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

This 900 page book was just too much, I got 200 pages in and had to stop. There was just too much wrong with it and not enough right to make me want to continue. The characters, though being 27-31 acted like they were 17, why make the ages so old to not make the characters believable? Why was an adult woman wearing a cheerleader uniform at this supernatural school? This person is way too old to be that perky. We're tired by that age. Why did Summer and Alice run away from their tour group? They are literal adults who can make choices to not participate. Why are they both just so insufferable? Why were there five Morningstar brothers? Surely a max of three would have been enough? Only Connor and Rafe are actually distinguishable from the others. Why is the school Headmaster always around when Summer is doing literally anything? Why was this insta-love? There could have been angst with a cross species romance. What was the world around them? Why did we have unoriginal names like Alice, Prof. Draco, Draculea? Why was this not just an NA fantasy college book? Why was every chapter called "Summer" when maybe like 6 were titled something else? Are the authors high school students who took writers craft project too far?

This book is 900 pages long, and honestly based on the amount I read had very little to say. Books do not need to be long to be valid, sometimes less is more, and in this case, less would have been ideal. There is an idea for the story somewhere in this book, but better editing, less characters, more depth and originality would have helped the whole thing.

I'm not posting this to my good reads, but yeah. Sorry. This was just not it for me.

This book was incredibly long. I was convinced I was close to the end and found out I was only 48% in. While I did mostly enjoy the story, I don’t think I’m the target audience for this book. The characters are immature and frustrating.

Thank you to Rose and Star Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, it gave me so many things I love—dark academia vibes, a golden retriever MMC (Connor is the literal definition of perfection), a compelling murder mystery, and an ensemble cast that brought serious personality to the page.

The standout element for me? The characters. Alice, the ride-or-die vampire bestie? Iconic. The banter and bond between her and Summer felt so real. The brother crew - Rafe, Luke, Zane, and Zach were charming and hilarious. Max, the unexpected bestie, was a surprise I didn’t know I needed. And of course, the Stranger. As the mysterious, brooding third point of the main triangle and the stalker element of the plot, his character added a unique layer of tension and intrigue. He steadily grew on me the more we saw beneath his surface.

The spice? Definitely a major feature, this book doesn't hold back in that department.

But here’s where things went sideways for me. At over 1,000 pages, this book felt too long for the story it was telling. The pacing suffered from heavy repetition—class, coffee, Connor, secrets, rinse and repeat—not enough forward motion. But the biggest struggle for me was the emotional cheating. It was such a significant issue that I nearly DNF’d the book more than once. Summer not only kept Connor, who was endlessly patient, supportive, and selfless, in the dark, but she also opened up 100% emotionally to quite literally a stranger. To make matters worse, she actively downplayed and lied about the depth of her connection with the Stranger when talking to Connor. That level of betrayal made it incredibly difficult to stay invested in her character or the romance.

Summer herself was also tough to connect with at times. Her decision-making often felt immature and reckless, which made it hard to believe she was nearly 30 years old. I understand trauma plays a role, but it didn’t always add up.

The ending did hit emotionally, and while it didn’t fully redeem the story for me, it did soften the blow. I’m still on the fence about continuing the series, but I’ll be keeping an eye on what others think before deciding.

Read this if you love:
✨ Dark academia + slow-burning tension
✨ Magic, mystery, and found family dynamics
✨ Steamy romance with emotional stakes

But be mindful if:
❌ Emotional cheating is a trigger
❌ You prefer faster pacing or shorter reads

Where do I even begin? This was beautiful, devastating and I need the next book immediately.

All of the characters are so well done and you really feel like you are there in this world with them. The found family was perfect.

It was a long one but so worth the read and I am lucky ro have received the ARC. I'm keeping my eye out for the second book. Definitely one of my favorite reads of all time.

First off, I would like to thank NetGalley, Rose & Star Publishing LLC, & Jeanette Rose & Alexis Rune for the eArc!

This was unfortunately a miss for me, which I’m so sad about because I was so excited for this book. It just seemed to go on for too long. The concept of this was great and I liked the overall idea it just fell a little flat. I’m still interested enough that I would read the next book, however, I found myself wanting this book to end. There seemed to be a lot of filler that didn’t seem necessary. The relationship between the FMC & MMC also came off a bit too insta love to me as well which I don’t really enjoy.

As for the characters,

- The FMC honestly got on my nerves quite a bit and I found myself rolling my eyes at a lot of the things she did. Especially when I would remember that we are supposed to be the same age…. + her having like a whole attitude / character change from the first chapter to the end of the book. It was too drastic and not really in a positive character growth way.

- Alice & Connor were the best characters in the book. Alice was witty, snarky, and loyal and Connor was the perfect book boyfriend. Sweet, charming, and loving.

Overall, if you’re looking for a university setting, murder mystery and lots of spice this is the book for you!

I have read many ARC copies, but when I saw that I got approved for Blood & Betrayals I literally squealed. My husband came in the room to see what was wrong. Needless to say I immediately paused my current read to binge this entire book. And that is no easy feat considering how thick this book is. I love that this takes place at a university and not the typical high school that a lot of authors like to pick. we (the readers) aren't high school age anymore, and its nice to have a college setting where it is easier to relate to the characters. Speaking of characters, im pretty sure the authors were trying to make you crush on every character because good lord did they succeed! I'm a sucker for dark academia, spooky, and murder mysteries and Blood & Betrayals checks all of the boxes that I wanted! I don't want to give anything away (I hate when people put spoilers in their reviews) but I would like to add that I really loved the friendship between Summer and Alice. Having a solid best friend relationship between girls is just so rare these days. Their banter made me smile. I loved this whole story from start to finish. I can't wait to get a physical copy to display on my trophy shelf!

THAT ENDING?!!

Wow, this book.

The found family, the two badass FMC's friendship development was so cute and wholesome, our MMC Connor was adorable and the murder mystery!

Brooding headmaster, sexy mystery stranger, golden retriever boyfriend and a moody combat teacher!!

This book was so easy to read, the BANTER!! I was giggling and kicking my feet at some of the jokes. The relationships felt so realistic, especially between the brothers and Summer and Alice.

The girl's friendship was literally what I imagine its like to have at a fantasy university. I cannot wait for book two and to find out more about the mystery stranger.

From the very first page, I was utterly captivated by "Blood & Betrayals"! This book is a masterclass in dark academia romantasy, and it swept me away into the hallowed, yet sinister, halls of Avalon University. Earning a solid 5 out of 5 stars, this is one of those reads you just can't put down.

The dark academia aesthetic is absolutely phenomenal, creating an immersive and atmospheric backdrop for all the magic and mayhem. I loved getting lost in the secrets and mysteries of Avalon University, feeling the palpable tension and intrigue that permeates every chapter.

Speaking of intrigue, the plot twists in this book are mind-blowing! Just when I thought I had things figured out, Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune would pull the rug out from under me. The central mystery, involving a sadistic stalker and the "seven lessons to learn," kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly theorizing and desperate to uncover the truth. The pacing, despite the book's length, is incredibly addictive, making it feel like a race against time.

And the magic system? Simply brilliant! It's rich, imaginative, and seamlessly woven into the world, making the powers and abilities of the students feel both ancient and incredibly vital. Beyond the magic and mystery, the characters are incredibly well-developed.

Summer's journey, from being guarded and trying to remain unnoticed to forming strong bonds and confronting her past, is truly compelling. The slow-burn romance is deliciously angsty, and the found family elements brought a wonderful depth to the narrative.

If you're searching for a book that perfectly blends dark academia, thrilling plot twists, a captivating magic system, and an addictive reading experience, then "Blood & Betrayals" is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be obsessed! I'm already counting down the days until the next installment in the Avalon University series.
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This was an interesting one that wasn't quite what I expected. Fast paced and full of unexpected twists though.

Blood and Betrayals by Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune is a dark and atmospheric mystery steeped in secrets, danger, and a touch of the supernatural. Set in an intriguing academic world, the story opens with a murder — and the female main character (FMC) quickly becomes both a target and a key to unraveling the truth. The central mystery is compelling, and the suspense is well-maintained, particularly with the inclusion of a cryptic stranger whose motivations remain elusive.

While the plot itself is engaging, I found it difficult to connect with the FMC. Her actions, especially in the romantic subplot, often felt inconsistent. Despite being in a relationship, she engages in flirtations with other characters such as Max and the stranger, and then appears disappointed when they don't return the sentiment. This made it challenging to sympathize with her, particularly given the high-stakes nature of the story. Interestingly, it was the supporting cast that stood out far more vividly.

Characters like Alice and Rafe truly captured my attention. Alice was a standout — strong, mysterious, and layered. I would have loved to delve deeper into her story and the complicated relationship with her father, especially the question of why he wants her dead. Rafe, too, was an intriguing figure — brooding, distant, and clearly carrying the weight of a dark past. Exploring his backstory and understanding what made him so guarded would have added even more emotional depth to the novel.

Overall, *Blood and Betrayals* thrives on its richly built world and an ensemble of compelling side characters. Though the protagonist didn’t resonate with me personally, the strength of the mystery and the intrigue surrounding the supporting characters made this an engaging read. For those who enjoy a dark academia vibe mixed with secrets, betrayal, and complex interpersonal dynamics, this book is worth a try.

Wow. Did I finish this book or did the book finish me 😅 usually I am not a fan of books that make me cry, but this one was SO good. I need the next book so so bad. This book kept me on my toes and had me not wanting to stop reading! The FMC Summer and her best friend Alice have the best relationships. Alice was my favorite and had me dying laughing on multiple occasions! You will love this book if you love

•Found family
•dark academia
•grumpy/sunshine
•he falls first
•stalkers
•mysterious murders

Only negative this is the next book is not out quite yet! 😋 thank you so much for the arc!

Blood & Betrayals: A Dark Academia Romantasy by Jeanette Rose & Alexis Rune
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 out of 5 stars)

Blood & Betrayals had all the ingredients I usually love—dark academia, a magical university, mysterious stalkers, and a fae girl with a hidden past. And while the concept sounded promising, the execution didn’t quite land for me.

We follow Summer Tuatha De Daanan, a fae who ends up at Avalon University without knowing why or how. She’s sharp-tongued, emotionally closed off, and very much “not like the others.” Of course, she quickly becomes besties with a quirky little vampire girl and catches the attention of an angelic senior who sees right through her walls. All of that could’ve worked, but the way it played out just felt a little too familiar. I’ve read this setup before—a lot.

I had a hard time connecting with Summer. I think she was supposed to be this mysterious, emotionally guarded character, but instead, she felt kind of flat. And the relationships? They seemed to develop more because the plot needed them to, not because of genuine chemistry or buildup. Things between the characters only started falling apart after the book decided her past was going to be a problem—before that, everything was suspiciously fine. It made the emotional shifts feel forced instead of earned.

Also, the pacing in places felt off. I wanted to love the dark, twisty vibes and the “seven lessons” threat from the stalker, but I often found myself more focused on the potential of what could happen rather than what was actually happening.

That said, if you’re into romantasy with a moody vibe and don’t mind leaning into the clichés, there’s still fun to be had. The setting is atmospheric, and the stalker mystery adds some tension.

Final thoughts:
Not a bad book, but not really for me either. I wanted more depth, more originality, and more from the characters—especially Summer. It’s a decent read if you’re in the mood for dark magic, angsty romance, and don’t mind tropes you’ve seen before.

🔮 First Love
🔮Mystery
🔮Magic Academy
🔮 Different Realms
🔮Stalker
🔮 Strong Female Friendship
🔮Found Family
🔮Badass FMC
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
First I want to say how grateful I am for Net Galley and the publisher giving me this opportunity! When I first read about Blood and Betrayals, I was so intrigued by the unique plot of the book and the mysterious atmosphere... I have to admit it was a long book but definitely worth it! From page one till the last one it kept me hooked! The magic system,the different species and the academy made this universe exceptional. More specifically, I really liked how the authors created realms and different worlds not one world for all the creatures to live in, it offered more diversity to the story. Also, the characters involve , especially our FMC she tries through all her difficulties and challenges to become a better version of herself for her and her found family. That really was something encouraging for people who share the same problems as her proving them that all is possible and they shouldn't give up trying! Moreover,I found really beautiful the female friendship between our main characters,the support,the love ,the understanding it was all so heartwarming. In addition, the trope of the found family played a really important role in the story, so if you are a big fun of found family you will love this ! Next, our MMC was the greenest flag , as I read I fell more in love with him , he's an example for all males ,his understanding,his devotion and dedication to our fmc was admirable he really set the standards for me ! Now for the plot is basically a murder mystery which keeps you on your heels all the time.. As for the side characters there are some of them not to spoil anything but they are BOTH dark and mysterious... All in all , I would give this book 5 ⭐ because it became a part of my every day life and I became so close with these characters, the writing was so good that I thought I was really with them BUT the ending is a Cliffhanger and it's a strong one so... 4.5 ⭐😭

This was a hard book for me to finish. It has some good parts but it is very long and feels slightly juvenile. Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for the opportunity.

First of all I would like to thank NetGalley and Rose and Star Publishing for allowing me to have an Advanced Reader Copy. I honestly had to DNF the book at about 43% because I didn’t feel like I was the intended audience.
It is listed as ‘A Dark Academia Romantasy’, but, so far, it appears quite light and humorous with casual language. Unless it is a slow burn, nothing very shocking has occurred yet. I really loved the concept of a magic academy filled with an abundance of magical creatures. However, I feel it is focused quite heavily on romance (quick to start) and in some parts (besides the spicy scenes) reads a bit like present day college life with lots of parties and flirtiness happening. If you are someone who enjoys a cuddly, protective and may I say angelic love interest, this is definitely for you.
I wasn’t able to delve into the mystery/fantasy portion of this book as that was so slow paced and spread out. Also, some of Summer's thoughts were a little repetitive.
This book is probably not for me, but those in their early 20s, looking for something reflecting college life (yes, they have phones and social media too!) may enjoy it!

Blood & Betrayals by Jannette Rose and Alexis Rune marks the debut of the Avalon University series.

Did I fall head over heels for it? Not quite. But I did find it enjoyable. Clocking in at roughly 750 pages on my reader, the story felt overly stretched—there's a solid core here, but it could have been delivered far more effectively in 300 pages. The premise is promising, but the execution dragged.

Summer and Connor had a compelling start, yet their character arcs plateaued far too early. Rather than evolving, they slipped into the background after the first third of the book, leaving repetitive scenes to dominate the second half.

Despite its flaws, the novel ends on a cliff hanger that’s piqued my curiosity. I plan to continue with the next instalment—hopefully it delivers the depth and momentum this one lacked.

Rating 3.5

Due to unforeseen circumstances I was unable to read this book in the time recommended. I do intend to read it in the future, as it really interests me and I’ve seen multiple good things about it, however I am unable to fulfill my obligation at this time.

The author writes one thing then immediately contradicts it.
The scene with the ears she write with finality then second guesses herself. Like she hasn’t decided yet. It doesn’t make the character relatable, it makes them seem wishy washy.
It’s weird that the prologue scene never actually occurs. I kept waiting for it and it and it never happens…
Some of the writing is beautiful and then some just seems out of place and unnecessary. Like there’s too much fluff. It’s like the story is bloated and it makes it an uncomfortable read.
I love a bad boy but the MMC is straight up abusive and misogynistic. And then the spice doesn’t spice the way a spicy scene should. The chemistry is just not there.

This was sooooo good. Unputdownable. I devoured this is in less than 24 hours because I needed more. I highly, highly recommend