Oh my gosh! Where do I start?! I really enjoyed this book! It didn’t feel long or boring. THAT ENDING! 😭 I need book 2 now!

Blood & Betrayals is one of those books that really divides opinions — and for good reason. With over 1,000 pages, it goes all-in on a dark magical world full of intrigue, supernatural beings, a heroine with a haunted past, and a fiery romance. It’s intense, messy, and addictive — for better or worse.

🌒 What I liked:

- The opening is stunning — a dark, bloody prologue that grabs you right away.
- The worldbuilding is rich and promising, with different realms, magical creatures, and an academy that actually shows what students learn.
- The side characters shine. Alice and the Morningstars are fun, charming, and bring that comforting found-family vibe.
- The romance between Summer and Connor has its ups and downs, but it delivers heat, drama, and emotional moments.
- The mystery around the “Stranger” adds tension and kept me intrigued until the end.

🌘 What didn’t work for me:

- The characters are supposed to be around 30 years old, but often act like teenagers, which made it hard to take some conflicts seriously.
- The book is way too long. Many scenes feel repetitive or unnecessary and could’ve been cut without affecting the plot.
- The romance is overly sexualized, especially in the first part. The amount of spicy scenes interrupts the pacing at times.
- Summer is emotionally all over the place, and some of her actions don’t match her supposed goals. It’s a bit frustrating.
- The magical world is interesting, but lacks proper explanation in parts. Some events and references felt confusing or underdeveloped.

✨ Final thoughts

Blood & Betrayals is a great pick for fans of chaotic urban fantasy, full of emotional drama, mystery, and steamy romance. It’s not a perfect read, but it’s the kind of story that stays on your mind even after you’ve closed the book.

3.25/5

I have mixed thoughts about this book. Overall, I did enjoy reading it and I kept thinking about it when not reading it, so that is a good thing for a book, however, I have some issues with parts of it which I will go into below. But I wanted to preface this review with the fact that I did enjoy it and I wanted to continue reading it.

The pro’s: the second half of the story, in particular, was very interesting, I wanted to find out more about the characters, the motives and the world. I like the school and the realms, they are interesting and I want to know more. The characters are mostly interesting, and I love Alice and the Morningstar’s, I want to be their friends! The found family in this is lovely and heart-warming.

If you enjoyed the zodiac academy and want something with similar vibes, then this a good read for you.

The con’s: Firstly, you cannot convince me the characters are meant to be in their mid to late twenties, some even 30. They do not act like it at all, you could argue they age later as they have longer/immortal lifespans, but then why make them 30 if they are going to act like 18-year-olds!? (I could not stand the nicknames; I am glad don’t have to read “big guy” again for a while!)
Secondly the book is long, too long. For an introduction to a world and a series this will be intimidating for some to read to start a series before they are invested. It is also long unnecessarily? There doesn’t seem to have been enough happened for the length of the book? But at the same time, things that should have taken the characters a while to get past were resolved unrealistically quickly? I also have lots of questions about things that it seems like I should know about but I don’t, like Alice, you find out some information about her family, but towards the end they mention a vote, but they don’t go into detail about what that all means and why, but Summer doesn’t ask, so it seems like we should already know?

There are also some Typos that should have been picked up in editing, some simple mistakes like “out” instead of “our”. Just something small, but worth noting.

I should also mention there is a lot of sex scenes. I don’t mind it, but there were 4 or 5 graphic sex scenes in the first 25% of the book alone. It does slow down a little later into the book, I feel, but there is quite a lot of sex, so if you don’t like that, then this might not be for you.

Overall, I am interested in the series and the next book, the ending on such a big cliff-hanger is frustrating for me, but it does make me want to read the next book so it did its job! It is worth a read if you like this style of books and if you're a zodiac academy person.

I am conflicted. 1026 pages was unnecessary. However, this had such a cool plot, and I loved how many species of magical creatures you learn about. Academic isn't my favorite, but this one actually mentions the classes and what they learn about, so I enjoyed it more. The characters are really interesting, too.

The main characters start off strong, and I loved the banter and little chasing game. I was rooting for Connor (mmc) at first, but I was sick of them by about 60%. The nickname "big-guy" was annoying AF to me and also referring to him as perfect connor or golden boy was more than my golden-retriever loving heart could take. I wouldnt consider the spice in this book anything special but its pretty much always happening. I dont think there were more than 2 chapters (out of 123 chapters) in between every time the fmc and mmc hook up.

I am guessing that Summer still has secrets she hasn't mentioned. Her past is somehow explained a few times but also skimmed over.

The ending was really good and my favorite characters are all still alive so ill be excited to read the next one. I think we are lead to believe "stranger" is headmaster emrys but im on the fence. Max would be really interesting in that role or Rafe 🤔

I hope this series comes out on audiobook. I think the haunting gothic vibes would be really amazing that way and I might have enjoyed it a bit more.

Academia, found family, and smut. The holy trinity as far as I'm concerned.

This author duo is amazing! The writing is immersive, the romance is killer, and the plot is DRIVING (murder mystery vibes down).

The cons:
-The characters felt a little immature at times, especially considering they are supposed to be around 25-30.
-Little to no foreplay in the spice :( My girl Summer gotta be hurtin'
-Some unnecessary scene (cheerleading tryouts? For 30 year olds??)

The ending is wild, if a bit predictable. I may have cried.

3,5/5 stars rounded up to 4.

Unfortunately I dnfed this book about 20% in as I wasn't getting on with the two main characters. I liked the magic system and the world the book was set in and if I liked the main characters I could see this being a good read. Just personal preference that I didn't vibe with them.

It started strong and I was very intrigued with the setting. However, Summer's internal monologue was tedious to read because she is generally hateful and thinks she is better than others. Connor was no better, with the brand of arrogance I don't like. It's a bit hard to believe that the characters were in their late 20s with the way everyone was acting. I tried to pick it up again multiple times but ended up having to DNF.

This book is 1k pages but I think it could have been cut down to be shorter. There are so many unnecessary sentences from the FMC's rambling that served no purpose. If you're into Bella Swan and loved Fate the Winx Saga on Netflix, this is probably for you.

I went into this completely blind, not knowing what to expect - which can be exciting, but unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me at all. Within the first few pages, I realized this was urban fantasy (fae… and tequila?), set in a college environment with a flood of references that felt more distracting than immersive.

The writing style came across as juvenile and the characters, despite supposedly being in their late twenties to early thirties, behaved like they were still stuck in high school group chats. That disconnect was jarring and made it difficult to take anything seriously. I usually give books a solid 10% before making a call, but I didn’t even need that long with this one.

Made it to 5%, which was about 4% more than I should have. Life’s too short and my TBR way too long. Hard pass.

The plot and world are both very interesting and engaging. The realm structures are intriguing, and it was great to see the differences when the characters traveled. The murders are gorey and creepy, as is the stalking aspect of the story. Summer's backstory is attained in tiny snippets full of trauma, but leave you wanting more. I did find her to be a wildly erratic character emotionally and mentally, and while I understand where most was coming from, it did come across as inconsistent a lot of the time.

The side characters in this book have a lot of depth, wit, and charm. Alice won me over the first time she hissed at a person coming too close to her new bestie. Connor, being a blond golden retriever angel, is definitely a different choice than normal for a boyfriend. The Stranger is mysterious and dark. The whole Morningstar clan is exceptionally fun when they're all together.

I am mildly torn regarding this book, I think it comes down to the size of it, I think it is just too long. There are a lot of repetitive mundane things that occur, which, while generally entertaining, are not needed to progress the story. How many times do you need the details of a random tryst in the stacks or hanging out watching a film or studying for exams? There were also some phrases and actions (big guy and kissing deeply) that I found were used far too much.

That said, however, the story was overall very engaging and I will read a sequel to find out what happens.

I liked this book. It was a bit boring in the start but it got intersting halfway through. I loved the end and the characterization of FMC is so good.

A darkly atmospheric, blood-drenched prologue hooked me instantly, but what followed was a mix of intrigue, chaos, and addictive drama. This book gave me emotional whiplash in the best and worst ways.

Blood & Betrayals starts with an incredible prologue, immediately setting a deliciously dark tone. It’s gore-heavy, richly atmospheric, and immediately caught my attention. But once I moved past the first few chapters, I was hit with a very Wattpad-esque vibe, fast pacing, lots of drama, and emotionally intense moments that felt slightly exaggerated.

The world-building was messy at times. Even 29% in, I wasn’t clear on how Summer, our main character, ended up in the mortal realm. Some more background would’ve really helped. Also… why is every single immortal in this book outrageously hot? Not complaining, but it started feeling like a supernatural fashion show.

Connor Morningstar, our love interest, is an absolute angel, literally. But his relationship with Summer was a rollercoaster. One moment there’s insta-lust and steamy scenes that felt forced sometimes, the next there’s genuine emotional intimacy and internal conflict that made me root for them. Their dynamic is relatable, messy, and sometimes heartwarming. Other times, it made me cringe.

That said, the found family trope won me over. Summer and Alice’s friendship is a standout. Their banter, late-night gossip, and loyalty was so cozy and wholesome. I genuinely lived for their scenes.

By around 65%, though, the plot started to dissolve a bit. It became heavily character-driven, and the actual storyline took a backseat. Still, I stuck around for the vibes and for that stalker character. The mysterious tension, the slow burn, the enigma... I'm fully obsessed. If I’m reading the sequel, it’s 100% for him.

Summer as a protagonist had her ups and downs. Her actions didn’t always align with her internal goals, which pulled me out of the story at times. But the mystery of her true identity was intriguing enough to keep me hooked.

Would I Recommend?
Yes... for readers who enjoy dramatic, fast-paced fantasy romance with a splash of mystery and a good dose of chaotic emotional energy. If you liked the vibe of The Vampire Diaries or messy, morally grey supernatural characters, you’ll probably enjoy this.

Thank you so much, Jeanette Rose and Alexis Rune, and Rose & Star, for the book in exchange for honest opinions.

Did I just experience every emotion possible with this book? Yes, I did, and I want MORE!

Connor is everything a romance reader wants when it comes he falling first, and he isn't stopping at getting Summer. That trope is one of my favorites. Summer has found a family, finally starting with Alice. She is loyal, fierce, and won't back down to protect Summer. The rest of the Morningstars are just as amazing. Jeanette and Alexis did an amazing job of character development with the main and side characters. even the grumpy headmaster is enjoyable to read.

"Connor hooks his finger under my chin and gently tilts my head up so I meet his gaze. Oh, you smooth fucker. “Be my date.”

“Well, I saw this girl at this party and all I could think was, Her. She is the reason I didn’t date before.”

I mean come on, how could you not fall in love with Connor! The spice with Connor and Summer is "chef's kiss" for this book. I can not wait to read book 2!

Tropes:
Fantasy
Dark Academia
Gold Retriever MMC
Black Cat FMC
Found Family
Banter
Spice
Stalker
Suspense
Trauma

Loved this mix of dark fantasy and SUSPENSE! The spice just helps the plot along the book. The depth in which the world was built and the Easter eggs throughout like following a murder mystery! The main and side characters are so good, loved the friendship between the girls and then we have a good mix of broody men and golden retrievers too!

This is for our dark academia/urban fantasy girlies. It is filled with tattoo and rune based magic within multiple realms including fae, shifters, angels, vampires, sorcerers. Our FMC is super bad-ass and independent with a beautiful found family element and a sprinkle of an obsessive stalker 👀

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!
WOW, this was such a great book-mind the cliff of course!
I need the next one pronto!
I really appreciated that while this book is set at a school, the main characters are in their mid twenties to thirties, which was such a breath of fresh air. There was great character arcs, complex magic, little bit of political intrigue, and this being the first book of the series the writers did an excellent job of setting up PLENTY to hash out in the upcoming books. I have so many questions, so many ideas, so many many thoughts. This is one of those books that you’ll finish and be thinking on for a while! Loved it.

Respectfully, what the fuck was that ending omg!!!! Like yes I know something tragic would’ve happened but I really wasn’t expecting THAT. Absolutely devastated and my day has been ruined completely because book 2 comes out next year omg.

But besides that, all of the male mcs are hot as ever. Like I really couldn’t choose who I wanted her to be with because Connor, Max, Emrys and the freaking Stranger had me swooning.

And the found family between Alice and Summer was perfect. The bond that they formed is definitely a bond for life and I loved that they were able to confide and find solace in each other.

I don’t know what else to say without spoiling so I’ll just stop there. I thought I had an inkling to who the Stranger might be but now I’m not too sure. We’ll see in book 2.

(One last thing - there were a ton of mistakes near the ending of the book which I hope weren’t in the published version because it made reading some parts very confusing so I had to remove a star)

~

Thanks to Rose and Star Publishing via NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a rollercoaster—fast, dark, and full of drama. I love anything paranormal and dark academia. Combine both and this and the well told story- I'm hooked. The betrayals hit hard, the tension never lets up, and the characters keep you guessing. There's romance, power struggles, and some serious twists.

If you like morally grey vibes and nonstop action, you'll love this read. Buckle up.

I was hooked on this book, immediately. The murder mystery coupled with dark academia had me intrigued and the further I got in, the better it got. The found family aspect in this story was one of my favourite parts. I loved the romance. I did find that the spice was a bit too frequent to mean much- I prefer less frequent but longer scenes but the black cat-golden retriever relationship dynamic was perfect . The plot was unique and the pace was good. I do think it’s far too long and had a fair amount of reception, which is what makes my rating a little lower.
Finally. That last chapter was criminal. I’m going to need things to be sorted in book 2.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jeanette Rose, Alexis Rune and Rose & Star for this E-arc

Thank you to NetGalley and Rose & Star publishing for giving me a copy of this book, I am sucker for dark academia and I enjoyed the paranormal element, plus the found family was incredibly nicely done. The banter is amazing, I fell in love with Summer and Alice - they are my BFF goals and this book had me in all my feels. It's just warm and yummy, plus it’s on KU – this is a done deal for my dark academia and paranormal girlies.

I LOVED this book!! I read it straight through. The characters are incredible and they grow as you read them. I spent three days devouring everything. It is suspenseful and i laughed, cried and had a blast!! I purchased this before i was approved for the arc. But thank you for the arc!! Omg. Review put on goodreads @jennal_reads

I really enjoyed this! I would say that the plot could do with a bit of tightening up as there were definitely scenes that dragged a little or didn't contribute much to the overall story line, but I loved the dark academia fantasy setting, and the friendship between Summer and Alice really carried this book for me. I'm a little frustrated that more questions weren't answered by the end, but that just means I'll have to pick up the next book as soon as it's released!