Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

Of Earthly Delights by Goldy Moldavsky is a third person dual-POV YA romantic gothic. When Rose moves from New York to Connecticut after her mother’s death, the last thing she expects is to find a new romance with Hart, one of a pair of popular twins who have a lot of power in Rose’s new small town. When Rose’s new friend Lowell goes through drastic changes, she starts to question Hart and his sister Heather.

I know that Gothic romance can have the room for not featuring a HEA/HFN, but I felt that the structure of the book in the second half veered away from the Romance beats and became more about Hart and Heather and what they have gone through since they were children. If these chapters had been one chapter Rose’s POV and one chapter Hart and then one chapter Rose, I might feel differently. Because of this, I would classify this as a romantic gothic as the romance arc is the driving force, but it’s necessarily a Romance book.

Between Rose and Hart, I actually enjoyed Hart more as a POV character. He’s more introspective and reflective, but the moments when we’re deep in his head paint him as truly sympathetic, especially when we get more of his childhood. His relationship with Heather is also very complex because she’s much less cautious than he is when it comes to the maze in their home but she’s still his sister and she is all he really has left of his family after the death of their mother and the continued absences of his father.

The romance between Rose and Hart is fairly intense fairly fast. Rose spends all of her time over the summer with Hart to the point that she ignores Lowell and her father. It’s something that I definitely do expect of a seventeen-year-old as a lot of teens in the middle of their first love do struggle with remembering that things outside of the relationship do exist. Rose is also aware enough to recognize that she is focusing solely on her relationship, but she’s not sure how to get out of that headspace since she truly does want to spend all of her time with Hart.

I would recommend this to fans of Gothic romance and romantic Gothics looking for a YA with a speculative element and readers of YA looking for something more tragic

Of Earthly Delights is a hauntingly beautiful story of love, grief and obsession. I devoured it in 24 hours, eating up every single word.

Mostly set amongst the luscious gardens of a mansion, there’s a consistent mysterious and slightly sinister atmosphere that all is not as it seems. As the cover promises, “every rose has its thorn.” It’s a story of young love that reads like a dark fairytale; be careful what you wish for.

Goldy Moldavsky’s storytelling is gorgeous. This is a stand-out novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!

YA Gothic Horror with a modern lens and prose nearly as lush as the garden at Hemlock Hill.

We follow Rose Pauly a high school senior who is anything but enthused about her family's move from New York to Connecticut. Meeting the wealthy young Hart Hargrove, she befriends and begins to fall for the boy while wandering all over his family's garden. The garden holds secrets, the dark sort that bring everything Rose thinks she knows into question.

Is this a love or obsession story?

Rose and Hart are meant to be, young love driven to the point of madness. Hart's twin can't help but wish for them to part while they still have the chance. If Heather Hargrove is to believed, Rose is a living dead girl. An ominous exchange during their first meeting suggests that this has all happened before and it ended poorly. Easily writing this off as the ramblings of a girl mourning the loss of her mother, Rose disregards the warning... but perhaps she shouldn't have. (Also Heather is a mess but I absolutely loved her every time she appeared on page)

How far would you go for the one you love?

I love when I read a Horror story where the lead is unaware of the genre within which they find themselves, yet acts like the story falls into another category. Rose believes this is a love story; and in some regards she isn't wrong, but in others she couldn't be more off-base. The narration style is delightfully self-aware, which is a really fun mash-up with how oblivious Rose can be in the moment.

Love to the point of madness. To creation. To destruction.

Maybe it's just because I'm an adult now, but I find the artsy pretention that Rose swathes herself in to be utterly adorable. The paradoxical teenage need to somehow simultaneously belong to a group and stand out from the crowd on proud display. This reminds me very much of those I hung out with in high school, it's rather sweet. Also the obsessive qualities of young love are at the forefront of this tale.

That ending was wild!!!

Of Earthly Delights is one of my new favorite reads; lush and lyrical, it's a disturbing, destructive masterpiece. This is one of those books that lowkey makes me wish I had a reason to take it apart on an academic level just to try to properly absorb all of it, and I still honestly might try to do that, once the finished copies are released. I hadn't been sure what to expect going into this, the only other novel of Moldavsky's I've read is Just Say Yes, which while about a serious topic, had a <i>very</i> strong dose of humor in it. This was completely different, and it surprised me in the best way. It's a novel I'm going to be thinking about for a long time, just as haunted by its mysteries as its characters are.

I absolutely loved the first half of this book. I really enjoyed watching Rose attempt to unravel the mystery of the Hargrove siblings and their garden. The romance plot was a little too rushed for my taste, and though the reason for this was explained in the second half, I would have preferred to see more of it on the page. More focus on the garden and its eerie magic would have elevated the overall atmosphere.

For the second half, I just didn't connect with Hart as a character, and I guessed the twist pretty early on, so I was just along for the ride for his spiral. Honestly, I was much more interested in his sister Heather and her subplot with Lowell. That final garden party was the most exciting point of the entire book, and it went by far too quickly for me.

I really enjoyed the ending until I turned to the final chapter and was filled with dread, but that's exactly how the ending should make you feel.

Desperation, grief, guilt, love, greed—this book has it all and more. It’s a heart-wrenching read, but so beautifully written that you can truly feel the characters’ emotions pouring off the page. The desperation, the love—it all hits you in the best way. A must-read for anyone who loves romance with a magical, dark twist.

**Sets down Kindle, and stands while starting a slow clap that turns into a loud applause**
I was shooketh. I went into this novel without reading a full description, I wanted to let the cover speak to me and boy DID IT! You will find yourself sucked into this sweet story, you might feel a little confused at times but DO NOT let that deter you from continuing. Live in the story and let the gardens lure you in (no this is not a spoiler), because right when you think you know where the story is going; BAM! Nope, sorry you’re wrong. Then another BAM!!! And finally at the very end you are sitting on the edge of your sleep, staying up until 1am reading even though you have work tomorrow, and all the dots connect and all I could say was DAMN! A round of applause. Needless to say. I loved it through and through!

I don't think this is a bad book by any means but it definitely is a true YA book instead of ones that tow the line between YA and Adult. I think this book would be great for teenagers experiencing gothic romance/horror for the first time. The plot wasn't inherently shocking but it was charming in its own way. I think its a good book, it's just not a book for me.

Would you o it over and over again if you had to? When I started this book it started off slow and sweet and every once in awhile we would get a flash back (flash forward?). Usually I hate lots of time jumps/flash backs. However this author did an astounding job. What was also done well is me not being able to figure out what the plot twist was going to be, only for another to happen that I didn’t see coming. I usually pick up rather quickly on patterns in books, I still love them all though. This book was so much different in a sense. The love was achingly sweet where an air of “something is off” but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it. I felt so hard for Hart’s grief in the story and I real wish that it would be different. I can’t decide if I like how it ended or if I wanted just a little bit more to find out what happened! Wonderful read.

Absolutely LOVED THIS! This is my first time reading Goldy Moldavsky, and I cannot wait to read another!
The story begins with a meet-cute between a new girl in town and a local boy at a gas station. That is about where the story ends with being predictable. Every page you get the ominous feeling that something is not right, but you can't exactly point out why. Our main characters are Rose, her love interest Hart, and Hart's twin sister Heather. Moldavsky describes the twins in such a way where you both feel like you know them, but also know that whatever secrets they keep are likely game changers on how you view them. Speaking of secrets, their family legacy and famous parties are all anyone talks about, but no one in detail. We follow Rose as she gets introduced to this family and begins to develop relationships with people in her new town.
I will admit I am not the biggest romance aficionado, but I am a sucker for a good gothic romance and this one DELIVERS. Spooky, tension filled, vast mansion and sprawling grounds, and the key to it all being riggggggght out of view. There is heavy foreshadowing, but I believe it is the perfect amount to keep you intrigued without making things too obvious. Each chapter leaves you with just enough to need to turn to the next page. One of my favorites of the year so far!

Wow—this truly was a fever dream of a gothic romance. Moldavsky delivers a lush, atmospheric tale that had me totally disoriented in the best way. At first, I was honestly confused by the alternating scenes and shifting timelines, but when the pieces finally clicked into place... my mind was blown.

There's a dreamy, haunting quality to this book that reminded me of the flashback party scenes in The Mayfair Witches, mixed with the moody vibes of Belladonna. And now that I fully understand what was going on, I’m tempted to reread it just to catch everything I missed the first time around.

The garden—alive, mysterious, maybe even sentient—totally fed into this newfound love I have for botanical horror + romance. Between this and another recent ARC with similar themes, I think I’ve found a new hyperfixation.

This was a solid 4.5 star read for me, but I’m rounding up because I love a stunning cover and an ending that leaves me going “WTF did I just read?!” in the best possible way.

🌹 Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group | Henry Holt & Co for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This started off strong but I must have gotten lost in the weeds (pun intended) after the "twist" about halfway through. I had a hard time following it after that and felt let down.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I ended up DNFing this book. I'm not personally a fan of 3rd person perspectives I feel like it makes the story hard to follow and I find it difficult to connect with the characters in the story. Had I known I would not of requested this title. The cover of this book is absolutely beautiful.

I didn’t love this as much as I wanted to, and it breaks my heart.

I am a sucker for a gothic, atmospheric thriller, and this one fell just a little short for me. I think my biggest problem with it was when the narrative point of view would say things like “but she doesn’t know that yet.” For example, we learn who her best friend is before we even really meet him, so it almost separates the reader from the story. It was super noticeable at the beginning of the story and when Rose attends her first garden party. It’s almost like we’re in the present/past and future at the same time, which I wasn’t a fan of.

That being said, the plot is magnificent. I didn’t see some of the twists and turns coming, which is always fun, especially in atmospheric tales like this one. I love the vibes of this book so much, and now I want to find more with a similar feel.

This book is adding something to the genre that was missing before, and while it wasn’t my favorite read of the year, I would absolutely recommend it!

Check this book out if you are a fan of Hazelthorn/Let the Forest In. Trust me, the vibes are immaculate.

Thank you so very much to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and are no way influenced by the manner in which I received it.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own!

Of Earthly Delights by Goldy Moldavsky is a gothic YA novel that takes so many twists and turns that you’re halfway through before you realize that it isn’t what you think.

Rose has just moved to a new town with her dad after his divorce from her mom, away from her home in NYC, for her senior year. She is miserable when she storms out after an argument and finds herself at a gas station, where she meets the enigmatic Hart. Her only other friend is a lowly geek named Lowell who she quickly discards once she and Hart start their relationship.

Once she starts dating Hart, she spends every day of the summer with him in his family mansion, inhabited only by him and his twin sister. The grounds are filled with dozens of gardens and a hedgemaze. As she explores the gardens, she uncovers secrets and half-truths.

The narrative chapters are interrupted by dream sequences, and the story is told first through Rose’s POV, then Hart’s, and then there’s the last page, and it switches POVs again. I don’t want to give anything away, but this book wrecked me - in the best possible way. When I finished, I just sat there, mouth hanging open, staring at the last page on my Kindle.

This book comes out on May 13th, 2025, for $19.99. 5/5 Stars!

Goldy Moldavsky's Of Earthly Delights is a captivating YA gothic romance that skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and dark family secrets. With its atmospheric setting and compelling characters, this book offers a mesmerizing journey into a world where desire and mystery collide, leaving readers questioning the boundaries between love and obsession.

The story centers on Rose Pauly, an aspiring artist whose life is turned upside down when her family relocates from bustling New York City to a small town in Connecticut just before her senior year. Rose’s initial resistance to the move is palpable, making her encounter with Hart Hargrove all the more impactful. Their instant connection feels both inevitable and charged with an electric tension that forms the heart of the story.

Hart Hargrove, with his mysterious charm, introduces Rose to a world she never expected—his family’s expansive and enigmatic private garden. The garden, lush and otherworldly, serves as the perfect backdrop for their whirlwind romance, and as the summer unfurls, the two fall deeply for each other. However, as Rose is drawn further into the garden’s secrets, she begins to sense that something is off, something hidden beneath the surface of the Hargrove family legacy.

What makes Of Earthly Delights truly engrossing is how Moldavsky slowly unravels the layers of mystery surrounding the garden and Hart’s past. Rose’s growing suspicions about the true nature of her relationship with Hart add a sense of dread and anticipation that keeps the pages turning. Moldavsky’s use of gothic elements, like the decaying mansion and the garden’s eerie beauty, intensifies the sense of unease, drawing readers into a world where nothing is quite as it seems.

The central question of the book—whether love can truly exist in a world built on lies and dark secrets. Rose’s internal struggle between her growing love for Hart and her need to uncover the truth about the garden creates a tension that is both heart-wrenching and thrilling. It’s a narrative that will resonate with readers who enjoy exploring the complexities of love and desire, especially when they are tinged with mystery. For fans of dark romance and mystery, this book offers a captivating escape into a world where love may be eternal—but at what cost?

If you’re looking for something fun with a little of romance and a smidge of mystery, this book is for you! It’s YA rated so teen friendly! It’s about this senior in high school who falls in love with this girl and he will do anything to be with her. Anything.

This book is an absolute trip. Wild ride from beginning to end. Wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

"A contemporary YA Gothic romance about a dark family secret, a lush, mysterious garden, and a love that never dies, from New York Times bestselling author Goldy Moldavsky.

Aspiring artist Rose Pauly is not happy moving from her home in New York City right before her senior year of high school. But on her first miserable day in Connecticut, she meets Hart Hargrove. The two share an immediate, undeniable connection.

Hart introduces Rose to his slice of paradise - the immense private garden nestled behind the Hargrove family mansion. There, the two spend a fever dream of a summer together. But as their bond blossoms into love, Rose can't shake the feeling that all is not as it seems.

When Rose uncovers the truth about the garden, she's forced to question how genuine her love story truly is. But Hart can't bear to lose Rose, and he will stop at nothing to save their relationship.

Posing haunting questions about beauty and desire, this is an atmospheric and darkly romantic tale that will enthrall readers."

The perfect time of year to get lost in a book about a summer in a mysterious garden.

A story like no other—equal parts haunting and hypnotic. This book drew me in with its lush prose and moody atmosphere, then shattered me with a twist I never saw coming. It’s a contemporary YA gothic romance that weaves together mystery, heartbreak, and an unforgettable garden that feels almost alive.

Rose Pauly’s world is turned upside down when she’s uprooted from New York and dropped into the eerie quiet of Connecticut. But everything changes the moment she meets Hart Hargrove. Their connection is instant—intense, dreamy, and a little too perfect. As their love blooms in the enchanting garden behind the Hargrove estate, it feels like a fairytale… until it slowly turns into something else entirely.

There’s a secret buried in the soil of that garden, and when Rose starts to dig, what she finds will make you question everything. Is their love real? Or just another illusion hiding in the shadows?

This book is soaked in longing and laced with dread—perfect for fans of twisted love stories, slow-building suspense, and gothic vibes. You’ll finish it with your heart in pieces, wondering if beauty is ever really innocent.