I am dead, laying over here lifeless after finishing this ARC. Such a wild ride and swear I felt every emotion possible while going through this book. She a THICC girl at 1000 something pages, but I had the BEST time. Definitely will have trauma, and definitely will be reading anything by Jeanette Rose & Alexis Rune from now on. The vibes were perfect, spice level.....just perfect. Absolutely will be recommending this!!

No words… I wasn’t prepared for the emotional devastation this book inflicted on me. It’s brimming with compelling characters, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into their arcs as the series continues. The “found family” element in this story truly stole my heart! The friendship between Summer and Alice was 100% IT. Their bond was so so genuine, pure, and realistic. I’d go to the ends of the earth for them, just say the word!

DNF @ 27%

Thank you for this eARC. While I really enjoyed reading about all the world building especially with the different types of species, realms and magic system and how they use runes I found the main FMC and MMC really hard to connect with. I get the female main character has some trauma she is dealing with but the back and forth she was having with Connor got to be a bit too much to continue. Plus the insta love Connor has with Summer was a bit odd. I loved Summers relationship with Alice and the spooky headmaster but the relationship and push and pull between Connor and Summer was a bit too much that it got to be a bit repetitive and boring.

If you’re looking for an academic fantasy book that has a fun magic system and lots of different species and powers this would be a good read but for me this just wasn’t working.

Blood & Betrayals is the first book of the Avalon University series, and I can't wait to read the next one!

After a mysterious person applies to Avalon University on her behalf, Summer Tuatha De Daanan decides to attend the college in an effort to learn more about her magic. Once she arrives at AU, Summer quickly befriends the acerbic vampire Alice and the kind, handsome angel Connor. Summer's typical college experience doesn't last long. Fae who share similarities to Summer are being murdered on campus, and someone Summer dubs the stranger starts sending her anonymous messages. Is he a friend or foe?

The rune-based magic system, different species, and multiple realms in Blood & Betrayals are fresh additions to the fantasy romance genre. What really sets this book apart are the mysteries behind the identity of the stranger and the culprit behind the murder victims on campus. Those questions kept me intrigued. At over 1000 pages, Blood and Betrayals is long and suffered from uneven pacing, especially in the first half when Summer is partying hard with Alice and acting much younger than someone typically would in their late 20's/early 30's. It is absolutely worth persisting with the story though as the palpable and provocative tension between certain characters just continues to build the further you read. The headmaster is particularly enthralling, and every scene with him kept me wanting more. For those wondering, Blood & Betrayals is a spicy read. There are a lot of intimate scenes, but they are well-written, not overly long, and serve to illustrate the love between two characters.

The second book in the series, Sorrow & Strangers, can't come out soon enough!

Thank you to Rose and Star Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for the eBook! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had high hopes for this book. The cover, the description had really intrigued me. Unfortunately, I just don't think it was for me.

This book is long. I'm not intimidated with long books, however, this felt far too long. A positive is it had short chapters which I do think helped push the story along, and did make you turn the pages. I will say the book was quite easy to read but I was definitely skimming the story after awhile.

I feel the story is there, however, there was a lot of repetition and non essential scenes which added to the length and made the story drag. There was some world building but it definitely could have been expanded and seeing as the book was 900+ pages there could have been more focus on that.

I struggled to connect with the main female character, although that could be more of a me problem. For a book this long, it was difficult to be in the same point of view for the majority of the book. There were a few other chapters not is her POV but it wasn't enough to keep me invested. The book had potential to showcase some other POVs to give more perspectives and perhaps, provide more information and depth.

One other issue I had was the characters were aged up to be late 20s/early 30s but it felt like I was reading 18-21 year olds and I didn't quite understand why they were of this age if they were going to act like late teens/early 20s. There was a lot of spice. I'm not opposed to it, however, there was a lot which felt unnecessary and was only there for the sake of having a spicy book, especially because this was more insta lust/love and happened quite fast in the story.

I'm sure other people will love this book judging by the other reviews but I struggled to enjoy it. It is a shame because it had a potential.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 — I’m not okay and I blame Connor Morningstar.

This book completely wrecked me—in the best, most deliciously dramatic way. I was expecting a fun, magical academy romance… I was not expecting to fall face-first into an 1100+ page spiral of feelings, secrets, betrayal, and romantic tension that could power the national grid.

Let’s start with Summer Tuatha De Daanan: prickly, awkward, constantly second-guessing herself, and trying so damn hard to belong. Her voice was so raw and relatable—there were whole pages I wanted to underline and scream “same” at. Watching her come into her power while navigating grief, trauma, and feeling other in every room? It hit.

And then there's Connor. Oh, Connor. A literal angel, both in the supernatural sense and in the way he’s the most patient, supportive, emotionally intelligent love interest I’ve read in ages. He sees Summer in all her messiness and never once flinches. Their connection is the definition of a slow burn, but every look, every moment, builds—until you’re ready to burst right alongside them.

The side characters? Iconic. Alice is the vampiric best friend I didn’t know I needed. The banter is sharp, the friendships are messy and beautiful, and the found family vibes are everything.

Also: the “seven lessons” mystery is so creepy and well done, threading through the plot like a curse. It kept me turning pages long after I should have been sleeping. And the ending?? That final twist? I’m not being dramatic when I say I blacked out for a second. Fully unhinged. Fully obsessed.

TL;DR:

If you love magic school settings, emotionally complex characters, high-stakes mysteries, and romance that simmers before it explodes—this is your next obsession.

Come for the dark academia vibes. Stay for Connor being the most attentive, devoted man alive.

Five stars. No notes. Except WHERE IS BOOK TWO I AM NOT OKAY.

Ack! That ending! You're leaving me there? I need to know what is happening! I need book 2 today!
This was a great read. I loved the bond and relationships built throughout this book. It really helped me to connect with Summer seeing her relationships with Alice and Connor, Max and the Stranger. Connor is a perfect golden retriever boyfriend and I just wanted to cuddle up with him too. I want to know more about the Stranger and the Headmaster and Rafe. I feel they're all hiding something! Can't wait for the next book, this was a long one, but definitely worth it!

Thank you to Rose and Star Publishing for the advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

A captivating blend of gothic atmosphere, dark academia, and magical lore, Blood and Betrayals is a fierce and enchanting read from start to finish. The book thrives on its richly imagined world populated by monsters, angels, vampires, and fae, each contributing to the tension and allure of the romantasy plot. Summer is an interesting, multi-faceted FMC and I loved the themes of growth and female friendships. Conner is a total golden retriever, which is my favorite kind of MMC. My only con is that I didn't realize going into this read how long the book was. However, it was so fast paced, I hardly noticed. However, if you're looking for a short ride, this probably won't be for you. If you love dark academia, if you loved Zodiac Academy, if you love tension and romance and spice and don't mind a longer page count, you're going to love this book.

This book devoured me in the best way possible. With a deliciously dark academic setting full of fae, vampires, angels, demons, and more, it’s giving major Zodiac Academy x CW drama energy—and I loved every chaotic second.

Did this book need to be 1,000 pages? Probably not. But was I still SAT for this book? Absolutely, yes,

Loved the found family aspect and banter.

There’s also a slow-burn murder mystery, a hot AF stalker, and a dark, brooding headmaster who gives nothing and need more of.

Was the world-building a little unhinged? Sure. Did it matter? Absolutely not. I was here for the vibes, the chaos, and THAT ending? Cannot wait for book 2.

I absolutely loved Blood and Betrayals I mean 6 infinity stars!!!!. Even though it’s over a thousand pages (which seemed daunting at first), I didn’t want it to end. The academy setting, murder mystery, and mix of magic and tension made it completely addictive.

The grumpy and sunshine dynamic was everything love a friends to lovers trope. I adored Connor, and every scene he was in made the book even better. I also really loved the stalker element. It sounds strange to say, but it worked so well.. we are talking sexy stalker wink wink.

The friendship between Summer and Alice was another highlight for me. It felt genuine and grounding, especially with everything else going on around them.

The characters are layered, the pacing never lets up, and the twists hit hard. The ending had me reeling, and I’ll be first in line for book two when it comes out. I need more of this world and these characters as soon as possible.

If you’re into romantasy with a dark edge, strong character chemistry, a murder mystery, and a world that pulls you in from page one, this is a must read.

I ended up soft-DNFing for now. I usually don’t mind slow paced books but at 30% I was expecting to be a little more into the story. It took me over a week just to get that far. The synopsis of this book sounded so intriguing and I really wanted to love it. While it may not be for me, it may be for you. I have seen a lot of wonderful reviews on this book and hopefully I will be able to pick back up in the future.

*ARC review*

Wow wow wow I don't have the words right now to how I feel.

This was a 5 star read from chapter 13, I've not felt like this about a book since Crescent City.

Zodiac academy vibes, with a murder mystery and a romance that will just melt your heart, a head master who is brooding and grumpy, a sparring partner who is just delightfully grumpy and a mystery stranger who is just well just mysterious.

With found family chucked in i loved it. Now I'm in a slump

Thank you Netgalley, Shannon and the publishers for this opportunity to read a fab book in exchange for an honest review

This book wrecked me but I loved it so much! The found family aspect was absolutely amazing and the friendship between Summer and Alice was phenomenal. The twist and turns kept me on my toes. I could not put this down!

This book needs to slide to the TOP of your TBR now!!!

This was my first dark romantasy book, and I loved every second of it. This book is a whirlwind of magic, mystery, and mayhem that had me hooked from the first page. Summer's journey at Avalon University is anything but ordinary—think dark academia meets paranormal thriller with a dash of romance. The characters are richly developed, each with their own secrets and complexities. The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I mean, it's over 900 pages, which would normally be a no-go, but this book is FANTASTIC!

Massive thank you to Rose and NetGalley for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Rose & Star Publishing for the opportunity to read this eARC!

This was a wild ride. I normally do not pick up fantasy books that have modern elements like phones, texting, and social media but this book was quite the exception. I could not put this down.

Did it need to be 1,027 pages? No. Did I still find myself unable to look away? Yes. I loved the side characters so much and I enjoyed Summer, but she did drive me insane at times. Connor had my heart immediately, but I am quite easy to please with MMCs. I became conflicted when we were introduced more to Headmaster Emrys and her stalker because why did I like them so much? What does that say about me?

This could be a very small minor spoiler so avoid this next sentence if you wish. But the one thing I found bothering me was Summer’s inability to keep the boundaries she set with her stalker, who she calls Stranger. I felt like Connor was an award winning AKC Golden Retriever, and she needed to quit with the emotional relationship with Stranger. I know she was trying and I know she loved Connor, and girl I get it, but Connor needed to be protected at all costs.

I did find myself crying at 1 am when I got to the ending. I just knew something was going to break my heart and break it did.

Alexis and Jeanette, if you see this, I am begging you please for book 2. I will not rest with all of these unanswered questions and I do not have Headmaster Emrys to email so he can give me books with answers!

Wow—what an ending! I genuinely don’t know how I’m supposed to recover from that or wait until March for Book 2. This story had such incredible character growth and relationship development that I was hooked from start to finish.

Conner is absolute perfection. The way he loves Summer is beautiful—tender, loyal, and unwavering. His devotion to his family and the way he looks out for his brothers is heartwarming. Honestly, I would’ve loved a few chapters from his point of view just to get inside his head more.

Summer’s journey was equally powerful. Watching her grow from who she was at the beginning to who she becomes by the end was so well done. One of my favorite parts of the book was her relationship with Alice—their instant connection as outsiders who found comfort in each other was both funny and deeply touching. Every time Summer calls Alice “wifey,” I couldn’t help but laugh.

I finished this book in under 24 hours. Despite its length, I never felt bored or rushed. Every chapter felt meaningful, with important emotional beats or key pieces of the story. It’s the kind of book that makes you laugh, cry, and smile all at once.

I’ll be counting down the days until Book 2 releases in March—I’ll be reading it the moment it drops! I would absolutely die for a copy of the PR box edition of this book, it is stunning.

Absolutely loved this book....even after all the pain.
In the beginning I had some mixed feelings about some parts, but as the story builds you totally get lost in this world.
I had so many theories and ideas where it will go...and even after finishing the book, I don't know if I was right.
Still so much to discover about these characters!
Definitely a 5 star read for me and can't wait for the second book!!!

Thank you Netgalley, Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune, and the publisher ❤️

I started this eARC thinking it would be a dark academia story with stalking and mystery. But I realized very quickly, that it was more of a collage romance book for the first 60% of the book.

I liked the fun collage experiences at the beginning of the book, it was very cute and flirty, and gave a good introduction to the story and setting. But then the story changed quickly into a more spicy romance, with not a lot of deeper plot. The characters felt younger and more naive, than they actually should have been. They came across like collage students in their early 20s, but are actually described as 30yos.

I felt like this story has a lot of potential, if the focus would be directed more towards the actual mystery that’s happening in the book. I am a fan of spicy and tension, but in this story it didn’t really do the thing. Not until the stranger came into focus. That’s what drew my attention back.

This is all just a personal opinion, of course, but I have about 300 questions that weren’t answered by the end of the book. One the one said, this story felt way too long, with a lot of repetitive moments between the two main characters. But on the other side, there are multiple loose ends and sub-plots, that weren’t explored deeply enough. The stranger for example! I found his story and the connection to the FMC very intriguing and I would have wished for more.

This book was far too long.

After about 58% in to the book I got so bored.
I didn’t really gel with the characters all that much either.

I finished the book but I don’t think it’s for me.

Not quite what I expected but it was a suprose.
Fast paced and interesting.
I liked the characters . Highly recommend.