly when it was needed, never too early or too late, creating a sense of both tension and comfort. And the epilogue? Absolutely beautiful 👏🏽 It was such a wholesome, perfect end to this wonderful duet.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this duet. Both books were equally strong in my opinion. And as much as I enjoyed it, I am devastated that my time in Sorrowsong has come to an end. I NEED MORE of this couple but also the setting as a whole. I fell in love with the gothic and gloomy, yet surprisingly cosy atmosphere. The found family was also a highlight for me, I loved every scene that we got to share with Alex’s family, Vincenzo, Belladonna, and Collette. All I can say is I am praying for another book from one of the side character’s POV 🙏🏼
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
I have been waiting for this ALL YEAR! There is something so unique and haunting about Sorrowsong that I cannot get enough of 🙇🏻♀️
‘Revenge brought them together. Love might tear them apart’ 💔
‘Daybreak’ is part two of the Sorrowsong University duet, picking up just after the first book, ‘Nightshade’, left off. In preparation for reading this I re-read Nightshade and would highly recommend doing so. It made diving into this one all the more exciting 🤭
From the first page to the last, this book was an emotional, angsty journey of love between Alex and Ophelia. Destined to be together, even as the world tore them apart. Woods took a deep plunge into themes of depression and grief, lacing the narrative with a sense of tension and melancholy. It was heartfelt and captivating. And I am so sad it is over 😢
Following on from the events at the end of Nightshade, Alex’s world is burning down while Ophelia is desperate from him to know she wasn’t the one to spark it off…In the wake of his father’s disappearance, Alex is forced back to living in NYC, caring for his mother and sisters. Meanwhile, Ophelia is left reeling back at Sorrowsong in the Scottish Highlands. She may feel alone, but she has a new stalker, hunting her every move 👀
It is obvious they both need each other, but can they trust each other enough to repair what was sent up in flames? 🔥
This was a beautiful, raw, and achingly accurate exploration of love, loss, and mental illness. Woods had me absolutely captivated, not only by the romance, but also by the sense of mystery and suspense.
While Nightshade was thick with mystery, this plot was rooted more in emotions 🖤 Woods did an absolute fantastic job at portraying the gut-wrenching reality of depression. She somehow encapsulated exactly how it feels to be deeply overcome by mental illness (I say from experience). While it was difficult to read at times, I love that Woods refused to diminish the devastating impact that it has on both the individual and their loved ones. It was incredibly realistic and emotional. But despite the bone-crushing ache, Woods somehow managed to incorporate the heaviness into a plot that balanced it out with a sense of lingering hope.
I saw great development of Alex’s character in this book. We had more chapters from his POV, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a great insight into both his mental condition and his family. His pure love and devotion for his family is so heartfelt, his loyalty undeniable. It broke my heart to see him suffering so much, but I really appreciated the true representation Woods portrayed through his character, and seeing how he took charge of life and turned things around for himself and his family was honourable.
Ophelia, I am so proud of you my girl! I love that she leaned into her found family, let a small number of close friends in, accepted their support, all whilst still being true to herself. After the deep loneliness she experienced in book one, this felt like a massive step forward for her. And, in turn, she also steps up in supporting Alex and his family. She seemed so much more mature in her actions, whilst still holding on to that grumpy Ophelia we know and love.
The romance was front and centre throughout this story. The chemistry and banter between Alex and Ophelia was as strong as ever. Their witty humour and flirtatious nature was a highlight for me in the first book, so I was pleased to see it carried through into Daybreak, despite the heaviness they were both carrying. It made their connection even more special. Because they were so lost without each other, the yearning was stronger than ever, particularly on Alex’s side. It was written so well, feeling genuine and desperate. Woods timed their love story perfectly. Every element of it felt like it slotted together exactly when it was needed, never too early or too late, creating a sense of both tension and comfort. And the epilogue? Absolutely beautiful 👏🏽 It was such a wholesome, perfect end to this wonderful duet.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this duet. Both books were equally strong in my opinion. And as much as I enjoyed it, I am devastated that my time in Sorrowsong has come to an end. I NEED MORE of this couple but also the setting as a whole. I fell in love with the gothic and gloomy, yet surprisingly cosy atmosphere. The found family was also a highlight for me, I loved every scene that we got to share with Alex’s family, Vincenzo, Belladonna, and Collette. All I can say is I am praying for another book from one of the side character’s POV 🙏🏼
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
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