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Root Rot Academy #2

Root Rot Academy: Term 2

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The warlock who slaughtered my parents is watching me—and I was a fool to think revenge would be easy.

Once upon a time, I thought I could be brave.

Sixteen years ago, I changed my name. Desperate to escape the nightmares, I let Hannah go and embraced Alecto. I so wanted to be the fearless fury who righted wrongs and slayed the monster…

Only now that I’ve met him, it isn’t that simple.

It isn’t simple to take a life—to be like him—but I have to do something. Waiting for the answer to drop into my lap isn’t good enough anymore.

But the fallout of Samhain hits us all differently.

Bjorn is traumatized.

Jack is targeted.

Gavriel is coming apart at the seams.

And I’m just trying to move forward, one day at a time.

With closets full of skeletons, we head into the darkest time of the year hoping things will get better, unaware that the second term is the beginning of the end.

As I juggle my men, my job, and my vengeance, one thing becomes painfully clear…

Benedict Hammond isn’t the only monster lurking at Root Rot Academy.

Root Rot is an academy Why-Choose romance trilogy centered around the professors and staff. It contains mature subject matter that might not be suitable for all readers.

345 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2021

73 people are currently reading
120 people want to read

About the author

Rhea Watson

20 books378 followers
Rhea Watson is a Canadian paranormal romance author who writes lone wolves and found family, fated mates and forever love. She dreams about living in a cottage in the woods that would make any fairytale witch jealous, and wishes every day was Halloween.

In her spare time, Rhea babies her herb garden, watches hilariously bad horror movies with her own hero, bows to her cat's every whim, and flies through Netflix shows like it's her day job.

Rhea writes MF, MFM, Reverse Harem / Why Choose, and (paranormal) omegaverse.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Alex(Books-In-A-Storm).
2,571 reviews66 followers
August 6, 2021
Wow what an ending.
I really like this one so much better then the first one. It was sexy, kickass and a very fun read. I can't wait to see what the last book ghosts as in store for me.
382 reviews6 followers
February 10, 2021
Ok. The book fleas between fine and good. It kinda picked up in the end to where I might pick up the third book.

What I find annoying is how the characters that are at age of maturing and/or immortal, and yet they are bumbling, naive idiots most of the time! Would have like to see more maturity in their thinking and emotions.

So, yeah.
Profile Image for Alicia Evans.
2,410 reviews38 followers
January 22, 2021
I received a free ARC of this book for an honest review.

I have been anxiously awaiting this book and I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed the first installment so I knew this one would be just as good if not better. My main issues with the first one were in terms of pace and my not liking Gavriel for the majority of the book. This installment provided a WONDERFUL development of Alecto and Gavriel's relationship that I absolutely adored experiencing. They both grow and learn from each other, and I thought it was very important that they realized that they are so much alike. I also really enjoyed Alecto and Jack's relationship developing, though in this installment it is more kink than relationship. I thought the subject matter was handled respectfully and I loved watching them figure it all out. My biggest frustration was Alecto and Bjorn. They are perfect soulmates and they just need to get over themselves and get together! It will be SOOOOO satisfying when it finally happens. I know it in my very BEING! Overall, I like that the relationships all grow at their own pace because that's realistic. I am super excited for how it all turns out.

I had more issues with the mini-plot in this one. It felt a little rushed to me, because I feel like this book was more about Alecto's horrible dance with creepy gross stalker man (which is what I call him in my head). I think the book would have been fine with just that development of the major plot and her growing relationships with the menfolk. I could see readers who are very invested in plot to be bothered by this, but as a character person, I didn't really mind. The book is beautiful in its banter and its love blossoming and her men letting her take care of things herself (at least until she really needs help). Also, LOVED the men's growing friendships and bonding. Serious, serious swoon.

I shall now anxiously await the next one. Let's hope March gets here super fast!

Tropes or flags: reverse harem; sexually confident out-for-revenge witch meets a vampire, a fae, and a warlock (3 males); roommate romance, lust at first sight romance, and boss employee /Dom Sub romance; semi-slow burn (no sexy times until a good way through the book); crude language and sex; rough sex; anal sex; BDSM is explicitly explored in this installment, but there's still more to develop there; angsty relationship yet to be really explored in this installment--its a super slow burn; prejudice, bullying, and betrayal (not within RH); blood, death, murder, violence, gore, and characters in peril; PTSD; creepy stalker-esque man who WANTS her; previous death of family members.

Heat rating: NUCLEAR—explicit sex, indelicate language during sex, and graphic depictions of a sexual nature used to further the story; may also include light kink; not quite enough for an EXPLICIT level (5), but takes it a level past HOT (3).
Profile Image for T.P.A..
738 reviews10 followers
October 7, 2024
3.5 stars: The plot thickens here as Alecto is facing her greatest fear and he seems to have developed some rather disturbing interest in her. Gavriel and Bjorn are wonderful, loved them both despite Gavriel's standoffish attitude at times. What can I say, love snarky, broody blokes.
Now, Jack... I just do not get him. For me, he seems to be quite on the sidelines and whereas Bjorn is devoted and Gavriel is alluring, Jack seems to be just in there for his preferences.
I did not enjoy this one as much as the first one, but hopefully things will pick up later on.
Profile Image for Amelie.
71 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2021
I am loving the ever growing strength of Alecto as this series continues. I found her continuous lack of backbone towards Hammond a bit frustrating in the last book, but she has definitely stepped up this time.

Also really appreciating the work the author has put into these relationships. It's not just a one and done situation, or the insta love trope. These feel like real people, in a real relationship, with real problems that affect actual people. It's so relatable and that adds another level of depth to each of these characters. It's been absolutely glorious to witness that tension, breakdown and climb towards where each person wants to be.

I think need a cold shower after some of those chapters with Jack tho. Holy moly 🥵
5,521 reviews
January 15, 2021
Ms. Watson, oh my gosh! You kept me so enthralled within the walls of Root Rot Academy!

Alecto's relationships are developing, and I can say, phew, scenes are romantic, steamy… I loved them all!

Intense moments, and I'm sure there are more to come! I'm rooting for Alecto and her men!

Cedar and Iris, seems like it's ON!!!! Alecto, true to her name, is not going to go down without a fight!

This series is so yummy and dark!!!! Cannot wait for #3!!!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Taryn.
Author 2 books25 followers
Read
September 11, 2022
New verse, same as the first.

This book brought almost nothing new to the table that wasn't in the first one.

The men all seem to think of Alecto the exact same way: bratty, fierce, such a good girl, blah blah blah. The only way you could tell whose head you were in is that Jack doesn't shut up about BDSM and Bjorn is all tortured Soft Boy UwU.

What do these people even like about each other? Their interactions mostly take place off screen and are so far apart. I'm constantly bombarded with being told how close Bjorn and Alecto are, yet I never seen that. All I see is him being all Soft Boy UwU over her in his very bland thoughts. Jack and Alecto only talk about BDSM or school. Gavriel makes sexual suggestions and Alecto gives him the finger. So interact. Much passion. Wow.

Apparently, when your subordinate comes to you as a broken mess, the best way to handle the situation and calm them down is to spank them. Sure. I don't know if this is an accurate portrayal of BDSM or not, but I laughed during every BDSM scene, and I get the feeling I wasn't supposed to.

Gavriel and Alecto do anal. Because why not?

We get more descriptions of food and clothing and the silly sabbat rituals than we do anything else. I think I know Alecto's wardrobe better than I do her personality.

Alecto is still a basket case.

There's a side thing with Alice that's brought up maybe three times and ends in a sombre way just to propel the "catty rival", or whatever the fuck Iris is supposed to be, into another lame plot for the next book.

At least we know Alecto's parents' killer is actually the killer, and he knows she knows he knows. Still say she should have killed the bastard.
Profile Image for Erin.
33 reviews
December 28, 2021
I waited (impatiently) for the next instalment of the Root Rot series and when it arrived I was far from disappointed.

So what can you expect from Term 2? Well...

Alecto starts to find her strength.
Benedict f***ing Hammond
Vulnerable badass warriors
Snark. Oh how I love the snark.
Dom/Sub play
Spilled secrets.
Betrayal
Death
Discovery

I honestly enjoyed Term 2 far more than Term 1. I felt that Alecto was far more likeable as a character in this book particularly now that she seems to be getting stronger (braver? less intimidated?). Term 2 also turned me into a Gavriel fan, which is something I was not at the end of Term 1. Jack and Bjorn are ok, but Gavriel's character development in RRT2 really endeared him to me. He can bring me burgers and fries any day.

March and the release of Term 3 can't come soon enough. I can't wait to see who ends Hammond and how, though I'm really hoping it's a Gavriel and Alecto combo.

Many thanks to Rhea for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.





Profile Image for Fleur.
806 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2025
🌟 3.75

Things are moving so slowly. This one dragged.

Pain dom is not my kink. In fact, it’s kind of put me off. I don’t understand or agree with the feelings that come with it, so it makes for harder reading.

Double ugh…not the miscommunication trope, please!

Alecto is still cool as ever. Mature enough to read about, but making silly mistakes. I wish she hadn’t but I guess it’s not the worst thing.

Bjorn needs a spine. Where is he when he’s needed, honestly. Fricken Viking who runs scared from his feelings when crap gets real.

Gavriel is a horndog but owns it. Literally the only one giving our girl the sex she needs. Can everyone get over themselves and start giving her more O’s? 🤷🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

Jack is like…ok-ish. Loving his Big Daddy vibe, loving his overprotective cuddle and aftercare situation. The whole shtick with his Dom thing and feeling invigorated handing out pain…not me. Soooo not me. She loves it and he loves it, so great, great, great. But it grates that he feels like he knows everything? He watches her and sees things that he will change once she’s his sub. It annoys me that she needs guidance, looks to him when she’s confused. Like what have you done your whole life till now? 🙄 And he sits there wanting to correct her posture, gently guides her lessons, hands out advice. Doesn’t force anything. It’s completely up to her. He’s actually a great sounding Dom. But the power imbalance is not the type I prefer. I don’t read reverse harems for her to be a wimp. She hands it to him. She scurries off and doesn’t question whether it’s a good suggestion or not (it is obviously, duh). Ughhhhh nope.
The kink is done tastefully. I can see that most people would love it and be fine with it. Just not me. I know it’s sexist, but I want powerful men at her feet. Her being his sub is the opposite. He’s constantly wanting her kneeling, although he’ll never say it out of a scene. It’s not me. Ok moving on.

Plot went slow. Not much happened in this book, including her little revenge show. This is still better than what feels like 2/3rds of RH out there though.

It’s unfortunate that I’ve finished the book and am still unsure if I’ll pick up the last
Profile Image for TheQDB.
281 reviews
January 25, 2021
Overall: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 😏😐🔥😓💪😰

~REVIEW🖋~
The Quick and Dirty: Term 2 finds us delving into the minds and motives of the characters. Relationships heat up, secrets are shared and drama ensues.

What I loved: Rhea’s prose is always lovely. The descriptions are vivid and I loved the dynamic between Alecto and her love interests. Their relationships are evolving in an organic manner. The bonding over brokenness and lifting each other up felt genuine, and the ensuing spiciness was scorching hot! I knew we were going to get something a little hotter this go around but woooo! I need a cold shower after all that! Last but definitely not least, and without spoiling too much, that battle scene was EPIC. Alecto is a bad-ass boss bitch!

What I didn’t love so much: There were parts that dragged. It felt like we spent so much time in the characters minds examining motives and talking about the surroundings that the action portions felt rushed in comparison. Some of the dramatic moments were also well-written but the transitions were a little rough, almost like the story had been slow so it was time to sprinkle in some action.

Considering the tone of this book and how that cliffhanger left us, the next book is sure to be a doozy! Can’t wait!

~QD STORY DETAILS~
Shelves: Fantasy, PNR, RH, Academy romance (Professor & professor)
Location: Scottish highlands
MC age range: 20s & immortal
Lead: Alecto Clarke
Love interest(s): 🧛‍♂️🧝🧙‍♂️
POV: Multiple
Tear jerker: No
HEA: Cliffhanger

~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Paperback page count: 345
Publisher: Self published
Audible: No
Series: Yes - Root Rot Academy
1. Term 1 - released 11/12/20
2. Term 2 - released 01/25/21
3. Term 3 - releasing March 2021

~QD 🔥~
Sex/kink type: manual, oral, penetrative, anal, rough sex, BDSM
Possible triggers: violence, death, harassment, PTSD, blood/gore, stalker

***I was graciously given an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.***
Profile Image for Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read.
3,441 reviews113 followers
February 1, 2021
Way to leave us on the edge of our seats! I expected at least an open-ended finish for this second book in the trilogy, but wow - talk about leaving a reader wanting even one more page! True to form, Rhea Watson has put together all the paranormal fun and intrigue we can handle in a fast-paced academy romance.
This is also a why choose romance, and of course, these guys are just too delicious to choose between. Each of them brings something different to the table, and they're all three lovable in their own way. Bjorn is gentle despite, or maybe because of his past, Jack is such a contrast between the straight-laced professional and the dom. There's a scene in this one (not the D/s kind) where Jack is explaining himself to Alecto, and it's one of my favorites in the book. And then there's Gavriel. I like all three of Alecto's guys, but Gavriel is definitely my favorite. He's the perfect mix between playful and dark, and his brand of snarky endears him to me all the more.
Like the first in the trilogy, this one has some intrigue and danger unrelated to the ongoing storyline concerning Benedict Hammond, and not everything is all tied up in a neat little bow. So, if you don't like cliffhangers, be warned. Nevertheless, whether you read them as they release or you binge through all three, this is a thoroughly entertaining story with characters you just can't get enough of. I know I'll be anxiously awaiting whatever's next.
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
March 31, 2021
5 stars

A great addition to this series. I like how each book kind of has its own little story arc that starts and ends in the same books with the overall story arc of Alecto’s revenge as more of the series’ plot. That being said, there was some developments with her plan but nothing that Alecto had expected or planned for.

The relationships between Alecto and all 3 of her men are growing and going through different stages. She’s had fall outs with them all but manages to repair the damage with them all in different ways. While I didn’t like Gavriel in book 1, I still don’t find him as a favorite but he’s starting to grow on me. The BDSM aspect of the book is seen with Jack and Alecto a few times but it isn’t overbearing or overpowers the rest of the book. I think the author depicted this special and fragile type of relationship between Jack and Alecto perfectly.

With the ending of this book, I can tell that the next and final book in the series will be balls to the wall with drama and excitement. And hopefully further relationship development between Alecto and her men.
951 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2021
Root Rot Academy: Term Two by Rhea Watson was exactly what I was looking for and what I needed the second book in this trilogy to be. It delivered, and it exceeded any and all expectations, and I had a high bar set! But I knew that Alecto and all her men would have me SWOONING and I can confirm, it was good that I was sitting for the duration of readding Term Two!

And Bjorn, Jack, and Gavriel? UNF. I mean seriously. All. Of. The. FEELS. My poor heart took a beating on one HECK of an emotional rollercoaster ride of a journey and I loved every single moment of it!

I'm falling more and more for these men and their witch with each and every page and encounter. The tension is thick and heady, the chemistry electric and sizzling, and the scenes, the conversations, everything is simply delectable!

The action sucks you in and the comfort and love and general vibes between Alecto and her men leave you smiling. And the baddie? So so bad, and I cannot wait to see what happens come Term Three. So...is it time to read it yet? Pretty please?!
Profile Image for Carol 27.
1,093 reviews
January 25, 2021
The story picks up after the events at Samhain and we find Alecto on edge, struggling over how best to deal with her enemy, especially given his sudden interest in her. Is he merely seeking an acceptable bride – or has he figured out who she is, and why she’s really there?

Alecto’s unique and complex relationships with Bjorn, Gavriel and Jack are proving to be oh-so electrifying at times while very angst-riddled at others. I’m looking forward to Term Three to see how Alecto handles the new reality she’s just been dealt. The story is well written and told through the POV’s of the four characters. There’s drama and suspense plus magic, danger, violence, trauma, tragedy and a few surprising revelations. There’s also some humour along with several explicit M/F encounters including some steamy BDSM scenes courtesy of one pain inflicting Dom.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alice.
1,899 reviews103 followers
January 28, 2021
Good writing and hot smut scenes, but the relationship developments and subplot choices took a weird turn IMO.

BDSM isn't really my thing, and introduction of sadistic scenes with to mentally help Alecto with her trauma didn't really make sense to me. The whole deal with the sirens and what happened with Alice also wasn't terribly cohesive to the main revenge plot other than causing

I'm glad many backstories and secrets were revealed to the different characters so that we could stop using that as an angsty plot device to halt their relationship progress, but the relationships still inched a little too snail-pace for my tastes.

I do look forward to reading the next book in the series though.
792 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2021
This second installment of the series was over the top goodness. I was glued to the story for several late night readings. I didn’t get much sleep and it was so worth it. Alecto is fierce and her men are so protective. Each of her relationships are coming together at different levels. There’s plenty of action (both kinds lol), a mystery and lots of emotion. I still can’t get over the end of the book. March can’t get here fast enough. You can’t go wrong with this book or the series. The author keeps you wanting more.

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Monikat.
1,634 reviews40 followers
May 27, 2021
I have a bad habit of giving a high rating for a book swept up by the ending, being it rewarding, exciting or a good cliff hanger. This is one of those cases. This book finally took off for me at 80%. Finally, they all talked. Keeping secrets for almost two books in a trilogy was beyond childish and pointless. It just took too long for anything to really happen (well, except Gavriel).
I liked the book, but didn't love the book.

P.S. Using the word 'squealing' is a total turn off. And it is used a lot in this book. Bad form, thumbs down.
Profile Image for Jessica Stevens.
432 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2021
Things are starting to escalate...

Wow, I loved term 2! In this one, we get to see Alecto growing closer to each of the guys - our lovely author is great at this - and the creep factor is progressivly upped with our villian Benedict Hammond. And the ending of Term 2 shows the Term 3 is gonna be quite different and you just know things are going to be crazy! Why do I have to wait until the end of March?! I need it now!
Profile Image for Debs.
1,181 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2022
Another fab story

I really enjoyed this second instalment about Root Rot Academy. She has taken a young witch under her wing who cannot get cast spells in her own. Apparently she has been secretly dating a siren who she found after going through a portal in the school. She is warned against sirens and that they eat humans but the girl won't listen. An invitation is left for their wedding. What could possibly go wrong? Also Jack and her BDSM relationship is hotting up.
Profile Image for Dreia Wells.
Author 32 books553 followers
January 27, 2021
So invested!!!

I love this story so damn much. Such a good read. So glad Jack and Alecto got their kink on...the anticipation leading up to it was 🔥. Bjorn, I am in love with that Vampire!!! It was lovely to get more information about the characters in this book. Definitely more!!! Book 3 is going to be epic. And now a moment of silence for young Alice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ivy.
72 reviews
March 13, 2021
Term 1 was my book of the year and book 2 did not disappointment. It gave me absolutely everything I came here for. The characters were rich, thoroughly developed, and had arcs that made sense. The plot was beautifully paced. There was tension exactly where it needed to be. I cannot wait for book 3 and will very much enjoy rereading this trilogy over and over.
Profile Image for The_Book_Brat.
942 reviews162 followers
April 22, 2021
Oooooooo it’s really building up now! Loving the multi-POV it really allows a depth of understanding for all of the characters and their reactions to things! And wow the heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥 in this is incredible - Very drool-worthy men!
The baddie is an absolute creep and poor Alecto is having a right dilemma of what to do!! I hope in the end she gets the revenge she deserves!
Profile Image for Alba Guillén.
32 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2022
I really don't know how I could finish this, maybe I'm too stuborn to drop a series when there's only one book left, but I definetely won't get the next book.
It was boring, nothing important happened and the whole plot about her parents murderer is stuck and is really frustrating constantly reading about her moping and self-hate because she's doing nothing about it except stutter and having anxiety attacks (not complaning about anxiety, which could give it a bit of realism, but about the lack of action or moving on wih it during two books).
And the relationships between the main characters, I'm totally lost and confused. I like the guys, but not their interactions with her, is like they lost all their personality and just droll when she appears in the scene), I really hate when this happens...just because you like a person you don't lost you witts or change your personal opinion or self-esteem!
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
391 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2021
Root rot 2

The much anticipated second book of the Root Rot Academy series and it does not disappoint. Unlike any other academy book focusing on the teachers rather then the students. You need to read this series.
51 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2021
I want more, now!

All I can say is, it just keeps getting better and better. I can't wait for the final book in the trilogy to come out in a couple of months. It's going to be a long wait.
Profile Image for Hannah Brooker.
766 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2022
Much better than the first.

Firstly Benedict is so sleazy as is iris eurgh. This book was way better than the first. Storyline picked up massively and for the most part flowed a lot better. Looking forward to reading the conclusion to this trilogy.
Profile Image for Sierra Cassidy.
Author 24 books114 followers
April 9, 2022
This one was significantly less fun than Term 1. I wasn't a huge fan of how things went with a lot of characters, especially Bjorn in the earlier parts of this book. That being said, I'm still going to finish off the series.
9 reviews
November 11, 2025
I enjoyed how the second book dived deep into all the relationships and expanded on Alecto and allowed her to build deeper relationships with everyone. Left on a good cliff hanger to keep reading!

I only wish they didn’t skip scenes that could be interesting. It just kinda fills the holes in later.
Profile Image for Rhea Watson.
Author 20 books378 followers
Read
January 25, 2021
It's liiiive! Happy book birthday to my newest darling, which is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited! Happy reading! xoxoxo
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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